Tomcat also fabricated head blocks and a custom guide system for each tower utilizing six 2-ton chain motors that run in tandem. "The Sandia Casino did not want the grid to block the view of the mountains and the lush casino that sits behind it, therefore it was imperative that the grid design could be easily lowered when not in use," explained Kurt Jaeckel, president of Quickbeam Systems. The system itself only weighs 18,000 lbs; however, after the grid is flown into position a custom rigging package is used making it possible for the grid to be dead-hung, holding up to 38,000 lbs. "The system seems to be working out great and we have been really happy with it’s results," stated Jaeckel.
The casino successfully pulled off the first show on 21 April, with the Little River Band. Other shows scheduled for this year include a variety of acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, James Brown, Kenny Rogers, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kevin Sharp, Styx, Bill Cosby, Jeff Foxworthy, The Temptations, Lorrie Morgan, Lee Ann Womack, Lee Greenwood, Native Roots and many more.
(Lee Baldock)
