The crane, originated by Hayes' show director/designer Willie Williams, is based on a real origami bird made by Hayes and was a major set centrepiece of the performance. It was built by Total Fabrications, who asked Fineline onboard to deal with automating its five moving parts - the head, beak, tail and wings.
The crane was cleverly disguised as part of the projection screen until the final quarter of the show when it was dramatically revealed - unfolding origami style - to its full measurements of 6.8m high and 8.2m wide with the wings open.
Fineline's Dave Harris worked closely with Total's Mervyn Thomas on the project. Charlie Kail was brought onboard by Williams as consultant and to oversee the project.
The idea was to make the automation as simple and clean as possible - and although both hydraulic and computer controlled options were discussed, they chose a more straightforward approach.
The piece is constructed from a skeletal frame made of box-sectioned aluminium. Fineline utilised four electric lead screw actuators - the motor driven equivalent of a hydraulic ram - each capable of moving 600Kg. These were attached between the base unit and each of the moving elements.The automation system was designed using 110 Volt kit to keep the voltage factor as low as possible, with the mains and the transformer isolated to reduce potential mains interference.
Dave Harris comments, "It was an interesting and challenging project to work on, which required some great teamwork between us, Total Fabrications and Charlie Kail to realise Willie's idea. The results were stunning."
(Jim Evans)
