Bluebird K7 Latest
Discussion
Equus said:
Yes, but not really more so than the FIA, which AFAIK still ban both active aero and active suspension on racing cars (despite both now being commonplace on road cars)?
It does belie the myth that these sorts of projects lead to advances in engineering knowledge, though.
Yes, that really ended in the 80's with the FW15 It does belie the myth that these sorts of projects lead to advances in engineering knowledge, though.
Equus said:
Gary C said:
Crikey. Really old school
Yes, but not really more so than the FIA, which AFAIK still ban both active aero and active suspension on racing cars (despite both now being commonplace on road cars)?It does belie the myth that these sorts of projects lead to advances in engineering knowledge, though.
dr_gn said:
Just because active suspension was banned for the 1994 F1 season doesn't mean that at the time it didn't advance technology, or that the technology wasn't subsequently adopted for road cars, and refined and developed into the systems currently in use.
Of course not: Lotus' original work on active suspension (both on its F1 cars and the Esprit active prototype) formed the backbone of the technology as it is used today....But clearly racing (or record breaking) can contribute no further to a particular technology, once that technology has been banned.
For what it's worth, AFAIK the UIM ban on 'active' control systems was in response to the perceived 'threat' (cost) of such technology, once they saw what was happening in the world of car racing. I'm not aware of any boats that implemented active aerodynamics before the rule banning it was brought in (the obvious application would be 'active' or gyro-assisted trim tabs on offshore boats, though, and I'm not into offshore racing, so perhaps Motorvator could comment on that one)..
Conversely, for boats, the rules have actually been slackened with respect to aerodynamic devices generally: they use to ban (from memory... I can't remember the specific wording) any device specifically intended to generate aerodynamic lift. This proved both unenforceable (the whole hull of a conventional 3-point hydroplane is designed to generate laerodynamic lift!) and against the best interests of safety, so was quietly dropped.
Vaguely back on topic with the WWSR, my understanding is that the tailplane on the current record holder, Spirit of Australia, bypassed the old rule because it is intended as a 'stabiliser' rather than a liftiing device: it's a symmetrical aerofoil and at the boat's normal running trim is set at zero degrees of incidence, so that it produces neither lift nor downforce. If the boats nose pitches up, however, the stabiliser gains a positive angle of incidence and starts generating lift at the back, to cancel it out (and in the unlikely case of the stern lifting, it would have a negative angle of incidence that would help push it back down).
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!
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. 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!
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!
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.
I managed to get up there this morning.
I was genuinely appalled and dismayed by what appears to be their end result.
A lot of the original metal appears to be now held together with paint (and paint applied by brush, in a dusty shed, at that) and what the BBP personnel referred to as 'choccy sauce. When I was a teenager, I hand-painted an old Hillman Imp in blue Japlac (does anyone remember that?) and the end result was very similar. Obviously, you can't see the structural spaceframe, but if it's in anything remotely resembling the condition of the original metalwork that can be seen, there's no way the boat should have run, or should ever be allowed to run again.
What puzzles me is that no-one has commented on this previously... the only thing I can imagine is that among his cronies, he-who-shall-not-be-named holds sufficient sway as to command an 'Emperor's New Clothes' approach from those around him.
What is sitting in the Ruskin is a badly-restored Frankenstein's monster of a thing. Neither fish, nor fowl - neither conserved with sympathy, nor restored to present the craft as it would have been in period. If anyone think's I'm exaggerating, I'd encourage them to view K7 as she currently sits in the Ruskin, then view Parry Thomas' restored 'Babs' (which was in similarly bad condition) as a benchmark. Or visit the paddock of any historic motor race, or the restoration hanger at Duxford (bearing in mind that the latter were originally put forward to do the work).
Frankly, K7 as she now stands shows every sign of being a badly bodged-together mess. If you sent a car away to a professional restorer and they returned something looking like this, then never mind not paying them: you'd sue them without hesitation for the cost of undoing the work and putting it right.
It seems clear to me that the wreck that was recovered from the lake was in no fit state to ever be restored to running condition, if you wished to maintain the slightest degree of originality. The experts from the Lottery Commission wanted to see the original material properly conserved, with the 'gaps' being filled in with new material painted green, to clearly distinguish it. That sounds to me like it would have been a better approach: far more respectful of the original material.
