Hello this is James May, I am here to talk to you all about my new BBC FOUR show, James May The Reassembler.

Have a look at the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSW-Pdm8CEM

And here is proof it's me: https://twitter.com/MrJamesMay/status/712287482684043264

Edit: i will be with you at 15:30 (GMT)

EDIT: Hello Hello i am here...

Sorry everyone, I've got to go now because the nurse has come for me. Sorry if I didn't get around to your question. I'll do another of these after The Reassembler has broadcast. It's on BBC4, 4th to 6th April, 9pm. #Plug

Comments: 5984 • Responses: 62  • Date: 

MrWizard873031 karma

Would you rather fight 100 duck sized Jeremy Clarkson's or 1 horse sized Richard Hammond?

JamesMay_Reassembler3311 karma

The Clarksons.

loelu3004 karma

What would you recommend to buy as a first car?

JamesMay_Reassembler5920 karma

I think the Ferrari 488 GTB is rather excellent

Manhunterko2682 karma

Hello James, are you going to continue your career as a Youtube chef?

JamesMay_Reassembler4692 karma

Difficult, I've already cooked everything I can do.

pigsbladder2403 karma

Are we allowed to ask when your new show with the other 2 fellas is coming out?

JamesMay_Reassembler3711 karma

The Autumn, or fall if you're in the US. That's as specific as I can be.

manofmonkey2122 karma

Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

JamesMay_Reassembler4390 karma

Mainly from my wardrobe. It's restocked by pixies in my absence.

airfixspitfire2028 karma

Hi James! I appeared on your show 'James May's Toy Stories' in the Airfix episode back in 2009 when I was still at secondary school, and I was the boy that didn't want to blow up his Airfix tank and that you said 'Would go far'. That comment always meant a huge amount to me, and still does. I'm currently studying for a Masters degree in Engineering at Oxford, so I could end up building a real plane someday, depending on how I specialise, although I haven't built much Airfix since the show! My question is, what in your opinion is the most impressive feat of modern day engineering?

JamesMay_Reassembler2205 karma

Well, there you go. I was right. I think the 1959 Suffolk Colt lawnmower is pretty hard to beat.

vbfronkis1759 karma

James- Any chance we'll see more Man Lab? The theme song still randomly gets lodged into my brain and I'm not sure how else to get it out.

JamesMay_Reassembler2358 karma

I'd like to do that one day. I have the theme tune as a ring tone. Really bloody annoying, isn't it?

karthick8921704 karma

Are you having more freedom to do stuff at the new show than at top gear?

JamesMay_Reassembler3439 karma

We were always pretty free to do what we liked, to be honest.

opalfruity1571 karma

How happy are you that the phrase "Oh, cock" has entered the lexicon?

JamesMay_Reassembler2600 karma

I think it's the only thing, if any, that will be remembered about me. I should have thought of something better.

Jebbleypai1442 karma

I work a couple of units across the car park from you, would you like a coffee?

JamesMay_Reassembler1994 karma

Yeah. Bring it over.

Sabrielle241396 karma

How tired of being asked about Jeremy Clarkson are you?

Are Dacias really your favourite cars?

JamesMay_Reassembler2170 karma

Very, possibly.

Steelheaded1248 karma

Any chance of doing another Oz and James series or something similar?

JamesMay_Reassembler2298 karma

I don't know if he's still alive. I'll check and get back to you.

K--K1188 karma

Hi James! Huge fan of all your shows, especially Cars of The People - that was great.

I know you play the piano so I've always wanted to ask you what your favourite genre of piano music is? And your favourite composer? Thanks!

JamesMay_Reassembler1420 karma

Difficult, I like counterpoint and Bach, but also impressionism.

kaneist1167 karma

If you had to bottle Jeremy Clarkson's smell, how would you describe it?

JamesMay_Reassembler3376 karma

Disgusting.

Puffster281063 karma

What items will you be reassembling?

JamesMay_Reassembler1760 karma

Petrol lawn mower, old telephone, electric guitar.

dikipedia1045 karma

What are your fondest memories of Lancaster Uni, or more importantly Pendle College?

EDIT : Hi Overheard @ Lancs

JamesMay_Reassembler2269 karma

The constant and uninterrupted sunshine of Lancashire. No, hang on...

eatingasquid1044 karma

James! Were you ever the stig, actually?

JamesMay_Reassembler4014 karma

Some say I was.

GreatSmellOfBRUT1026 karma

Did you ever get to properly work a Dacia Sandero, and if so, what was your final opinion of it? It seems like a perfectly reasonable vehicle.

JamesMay_Reassembler1481 karma

It's a lot better than you'd think, and I like an underdog.

aidsaol970 karma

What is your relationship with Clarkson and the Hamster like outside of the show?

JamesMay_Reassembler3259 karma

Don't know. Never met them.

mannytabloid930 karma

Great to have you!

What's the thing we can best look forward to in the new show?

Also, bring back the James May cooking channel!

JamesMay_Reassembler2932 karma

The really great thing about the new show is that I'm in it.

