Interesting vid. Let me add further in-depth information. I am born and bred in Woomera, South Australia which is known internationally as a weapons research prohibited area, essentially a highly secretive test range. Woomera was an essential point for British weapons testing and detonation, both nuclear and non nuclear. Lake Eyre is within the prohibited area, so extensive discussions with both the Australian and British military was required to obtain permission to both enter the area and conduct time trials. The initial request was in 1961, granted with detailed regulations in 1962 for year 1963.The base for the Bluebird crew was a station nearby where outback hospitality was extended to over 50 people. This hospitality extended to the stations comprehensive workshop where repairs and modifications were performed. To further assist, both Australian and British engineers, of army and air force, offered extensive use of materials, workshops and knowledge. My grandfather, a jet propulsion senior engineer, worked to modify the fuel injection system that suffered heat soak under Australia's harsh heat. The modifications performed by the military were small but extensive. When the first attempt failed and the crew returned to England, fourteen tons of spares specific for the Bluebird remained in storage at the station. My grandfather assuring me that there were enough spares to build another CN7 Bluebird driveline if required. On return in 1964, with a successful run and record now complete, the Bluebird was returned to Britain but 60% of the unused CN7 parts and equipment were left at the station, their return being highly cost restrictive. Subsequently, service personal, surrounding station staff and the population of Woomera were presented with signed memorabilia by Donald Campbell himself in the form of the excess equipment as a gesture of thanks. This memorabilia is now spread throughout the world as Woomera personall returned to their country of origin. The Woomera museum and Eldo Hotel have numerous pieces of memorabilia, my grandfather has several, from parts of the jet propulsion system, signed dashboard gauges modified in Woomera by instrument mechanics to increase accuracy to a spare steering wheel. All signed. All in vacuum sealed cases. He still speaks of the day. Just as a footnote, there is a cairn with a brass plate at the southern tip of Lake Eyre acknowledging the feat. Hope this info generates further discussions. 👍👍🇭🇲
@@andyharman3022 Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is approximately 400 kilometres North Northeast of Lake Gairdner in remote South Australia. The closest town being Woomera, which is my place of birth and employment. Due to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre extreme remoteness, difficult access, inconsistent surface thickness and subsurface moisture content, international recognised ecoenviroment, and sacred aboriginal beliefs, the lake and associated areas are not used for salt racing. The last recorded attempt was the Bluebird CN7. Dry lake racing at Lake Gairdner is controlled by Dry Lake Racers Australia www.dlra.org.au/. Speed Week, the DLRA week of madness on the 'big white dyno', is truly unique and spectacular. Hope this helps. 👍👍🇭🇲 This link leads to a great story of dry lake racing in Australia...www.thecourier.com.au/story/6042717/into-the-big-blue-and-red-and-white-of-australias-salt-lakes/
I think it is unfair to put thrust driven records in the same category as wheel driven ones, as the challenges each kind present are completely different. In my opinion the term "land speed" should be reserved for vehicles whose method of propulsion is leveraging the land itself, not the air above it.
At the very least there should be two catagories. It's a bit like drag racing, I feel like the jet/rocket powered vehicles are cheating, they're like a rollerskate with a firework strapped on.
I agree and why aren't I surprised when the Yanks always find a way to bend the rules in their efforts to win a race or set land speed records. The America's Cup is a good example where they won by changing the rules not by sticking to them and winning through their efforts..
@@Snakefinger1000 That's the bloody yanks through and through. Who else calls a game nobody else plays "the world series"? They'd rather win in the courtroom with lawyers arguing the rules rather than win on the racetrack within the parameters everyone else races by.
again this should not be in the same category as piston engined cars , george poteet now has set a record of some 480mph with a single internal combustion engine ,from a domestic car engine , that is a real record
Bluebird CN7 was a beautiful car and a technical achievement-Donald always was in the shadow of his famous father but he was not only a talented man in his own right but also a very brave man Thanks you for the doc it was much appreciated
That the first-generation aluminum car was able to keep its pilot alive despite crashing at over 300 mph is testament to the quality of its construction. Record or no record, it was a stunning achievement.
i have a hard copy of the book with a nice cover it is excellent condition and a classic car magazine with a large blue bird feature i was 9 - 10 yo when all this was happening and mum had a corner shop everyone who came in shopping had something to say about donald = i just loved him and bluebird so lovely wow all my pal`s were talking and their dad`s new about the engine so unusual ! great video - thank you !
There was a wonderful book written, sometime around 1978-80, called The Record Breakers, by Leo Beebe. (How I remember his name 40 years on, I'll never know). It chronicled the lives and record breaking careers of both Malcolm and Donald Campbell. I had it when it was new, as I had some sort of bulletin from Motorbooks International, alerting me of new releases. Sadly, I sold all my car and racing books during hard times in the 90s, and they are irreplaceable. I hope you find a copy someday.
This was my first memory of a land speed record breaking vehicle as described to me by my Dad around 1970 when I was 6/7 years old. I have never forgotten that. Great presentation as always, thumbs up.
Excellent episode thanks! I recall from Leo Villas's book that the cause of the crash may have been exhaust fumes entering the cockpit, Donald said he didn't feel well during the run.
Land speed records became my childhood obsession after I received the 1972 Guinness Book of Records for my tenth birthday. My favorite car was the Bluebird that exceeded 400 MPH on Lake Eyre in my State of South Australia. I am reliving my childhood watching these videos. Thankyou Mr. Scarf And Goggles for your entertaining and informative documentaries dedicated to the brave pioneers of speed records. I am subscribing to your channel and hope you continue to publish more fascinating stories.
