What would Donald have made of the project?

[Excelsior2007]

Just a thought that came to me, based on a question that Bill asked Tonia during the BBC documentary. What would Donald have made of the attempt to rebuild his boat back to running coniditions? He'd probably have given the project his seal of approval.

[Renegadenemo]

It's recorded that Donald wanted the project to continue in the event of his loss and we've always viewed the 34 year hiatus before Gina took charge as small beans in the grand scheme of things. Tonia told me he'd have loved all the excitement of the lift and having met many of his friends, family and associates I think I'm fairly safe in saying that he'd have been right behind the rebuild project. Can't imagine what he, Ken and Leo would've have made of all that floor repairing nonsense, mind you.

Make some bloody new ones, old boy...

[Mike Bull]

I see it in simple terms- we're a bunch of dedicated lads, doing our best by him. Surely, that's what it was always about?

'If he required help with any job, there was no shortage of volunteers and, no matter how small or trivial the task we performed, he would always, towards the end of the day, walk up and say quietly:

"Thanks for all your help today, old boy."

-Arthur Knowles, With Campbell At Coniston

[markgengine]

I am sure DMC would support the rebuild as it will ( already does ? ) inspire real interest in the engineering, dedication and courage involved in this type of record breaking, especially in younger generations.
The alternative of displaying a wreck would have only served as a morbid memorial for the generation that remember the events at the time.
I can imagine the difference in response from my grandaughter when we go to Coniston to see the finished boat, and what she would have to say after seeing a pile of scrap.
It's a bit like the difference between attending a tattoo or a cenotaph, the first inspires and celebrates, the other just reminds us of the fallen.
Mark G.

PS wear your Poppey with pride.

[huszarail]

I think Leo would be very happy with the project, and equally chuffed to get his spanner back.

[mtskull]

I'm sure that if Donald Campbell were alive today, then he would be fully supportive of the project to restore K7 to running order. Mind you, instead of discussing whether to restore or conserve his old systems, he'd probably chuck the lot in the bin and get on with the necessary upgrades to claim his record back. "Bill, do you think you could fit a Spey in there, old boy?"

[Renegadenemo]

"Bill, do you think you could fit a Spey in there, old boy?"

I very much doubt it but we could've upsized his boat and built a Spey engined version in half the time this lot has taken...

Nigel had better get a move on because in all likelihood that's exactly what'll happen when we're finished. I just can't imagine the Bluebird Project guys saying, "Well, wasn't that fun..." then shaking hands, turning off the workshop lights and going home never to return. Not going to happen, is it.

[Mike Bull]

I for one hope not- we've got a working and personal bond in that workshop, and above all a spirit, that's second to none.

[klingon]

Oh I daresay something else will turn up!-X craft from Norway (If Bill can find it!)-few Sunderland flying boats lying around in the Clyde-The Nomadic if they don't pull their collective fingers out in Belfast-The City of Adelaide-loads of projects-all needing the sort of tlc which the BBP has become famous for!