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Thread: Valuable Teddy bear

  1. #1
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    Valuable Teddy bear

    Here is a picture of me holding "Mr Woppitt" who must be one of the most famous and valuable bears on the planet. For those that don't know he was Donald Campbell's mascot and was in the cockpit with him of the Bluebird K7 boat when he crashed at over 300mph killing him instantly in 1967 (Campbell not the bear). Mr Whoppitt was one of the few things that floated to the surface straight after the crash. I have long been interested in the Campbell's and the water speed record and went to Coniston on the 4th Jan this year for the 50th anniversary of his death. There I Met Gina Campbell who is Donald's daughter and she kindly let me hold Mr Whoppitt which I have to say was very special to me. Never thought a teddy bear could make a chap so happy :-)
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    SEC Member LM mic's Avatar
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    Re: Valuable Teddy bear

    Wouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuwwwww !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    That s really an interesting story and I can undetsand how happy you where and how proud you could be !!!
    Am also very interested about all concerning those speed beast reading a lot of articles about Campbell builts , and all his speed tests and improvments !!!!
    Thanks Rob for sharing such a nice story

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    SEC Member Stratie.fr's Avatar
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    Re: Valuable Teddy bear

    I have seen "in flesh" the Bluebird when I visited Beaulieu national Motor Museum in last November
    I was very impressed and appreciating how brave you should be for driving this one at High speed!!
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    SEC Member LM mic's Avatar
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    Re: Valuable Teddy bear

    You are right Fredéric ; on 4 wheels is yet achallenge but on the water is 5 time much more dangerous !!!! they are totaly crazy those guys
    Specially those who come back to speed after several tremendous chrashes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    SEC Member Stratos Fear's Avatar
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    Re: Valuable Teddy bear

    I'm old enough to remember the news of the crash in 1967 - it was spectacularly horrible to see the boat flip over at 300mph. Brave man indeed . ( I have the same horrible feeling about Richard Noble's forthcoming land speed quest with Andy Green (?) as driver. I really cannot believe any wheeled vehicle can stay on the ground at 1000mph !)
    But regarding the water-borne Bluebird isnt somebody re-building it ?

  6. #6
    SEC Member LM mic's Avatar
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    Re: Valuable Teddy bear

    yes it's a fellow named Bill Smith

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ed-record.html
    Last edited by LM mic; 04-02-2017 at 16:25.

  7. #7
    SEC Member Stratos Fear's Avatar
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    Re: Valuable Teddy bear

    Yes - fascinating story and a great project !

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    Re: Valuable Teddy bear

    Their website is

    www.bluebirdproject.com

    Fascinating site, amazing vision and skills. They're keeping as much of the original as they possibly can (you wouldn't believe what they've managed to re-use), and the aim is to have it back on the water at some point (they won't say when - "it'll be finished when it's finished"). Makes a Stratos build feel like doing an Airfix 1/72nd model kit

    You can also donate on there as it's all being funded by well-wishers, both private and corporate, as they gave the Heritage Lottery Fund the push a long time ago

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    SEC Member ah_sprite's Avatar
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    Re: Valuable Teddy bear

    Yeah, it's one of the best 'private' projects that I've seen. It'll be magnificent when it's done - shame it's only going to get one run up the Lake before it goes into the museum, really!

  10. #10
    SEC Member LM mic's Avatar
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    Re: Valuable Teddy bear

    Quote Originally Posted by ah_sprite View Post
    Yeah, it's one of the best 'private' projects that I've seen. It'll be magnificent when it's done - shame it's only going to get one run up the Lake before it goes into the museum, really!
    It's better like that ; will demonstrate that Campbell did a nice project; but without all necessary budget to improve what was done by Campebell years it will be a crazy idea to attempt to any speed record so it's a good idea to leave this rebuilt alive and safe to show to young generations how hudge was Campbell idea

    Just for information look on You tube at the replica some have built !!!!
    On the first attempt it was sinking after 200 yards !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    On those fields ; no money = danger !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Last edited by LM mic; 07-02-2017 at 18:30.

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