The Atom belongs in a Museum

The Atom belongs in a Museum

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Bruce Fielding

Original Poster:

2,244 posts

289 months

Wednesday 23rd February 2005
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There's already been one at the Design Museum, and now there'll be one or two (or more) at a motor museum - only for one day, though.

Because the AAOC's members have been invited to take part in the Haynes Motor Museum's Live Action event in August.

You've probably seen the sign to the museum if you've ever taken the A303 to the factory. I'd not actually taken the detour to the collection before, but I was quite surprised at the variety and size of the museum. It's the most amazing place, not so much for the collection of cars, which I think is one of the biggest in the country, but because every single one of these museum pieces is regularly taken out and run. To this end, the museum has its own small track.

One of the events that they organise is a Live Action Day where these cars (not just old ones) are taken onto their track and give passenger rides to the public. The AAOC has been invited along on any Wednesday to take part. I'll be going to one of these days and I was wondering if anyone would care to join me? We could combine it with a factory visit, too, and all go out for a pie and a pint with Simon and Tom! I've been assured that we'll be well looked after and amused all day.

If you're interested, which Wednesday would suit you best?
3; 10; 17; 24; or 31

N.B. The track is very small - you're unlikely to get out of second gear, well, maybe into third on the short straight. It's more of an occasion than a trackday.

john lloyd

926 posts

238 months

Wednesday 23rd February 2005
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Not a good month August if you've got kids and a wifes birthday that you forgot last year. I will try to make whatever date is chosen.

coxm

174 posts

242 months

Wednesday 23rd February 2005
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Happy to do it, subject to our not being on holiday at that point (not booked yet). Its only 40 minutes from my gaffe in Somerset, so ideal.

I have rented the track before with some mates. Only one car at a time. Its very tight indeed, definitely 1st & 2nd gear stuff. Should have the supercharged one by then as well.

MC

Bruce Fielding

Original Poster:

2,244 posts

289 months

Wednesday 23rd February 2005
quotequote all
As a reward for our participation, the AAOC members have been given the exclusive use of the track for a day to ourselves, as Meyrick says, one car at a time.

We just have to pick a day...

S2satom

42 posts

239 months

Thursday 24th February 2005
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Would love to help and represent the club. Just let me know which day but not the 24th.

Stewart

badge70

93 posts

249 months

Monday 28th February 2005
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I'd be up for that, have "borrowed" the Haynes track before a a few hours.

Depending on what bits of it you use it's 2nd and 3rd gear with just catching the rev limiter if you hammer up the Straight without the bus stop.

Badge.

Bruce Fielding

Original Poster:

2,244 posts

289 months

Friday 20th May 2005
quotequote all
For those that were unaware, we now have our first FREE track event booked at the Haynes Museum track - it's Saturday June 4th. All Atoms are welcome. It'll be one Atom at a time, but timing will be allowed!

Don't forget, this is a 'thanks' for appearing at one or more of their Wednesdays in August... I'll be going, but not sure which dates yet...

>> Edited by Bruce Fielding on Friday 20th May 12:01

John Lloyd

926 posts

238 months

Friday 20th May 2005
quotequote all
Just to try and get as may of you along as possible here is the directions

www.haynesmotormuseum.com/hours.php

Bruce is anyone from Atom going to be there?

>> Edited by John Lloyd on Friday 20th May 12:35

Bruce Fielding

Original Poster:

2,244 posts

289 months

Friday 20th May 2005
quotequote all
And here are the details from Haynes:

Based at the award winning Haynes International Motor Museum, the vehicle proving ground & test circuit, extensively used for maintaining the museum’s prestigious collection, is available for private hire

The Haynes International Motor Museum Circuit is ideal for driving enthusiasts and motorsport competitors alike, offering a fantastic driving experience whether hired for exclusive one car use, or as part of a group event.

Solo use of our circuit removes all the familiar racing circuit problems of missing allocated sessions from congested circuit conditions, or other vehicles spoiling your test lap.

Exclusive hire of our facility represents outstanding value in this age of ever increasing circuit charges.
The circuit is ideal for any hill-climb and sprint cars, rally cars in tarmac trim, and short oval race cars. It has proved invaluable for racing teams to run in engines, bed in brakes, practice starts, set up handling for tight corners, or just getting used to your car in an affordable environment.

This exclusive facility also provides ideal conditions for film production and photography.

All noise levels are strictly monitored, dB (decibel) levels will be tested by a member of Museum staff using our own equipment according to MSA Blue Book Regulations. As a rule the dB level will be measured at 2/3rds of the vehicles maximum RPM output, 1/2 metre distant at 45 degrees parallel to the exhaust. It is at the officials discretion to spot check the dB level during the hire period.

PERMITTED dB LEVELS PER DAY:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY up to 105 dB
SATURDAY up to 101 dB
SUNDAY (no race prepared vehicles) up to 98 dB

Only 1 vehicle may be driving on the circuit at any one time.

Please be aware that all drivers, passengers, and support personnel on the circuit will be required to sign an indemnity form before using the circuit. No more than 3 support staff per car will be allowed on the circuit at any one time

s2satom

42 posts

239 months

Friday 20th May 2005
quotequote all
I'll be there, it will be my first run on the track (even if it is a small one).

Attending the August event is also fine with me.

Stew

Bruce Fielding

Original Poster:

2,244 posts

289 months

Friday 20th May 2005
quotequote all
...and a bit of video of some very bizarre 'track' cars at the circuit...

http://trackdays.dreamracers.net/gallery/dr_trackday.wmv

atom120

268 posts

238 months

Friday 20th May 2005
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That looks like a kart circuit ...so absolutely ideal for the Atom! Lack of straights should make it particularly good for the Mk1 cars ...timing will be interesting!!

Any idea if the circuit has an Alfano strip fitted?

Bruce Fielding

Original Poster:

2,244 posts

289 months

Sunday 22nd May 2005
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No idea about the strip, Andy. You could call and ask - or I have a nice TAG Heuer 200S stopwatch I'll bring along.

Can I have a show of hands please to give me an idea of numbers. Don't forget - this one's FREE to AAOC members. So any of you not yet signed up but want a free track day, £28 is now even better value!

John Lloyd

926 posts

238 months

Sunday 22nd May 2005
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I'll be there.

Scorewriter

75 posts

237 months

Sunday 22nd May 2005
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A tad too far for me.

Mike

atom120

268 posts

238 months

Sunday 22nd May 2005
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Not sure about that weekend yet ...lets see if I survive the ring first...

cptsideways

13,648 posts

259 months

Sunday 22nd May 2005
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I'll be there for every live action day, not doing the "normal" track thing may I add

It would be great to meet some more PH'ers

PS It's a great track, short but great fun & very technical, ideal for you lightweight whippets

Bruce Fielding

Original Poster:

2,244 posts

289 months

Monday 23rd May 2005
quotequote all
Hi Declan - a little drift instruction would be great! I wonder if other Atom owners would enjoy learning the black art of making tyre companies rich?

Bruce Fielding

Original Poster:

2,244 posts

289 months

Friday 27th May 2005
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So that's just me and John Lloyd then. Excellent! However, I can't believe that no other member would like a FREE trackday!

s2satom

42 posts

239 months

Friday 27th May 2005
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Don't forget little old me.

Stew