Brooklands

[chevvron]

Drove through today on the way to a meeting in West Molesey. Noted that there are contractors clearing moss off the Byfleet banking opposite TESCOs, and there's a sign outside the old control tower(actually I believe it was known as the clubhouse) next to Curry's/Argos saying there's office space available to rent there.

[joy ride]

I keep meaning to go there. I pass occasionally on trains and almost every year it seems even further squeezed by remorseless bureaucratic and commercial expansion. Modern England: "They've paved paradise and put up a huge block of ugly modern glass offices completely out of proportion to the surrounding area" does not scan quite as well as the Joni Mitchell song Big Yellow Taxi.

[mmitch]

The Brooklands clubhouse is on the Museum site over the river. It has been restored after flooding some years ago. When Mercedes Benz World was built they improved the drainage of the site which prevented serious flooding this Winter.
The building used as offices was I believe used as the watch office and Barnes Wallis had his office there too.
mmitch.

[chevvron]

That's the motor racing clubhouse; I believe the one on the west side was also called the clubhouse (think I saw it in a plan published in 'Aeroplane Monthly years ago) for the flying club and it contains what looks like a control tower on top. I think Vickers built another tower on the east side also, the remnants are near the Concorde in the museum.
I did a school visit to Vickers (as it was then) back in about '66 and we were shown Barnes Wallis' office which he was still using (wasn't in when we visited though).

[gruntie]

I have been there a couple of times over the past decade. The difference could not be more extreme: Mercedes Benz World is sleek, polished, efficient, with some interesting gizmos, but essentially nothing there of absorbing interest.

The Brooklands Museum is rambling, decayed, and ramshackle, with items of absorbing interest stuffed wherever they will fit, and more outside in odd dark corners. It's utterly fascinating: you could lose yourself there for days. The difference could not be more marked.

Now they've got the London Bus Museum too: well, Nirvana is not strong enough a word.....

btw the VC10 they have there is the aircraft that featured in the film "Born Free": Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers were filmed descending to the tarmac at Nairobi following their leave in the UK.

[Capetonian]

It is one of my favourite places and fortunately close to my UK base, so I spend a lot of time there. It is a wonderful place and I enjoy the contrast which gruntie pointed out. It's a great place for big boys, small boys, and even the fairer sex enjoy it.

MBW has the upstairs Gull Wing restaurant, very good and great views, and the snack bar on ground level which is simple but excellent. I quite often go for brunch there on weekends.

I've been to a couple of events at The Club House at Brooklands Museum, it's redolent with history and very enjoyable.

What about a Pprune reunion there?

[joy ride]

It sounds like my kind of place, will have to go there soon!

[Chris Scott]

Quote from gruntie:
"btw the VC10 they have there is the aircraft that featured in the film "Born Free": Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers were filmed descending to the tarmac at Nairobi following their leave in the UK."

That would have been about 1966. Many will remember her in those BUA days as G-ASIX (http://www.british-caledonian.com/BUA_ASIX_in_the_Hanger.html), the second of three 1103s for the airline, and delivered in 1965. About 6 years later, by which time BUA had become BCAL, she was nearly lost in a jet-upset near Mendoza, in the lee of the Andes, en-route from Ezeiza to Santiago. It was suggested that a B707 might not have survived such turbulence. That may be so, but the "bullet", on which the tailplane is mounted, required extensive repair, as did the wing torsion box.

In 1974, after the fuel crisis, BCAL sold its VC10s, and she went to the Sultan of Oman as his personal transport. Many years later, he kindly donated her to Brooklands Museum.

If you haven't already visited a VC10 cockpit, give yourself a treat. Definitely the best 3-crew cockpit (4-crew, if you include the Nav's station) of its era.

