Donald Campbell and Bluebird K7 - Across The Lake starring Anthony Hopkins (BBC Drama)

Superb 1988 BBC drama starring Anthony Hopkins as Donald Campbell, charting the last 60 days of the British speed king's life.
I've made these videos about Donald Campbell, all featured on this channel:
Bluebird K7 - Donald Campbell's Jet Hydroplane
• Bluebird K7 - Donald C...
Bluebird CN7 - Donald Campbell's Turbine Record Car
• Bluebird CN7 - Donald ...
Donald Campbell - Bluebird Record Breaker
• Donald Campbell - Blue...
Bluebird Mach 1.1 / CN8 - Donald Campbell's Supersonic Dream
• Bluebird Mach 1.1 / CN...
FURTHER READING
If you're interested in knowing more about the story of Donald Campbell and Bluebird, these books are highly recommended:
(Disclaimer: I get a commission every time you purchase a product through my affiliate links below.)
Donald Campbell: The Man Behind the Mask by David Tremayne and Gina Campbell
amzn.to/45JMer8
Donald Campbell, Bluebird And The Final Record Attempt by Neil Sheppard
amzn.to/3EtXPOV
Donald Campbell: 300+ A Speed Odyssey: His Life with Bluebird by David de Lara
amzn.to/3Ps7bRE

[@phaasch]

56 years ago today. I still remember it vividly, even though I was only 6. The impact of some things never leave you. Aberfan, Ronan Point. This. Indelibly etched. This was superbly made, when the BBC still cared about what it did, and didn't mock our past.

[@edwardmorley5273]

I couldn't put that better myself.. Well done you

[@markdoyle-zc9rf]

I angry entirely I was six as well well written

[@lizeggar2421]

I can remember watching the news in a little mining town in Zambia and news of his death came on. As you say, some things are never forgotten. So sad.

[@user-or4hs7xq9u]

BBC would have recast this with "diversity", what's the chance a gentleman of colour would play Sir DC?

[@Gecko....]

Ahh yes... the stereotypical old man pining for a nostalgia-deluded past that didn't really exist, whilst showing his fear of the changes of the current day. Tell me, how exactly does the BBC mock 'our' past? Is it because they now produce programming with the entire populace in mind? Rather than for upper class, white, men and women? If so you'd have to be a very selfish, mean, miserable person to want the license fee to be spent only on your type.

[@puma55792]

they chose the perfect actor to play the part, the resemblance is uncanny, the drama was a fitting tribute to a brave man,

[@modelzone5727]

I have just been to the Bluebird museum. I am so proud to see bluebird. Who would’ve thought we would ever see this superb machine again. Donald Campbell is a legend in my books. Showed us what speed was all about and has now left us with a wonderful time pice. ❤

[@Charles010]

This was utterly riveting. Superb. Donald Campbell was one of the last old England hero's. Anthony Hopkins is one of the very best actors of his generation. There were times in the film you could be forgiven in thinking it was Donald. Looks, voice, manner. Exactly right. Attention to detail, clothes, K7, period detail, all exactly right. Fantastic production. Highly recommended.

[@PapaDutch]

I second this entirely. Although I had hoped it was not about his final end, the story of Donald Campbell as portrayed by Anthony Hopkins is an absolutely riveting performance in its own right about one of the most legendary figures in motorsport history. ~ I cannot praise this production enough, even though the ending is very sad

[@andyelliott8027]

I'd like that E-Type Jag 👍🐦

[@StephenRichardsonUK]

R.I.P Donald Campbell, gone but never forgotten!

[@jakobquick6875]

Never will…his dad inspired the legendary speed demon 😈 he was raised by the motto of “We need more Speed” the only man to own the land and water speed record at once❤

[@StephenRichardsonUK]

@@jakobquick6875 I raced boats, Hydroplanes, but only 80mph which is quick when laying down. Donald Campbell has my total respect for his achievements on land and water.

[@PapaDutch]

As a man obsessed with human endeavor, this is priceless in its own right but the performance of Anthony Hopkins in it (despite the sad ending) is also fantastic. I always thought he made a better "Good Guy" than an evil one - and this production goes hand-in-hand with "The Worlds Fastest Indian" which was hugely received all around the planet. (Which is a 'MUST SEE' following this....) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and the "That Guy" seal of approval

[@paulanthony5274]

I didn't think he played a very good Hitler in The Bunker but I usually like him.

