In Memoriam, Ralph Watson.
In Memoriam, Ralph Watson.
23/8/16, marks the tenth anniversary of the death of a longstanding motor sports competitor of the old school and specially talented engineer, Ralph Ogden Watson.
I for one very much miss the much valued intellectual discussions covering many subjects sadly now no longer possible. However I intend to visit Ralph’s parent’s grave at Purewa, where his ashes are interned and where in spirit, I will fondly hope for a further intuitive chat.
Although not readily understood, deep down Ralph was a very nice guy in every respect and a true friend. I am confident that he rests in peace. It is an honour to remember him.
http://ralphwatson.scienceontheweb.net/
http://www.speedsportblog.com/2014/0...echanical.html
Trevor.
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Ralph Watson - Special Engineer - Tevor Sheffield's link..
Bruce Dyer sent me a few photos of LX 5504 Ralph Watson's BSA Special, that is covered in Trevor's articles.
Was looking for a " NZ Specials thread " but couldn't find one on TRS.. could be a new one is required..??
The photos date from 1998 from the same set as some Bucklers and other cars taken at Manfield and Taupo.
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Ralph's Rotary-valve Engine.
[QUOTE=Roger Dowding;56887]Bruce Dyer sent me a few photos of LX 5504 Ralph Watson's BSA Special, that is covered in Trevor's articles.
Was looking for a " NZ Specials thread " but couldn't find one on TRS.. could be a new one is required..??
The photos date from 1998 from the same set as some Bucklers and other cars taken at Manfield and Taupo.
Special thanks Roger,
Great photos from Bruce Dyer and great that they are preserved here. The Watson BSA Special in its final form is very special indeed and has significance on the world stage.
It demonstrates a world first and a unique 1990 achievement, i.e. the successful design and production of a viable rotary-valve engine. In fact it constitutes a piece of ongoing mechanical history and as such the BSA Special has intrinsic value beyond that of the usual collectable car. Hopefully therefore it will always remain treasured and cared for, but should remain in action continuing its extensive history in competition in accordance with the creator’s wishes, rather than stagnate as a static show piece.
Owner Martin Ferner wrote to Ralph, 12/11/ 2002. —-
“ In fact it is a continuing surprise. I am dumfounded at the amazing torque available at low revs. If one parallels it to a poppet valve motor, with what must be regarded as fairly wild valve opening periods, I would expect little torque at low revs and a strong band of torque at higher revs when the gas flow is established. This engine seems to pull lustily from low revs and to do so evenly over a wide range.”
Ralph ranked the rotary-valve as his major achievement, for very good reason. His unique rotary-valve design was not the result of an accidental whim, or a lucky conception. The innovative and absolutely novel main seal which he designed, comprised the key to the success of the project.
It is surprising that there was not the necessity for several prototypes and endless costly modification and testing. I was witness to same when in Australia together with Ralph visiting an engine development company. Significantly Ralph was unable to glean any useful information. This specialist organisation had been previously working on a rotary valve design for a considerable time backed by overseas finance and assistance from Briggs and Stratton, but they had given up in desperation up after a great deal of time and money had been spent.
Ralph’s inventive design incorporates several completely novel features and as such would have supported patent protection, but this prospect was rejected on grounds that those close to him could appreciate.
Those interested will find full details here. —-
http://ralphwatson.scienceontheweb.net/rotary.html
R I P, Ralph Watson, Kiwi Special Engineer.
R I P, Ralph Watson, Kiwi Special Engineer.
23/07/1918 — 23/08/2006
http://ralphwatson.scienceontheweb.net
Absolutely Remarkable Tribute.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
chaindrive
You have done Ralph proud.
Please post detailed information concerning the construction of the model as well as your plans covering its upkeep. It comprises everlasting memorabilia beyond its intrinsic value and should remain preserved in-perpetuity.
In Memoriam, Ralph Watson.
The Northern Sports Car Club celebrations held on Saturday, sadly bring to mind my very much long lost friend Ralph Watson, who passed away 23/08/06.
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Ralph Watson - The NSCC and an event at Ardmore
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Trevor Sheffield
The Northern Sports Car Club celebrations held on Saturday, sadly bring to mind my very much long lost friend Ralph Watson, who passed away 23/08/06.
Trevor,
NSCC Reunion.
A lot of nostalgia at the NSCC Reunion, and I met up with a few guys that you knew back in the 1950's and later.
They included, Don Tilsley, John Windleburn, Allan Woolf, Rob Williams..
Did you get there ?. If you did I missed catching up, as happened with a few others.
Ardmore - but what event and when ??
I also need to pick your brains, as Don Tilsley has given me an typewritten sheet from an Ardmore meeting which includes the list of entrants, their cars and the races entered.
It would be the sheet produced by the Club Organisers - as is not a " Programme " type of document - just a double page produced on a Gestetner or similar device.
Among the entrants;
You were Car #77 in an A.C. V8,
- John Windleburn in his Austin A35 Race #88
- Allan Woolf was in his Ford 8 - Race #90
and your very good friend Ralph Watson had the Lycoming Special at the event with R [ Bob ] Gibbons driving ; Car #36.
There is mention of the Feature race being the " Ardmore 50 ". The Cars for this event competed in two Heats,Race 4 and 12 to get the top 24 qualifiers for the Race - Event 16.
In the heats Ralph Watson was shown as the entrant not sure if driving. from your own book would appear to be Bob Gibbons.
From other details I am picking the event was from around 1958 - 59 as Graham Pierce has the ex Ross Jensen Austin Healey 100 S Car #71 and George Lawton his Austin Healey - a 100 Six Car Car #59 . George went to Europe with Denny Hulme who was in an MG car #58.
In your book " Ralph Watson - Special Engineer " I see in the Lycoming Special Competition Record an event.
" 01/03/58 Ardmore 50 Mile Race. Driver R Gibbons, Placed fourth. Best Lap 1 min, 31.6 secs ".
Could it be this 1st March 1958 event. Presumably organised by either NSCC or ACC ?
It is not the Grand Prix as only NZ Drivers are listed with Bruce Mclaren in a Cooper 1750 Race #47.
Your book - my very much used reference one.
Attachment 73129
Would be interested to know.
The document is very flimsy so have been unable to scan it yet.
Cheers
Roger