Bluebird K7 Latest
Discussion
I dunno?
As I’ve said before, I live a stones throw from Coniston.
I’m quite tempted to go out in the car tomorrow and drive along the route that boat has made before, witness something that has been a big part my interest and life going back to when my dad gave my that autograph book.
I guess even the Ruskin Museum don’t even know what they are collecting. I dearly hope it’s not been chopped up and desecrated.
After all these years since 1967, all the acrimony, all the bad feeling. Spread across families, invested parties - the list goes on.
I really hope it does go back to the museum. Rightly or wrongly, when it came out of the water - it was the only place it should be. I know a lot feel it should have been left. But it’s happened.
Without doubt, in my own opinion, it should not have languished in a lock-up garage.
I doubt kids these days will be that bothered about an exceptional person who tried to do 300 MPH on water?
I think it needs to be captured for future generations to give an insight to a man that did.
As I’ve said before, I live a stones throw from Coniston.
I’m quite tempted to go out in the car tomorrow and drive along the route that boat has made before, witness something that has been a big part my interest and life going back to when my dad gave my that autograph book.
I guess even the Ruskin Museum don’t even know what they are collecting. I dearly hope it’s not been chopped up and desecrated.
After all these years since 1967, all the acrimony, all the bad feeling. Spread across families, invested parties - the list goes on.
I really hope it does go back to the museum. Rightly or wrongly, when it came out of the water - it was the only place it should be. I know a lot feel it should have been left. But it’s happened.
Without doubt, in my own opinion, it should not have languished in a lock-up garage.
I doubt kids these days will be that bothered about an exceptional person who tried to do 300 MPH on water?
I think it needs to be captured for future generations to give an insight to a man that did.
Grrrrrrrrrr. I’m not on Facebook or Instagram so can’t see any of the videos.
I didn’t get to see it yesterday, I was too busy with other things. I reasoned it’s at a place where I can see it from now on.
Doesn’t it look fantastic? There is a video on the BBC site.
No canopy over the cockpit though? Maybe removed for transport purposes?
It now looks complete with the Lloyd’s registry K7 infinity markings on the sponsons.
Chuffed to bits it’s back at Coniston. It’s been a long saga.
I didn’t get to see it yesterday, I was too busy with other things. I reasoned it’s at a place where I can see it from now on.
Doesn’t it look fantastic? There is a video on the BBC site.
No canopy over the cockpit though? Maybe removed for transport purposes?
It now looks complete with the Lloyd’s registry K7 infinity markings on the sponsons.
Chuffed to bits it’s back at Coniston. It’s been a long saga.
Equus said:
Voldemort said:
The museum hope to run her on Coniston Water in 2026. The museum reopens to the public on Tuesday 19th March.
A ‘plug’ with something like 5mm Polycarbonate sheet stretched over it after heat in an oven. Matched up with some Aluminium / stainless mount edge to close it to the hull.
Sounds easy, but it actually is.
It’s a weird one why it’s missing?
The Bute run showed one went missing, and another was soon found.
I’ll get some polycarbonate sheet ordered up from e-bay.
It’s not that hard.
Fantastic photo’s Mr BMW.
I really need to get up and have a look - soon!
Interesting looking at the Union Jack motif on the fin.
I remember watching footage when Bill Smith first discovered Bluebird underwater and he wiped off the algae from that part. I can only guess he’s preserved this aspect ??
Did anyone else spot that?
I really need to get up and have a look - soon!
Interesting looking at the Union Jack motif on the fin.
I remember watching footage when Bill Smith first discovered Bluebird underwater and he wiped off the algae from that part. I can only guess he’s preserved this aspect ??
Did anyone else spot that?
Good afternoon Gentlemen.
I’m quite glad I started the thread although I must admit it wasn’t done so without a sense of trepidation, or consideration. It was certainly in my thoughts not to give the Mods another headache after myself watching all the others closed down. I never contributed on any of the old ones, although the subject has always been a big interest to me.
However I sensed the situation had changed considerably when it was official that the boat was to be handed back.
I thought I knew a little about this story, however there was so much that I didn’t know. A big thank you has to go to Equus and more recently Neil for their invaluable inputs which have been excellent reading.