[Muzzey]

I can thoroughly recommend Brooklands as a great day out & even if your can only spare a couple of hours it's definitely worth the trip, I was lucky enough to be treated to a session in the original BA Concorde simulator they have there -I am still grinning now!
For me it's the atmosphere that most does it, I feel it coming out of the woodwork, do try to go this year & have a great time ;-)

Muzzey

[Sir George Cayley]

It's a crying shame that the circuit is no longer complete. I've driven it in the Napier Railton and wish it was real not on a stimulator.:(

Yes I crashed.

SGC

[iwalkedaway]

Ahem - I have actually driven the Napier-Railton at Brooklands, and got my shoe caught between its throttle pedal and the underside of the brake. Since the Members' Banking river bridge over the Wey was demolished many years ago, and I was bounding towards the gap over the crumbling concrete of the banking, that was most decidedly a mind-concentrating moment (which we got away with)...

I hugely recommend the Brooklands Museum to children of all ages, whether the core interest is cars, motor-cycles, aeroplanes or just the period (1907-1939). I took my grandchildren there recently at half-term and - aged 2-7 - they just adored it. Sitting at the captain's controls on the VC10, or in the pilot's seat of the P1127, or experiencing the interior of a Wellington fuselage mock-up, or sitting in an Ayrton Senna-model Formula 1 McLaren could each be a life-deciding experience. The Concorde Experience, for £4 a ticket, is fantastic - highly recommended. With a flight video, audio effects AND seat vibration pads to heighten the experience my much-travelled infant grand-daughter was so convinced we'd taken off that she burst into tears when she was told that the usual nice lady with the grub and drinkypoos wasn't coming round...

I have no formal connection with the Museum, nor am I one of its volunteers - just a lifelong enthusiast and 68-year-old child who hadn't visited for years...but am now a confirmed fan. Do pay a visit...it offers fantastic value.

[Jhieminga]

... and to add to all the good parts: the Stratosphere chamber has now been reopened after a major refurbishment!

[joy ride]

Is the Railton at Brooklands? That would certainly be an impressive sight. Sound too I reckon! Yup, time to plan a visit.

[mmitch]

The Railton is usually on display, but sometimes has an away day. It is displayed next to 'Babs' the restored Parry Thomas car.
mmitch.

[Jhieminga]

For something special, visit Brooklands on an event day when the Railton is running. I once had the pleasure of helping to start the beast. Three guys heaving to get two tons or so moving and then that Napier rumbles into life with the exhausts right next to you.... Magic ;-)

[skua]

Jh


Agreed re the Napier.


The chief executive of the Museum is Alan Wynn, former editor of Flight. He commutes to work in his vintage Bentley - so you can tell the interests of both aircraft and car nuts are well catered for!

[IFPS man]

Our "Boss" is Allan WINN.....

[Jhieminga]

Aka the 'Clerk of the Course' ;-)

[Jhieminga]

... and to add to all the good parts: the Stratosphere chamber has now been reopened after a major refurbishment!
With thanks to Andy Lambert, here's some footage of the refurbished Strat chamber and Sir Barnes Wallis' daughter opening the new exhibit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9QPkau0mLQ

[Capetonian]

I have just spent a very enjoyable day at Brooklands. It represents an important part of the world's aviation Heritage - not just UK - and although it's already excellent, there are plans for improvement. They have 'events' every couple of months, today was a 'roaring forties' and many people made a huge effort not just to turn up in cars of the era but also in period dress.

The volunteers who work there are a cheery and enthusiastic bunch of people, many of them ex-aviators with a wealth of knowledge.

For £85 a year you can get full annual family membership which gives free entry and also use of the excellent clubhouse facilities.
Brooklands Trust Members - Brooklands Museum (http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/index.php?/support-us/brooklands-trust-members/)
I have no connection with Brooklands other than as someone who thoroughly enjoys going there, and I would like to see it better publicised.

I apologise if these photos are of no interest, but I am putting them here in the hope that they will invoke some enthusiasm for people to visit the exhibitions or join the BTM.



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[joy ride]

Thanks for the photos, must visit. The VC 10 looks like it needs re-painting!

