Ian Fleming (May 28, 1908 – August 12, 1964)

On: By: Romeyn

Ian Fleming (May 28, 1908 – August 12, 1964) is best known for his James Bond novels. Much of the background for the series came as a result of his work on “Operation Goldeneye” while he was with Britain’s Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War. Fleming wrote his first Bond novel, Casino Royale, in 1952.

Ian Flemming by Amherst Villiers, 1963

Five Miles A Minute!

On: By: Romeyn

Auto Engine Drives Motorcycle at High Speed

Assembled especially for establishing a world’s record of over 300 miles per hour, and oversize motorcycle powered with an automobile engine has been making speed tests on the Pacific coast. the Motorcycle, weighing 1,500 pounds, is powered with a six-cylinder Plymouth automobile engine with fan and generator removed. With special timing and carburetor jets, the engine makes 4,100 revolutions per minute. The wheel-base is eighty-five inches and the overall length is 115 inches a standard motorcycle frame being lengthened and reinforced with steel tubing. Two large sprockets connected by a three-quarter inch chain facilitate steering, the handlebars having been moved back several inches from their original position. Two steel plates, one on each side in front of the rear wheel, serve as brakes by actual contact with the ground or track. They can be raised of lowered by a lever.