I’m having a day off work on Friday, I must have a run up and see it.
I’m quite glad I started the thread although I must admit it wasn’t done so without a sense of trepidation, or consideration. It was certainly in my thoughts not to give the Mods another headache after myself watching all the others closed down. I never contributed on any of the old ones, although the subject has always been a big interest to me.
However I sensed the situation had changed considerably when it was official that the boat was to be handed back.
I thought I knew a little about this story, however there was so much that I didn’t know. A big thank you has to go to Equus and more recently Neil for their invaluable inputs which have been excellent reading.
I’m having a day off work on Friday, I must have a run up and see it.
Gary C said:
dhutch said:
Gary C said:
sheppane said:
1 At speeds in excess of 310mph, Bluebird K7 was only marginally stable.
No s
t SherlockIt did seem a bit of a obvious thing to point out
and after a nice bottle of red...
Adult mode back in command, no offence ment
Garry, You won’t be the first, and no s
t Mr Holmes - you won’t be the last that’s veered onto this forum after a few.I’ve done it myself a few times…
Maybe more actually?!
Sometimes it’s the perfect way to relax looking on here after a nice bottle of Red, or two to be perfectly honest!
I don’t think DC was foolhardy in any measure, I truly believe he took his own calculated risks based upon on his own experiences.
He was after all a ‘Test Pilot’.
This was the sixties after all. A very brave man.
When Andy Green pushed Thrust SSC and smashed the LSR back 1997, that vehicle would seem absolutely analogue in this day and age.
And it had a bit of data back then to consider for reference.
Nearly 30 years ago.
I think it makes you realise why these records are not attempted more often. Especially WSR.
DC was doing both records back then.
Incredible really.
He was after all a ‘Test Pilot’.
This was the sixties after all. A very brave man.
When Andy Green pushed Thrust SSC and smashed the LSR back 1997, that vehicle would seem absolutely analogue in this day and age.
And it had a bit of data back then to consider for reference.
Nearly 30 years ago.
I think it makes you realise why these records are not attempted more often. Especially WSR.
DC was doing both records back then.
Incredible really.
Morning folks,
Lovely place Coniston, when it’s not raining, which it does - often. I’ve not visited for years, as I guess it’s a case of when it’s right on your doorstep you don’t - strangely.
I had a run up this morning, I paid £5 parking in the most central car park in Coniston (minimum) for two hours. However, I’m sure you’d find a park for free if your that way inclined. I’ve read in the local press that a planning application has been submitted by the museum for a dedicated car park to cope with the extra demand that it’s latest exhibit is drawing.
I got there just before opening time at 10:00 am and there was already a small queue outside. £10 per person entry.
Well worth everyone of them. If you have an interest - it’s a must.
It was a mighty strange feeling looking at something (actually), a subject I’ve been interested in for decades. From my late fathers anecdotes that he’d passed on to me when he used to spectate at the attempts. What I’ve read about in books, and of course film footage I’ve watched down the years. The final attempt, the recovery of the boat, the runs on Loch Fad etc.
My thoughts were / are. It’s a strange restoration, obviously very new in places, and very original in others. But, what else to do? Without doubt there is no getting away from the fact of all the hours of dedication and labour that has gone towards. It really is impressive. Hat’s off, it really does deserve recognition.
It was a special occasion for myself so I dusted off the Lotus and went up in that. By the time I came out the museum, the sun was shining on a gorgeous spring day, so I took the roof off and a wonderful blast down the side of the Lake in ‘Elise country’. Certainly better than a day at work!
Lovely place Coniston, when it’s not raining, which it does - often. I’ve not visited for years, as I guess it’s a case of when it’s right on your doorstep you don’t - strangely.
I had a run up this morning, I paid £5 parking in the most central car park in Coniston (minimum) for two hours. However, I’m sure you’d find a park for free if your that way inclined. I’ve read in the local press that a planning application has been submitted by the museum for a dedicated car park to cope with the extra demand that it’s latest exhibit is drawing.
I got there just before opening time at 10:00 am and there was already a small queue outside. £10 per person entry.
Well worth everyone of them. If you have an interest - it’s a must.
