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ELC SHOW IN LONDON STARTING 17th of NOV. Who is going?

Gav

Practically Family
Messages
528
Location
UK
I went today. It's great! Very busy and only 1 mirror though.
So many jackets to try along with all the other stuff. Loads of buzz rickson stock too.
They guys are incredibly friendly, patient and helpful. Really made me feel welcome without being pushy at all. There was a nice vibe with the customers too, everyone commenting on each other's choices.
I was there for well over an hour and tried 4-5 a2s, g1, all the elmc jackets before finally deciding on the new horsehide Elmc g1.
Now I'm broke....
 

bn1966

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,111
Location
UK
I went today. It's great! Very busy and only 1 mirror though.
So many jackets to try along with all the other stuff. Loads of buzz rickson stock too.
They guys are incredibly friendly, patient and helpful. Really made me feel welcome without being pushy at all. There was a nice vibe with the customers too, everyone commenting on each other's choices.
I was there for well over an hour and tried 4-5 a2s, g1, all the elmc jackets before finally deciding on the new horsehide Elmc g1.
Now I'm broke....

Pictures Gav, pictures :)
 

Gav

Practically Family
Messages
528
Location
UK
Here is an iphone picture of my jacket for now. What do you think of the fit? I will start a thread when I can get some proper outdoor pictures in the daylight.
25387141299_f4be908491_c.jpg

The hide is a lovely veg tan Italian horsehide - it has a nice supple feel compared to Aero's FQHH for example. The mouton collar is quite subtle in colour and size. The lining is a very nice olive rayon. The knits are not the usual G1 knits, maybe the same as Eastman's A2 knits, I'm not sure. It has a nickel Talon zipper.
The fit is a bit trimmer than the equivalent Eastman G1. I got a 46 in this. The 44 was too snug, whereas I felt I was between a 44 and 46 in the Navy G1. From memory, I think mine might be a shade shorter too.
I'm very pleased with this indeed!
 

Cooper A-2

Practically Family
Messages
933
Location
France
Here is an iphone picture of my jacket for now. What do you think of the fit? I will start a thread when I can get some proper outdoor pictures in the daylight.
25387141299_f4be908491_c.jpg

The hide is a lovely veg tan Italian horsehide - it has a nice supple feel compared to Aero's FQHH for example. The mouton collar is quite subtle in colour and size. The lining is a very nice olive rayon. The knits are not the usual G1 knits, maybe the same as Eastman's A2 knits, I'm not sure. It has a nickel Talon zipper.
The fit is a bit trimmer than the equivalent Eastman G1. I got a 46 in this. The 44 was too snug, whereas I felt I was between a 44 and 46 in the Navy G1. From memory, I think mine might be a shade shorter too.
I'm very pleased with this indeed!
Even if not zipped up...but great fit and great jacket IMHO.
 

rocketeer

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,605
Location
England
I quite liked the 'Californian' jacket in the ELCMC range though it offers no protection for modern day motorcycling, but if you are not bothered about that sort of thing well, we never worried in the 1970s did we.
I would look at the Californian as a very nice streetwear jacket, though I do think the top back piece should be in 1 piece rather than centre seamed.
The bi-swing back is a nice touch, but the armholes at the shoulder may be a little restrictive for anyone who works out even just mildly. So I would recommend trying one before buying as i usually take a 42 in an Aero, I had to try a 46 in this to fit comfortable and the sleeves were the perfect length for me.
 
Last edited:

Tommy-VF51

A-List Customer
Messages
371
Figured out I can make this, wondering how much will be left by Thursday, although with the exception of one thing, I'm purely going for trying on and seeing in the flesh before I start putting some pennies to the side for an A2.
 

Fanch

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,490
Location
Texas
Gav, looks good. I tried on a size 46 ELC G-1 that fit me like a glove when I was in London cruising through the American Classics store a couple of years ago.
 