[@charlesfaure1189]

The man was totally self-involved. Disaster as a family man. A user. Died of a pathological craving for attention and admiration. Hardly a 'good guy.'

[@neddy1287]

This is not the first time Anthony Hopkins starred in a land speed record based films as another one is the World's Fastest Indian which is epic to watch as well

[@beagle7622]

I had this on VHS tape & it lasted a year . It was never repeated. A great historical film .

[@BobGeogeo]

Yes, a very good film. I had it on a VHS copy from a friend in the UK. Only a nearby college here in the US had machines that would play it. Someone passing by behind me noticed a bedroom scene...

[@philclarke313]

Im watchimg this wonderfull film now 4th January 2022 its 55 years ago today that Donald lost his life. RIP Donald Campbell a true British hero xx

[@stan-ut5gj]

Here here sir.

[@chadaihstsu]

😢😢😢😢

[@johngreen-sk4yk]

Excellent Drama , thanks for putting this up. I can't believe it has never been repeated by the BBC or any other TV channel 👍

[@user-or4hs7xq9u]

Probably not repeated as it lacks "diversity", expect a remake with a gentleman of colour playing part of Sir Donald Campbell given that Snow White wasn't......

[@mikedrop4421]

Between this and "the fastest Indian I'm starting to believe Anthony actually cares.

[@anthonyhunt701]

I agree with that sentiment 100%. I love Sir Anthony Hopkins and saw “ The Last Indian” but did not know of the existance of this rare gem! Thanks for this!

[@ronchang9791]

I've seen "The Fastest Indian" numerous times and didn't make the connection until your comment! On a 3 day land speed binge and it's not ending anytime soon.

[@connor6984]

@@anthonyhunt701 the fastest indian

[@lisamcgowan8075]

"The world's fastest Indian"

[@stan-ut5gj]

Tried to watch this twice,i fill up each time,I'm going to the Lake District on 25th march 2023,in my jaguar,sadly not an E type,but a jag none the less,to do a Donald Campbell trek alone,,going on a boat trip to the site of the tragedy,if they are running,if not il drive as close as I can get,and thank god I'm the same nationality as this great hero of mine,before I return home I'll go visit his grave,have a whisky and cigar with him,and say a little prayer, I'm not normally an emotional man,until it comes to my heroes of which I have few.

[@Dragonblaster1]

I think the reason Donald didn't stop to refuel, even knowing that it would make the front of the boat light, was that the first run had scared him so badly, he didn't think he'd be able to get back in after stepping out of the cockpit. I think he was braver than his father because Sir Malcolm was never afraid of anything, whereas Donald was superstitious and got scared, but _still_ went for it. That, in my book, is true bravery, not never being afraid.

[@chriswilliams9976]

He didn't refuel as he was trying to beat his own wash from the previous run coming back on the course, he had done this many times before including his record run in Australia in 1964. What he didn't calculate was how rough it would be after using the water brake properly on K7 for the first time.

[@richardvernon317]

@@chriswilliams9976 Wrong!!!! I've actually touched the Boat twice (last time was 31 days ago) and my Brother is on the restoration team. He showed me what caused the Accident (Fuel Starvation to the engine from a collector tank which resulted in loss of thrust which was pushing the nose of the boat into the water. The nose then lifted and the boat became airborne), while the reason that Campbell didn't stop was that the boat had suffered a flameout of its engine at the end of the first run and Campbell had to restart it with the onboard starter. This starter system was only really capable of starting the engine twice (it was used to start the engine when the boat started the attempt), thus Campbell couldn't risk stopping the boat at the refuel point without risking getting stuck there with no chance of restarting the engine within the hour period allowed for a record attempt.

[@chriswilliams9976]

@@richardvernon317 richard vernon I've touched the boat as well and saw it in Bute and I don't disagree with you regarding the flame out and fuel starvation , I wasn't going into that much detail I was just briefly trying to explain why he did the quick turn around. I wasn't explaining what caused the crash.

[@chriswilliams9976]

@Richard Vernon also if you read Neil Sheppards book on The Final Record Attempt it does say he used to turn back quickly to beat his own wash, he may in Coniston have done it as he was worried about starting the engine again but we will never know. I do agree with you that he lost thrust on that last run and that's what eventually caused the boat to loose lift but he definitely hit his own wash the radio commentary proves this and as Donald said Courage is not being Fearless.

