Other Speed Record Breakers Are Available!

[Renegadenemo]

Should we warn anyone Bill, Greenpeace, coast guard etc?

Used to dive for Greenpeace. They're all lunatics - in a nice way. Last trip was on Esperanza in 2005, I think. Grabbing coral of the Isle of Mingulay. Happy days.

[Malcolm Ops]

I hope that those who study the subject of speed history learn from this story and we will see it applied to a subject close to enthusiasts hearts.

Have no fear, Malcolm. 'Diver Bill Smith' is about to return - gulp!

I was able to watch a wreck diving programme (probably about 2004) on the box, where a side scan radar was being used. Now, who should be watching the screen and interpreting the images ..... ???

[ace_chris]

Richard's found a new project then, and this time its on water! http://www.railtonwaterspeed.uk/

[f1steveuk]

Well said Sir Malcolm! And a similar situation with Bluebird K3 I guess too

Don't get that, K3 was sold by Sir Malcolm, and has a chain of documented sales until PFH brought it when I told him Thorpe Park were selling it. There's no confusion over ownership, it goes where the owner says it does!

As for Richard's new project, it's an interesting one.

I found the model during research for the Railton biography and my own Crusader book. Tempted as I was to buy it, I mentioned it to Richard who was all over the idea, and he went and gave the then owner one hell of a shock when he knocked on the door!

Sadly, no drawings survive by Railton on what he envisaged, so the rear floats are as the model was built, RAR always getting it to work first, then worry about getting it to float, but we are keen to see if it works. But I do have two sketches Railton did, so who knows!!!

My Crusader book is just on the point of going to press, but I have two additions to do, Richard's project and another very exciting new addition to the Crusader tail...........

[mtskull]

Jessi Combs’s record attempts in North American Eagle have ended tragically:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/world-us-canada-49504222

[mtskull]

Am I just very cynical, or am I correct in thinking that 477mph in a wingless 1950's aircraft is pushing neither the boundaries of speed nor technology?

If you're very cynical, then so am I. I think NAE will either...

1, quietly go away and never achieve anything,
2, be put out of business by Bloodhound or
3, kill someone.

Prophetic words, Mr. Bull.....

[Renegadenemo]

I was never a fan of NAE. It was a compromise at best and not a great one in my opinion. Such a shame and a total waste of a young life.