HISTORICAL BOXFORD PRESS



Built "Loop" Track In Spare Time

Suffolk & Essex Free Press
20 November 1947

TORNADO SMITH TELLS OF LATEST THRILL
"Tornado" Smith, native of Edwardstone, Sudbury, and who has thrilled thousands on the “Wall Death,” in Southend, Sudbury and elsewhere, has a new sensation. Let him tell it in his own words in a message to the Editor:—
"In the years 1941 and 1942, twixt voyages as a ship's carpenter in the Merchant Navy, and later whilst on leave from despatch riding for the overseas contingent of the N.F.S., I purchased ash trees from Mr. Knott, of Polstead, and felled them for saw-milling.
"It may be recalled, I mentioned the likelihood of these trees having been planted by William Corder, for they grew in the notorious Bushy Park Wood, seat of the Red Barn Murder.

LOOPING THE LOOP
The timber, I later reported, was used in the construction of a motorcycle track wherein to perform vertical loops. This afternoon, as I took a breather between experimental practise and trial runs, I knew the moment was due to inform you of up-to-date news of my project and invention, for I have lately attained half way to looping vertically upon the little machine shewn in the accompanying photo.
"There seems to be no reason why I should not achieve and climb from the 45 degrees at present lapped with safety — and apprehension — to the 90 degrees 'loops of death’ proposed to take place at the foremost lane of the track.

TWO AT A TIME
“There are to be at least two motor-cyclists circuiting inside at the one time — and a third should add to the din of open exhausts, with extra excitement for the spectators produced by the additional complication in view of the confined space of the 15ft. diameter track.
“I have invented, designed, and built the structure singlehanded in my spare time. Patents are applied for. The performance is intended primarily for the theatrical stage.
“I am happy my ‘gadget’ (unlike the 12-ton yacht I built in 1938 for intended circumnavigation of the world, but was completely destroyed by fire ten days before proposed launching) is already service.
“I am sure, too, that Messrs. Wheelers, of Sudbury, also the several members of their personnel who produced timber for my yacht, and who also undertook the saw-milling of my ash trees in 1942, will feel gratified.”



 


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