[@steviem8466]

Perhaps, it would have been better to abort the attempt and try again on another day when all perameters had been assesed and fixed?@@richardvernon317

[@kris308100]

Many, many thanks for sharing this. I saw this years ago as a kid and loved it then. I'm 48 now and that's the first time I have seen it since. Still think its a great drama. Anthony Hopkins is superb as always and looks just like Mr.Campbell. I would imagine his portrayal of him was just how he was.

[@jonathanknight1850]

A Britain long gone . God how I miss it.

[@alanjm1234]

The current holder of the outright water speed record, Ken Warby, died in February this year. Even living in Australia, I never heard anything about it. He was 83. An unsung hero. RIP. His story was inspirational, building his boat in his back yard out of plywood using a jet engine bought for a few hundred dollars. Then going on to set a record that has stood for 45 years. Thanks for posting this video of another hero, and Ken Warby's hero.

[@Choober65]

Warby was a genius. Designed and built a boat then ran it and broke the WWSR. THAT takes guts and skill. Warby was like me, an intuitive Engineer, and he too, believed it was possible to go supersonic on water. My design for a boat to do so, were so similar to what he theorized it was uncanny. RIP Legend.

[@mickharrison9004]

What a beautifull car the e type jag is ,theres no merc comes close 👊

[@philliphopkins6903]

Absolutely brilliant from my uncle Tony. 💓👍

[@flyboy451]

Why on Earth this has not been shown again on television I'll never know. I watched it transfixed all those years ago. I look forward to watching it again.

[@angelreading5098]

They do not make them like this any more,a colourful character who lived life in the fast lane,thank you Scarf & Goggles for reminding us all of a time when challenges were met head on in our then great nation.

[@jonelson1983]

Thanks for posting this. I haven’t seen it for years since it was on TV. Brilliant portrayal of a very brave man.

[@marthagrinnan6155]

Donald Campbell’s body was discovered, May 28, 2001. RIP.

[@lesklower7281]

I remember from my childhood of Donald Campbells land speed recotrd attempt at Lake Eyre in SA l have lived in Australia al my 69 yrsrs and there was a lot of coverage of Donald Campbell in the media

[@georgemacdonald5282]

What a brilliant video of my hero Donald Campbell and couldn't have been played by any other actor as Anthony Hopkins, played the part perfectly, at one point i thought he was the real Donald, great film, thankyou.

[@mickyanderson3639]

Worlds fastest Indian is another epic watch of Anthony Hopkins. Another LEGEND of Speed he played or rather became

[@georgemacdonald5282]

Thankyou Micky.

[@noelcollins9391]

One of the best films made!!I took y 4 year old son to visit Coniston in the 80s! I had told him about Donald Campbell and how he was a hero of mine! When we went to the pier where bluebird used to be my son came with some wild flowers he had picked and threw them into the lake he said they were for Donald Campbell!!

[@belindadeveaux841]

Great movie. Can’t believe I haven’t heard of it before. Thank you

[@dennisbean7336]

RIP Donald Campbell you will never be forgotten 🙏🙏🙏

[@normanseagull4027]

Donald's stubbornness and impatience took his life. Superb acting from Mr Hopkins as always.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

I tend to take the view that Donald was feeling the financial pressures.....they pushed him to make errors. Like all such endeavors, it takes financial backing to achieve them. The British in this era were seriously lacking in financial foresight...... there was little or no risk-taking by those that had the financial clout to make things happen.

[@originalforgery]

I disagree... The pressure put upon him by the media frankly demanding he break the record pushed him to take risks. The media applying pressure.... Has a familiar ring about it doesn't it..... Hangers on plus the ghost of his father added to the stress.....

[@alanjm1234]

Speed record attempts are by their very nature, risks. On water it's even moreso. When it goes wrong, it does so in a big way.

[@SANDSCORCHER]

What perfect casting picking Hopkins for the role😎👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@marccherry7409]

Saw this when first shown in mid 80's thought it was brilliant the whole cast & the production oozed class. First time i've seen it since then & it's every bit as good as I remember it. For me possibly Anthony Hopkins best role he totally captures the essence of Campbell a very committed tho flawed national hero.

[@Craig-xn5kg]

Well stated

[@kenh3344]

A very good portrayal of what it must have been like. I remember the tragedy sad. I stay on many occasions where he died. A beautiful plce lake coniston . Just sad for donald. A beautiful place indwed...