Interesting that this guy never talks about Mickey Thomson's Challenger and a land speed record of 406 MPH in 1960, years before Bluebird. And in a piston driven car, no less.
Thanks for your comment. I'm planning a video on Mickey Thomson and Challenger soon. You're correct, he set a speed record in 1960 but mechanical issues prevented a two-way run and so he was never awarded the World Land Speed Record. Challenger was a fantastic piece of engineering!
@@ScarfAndGoggles Bluebird wheel driven record soon beat by Goldenrod in 1965. Built by some California hot rodders building Goldenrod with four Chrysler Hemi production based engines and beat the Bluebird record for wheel driven cars. A shoestring budget, compared to Bluebird, in their backyard fruit shed beating all the resources Campbell put together. An amazing achievement setting a record for wheel driven cars unsupercharged that lasted from 1965 to 2011 and then just another 5 mph. The Summers brother's also had to deal with rain at Bonneville causing issues.
Excellent presentation, thank you for posting. No doubt CN7 had a lot of potential beyond 400mph. I had the pleasure of following Don Vesco down course in his Turbinator Streamliner in October 1997. He made a one way pass at 427mph with 3600 hp and 4 wheel drive. And , oh by the way, pushing a wagon down course with a jet engine is not 'land speed' its speed near land. putting down 3600 hp through 4 tire patches of 4 x 6 inches is an art. With just a few more opportunities, CN7 could have rewritten the history.
Truly a great car I remember seeing it as it did come down under to Australia again in the 1980s and was placed for a while on display at the National Motor Museum at Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia before returning back home to the UK.
I second that! I'd love to see just how fast it could go - it's full potential was never realised. You'd have to think it could take the record back from Turbinator, at the very least. If it were to achieve 500mph as some have speculated, that would probably put the record beyond reach and it would stand forever. Imagine.
Bluebird wheel driven record soon beaten by Goldenrod in 1965. Built by some California hot rodders building Goldenrod with four Chrysler Hemi production based engines and beat the Bluebird record for wheel driven cars. A shoestring budget, compared to Bluebird, in their backyard fruit shed beating all the resources Campbell put together. An amazing achievement setting a record for wheel driven cars unsupercharged that lasted from 1965 to 2011 and then just another 5 mph. Amazing using engines found in road cars. The Summers brother's also had to deal with rain at Bonneville causing issues.
All the bluebird landspeed record cars must be the most beautiful cars that were ever made in their day, the golden arrow never had a look in even though its supposed to be the most beautiful land speed car in it, best wishes from george
Really enjoy this channel. The info is amazing and the research you've put into these wonderful videos is truly Awesome. Huge Thanks!! Cheers from Aus!
Thank you for sharing - we are celebrating this month as we come up to what would have been Donald's 100th Year on the 23rd March! I'm releasing a brand new record for his birthday and an album containing 8 records for his 8 records achieved! Xx
Thanks for your comment, and best of luck with your new record! I've just published a biography video, in tribute to Donald as we approach his centenary.
If you look at the photo from 04.30 to 04.55 you will see that Bluebird CN7 is positioned at starting position marked by the number 13. If Donald Campbell did not like the heads-up display because the digits were green which he considered to be unlucky then I wonder if he realized the number where the car was placed.
The Bristol Proteous turbine engine was designed as a turboprop engine aka a turbine driving a propellor, the Proteous was used on the Britannia airliner
Interesting comment which begs the question as to whether it's proper designation is gas turbine which in it's original form for the Britannia drove propellers, hence turboprop. Proteus was also used to power ships and generate electricity.
@@andyharman3022 I kinda knew that..... I was ruminating on description. Originally, in Britain, they would have referred to it as a 'propeller turbine'. Descriptive but cumbersome!👍
Awesome story telling.Campbell's Bluebird CN7 is first among speed record breaking cars i heard about.Suggestion,if i may-Gary Gabelich's "Blue Flame",first car to break 1000 km/h barrier.
I actually have sat in that very car at Olympia festival in London UK in about 1956, I was three. They would not start the engine for me! I was told the battery was flat, TRUE! Lolololol.☹️
Saw many times cobs reailton special at the old science museum in new hall st b/ham in 50s 60s 70s and 80s . Museum finally closed and the think tank opend.
Lake Eyre is usually a huge dry salt pan, but it does flood and it can happen quite unexpectedly. Ex tropical cyclones hundreds of miles away can flood it.
That late summer of 1960. There could have been a drag race between Campbell, Arfons ,Thompson and Ostich. Or Campbell could have been so impressed by Ostich 's jet car that he could have built a jet car himself with an Avon engine.
I saw the bluebird on display at the Adelaide Motor Show, South Australia in the 1980s. I was amazed at how big it was. I was also disappointed at the people who walked past it, oblivious to what it was and what it had achieved in the 1960s. By the 1980s, the land speed record of the 1960s seemed very unappreciated. It was a shame...
@@johntechwriter I once saw a video on RUclips of a man interviewing people in the streets of New York City. He asked them why the coalition was fighting in Afghanistan and if America should now go to war with Iran. Those who said yes to going to war, general could not give a reasonable reason why. They were then shown a silhouette map of the world and asked to point out the location of Iran. Some people pointed at southern Africa, parts of Europe and to my horror, one person pointed to Australia. I really hope that last person was not a leader in the American armed forces Lol. I should say, that I feel quite sure that vast majority of people would have given more a accurate and acceptable response to the interviewer, but of course, these were not as entertaining and were not shown. Take care...
