Surrey, UK: The weather has not improved. Since our little window of sunshine yesterday, it has poured. I mean buckets, and so much wind. No shopping along the high street in Guildford, no garden strolling. Shirley and Martin chose an indoor museum for us today - Brooklands. This operation opened in 1907 when they built a high-speed motor racetrack (with high banks) and became the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, home of the Concorde, and the site of many engineering and technological achievements" throughout the 20th century, including thousands of aircraft used in World War II.
I know nothing about cars. Not interested in cars, but here goes:
first championship electric-powered single seater. It could go up to 174 mph.
took 18 world long distance records.
There was one car I truly would have loved to drive, but it has no engine:
I may not be interested in cars, but I embrace science. Probably the most important exhibit in the museum is a Stratosphere Chamber designed by famed British scientist Sir Barnes Wallis, built to test the limits of technology. Constructed between 1946-47, it is the largest of its kind. The chamber can simulate most atmospheres or climate conditions and create altitudes up to 70,000 feet, temperatures from 131 to -103 degrees Fahrenheit, and even create snow and ice. No aircraft were ever lost to structural issues having been tested here. (Sidebar: the British 1968 Olympic team trained in this chamber to simulate the conditions in Mexico City!)
Sir Wallis also helped develop the "bouncing" bomb that was designed to be dropped in front of a dam and "skip" like a stone until it reached the dam in order to destroy the structure.
Next we visited the London Bus Museum in Brooklands. This was a fun exhibit, enhanced by the entertaining volunteers. The first bus shown is horse-drawn, and the volunteer told us about small boys being hired to sweep up all the horse poo in the city streets.
One "bus" I found interesting was a 5th-wheel-type situation that served as a canteen for the bus drivers. Apparently there were many of these situated throughout the city to feed the drivers. (Couldn't they just bring their own lunches?) No idea, but certainly this must have been the impetus for the modern 5th wheel RV?
We gave Shirley a night-off from cooking and went to their favorite pub. I had fish & chips of course!
Until my next update, your scientific correspondent.
Pedometer: 5,000 steps.