[@rotax636nut5]

I have to say that this production was very well done, was like actually being there, thank you for posting

[@alexandradane3672]

Thank you for the video………RIP Donald Campbell , a fine man and loyal friend to many.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

As a kid, Donald was a hero of mine, vividly remember watching the footage of the bluebird flipping on our black & white TV. Incredible that his body wasn't found until 2001. RIP Donald

[@eshaibraheem4218]

Yes, I remember, with a pang, seeing it on television, too. It was awful.

[@sohailajaved3278]

Amazing story. Superb acting.

[@wmr9019]

A company I used to work restored the rotar from the bluebird, I had the pleasure to hold the rotor in my hands that had been going when bluebird flipped over, it was a very surreal moment, considering it had been down coniston lake for many years it was in fairly good condition RIP Campbell

[@PurityVendetta]

There have been two events in my life which I believe may have given me some inkling as to the motivations and feelings that drove Donald Campbell. The first was sitting, waiting to be released onto the Nordschleife on my Suzuki GXR1100 back in the early 90's and sitting aboard a tuned ZZR1100 on a bridge over the Autobahn near Bielefeld and making the decision to hold the throttle fully open until I reached the red line at nearly 200mph. While neither of these come close to Campbell's achievements they gave me the same feelings of fear and anticipation as are described in the film. Anthony Hopkins depiction of Donald is, in my humble opinion, brilliant. The style the speech, everything. A wonderful film and the first time I'm seen it. I loved 'The world's fastest Indian' and his portrayal of Burt Munro, one of my personal heroes too.

[@sharonjones873]

watched this superb drama in 1988, and still as riveting watching it again now.

[@legacyturbo]

Thank you so much for uploading and sharing this. I wasn’t aware of this until I was reading the book about Donald Campbell the man behind the mask.

[@Hiss888]

This movie is magnificent. And Hopkins is majestic!

[@tonyalmond8073]

Yet again the BBC produce a great production full of many great performers and performances

[@patagualianmostly7437]

....and have since lost the plot. Big time.

[@gailraby1722]

I once saw a man called Anthony driving a blue Jaguar, but it wasn't an E type and it was very dark blue. This film has brought back some great memories of the late 70s. When I watch stuff like this I'm always have both eyes open.. it helps. Anyone else remember June 1976?

[@nigelcarren]

I like your comment Gail. I do remember June 76, but I was in my parents Austin Maxi, being rocked to sleep by boat-like motion of the drive back from a family camping holiday and an odd melange of the intoxicating smell of plastic from the seats and my dad puffing on his pipe all the way home the selfish sod! Compliments of the season to you from an Englishman in a French forest. I hope you find your Jag man 😉🇬🇧

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Summer 1976...was the hottest and longest summer in the UK for....what? Decades, centuries....yet no-one mentioned Global Warming. It's Cyclic. Get a grip.

[@Dad-Gad]

I did once see a man named Dave driving a blue Capri but that's another story .

[@straingedays]

1:06 shows the Saint Christopher pendant, (along with Mr Whoppit) was always with Campbell on speed record attempts. The pendant was given to him by his father, Sir Malcolm. It is engraved with “To Donald from Daddy, November 1941”

[@Laceyktm]

I wonder if hopkins has an interest in speed records playing both DC and Burt Munro

[@timplotsukcom]

great acting by one of our best, so tragic, been there to see, i remember touching the bluebird at beaulieu

[@javajoe-fw5db]

as a kid in VA USA in the 70s all of us would rush to the house with the biggest color TV to watch Evil Kinevil? and i still remember seeing the replay of B&W of the Speed Queen Crash interesting to see the actual history behind it all in this flicker .....Pasibo! for the upload

[@FishFeelPain]

That was terrific--TY!

[@stananders474]

I remember too. I was 14. I'm now 72.

[@daveid6244]

Idd always looked up to Donald Cambell he just wanted to go faster and so did I A brilliant video Anthony Hopkins in the world's Fastest Indian was so good imm a kiwi and Bert's she'd reminded me of my father's who had died a few years earlier I had tears off joy through the whole film Then I've just watched this and again Anthony Hopkins played it so well even an uncanny resemblance to Donald I simply loved it I saved it as well as I'll certinally watch it again Thanks great to see decent content

[@eshaibraheem4218]

Thank you for this.

[@user-ez7dn9mg9u]

I bumped into anthony days after seeing the silence of the lambs in the early 90s and neary shat myself.

[@leilagreffon7946]

M'y favorite actor . Thank you 💕

[@nicholaswiltshire6356]

One of my favourite films of all time. Along with Spring of Bright Water.