[etsd0001]

Don't forget their latest aviation acquistion - VC10 K.3 ZA150 Dunsfold. '150 was formerly Super VC10 5H-MOG of East African Airways and was the last aircraft to built and flown out of the Brooklands site.

The aim is to keep her in a taxiable condition for events such as Wings & Wheels.

[Chris Scott]

"The VC 10 looks like it needs re-painting!"

Yes, and I know which livery I'd go for - but not sure the museum and the previous owner would agree. Tricky decision, that. And then there's the funding...

All those a/c need to be hangared, of course, if our grandchildren are going to be able to show them to their kids. Hey-ho.

[chevvron]

Didn't one of the other ex BCAL VC10s got to RAE Bedford? When I asked a Bedford controller about it, he said it was no longer flyable as it it a 'bent' fuselage, but didn't know how it happened. It was clearly visible from Santa Pod (Podington airfield) in the 80s; wonder what happened to it when RAE Bedford closed.

[Phileas Fogg]

Other Operators (http://www.vc10.net/History/other_operators.html)

When British Caledonian sold its VC10s, one of the three aircraft found its way to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Bedford as XX914. For the next ten years this aircraft was extensively used for equipment test and trials, mostly involving instrument testing and development. In 1983 she was withdrawn from use and broken up, but some of her parts were still of use. The fuselage was moved to Brize Norton and used for training by the Air Movements School as 8777M. The vertical tail was used as a replacement for ZA141, whose tail had been damaged during resonance testing at altitude.

[aviate1138]

Was at RAF Cosford yesterday and was told that a number of approaches were flown and successful short landings made at another airfield [ with longer runway than Cosford] and a number of pilots would have flown the VC-10 [allocated to Cosford] - no problems but some RAF top brass said no. Had he ever looked at the Brooklands VC 10 landing and the actual runway length used?

Arriving by road in bits is so undignified for such an elegant aircraft!

Onwards and upwards......

[joy ride]

I have searched on You Tube for film of the VC 10 landing at Brooklands but cannot find any. Do you know if there is one or are you possibly thinking of the Vickers Vanguard landing film?

[Capetonian]

One of the plans for Brooklands is some kind of 'dome' to cover the aircraft which are currently exposed to the elements. I am amazed that they have managed to keep the interiors clean and dry, the Viscount for example is in pristine condition.

[Jhieminga]

I have searched on You Tube for film of the VC 10 landing at Brooklands but cannot find any. Do you know if there is one or are you possibly thinking of the Vickers Vanguard landing film?
I don't think that this footage is on Youtube, it used to be included in the 'Brooklands Aviation' VHS/DVD sold at the museum.

The Vanguard landing is indeed on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmakSwlYLs0

Didn't one of the other ex BCAL VC10s got to RAE Bedford?
In addition to Phileas Fogg's post, photos here: C/n 825 - G-ATDJ - XX914 (http://www.vc10.net/Airframes/cn_825__gatdj_xx914.html)

[aviate1138]

Google "VC-10 landing Brooklands" and pages of interesting stuff appears.

Brooklands had apparently 2550 feet available. A number of VC-10 landings were made over

time and some used 70+% of the runway. The residing Sultan's braking system was the older,

less efficient Maxaret? system so why Cosford with its 3,800ft+ runway was denied a final

VC-10 landing can only be red tape/Health and Safety/Top Brass lack of cojones IMHO.

[DaveReidUK]

VC-10 landing can only be red tape/Health and Safety/Top Brass lack of cojones IMHO.Debated at length here: http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/519894-raf-cosford-no-longer-getting-vc10.html

[ancientaviator62]

Who remembers the RAF VC10 loaned to RR for the RB211 trials ?. It ended up with a twisted airframe and sat at Kemble for a long time until finally broken up.

[Phileas Fogg]

Who remembers the RAF VC10 loaned to RR for the RB211 trials ?. It ended up with a twisted airframe and sat at Kemble for a long time until finally broken up.

I do ...