Loved that. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but in my opinion Bluebird CN7 is the second most stunning of these record breakers after the Railton Mobil Special. As for Campbell, he was a legend and deserves his place in history as one of the greatest of them all.
Love the channel. It is on my bucket list to try to break a record (a low capacity motorbike one probably) so I really enjoy this channel. Are there any motorbike speed videos in the future?
Thanks for your comment! Glad you enjoy the videos - I don't currently have any plans for a motorbike video, but will add the idea to my (growing) list...
Hi. I love your stories. I wondered if you already made one about the other bluebirds from malcolm campell? Cant wait for the next one. Cheers from holland
See the latest Goldenrod vid posted on this channel to see how the Bluebird CN7 wheel driven record was soon beaten by a team that were backyarders in comparison and used roadcar based engines.
@@Useaname It's not just the LSR' cars, is it ? everything of interest from motoring beguinings.. Coventry motor Museum is great too, BUT--ESPECILLY---WITH TWO WORLD RECORD HOLDERS, (THRUST SSC. AND THRUST 2, AND NOW, WITH THE LATEST ADDITION , BLOODHOUND.
I've had a LOT of comments on some of my videos criticising the lack of km/h speeds in the commentary - as this video is particularly popular in Australia, I've added captions for km/h and one or two other aspects. There's no new material, if you've already watched the "old" version, you've already seen it...
@@ScarfAndGoggles I was also confused about the re-upload. Thank you so much for metric units! Now I don't have pause the video every minute to calculate the units. I can do approximate conversions in my head, but when we're talking about speed records, I need to have the exact speed, not an approximation.
@@ScarfAndGoggles I rewatched the now subtitled Interview. Thanks for that, it helped. :) I just found in funny that I haven't watched a video of yours since the last one came out and this morning I watched the old version of this Video and just a few hours later you upload an updated Video of exactly the same Video. :D
Who had the idea of using turbines for max. hp whilst driving wheels with geared transmission ?. Components of trans. look massive. Pity the American hookup didn't work out !. What went through Donald's brain during the crash. Thanks all. Dave
Jet engine testing upto 600mph (or so) was successful, They have collected allot of data and are now comparing it to the computer models to see how accurate the computer calculations were, Some other things have been found out regarding sand blasting on some of the suspension structures and coolant tanks possibly needing an overflow. The rocket will be installed and they will be returning at some point in the near future, The engine to power the pump for the rocket has been changed, F1 engine was dropped for a bigger but more useful blueprinted jaguar V8 and then that has since been dropped for electric motors with a quickly replacable (and chargable) battery pack. _ With the new car and jet engine alone they've gone 10% faster than an airliner but they're still looking to go 67% faster than what they have currently achieved. So yeah allot of learning and progress, Now it gets exponentially harder (by the cube you might say). Its hard to comprehend the intense challenge of doing mach1 where the air is so dense that 1 degree of elevator can plough the wheels 6 inches into the ground, (I suggest watching the original Thrust SSC documentary for perspective). _ Now imagine being In a loud jet car speeding across the desert at the same speed as the very sound you're making.... and then saying "okay now let's go 37.6% faster than this". If 1 gram (0.003 ounce) of aluminium comes off the wheel rim that changes the wheels balance by 50KG/110lb. I have a pretty good understanding of engineering and physics yet I think its practically suicide, But as Brit I hope they do it. Edit: fuck my paragraphs eh youtube?
That's the way, if you can't win by complying with the rules, just break the rules. Breedlove couldn't win under the same rules that applied to Campbell.
That's motorsports - t'was ever thus. I can't blame Breedlove - if things hadn't changed they'd have stagnated, and look where we are now - possibly on the brink of 1000mph.
@John Mitchell "and...?" What? I don't see what you're getting at. (You're probably joking, but I'm happy to play along). What do you think would happen if we did that? Moreover, why are we "inverting" it? This contraption you've imagined isn't going to do what you possibly think it would - a fighter jet is designed to fly, inverted or otherwise...besides the pilot would have a horrendous experience attempting to drive the thing. So, let's just stick with the powerplant. The Bloodhound - the British designed, built, financed, and piloted vehicle, which we hope will not only obliterate the current World Land Speed record, but will hopefully surpass 1,000mph while doing so has the powerplant from a "mach2 fighter jet" - the Eurofighter Typhoon, which has a top speed of over 1,550 mph/2,495 kph. The speed of sound at 20°C is 767.27 mph. The powerplant in the Eurofighter Typhoon, (and the Bloodhound) is the Eurojet EJ200 turbofan - Bloodhound will also have a rocket. This is nothing unusual - the current World Land Speed record holder is Thrust SSC, which ran two Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines - the very same as the McDonnell Douglas F4 Phantom, capable of mach2.2. In fact, ever since 1963 all World Land Speed record holders, (with the exception of the 1970 Blue Flame - rocket) have run jet engines. From 1963 until 1983 - Spirit of America, Wingfoot Express, Green Monster, Spirit of America Sonic 1, and Thrust 2 all ran turbojet engines, before the aforementioned Thrust SSC, which ran a turbofan.. So, there's no need to cannibalise a fighter jet. Again, I'm assuming that you were probably joking, but maybe not.
The second I heard that the rules wouldn't recognize thrust powered vehicles I knew that the rules were obsolete and someone was just going to go "I'll build my own rules, with blackjack and hookers".
Because thrust powered cars can be much faster. So, even if he hit 500mph it wouldn’t be competitive since the thrust cars were well over 500 within a few years.