[@terrystevens5261]

Ring of bright water.

[@projectzip]

Oh this is amazing to see. I remember sitting in the Bluebird prop at the Boatshow before this came out.

[@andrewgreen7996]

Beautiful story rest in peace

[@joelpasley9995]

30mph on water is quick, 300mph is simply mind blowing.

[@user-or4hs7xq9u]

All very British, love the wooly hats

[@Choober65]

Campbell was one of my childhood heroes as I always wanted to attempt the WWSR. I visited his grave, I couldn't help but cry like a baby to think this great Man lay in the ground at my feet. Awesome to see Bluebird K7 running at Loch Fad. The 100+ run was beyond words. Bluebird looks so at home blasting down the lake.

[@mindaugaskaminskas6730]

Awersome film. Anthony is a reason of that

[@edwardmorley5273]

Really enjoyed it

[@JimTimber]

Few Speed Kings were so dedicated !!

[@user-rl8mq9uf7b]

Marvelous actor sir Antony lovely film and great story

[@drummingriffin]

Watching this on the anniversary of his death. R.I.P. Skip

[@nguyenhuong50]

A

[@anthonyhunt701]

Awesome film👌🏻

[@neddy1287]

I never knew he did the attempted 300mph speed record on water only watched the movie just an hour ago. It was sad to see that he lost his life trying to achieve the impossible achievement. The only thing that came to my mind that he should have refueled the Bluebird K7 for the second run but failed to do so but you can see clearly in the video that the front end lifted up at full tilt up like there were no weight holding it down resulting the crash to happen. At least Donald Campbell has the guts to try this record attempts back in 1967 as this is where credits is due regardless

[@knownpleasures]

He was an idiotic speed merchant who ended his own life prematurely

[@peak45]

Just found your channel that`s me sorted for a good while Very good.

[@vincenzo62]

Great performance as you would expect from Anthony hopkins

[@MrWindermere123]

We've found a treasure on KZbin! There's a lot of rubbish here but every now and then a surprising find. There are more questions than answers in this subtle film: a death-wish, a playboy, cornered by debt, haunted by the memory of his father, rescuing his marriage, failing health, beating his own fear, challenged by American rivals, sticking it to the press? It's all there!

[@williammuir638]

Antony Hopkins best actor ever 👏 every film a master class in character acting! 😊

[@buffplums]

Anthony Hopkins is such a brilliant actor … he just relaxes into the role right from the start.

[@dansterland1824]

Brave brave man well done donold Campbell gone down in record books actually been to that lake makes you wander what it was like going that fast even got his Jag for model railway 😃😃😃😃 definitely a legend in my book

[@johnrawlins6147]

I've got this on dvd , this is slightly better quality

[@powerballminep67]

Hopkins finest performance ever; in my opinion

[@simonacuthbert1]

When Britain and Britons were great.

[@christineoneill5400]

He had an attempt on Lake Bonney in Barmera South Australia, but lake was not long enough.

[@MrBaros33]

Such a touching story, I can still remember the day, I was off school that day. Stayed at the Sun hotel many times, and visited his grave nearby.

[@colinpearce7079]

I was only 12 when Donald Campbell lost his life,he was one of my boyhood heroes which I think is missing today,a brave man to the end & a true British legend,a breed of men that just isn’t around today,Colin P,👍

[@dansterland1824]

Fantastic films this and fastest Indian

[@S-Ltd1000]

I have this on a DVD but I don't recall the picture quality being that great. Will give this a watch later.

[@surreygirl2075]

Amazing over300 hundred miles I think a wonderful man sadly missed by his wife

[@terrystevens5261]

His wife married Bill Maynard ( Claude Greengrass ) in Heartbeat.

[@eshaibraheem4218]

​@@terrystevens5261Never knew that.

[@78jota]

Came across your channel last night, what a fantastic find, lovin your work. I was wondering if you had access to another old BBC play called Speed King with Robert Hardy as Sir Malcolm Campbell. A great program but I've never been able to find it anywhere on the internet. Also looking forward to seeing more of your LSR documentaries.

[@ScarfAndGoggles]

Thanks for your comments - much appreciated! I must confess I’ve not heard of the BBC play you mention (though Robert Hardy as Malcolm sounds like great casting). More documentaries on their way soon hopefully!

[@spacemanski]

Also written by Roger Milner

[@mickharrison9004]

One of the best places to be in country ,i have many memories over many years ,with many people at the lakes especially kendal and Windermere.

