Eastbourne 2020

[iainb 4,962]

15 minutes ago, Trackerman48 said:

Bob you are way of the mark with the price for a new air fence for a track the size of eastbourne it would be just under 20k. 

Probably been asked already... but why do Eastbourne need a new airfence?

[SSL84 541]

6 minutes ago, iainb said:

Probably been asked already... but why do Eastbourne need a new airfence?

Iain you will find a  airfence only last for 6 or 7yrs . Same as Birmingham they need a new one.

 

[iainb 4,962]

1 minute ago, Trackerman48 said:

Iain you will find a  airfence only last for 6 or 7yrs . Same as Birmingham they need a new one.

 

Why? What happens to them?

[SSL84 541]

1 minute ago, iainb said:

Why? What happens to them?

The bags being out in all weather the material they are made from breaks down cracking ect. The same as lorry curtains.  

 

[iainb 4,962]

Just now, Trackerman48 said:

The bags being out in all weather the material they are made from breaks down cracking ect. The same as lorry curtains.  

 

Oh, OK... they don't take them down and store them in a shed then?

[Triple.H. 1,981]

3 minutes ago, iainb said:

Why? What happens to them?

I'd hazard a guess that the material deteriorates due to rain and sunshine, numerous scuffs and lots of inflation and deflations, so the end result if each compartment is airtight but not strong enough to withstand a big impact.

[NeilWatson 1,988]

2 minutes ago, iainb said:

Why? What happens to them?

The speedway regulations state, inter alia:

Must be inspected 6 years after installation, thereafter annually by the SCB
Track Inspectors , to certify that it remains fit for purpose.

In short, they deteriorate. Multiple repairs, strap stitching loosens, fabric weakens.

Nothing lasts for ever, and the APD is so fundamental to safety it has to be in serviceable condition.

[00000 1,279]

33 minutes ago, Trackerman48 said:

Bob you are way of the mark with the price for a new air fence for a track the size of eastbourne it would be just under 20k. 

 

 

 

 

I think Eastbourne said £25,000--to have spare bags

[iainb 4,962]

1 minute ago, Richard Weston said:

I think Eastbourne said £25,000--to have spare bags

Seems a bit excessive to have to buy a whole new fence in one go... why don't clubs buy a few panels a year to spread the cost or even lease them like companies do with other high cost assets?

[Jimsboy 58]

2 minutes ago, Richard Weston said:

I think Eastbourne said £25,000--to have spare bags

You put all info on website few weeks ago. Maybe you can share link?  

[Petecc 352]

34 minutes ago, iainb said:

Oh, OK... they don't take them down and store them in a shed then?

You would need a small army of volunteers and around 5/6 hours per bend. Most are only taken in at the end of the season.

[iainb 4,962]

19 minutes ago, Petecc said:

You would need a small army of volunteers and around 5/6 hours per bend. Most are only taken in at the end of the season.

Or £25k every 6 years? This is a ticking time bomb for many clubs then!

Edited August 27, 2021 by iainb

[tyretrax 2,252]

1 hour ago, iainb said:

Why? What happens to them?

Probably the same as you, deteriorate.

[iainb 4,962]

1 minute ago, tyretrax said:

Probably the same as you, deteriorate.

Like a fine wine I get better with age. I protect myself in the bad weather... by sitting in a shed 

[NeilWatson 1,988]

1 hour ago, Petecc said:

You would need a small army of volunteers and around 5/6 hours per bend. Most are only taken in at the end of the season.

I would say that a minority of fences stay up all season. Any track that shares with stock cars, greyhounds or other arena events will have to be taken down (or maybe just dropped for greyhounds) regularly.

I would say that only Belle Vue in the Premiership could leave the fence up all season.

I guess Edinburgh, Leicester, Redcar and Plymouth of the Campionship may be able to leave the fence up long term.