Nobody said it was capable of 500mph. The design speed does not equal the actual top speed. Every component was designed to cope with 500mph as contingency, they over engineered it so it would be safe to run at 400-450mph. Most parts of the Bloodhound are designed for 1200mph or more, even though the car will never run that fast. It's just good engineering practice
Didnt I hear the narrator say that Campbell said himself if he remembered the thrust override switch he may have gone 500. My mistake. I just think yes thrust powered cars became the future but Bluebird still had some gas in the tank. Why give up because of one tiny mistake.
MOST PEOPLE ?---how would you know that ? You clearly lack any sense of national pride or endeavour, . Whereas, the likes of the record breaker's, knew no limits of either. It was the era of technical expansion , which was within reach of anyone who had the skills and support needed, and, the Guts to risk all. Everything we take for granted today, started back then.
"Frankly My dear I don't give a damn" "Oh Rhett Flacidhelm, how can you say such a thing ?" From the book Gone with the Turbine driven Wind by Margaret R. J. Mitchell.
It doesn’t matter if you care or not the sponsors who pay for this pass the costs onto you, as a consumer of whatever they make. That was true then that is true now, so every time you wanna make a big deal about how much somebody makes just know that you’re helping to pay for the corporations make everything you’re buying some of what you pay is going towards these endorsements.
My father told me the story of Malcolm Campbell in his Bluebird racing the Blue Train (It still exists as a very luxurious train) from Cape Town to Johannesburg - and he lost! Unfortunately Google searches are so dumb that if you enter Campbell and Blue there is no reference to this incident. His South African records at Verneukpan in 1929 are well documented though. Great story about his son!
I had the pleasure of having lunch with Ken Norris at Hearn airport where he was based around 98,such a nice and unassuming person who spoke with passion about engineering , Thanks for the video brought back some nice memories.
I think bluebird was one of the best looking land speed record holders what a beautiful car....
I think it looks better from the rear. Take from that what you will.
I love that your videos go straight to the point, no annoying music or wasted breath on useless dribble. Thank you.
I had the pleasure in 1982 to look after the bluebird when it was on tour in NSW Sydney Australia got to sit in it every day dusting the cockpit.
Did you make all the noises and immagine the saltflats skimming by ?
@@MrDaiseymay i wish
Interesting vid. Let me add further in-depth information. I am born and bred in Woomera, South Australia which is known internationally as a weapons research prohibited area, essentially a highly secretive test range. Woomera was an essential point for British weapons testing and detonation, both nuclear and non nuclear. Lake Eyre is within the prohibited area, so extensive discussions with both the Australian and British military was required to obtain permission to both enter the area and conduct time trials. The initial request was in 1961, granted with detailed regulations in 1962 for year 1963.The base for the Bluebird crew was a station nearby where outback hospitality was extended to over 50 people. This hospitality extended to the stations comprehensive workshop where repairs and modifications were performed. To further assist, both Australian and British engineers, of army and air force, offered extensive use of materials, workshops and knowledge. My grandfather, a jet propulsion senior engineer, worked to modify the fuel injection system that suffered heat soak under Australia's harsh heat. The modifications performed by the military were small but extensive. When the first attempt failed and the crew returned to England, fourteen tons of spares specific for the Bluebird remained in storage at the station. My grandfather assuring me that there were enough spares to build another CN7 Bluebird driveline if required. On return in 1964, with a successful run and record now complete, the Bluebird was returned to Britain but 60% of the unused CN7 parts and equipment were left at the station, their return being highly cost restrictive. Subsequently, service personal, surrounding station staff and the population of Woomera were presented with signed memorabilia by Donald Campbell himself in the form of the excess equipment as a gesture of thanks. This memorabilia is now spread throughout the world as Woomera personall returned to their country of origin. The Woomera museum and Eldo Hotel have numerous pieces of memorabilia, my grandfather has several, from parts of the jet propulsion system, signed dashboard gauges modified in Woomera by instrument mechanics to increase accuracy to a spare steering wheel. All signed. All in vacuum sealed cases. He still speaks of the day. Just as a footnote, there is a cairn with a brass plate at the southern tip of Lake Eyre acknowledging the feat. Hope this info generates further discussions. 👍👍🇭🇲
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing!
Where is Lake Eyre relative to Lake Gairdner? I recall that Gairdner is also used for land speed racing.
@@andyharman3022 Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is approximately 400 kilometres North Northeast of Lake Gairdner in remote South Australia. The closest town being Woomera, which is my place of birth and employment. Due to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre extreme remoteness, difficult access, inconsistent surface thickness and subsurface moisture content, international recognised ecoenviroment, and sacred aboriginal beliefs, the lake and associated areas are not used for salt racing. The last recorded attempt was the Bluebird CN7. Dry lake racing at Lake Gairdner is controlled by Dry Lake Racers Australia www.dlra.org.au/. Speed Week, the DLRA week of madness on the 'big white dyno', is truly unique and spectacular. Hope this helps. 👍👍🇭🇲 This link leads to a great story of dry lake racing in Australia...www.thecourier.com.au/story/6042717/into-the-big-blue-and-red-and-white-of-australias-salt-lakes/
I think it is unfair to put thrust driven records in the same category as wheel driven ones, as the challenges each kind present are completely different. In my opinion the term "land speed" should be reserved for vehicles whose method of propulsion is leveraging the land itself, not the air above it.
At the very least there should be two catagories. It's a bit like drag racing, I feel like the jet/rocket powered vehicles are cheating, they're like a rollerskate with a firework strapped on.
@@leehazlewoodism Bonneville has a class for both obviously.