[@larrysimon1]

DC was one of the Bravest and Greatest Britons ever to live, his shear bravery and determination to push the limits of boat and car are incredible. A True British Hero and World's fastest man on Water & Land.

[@user-hn2bo2pn7t]

Anthony is always breaking speed records. If you like this film you might like the fastest indian.

[@Craig-xn5kg]

Awesome 😢

[@williamkirkwilson8826]

absolutely brilliant... ok old boys ..............

[@Sonofdonald2024]

Great drama. A British hero. We could do with a few more Donald Campbell's these days

[@spankflaps1365]

7 out of the 13 people who have attempted this record were killed, including 2 in the 1980s.

[@user-lo1iz8tj1v]

😢🙏

[@PaulCareyaviation]

Beautiful classical film. Thank you Scarf & Goggles

[@steviem8466]

Very well made drama. We will never really know why he didn't stop to refuel. Was that the decision that cost his life? At the time this film was made, Campbells body had not been found. Some years later, he was found, decapitated, and the boat too.

[@eshaibraheem4218]

Oh!

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Well, I wonder if he somehow thought he was on a roll and wanted a lighter boat to go faster..... but if the fuel tanks were further forward ...the extra weight may have kept the nose (bow) down.....also, the return run would have been delayed by the refuelling...thus allowing his first run surface disturbance to dissipate.......maybe a small residual wave lifted the lighter boat.............. But, I also think his financial problems played a large part in his decision making on that fateful day. Sad. So sad.

[@spacemanski]

Apparently the engine could only be started twice using the onboard pressurising system. He had to re-start it after the run to get to the end of the course. If he'd stopped to refuel, he would not have been able to start it again (for the third time) and make the return run.

[@TimBarnett-pl9kd]

I could relate too boat going onto plane over water with wife yelling, "slow this thing down", before my boat was even up out of water onto planning over water.

[@mickd6942]

Back when the BBC made quality programs about quality British people who put the Great in Britain .

[@stop-the-greed]

Saxon ..man and machine ..song about this guy ..🤟♥️🇬🇧

[@ivanboggs7238]

Remember watching this drama when it first aired. Hopkins is a tremendously talented actor and there couldn’t have been a better actor to play Donald. Campbell. Campbell came across as a heroic man almost born out od his time. He was like a spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain. Heroic stiff upper lip fighting spirit to fight against the odds in order to win. This was when BBC drama was at its best. Shame it’s soo shit now

[@neilsaunders2520]

He was one kind for uk

[@xfire7]

Probably the lack of fuel changed the centre of gravity .

[@af4od02]

I never realized money was a concern.

[@connor6984]

Anthony Hopkins in two record breaking films

[@ct1762]

this movie should be called "Hopkins bangs Coniston's Waters". what an absolute legend!

[@patagualianmostly7437]

I have no idea where the fuel tanks were on Bluebird....but, if more forward than aft...and he had refueled as planned, then you have to consider that the bow would not not have lifted..... Also, that his first run disturbance of the lake surface would have subsided more given that interval....... So tragic an end. I can't hep but think, that his preoccupation over the finances led to this accident. (His widow, Tonia Bern later married Bill Maynard....who famously played Jeremiah Greengrass in "Heartbeat" a long running rural "Soap/Police drama" set in Yorkshire, UK.) A great film ...as we used to expect from the BBC...... alas.... not any more.

[@richardvernon317]

My Brother is involved with the Boat's restoration, and he told me some facts that are not well known Campbell was running the project on a shoestring and the lack of money most likely played a part in the boat's loss. However, not in the way you think!! The boat didn't run out of fuel when it crashed, the cause of the engine cutting out was an air lock in the fuel system caused by a design flaw. That design flaw was found when they ran the boat in 2019. The boat was designed so that the Jet Thrust pushed the nose down. When the Air lock stopped supply of fuel to the engine, the nose lifted and the boat became airborne. As for Campbell not stopping to refuel, there are account that Campbell had reported that the engine had flamed out at the end of the first run and he had to restart it. The Engine used an air start system using compressed air from bottles. That air supply would only start the engine twice. Thus had he stopped at the refuelling boat he would have been stuck there as there would have been no way to restart the boat so he took a risk, which didn't pay off.

[@fleurpuk5427]

​@@richardvernon317Thank you for adding this info, greatly appreciated. Thanks again, have a good day❤

[@invisibleray6987]

classic