The History Channel: Bluebird The Curse of Campbell

[rob565uk]

I often wondered why CN7 had a telemetry system, and K7 didn't, that would answer a few questions

I have memories of an early plan for K7 showing (or describing) provision for telemetry systems mounted in the space behind Donald's seat Does anyone know if that was the case and why the systems were never fitted if so? (Cost maybe?)

[sheppane]

I often wondered why CN7 had a telemetry system, and K7 didn't, that would answer a few questions

I have memories of an early plan for K7 showing (or describing) provision for telemetry systems mounted in the space behind Donald's seat Does anyone know if that was the case and why the systems were never fitted if so? (Cost maybe?)

Rob,

I believe 3 factors here, cost, complication and weight. Quite how effective it could have been would also have been a consideration. I don't think Leo was sorry to see it go no further.

[Renegadenemo]

I suspect that's because any research that has been done on the forward engine "brace" (it wasn't a mount as such) has shown that it proably snapped when K7 was in the throws of it's somersault, as it had been designed and stressed to hold in one direction only, the feeling being that it was unlikely to try and emulate a Gnat looping the loop?

The brace didn't do anything on the Gnat, it only allowed the engine to be positioned while the aft fusealge was slipped over the jetpipe end, which then prevented the engine from going anywhere without taking the plane with it. The boat, on the other hand, was routinely subjected to shock loading that would have the wings off a plane and without anything to keep the aft end of the engine in check.
The failure during the somersault theory is a non-starter because the upper end of the tie-rod failed in tension whilst the crash placed it in compression. The CofG of the engine is well aft of the mounting trunnions because the front half the engine is mag alloy and the other is nimonic stainless so every jolt would tug on the tie-rod and that's the way it broke.
Also, the forces on the tie rod in the crash weren't as great as first thought because we hadn't realised just how far heeled over the main hull was when it hit the water, it being almost on its side, so the breaking on impact idea is even less likely.

[rob565uk]

I often wondered why CN7 had a telemetry system, and K7 didn't, that would answer a few questions

I have memories of an early plan for K7 showing (or describing) provision for telemetry systems mounted in the space behind Donald's seat Does anyone know if that was the case and why the systems were never fitted if so? (Cost maybe?)

Rob,

I believe 3 factors here, cost, complication and weight. Quite how effective it could have been would also have been a consideration. I don't think Leo was sorry to see it go no further.

Neil

Thanks for your reply

[f1steveuk]

Thanks to John (Bullivant)I've had a chance to watch this programme. Nice to see some friends on the telly, (Gina, DJT, Donald Stevens, Neil and of course 'The Corp', to name some), but as usual it asks as much as it answers!!!

I have stated that I felt that Brian Hulme had nothing to add, and that was certainly the case. How he managed to walk out to the garage with DC three days after Malcolm died and looked at K4 and decided there and then he'd "have a go" is just one example. K4 was at Vospers still with a Goblin jet in it, and it was at least two months before the auction. Donald knew before his father's death that ANY record breaking equipment, including vehicles and trophies, were to go into the sale, Donald agreed to it as it was to raise funds to set up trusts to look after ALL of the family, and Mrs Gardner, who was with her husband Goldie on the day DC told him he was going to challenge Kaiser said that DC's words were, "your to tell no one, your the first to know, I have the equipment and I'm not going to let the Yanks take the old man's record, come with me when I tell Leo". Jean (Donald's sister) was also there and confirmed this seperately, but hey, why let the truth get in the way of a good story!!

Just one example of why I wasn't totally sold on it, but there was some good footage (none that I hadn't seen before) but it got the name out there and is perfectly timed for Neil, who I know will tell it like it is, not what anyone else feels it should say.

That K7 had "flown" before (Finger Lakes and Coniston) shows how 'on the edge' DC had the balance of K7, and makes a very strong case for Donald's bravery, but nervous breakdown? No, no, no!!!