Bentley 1930 4.5 Litre

[chadders]

Hi, does anyone know of a good online referance for the 1930 Bentley 4.5 lt. I'm going to be starting the Airfix 1:12th kit after SMW and just need some good photos to work from, Thanks, Mark ;D

[edgar]

Don't know about online, but the Society's library has articles, plus a few engine photos.
Edgar

[ptcruiser]

Come along to the Car & Motorcylc SIG stand at SMW (if you're going) and I'll bring some more along. Looking at starting a Speed 6 myself (1:24)

Rich

[ptcruiser]

Just an update - the 1:12 Airfix Bentley is covered in the latest Scale Models (or SMI Scale Models Collector as it is now) and there is sure to be copies available at SMW. There is also a 1:18 Speed 8 on the cover.

Alternatively, try 'Googling' or 'Yahooing' for 'Birkin Blower' as he lead the development with funding from Dorothy Paget and 'blower' installation by Amhurst Villiers.

A good web page is www.stanleymann.co.uk specialists in vintage Bentley's or www.motorsnippets.com/cars/bentley/ for the back ground.

The first chapter of Wingroves first book uses the Blower as an example of how to take appropriate photos of cars for modelling references and has some good details. It also has a copy of his plans.

The actual Blower that is the subject of the kit itself is the personal property of Ralph Lauren and was covered in a recent edition of Motorsport.

Personally I've found it 'challenging' to find engine details but it's fun trying to find them

Enjoy
Rich

[chadders]

Hi Rich, the SMI feature was the thing that gave me the idea to build it. Its just one of those kits that I'd always wanted to try but never got chance. I usualy build planes but was asked by the deputy editor of SMI to build an ImpulZ for them, (which is also in the latest issue) and it got me hooked on cars again, so all these car kits that I've got are now being dusted down and started!!
Mark

[chadders]

Oh and I will be at SMW, with my boys so I'll pop and see you

[kiwichappers]

There are always an assortment of Bentlys at Le Mans in mid June for the 24 hour race. Most of the owners are more than happy to make their cars available for some one with an interest.
It is always a good week in a lovely part of the world. Saumur tank museum is also nearby in the Loire Valley.

kiwichappers

[ptcruiser]

There certainly is kiwichappers - I was hoping to raid my photo archives to see what was in there. The best years for vintage Bentleys were whilst the Speed 8/EXP8 etc were running and the hospitality villages were 'swarming' with 'Mr Bentley's lorries'.

Rich

[NoelSmith]

Hi! Hope I can help.

Last I know of UR6571 the Airfix Bentley was that JCB qwn it. Try their public relations department. They may help with some pics.

Regards Noel Smith

[NoelSmith]

Hi. I didn't spot it when I placed my last entry. UR6571 was owned for some time my Anthony Bamford of JCB but it appears that Ralph Lauren has it now. See Richard Middleton's (Alias PT Cruiser's) entry earlier.
I wrote some super detailing articles about this kit for Scale Models and Auto Modeller magazines back in the late 70's early 80's. Plus photos in an IPMS mag around this era.
The Bentley Drivers Club used to have a little booklet named 'Where Have All The Blowers Gone' Don't know if they still issue this or not!

[ptcruiser]

Chadders,
I've acquired a copy of Michael Hay's definative reference to the WO Bentleys - The Vintage Years (2nd edition). There is a chapter dedicated to the blowers. The book contains extensive photos of all types. Let me know by PM if this might be of interest.

Cheers
Rich