The alternative would be to do what has been done with 'Babs' (or the warbirds restored at Duxford), which entirely replaced any material or components not capable of being restored to original condition with new, so that the end result shows the vehicle as it properly was in period (but originality inevitably takes a knock).
I only had the camera on my mobile phone, so apologies for the quality of the following (and trust me, these actually flatter the real standard of finish and paint). Note also the number of missing screws and poor fit of the panels - Leo Villa must be spinning in his grave):
.
Jim H said:
My thoughts were / are. It’s a strange restoration, obviously very new in places, and very original in others.
^^^ Very much this (if you're determined to put it politely).Jim H said:
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.
^^^ But to say this summary is excessively generous is an understatement, to say the least, IMO.I was genuinely appalled and dismayed by what appears to be their end result.
A lot of the original metal appears to be now held together with paint (and paint applied by brush, in a dusty shed, at that) and what the BBP personnel referred to as 'choccy sauce. When I was a teenager, I hand-painted an old Hillman Imp in blue Japlac (does anyone remember that?) and the end result was very similar. Obviously, you can't see the structural spaceframe, but if it's in anything remotely resembling the condition of the original metalwork that can be seen, there's no way the boat should have run, or should ever be allowed to run again.
What puzzles me is that no-one has commented on this previously... the only thing I can imagine is that among his cronies, he-who-shall-not-be-named holds sufficient sway as to command an 'Emperor's New Clothes' approach from those around him.
What is sitting in the Ruskin is a badly-restored Frankenstein's monster of a thing. Neither fish, nor fowl - neither conserved with sympathy, nor restored to present the craft as it would have been in period. If anyone think's I'm exaggerating, I'd encourage them to view K7 as she currently sits in the Ruskin, then view Parry Thomas' restored 'Babs' (which was in similarly bad condition) as a benchmark. Or visit the paddock of any historic motor race, or the restoration hanger at Duxford (bearing in mind that the latter were originally put forward to do the work).
Frankly, K7 as she now stands shows every sign of being a badly bodged-together mess. If you sent a car away to a professional restorer and they returned something looking like this, then never mind not paying them: you'd sue them without hesitation for the cost of undoing the work and putting it right.
It seems clear to me that the wreck that was recovered from the lake was in no fit state to ever be restored to running condition, if you wished to maintain the slightest degree of originality. The experts from the Lottery Commission wanted to see the original material properly conserved, with the 'gaps' being filled in with new material painted green, to clearly distinguish it. That sounds to me like it would have been a better approach: far more respectful of the original material.
The alternative would be to do what has been done with 'Babs' (or the warbirds restored at Duxford), which entirely replaced any material or components not capable of being restored to original condition with new, so that the end result shows the vehicle as it properly was in period (but originality inevitably takes a knock).
I only had the camera on my mobile phone, so apologies for the quality of the following (and trust me, these actually flatter the real standard of finish and paint). Note also the number of missing screws and poor fit of the panels - Leo Villa must be spinning in his grave):
.
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.
Jim H said:
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.
Both K7 and CN7 were originally built to a very high standard: it's almost one of Donald's defining characteristics that whilst most previous LSR machines were fairly crude devices (less so boats, because boat builders tend to be craftsmen who take pride in their efforts), Donald's machines were designed and built to pretty much aerospace standards for the time, because he genuinely believed (rightly, at the time) that his efforts reflected on the prestige of British engineering as a whole.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.
...It's actually become a bit of an awkward legacy, because the likes of Noble and MacKnight now take a similar approach, meaning that British unlimited record-breakers are overly 'technological' and take fantastic amounts of time and money to build.
That aside, Leo Villa certainly wouldn't have allowed her to run with panels perforated and control surfaces that were pitted with corrosion.
This is the rudder of Sir Malcolm's Bluebird K3, as she currently exists (restored):
Click on the image for full size
This is the rudder of a 'modern' record breaker (Jim Noone's Miss Windermere VI from 1997), in running order:
This is an Imp-engined R1 class hydroplane (a budget race class from the 70's and 80's):
This is what's currently hanging off the back of K7:
It's certainly not how she would have looked on the morning of 4th January 1967, which is what BBP's brief and agreement for the restoration was.
Jim H said:
Also overall, it’s a big object to fit into most spray booths which are usually for car dimensions.
Oh, come now: when was the last time you saw a London bus or an aircraft that looked like it had been painted from a pot of Smoothrite by the guy who sweeps the floor?Edited by Equus on Sunday 21st April 09:08
Equus said:
^^^ But to say this summary is excessively generous is an understatement, to say the least, IMO.
