The Build
We were given two days to build the track.
Working hours were 10am to 6pm each day.
The following were the machines ordered:
- 2 JCB back hoes.
- 1 big 110 Komatsu tracked excavator (called Poclain. Wiki link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poclain).
- One pneumatic roller.
- Plus local labourers
The plans were ready, and now all that was required was to set it in motion.
BUT MURPHY HAD DIFFERENT PLANS ACCORDING TO HIS OWN WHIMSICAL LAWS
So what happened?
Read on.
We reach the venue at 930am.
By then the contractor had promised us perimeter fencing in place.
When we reach, this is the sight that greets us:
Yes, nothing was ready. Fencing not done.
Machines not in sight.
So we asked the events coordinator, what's the scene buddy:
"Saar, machines are on the way. Thirty minutes"
"Ok, i'm running to the nearby McDonald's to grab a coffee, see you in thirty"
....
....
....
Back after thirty minutes.
"Where are the machines"
"Saar, they got lost, i've sent someone to guide them here. Should be here anytime"
Tick
Tock
...
Tick
Tock
...
One hour later:
"WHERE ON EARTH ARE MY MACHINES??!!!"
"Saar, getting diesel filled, see the perimeter is ready"
Look around and gasp!
"What is this?"
The perimeter is only 1/4th of the area that was shown to us.
"What happened to the rest"
"Saar, this is all that you get. Our guy who showed you the place was over enthusiastic. This is all. Plus we need to leave out 20% area for parking as well according to MMRDA rules."
FUMING i call up the Porsche events team.
They say yes, they just got to know about it and we will have to improvise.
I tell myself,
"Take a deep breadth TK, you guys are known to think on your feet and you guys have contingencies and redundancies. Work it out."
My biggest issue is the acceleration and braking zone.
Porsche India specially wanted an acceleration and braking zone to demonstrate the power and braking capability of the car.
Now, i hardly have 250 meters. Not good. Plus i need to factor in safety.
Hmm!
So i do a few demo runs in the car to see braking distance. Put people in the car to make sure inertia of extra load is factored.
After figuring out the braking distance, we double it to factor in safety.
After doubling it, we open up the fenced area to give additional run off area as an added back up.
We at Offroad Junkie will never compromise on safety.
This run off area is further cordoned off and a security team is assigned to make sure it's clear during event days.
Plus the added advantage is that this now serves as a back entrance for service vehicles when the event is not in progress.
By now its lunch time.
I ask the events guy when will the machines come. Give me a real answer.
I finally get the true answer:
- The MMRDA grounds basically have their own cartel of contractors. So you need to hire from only those guys and cannot take outside machinery
- These machines were hired days before and confirmed
- On the event day, MMRDA officials decided that they needed to remove some shanties and de-silt some drains before the monsoons. So they requisition our machinery and there was nothing we could do.
So these machines would only come at 5. Not before.
*Puliing hair out*
By now i'm resigned to the fact that i've lost an entire day and have just one more day to finish the build.
Time wasted, local labour who had arrived wasted.
A quick huddle and we decide to work till late at night.
Thank god the grounds are in a business district and there is no time limitation to work.
Since we had a labourers, we get the track markings done before i head off for lunch.
Told the events guys that i'll be back by 430-5. If the machines come before that he is to start excavating a pit. We tell him the dimensions.
Thankfully, one poclain arrives by 4 and by the time i reach i see some work has started. The first smile of the day forms on my lips.
I just love working with heavy machinery