Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 093, 094, 097, 098

So, I kinda made the "Screw Count" my thing.  Speaking of screws, it feels like we are getting screwed here.  While we have another shipment of parts, we also have more issues missing and it keeps us from moving forward with our build.

This also means I get to introduce an new 'segment' on this build series.  In addition to "Screw Count" at the end of every post, I will have a "Missing Issues" at the beginning.

Missing Issues:  076, 077, 085, 086, 087, 092, 095, 096  

A total of  eight issues, which Eaglemoss could easily make up in two shipments.  Let us get to the latest shipment.

Issues 093, 094, 097, 098

At first, it looks like only issues 095-096 are on back order.  Well, if you remember, we last left off at 091...so they skipped 092. 

Heads up, this post will have no build comments.  Just me bitching this poorly handled subscription service.  Feel free to read on or skip.

Issue 093 - Front Bumper

Contents of Issue 093

It was pretty cool to see the front bumper when I opened the box.  I was a little excited, but knew only disappointment awaits.  There is additional wiring for the headlights.

In our current situation, we can assemble these parts, but really, what is the point?  We are unable to merge this to the main body without the missing parts.

Issue 094 - Front Valance

Contents of Issue 094

While this can be assembled and merged with 093, why bother?  Next step would be to mount on to body...which is not finished because of missing parts.  I would just be left with another part sitting off to the side.  We already have an abundance of parts that are half assembled. Better to keep these in their protective packaging than to risk possible damage.

Issue 097 - Right Rocker Panel and Step Plate

Contents of Issue 097

With 077, 087 on back order, I was expecting 097 to suffer the same fate.  I thought this would be something I could assemble on what I have.  But, without the right front fender, fitting these pieces is another no go.

Issue 098 - Front Flux Boxes

Contents of Issue 098

Again, no right front fender means no place to mount these flux boxes.  Also, with 093 and 094 not joined to the main body, there is no way to mount the piping.  Of course, it would help to have the flux band brackets to mount the piping, but the Issue for those are on back order.

Well, there you have it, the latest shipment.  Not much to present.  Since I did not assemble anything, there is also no Screw Count as this time.  I could go on and on, but I think that is enough bitching for this post.  I will save it for the next shipment, as I am sure there will be Issues missing from that, as well.

to be continued...(hopefully)

Build the Back to the Future Time Machine - Issues 088-091

Issues 088-091

Good news:  We have a shipment!  Remember I said the previous shipment might be the last of the year?  Well turns out that this came in whilst I was on holiday, so I did not get to it until the new year.

Bad news:  Still waiting on Issues 076 and 077

More bad news:  Also waiting on 085, 086 and 087.  So now, we are missing five issues.

Well, I guess we should get to what we can build...

Issue 088 - Seat Belts

Contents of Issues 088

This issue finishes up the interior around the doors, and has the seat belts.  While assembling and looking at the directions, I noticed some pieces missing on my build.  I figured these were included in 076 and 077, parts that should have been here months ago.  Anyway, we build on.

Issue 089 - Engine Cover

Contents of Issue 089

Other than the small QM screws, this is a very easy assembly.  All that is done is mounting the hinges on the heavy die-cast engine cover with tiny tiny screws. 

Issue 090 - Engine Cover Fittings

Contents of Issue 090

At this point, I realized that I was missing more than just Issues 076 and 077.  There is a lot of pieces  missing and assembly that is has yet to be done.  Now five issues behind, I am unable to complete some of the assembly

Issue 091 - Air Filter, More Wiring

Contents of Issue 091

With the five issues missing (I am just going to mention it every chance I get, thanks Eaglemoss), the only part I can move forward with is the air filter.

I still have remaining parts from 078 that have been sitting since November...but I should have received those parts in 2018.