I was genuinely appalled and dismayed by what appears to be their end result.
A lot of the original metal appears to be now held together with paint (and paint applied by brush, in a dusty shed, at that) and what the BBP personnel referred to as 'choccy sauce. When I was a teenager, I hand-painted an old Hillman Imp in blue Japlac (does anyone remember that?) and the end result was very similar. Obviously, you can't see the structural spaceframe, but if it's in anything remotely resembling the condition of the original metalwork that can be seen, there's no way the boat should have run, or should ever be allowed to run again.
What puzzles me is that no-one has commented on this previously... the only thing I can imagine is that among his cronies, he-who-shall-not-be-named holds sufficient sway as to command an 'Emperor's New Clothes' approach from those around him.
What is sitting in the Ruskin is a badly-restored Frankenstein's monster of a thing. Neither fish, nor fowl - neither conserved with sympathy, nor restored to present the craft as it would have been in period. If anyone think's I'm exaggerating, I'd encourage them to view K7 as she currently sits in the Ruskin, then view Parry Thomas' restored 'Babs' (which was in similarly bad condition) as a benchmark. Or visit the paddock of any historic motor race, or the restoration hanger at Duxford (bearing in mind that the latter were originally put forward to do the work).
Frankly, K7 as she now stands shows every sign of being a badly bodged-together mess. If you sent a car away to a professional restorer and they returned something looking like this, then never mind not paying them: you'd sue them without hesitation for the cost of undoing the work and putting it right.
It seems clear to me that the wreck that was recovered from the lake was in no fit state to ever be restored to running condition, if you wished to maintain the slightest degree of originality. The experts from the Lottery Commission wanted to see the original material properly conserved, with the 'gaps' being filled in with new material painted green, to clearly distinguish it. That sounds to me like it would have been a better approach: far more respectful of the original material.
The alternative would be to do what has been done with 'Babs' (or the warbirds restored at Duxford), which entirely replaced any material or components not capable of being restored to original condition with new, so that the end result shows the vehicle as it properly was in period (but originality inevitably takes a knock).
I only had the camera on my mobile phone, so apologies for the quality of the following (and trust me, these actually flatter the real standard of finish and paint). Note also the number of missing screws and poor fit of the panels - Leo Villa must be spinning in his grave):
.
That was my fear about meeting a hero...I was genuinely appalled and dismayed by what appears to be their end result.
A lot of the original metal appears to be now held together with paint (and paint applied by brush, in a dusty shed, at that) and what the BBP personnel referred to as 'choccy sauce. When I was a teenager, I hand-painted an old Hillman Imp in blue Japlac (does anyone remember that?) and the end result was very similar. Obviously, you can't see the structural spaceframe, but if it's in anything remotely resembling the condition of the original metalwork that can be seen, there's no way the boat should have run, or should ever be allowed to run again.
What puzzles me is that no-one has commented on this previously... the only thing I can imagine is that among his cronies, he-who-shall-not-be-named holds sufficient sway as to command an 'Emperor's New Clothes' approach from those around him.
What is sitting in the Ruskin is a badly-restored Frankenstein's monster of a thing. Neither fish, nor fowl - neither conserved with sympathy, nor restored to present the craft as it would have been in period. If anyone think's I'm exaggerating, I'd encourage them to view K7 as she currently sits in the Ruskin, then view Parry Thomas' restored 'Babs' (which was in similarly bad condition) as a benchmark. Or visit the paddock of any historic motor race, or the restoration hanger at Duxford (bearing in mind that the latter were originally put forward to do the work).
Frankly, K7 as she now stands shows every sign of being a badly bodged-together mess. If you sent a car away to a professional restorer and they returned something looking like this, then never mind not paying them: you'd sue them without hesitation for the cost of undoing the work and putting it right.
It seems clear to me that the wreck that was recovered from the lake was in no fit state to ever be restored to running condition, if you wished to maintain the slightest degree of originality. The experts from the Lottery Commission wanted to see the original material properly conserved, with the 'gaps' being filled in with new material painted green, to clearly distinguish it. That sounds to me like it would have been a better approach: far more respectful of the original material.
The alternative would be to do what has been done with 'Babs' (or the warbirds restored at Duxford), which entirely replaced any material or components not capable of being restored to original condition with new, so that the end result shows the vehicle as it properly was in period (but originality inevitably takes a knock).
