View allAll Photos Tagged bitsa
This image is a 'bitsa'; put together from bits of this and bits of that. The base image is one of the relatively rare Ford K-Types, which I had previously modified to represent a fictional Commer Commando. Not being entirely satisfied with the chrome Commer grille, I have now grafted on a Dodge version, although other details are not entirely accurate for this type of chassis. I have no idea whether any (British) Dodge chassis were bodied as village buses, but it adds some variety to the collection (04-Apr-14).
See my complete collection of Cyprus buses here:
www.flickr.com/photos/northernblue109/sets/72157643253364...
All rights reserved. Follow the link below for terms and conditions, additional information about my work; and to request work from me. I cannot undertake to respond to requests, or to queries of a general nature, which are posted as comments under individual images
www.flickr.com/photos/northernblue109/6046035749/in/set-7...
I'd seen this one the move earlier in the day (difficult to miss in that colour scheme!), was then pleased to find it parked-up later on. I initially thought it was a GT-R, but DVLA lists it with a 2-litre engine so I'm not sure now - as with many of these cars probably something of a bitsa. First registered here in 2006.
Flying these can be bad for your health...
Neville Shute started the Airspeed company. He was a well known author.
I expected when choosing the name for their new company, they asked "what does every pilot want"?
A mongrel, mutt or mixed-breed dog is a dog that does not belong to one officially recognized breed, including those that result from intentional breeding. Although the term mixed-breed dog is sometimes preferred, many mongrels have no known purebred ancestors.
Crossbreed dogs, and "designer dogs", while also a mix of breeds, differ from mongrels in being intentionally bred. At other times, the word mongrel has been applied to informally purpose-bred dogs such as curs, which were created at least in part from mongrels, especially if the breed is not officially recognized.
Although mongrels are viewed as of less commercial value than intentionally bred dogs, they are thought to be less susceptible to genetic health problems associated with inbreeding (based on the theory of heterosis), and have enthusiasts and defenders who prefer them to intentionally bred dogs.
Estimates place the prevalence of mongrels at 150 million animals worldwide.
Terminology
Crossbreed v mongrel
In the United States, the term mixed-breed is a favored synonym over mongrel among individuals who wish to avoid negative connotations associated with the latter term. The implication that such dogs must be a mix of defined breeds may stem from an inverted understanding of the origins of dog breeds. Purebred dogs have been, for the most part, artificially created from random-bred populations by human selective breeding with the purpose of enhancing desired physical, behavioral, or temperamental characteristics. Dogs that are not purebred are not necessarily a mix of such defined breeds. Therefore, among some experts and fans of such dogs, mongrel is still the preferred term.
Dog crossbreeds, sometimes called designer dogs, also are not members of a single recognized breed. Unlike mixed-breeds, crossbreed dogs are often the product of artificial selection – intentionally created by humans, whereas the term mongrel specifically refers to dogs that develop by natural selection, without the planned intervention of humans.
A mutt with a heavy, counter-shaded winter coat
Regional and slang terms
The words cur, tyke, mutt, and mongrel are used, sometimes in a derogatory manner. There are also regional terms for mixed-breed dogs. In the United Kingdom, mongrel is the unique technical word for a mixed-breed dog. North Americans generally prefer the term mix or mixed-breed. Mutt[11] is also commonly used (in the United States and Canada). Some American registries and dog clubs that accept mixed-breed dogs use the breed description All American.
There are also names for mixed-breeds based on geography, behavior, or food. In Hawaii, mixes are referred to as poi dogs, although they are not related to the extinct Hawaiian Poi Dog. In the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the common term is potcake dogs (referring to the table scraps they are fed). In South Africa, the tongue-in-cheek expression pavement special is sometimes used as a description for a mixed-breed dog. In Trinidad and Tobago, these mixed dogs are referred to as pot hounds (pothong). In Serbia, a similar expression is prekoplotski avlijaner (over-the-fence yard-dweller). In Russia, a colloquial term дворняга (yard-dweller) is used most commonly. In the Philippines, mixed-breed street dogs are often called askal, a Tagalog-derived contraction of asong kalye (”street dog"). In Puerto Rico, they are known as satos; in Venezuela they are called yusos or cacris, the latter being a contraction of the words callejero criollo (literally, street creole, as street dogs are usually mongrels); and in Chile and Bolivia, they are called quiltros. In Costa Rica, it is common to hear the word zaguate, a term originating from a Nahuatl term, zahuatl, that refers to the disease called scabies. In the rural southern United States, a small hunting dog is known as a feist.