I joined the mob in 1976 and became stationed at Lyneham (in the tower) from where we would often observe the Red Arrows practicing at Kemble and on one of many a pub crawl we might pass a fleet of SC5 Belfast's and one bent VC10 parked up at Kemble along with a Red Arrows display.

[joy ride]

I think I recall seeing film of the RB 211 VC10 in the Flight Gallery at the Science Museum. Looking at VC10.net it says that the RB211 produced slightly less thrust than 2 Conways. Does anyone know why this plane got bent, like did the RB have different torque characteristics, or was it mishap?

Although I love the look and sound of the 4 Conways, it is a shame that they could not use the RB211s and extend the VC10's commercial life, as the airframes were probably good for years more service.

[DaveReidUK]

Looking at VC10.net it says that the RB211 produced slightly less thrust than 2 Conways. Does anyone know why this plane got bent, like did the RB have different torque characteristics, or was it mishap?It wasn't the forward thrust of the RB211 that was the problem.

It was the forward thrust of two Conways on one side combined with inadvertent deployment of the RB211 thrust reverser on the other side - that would probably have been enough to bend any airframe.

[Jhieminga]

... And you're also looking at more drag from the RB211 installation and perhaps more weight on that side as well. Those influences were present on all the flights and then there was the thrust reverser incident indeed which certainly won't have improved the rigging.

[Out Of Trim]

After a couple of visits to Brooklands spaced over a few years it was noticeable that the Aircraft stored outdoors had all deteriorated to quite a degree; especially the Vanguard and the VC-10. Even the Concorde showed signs of peeling paint in places.

Only the Viscount seems to be fairing better in these conditions, perhaps being smaller it is easier to keep clean and polished.

I was disappointed, that more care seems to be taken with the Bus Museum in a nice new soft topped hangar like construction; that was new to me on my last visit.

Are there any plans to house the aircraft in a similar manner for the future before they rot away?

It would be nice if they can all be undercover and restored to a good condition and perhaps be rolled outside in good weather.

[joy ride]

Thanks for the answers, that certainly explains it!

[Chris Scott]

Re the challenge involved in getting A40-AB into Brooklands on 6/7/87, that was an interesting discussion I missed on PPRuNe in 2012, as Dave Reid UK points out:
Sultan of Oman VC10 at Weybridge/Brooklands [Archive] - PPRuNe Forums (http://www.pprune.org/archive/index.php/t-490433.html)

I gather that the full length of the runway was still available, unlike the later situation for the Vanguard. R for Robert's LDA figures for the northerly Rwy direction (3750 ft, plus a 400-foot overrun) seem to be unchallenged, but we don't have a slope figure.

A40-AB (formerly BUA/BCAL's G-ASIX, as Jhieminga notes) is a Type 1103 with "Dunlop Maxaret Anti-skid" brakes. In airline service, the dry operating weight (with, say, 120 seats fitted) was about 70 tonnes, so I think Jhieminga's estimate of about 70T for the landing is good. IAW standard practice, the Landing Distance graph makes no allowance for reverse thrust on a dry runway, and with only the outers available it isn't brilliant anyway. Landing distances (LD) are from a height of 50 ft over the threshold, of course, assuming main wheel touchdown at the 1000-foot point.

Sea-level/still-air/zero-slope LD at 70T is given as 5050 ft for a destination airfield, but the alternate figure (no, I never understood the difference) is 4750 ft, so let's use the latter. (Subtract 350 ft per 10-kt of headwind.) There may be some "fat" in the figure, but that implies a landing roll of about 3750 ft.

The main wheels are well behind and below the pilot's eye, and planting them on the deck within a couple of hundred feet of the threshold (the proverbial piano keys), rather than the normally-recommended 1000 ft, would be tricky, particularly if you're not in the habit. Airline pilots shouldn't be. I gather some kind of indicator may have been provided by the runway to assist? In any case, Saint-Ex and his fellow Vickers/BAC pilots had done it often enough!

G-ASIX may have been back to Brooklands before, for the repairs needed after the Andes incident in 1971? I can't remember.

