I also had the great pleasure of visiting the Factory with Hershal.
To put you all in the picture I am coming to the end of my twenty two year career in the Royal Navy as an Aircraft Technician (Airframes and Engines) currently employed as an Accident Investigator at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset.
I have had a long term attraction to the GT40 which started with a Scalextric set (heard that before). Since those days I have had a long list of "projects" both of the four and two wheel variety including a Mini Cooper, RS Mexico, Lotus 7 (with Twin Cam!) and many bikes that have risen from the bilges after many hours in the workshop. On joining the RN in '83 I completed a full Apprenticeship and as a result rebuilt literally hundreds of helicopter airframes.
Now at the end of my service career I am entitled to some resettlement training time either as a training course or work placement with a company that is prepared to assist in giving us some "work for a living" experience. Now then, at the Exeter Show last year I had the most fortunate chance to catch up with an old Shipmate of mine by the name of Robert Logan whom I hadn't seen for 16 years! Prior to this encounter at Exeter I had already met with Rick Chattell MBE at Thruxton to discuss the purchase of an RF not knowing that Robert was the MD of Roaring Forties. It wasn't until I saw an image of him stood next to one of his cars on the Website that this fact came to light!! Hence, it was great to meet him at Exeter once again and compliment him on producing what I believe to be the best allround package on the market today. To support this fact was Jerry Evan's example at the show, he is doing a great job on his kit by the way.
During the show it suddenly dawned on me that a work experience trip to the Roaring Forties Factory in Australia could be made possible with Roberts acceptance. With a knowing grin Robert confirmed that it would be worth me making the trip, excellent!! The moment I got home I started looking for the cheapest flight to Melbourne (Navy doesn't pay for that bit) and approached the powers that be in the MOD for permission with a letter from Robert explaining the reason for my visit. After much red tape and "plumbers sucks" the path was cleared.
I arrived in Melbourne at 05:30 expecting to catch a taxi to the Factory. But no, Robert was waiting there looking a little jaded, yet still wearing his cheeky Irish grin!! I hadn't been to Australia before and was full of expectation not only for the unfamiliar surroundings but also the chance to see the hub of Roaring Forties.
We went straight to the factory. First impressions are everything. The factory was clean - inside and out, the staff were punctual, very busy and friendly. It was immediately apparent that here was a healthy business where everyone seemed to "fit in" and Robert was outwardly proud of his set up. It is right that I should mention each individual that work together in producing the RF to such a high standard:
Jim Clarke, Bodywork
Owen Edwards, Fitting and Turning
Sam Ferrie, Spares Department
Chris Fahey, Auto Electrician
Mick Hagger, Welder
John Hebblethwaite, Body Fabricator
Chris Menzie, Foreman
Adam Treasure, Welder/Fabricator
Amanda Enni, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif The Gorgeous Office Manager.
Robert wasted no time in putting me in the picture as to what was expected of me in the factory and what he thought the future held for Roaring Forties. It soon became apparent to me that Robert was "living" his business. His vision and determination is second to none. He was extremely open and frank with me about the whole business of producing the RF, this I found reassuring.
Two days later Hershal arrived with his brother Danny. I was really looking forward to meeting Hershal for the first time as I had this pre-conceived image of him! He was exactly as I had expected: Film star looks, athletic, an IQ of 300 and the perfect gentlemen /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Seriously, he is one of the nicest people I have ever met and is a mine of "life" knowledge. Danny is the film star!!!!
During our stay Robert introduced us to some of his friends who were equally as accommodating, showing us around different aspects of Australia which I thank them very much for.
The stay spanned two weekends. The first of which was spent at Phillip Island Classic Races, a race track I had wanted to see for many years. This was made all the more special by travelling to the circuit in one of Roberts cars. This was the first time for me in an RF and I was NOT DISAPPOINTED. It was a standard car and extremely well set up by the lads in the factory with the new O1E 6 Speed box fitted. Robert thought I was squinting in the sun light but actually I couldn't stop grinning at the experience /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
During the following week we attended a charity dinner alongside Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and many famous race cars from through the years. I felt very humble to have had this opportunity and meet such great people, top evening.
During working hours I spent most of the time speaking to the lads in the factory and taking notes. This has been invaluable for us at Thruxton Sportscars as we can now support our customers with more in depth knowledge of the car.
A fact overlooked by many is that to produce any product to this standard requires a vast amount of commitment by those directly involved and those that are in a supporting role. This brings me onto Roberts family. He has two lovely children, Michael (15) and Sian (9) and a wonderful supporting wife, Verona. Verona's hospitality during my stay was fantastic. She is the silent partner in Roaring Forties and can be credited with much of the success thus far to produce the best car in the market.
The trip all too soon came to an end. It was a brilliant experience, an education and one that I will never forget. If there is one thought that I brought home with me it is that no one is working harder than Robert to produce the vehicle of our choice, to the highest standard and at a competitive price. This can only be made possible with the right team behind you, he has.
Thank you Robert for your hospitality and time in the factory to freely ask questions.
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