Hovercraft - The big one!

[cstorey]

I was a regular traveller on the Hoverspeed SRN4 machines in the 70s to 90s , and I thought they were wonderful . I can only remember one really bad passage, but that was in a Force 8 when frankly I didn't expect us to go. The best part of them weas standing on the sands east of Calais and watching this prehistoric monster approaching and then just running straight at us out of the sea, making this memorable rumbling noise . I am very surprised at the suggestions of vibration, because I do not remember much of it at all

[Tako_Kichi]

Maybe the ones with vibration issues had an out of balance prop.

I would imagine, given the size of the props, that any imbalance would be felt in the cabin.

[DarrenL]

This is good resource for photos and video links for the SRN4 Hovercraft - http://www.jameshovercraft.co.uk/hover/srn4/srn4.htm

2 big ones left (Anne & Margaret) but I think I heard one might be scrapped soon, or that they might both be sold for commercial use overseas.

Museum view - http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&sourc ... 01,,0,5.27

[DaveB]

Larry..

I remember going to the IoW on an SRN6 and that wasn't silky smooth either so an SRN4 would never have been like say.. travelling by a jet of the same era. I guess a lot boils down to what you're prepared to put up with as 'acceptable' vibration I'm probably an oddball type (no comments please) in that the more you could 'feel' something.. the more real it was. I have one exception though.. I can't stand too much vibration off a motorbike. That goes beyond being real!

ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

I always found that when flying in Trislanders.the noise and vibration gave a real sense of power, plus being close to the ground a sense of acceleration and speed

[Tako_Kichi]

I can't stand too much vibration off a motorbike. That goes beyond being real!

Oh I am with you there! I used to own a BSA B33 500cc single and after a ride of 30 minutes or more the vibrations used to make your hands and bum numb!

[WhisperJet]

I can't stand too much vibration off a motorbike. That goes beyond being real!

I had a friend's 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 for the last weekend!
Quite some vibrations in there as well - however not originating from the engine...

Cheers,

Nick

[glen]

2 big ones left (Anne & Margaret) but I think I heard one might be scrapped soon, or that they might both be sold for commercial use overseas.

I thought and I stand to be corrected I'd read on their site that one or both of them had been sold to a private individual who wanted the engines for his powerboats and the museum was allowed to keep them on site and display them.