Consequently there have been "huge changes", not least the recent installation of a new rigging grid above the famous Fairfield stage. "The existing grid was well past its sell-by date, so in September of 2001 I visited PLASA to see what was available. At the time I didn't even know Total Fabrications' T2 system existed (hardly surprising as it was barely a year since launch) so when I stopped by their stand I was more than impressed with the system."
Being a prudent shopper, Locke looked around all the exhibitors, "but I couldn't see anything that was actually designed to be climbed on. The grid height at Fairfield trims at 10 metres, and there's a consistent need to access lighting and other equipment up there. With a health and safety regime in place, I knew with the T2 system that, when I sent people up there, they would be operating safely and comfortably."
Locke has invested heavily in the T2 system: 44 metres of trussing in a variety of lengths for maximum grid configurability. He also purchased a quantity of accessories. "We've got pick-up and hanging points - especially useful for visiting pop groups who often want to rig a mid truss - or any production that wants to hang old-style trusses beneath the grid. I also have T2 half-clamp couplers for fixing six-lamp bars, and T clamps for luminaires. These are a particularly versatile clamp - we currently use them to attach our existing tab-track and masking drapes to the grid.
"The grid has been in use every day since installation - Ballet, the BBC, a Russian Circus - and frankly my biggest problem is finding the time to get my crew trained." Total Fabrications' Chris Higgs has trained four users, with two supervisors completing rescue training, and Locke and his deputy attending an operator/ installer training session prior to installation. Currently Locke has a one-day slot this month as his next available training window. "Ideally I'd like my whole team of five permanent staff trained in every aspect," he comments, and one suspects that Locke, having already demonstrated his wish to embrace the future of trussing, is just the man to make sure that happens.
