It’s always been an interest that has crossed over to many aviation enthusiasts; something about it being jet powered and high speed, perhaps? Plus as has been pointed out, K7 in its various forms has always had a fair bit of aircraft about it- in her final guise alone she used the tail fin, engine hydraulic system and a few other bits from Gnat T.1 prototype XM691, and a set of on board air start equipment from the never built second Hunting H126. Prior to that she ran the Beryl engine from the SRA1 flying boat, and even her trailer wheels came from beaching gear for the same. And at the end of the day, everyone likes a bit of daring do! Personally, I have little interest in the history of the world water speed record, and yet so far I’ve dedicated over ten years of my life (and counting) to fixing this bloody boat!
…and yes, K7 was built at Samlesbury Engineering- the bus builders!
Well, rare as it is for an aviation enthusiast to be happy about anything, I thought it was a fine programme of its type, I enjoyed it for what it was and was grateful that it was commissioned, and thanks Andy for your part in it.
Good question! The paint is called Perfection Pro, and it’s designed to flow out to a sprayed finish even after being applied with a roller; that way, we were able to paint the boat ourselves and still achieve the finish we wanted. However, this is by no means THE coat of paint- she’s had more since that video and will need more again before she goes on final, museum display.
There’s several stages to this- she’ll likely look a bit incomplete when she goes to Scotland for our training, but will look like her proper finished self for the full homecoming on Coniston- assuming the Park Authority play ball. But that’s another story!
Campbell’s Bluebird to Dip Her Toes in Scottish Loch.
A mere thirty minute ferry ride from Glasgow lies the Isle of Bute, an exquisite, cookie-cut piece of premium Scotland in all its beauty dropped into the Clyde within easy reach and the location of many an enjoyable fishing and diving holiday for Bluebird Project leader, Bill Smith.
Rich in heritage – Ettrick Bay on its west coast was the site of the first powered flight in Scotland and the training ground for soldiers destined for the D-Day landings whilst the midget submarine X-Craft, aimed at battleship Tirpitz, limbered up on the other side of the island in Rothesay Bay. But, most importantly for the Bluebird Project, is the mile and a half of flat, secluded water striking through the middle of the isle – Loch Fad.
Bluebird K7 – Donald Campbell’s legendary jet hydroplane, in build for the past ten years, is now almost complete and ready to take to the water once more. Her long anticipated resurrection, upon which she will again run at speed for demonstration purposes before going on public display, awaits only an invitation to operate on a suitable waterway with Coniston Water being the team’s first choice. But before that she must be thoroughly worked back to fighting fitness along with her operating team.
After considering various UK bodies of water, the Bluebird Project team decided that Loch Fad would be the ideal location for our crew training exercise. We are thrilled that, after extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders on the island, agreement was reached to travel to Bute in August 2018, with assistance from the British Army, to get Bluebird K7 waterborne again and under her own power for the first time in over half a century as an integral part of bringing this iconic craft, along with her historic, educational and inspirational value back to the forefront of the public conscience.
Notes to Editors.
Bluebird K7 has been in-build since December 2008 and Loch Fad will be the first time she has been afloat and under her own power since the morning of January 4th 1967
Contacts – BBP
Office 0191 2964295 We will be available for phone interviews for most of the day and for filming, etc. after 15:00
Contacts – Mount Stuart Trust
Mr Colin Boag. 01700 503877
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