The Bluebird Project

If it can be put back into service, then why not?

I can appreciate what Fred has to say, but could also argue that new information may even be found while restoring this control. At the end of the day, I am sure most of us would want to see as much of the original (1967) K7 doing what she does best.

Darren

Judging from the photo's I would say that making a completely new assembly would be the preferred route, Just from a practical point of view.
I would guess the work involved in restoring or making a new one is about the same. From my own experience trying to repair a thing like the casing ( cast alloy ? ) by welding is a difficult process with dubious results, and the "chemical" metal route a definite no-no.
Keep the original as-is and keep everybody happy ( ish ! ).
Mark G.

I had already made my decision originally . However I am taking on board what has been said so far.
I will therefore retire to ponder my final Judgment regarding this delicate matter?

Novie

"I'll Definitely Be Back"

If the BBP aim on behalf of Gina is to present the craft as it was on the morning of the 4th January and the intention is to re-use as much original material as possible then there is only one answer - bring as much of the original pieces into use and have them working properly.

The evidence that DMC had positioned the lever where it is precisely 'frozen' now, after the horrendous G forces involved in the crash, must be tenuous. Where it now is located will I assume remain recorded in photographic form (probably from every angle) and in written note form by the BBP reconstruction team.

To make the craft function after being towed away from the jetty will have meant DMC positioning a number of control switches, knobs and levers. Should these positions be retained for all time? The guages too will have been at certain points of their respective dials throughout the runs - should their positions be 'frozen' in the rebuild. DMC influenced their positions by piloting the boat, even if he did not set them ..............

Malcolm
(personal viewpoint, not that of Operations)

I can see the point of leaving the lever set as it is, it would certainly make an interesting and poignant exhibition piece aside from K7 herself - although I personally think it belongs back on the boat as a working part, doing what it was designed to do.

However, I reckon the silver lining with this dilemma is that there is no wrong answer, which is why it's a tough decision.

After spending nearly 2 years trying to find an exact replacement for the control box I honestly think that other than waste an inordinate amount of time manufacturing a completely new assembly,the best route will be to restore the original to serviceable condition.Sorry Fred, but extending your "leave it as it is" view,which you are most welcome to have and we all respect your feelings on the subject,would on a bigger scale leave K7 as a frozen monument in time,cold and dead.By conserving and refurbishing,K7 can be a living testament to Donalds "bravery and balls".Therefore in my opinion at least,and going with the general consensus,fix the bloody thing!

bluebirdsback wrote: It has always been the object of the project to use every piece possible to make her original. if we dont put that piece back as best we can then where do you stop? I can understand respect for Donald but if we didn't change things he did that day we would not have a rebuild. So from the man who took it off my, vote is it goes back on.

Nicely put, Rob - I agree fully

Ok, I retract what I said about making a new one, lets get the real memorial to our hero up and running.
I vote for rebuild/repair the original, and will leave obvious puns etc about the Donalds c**k being put back into service to others !
Cheers,
Mark G.

i am 50/50 on this, this was one of the most memorable pieces i'd recovered on a dive and i obviously want the right thing done.

because it was put in that position by donald for his attempt i do feel it should be left and a replacement made.
it would make an interesting museum piece, photos of it on display wont do it justice.

however, if gina and the team want to use as much as possible of the orginal material then i will go with that decision.

sorry being vague as always
sal

Some really good cases put forward. However I've still got the Jury out on this one personally !
Going to sleep on this I'm afraid and see if I get some divine inspiration on the matter!
Novie
"I'll Be Back"