16 replies to this topic

[wheelock]

I see quite a few cars fitted with these and wondered.



Cheers

Mark

[dretceterini]

really more mud guards than wings...

[wheelock]

Thanks
I guessed it might as simple as protection for the driver from mud and stones but then thought it might be something far more inscrutable....



Mark

[kayemod]

From what I've seen about racing in those days, I've always assumed they were intended mainly to reduce spray in wet conditions.

[D-Type]

In the instructions for the contemporary Merit plastic models they were described as 'spray deflectors'. I think they were detachable and only fitted when the weather was a bit iffy.

[wheelock]

Modern F1 car designers seem to have taken to 'spay deflectors' with a vengeance.;)


Mark

[f1steveuk]

and when they were renamed "barge boards" Mr Schumacher" took the meaning too seriously against Jacques!!

[wheelock]

Hehe
What hell do they call all little aero widjets plastered all over the bodywork anyway?
Barge boards sounds lovely and nautical, perhaps they are air swatters,hmm.


Mark

[Barry Boor]

Abortions!

[wheelock]

They don't exactly enhance the line of the car do they!
But then they are not in a beauty contest.

I am modeling a w196 streamliner at the moment, such lovely clean lines,sleek and aquatic
By comparison a modern F1 car tends to remind me of a holly leaf,
all twisted and shiny.




Mark

[philippe charuest]

Originally posted by D-Type
In the instructions for the contemporary Merit plastic models they were described as 'spray deflectors'. I think they were detachable and only fitted when the weather was a bit iffy.

i thinq they were using it all the time to deflect gravel/stone/asphalt bit and so ,it was a real hazard then .and they were still using gogles made with glass who were far from bullit proof

[cpbell]

Sorry to revive an old topic - my understanding is that they were, indeed, stone/spray deflectors. Other cars which used them were the open-wheeled version of the D-B W196 and the Alfa 158/9.

[David McKinney]

...and many more besides

They were spray deflectors - look at the period pictures and you'll see they tended to be left off for dry races, but added on if the weather was bad

[Tony Matthews]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by David McKinney
[B]...and many more besides

Including the Mk 1 BRM V16, probably as a foil to water, oil, valves, pistons, con-rods.....!;)

[oldtimer]

The V16 BRMs did not suffer from major engine failures.

Their problem was getting all the components to work together at the same time. And when they did, as at Albi in 1952, when they blew off the Ferraris, the tyres could not take it.

Those shields behind the front wheels served the purpose of protecting the driver from spray from wet track surfaces. Remember, GP races had a minimum distance of 300 miles or 3 hours or in duration. What you took to the grid had to serve for the race, come rain or shine. No weather satellites in those days, and no rain tyres either.

[Peter Leversedge]

Spray deflectors is correct. I fitted them to my car for beach race meetings

[Tony Matthews]

Originally posted by oldtimer
The V16 BRMs did not suffer from major engine failures.

Forgive me, Oldtimer, I was being flipant, hence the ;) , I know that when properly assembled and the electrics sorted it was an amazing engine, the sound of which has reduced me almost to tears of - what? I dunno, a feeling I am at a loss to describe in a few words.

But perhaps deflectors at the rear to protect all and sundry from drive shafts would have been a good idea ;) .