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Tim Bedford, the Rolls-Royce Engineer and Inventor

 

BBC2 Documentary About Tim Bedford (1980s/90s)

This is from a BBC 2 programme broadcast in the late 1980s or the early 1990s. It focuses on the life and inventions of engineer Tim Bedford.



Published to YouTube on 12 Mar 2013 by Ted England.

Tim Bedford first worked as an engineer at Rolls-Royce in Derby. After completing his apprenticeship, he gained a degree in engineering. He worked on many major projects, especially those developing fuel systems.

The Jet Ski

After moving to Burton in the early 60s, he started work on the invention of a small watercraft. It was to be powered by an inboard engine and a propellor. And thus the first jet ski was invented.

The River Trent was an ideal place for his prototype experiments. Thus the Surf Blazer reached manufacturing stage, so he set up his own company to do this. Dynamic Developments Ltd was based in Horninglow Street.

The Ministry of Defence ordered a secrecy order on the completed invention for several months. His wife, Olive Bedford, remembers how this caused great financial uncertainty for the family, given the money invested in the Surf Blazer's development.

The BBC featured his invention on Tomorrow’s World in 1970.

Then it was used for an episode of Dr. Who! The Cybermen rode them for the cameras on River Avon in Bristol.

Now the financial backers wanted new premises, proposing a move to Ipswich. Tim Bedford, being an engineer rather than aiming to run a big business, decided it was time to sell his patent rights and move on to the next invention.

Replacing Fossil Fuels

Tim Bedford's next project showed an astonishing level of foresight. He wanted to replace the fossil fuels used to power vehicles, recognising that they were a finite resource.

So he examined ways to run vehicles on methane and liquid petroleum gas (LCP). The conversion kit was simple in design.

He set up a company called Blue Chip, to sell the patents. It was initially difficult, because the UK Government restricted the use of engines using anything other than tax-generating petrol and diesel.

The 1970s oil crisis, however, meant that international buyers were interested in his patent. He even met dozens of political and scientific leaders during this period.

A Family Man

Tim Bedford and his wife Olive had five children, and later four grandchildren.

She remembers him fondly as “a flamboyant figure around Stapenhill”. While he didn't make money from his inventions, he made a difference to the world. As she says:

 The sad end to this story is that at this moment in time, Tim died a poor man, but without a shadow of a doubt he was a very successful man. Worldwide patents are held by his company on his most exciting breakthrough — perfecting the running of diesel engines on LPG.” 

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Location: Burton upon Trent, Burton-on-Trent, UK

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