It was a mighty strange feeling looking at something (actually), a subject I’ve been interested in for decades. From my late fathers anecdotes that he’d passed on to me when he used to spectate at the attempts. What I’ve read about in books, and of course film footage I’ve watched down the years. The final attempt, the recovery of the boat, the runs on Loch Fad etc.
My thoughts were / are. It’s a strange restoration, obviously very new in places, and very original in others. But, what else to do? Without doubt there is no getting away from the fact of all the hours of dedication and labour that has gone towards. It really is impressive. Hat’s off, it really does deserve recognition.
It was a special occasion for myself so I dusted off the Lotus and went up in that. By the time I came out the museum, the sun was shining on a gorgeous spring day, so I took the roof off and a wonderful blast down the side of the Lake in ‘Elise country’. Certainly better than a day at work!
ecsrobin said:
Jim H said:
My thoughts were / are. It’s a strange restoration, obviously very new in places, and very original in others. But, what else to do? Without doubt there is no getting away from the fact of all the hours of dedication and labour that has gone towards. It really is impressive. Hat’s off, it really does deserve recognition.
If only it was given to the museum when he was meant to, I suspect the museum, he who shall not be named and Coniston would have been riding on a wave of praise these last few years and quite possibly some running. Its a right bloody shame it (the situation) got ugly, for so long, to so many.. It needn’t have. Shame really.
There was about 10 - 12 other visitors in there whilst I was.
All opened mouthed and amazed.
I recommend a visit to anyone.
Take a day off work. Take the E Type or whatever!
bigothunter said:
Jim H said:
Yep, absolutely Rob.
Its a right bloody shame it (the situation) got ugly, for so long, to so many.. It needn’t have. Shame really.
There was about 10 - 12 other visitors in there whilst I was.
All opened mouthed and amazed.
I recommend a visit to anyone.
Take a day off work. Take the E Type or whatever!
Take the E-Type Its a right bloody shame it (the situation) got ugly, for so long, to so many.. It needn’t have. Shame really.
There was about 10 - 12 other visitors in there whilst I was.
All opened mouthed and amazed.
I recommend a visit to anyone.
Take a day off work. Take the E Type or whatever!
You knew what I was referring to when I mentioned the E Type.
Good Morning Equus,
I hope you had a good day / run out, another nice day up this neck of the woods yesterday- of which have been extremely rare of late!
Some valid points well made.
The way I viewed it was from a perspective that Bluebird has been restored along the lines of its original design intent - to be a record breaker.
Certainly not a pristine museum show piece. Perhaps that’s what the restorers were keeping in mind all along?
Certainly the paint finish is a bit wonky in places, but how would it have looked back in the sixties in cellulose or japlac. Also overall, it’s a big object to fit into most spray booths which are usually for car dimensions.
I do think that both metal strips that run along the length of the hull (where the engine cover locates).
They should have been binned, they really do let it down overall.
I hope you had a good day / run out, another nice day up this neck of the woods yesterday- of which have been extremely rare of late!
Some valid points well made.
The way I viewed it was from a perspective that Bluebird has been restored along the lines of its original design intent - to be a record breaker.
Certainly not a pristine museum show piece. Perhaps that’s what the restorers were keeping in mind all along?
Certainly the paint finish is a bit wonky in places, but how would it have looked back in the sixties in cellulose or japlac. Also overall, it’s a big object to fit into most spray booths which are usually for car dimensions.
I do think that both metal strips that run along the length of the hull (where the engine cover locates).
They should have been binned, they really do let it down overall.
Fundamentally, I think this thread should always be centred around Donald’s achievements. And how he is remembered.
It was an extremely moot point when Bluebird was recovered - and is still. That situation is irreversible. Unfortunately
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
I have no idea how much the costs involved on the recovery or restoration. The man hours and materials, let alone the effort.
It’s so easy to nit- pick about something you haven’t achieved and done.
So what it’s got a wonky paint finish in places, and the rivets are not modern day aircraft standard
And obviously volunteers. Think about that. But it came out of someone’s pocket. And that must be a lot of money.
I’m fairly sure the team lost total interest in it towards the end. Who wouldn’t? You’ve effectively spent years working on it. For free.
