Since the early 1920s, the name Bluebird has been synonymous with world speed record breaking on land and water. Driven first by Sir Malcolm Campbell, then his son Donald, and latterly by Donald's nephew Donald Wales in electric powered vehicles, they have consistently pushed records ever higher. This book is the story of the design and construction of the fastest of the Bluebirds, the Campbell-Norris 7 (CN7). This car, now resident in the National Motor Museum at England, is the most sophisticated design ever produced for a wheel-driven record breaker. Using methods and materials developed for the aircraft industry, the CN7, given suitable running conditions, was capable in 1960 of a speed exceeding that produced by the present wheel-driven record holder 19 years later. The author was first employed by the designers, Norris Brothers Ltd, as a design draughtsman on the Bluebird K7 hydroplane. After completing his National Service in the RAF, he rejoined the company to work with the two chief designers developing the specification for CN7, and he later became project coordinator for its construction.
Since the early 1920s, the name Bluebird has been synonymous with world speed record breaking on land and water. Driven first by Sir Malcolm Campbell, then his son Donald, and latterly by Donald's nephew Donald Wales in electric powered vehicles, they have consistently pushed records ever higher. This book is the story of the design and construction of the fastest of the Bluebirds, the Campbell-Norris 7 (CN7). This car, now resident in the National Motor Museum at England, is the most sophisticated design ever produced for a wheel-driven record breaker. Using methods and materials developed for the aircraft industry, the CN7, given suitable running conditions, was capable in 1960 of a speed exceeding that produced by the present wheel-driven record holder 19 years later. The author was first employed by the designers, Norris Brothers Ltd, as a design draughtsman on the Bluebird K7 hydroplane. After completing his National Service in the RAF, he rejoined the company to work with the two chief designers developing the specification for CN7, and he later became project coordinator for its construction.
Donald Stevens was born in the East End of London, but grew up in
Haywards Heath, the Sussex market town to which he was evacuated in
1939. In his early teenage years he became fascinated by aeroplanes
and other machines, and on leaving school began training as a
mechanical engineer.
At 19, he joined the newly-formed design consultancy Norris
Brothers Ltd as its first employee, and became a member of the
design team for Donald Campbell’s Bluebird hydroplane. Following
National Service in the RAF, Donald became project co-ordinator for
the design and construction of the Bluebird car.
This is his first book.
"Essential reading for anyone interested in the Proteus-powered
beauty." - Classic Sports Car
"This book is as engrossing as it is inspiring. Perhaps the best
book ever written on a land speed car." - Racecar Engineering"With
many previously unpublished photos, drawings and speed graphs, this
book will prove fascinating to anyone with even the faintest
interest in Campbell and the Bluebirds. A superb 160-page, very
personal account of one of Britain's great and serial speed record
competitors." - Totalkitcar
"This book is excellent for both technical and not so technical
readers. This is a book to savour and revisit time after time.
Donald Stevens waited a long time to write this book. We should be
grateful he let us into his world." - Fast Facts
"There are plenty of technical details and illustrations in this
book to keep the mechanically minded engrossed, but the background
to the personalities involved, the fascinating contributions of the
various specialist suppliers and the nail-biting
will-they/won't-they excitement make this a highly recommended read
to anybody with an interest in cars, record breaking or British
engineering and endeavour at its finest." - MG Enthusiast
"Highly recommended, particularly to engineering readers." -
Speedscene
"A well-written and fascinating book that's packed with interesting
photographs, drawings and other information. It's an absolute
'must' for anyone with an interest in the 'Bluebird Era.'" - Teme
Valley Times
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