Slang terms are also common. Heinz 57, Heinz, or Heinz Hound is often used for dogs of uncertain ancestry, in a playful reference to the "57 Varieties" slogan of the H. J. Heinz Company. In some countries, such as Australia, bitsa (or bitzer) is sometimes used, meaning "bits o' this, bits o' that". In Brazil and the Dominican Republic, the name for mixed-breed dogs is vira-lata (trash-can tipper) because of homeless dogs who knock over trash cans to reach discarded food. In Newfoundland, a smaller mixed-breed dog is known as a cracky, hence the colloquial expression "saucy as a cracky" for someone with a sharp tongue.
Determining ancestry
Guessing a mixed-breed's ancestry can be difficult even for knowledgeable dog observers, because mixed-breeds have much more genetic variation than purebreds. For example, two black mixed-breed dogs might each have recessive genes that produce a blond coat and, therefore, produce offspring looking unlike their parents.
Starting in 2007, genetic analysis has become available to the public. The companies claim their DNA-based diagnostic test can genetically determine the breed composition of mixed-breed dogs. These tests are still limited in scope because only a small number of the hundreds of dog breeds have been validated against the tests, and because the same breed in different geographical areas may have different genetic profiles. The tests do not test for breed purity, but for genetic sequences that are common to certain breeds. With a mixed-breed dog, the test is not proof of purebred ancestry, but rather an indication that those dogs share common ancestry with certain purebreds. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the use of DNA tests to determine breed.
Many newer dog breeds can be traced back to a common foundational breed, making them difficult to separate genetically. For example, Labrador Retrievers, Flat-coated Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Newfoundland dogs share a common ancestry with the St. John's water dog – a now-extinct naturally occurring dog landrace from the island of Newfoundland.
Health
The theory of hybrid vigor suggests that as a group, dogs of varied ancestry will be generally healthier than their purebred counterparts. In purebred dogs, intentionally breeding dogs of very similar appearance over several generations produces animals that carry many of the same alleles, some of which are detrimental. If the founding population for the breed was small, then the genetic diversity of that particular breed may be small for quite some time.
When humans select certain dogs for new breeds, they artificially isolate that group of genes and cause more copies of that gene to be made than might have otherwise occurred in nature. The population is initially more fragile because of the lack of genetic diversity. If the dog breed is popular, and the line continues, over hundreds of years diversity increase due to mutations and occasional out-breeding. This is why some of the very old breeds are more stable. One issue is when certain traits found in the breed standard are associated with genetic disorders. The artificial selective force favors the duplication of the genetic disorder because it comes with a desired physical trait. The genetic health of hybrids tends to be higher. Healthy traits have been lost in many purebred dog lines because many breeders of showdogs are more interested in conformation – the physical attributes of the dogs in relation to the breed standard – than in the health and working temperament for which the dog was originally bred.
Populations are vulnerable when the dogs bred are closely related. Inbreeding among purebreds has exposed various genetic health problems not always readily apparent in less uniform populations. Mixed-breed dogs are more genetically diverse due to the more haphazard nature of their parents' mating. The offspring of such matings might be less likely to express certain genetic disorders because there might be a decreased chance that both parents carry the same detrimental recessive alleles, but some deleterious recessives occur across many seemingly unrelated breeds, and therefore merely mixing breeds is no guarantee of genetic health. When two poor specimens are bred, the offspring could inherit the worst traits of both parents. This is commonly seen in dogs that came from puppy mills.
Several studies have shown that mixed-breed dogs have a health advantage over purebred dogs. A German study finds that "mongrels require less veterinary treatment". Studies in Sweden have found that "Mongrel dogs are less prone to many diseases than the average purebred dog" and, when referring to death rates, that "mongrels were consistently in the low risk category". Data from Denmark also suggest that mixed breeds have greater longevity on average compared to purebreds. A British study showed similar results, but a few breeds (notably Jack Russell Terriers, Miniature Poodles and Whippets) lived longer than mixed breeds.