[Jhieminga]

I gather some kind of indicator may have been provided by the runway to assist?
Indeed:
http://www.vc10.net/Memories/Images/Between_the_lines.jpg

The story from the Captain's point of view is here: The 1st and last VC10 flight (http://www.vc10.net/Memories/A4OAB_Royalflight.html)

The main wheels are well behind and below the pilot's eye, and planting them on the deck within a couple of hundred feet of the threshold (the proverbial piano keys), rather than the normally-recommended 1000 ft, would be tricky, particularly if you're not in the habit. Airline pilots shouldn't be.
Trubshaw was able to get pretty close, this is him landing G-ARVK (http://www.vc10.net/Airframes/cn_813__garvk.html) back at Brooklands:
http://www.vc10.net/Airframes/Images/G-ARVK_landing_Brooklands.jpg
I don't have proof that G-ASIX visited Brooklands after the Andes incident but I'd love to know if anyone can verify this statement. At this point we're certain that G-ARTA, G-ARVK, G-ASGB, G-ASGD and G-ASIX (in September 1965) have been flown back to Brooklands. Trubshaw of course mentioned in his autobiography: "The return of both VC10s and BAC 1-11s into Brooklands became a regular event". Proof of any other VC10s visiting Brooklands after their first flight is very welcome!

[SpringHeeledJack]

After a couple of visits to Brooklands spaced over a few years it was noticeable that the Aircraft stored outdoors had all deteriorated to quite a degree; especially the Vanguard and the VC-10. Even the Concorde showed signs of peeling paint in places.

Would the use of a medium power (domestic) jet spray washer by someone on a wheeled platform be helpful in keeping the algae and dust/dirt off the frames in the short term ? I realise that aircraft paint and it's upkeep are a tad different than other paint coverings, but at least the washing might be a small help until hangarage is available. Great place staffed by a nice bunch of characters :ok:


SHJ

[Chris Scott]

Hi Jhieminga,

Thanks for the pictures and link. "Some kind of indicator" (!) I was looking for something that would compensate for the disparity between the pilot's eye position and the main wheels. Crude as it is, if the pilot aims himself for the second white line, maintaining the landing attitude, perhaps the wheels will arrive near the first.

That's a well-written account by Richard King. (I too saw my first VC10 in Africa.) He was to all intents and purposes an airline pilot with a military background, whereas Trubshaw was, among other things (as you well know), a test and display pilot.

Captain King points out the effect that the extreme shortness of the runway would have had on the proportions of the trapezium that we use to judge and adjust our approach angle, in the absence of ILS guidance. At risk of teaching granny, etc., the trapezium's unusually short height would have been accentuated by extra width because (according to R_Robert on the 2012 thread) the runway was, at 255 ft, 70% wider than the standard 150 ft. Others may agree that's a mixed blessing on a paved runway.

Just before the flare, a pilot continues to look along to the far end of the runway; mainly to monitor pitch changes, tracking, and any drift. Meanwhile, he/she relies on peripheral vision to assess height and rate of sink, using the changing angle of both runway edges relative to the horizontal. (He also uses them to judge small changes in bank, but that's another matter.)

Airline pilots are used to the perspective of the standard 150-foot-wide runway to judge the correct height for the flare. Flare would have been minimal in this case, but - in the absence of a radio altimeter - the 70% wider runway could lead to it being initiated higher than intended, by a similar percentage. Rather him than me.

PS [Edit]
The repairs to G-ASIX in 1971/72 were definitely not done at Gatwick. I'll let you know if I find out where.

