The Bluebird Project

Thanks for setting me straight on the Andy Green question, I am new to the site and will need time getting up to speed (excuse the pun). Another question I was at the lake land museam in the summer to see the replicas of the car and boat, does anyone know if they were actually powered or was the boat towed for filming as when I watch the 'across the lake' it looks as though it was. I am in two minds about the film as if it does justice to the event and the man.

Tony

I was told by someone who worked on the film that the model was equipped with the engine from a Morris Minor but it's also been suggested that an outboard was strapped to it on occasions. Someone ought have a definitive answer. Anyone?

Mike Bull wrote:From a mate on a vintage TV forum who had a Blue Peter episode guide-

December 1987, third item in the programme; "Replica of Donald Campbell's Bluebird".

*does a happy dance*

Don't supose he has a copy wouldn't mind seeing it

I was fortunate enough to be able to "gatecrash" the first week of filming of Across the Lake. It's my understanding that the K7 replica was powered by a detuned F1 powerboat outboard engine. You can just make out the prop and rudder in the first pic. The air intake section was removable to allow for the crew and director to film from the pilots point of view.

Phil

It looks incredibly small there. I think a lot of people are going to get a real surprise at the scale of the real thing. She's HUGE by comparison.

I just noticed where they have put the turbine end of the jet engine looks like the jet pipe is about 6 inches long

The water brake and stabilising fin are missing too, if we're looking for details.

Good spot, Bill.

In one of the early shots of the replica K7, either one of the spray gaurds or cockipt canopy is quite badly cracked. Not watched Across The Lake for a while now but it was definititely there! Chris

They did really well at the time, not least to inspire a whole new generation who saw the film. Thats what did it for me! Chris