In one study, the effect of breed on longevity in the pet dog was analyzed using mortality data from 23,535 pet dogs. The data were obtained from North American veterinary teaching hospitals. The median age at death was determined for purebred and mixed-breed dogs of different body weights. Within each body weight category, the median age at death was lower for purebred dogs compared with mixed-breed dogs. The median age at death was "8.5 years for all mixed breed dogs, and 6.7 years for all pure breed dogs" in the study.
In 2013, a study found that mixed breeds live on average 1.2 years longer than purebreds, and that increasing body weight was negatively correlated with longevity (i.e. the heavier the dog, the shorter its lifespan). Another study published in 2019 confirmed this 1.2 year difference in lifespan for mixed-breed dogs, and further demonstrated negative impacts of recent inbreeding and benefits of occasional outcrossing for lifespan in individual dogs.
Studies that have been done in the area of health show that mixed-breeds on average are both healthier and longer-lived than their purebred relations. This is because current accepted breeding practices within the pedigreed dog community result in a reduction in genetic diversity, and can result in physical characteristics that lead to health issues.
Studies have shown that crossbreed dogs have a number of desirable reproductive traits. Scott and Fuller found that crossbreed dogs were superior mothers compared to purebred mothers, producing more milk and giving better care. These advantages led to a decreased mortality in the offspring of crossbreed dogs.
Types
Mixes that show characteristics of two or more breeds. A mix might have some purebred ancestors, or might come from a long line of mixed-breeds. These dogs are usually identified by the breed they most resemble, such as a "Lab mix" or "Collie-Shepherd", even if their ancestry is unknown.
The generic pariah dog, or feral Canis lupus familiaris, where non-selective breeding has occurred over many generations. The term originally referred to the wild dogs of India, but now refers to dogs belonging to or descended from a population of wild or feral dogs. The Canaan Dog is an example of a recognized breed with pariah ancestry. Pariah dogs tend to be between yellow and light brown in color and of medium height and weight. This may represent the appearance of the modern dog's ancestor. DNA analysis has shown pariah dogs to have a more ancient gene pool than modern breeds.
Functional breeds, which are purpose-bred dogs whose ancestors are not purebred, but rather are selected by their performance at particular tasks. Examples of this are the Alaskan husky, the Eurohound, and the Pointer/Greyhound mixes referred to as Greysters, which compete at skijoring and pulka races, particularly in Europe. Occasionally, a functional breed such as this becomes accepted as a breed over time.
Purebred dogs are known by breed names given to groups of dogs that are visibly similar in most characteristics and have reliable documented descent. In recent years many owners and breeders of crossbreed dogs identify them—often facetiously—by invented names constructed from parts of the parents' breed names. These are known as portmanteau names and the resulting crosses as "designer dogs". For example, a cross between a Pekingese and a Poodle may be referred to as a Pekeapoo. Other similarly named crossbreeds include the Goldendoodle, a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever, and the Dorgi, a cross between a Dachshund and a Welsh Corgi.
Until the early 1980s, mixed-breed dogs were usually excluded from obedience and other dog sport competitions. However, starting with the American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR) and the Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (MBDCA), which created obedience venues in which mixed-breed dogs could compete, more opportunities have opened up for all dogs in all dog sports. Most dog agility and fly ball organizations have always allowed mixed-breed dogs to compete. Today, mixed-breeds have proven their worth in many performance sports.
In conformation shows, where dogs' conformation to a breed standard is evaluated, mixed-breed dogs normally cannot compete. For purebred dogs, their physical characteristics are judged against a single breed standard. This is different in the case of mixed-breed dogs because they are difficult to classify, except for height. There is variation in physical traits such as coat, skeletal structure, gait, ear set, eye shape and color. When conformation standards are applied to mixed-breed dogs, such as in events run by the MBDCA, the standards are usually general traits of health, soundness, symmetry, and personality.
The Kennel Club (U.K.) operates a show called Scruffts (a name derived from its prestigious Crufts show) open only to mixed-breeds in which dogs are judged on character, health, and temperament. Some kennel clubs, whose purpose is to promote purebred dogs, still exclude mixed-breeds from their performance events. The AKC and the FCI are two such prominent organizations. While the AKC does allow mixed-breed dogs to earn their Canine Good Citizen award, mixed-breed dogs are not permitted to enter AKC "all breed" events, though through their "Canine Partners" program, mixed-breed dogs can be registered to compete in AKC Agility, Obedience, and Rally events.