KeepTheGovernor917 karma

Will you make more videos on Unemployment Tube?

JamesMay_Reassembler2516 karma

Next time I'm fired, yes.

CoolHandLuke98868 karma

What're you most looking forward to in the future of automobiles?

JamesMay_Reassembler2117 karma

A chauffeur.

lerhond698 karma

If you had to spend the rest of your life living with Clarkson or Hammond, which one would it be and why?

JamesMay_Reassembler2912 karma

Hammond. He takes up less space, so the house would seem bigger.

mkost92683 karma

Do you ever wake up in the morning and think: how did I get here (in this job)?

JamesMay_Reassembler1951 karma

Yes, especially when 'here' is a skip or a ditch.

Joschon635 karma

Hello!

I remember that you, just like me, were quite skeptical about electric cars a few years ago because of the poor battery technology. You believed more in hydrogen power or some sort of range extender.

Now though, with the success of Tesla and all their advancements, have you changed your opinion on how "the car of the future" will/should be powered?

edit: grammar

JamesMay_Reassembler1157 karma

I still like the hydrogen idea, but I can see that it's problematic. I have an electric car, a BMW i3. I think electric motors are great for cars, but electricity remains a bit elusive.

darkphnx629 karma

Hi James,

I'm a big fan of your 'Cars of the People' series. What is your personal favourite people's car?

JamesMay_Reassembler958 karma

Almost certainly the Austin Allegro Vanden Plas.

laurajcaskey619 karma

Now that you're employed, does that mean you've quit making poor-quality cooking videos for YouTube? I loved those, shittiness and all.

JamesMay_Reassembler2216 karma

No, I've quit making superb cooking videos for YouTube.

team_fondue588 karma

James -

Any chance we get this in the states? Just finished up watching the car factory show (aka Building Cars Live), and I always enjoy watching your more technically oriented shows.

JamesMay_Reassembler1037 karma

If you mean 'The Reassembler', then yes, you will get it if a TV station buys it. They should.

razhun518 karma

When or why did you say "oh cock" for the first time?

JamesMay_Reassembler1129 karma

It was in Monaco, when I realised I'd lost the race against the Aston.

TheAdmiester485 karma

What is your favourite thing to explain/delve into that the other two find boring?

JamesMay_Reassembler1190 karma

Relativity. They just don't get it.

MattBaster483 karma

Do you have a favorite outtake from Top Gear?

JamesMay_Reassembler1850 karma

It was all out-takes, as far as I can remember.

wosel454 karma

For you personally: LaFerrari, P1 or 918?

JamesMay_Reassembler799 karma

LaFerrari.

corduroii446 karma

The trailer makes me feel calm somehow. May I ask you for a haiku about The Reassembler?

JamesMay_Reassembler1746 karma

The reassembler, Someone takes something to bits, I reassemble.

TheMexitan404 karma

What is your favourite Sandwich?

JamesMay_Reassembler1423 karma

Fish fingers. White council bread, frozen Birds Eye fingers or similar fried in a pan, bit of salad cream or tommy sauce.

Aerodozz391 karma

Hi James, big fan. I can say with confidence that Top Gear is what got me interested in cars and how they work. My question is, what is your vision of the automotive industry in 10, maybe 20 years? What areas will find innovation and what areas will stagnate? Thanks for taking the time to do this AMA.

JamesMay_Reassembler980 karma

Everyone who has ever tried to answer this one has got it wrong. But, long-term, I think cars will become a hobby, and we'll find some other way of getting around.

PocketWocket375 karma

I know you have a pilots license, and have some, well, "unorthodox" experience with crossing the English Channel, and of course you have a wealth of automobile experience and time on trains from TG. What would you say is your preferred mode of travel? And do you prefer to drive yourself or be the passenger?

JamesMay_Reassembler979 karma

I still like to drive myself. I still find driving amazing. I'm amazed we're allowed to do it.

huphtur350 karma

Mr. May, you were "released" from Autocar magazine for hiding a message in one of their yearbooks. Have you since created any other hidden messages in any form of media that you are willing to divulge?

JamesMay_Reassembler542 karma

There is a hidden message in this. I'm amazed no-one has spotted it.

Brayds2006307 karma

Mr May, what is your favourite way to cook an egg?

JamesMay_Reassembler695 karma

I think poached, on slightly burned toast.

shadow3264300 karma

How is it like working with Clarkson and Hammond?

JamesMay_Reassembler916 karma

Who?

Blue1878299 karma

If budget was no object, what TV show would you make?

JamesMay_Reassembler1528 karma

The Reassembler International Space Station edition.

Chuffnell259 karma

Hi James!

What is todays tea towel?

JamesMay_Reassembler577 karma

I'm not at home, but I think it's famous flying boats.

mulrich259 karma

Have you ever been asked to be on QI? Would you like to be on QI? Also, thoughts on Denmark as a whole? Cheers! :-)

JamesMay_Reassembler993 karma

I didn't think Denmark was a hole. I rather liked it.

