Stage One were brought in by Top Gear Live production manager, Simon Aldridge and were responsible for the construction of both the set and Swampy, along with the associated automation. Designed by Paul Bonomini, the set both framed and became part of the live action.
Stage One built a replica oil tanker, which split open to reveal Swampy - an 8m high, automated, fire-breathing monster. Swampy was constructed with a steel frame, a moulded head and four metre long arms with over sized sculptured hands. He was scenically dressed in camouflage netting and emerged from his resting place to spit six metre long flames and fire pyrotechnics from his heart.
The movements of both the oil tanker and Swampy were Qmotion controlled via eight hydraulic rams. "Pulling all the elements of Swampy together proved extremely challenging, not least because space inside the oil tanker was extremely tight; there was only 10mm to spare around Swampy," commented project manager, Ted Featonby.
(Jim Evans)
