The Ruskin Museum’s aim to run Donald Campbells’ hydroplane, Bluebird K7 on Coniston Water in 2026 took a step forwards this week as two Orpheus engines were sent for refurbishment.
The two 101 engines, slightly different from the original 701 engine that powered the boat in the 1966/67 world record attempt, have been send to North Weald in Essex to be checked and for any remedial work to be done. One engine will be installed in the famous boat, and the other will be kept in reserve.
Tracy Hodgson, Director of the Ruskin Museum, said: “We are delighted to be working with Pete Walker and his team. This is the start of a schedule of works in the planned event of running Bluebird K7 on Coniston Water in 2026, and we are honoured to be working with some the best engineers in the aviation business.”
Jeff Carroll, Vice Chair of the Ruskin Museum, said: “We’ve been fortunate to be able to source a second mark 101 Orpheus with a great many of its ‘flying hours’ remaining. We’re working with people who are the most familiar with Orpheus Engines in the UK, probably globally. The aim is to have two serviceable engines to keep K7 operable well into the future.”
He added: “Pete Walker’s team will inspect both engines and replace any perishable items – hoses etc., prior to testing outside the boat. K7’s primary engine will then be fitted and tested within the boat and all systems checked for operation. This should be positive news for the many Bluebird K7 and Donald Campbell fans nationally and internationally and builds on our aim to run Bluebird in 2026.”
Peter Walker, the Chief Engineer who will be working on K7’s engines, and has worked on Orpheus engines for the last 40 years, starting when he was responsible for certifying the engines for Gnat training aircraft when he was in the RAF, said: “It is great to be part of the Ruskin Museum’s plan to put Bluebird K7 back on the water. Our team of engineers, myself, Connar and Nigel, who probably have more experience with Orpheus engines than anyone else in the world, will make sure that they are totally up to spec.”
He and his team keep a number of historic Gnat training aircraft, as used by the Red Arrows previous to their current Hawk T1.
