The late John Hudson Tech Articles

John made tapes on the engine and gearbox and several multiple page articles on stripping and rebuilding . There was a particularly good article in Motorcycle Mechanics, every time I read it I find something else . He also had an almost photographic memory. His methods of working were finely honed in doing what was needed in cramped damp dark sheds all over the country with no facilities and few tools, helping Joe public. He also Knew how to make an 88 fly. Just one of his interests. Wish I had been there to help him when he needed it .RIP John.

British Bike Mechanics September 1988 - Tuning the Norton Domi.

I have John's tapes which need to be transfered into disc's to be any use. I will look for the article . I spent an afternoon with John on a train and he was good company. He helped me with advice on a few occasions and sold me some bits thro the post. I would think the club could transfer the tapes and sell them to members. He was one of the good bloke's and his legasy should be continued .

I can remember two Norton video tapes, made by John, both involving engine and gearbox refurbishment. I am sure that, at one time,these were available in DVD format as well as video tape.

The out-takes were priceless and would make a great programme on their own. John frequently started to work on a part of an engine and would then suddenly walk off the set to get a special tool. There were three incidents that I recall happening which raised a few eyebrows.

These included him firing up his 1939 petrol powered blow-torch and then setting it down facing the backing scenery. If you look carefully at the video can just see it is pointing directly at a Norton calendar which rapidly begins to cook and curl its pages. The remainder of this part of the video had to be deleted due to the noise of the torch drowning his voice and the scenery starting to blaze..

Later, he then used the same torch to warm a crankcase half in order to remove a main bearing. When John believed that the case was sufficiently warmed he picked it up and dropped it onto a wooden board to release the bearing. Apart from a loud bang, nothing happened. So there was more warming and another drop. Still no effect apart from another bang. After another 6 more of these actions the drops turned into throws, which finally did the trick.

The third memorable scene involved John inspection a Norton crankshaft. Which he then placed on the bench before heading off-camera to get a caliper. As the bench was not level you can guess what happened next? Again the beginning of this mistake can just be seen in the video.

I tried very hard, in 2000, to get John nominated for an MBE for his services to both the Factory and the NOC but could not raise enough signatures. Can you believe that?

I have the John Hudson VHS tapes, one on twin engine strip and one on gearbox strip, both NOC publications, dated 1994 & 1995. As you mention Phil, they are quite hilarious at times!

I am a bit surprised that the NOC did not carry these over onto dvd, and continue to sell them, as they are timeless, and there will always be a demand for them.

I am not sure where one stands on copyright where transferring them onto dvd and flogging them off is concerned. I guess the NOC holds the copyright to them. It would not take too much for the club to get a few churned out for sale to the members, one would have thought.

I recall the John Hudson VHS tapes were on sale through the NOCShop up to about three or four years ago and at the same time as the later excellent Hemmings and Pemberton DVDs which I have. Unfortunately I failed to acquire the Hudson ones at the time but would welcome the oportunity to do so now if made avilable again, either as VHS or DVDs.

I understand that the recently suspended AJD was wrapped over the knuckles for making copies of certain NOC property and then giving them away. Best to check the rules and regs of the Club first otherwise you may be joining her.

Can't beat a good naming and shaming!!!

I have the Hemmings dvd too, very good.

Hopefully those in the club hierarchy who hold sway on these matters will pick this up, and arrange for a run of each on dvd to be produced.

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

I understand that the recently suspended AJD was wrapped over the knuckles for making copies of certain NOC property and then giving them away. Best to check the rules and regs of the Club first otherwise you may be joining her.

Can't beat a good naming and shaming!!!

Erm.... 'club related and non technical items should be put in'News and Views''......

Or is that just for us mortals?

Charles. This is about technical information - what is your point?

Just thought it was unnecessary to 'name and shame' (with apparent delight?) another member when they're in no position to respond....... That to me has little 'technical' merit.

Apologies if I interrupted the flow.

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

British Bike Mechanics September 1988 - Tuning the Norton Domi.

I have that issue if anyone wanted to "borrow" the article.

The ebay link that was put up by someone has disappeared, I've noticed this happening before with useful itemsso is it against official policy on here or is there another personal reason?

If the tapes are going to be reproduced in DVD it would be better if the this is done from the orriginal masters and should be arranged by the club to avoid any copyright issues.

Having raised the matterof the availability of the John Hudson VHS tapes with our Technical Administrator, Tony Ripley, I understand that within the next few days the Engine Strip DVD should appear in the NOC shop. If this has sufficient interest then the Gearbox Strip videowill apparently alsobe converted to DVD and made avialable.

Previously mark_savage wrote:

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

British Bike Mechanics September 1988 - Tuning the Norton Domi.

I have that issue if anyone wanted to "borrow" the article.

The ebay link that was put up by someone has disappeared, I've noticed this happening before with useful itemsso is it against official policy on here or is there another personal reason?

Would it be possible to scan it and put it up as a pdf please

"I understand that within the next few days the Engine Strip DVD should appear in the NOC shop"

DVD is in the NOC shop now..

Previously Pete McDermott wrote:

Having raised the matterof the availability of the John Hudson VHS tapes with our Technical Administrator, Tony Ripley, I understand that within the next few days the Engine Strip DVD should appear in the NOC shop. If this has sufficient interest then the Gearbox Strip videowill apparently alsobe converted to DVD and made available.

So keep an eye on the web shop.

G'day Pete,

Just ordered a JH (RIP) âEngine Strip" DVD; while I still have both VHS tapes I have noâ serviceable' VHS player so would definitely like a JH Gearbox DVD copy!

I have taken VHS tape data off to DVD and the results were not very encouraging.

Regards Steve.

Having already got the Mick Hemmings DVD I thought they were a bit expensive when you add the VAT and Postage.