I agree and why aren't I surprised when the Yanks always find a way to bend the rules in their efforts to win a race or set land speed records. The America's Cup is a good example where they won by changing the rules not by sticking to them and winning through their efforts..
They aren't in the same category. Haven't been since the sixties.
@@Snakefinger1000 That's the bloody yanks through and through. Who else calls a game nobody else plays "the world series"? They'd rather win in the courtroom with lawyers arguing the rules rather than win on the racetrack within the parameters everyone else races by.
I remember all this. Truly a beautiful car and a brave man.
Turbinator II holds the wheel driven record at 483 mph set 18 Sept 2018
I saw that car at Bonneville last year. What a cool car. Unfortunately the salt conditions were bad and they couldn't go for 500, which was their aim.
again this should not be in the same category as piston engined cars , george poteet now has set a record of some 480mph with a single internal combustion engine ,from a domestic car engine , that is a real record
Bluebird CN7 was a beautiful car and a technical achievement-Donald always was in the shadow of his famous father but he was not only a talented man in his own right but also a very brave man Thanks you for the doc it was much appreciated
The quality of these videos are so high wow
Scarf and Goggles is really taking off, and little wonder - it's a fantastic channel wonderful stories, beautifully told - a rare gem of a channel.
Glad you enjoy it!
This is the best looking LSR car ever, and I particularly love the innovative drive mechanism that didn't require a clutch
Been looking forward to this!!
I remember seeing the car when it passed by our school on it's way to Lake Eyre in 1964
That the first-generation aluminum car was able to keep its pilot alive despite crashing at over 300 mph is testament to the quality of its construction. Record or no record, it was a stunning achievement.
i have a hard copy of the book with a nice cover it is excellent condition and a classic car magazine with a large blue bird feature i was 9 - 10 yo when all this was happening and mum had a corner shop everyone who came in shopping had something to say about donald = i just loved him and bluebird so lovely wow all my pal`s were talking and their dad`s new about the engine so unusual ! great video - thank you !
There was a wonderful book written, sometime around 1978-80, called The Record Breakers, by Leo Beebe. (How I remember his name 40 years on, I'll never know). It chronicled the lives and record breaking careers of both Malcolm and Donald Campbell. I had it when it was new, as I had some sort of bulletin from Motorbooks International, alerting me of new releases. Sadly, I sold all my car and racing books during hard times in the 90s, and they are irreplaceable. I hope you find a copy someday.
This was my first memory of a land speed record breaking vehicle as described to me by my Dad around 1970 when I was 6/7 years old. I have never forgotten that.
Great presentation as always, thumbs up.
Always love your videos. Thank you for your efforts.
Excellent episode thanks! I recall from Leo Villas's book that the cause of the crash may have been exhaust fumes entering the cockpit, Donald said he didn't feel well during the run.
Land speed records became my childhood obsession after I received the 1972 Guinness Book of Records for my tenth birthday. My favorite car was the Bluebird that exceeded 400 MPH on Lake Eyre in my State of South Australia. I am reliving my childhood watching these videos. Thankyou Mr. Scarf And Goggles for your entertaining and informative documentaries dedicated to the brave pioneers of speed records. I am subscribing to your channel and hope you continue to publish more fascinating stories.
Thanks for your kind words - I’m hoping to post new material in about a month’s time.
Interesting that this guy never talks about Mickey Thomson's Challenger and a land speed record of 406 MPH in 1960, years before Bluebird. And in a piston driven car, no less.
Thanks for your comment. I'm planning a video on Mickey Thomson and Challenger soon. You're correct, he set a speed record in 1960 but mechanical issues prevented a two-way run and so he was never awarded the World Land Speed Record. Challenger was a fantastic piece of engineering!
@@ScarfAndGoggles Bluebird wheel driven record soon beat by Goldenrod in 1965. Built by some California hot rodders building Goldenrod with four Chrysler Hemi production based engines and beat the Bluebird record for wheel driven cars.
A shoestring budget, compared to Bluebird, in their backyard fruit shed beating all the resources Campbell put together.
An amazing achievement setting a record for wheel driven cars unsupercharged that lasted from 1965 to 2011 and then just another 5 mph.
The Summers brother's also had to deal with rain at Bonneville causing issues.
Not a record. You have to do a run in both directions.
@@johnd8892 You want to repeat that one more time just in case my unborn grandchildren didn't hear it?
John D valid comment but stop spamming every comment with your same reply. It gains you nothing but scorn.
Excellent presentation, thank you for posting. No doubt CN7 had a lot of potential beyond 400mph. I had the pleasure of following Don Vesco down course in his Turbinator Streamliner in October 1997. He made a one way pass at 427mph with 3600 hp and 4 wheel drive. And , oh by the way, pushing a wagon down course with a jet engine is not 'land speed' its speed near land. putting down 3600 hp through 4 tire patches of 4 x 6 inches is an art.
With just a few more opportunities, CN7 could have rewritten the history.
Well told story, your videos are excellent
Thank you so much 😀
Truly a great car I remember seeing it as it did come down under to Australia again in the 1980s and was placed for a while on display at the National Motor Museum at Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia before returning back home to the UK.
It's still one of the fastest wheel driven vehicles. Give it a Tyne from a Transall and let it loose again. And don't forget that damn switch !
I second that! I'd love to see just how fast it could go - it's full potential was never realised. You'd have to think it could take the record back from Turbinator, at the very least. If it were to achieve 500mph as some have speculated, that would probably put the record beyond reach and it would stand forever. Imagine.
