Author Description

The Bluebird K7 is the turbojet-powered hydroplane with which Donald Campbell set seven World Water Speed records in 1950s and 60s. Campbell lost his life in the much-modified K7 on 4 January 1967 on Coniston Water during an attempt to raise the record above 300mph. Both K7 and Campbell's body remained at the bottom of Coniston Water for 34 years, until a recovery operation began in October 2000. Campbell's remains are now buried at a church in Coniston, while the wreckage of K7 was donated to the Ruskin Museum by Campbell's daughter, with the intention of restoring the craft to running order. This heavily illustrated book provides a unique insight into the design, construction and operation of the original hydroplane, and the ongoing processes involved in its restoration today.