 |
 |
| The end of the build day |
|
|
 |
| Last-minute adjustments |
| |
 |
| Preparing to go |
| |
 |
| Equally at home on land ... |
| |
 |
| ... and on water |
| |
|
|
The Martial Mechanics' diary
At the hotel, we met the other team and the production crew. We already knew researchers Serena and Jo – both had been a great help to us throughout the intro filming. Later we went to have our costumes fitted – and well let out for me. We then had a walk around the build area and health and safety training.
Then back to hotel for the evening meal and a briefing with the producer, who introduced us to everyone from the technical consultant to the team behind the scenes. Then early to bed – 6am start next day.
Build day
For the first two hours we had to do all the pre-shooting, with lots of retakes. It makes you see how much goes into making a programme.
At last the fight was on. We go for a sail of a type that would make a skirt for the hovercraft, and then we see a micro-light plane: yes, our engine. So far so good. We sort out most of our parts within the first two hours and building starts.
Jemma removes the engine from the micro-light; Jay and Bill start building the float. Our Jemma loves the limelight and acts well for the cameras.
We go out a few times during the day to get other parts. The day gets hot and we all look forward to a glass of cold beer and a good night's sleep.
Safety day
The next day we have off while our machines are inspected by the health and safety team. Guards and safety switches are put in. One thing can be said about Scrapheap: safety comes first, second and last. Little did we know that Jason would need it ...
Test day
Test day at last, at a man-made lake not far from Wokingham. We finish painting our machine, put on our flag and test our engine. All is well.
The first race is a straight run. Jason drives because he is lighter than Jemma or myself. We do well on our first run but our rivals do better. But two to go and we are still going to win, no matter. Over confident? No, it's what I felt all along: we would win this one.
Second race: a hell race, a gust of wind blowing hard against the craft, pushing our machine off track. Jason is thrown out of the hovercraft. At this point, it all seems to slow down. As Jason hits the water, I move forward, and in that movement he comes up. I was relieved he was safe – that was all that mattered, even more than the race.
Jason had to go again on a new route. He takes his time, wind blowing hard against the craft, blowing us once more up against the sloping bank. We had a time penalty, which only made us want to win more and do better.
The final run seems to take for ever. The wind is blowing not too hard, but the craft looks as if it is moving in slow motion. Jay takes his time to make sure he keeps control no matter what. He knows he controls the outcome. We get around the course well.
Knockout blow
The Krazy Karters take off and are making good time. It's going to be so close. Then it happens: the crosswind that made Jason take a dip hit their craft. Like a big hand, it held their hovercraft in one spot for what seemed like hours. It was as if the wind was making up for putting Jason in the drink. Then, as quickly as it came, the wind dropped, and the lads started back across the course to the finish line.
It was so close. The judge checked the time and added the time penalties, and then Robert Llewellyn walked down to us, bottles of champagne in hand. At the magic words 'The Martial Mechanics are the winners!' we all jumped for joy. Close times, but we did it thanks to Jason and the wind.
Well, it was over. A great few days. Learned a lot – most of all, that it's teamwork that matters, and that the real stars of the programme are not us but the people that work behind the scenes. So enjoy, as we have.
| |