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Dirtbagdiver

New in Town
Messages
38
Location
Surrey
Shop quite busy so didn't ask as I was not buying but is that the jacket with the triangle oxy clip patch on it? A nice detail for an original but of no practical value for everyday use. I had an original of this jacket years ago but started to split so sold on before it was worthless, Now I do wonder if Garry ended up with it as a pattern.
That's the one, was on a display behind the 'counter'... was close to going for a D1, but my Mrs convinced me to wait for the Anj-4...
 

rocketeer

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,605
Location
England
I like to give an honest reply as I feel that I don't take collecting seriously and see the garments as practical wear rather than historical reproduction. I didn't try on many styles, only my interests as a prospective purchase though I took a mental not of things around.
Loved the B3 Roughy Redskins, much better finishes than the older ones, after around 10 years I reckon if used hard they could possibly pass for originals till handled. Like old furniture and similar antiques, 70 year old sheepskin has a feel about it that tells you it is 70 years old ;)
The Air Comfort has a lovely lining but the surface finish is to shine for me, same as some of the A2s but which contracts I have no idea. A nice jacket that could be improved upon.
What I really wanted to see were the ANJ4s and B6s. very disappointed in the ANJs but only because there was no option for press stud pockets. Personally I though the press stud pocket version, it looks like an A2 style, was a much better design(I have an old one).
Now the B6 I thought was great but again the side zip adjusters though practical, do not look as good as the straps which are also authentic. Again, just my personal opinion so we will leave that there. The Seal brown B6(Roughwear?) had a darker fur. Is this a new style as it is different to anything on their site. yet another personal taste, I would not buy this as I think the cream simply looks better.
Buzz N1s are very nice but pop along a couple of doors down to Son of Stag for a larger selection of sizes. I had an original N1 many years ago, it was possibly the warmest thing I ever had for working on my car, a throwback to being a bat man on a carrier I expect. never thought this style would catch on.
Lots of sizing varies, I take a 42 in an Aero across the board though my latest is a 44 due to a sheep lining. Gary's can vary a little so well worth a trip to try on, His Californian(previously noted earlier post) was a little tight in the arms and a size 46, where as his Air Comfort fit me in a 44 and a Luftwaffe in a 42.
Anyone else wish to post a review.
If I get time I may even take another trip.
Seeya, J.
 

Brettafett

One Too Many
Messages
1,353
Location
UK
Hi jacket junkies,

Really enjoyed the ‘pop up’, it was a real treat to meet the guys and have a full complement of jackets to try on.
Problem is, now my wish-list is even longer.
Had some pics taken, unfortunately most were blurry ;) So, apologies if your fav is not incl. had to incl my RW1401 ;)
So, after trying on almost everything, some humble impressions…

Well, an M442a is my next jacket - Man, what a comfortable, easy to wear, drop dead gorgeous jacket!
Star A-2. Nice. Very nice. Trim and square, low collar, really comfortable and easy to maneuver.

HLB and Werber are interesting options. Unique history behind these, but I do prefer my RW1401, which was great to compare with all the stock jackets.
RW27752. Have had a number of these and still really like the contrast with the seal warhorse & olive drab stitching. Classy.
Great Escape RW is incredible. Looks just like Hilts’ jacket. Photos do not do it justice, has to be seen in person. Worth the £££$$$? Yes, if you have it ;) I prefer the version without the name tag.

Was introduced to the D-1, B-3, B-6 etc… Really like the D-1. Simple and comfy. On the list.
B-10s and B-15s. I have a B-10 and absolutely love it. B-15… my first try on, its nice, but I still prefer my B-10.
Civilian jacket were obviously also very tempting.
Got to page through Gary’s book, really high quality and detailed. Focuses on jacket contracts. Great pics of actual WW2 jackets to compare.

The guys were clearly enjoying themselves, even though I am sure it was a looong week ;)
Thanks to all involved. Hopefully, they will be back next year.

For ref, I am 5'10 +- and approx 72kgs/ 158+ pounds - usually wear a 40, often a 40Long

M422a and Star - size 40R
P1240019.JPG

The great 'Great Escape' RW - size 40R
P1240025.JPG

My RW1401 - size 40L
P1240013.JPG
 

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