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Post by chrisb on Oct 25, 2018 6:20:16 GMT
I managed to get to Donington Museum a couple of days ago and took a number of photos - which I will post when I can find Jamie's email and remember how to upload them,
in truth it was a bit sad, a number of cars had already gone, McLaren had withdrawn all their cars, which funny enough didn't surprise me, and the Mike Spence Lotus BRM Elan which would have been such an awesome mix but for yet another tragedy in that horrible year was being removed and that just seemed poignant.
The streamliner Vanwall was there and impressive as was a number of other cars, but the reality was it was less than an hour to walk around, whereas as the National Motorcycle Museum was only 30 mins down the road decided to visit there and what a museum that turned out to be, really would recommend a visit to anyone who has an interest in UK motorbike history
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Post by charleselan on Oct 25, 2018 13:45:16 GMT
I managed to get to Donington Museum a couple of days ago and took a number of photos - which I will post when I can find Jamie's email and remember how to upload them, in truth it was a bit sad, a number of cars had already gone, McLaren had withdrawn all their cars, which funny enough didn't surprise me, and the Mike Spence Lotus BRM Elan which would have been such an awesome mix but for yet another tragedy in that horrible year was being removed and that just seemed poignant. The streamliner Vanwall was there and impressive as was a number of other cars, but the reality was it was less than an hour to walk around, whereas as the National Motorcycle Museum was only 30 mins down the road decided to visit there and what a museum that turned out to be, really would recommend a visit to anyone who has an interest in UK motorbike history Chris, That is really excellent you made the trip down to Donington to see the museum, but so sad to hear of it being disbanded already. Not sure what is behind all this, as Tom's son appears to be of significant wealth and should be able to continue his legacy without any difficulty. Look forward to your pictures, as and when. The Motorcycle Museum is a treasure and I have only been in its formative days so would love to have a look around now. I have just downloaded fromYouTube a wonderful 30 minute film on Bob McIntyre which contains some stunning old Shell and BP footage from 1958 and 1960, a bit of trials and motocross as well all with the wonderful commentary by Murray's father Graham Walker. it really is a classic bit of film. John |
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Post by robmarsh on Oct 25, 2018 14:19:16 GMT
So sad to hear/see this. It was on my bucket list too. I had Tom Wheatcroft's signed biography but lent it to someone who was related in some way.
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Post by charleselan on Oct 25, 2018 15:34:00 GMT
I managed to get to Donington Museum a couple of days ago and took a number of photos - which I will post when I can find Jamie's email and remember how to upload them, in truth it was a bit sad, a number of cars had already gone, McLaren had withdrawn all their cars, which funny enough didn't surprise me, and the Mike Spence Lotus BRM Elan which would have been such an awesome mix but for yet another tragedy in that horrible year was being removed and that just seemed poignant. The streamliner Vanwall was there and impressive as was a number of other cars, but the reality was it was less than an hour to walk around, whereas as the National Motorcycle Museum was only 30 mins down the road decided to visit there and what a museum that turned out to be, really would recommend a visit to anyone who has an interest in UK motorbike history Chris, Further to my reference to the classic YouTube film on Bob McIntyre I have taken the opportunity of pasting it here rather than make a new thread just for this. It is a fabulous film, or more accurately several films put in one place. There is certain warming feeling from watching it, and how things were 60 years ago. I just love the sound of those British singles and the names of Bob Mc; Jack Brett and Alistair King bring home so many happy childhood memories. The NW200 footage is amazing and shows the course as it once was, also the fact that all three classes raced at the same time but with each class released at time intervals. Great to see a very young Mike Hailwood in the 250 class onboard an NSU battling with the legend that is Sammy Miller. Sammy was one of the greatest trials riders of all time, but people forget he was also a great road racer; he also has a museum you could visit. The motocross film of the 1960 British 500 Grand Prix at Hawkstone Park was one I attended with my mum & dad, travelling all the way to Shropshire on the BSA combination on a very hot day. All finished off with a short story of the German GP (250cc Race) at Solitude, what a circuit and the amazing little MV twins of Gary Hocking and Carlo Ubbiali. |
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Post by René on Oct 26, 2018 9:42:49 GMT
I managed to get to Donington Museum a couple of days ago and took a number of photos - which I will post when I can find Jamie's email and remember how to upload them, in truth it was a bit sad, a number of cars had already gone, McLaren had withdrawn all their cars, which funny enough didn't surprise me, and the Mike Spence Lotus BRM Elan which would have been such an awesome mix but for yet another tragedy in that horrible year was being removed and that just seemed poignant. The streamliner Vanwall was there and impressive as was a number of other cars, but the reality was it was less than an hour to walk around, whereas as the National Motorcycle Museum was only 30 mins down the road decided to visit there and what a museum that turned out to be, really would recommend a visit to anyone who has an interest in UK motorbike history Chris, if you need help with posting images you could also mail them to me. Then I will place them in a post. |
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Post by chrisb on Oct 27, 2018 11:22:31 GMT
oh bless you Rene - I am struggling with PinInterest, although I have managed it once but for the life of me it is defeating me this time,
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Post by chrisb on Nov 7, 2018 15:45:46 GMT
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Post by charleselan on Nov 7, 2018 16:25:00 GMT
Great stuff Chris, shame there is an issue with some images not appearing but I am certain it will be sorted.