This kinda messes up the screw count as some parts could not be assembled.  But, from the bags that were accessed, this is the latest screw count:

72-AP, 20-BP, 2-CP, 22-AM, 12-BM, 4-EM, 4-CM, 27-DM, 3-DP, 1-FM, 3-GM, 3-HM, 2-IM, 2-EP, 19-FP, 2-JM, 5-HP, 2-GP, 11-NM, 1-MM, 4-KM, 1-LM, 3-IP, 1-OM, 1-PM, 4-JP, 2-KP, 3-QM, 1-LP, 4-MP

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - January 2020

I started logging every received telemarketing call in late 2010.  So, I have been doing this shit for almost ten years, and I know this will never stop.

Through the decade, we have tried answering the calls and kindly asking them to stop calling. Attempts of reporting numbers to the Do Not Call Registry with, surprise, no results. In the last couple of years, we have technology to 'help' us, such as apps like Call Protect.  While it works on occasion, unwanted calls still slip through.  Additional technology like "Silence Unknown Numbers" do work.  As mentioned, this setting prevents the calls from coming in, but you get a notice of a missed call.  At least it does not disrupt your moment, and you only really know of the call when you happen to check your phone hours later.

Nothing has stopped or slowed down the telemarketers.  Those fuckers are always a step ahead, with sneaky tactics such as spoofing.

While I enjoy writing snarky statements with each call, it is hard to come up with exciting and engaging statements for...well, really no one but myself. Maybe it is time to retire this series.

4 January 2020
  855-454-7088  Unknown - First of the year, first of the decade...and on a fucking Saturday.  Other  numbers with different suffixes are linked to telemarketing scams.  So, it is safe to assume that this is also a Nazi terrorist telemarketer.  Fuck you!

7 January 2020
  855-454-7048  Unknown -  Oh, I see.  We are just gonna have to sit through all the 855-454-70XX numbers.  Fuck you!

8 January 2020
  818-309-2710  Unknown - This came up as 'unknown', but I am pretty sure the 818 area code is Los Angeles.  Search results rate this number as a 'negative' call.  So, fuck you!

9 January 2020
  855-448-1348  Unknown -  I guess this is the month that we get calls from the 855 area code, Virginia.  That is all we "know" of the "unknown".  Fuck you!

10 January 2020
   855-454-7086  Unknown - So far, the theory of using up these all these numbers is holding water.  Fuck you!

13 January 2020
  855-454-0920  Unknown - Okay.  Seems like 2020 is looking to be the year of Virginia based calls.  Keeping it consistent, good New Year's resolution. Fuck you!

23 January 2020
  855-448-2317  Unknown - Could this be, a ten day gap between calls?  This is one of the longest call droughts in recent memory, other than me turning off the phone whilst on holiday.  Ten day gap pretty much guarantees  a shit load if calls coming my way.  As you can see, the Virginia numbers are still being used this month. Fuck you!

24 January 2020
  855-454-0915  Unknown - Fucking Virginia.  Fuck you!

27 January 2020
   267-435-9464  Flourtown, PA - Flourtown?  Not Virginia?  Obviously, I searched for the number, and the first result to come up was obviously...wait for it..."Robokiller Lookup".  Well, the robot left a voicemail.  Not that I listened to it, I just skim through the transcript.  Here is the voicemail they left:

267-435-9464

So, they call from one number, but want me to call back to a different number.  This number, 949-668-7772 is in the Costa Mesa, CA area.  That is on the other side of the country!  First result of a search..."Student Loan Scam".  Ha, jokes is on you if you think that 1. I have an education.  2. That education is/was worth paying for.  Fuck you!

29 January 2020
  562-226-7389  Norwalk, CA - Looks like they are spoofing numbers again.  Done with Virginia, moving to California.  Fuck you!

  530-623-5909  Weaverville, CA -  Weaverville totally sounds like a made-up Dr Seuss town. 

A call from Weaverville,

I wonder who.

Does not matter if spoofed or not

So, fuck you!

  650-362-6493  Redwood City, CA - Whoa! Three calls in a day from three different parts of California.  No wonder people hate Californians.  Fuck you!