Brooklands
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.
SHJ
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.
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.
Last edited by Chris Scott; 21st May 2014 at 15:24. Reason: PS added. Minor improvements.
This press release might interest some of you who are planning to visit Brooklands:
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]
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 -
Nemesis of the Proot Dynasty
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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.
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.
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.
mmitch.
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.
Not what I was hoping for.... 
Originally Posted by Lukeafb1
I kept the tapes for many years although they have been lost in various house moves.
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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.
Impressive it was too.
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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.
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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.
It 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
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.
It all ended 75 years agoOn 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
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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)
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)
