Sketchbook Travels

This month’s sketchbook entries both have human stories behind them. I’m always happy to find tales like this behind machines I decide to draw as it gives some perspective as to why these machines survive due to their associations with the people that they come into contact with.

1934 HRD-Cross Model P

This Vincent-HRD was used as a test bed for Cross rotary valve engines in the mid-1930s. Purchased by company owner Roland Cross, this machine now sports a 500cc Cross engine, one of a few tested in this Model P.

Bath-based engineer Roland Cross was a pioneer of rotary valves