Shaun Evans

Hi,

I've got a bit of a locamotion problem to solve. I need to build a stage prop/vehiclea raft to be precisefor a show I'm producing this summer. The raft will be roughly 10'x12', and needs to support about 1000 lbs of weight between the actors and props on it. We have to figure out how to move the raft on stage under its own power. The usual solutions are using a winch/crank, but we can't build a track on this particular stage. What I'm thinking about is using some kind of electric chassis (like what's used in a golf cart) to move this thing. The raft only has to move back and forth in a straight line across about 40'. Anyone know about this kinda thing? Anyone wanna design something for us? Any ideas would be appreciated from you smart jet guys....

SDCrashmaster

Who's playing the part of Jim?
Yes, a cart that contains batteries, a very geared down yet powerful motor.
It should probably start and stop very smoothly I would imagine...lest ye actors fall into the drink.

rjbob

My Feedback: (8)

Find a sympathetic aircraft owner who has an electric tow bar. Maybe you can borrow or rent one for your production's run.

Shaun Evans

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I'm looking for good ideas. Specifics. Not "You need to build a boat? Well, it should float first of all..." kinda stuff.

Jarreau James is playing Jim.

cactusflyer

My Feedback: (4)

Sean,

A 1000 lbs might be a little too much weight for the golf cart unless you really change the gearing. That could prove to be a big job. How about one of those powered pallet trucks. They are compact and designed to move a lot of mass. The forks only rise a couple inches off the floor and they are battery powered. You could mount one end of your raft on the forks and have wheels on the other end. I'll bet they can be rented from some place.

Tailwinds,

John

DelGatoGrande

My Feedback: (23)

okey....

the more you will think it the more complex you end up...

....if you start include rc golf cars you must also think the posibility of a felure or an accident !or an emty battery on the midle

if i where you i would go dummy...after all its a play!...the goal is not to convice spectators this is a boat cose if you do ,they are in the sea

...you must give priority to the thinks...

on a jet building is very importand but painting is somethink not nesecery for jets survival...but a good painting is always a must!!

a very light foam stracture ...that maybe actors can move it...it would be for me the way to go..

maybe boat can stay still and back round can move to give ilusion of movement!?

impress with high end actors performance not with big complex stractures..my 2c

forgive my bad english...[8D]

...how about use a turbine!?! is the theater open?

Shaun Evans

LOL,

Thank you, George.

Cactusflyer,

That's not a bad idea. The motorized section need not support all 1000 lbs. The raft can have a pilot house of sorts in the middle to house the 'car', and then the raft is supported by casters. For me, the challenge is figuring out the right motor and drive system. I can probably handle making the remotely activated fwd/reverse switch work. Once I figure out the 'car' part, then I have to make the raft be able to freely revolve around it. That way, the actors are controlling the attitude of the leading (downstage) edge. With the raft fishtailing as it goes left and right, it will simulate going down a river pretty well.

Nobody's ever built an electric go-kart?

FL510

My Feedback: (8)

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...es/robotow.php

Kevin_W

My Feedback: (1)

Is this something that needs to be in motion during the performance, or just move in and out between set changes?

SDCrashmaster

It needs to be in motion during the performance.
The last time Shaun did this, the actor's pushed the thing around with their big river sticks. Worked well, I thought.
Shaun, what about a midget in the "box"? (Maybe that's what you did last time also).