I only had the camera on my mobile phone, so apologies for the quality of the following (and trust me, these actually flatter the real standard of finish and paint). Note also the number of missing screws and poor fit of the panels - Leo Villa must be spinning in his grave):
.
dr_gn said:
I’ll go and see it if I ever go up there again, but like many heavily rebuilt things, I wouldn’t be entirely sure what I was looking at in terms of provenance. At least that’s not the case with the engine that’s on display.
On balance I think it should have been left alone in the lake - it seems to ultimately cause a load of misery for whoever gets involved with it.
Must admit I got the impression most of the external stuff was either new or just a bit wrinkly. Then again I don't recall seeing any high resolution images of the details. Maybe the desire to preserve every single possible original part went a bit too far in some places? On balance I think it should have been left alone in the lake - it seems to ultimately cause a load of misery for whoever gets involved with it.
I'd be surprised if any of the Bute pilots woud have risked it unless they'd seen evidence to confirm it was structurally fit to run - They're not daft.
Totally agree Equus. I know I sound like some sycophantic child, but you are absolutely right.
Either rebuild it to original spec and lose some originality, or leave it as she came out of the lake ( I know Coniston isn't a 'lake') so we can see the full horror of what happened that day.
What we have (lovely to see her in the Ruskin though) is a dog's breakfast. Neither restored nor rebuilt.
Either rebuild it to original spec and lose some originality, or leave it as she came out of the lake ( I know Coniston isn't a 'lake') so we can see the full horror of what happened that day.
What we have (lovely to see her in the Ruskin though) is a dog's breakfast. Neither restored nor rebuilt.
I’m no expert in metal bashing but I do have an aerospace background (Avionics). Looking at the riveting on the side panels in the above photos makes me question the quality of the whole rebuild. To the untrained eye it looks truly appalling and would never be seen on an aircraft.
As for paint finish, when I was on an F-4 Squadron in the 80s, we regularly had aircraft repainted in the hangar. By that time, the aircraft were adorned in air defence grey and would be reapplied with hand rollers, not a spray gun in sight! Hardly a high speed finish but that’s how it was done so maybe Bluebird compares favourably. I’m currently down in the Lakes so hopefully will get to Coniston this week and see for myself. I’ll try to restrain from making negative noises within earshot of the Ruskin staff.
As for paint finish, when I was on an F-4 Squadron in the 80s, we regularly had aircraft repainted in the hangar. By that time, the aircraft were adorned in air defence grey and would be reapplied with hand rollers, not a spray gun in sight! Hardly a high speed finish but that’s how it was done so maybe Bluebird compares favourably. I’m currently down in the Lakes so hopefully will get to Coniston this week and see for myself. I’ll try to restrain from making negative noises within earshot of the Ruskin staff.
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
dr_gn said:
I'd be surprised if any of the Bute pilots woud have risked it unless they'd seen evidence to confirm it was structurally fit to run - They're not daft.
Not daft like John Cobb, Reid Railton and Peter DuCane?Or not daft like Les Staudacher, perhaps?
Both, let's not forget, misjudged how extreme the loadings can be on jet hydroplanes at high speed and paid the price* (Cobb was killed; Staudacher merely left with a permanent disability).**
* Staudacher (who for those not familiar with his name, is the best known and most experienced builder of Unlimited Hydroplanes, ever) actually did so twice: as I mentioned in passing earlier in the thread, he lost Tempo Alcoa to a structural failure of the sponson, after an earlier crash and fortunately under radio control so that no pilot was harmed, but then was very badly injured himself when the rudder tore loose on Miss Stars and Stripes II at speed).
** I won't mention Lee Taylor, 'cos we're none of us absolutely sure whether to put his death down to structural failure or dynamic instability, but of course K7 was/is not immune to the latter, either.
Edited by Equus on Sunday 21st April 16:56
Jim H said:
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.
Let's also not forget that there is one, single man who is responsible for that: the Lottery Commission expressed a willingness to fund the restoration, in which case it would have certainly been done to a much higher standard (likely by the experts at Duxford; likely much quicker than BBP managed it), had a certain loud-mouthed Geordy gobsSo 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.
te refused to let them play, unless they were willing to play to his rules.Don't fall for the BBP propaganda that they were the only team who could have managed it, nor the suggestion that it came out of just one pocket... it came out of many, many pockets.
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