Alj23251 karma

Where did the idea for the show come from?

Also, was the line "I'll be putting things back together, slowly," a jab at the Captain Slow nickname?

JamesMay_Reassembler409 karma

We'd been talking about it for years. And yes, maybe.

blaaahdeblaaah250 karma

How do you like your steak cooked?

JamesMay_Reassembler1575 karma

By someone else.

medalbeer207 karma

I don't want to talk about your new show. I want to talk about the time you came to Hemel Hempstead. What did you think of the magic roundabout?

Edit: This is the time he came to my town.

JamesMay_Reassembler440 karma

I met Dylan and smoked something weird. Man.

LIMWZ204 karma

Always wondered: what do you smell like?

JamesMay_Reassembler597 karma

Swarfega.

eatingasquid178 karma

Hi James, what video games have you played/do you play? :)

JamesMay_Reassembler347 karma

Recently I have been playing Sky Gamblers and Pacific Fleet.

acidbiter176 karma

Hey James! Two questions, 1) Did you ever sell your Ferrari 2) Would you ever sleep in a Lego House again

JamesMay_Reassembler252 karma

Yes. No.

NSFAnythingAtAll174 karma

Hello Captain Slow!

How many episodes of your new show have you filmed? What's the coolest thing you've reassembled?

JamesMay_Reassembler314 karma

There are three episodes initially. The coolest thing I reassembled was a Honda C70. But I didn't do it on the telly, sorry.

gblakes128 karma

Hello Mr May,

Anyone who watches top gear knows that you are a history nerd as well as a car nerd so "what is your favorite story in the history of the automotive industry and why?

PS Huge fan of top gear and I can't wait to watch the new Amazon show or the Reassmbler!

JamesMay_Reassembler275 karma

I still think the Beetle is the best story in the history of the car. Absolutely amazing. You couldn't make it up.

jimbobhas115 karma

Which was your favourite toy story you did? (Mine was the action man one)

From the design to finish, which did you have most fun on?

What was the biggest challenge you faced?

Were there any that didn't live up to your expectations?

Which ones exceeded your expectations?

Finally will there be any more in the future?

Thanks :)

JamesMay_Reassembler214 karma

Overall, the glider one (Flight Club). I didn't think it would work until the last few hours of filming. We might do another one on Matchbox Superfast vs Hotwheels in the future.

DOHCMerc94 karma

Hi James,

Is this show one of your ideas or did the BBC ask you to do it? Seeing as you were always the most technical one on top "so-called" gear, I'd say its a perfect fit either way and can't wait to see it.

JamesMay_Reassembler196 karma

I've made it with the people who also did Toy Stories and Man Lab. We invented putting things back together. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

MOPMetallica91 karma

driving on the left-side of the road or the right-side, which is better?

Better say left.

JamesMay_Reassembler566 karma

Left, obviously, otherwise you'd hit a car coming the other way. Duh.

Caelum_80 karma

James, I am a big fan. I love your segments on TG and all of your other projects espescially "Cars of the People." My question is this: Do you get lost on purpose for the show? Or do you genuinely think your sense of direction is good? Even though you are frequently proven otherwise by the results.

JamesMay_Reassembler263 karma

Only boring people know where they're going.

Norington65 karma

Permission to say 'oh cock'?

JamesMay_Reassembler144 karma

I am no longer empowered to grant permission, so crack on.

fakint60 karma

Hello, James, what colour does your favourite sweater has?

JamesMay_Reassembler233 karma

Blue it has.

ElonMuskAppears50 karma

Do you have any advice for those who are young and struggling in life, e.g. Uni or finding work?

JamesMay_Reassembler218 karma

Yes. You still have the world's greatest wealth in being young, so enjoy it.

OD_Emperor47 karma

What is your favorite vehicle (can be anything, tank, aircraft, truck, boat/ship) from World War II and why?

Also, one more if you don't mind. Have you three ever considered doing a cheap pickup truck segment? I know when you rescued Hammond from that mountain that you and Jeremy did it but all three of you doing silly things with cheap pickup trucks in America would absolutely delight me since I'm an American and would love to see you all rant off about why they're horrible/bad/etc.

JamesMay_Reassembler79 karma

Probably the Curtiss P40. Can't explain why. We have talked about pick-ups.

OliverBabish32 karma

Slow! Thank you for doing this AMA. You're something of a chef (with an iron stomach no less) - what's your favorite meal to cook for company? Any secret recipes to share with us? How absolutely pissed should I be when cooking fish pie?

JamesMay_Reassembler56 karma

I would advise being completely blattered if making a fish pie. At least if it tastes anything like mine.

flt00115 karma

Can you do more audiobooks? Love your voice and it's always interesting to know how to escape Butlins.

JamesMay_Reassembler23 karma

I could, but I'd have to write another book first, and I'm trying to avoid it.

KronikTheHempHog5 karma

What is the first vehicle you ever owned?

JamesMay_Reassembler9 karma

1978 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6 L in yellow, with a kicked-in rear door. Loved it.