I can conjure a mental image of  “Mr. Aerospace Engineer Bill Stone”
fumbling around the stolen WKPP Gavin scooter,  dial caliper in hand,
gleefully clucking to himself while transcribing dimensions and
observational notations. Like a Soviet era spy, who had just hijacked the
plans for an American vacuum cleaner, Stone was no doubt congratulating
himself on how he cleverly “outsmarted” George Irvine and the  WKPP.   His
“henchboy” ,Jason Richards, had come through for him this time around.

Stone, who never had any interest in actually paying the WKPP for their
scooters went to great lengths to steal a scooter which he could then copy.
The date was Dec. 1996 and from the looks of things and the notations on the
drawings, Stone poorly understood what he was looking at.  What is more
remarkable is that a socalled “material engineer” could demonstrate such a
complete misunderstanding of common PVC and mechanical construction of a
submarine pressure hull.   Despite being hugely incensed over Stone’s
treachery George and I were rolling around laughing uncontrollably over many
of the meticulously documented examples of this “brilliant engineer’s”
unmitigated, pompous, self important stupidity.

Thirty five mechanical drawings later, Stone had finally “redesigned” the
WKKP scooter, oblivious to most all of the subtle nuances incorporated by
the original designer, Bill Gavin.  Nevertheless, Stone proudly adorned the
drawings with the Cis Lunar Logo, as if this  blatant unacknowledged act of
plagiarism was his own creation.

For those of you who think we have been unfair to this miserable individual
I suggest you consider that these actions were taken in 1996, long before
the advent of the current Wakulla II fiasco.

We have also observed tremendous similarities between the WakII “fatman”
scooter and the original machined aluminum prototype design of Irvine’s.
This one of a kind aluminum unit which was created just prior to building
the first production round of Gavin scooters. Mike Bruic has disclosed that
“Aerospace Engineer Stone” has neglected to place bulkheads between the
motor compartment and the nickel metal hydride battery packs, despite the
obvious warnings of severe battery off gassing. Any naval engineer,
particularly those involved in the design and manufacture of electric
underwater vehicles  understands this most rudimentary of precautions. Not
our Bill Stone, who in his condescending arrogance knows far better.

Given this background why should you believe anything which comes out of
this project? We have already determined that the bottom time data logs of
the Mk 5s are highly suspicious and probably doctored.  What else in the
Wakulla II repertoire has been purloined or fabricated?

In the case of the scooters it is highly unfortunate that no one will get
the last laugh. These things, when well designed and properly assembled
require tremendous care and caution in handling and maintenance.   The
poorly designed and shoddily assembled Wakulla II units are potential death
traps.

What next?

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