I don’t think it looks too bad. It’s certainly better than when it came out of the water. And it was proven.
DrGn thanks. No one would have done that if they were not convinced about the safety. The run on Fad.
The arguing (about) what is right and who is wrong is absolutely pointless.
It’s happened. Move on.
It was an extremely moot point when Bluebird was recovered - and is still. That situation is irreversible. Unfortunately
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
I have no idea how much the costs involved on the recovery or restoration. The man hours and materials, let alone the effort.
It’s so easy to nit- pick about something you haven’t achieved and done.
So what it’s got a wonky paint finish in places, and the rivets are not modern day aircraft standard
And obviously volunteers. Think about that. But it came out of someone’s pocket. And that must be a lot of money.
I’m fairly sure the team lost total interest in it towards the end. Who wouldn’t? You’ve effectively spent years working on it. For free.
I don’t think it looks too bad. It’s certainly better than when it came out of the water. And it was proven.
DrGn thanks. No one would have done that if they were not convinced about the safety. The run on Fad.
The arguing (about) what is right and who is wrong is absolutely pointless.
It’s happened. Move on.
Moderator edit: cut out the personal insults please
I honestly don’t think it’ll will ever run again.
Especially on Coniston. Or anywhere. Nobody has got that fanatical enthusiasm these days. Or the deep pockets. And it has been said before? Who’s actually interested?
Nope, I had this funny feeling when I looked upon it,
the overwhelming feeling: ‘ it won’t leave this room’
There you go Equus - we agree on something.
It was ok to (ish) to see in the museum. Not exactly as one has wished.
A bit rough and ready. But nothing could or should taint the story behind it.
I think the museum will do very well out of it.
Actually very well.
Especially on Coniston. Or anywhere. Nobody has got that fanatical enthusiasm these days. Or the deep pockets. And it has been said before? Who’s actually interested?
Nope, I had this funny feeling when I looked upon it,
the overwhelming feeling: ‘ it won’t leave this room’
There you go Equus - we agree on something.
It was ok to (ish) to see in the museum. Not exactly as one has wished.
A bit rough and ready. But nothing could or should taint the story behind it.
I think the museum will do very well out of it.
Actually very well.
I’m sure I’ve said this before previously in the thread. My father used to tell me all the roads were totally gridlocked around Coniston during the attempts back in the sixties. When there were not as many people who could afford cars back then. Certainly not like today.
I was amazed that I had a free road returning from the museum on Friday. No towed caravans, no massive motor homes - which is why usually I avoid driving in that location. And visiting.
I was talking to a mate of mine at work this morning about all this. He went to visit the boat a few weeks previously. He’s also very passionate on this subject.
He was telling me that according to the Arthur Knowles book: ‘ With Campbell at Coniston’ which I do have a copy. The final attempt was supposed to take place the day before (?)
And the team couldn’t get everyone in position for the run. Due to the traffic.
I’ve not read the book for many years so I’m stretching somewhat.
I always remember going to view the Lombard RAC rally through the eighties / early nineties that always had two fantastic stages on the East side of Coniston water in Grizedale Forrest.
The traffic was absolutely bedlam. I do wonder if that’s why it got binned from Rally GB as it is now.
And that was nearly 30 years ago.
I was amazed that I had a free road returning from the museum on Friday. No towed caravans, no massive motor homes - which is why usually I avoid driving in that location. And visiting.
I was talking to a mate of mine at work this morning about all this. He went to visit the boat a few weeks previously. He’s also very passionate on this subject.
He was telling me that according to the Arthur Knowles book: ‘ With Campbell at Coniston’ which I do have a copy. The final attempt was supposed to take place the day before (?)
And the team couldn’t get everyone in position for the run. Due to the traffic.
I’ve not read the book for many years so I’m stretching somewhat.
I always remember going to view the Lombard RAC rally through the eighties / early nineties that always had two fantastic stages on the East side of Coniston water in Grizedale Forrest.
The traffic was absolutely bedlam. I do wonder if that’s why it got binned from Rally GB as it is now.
And that was nearly 30 years ago.
Edited by Jim H on Monday 22 April 16:57
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