rec.arts.theatre.stagecraft

On Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:22:13 +0100, wrote:

> No worries. Like I said, it is very easy to get off on tangents
> during brainstoming sessions (which is what these really are). I do
> often find the tangents at least as interesting as the "proper"
> answers.
>
> My current thought is to use triangle truss inside sonotube. Unless I
> can find a suitable substitute for the *real* scrim, it will need to
> be very rigid as I can't bring myself to destroy the scrim by using a
> middle roller (or three). One of the problems is going to be getting
> the unit re-assembled on site in the very short time I shall have. I
> am not expecting to have more the one hour to assemble it and get it
> up in the air. I can then probably have another couple of hours to
> make it work.
>
> I am thinking about 12" truss with 2" main cords; probably with
> nipples/spigots. Plates on the ends with some form of attachment to
> the axel and drive mechanism.
>

If you want it self supporting try local gas pipe installers & get them to
weld you 2 21' lengths of fibreglass tube together, stiffer & quieter than
truss.
Make sure the end bearings are self aligning or they'l stick & jump,
especially if you do use triangle truss as the stiffness depends on the
orientation.
Apply the drive direct to the tube with 3/8" rope with 3 extra turns at
each end & save yourself one problem.

> More complications come from the fact that the theatre has catwalks
> surrounding the scrim. From these catwalks will hang the overhead
> statics. There are a few system pipes in the space but they only go
> out far enough to hold the movers and masking.
>
> I shall try to keep you updated as things change (which they do often
> with this company) and I trust you will keep coming with ideas.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Michael
>>
>> Sorry folks, I'll try to keep it on track - I forgot the original
>> call for SCRIM AND that it is to simulate a facility with fly space.
>> Go with CJ's idea as a manually operated oleo. Could probably use a
>> sonotube to roll the SCRIM on.
>> LJ
>