And what is this wonder-fluid made from? All we know is that its basic ingredient is Fish Oil.

                                                                                                                                         John.

Aunty says: That’s perhaps why, if you spray WD40 anywhere near where you are painting a car, you are likely to get fish eyes in the paintwork.

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WD 40 at the SNCR - from John Taylor. (With acknowledgements to the MVPS)

I was very pleasantly surprised to see WD 40 among the ‘extra’ prizes at SNCR, as I had only just finished reading an article by John Stringer on this remarkable fluid in the Midland Vehicle Preservation Society’s July 2010 Bulletin.

Did you know that ‘Water Displacement No 40’ was the result of a project to find a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts? WD 40 was created in 1953 by three technicians from the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. They were successful with their fortieth formulation, hence WD 40. The Convair

Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile parts.

Apart from its protective properties, it is a well known lubricant - who hasn’t used it at some time on their bicycle chain? Ken East, one of its founders, says there is nothing in WD 40 that would hurt you - and it’s the first thing that ever cleaned a spotty shower screen - be it glass or plastic. Try it also on your cooker top - Kazamm! It’s now shinier than it’s ever been. You’ll be amazed.

John Stringer also lists another 38 uses for WD 40 - here are just a few of the more unusual ones -

•Keeps flies off cows;

•Removes lipstick stains;

•Removes crayon from walls;

•Restores and cleans vinyl bumpers;

•Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging;

•Removes all traces of duct tape;

•Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell);

•Relieves arthritic pain in arms, hands and knees;

•Takes away the sting of gnat bites and stops them itching.

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Sample Article No 3 from the September- October 2010 Mascot