RML Factory Tour - 18th January

[colintf]

Rich,

please could you PM me your mobile number.

i have a (hopefully) short meeting at noon on the 18th.

Just in case I don't get away in time I want to be able to prewarn you, so no-ones waiting for me if I can't make it afterall! I would be totally gutted if I miss this!

Cheers

Col

[colintf]

gutted! Work commitments and South Glos Planning Dept meant that there was no way I was going to get there anywhere near on time, not even in the ZT260!

I hope that you all enjoyed it!

[Rich Stone]

Not long been back from RML and I have to say it was better than I had expected. Although the MG-Lola cars were not there, we had plenty to look at. Firstly, we were given an introduction by driver Thomas Erdos who also let us ask quite a few questions about his driving and we all had a laugh. A nice touch were the hot drinks and biscuits laid on for us too. Afterwards, we had a tour of the first factory where the Chevrolet WTCC cars are prepared, along with some classic cars including a GT40 being refurbished for a client. Then onto the second factory where a fantastic project is underway... The limited edition 680bhp Mercedes McClaren SLR sports coupe being modified by the company, with only 21 being built. Read about these in next month's Top Gear magazine.

For those who were unable to make it, we're planning another visit, possibly in May when the new cars will be in and the factory will be buzzing with activity. I'll start a thread for that in the next few weeks.

Lastly, there are a few selected photos from the day on our website with a link to more on PhotoBucket. Also, Dave Walker has done a review, so please take a look.

Thanks to all who attended and made this a great afternoon!

[ScubaStewart]

Hope you all had a good time. Really sorry I didn't make it, I did get half way there, but whilst on the A43 the 4 wheel drive system on my Land Rover screwed up, and so I had to get the AA out! First guy came, said it was knackered, and because of the permanent 4wheel drive, he wouldn't be able to tow it and that he'd have to get a flat bed truck to come and get it! So, I left it on the A43 for the next truck to pick it up and drop it off at my LR specialist, and got a lift back to Avis in Oxford. I'm now driving a Peugeot 307 for a few days!

Gutted I didn't make it, but I look forward to seeing the pictures and hearing all about it on Sunday.

[colintf]

Glad to hear that it was so good Rich!

please put me down for the next visit! Thanks!!

See you tomorrow at the Com Mtg!

[CAZ]

Hi Rich (and Kate)

Thanks for organising the very interesting factory visit today! How lucky we were to meet and talk with Tommy Erdos too (of LMP2 Le Mans fame) ... I think those of us who attended will agree that he was a super guy and gave us a small insight into what it must be like to be a famous racing driver! Shame a few more couldn't have come ... they missed out on that one, although I think you are organising something in May! I, for one, will be at the Test Day at Silverstone on the 9th February to see them put the new car through its paces. I thoroughly enjoyed our 2 hours and there may be some business for my Company too, coming out of it. My talk with Tommy about our hand-held thermal imaging cameras generated a lot of interest. They could be the hot-spot detection bit of kit of the future as they are small enough to go into a tool box! Thanks for that Rich! My boss is very happy with my bit of networking! If it generates business and I get a bonus, the drinks are on me!

CAZ

[adrianvvc]

Thanks Rich, that was a very enjoyable afternoon.

It brought back memories of last years Le Mans.
Speaking to Tommy was a bonus, seeing all the old and new WTCC parts was very interesting,
but the sight of all those SLRs was a real buzz.

If you missed the tour, you must be really gutted.

Sorry can't make theSunday meet,
going to Mother-in-Laws to celebrate a late Christmas (we had the flu).

Thanks Again, Adrian H

[colintf]

maybe we should get a run up to silverstone on 9/2 and support the testing - and see the car in action!!

[puds121]

Thanks Rich........that was a fantastic afternoon , Have to agree....Tommy was 100% top guy

21 SLR's being made for the series......cool price of a million quid to buy and compete, 1st race in March at the Paul Ricard Circuit