[Jhieminga]

This press release might interest some of you who are planning to visit Brooklands:

The Brooklands Reunion - 13th July 2014
Brooklands brings its Glorious Past back to Life for a Special Day
One of the most evocative days in Brooklands Museum’s 2014 calendar will be 13th July, when the Museum marks 75 years since the World’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit closed for good, at the outbreak of World War 2 with a Reunion which aims to recapture the spirit of a race-day in the Track’s 1930s heyday. Hundreds of pre-war vehicles – including many of the cars and motorcycles which raced at the Track between 1907 and 1939 – will feature in displays and demonstrations, while social features of the age – ranging from the Members’ Dining Room in the Clubhouse to “bookies” plying their trade in the Paddock – will add to the flavour of the day.
In the 75 years since 1939, Brooklands has seen tremendous changes in its landscape, suffered from German bombing raids and played a major part in the supersonic age through its unparalleled record of aircraft testing and manufacture.
The last thirty years or so have been kinder to Brooklands: building on efforts by the Brooklands Society to save the track, a dedicated army of volunteers, trustees and staff have worked hard to develop the magnificent Brooklands Museum, on a 32 acre site within the original circuit in Weybridge, Surrey so that it is a destination not only for those interested in classic motoring, aviation, cycling and industrial heritage, but also schoolchildren studying motoring, aviation and global history and families seeking a good day out.
The Brooklands Reunion is one of the very few days during the year when the whole site will be taken back to the pre-War era with actual cars, motorcycles and bicycles that raced there from 1907-1939 attending and in action at various times during the day. Other pre-War vehicles of all types will fill the roles of spectators’ vehicles and these will be parked around the site, just as they would have on a race day. To add to the atmosphere there will be ‘bookies’ pitches in the Paddock selling raffle tickets, and a programme in the form of a race card for the day.
As well as the racing itself, Brooklands was one of the most popular social destinations for high society in the glamorous heyday 1920s and ‘30s Britain, so everyone attending is encouraged to wear appropriate vintage attire to add to the atmosphere!
Activities will include demonstrations up the steep Test Hill with sessions for cars, motorcycles and cycles (and perhaps one session invoking the spirit of the JCC Trials of the late 1920s when vehicles will be brought down the Hill). Classes of cars will form up in ‘grids’ before being sent off up the Finishing Straight, turning right under Members’ Bridge and disappearing from view. There will also be a cavalcade of cars on the circuit at neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World and selected aero engines of the era will be run during the day.
One of the highlights of the proceedings will be the appearance of the Sunbeam 350hp, recently started up at Beaulieu for the first time in 50 years after an extensive mechanical rebuild. The Sunbeam was the last car to set an outright World Land Speed Record on a closed circuit, when K Lee Guinness drove it to a two-way speed of 133.7mph at Brooklands on 17th May 1922. It then became one of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed record breakers, and set a record of 146.16mph in 1924 at Pendine Sands.
Entry forms for pre-War vehicles to attend this very special event are available on the Museum website with further information available from the Events team on 01932 857381 Extension 244 or 253.
For press and media enquiries, images and more details, contact Paul Stewart - Marketing and PR Manager on 01932 857381 ext 249 or e-mail: [email protected]
- ENDS -

[joy ride]

Thanks for that, hope i can make it.

[Lukeafb1]

The question of the Sultan of Oman's VC10 landing at Brooklands was the subject of a thread some years ago.

At the time I was a television director and had a three camera crew there to record the landing and interviews with the crew. I had been commissioned on behalf of Trafalgar House Group to record events.

Unfortunately, TH went bust or were taken over and I never delivered the tapes to them.

I kept the tapes for many years although they have been lost in various house moves.:ugh::{

[mmitch]

Keeping a large aircraft like the VC10 clean and painted needs a team of volunteers and she has stood there since 1987. Concorde Delta Golf has always had a dedicated team that has painted and cleaned her. She was washed recently. The museum does have elevating platforms.
mmitch.

[Jhieminga]

The VC10 also has a team which looks after her but the area where the VC10 is parked is not paved, making access with cherry pickers and such problematic. Also the airframe has stood outside longer which means that the finish has roughened over time. That, combined with the fact that she is stood close to the trees, means that it is hard to keep the airframe clean. There are plans to repaint the airframe but before that can happen the funding needs to be sourced for the paint itself as well as staging to create access to the entire airframe.
I kept the tapes for many years although they have been lost in various house moves.
Not what I was hoping for.... ;)

[Capetonian]

I was at Brooklands today. There is a VC10 (G-ARVM), fuselage only, with some seats in RAF config (rear facing) and others in normal front facing. On board they are running a clip of G-ASIX/A4O-AB landing on 6th. July 1987.