Rounding off our van tour, this funky Mitsubishi passenger mini van I spotted off of Queen's Quay. The interior has lovely wood accents.
Austin Special (1939) Engine 1479cc
Registration Number 239 UXK
AUSTIN SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759808208...
This appears to be a Bitsa, the radiator and nose are clearly from an Austin Sheerline, but after that nothing is as it it seems. The DVLA listing is for a 1938 Austin on 1479cc.
Many Thanks for a fan'dabi'dozi 29,166,700 views
Shot 17:08:2014 at Lupin Farm Classic Car Show, Orgreave, Staffordshire Ref 102-613b
Magnum Bonum.
Odd ball frame ie Frame number on B/B underside 222 also Hetchins stamped in raised letters.Fork no 23111 .No sign of any crash damage on frame.Early frames stamped on drop outs.Oh and it has Campagnolo drop out front & rear.No sign of after build alterations? Mid 1960's? bitsa
Datman owned this bitsa estate, I think the blue wings may have come off his saloon that had the misfortune of a barn roof collapsing on it. He has a particular fondness for these, still owning one today.
DVLA says:
The vehicle details for AJK 387V are:
Date of Liability 01 07 1999
Date of First Registration 19 03 1980
Year of Manufacture 1980
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 1770cc
CO2 Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type PETROL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Unlicensed
Vehicle Colour BROWN
I don't know much about push bikes so please feel free to correct me or add relevant information.
I've not seen a Moulton like this for many years. They were introduced in 1962 and were a fairly radical departure from traditional street bikes with their open frames, small wheels, and front fork suspension. This one is a sort of "Bangernomics" bike with its hand painted frame, different coloured mudguards,modern LED lights and different chainset. This shape was in production from 1962 to 1974. I believe they're quite valuable and collectible now, although maybe in this condition they aren't?
Moskou | Moscow | Москва, 26-09-2015.
Chertanovo Severnoe (North) on Wikipedia (English)
Bitsa Park on Wikipedia (English)
Chertanovka on Wikipedia (Russian)
My Moscow, September-October 2015 set in my Eastern Europe collection
Lot of information out there on this one:
MKI Lancaster
463 Sqn. 15/03/44 to 17/12/44, JO-D.
ORBS record 94 missions.
First flown by RAAF Pilot F/O J H Dechastel & crew who completed a tour of 32 missions 30 of them in LL847.
Also RAAF Pilot F/O K P Brady & crew completed a tour of 30 missions 28 of them in LL847.
The last mission on 17/18-Dec-1944 was flown by Pilot K E H Bennett RAAF, 2nd Pilot F/O J H Ogilvie RAAF, F/Engineer F/S R G Nuttall RAF, Nav F/S S Easton RAF, B/Aimer F/S T N Watson RAF, Wireless Op F/S R W Byrnes RAAF, MU Gunner Sgt G A C Frizzell RAF, Rear Gunner Sgt H Fowler RAAF.
Australian / Scottish crew. The aircraft lives on in facsimile - a 'bitsa' Lancaster took on this identity in a museum in Bull Creek, Western Australia. [ www.raafawa.org.au/museum/index.html ]
The nose art refers to an Aussie gambling game, popular at the time.
For more, see below - links work better in comments for some reason..
On a local registration with plates that look like they've been on it from new. Nicer to see than a bitsa with a tax-exempt identity...
While I’m not much of a one for MGBs and the more common classics, this one appealed as its NCF...G registration probably means it came from the same garage as a 1969 Mini registered OCF370G which my mum owned many years ago.
It’s possibly something of a bitsa, certainly the Rostyle wheels come off a later car and the MGC-style bonnet with additional bulge suggests something interesting under there. DVLA still lists it as a 1.8 however.
In 1994 I was surprised to see an ex El Salvador AF Vought Corsair up a concrete pole outside the airport. They later took it down and in 2008 started restoring it. It seems to be mostly FG-1D Bu.Aer 92690 ( 207 in El Salvador) but likely a bitsa.
A real bitsa here, and not a 1600 GL like Cartell suggests, as the DVLA has it listed with a 3 litre engine. It appears to have been given an American Capri front end, which actually works quite well on the second generation shape, but whether the owner intended it to or not, this car is a real mess on the exterior, most of the paint has cracked, and the front wings are very crunchy at the front! Still, I think it looks rather good, and a bit of a sleeper I imagine.