New marshal - what to buy?

[TimRTC]

Howdy folks,

Just filling out my BMMC application for at the moment, hopefully getting to the track by the end of June. Obviously I am going to pick up the orange suit, but wondering which waterproof option people recommended (going to be realistic here and assume I will need full waterproofs before I even start).

Silly question - but do people wear the waterproofs over the top of the orange suit, or separately?

I have a good set of waterproof trousers at the moment but they are black, is it okay to wear black trousers with a high-vis orange rain jacket or does the whole attire need to be orange.

Got some welding gloves already and sorting out some footwear and protective eyewear, can anyone recommend any other essentials?

Thanks and look forward to seeing you all trackside.

[Matt Gusher]

I'd say the black trousers would be fine, Silverstone marshals wear black overalls with orange trim, As long as you're wearing mostly orange on your top half there shouldn't be a problem.
Just avoid any obvious colour clashes with flags ie. Red, yellow, Green and royal blue.
I'd recommend a good box for all your kit/food. I use a Stanley tool chest on wheels, fits everything in, it's waterproof and can double up as a seat.
It was about £25 at B&Q.

[thepits!]

as well as the wet weather gear you'll need sunglasses and sun / after sun lotions

[Mark Mitchell]

Originally Posted by thepits!

as well as the wet weather gear you'll need sunglasses and sun / after sun lotions

Ever the optimist!

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by Mark Mitchell

Ever the optimist!

I didn't say he'd use them, I just said he should take them

p.s. mind you saying that I needed them all at the DTM last Sunday

Weather forecasters? Pah!

[yellowspanner]

Make sure you have hot and cold drinks covered as well.

[Steven Humphrey]

Good comfy boots are a must-you'll be on your feet a long time! Some people swear by steel toe caps, especially in the pits.

[Asp]

If you're only just going to be starting out at the end of June, I think the ultimate answer to "what to buy?" at this stage has to be "nothing"

For your first few meetings, it's just important to have appropriate gear. Eg: appropriate, warm, clothing (even though it's June) of natural fibres; sensible footwear; waterproofs that don't clash with flags (even if they're all black, there's normally orange tabards available you can borrow to make you visible); and something to carry everything in. Doesn't need to be a waterproof box - a bag and a thick bin-liner will do the job just as well!

In due course, you will see what you need picking up from other marshals. You will obviously end up with the orange boiler suit (but you don't need one); a lot of other things may just be advisory. You've probably already seen threads here - do you need eye protection or not? What sort of gloves are best? Exactly what type of footwear? And so on... A lot of it is personal taste - providing it keeps you safe; and you're comfortable in it (given how long you'll be stood in it over the course of a day) there's no hard and fast rules. So see how you go before you splash out too much on kit!

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by Asp

If you're only just going to be starting out at the end of June, I think the ultimate answer to "what to buy?" at this stage has to be "nothing"

Good advice!

[Richard Duvall]

When you get waterproofs bear in mind that over the course of a whole day outside in the rain even the best can end up wet inside! There are a number of useful threads on the subject if you look back.

[Eric Ridler]

Tim

Have a look atthe BMMC website for advice on starting out in marshalling, click on this link for "What to do next"

This should give you the basic information you need and as already pointed out pick the brains of fellow marshals.

[The Fat Clerk]

The most important thing you'll need is free.
A sense of humour

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

The most important thing you'll need is free.
A sense of humour

Where can I get one?

[LandieLad]

Lots and lots of pork pies.

[Greem]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

The most important thing you'll need is free.
A sense of humour

Although the rest of us pay for yours on a daily basis

[terence]

Originally Posted by Greem

Although the rest of us pay for yours on a daily basis

Oi! You leave my mate alone!

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by terence bower

Oi! You leave my mate alone!

You've a friend?

[numbersix]

Originally Posted by thepits!

You've a friend?

Depends on which definition of 'mate' he's using!

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by numbersix

Depends on which definition of 'mate' he's using!

much too much detail, lets stop now............

[White flag man]

Originally Posted by TimRTC

Howdy folks,

Just filling out my BMMC application for at the moment, hopefully getting to the track by the end of June. Obviously I am going to pick up the orange suit, but wondering which waterproof option people recommended (going to be realistic here and assume I will need full waterproofs before I even start).

Silly question - but do people wear the waterproofs over the top of the orange suit, or separately?

I have a good set of waterproof trousers at the moment but they are black, is it okay to wear black trousers with a high-vis orange rain jacket or does the whole attire need to be orange.

Got some welding gloves already and sorting out some footwear and protective eyewear, can anyone recommend any other essentials?

Thanks and look forward to seeing you all trackside.

Hi Tim,
Welcome to our mad world.
Getting back on the subject. Take it easy buying stuff to start with, it can get very expensive. Apart from the things already mentioned, I recommend Woolly hat, water proof gloves (welding gaunlets certainly are not!) and a big flask.
If, next year, you decide that you have become addicted, like us, and there is no help for you, you could buy;
First aid kit, small am radio with headphones (lots of circuits now give live commentaries and with digital radios being used more by circuit staff, they are more informative that scanners). Whistle, Swiss army knife, ear defenders, notebook, several pens, cable ties, bungees (various uses) portable chair, tool box (with wheels) to put kit in, binoculars, camera. nomex underwear (for protection and warmth), and head torch.
And a donkey to carry it all!

[Luke Souch]

I agree with previous threads; currently you need to buy very little. Providing you have warm clothes to cover legs and arms, warterproofs (black are fine, you can borrow a hi-vis tabard) and sensible foot ware, along with essentials like sun cream, food, drink etc. you're set for your first few meetings. Just make sure you really enjoy it before spending money!

RE gloves, someone mentioned that the welding gloves aren't waterproof..... simple solution: a pair of rubber latex gloves under neath do the job perfectly!

Enjoy! (Which often means bring your sense of humour along!)

[Norbert]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

The most important thing you'll need is free.
A sense of humour

Preferably a warped one!

[The Fat Clerk]

Originally Posted by Norbert

Preferably a warped one!

Definately

[Slipstick]

Originally Posted by Norbert

Preferably a warped one!

You don't need to bring along your own seriously warped sense of humour. You will be provided with one as part of the basic training .

Steve

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by Slipstick

You will be provided with one as part of the basic training.

Ah, I knew I had one somewhere!

Anybody who needs one is welcome to mine - never been used!