Impressive it was too.

[mmitch]

I have been there twice since the VC10 exhibit 'opened' but it was closed!
One day I might catch it.
mmitch.

[Capetonian]

I have been there many times in the last couple of years and yesterday was the first time I'd seen it open. They are very much dependent on volunteers and the more there are on any given day, the more exhibits they can open.

[Capetonian]

Brooklands closed for war

The world’s first purpose-built motor race circuit closed on the outbreak of war in September 1939. Nobody could imagine 75 years ago that it would never reopen for sports car racing. Nor that it would become even more famous as the birthplace for some of the most famous air transport aircraft in the second half of the 20th century. Brooklands was where Concorde was conceived.


http://www.btnews.co.uk/images/140609/It_all_ended_75_years_ago.JPGIt all ended 75 years ago



On 13 July the Weybridge site will celebrate this unique anniversary with a Reunion which aims to recapture the spirit of a race-day in the track’s 1930s heyday. Hundreds of pre-war vehicles – including many of the cars and motorcycles which raced at the track between 1907 and 1939 – will feature in displays and demonstrations, while social features of the age – ranging from the Members’ Dining Room in the Clubhouse to “bookies” plying their trade in the Paddock – will add to the flavour of the day.

Activities will include demonstrations up the steep Test Hill with sessions for cars, motorcycles and cycles. There will also be a cavalcade of cars on the circuit at neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World and selected aero engines of the era will be run during the day.

A recommended day out for young and old. www.brooklandsmuseum.com (http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com)

[Capetonian]

Brooklands has a new and rather fantastic attraction. It's the Napier Railton 4D simulator ......... I went on it yesterday and it's well worth the time and money.

The Napier-Railton Race Experience

Experience a ‘Ride’ on the Original Brooklands Race Track in the 24-Litre Napier-Railton
Inside the Balloon Hangar building, we have created a 4D Theatre that provides the closest experience any living person will have of “driving” around the Brooklands Race Track at 100mph.
Visitors to the Museum can now take their seats for the ride of their life in a brand new, state-of-the-art 4D Theatre. Just as John Cobb and Sir Malcolm Campbell did in the 1930s, you can now see, hear, feel and even smell what it would have been like to race around the concrete banked circuit in a pre-War racing car.
With exclusive access to the track at Montlhéry just outside Paris, this was the ideal choice for filming the action sequences as it remains the closest in structure to the original Brooklands circuit. It also had a direct relevance for the Napier-Railton – the car visitors will be ‘seated’ in - being one of only two venues outside the UK where the car had competed in period. Together with the team at Metropolis Entertainments it was clear that we had to create the pits and crowds to complete the effect of a 1930s race so a call out for re-enactors in period dress, cars, mechanics and officials was put out through the Museum’s social media channels and its own Membership.
To inject some drama into the film, we needed more than just the Napier-Railton in shot, mighty though its presence might be, and through the generosity of their owners and those who maintain them, we were able to secure the services of two of the great Outer Circuit cars. Andreas Pohl’s Pacey-Hassan Special came to us via William Medcalf, and Martin Chisholm and Patrick Blakeney-Edwards provided Corrado Sielecki’s Delage DH V12 Land Speed Record car.
The final results are stunning and are a welcome addition to the Museum’s growing number of attractions. Visitors are transported on a multi-sensory journey back to what could be regarded as an emotional tribute to the cars, mechanics and drivers of those halcyon days of British Motorsport.
The 4D Theatre Napier-Railton Race Experience is open daily. Supplement charge:
Adults £5
Children £3
BTM Adult £4
BTM Children £2
Joint ticket Concorde/4D: Adults £7, Children £4 (available weekdays only)

[joy ride]

Sounds great.