EV No. 745 cracked!

[crofter]

This is my first attempt at an EV and thanks to some gentle prods from seasoned AB solvers, I was able to inch forward. The breakthrough came when solving 3D: Corroborative evidence linking "honest" guy with line in diamonds (8) = A(D)MINICLE

This freed up the D to form the message "ADD LETTERS TO GET SPEED" !!!!! Taking A = 1, B =2, ... ,Z = 26, every across word in the finished grid sums to 30, 40, 50, etc as shown in the clue. When the clue is solved as it reads, it will have a total greater than its stated speed limit. It has to be then trimmed back to the speed limit stated using a similar (proper) word.

Thus 6A has solution CARAWAY but has a letter score of 72. Trimming back to CARAVAN the total drops to 60 as required by the clue!

How many hours did it take Radex to construct THIS puzzle? Awesome!

[kettledrum]

Very many congratulations Crofter! I've been watching your efforts with admiration from the sidelines, unable to join in as my papers were recycled last week. Are you proposing to start on 746? You've still got a whole day to do it!

[crofter]

This is Mrs Crofter. I don't know what you've just said kettledrum, but crofter burst into tears and is now curled up in the corner of the room whimpering!

[sarumite]

crofter, for perseverance alone your efforts are worthy of the highest accolade available on Ab, and you are hereby awarded three stars. Well done!! .. (the knighthood may have to be put on hold until you have finished 746). ;0)

[shaneystar2]

http://www.themoderatevoice.com/files/joe-appl ause.GIF

[kettledrum]

Sorry, Mrs Crofter! I should know better than to make flippant remarks to people who are overtired and over excited.
Perhaps a rest would be in order and he might feel up to a new challenge next Sunday.

[sarumite]

http://www.maxcatsrealm.com/anime/knighthood.j pg

[Alibobs]

http://www.knom.org/july2001/prostrate.jpg

[bangor]

just had a chuckle at the replies to applaud crofter.
As I live abroad I am curious - what does the EV stand for? It sounds challenging. Well done crofter.

[ulysses100]

Congratulations crofter.
As I said before, if they brought back the two week period within which to send it in I'm sure that you would have stood a good chance in winning the prize. It's a shame when so much time is spent on solving such a grid that there is only ONE prize. Yet, as you say, how long did it take Radix to compile it ?
As with all of these types of crossword I am constantly amazed by the variety of types and skill in composition. Even when you've finished the grid you still have to complete another (or more) task(s).
Obeisance all round to Kroftah.......

[crofter]

EV = Enigmatic Variations

I was sent a copy of this challenging crossword by lector and I still have the grid for No. 745 (see above). If you would like me to send you a copy of this by e-mail or Fax contact me at <[email protected]>.

I warn you this puzzle is not for the faint hearted. In the past I have won prizes for the Guardian, Times and Mephisto, but my struggle with EV is set out on AB for all to see!

[bangor]

Thanks crofter. I have sent you an email.

[crofter]

Great! I sort it out from home this evening.