LEA2 : The History of the Vehicle

By Gemma Cleanslate

I am so absolutely blown away by the exhibit that Sapphire Hotaling, Chief Exhibit Builder & Designer,  has put together in LEA2 . It is The History of the Vehicle in Second Life. According to Sapphire’s notecard, “Thank you for your interest in this 6-month long project; hoping you enjoy it and have as much fun as we all did in the build and creation of this exhibit.  Feel free to invite friends, and share the notecard through your groups.” At the entrance you will see the names of some of those involved in the project.

After taking the TP in the police box, I landed in front of the Museum building and found in there exhibits of the early forms of building vehicles , prim and texture and sculpts. Even then the vehicles were very impressive. Moving out into the parking lots you will be amazed at the cars, trucks and other forms of transportation. On one side of the museum building you will see the cute shopping cart and even Flintstones' roller car where I took a seat, and some other oddities. On the other side wonderful early trucks and cars. There is a sections of parts and shells. These are all from various companies in sl that are identified on signs near the builds. The racing section has some absolutely spectacular vehicles . The effort and work put into the cars is amazing . 

When I have gone to a race I have not really taken the time to examine and admire what I am seeing in the cars or whatever is racing. I am there for the race itself.  This exhibit is giving me time to really examine and appreciate them. The parts themselves are "wowing," (not sure that is a word but fits).  One whole section is for the Giant Snails with so many examples of the variety of the snails themselves . There are giant cutouts of all those involved in the snail racing fun. 

All along the way you will find notecards with information on what you are viewing. Go out into the grassy area too where you will find some more to see.  Those who are older in Second Life will have lots of nostalgia and laughs, and those who are new will really find so much to help understand about the background of building moving objects in sl from the early days to now. There are a few air vehicles around, but I think there might be another exhibit sometime for air and water moving objects. 

This exhibit will be open until the end of May . I will certainly be going back for several more looks. It takes time for so much to rezz . There will be events every weekend so pick up the schedule at the entrance. 

This is  the best set of history exhibits I have seen since Marianne Mccann’s build at the SL10B. Do not miss it!  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA2/129/127/1501

Gemma Cleanslate

Monarch Motorcars - Drive One Home Today!

In an impressive showroom with glistening white and black tiles, an inviting red carpet and the latest luxury motorcars, you will find Yorba Naidoo. Dressed in his best business suit, he will introduce you to everything your heart desires in a quality automobile.

Packard was America's Rolls Royce, beginning in the 1900's. Naidoo fell in love with the line after attending a car show as a child. "It was all about quality and that's what I have tried to be inspired by ... or as much as 32 prims per car will allow me," he joked.

He joined Second Life two years ago, wandering around the many communities until he met Monica Weir of Weir's Way Commerce. She took him under her wing and taught him how to build. JonyBlade Codesmith, with The Guided Tour Company, does his scripts.

"Quality is in the eye of the beholder. I would say, once I had built these models in the early fall of this year, I felt like I had accomplished something I could be proud of and they started selling well," he explained, while adjusting his tie. He admits that patience isn't one of his strongest traits, but you wouldn't know it when you see the exceptional detail of his models.

Beginning with a picture of the actual automobile, he will start the building process and change the car as he goes along. The first model in his line was The Black Monarch Imperial Limousine V12. It's a sleek ride that's the cat's meow. "It took one month of hard work," stated Naidoo, "It's the flagship of the Monarch DVG Brand. "Some parts, like a real life car maker, only have to be made once. Otherwise I rebuild to suit."

Monarch Motorcars' main showroom, located on the sim Mobilis has been in business for two months. A second location has been established in Chicago. It's straight down the street from the jazz club. His line features a handsome variety of roadsters to limousines, for the working man to the collector. You'll be sitting pretty when you pull up to your favorite club. The line includes a Monarch Imperial Cabriolet Limousine, a Wedding Town Car, 500HS Roadster, Town and Country Station Wagon, even a taxi cab for the working man.

The motorcars are precisely designed, textured and scripted to enhance your driving experience here in Chicago. Getting married and looking for that special car to drive to your honeymoon? Then check out the luxurious Monarch Imperial with a rich white and beige interior, a texture change option "Just Married" sign and the Wedding March as an option. Seats three, all four doors open and the wheels spin when you drive.

The Monarch Snow Tracker and Police Cruiser are his newer models. One look at the fine craftsmanship of the luxury or practical working car and you'll know you made the right choice in selecting a Monarch.

"Building cars is my passion and seeing other people enjoy them is a huge thrill," he said with smile.

By Netera Landar