Bluebird wheel driven record soon beaten by Goldenrod in 1965. Built by some California hot rodders building Goldenrod with four Chrysler Hemi production based engines and beat the Bluebird record for wheel driven cars.
A shoestring budget, compared to Bluebird, in their backyard fruit shed beating all the resources Campbell put together.
An amazing achievement setting a record for wheel driven cars unsupercharged that lasted from 1965 to 2011 and then just another 5 mph. Amazing using engines found in road cars.
The Summers brother's also had to deal with rain at Bonneville causing issues.
All the bluebird landspeed record cars must be the most beautiful cars that were ever made in their day, the golden arrow never had a look in even though its supposed to be the most beautiful land speed car in it, best wishes from george
Cn7 is still the fastest wheel driven car , any thrust driven thing is just a plane that doesn’t fly
2018 - Turbinator 2 set a new wheel-driven record of 483MPH. The Jet Unlimited record, meanwhile, is over Mach 1.
Only wheel driven cars count..
true
@@JBofBrisbane - Which would still have been slower than CN7 without the limit-switch debacle.
Goldenrod broke the wheel driven record one year later using four production car engines.
11:34 That photograph was taken on King William Street, Adelaide in South Australia and I drove down it just a few hours ago!
Excellent, love the fascinating content.
It is kind of sad that the cars full potential was never realised.
Bluebird/America was awesome looking
Absolutely incredible man ....we will never see the likes of him again..
Thanks again for an awesome video
Really enjoy this channel. The info is amazing and the research you've put into these wonderful videos is truly Awesome. Huge Thanks!!
Cheers from Aus!
Thank you very much!
Thank you for sharing - we are celebrating this month as we come up to what would have been Donald's 100th Year on the 23rd March! I'm releasing a brand new record for his birthday and an album containing 8 records for his 8 records achieved! Xx
Thanks for your comment, and best of luck with your new record! I've just published a biography video, in tribute to Donald as we approach his centenary.
@@ScarfAndGoggles That's wonderful to hear xx
That cursed switch ! It still could outrun Turbinator !
Good on the autobahn but awkward around town and very difficult to park. 😊
Good luck trying to get it insured with all that horsepower on todays paycheck ;)
@@DavidCurryFilms car insurance optional here in NZ. So teenagers drive Skylines.
If you look at the photo from 04.30 to 04.55 you will see that Bluebird CN7 is positioned at starting position marked by the number 13. If Donald Campbell did not like the heads-up display because the digits were green which he considered to be unlucky then I wonder if he realized the number where the car was placed.
Great stuff.
Thanks for this; love your work.
The Bristol Proteous turbine engine was designed as a turboprop engine aka a turbine driving a propellor, the Proteous was used on the Britannia airliner
Interesting comment which begs the question as to whether it's proper designation is gas turbine which in it's original form for the Britannia drove propellers, hence turboprop. Proteus was also used to power ships and generate electricity.
@@michaelevans205 Yes, it's a gas turbine. Jet engines are gas turbines, too.
@@andyharman3022 I kinda knew that..... I was ruminating on description. Originally, in Britain, they would have referred to it as a 'propeller turbine'. Descriptive but cumbersome!👍
Awesome story telling.Campbell's Bluebird CN7 is first among speed record breaking cars i heard about.Suggestion,if i may-Gary Gabelich's "Blue Flame",first car to break 1000 km/h barrier.
Man I love this channel
speed and nascar are not bad channels either
It was the first modern speed record that wasn't made at Bonneville
Another super video Thank you
Fascinating story. Thank you.👍
I actually have sat in that very car at Olympia festival in London UK in about 1956, I was three. They would not start the engine for me! I was told the battery was flat, TRUE! Lolololol.☹️
I still don’t think thrust driven vehicles should be allowed to compete with wheel driven vehicles!
Since 11 Dec 1964 they are in different categories.
Saw many times cobs reailton special at the old science museum in new hall st b/ham in 50s 60s 70s and 80s . Museum finally closed and the think tank opend.
-- Thank you. Well written.
Lake Eyre is usually a huge dry salt pan, but it does flood and it can happen quite unexpectedly.
Ex tropical cyclones hundreds of miles away can flood it.
Great Program !!!
Thank you for this post.
Nicely done series of videos. Good job!👍
Thanks for this, fine work
Great videos,
I've seen rain on Lake Eyre... but not back then...
I've actually cleaned this very car and thrust 2 just my claim to fame!
I have always thought it cheating using jet turbines as no wheels are actually driven.Cobbs 394 via a transmission for me still remain the best.
It is cheating. Wheel driven is the only true land speed record.
That late summer of 1960. There could have been a drag race between Campbell, Arfons ,Thompson and Ostich. Or Campbell could have been so impressed by Ostich 's jet car that he could have built a jet car himself with an
Avon engine.
I saw the bluebird on display at the Adelaide Motor Show, South Australia in the 1980s. I was amazed at how big it was. I was also disappointed at the people who walked past it, oblivious to what it was and what it had achieved in the 1960s. By the 1980s, the land speed record of the 1960s seemed very unappreciated. It was a shame...
Here in the USA most people cannot name all the combatants in WWII. And it seems that history might repeat itself.
@@johntechwriter I once saw a video on RUclips of a man interviewing people in the streets of New York City. He asked them why the coalition was fighting in Afghanistan and if America should now go to war with Iran. Those who said yes to going to war, general could not give a reasonable reason why. They were then shown a silhouette map of the world and asked to point out the location of Iran. Some people pointed at southern Africa, parts of Europe and to my horror, one person pointed to Australia. I really hope that last person was not a leader in the American armed forces Lol. I should say, that I feel quite sure that vast majority of people would have given more a accurate and acceptable response to the interviewer, but of course, these were not as entertaining and were not shown. Take care...
