Bluebird K7 hydroplane undergoes conservation at BAE Systems

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 12:43 · Archive

The Bluebird K7 hydroplane has undergone specialist conservation work at BAE Systems' Warton site in Lancashire. Volunteers from the Ruskin Museum in Coniston transported the vessel there to preserve the famous craft for future generations.

The hydroplane set four world water speed records on Coniston Water during the 1950s and 1960s. It became one of Britain's most famous speed machines before tragedy struck in January 1967, when Donald Campbell was killed while attempting to break his own water speed record on the lake.

The wreckage remained on the lake bed for more than thirty years before being recovered in 2001. A major volunteer-led restoration project followed, with Bluebird K7 eventually being rebuilt and placed in the Ruskin Museum's care in 2024. Museum director Tracy Hodgson said the conservation work was necessary to protect the vessel's engine and systems following its return to the water in May, having had a live engine since then.

How it is being reported

• Bluebird K7 undergoes vital conservation work at BAE SystemsThe iconic Bluebird K7 hydroplane temporarily left Coniston for specialist conservation work aimed at preserving the famous craft for future generations.Westmorland Gazette · 10 Oct, 12:03
• Bluebird K7 undergoes vital conservation work at BAE SystemsThe iconic Bluebird K7 hydroplane temporarily left Coniston for specialist conservation work aimed at preserving the famous craft for future generations.NW Evening Mail · 10 Oct, 12:03

In this story: Bluebird K7 · BAE Systems · Ruskin Museum · Donald Campbell · Coniston Water · Lancashire

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