The Bluebird Project

I don't want to sound like a fool... But here goes!

Where is Bluebird K4?

I went to the Lakeland Motor Museum, where a replica is – and was thinking back to all the literature I have read on the Campbells and can't remember any mention of it's current location beyond it sinking.

When it sank, was it raised, or is it still at the bottom somewhere?

Thanks,

Rich.

blackandblue wrote:I don't want to sound like a fool... But here goes!

Where is Bluebird K4?

I went to the Lakeland Motor Museum, where a replica is – and was thinking back to all the literature I have read on the Campbells and can't remember any mention of it's current location beyond it sinking.

When it sank, was it raised, or is it still at the bottom somewhere?

Thanks,

Rich.

Bluebird K4 was recovered and found to be beyond repair. Depending on whose account you read, she was either broken up and burnt on the shore of Coniston Water, or taken back down south to Donald Campbell's workshop and dismantled there. I'm sure there is somebody on this forum who can give you a definitive answer but it is safe to say K4 no longer exists.

blackandblue wrote:I don't want to sound like a fool... But here goes!

Where is Bluebird K4?

I went to the Lakeland Motor Museum, where a replica is – and was thinking back to all the literature I have read on the Campbells and can't remember any mention of it's current location beyond it sinking.

When it sank, was it raised, or is it still at the bottom somewhere?

Thanks,

Rich.

It remained on the slipway at Coniston, beyond repair and stripped of its engine and transmission into 1952, It was then removed to Bill Colley's in Hounslow, where it remained until it was disposed of by burning in the early 60's.
The engine and gear were stripped at Coniston, and probably sold for scrap. There whereabout are to the best of my knowledge unknowm

Hope that helps,

Neil

I'm sure I've asked this before, at some point over the years, but I really can't remember: Does anyone know if the original drawings are still in existence?

How interesting, thanks all! What a shame, but I guess it's easy to say that now. Has anyone come across any pics of K4, when it was sitting on the shores of Coniston?

blackandblue wrote:How interesting, thanks all! What a shame, but I guess it's easy to say that now. Has anyone come across any pics of K4, when it was sitting on the shores of Coniston?

Hi there ,

I've attached a page from my Campbell Achive showing the 'R' engine being removd after heccident.

Regards, Fred

As has been said, stripped at Coniston. I have seen a letter written by John Cobb to Reid Railton after he visited lakes around Britain to run Crusader. He makes reference to seeing the wreck on the shore of Coniston, "looking very forlorn". Leo says they burnt some stuff at Coniston, but the main hull was taken to Coley's because of all the Duralmin in the hull.

In a letter to Castrol in 1971, Leo states, "if your trying to make K3 appear as complete as possible, I have some of the instruments, but the drive shafts, props and skeg are in a wooden case marked "not worth melting down" at Coley's yard in Hounslow, along with the spare R Types". The was never a reference they were moved when the yard shut down, and the area still hasn't been built on................

All the original drawings exist (I put two of them in Leap Into Legend) and I gave some of them to someone on this forum. Vospers have them archived, but they are also on mircofiche.

f1steveuk wrote:All the original drawings exist (I put two of them in Leap Into Legend) and I gave some of them to someone on this forum. Vospers have them archived, but they are also on mircofiche.

In that case, who's up for a spot of wood/tin bashing and ping-pong ball packing?

If another 'tribute act' were to spring up anywhere, I think K4 would make a pretty stunning candidate. I'm slightly surprised that it hasn't been looked at already.

There's a project for you then, Dominic.

The mind is certainly willing but, alas, the body is not these days.