Its funny how much common things have with Mercedes Benz blackbird from 1939
Loved that. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but in my opinion Bluebird CN7 is the second most stunning of these record breakers after the Railton Mobil Special. As for Campbell, he was a legend and deserves his place in history as one of the greatest of them all.
Revell Models Should Produce a 1/25th Scale Kit of This Beautiful LS Car, thanks for Sharing n God Bless All.
I think Monogram would make a better kit but someone should do it
can you make a video on Railton Mobil Special too?
Love the channel. It is on my bucket list to try to break a record (a low capacity motorbike one probably) so I really enjoy this channel. Are there any motorbike speed videos in the future?
Thanks for your comment! Glad you enjoy the videos - I don't currently have any plans for a motorbike video, but will add the idea to my (growing) list...
@@ScarfAndGoggles Perhaps you could start with George Brown and his bikes 'Nero' and 'Super Nero'.
Hi. I love your stories. I wondered if you already made one about the other bluebirds from malcolm campell? Cant wait for the next one. Cheers from holland
Not yet! They're on the list...!
@@ScarfAndGoggles nice. Thank you. There is not a lot of stories about this period of racing land speed records. I love watching them
See the latest Goldenrod vid posted on this channel to see how the Bluebird CN7 wheel driven record was soon beaten by a team that were backyarders in comparison and used roadcar based engines.
Next : cobb's railton mobil special
Yes. It looks like something from the jetsons
I've been to beaulieu it's a bit expensive but losing amazing collection of really amazing there including chitty chitty bang bang 🇬🇧.
Expensive but worth it considering the running costs and the upkeep.
@@Useaname It's not just the LSR' cars, is it ? everything of interest from motoring beguinings.. Coventry motor Museum is great too, BUT--ESPECILLY---WITH TWO WORLD RECORD HOLDERS, (THRUST SSC. AND THRUST 2, AND NOW, WITH THE LATEST ADDITION , BLOODHOUND.
@@MrDaiseymay you mean Bloodhound that has had untold amounts of money put into it and hasn't yet achieved what it set out to do?
I wish I could double like this video.
I'll like if for you👍
I am trying to search for this kind of rare car powered by turboshaft engine
that's funny. I watched the old one this morning.
I've had a LOT of comments on some of my videos criticising the lack of km/h speeds in the commentary - as this video is particularly popular in Australia, I've added captions for km/h and one or two other aspects. There's no new material, if you've already watched the "old" version, you've already seen it...
@@ScarfAndGoggles I was also confused about the re-upload. Thank you so much for metric units! Now I don't have pause the video every minute to calculate the units. I can do approximate conversions in my head, but when we're talking about speed records, I need to have the exact speed, not an approximation.
@@ScarfAndGoggles I rewatched the now subtitled Interview. Thanks for that, it helped. :) I just found in funny that I haven't watched a video of yours since the last one came out and this morning I watched the old version of this Video and just a few hours later you upload an updated Video of exactly the same Video. :D
*Let thy Sunshine In...*
If it ain't driven through the wheels, it's a wingless airplane and doesn't count.
Its on the land so its a land speed record.
Who had the idea of using turbines for max. hp whilst driving wheels with geared transmission ?. Components of trans. look massive. Pity the American hookup didn't work out !. What went through Donald's brain during the crash. Thanks all. Dave
I have a plastic Bluebird toy car without it's rear fin. Might be worth a bob or two to a collector?
Lmaoo i had one too as a kid
@@trxshposts2502 They are quite rare these days.
if john cobb had reached 394 miles per hour in 1947,why did it take so long to beat his record????
Post-WWII economic recovery perhaps
Nobody had the money to invest in land speed record cars
What news of UK present world speed attempt?
Jet engine testing upto 600mph (or so) was successful, They have collected allot of data and are now comparing it to the computer models to see how accurate the computer calculations were, Some other things have been found out regarding sand blasting on some of the suspension structures and coolant tanks possibly needing an overflow.
The rocket will be installed and they will be returning at some point in the near future, The engine to power the pump for the rocket has been changed, F1 engine was dropped for a bigger but more useful blueprinted jaguar V8 and then that has since been dropped for electric motors with a quickly replacable (and chargable) battery pack.
_
With the new car and jet engine alone they've gone 10% faster than an airliner but they're still looking to go 67% faster than what they have currently achieved. So yeah allot of learning and progress, Now it gets exponentially harder (by the cube you might say).
Its hard to comprehend the intense challenge of doing mach1 where the air is so dense that 1 degree of elevator can plough the wheels 6 inches into the ground, (I suggest watching the original Thrust SSC documentary for perspective).
_
Now imagine being In a loud jet car speeding across the desert at the same speed as the very sound you're making.... and then saying "okay now let's go 37.6% faster than this".
If 1 gram (0.003 ounce) of aluminium comes off the wheel rim that changes the wheels balance by 50KG/110lb.
I have a pretty good understanding of engineering and physics yet I think its practically suicide, But as Brit I hope they do it.
Edit: fuck my paragraphs eh youtube?
@@tomstech4390 thanks for the very informative info, much appreciated 👍👍🇬🇧
What do you mean by the expression "years ahead of its time"?
Wingless jets SHOULD NOT COUNT, as the problems of stability and traction are all but eliminated.
Sounds like an unlucky car . And forgetting to turn the limiter off, odd thing to do with the procedures they must had had.
