(ThrustSSC in Q Shed)

From a quiet, almost deserted, shell barely four weeks ago, Q Shed at the Defense Research Agency, Farnborough, has become a frantic, noisy factory as work forges ahead to complete ThrustSSC for her shakedown runs on the famous runway.

New visitors are invariably struck by how there is work in progress wherever one goes. At any point in time one might find the vital dashboard in final stages of assembly in the workshops, while in one of the offices Jeremy Bliss (ThrustSSC Vehicle Systems) could be working on the software to monitor the 147 sensors spread throughout the car. In the main hangar, Mach 1 Club members may be hard at work making and erecting shelving for spare parts, while skilled engineers are making and fitting parts to the SSC. On the opposite side of the building Brian Palmer, Thrust SSC Transport Manager, might be found directing work to insulate and line the air-conditioned trailer which is to act as the teams Operations Centre in the deserts.

(Andy Green and Jeremy Davey recording audio for the Internet. Photo: Nick Chapman)

Not all the activity is in Q Shed, however. For example, just administering the Mach 1 Club and the ThrustSSC merchandise is a full time occupation. The Internet Team continually strive to enhance the Web Site, with much thought currently being given to reporting on the progress of the SSC as test runs, then high-speed runs, take place. The excellent publicity in the last four Saturdays' copies of The Times has had a massive effect on the access levels, with the magic 1 million accesses figure being passed on Tuesday 23rd May. Indeed, so successful has the site become, that sponsors Digital are featuring the site on their corporate Home Page during the week of 27th May.

It is never too late to become a part of this incredible venture, but opportunities to see Thrust SSC before she is shipped to the deserts for high-speed trials are now running out. If you aren't already a member of the Mach 1 Club, join now - details can be found in the Mach 1 Club section on this Web Site.

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