It is an absolute travesty that the museum is being closed down, what the blazes is wrong with the motor sporting fraternity that they are letting this slip away. No one who is associated with this lacks funds according to recent articles I have read, and further than that no one in the sport lacks the funds to keep it going. Shame on people like Ecclestone & Jordan who ooze money that they cannot come to the rescue of this excellent attraction.
Of course people of their ilk cannot do anything worthy that would benefit the sport in general.
The Vanwall display was superb and is the "Stream Liner" a swoopy looking race car, sadly the same cannot be said of the rear engined model which was a pretty poor car to say the least.
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Post by René on Nov 7, 2018 18:57:07 GMT
Wonderful Chris, thanks!! Love the Penske and the Vanwalls, so cool. As JC mentioned, not all pictures show up so maybe something to check (Jamie?  ). |
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Post by chrisb on Nov 8, 2018 7:18:03 GMT
not sure chaps, they all come up on mine, did try and look on my laptop but that would involve switching off my adblocker, so which photos are coming through, incidentally I see Lucio's photos are no longer available?
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Post by Carl on Nov 8, 2018 16:59:08 GMT
not sure chaps, they all come up on mine, did try and look on my laptop but that would involve switching off my adblocker, so which photos are coming through, incidentally I see Lucio's photos are no longer available? Chris, I noticed that also and can only guess that time limits / copyright restrictions cause certain photos to disappear. The internet is a construction of idiot savants and lawyers and thus a strange place.
Cheers, Carl
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Post by mikael on Nov 10, 2018 9:41:07 GMT
The motocross film of the 1960 British 500 Grand Prix at Hawkstone Park was one I attended with my mum & dad, travelling all the way to Shropshire on the BSA combination on a very hot day. JC, a very interesting movie; for me, especially the motocross part. Thank you for posting it! Very interesting to see Bill Nilsson (aka "Buffalo Bill") and Rolf Tibblin (aka "Tibbe") in action (although it seemed to have been a bad day for Tibblin). As I kid, I heard these names mentioned innumerable times (when my father and his friends talked about "old days") - they were the superstars of Scandinavian motocross in the 50's and early 60's. But it's not easy to come across good footage from that period, so I think it's actually the first time I have seen these riders in action. Both Nilsson and Tibblin were known to be physically very strong. It's quite clear to see when watching Nilsson's beautiful and (apparently) effortless riding - the way he "hangs on" to that very stiffly sprung motorcycle - amazing, really! |
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Post by charleselan on Nov 10, 2018 12:35:24 GMT
The motocross film of the 1960 British 500 Grand Prix at Hawkstone Park was one I attended with my mum & dad, travelling all the way to Shropshire on the BSA combination on a very hot day. JC, a very interesting movie; for me, especially the motocross part. Thank you for posting it! Very interesting to see Bill Nilsson (aka "Buffalo Bill") and Rolf Tibblin (aka "Tibbe") in action (although it seemed to have been a bad day for Tibblin). As I kid, I heard these names mentioned innumerable times (when my father and his friends talked about "old days") - they were the superstars of Scandinavian motocross in the 50's and early 60's. But it's not easy to come across good footage from that period, so I think it's actually the first time I have seen these riders in action. Both Nilsson and Tibblin were known to be physically very strong. It's quite clear to see when watching Nilsson's beautiful and (apparently) effortless riding - the way he "hangs on" to that very stiffly sprung motorcycle - amazing, really! Mikael, Really pleased you liked the movie, it was really excellent in my opinion and brought back so many distant memories, some that burn as bright today. The Hawkstone Park British Motocross GP was my second taste of international racing following my families trip to see the 250 European Motocross GP at Beenham Park in 1959. Both were very memorable outings for me as an 8 & 9 year old at the respective times. Interestingly the 250 GP was won by Rolf Tibblin on a 250cc Husqvarna, it was a blazing hot day and the circuit was incredibly dusty; all the spectators were absolutely covered in the dust. In that event one of Britains greatest riders from the 1950's Brian Stonebridge rode with amazing bravery on his works Greeves machine as he had serious burns on his left arm following a camping stove explosion while in Europe. i can still see his image today riding up past us on the steep hill section with his burnt arm held behind his back in an attempt to protect it. Brian sadly perished in a road car accident a short while later. Rolf Tibblin later went on to 500cc machines and more or less took over from Bill Nilsson, both were great riders and champions with Rolf always a threat into the mid 1960's. Bill Nilsson dominated the Hawkstone event except for a brief challenge from Britains Derek Rickman on one of the brothers new Metisse machines, however Derek crashed just below us on the steep hill and fractured his leg. Great times. JC |
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