Has he still the record with real oil engine (rather than reactor)?
Thanks for your comment! No, Campbell’s wheel-driven record was broken in 1965. The story of the car and the team that did it is coming soon!
The only record campbell still has is breaking the land and waterspeed record in the same year. I can't see that being broken.
That's the way, if you can't win by complying with the rules, just break the rules. Breedlove couldn't win under the same rules that applied to Campbell.
That's motorsports - t'was ever thus.
I can't blame Breedlove - if things hadn't changed they'd have stagnated, and look where we are now - possibly on the brink of 1000mph.
@@ianmacfarlane1241 So, take modern mach 2 fighter jet, fix wheels to the top of its fuselage, remove the tail fin, invert the whole thing, and...?
@John Mitchell
"and...?" What?
I don't see what you're getting at.
(You're probably joking, but I'm happy to play along).
What do you think would happen if we did that? Moreover, why are we "inverting" it?
This contraption you've imagined isn't going to do what you possibly think it would - a fighter jet is designed to fly, inverted or otherwise...besides the pilot would have a horrendous experience attempting to drive the thing.
So, let's just stick with the powerplant.
The Bloodhound - the British designed, built, financed, and piloted vehicle, which we hope will not only obliterate the current World Land Speed record, but will hopefully surpass 1,000mph while doing so has the powerplant from a "mach2 fighter jet" - the Eurofighter Typhoon, which has a top speed of over 1,550 mph/2,495 kph.
The speed of sound at 20°C is 767.27 mph.
The powerplant in the Eurofighter Typhoon, (and the Bloodhound) is the Eurojet EJ200 turbofan - Bloodhound will also have a rocket.
This is nothing unusual - the current World Land Speed record holder is Thrust SSC, which ran two Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines - the very same as the McDonnell Douglas F4 Phantom, capable of mach2.2.
In fact, ever since 1963 all World Land Speed record holders, (with the exception of the 1970 Blue Flame - rocket) have run jet engines.
From 1963 until 1983 - Spirit of America, Wingfoot Express, Green Monster, Spirit of America Sonic 1, and Thrust 2 all ran turbojet engines, before the aforementioned Thrust SSC, which ran a turbofan..
So, there's no need to cannibalise a fighter jet.
Again, I'm assuming that you were probably joking, but maybe not.
@@john1703 You would have the Eagle land speed record car, which was an F104 Starfighter with its wings removed. It killed its driver.
@@andyharman3022 I think a couple people tried the F104 route, even not leaving the ground it's still capable of killing it's pilots!
The second I heard that the rules wouldn't recognize thrust powered vehicles I knew that the rules were obsolete and someone was just going to go "I'll build my own rules, with blackjack and hookers".
If it was capable of 500mph why did a 407mph car render it obsolete?
it wasn't capable of 500mph. that, or campbell wasn't capable, one of the two
Because thrust powered cars can be much faster. So, even if he hit 500mph it wouldn’t be competitive since the thrust cars were well over 500 within a few years.
Nobody said it was capable of 500mph. The design speed does not equal the actual top speed. Every component was designed to cope with 500mph as contingency, they over engineered it so it would be safe to run at 400-450mph. Most parts of the Bloodhound are designed for 1200mph or more, even though the car will never run that fast. It's just good engineering practice
Didnt I hear the narrator say that Campbell said himself if he remembered the thrust override switch he may have gone 500. My mistake. I just think yes thrust powered cars became the future but Bluebird still had some gas in the tank. Why give up because of one tiny mistake.
@@johnsutcliffe3209 Because sometimes you're better off counting your blessings and calling it quits.
Mickey's 4 Pontiac 389's record was 394 and change.
It was never a record because he was unable to make the return run with in the time period.
oh wow... 1964?! i thought it was much newer than this by the clickbai... i mean thumbnail :3
Pity BRITISH road cars weren't build to this quality
at a million each
@@MrDaiseymay 1960s Mercedes were equal quality for 2 or 3 grand!!!...................
BeIit
Frankly most people don’t care about this stuff.
Frankly we don't care what you think.
MOST PEOPLE ?---how would you know that ? You clearly lack any sense of national pride or endeavour, . Whereas, the likes of the record breaker's, knew no limits of either. It was the era of technical expansion , which was within reach of anyone who had the skills and support needed, and, the Guts to risk all. Everything we take for granted today, started back then.
"Frankly My dear I don't give a damn"
"Oh Rhett Flacidhelm, how can you say such a thing ?"
From the book Gone with the Turbine driven Wind by Margaret R. J. Mitchell.
Then why feel the need to say so?
It doesn’t matter if you care or not the sponsors who pay for this pass the costs onto you, as a consumer of whatever they make. That was true then that is true now, so every time you wanna make a big deal about how much somebody makes just know that you’re helping to pay for the corporations make everything you’re buying some of what you pay is going towards these endorsements.
Great going
Thank you kindly
🪖
My father told me the story of Malcolm Campbell in his Bluebird racing the Blue Train (It still exists as a very luxurious train) from Cape Town to Johannesburg - and he lost! Unfortunately Google searches are so dumb that if you enter Campbell and Blue there is no reference to this incident. His South African records at Verneukpan in 1929 are well documented though. Great story about his son!
When I was a schoolboy in 1966 I saw both Bluebirds when they were exhibited - Harrogate I think it was
I had the pleasure of having lunch with Ken Norris at Hearn airport where he was based around 98,such a nice and unassuming person who spoke with passion about engineering , Thanks for the video brought back some nice memories.
Gostei do. Bluebird cn 7 donald. Campbells turbine Record