THE HISTORY OF MODEL BABYBOOTLEGGER 50CM
In February, 1924, George Crouch started on the design of Baby Bootlegger for Caleb Bragg, automobile champion and pilot of seaplane. Caleb Bragg has once already participated in Gold Cup and as member of very high-end Columbia Yacht club, he trains the wish to reconquer the lost trophy which since 1915 was heldby the yachtmens of the American East coast for the benefit of the industrialists of Detroit. It was built by Nevins boatyard of City Island in New York. From the moment it was first seen, the appearance of this boat caused a sensation, exciting both surprise and admiration for its original style and exceptional shape. It was equipped with a Hispano – Wright V8 whose marinisation is very promising. In 1924 the Wright firm, is closely interested in the link between the plane and the motorboat racing. It is not surprising that the shape of Baby Bootlegger and its behavior in navigation place him on a subtle border between the air and the water getting closer to a ballcock of seaplane. The very well-kept construction is in double planked mahogany of Honduras, the assembly is realized by means of thousand countersunk screws. In 1924, Gold Cup which takes place in 3 rounds, sees getting loose 3 clearly largely above the average competitors, Rainbow IV, Baby Bootlegger and Miss Columbia all 3 drawn by Georges Crouch. These 3 boats finish in the order above but a competitor not concerned by his first 3 places concerns a complaint against the winner , Rainbow IV, the illegality of his hull. Finally Rainbow IV is disqualified for the benefit of Baby Bootlegger. Unhappy with this victory by default, Caleb Bragg won a new victory on the Manhasset Bay in 1925 in front of Miss Columbia. The best speed registered by Baby Bootlegger is 73.5 kph. In 1927 Baby Bootlegger stopped the competitions and was sold to the family Timberlake who will preserve him until 1947 and will leave him almost abandoned. It will be then restored by Mr Mason.
Builder
Ref. R BABY 82
