Two-story sets

[CynicWhisper]

So over the years, I've always been very impressed by sets with two full stories of set. I'm working on designs for Beauty and the Beast now and thinking how very, very cool it would be to have two full levels on the castle. Now, I've done elevated pieces before, but I've never done a set with a second floor more than 5 or 6 feet off the ground.

My theatre uses stock 4x8 foot platforms with fitting for metal legs on the bottom, but we can't use these legs for more than 5 feet, they get wobbly and scary, even with reinforcements.

So I'm just curious, how does your theatre pull off those amazing tall sets? Anyone have pictures of the back of one of their tall sets? Thanks to all.

[Footer]

Usually, steel. When building tall the you have to built with cross beams in mind. The best thing to do is to get some 3x3's, secure them to the deck, cross brace it to death, then go up to your platforms. Because you are in a stock platform situation, I would suggest building headers that the platforms can lay accross.

Now, don't go out and do this if you don't have someone checking your work. Building levels does require some engineering to make sure the whole thing does not take a tumble.

[deadlygopher]

When we did our house for The Sound of Music we did two floors. It was normal 4x8 platforms with 4x4 legs and diagonal cross-bracing with 2x4s. I'll try to dig up some pictures, but it was really sturdy. Although it was a bit of a pain to build (it was on casters) it was the prettiest set I've ever worked on.

[CynicWhisper]

Yeah, I won't be building my own tall set for awhile, I just fantasize =P

As for you gopher, I would love to see those pictures, they sound amazing.

[sloop]

Not that hard once you know what you are doing. Don't rush it..learn what materials can do. Don't be afraid to ask "how did you do that" if you are around a two story set..

[soundman]

When we do a two story wall we build stud walls just like a real house or band and brace it till the cows come home. Stud walls work well for stress skins. For this show we used 1*4s at the top and bottom and then 2*4s on edge braced by 1*4. They were strong and sturdy.

Band and brace



Stud Wall

[deadlygopher]

I can't find any pictures that really do the thing justice, but these pictures kinda show the staircase and second floor. I'll find some structural pictures tomorrow.

[gafftaper]

I wrote this thread last year. In it I show pictures of building a platform and leg units. The basic principle can be used for an 8' platform as well. The only difference is I would use a little more luan on the legs and I would use 1x4 for all the cross bracing.

One other note, getting good straight wood is critical for tall platforms.

[thelightingmancan]

cbhelp.jpg
Here is a basic framing, the black posts are 4x4's and the lines are 2x4's The top is framed with 2x4's with 4x4 supports in the middle if needed. Do some research and calculations if you need to, don't just built and hope!

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by thelightingmancan

Attachment 992
Here is a basic framing, the black posts are 4x4's and the lines are 2x4's The top is framed with 2x4's with 4x4 supports in the middle if needed. Do some research and calculations if you need to, don't just built and hope!

I agree with your sentiments (now in red), but you should heed them too. I certainly hope that your drawing is not of an 8' x 16' platform made from four 4' x 8' platforms. Because if it is, you are not building your platforms with sufficient framing or support (assuming standard construction and 3/4" plywood lid). There are many things wrong with your picture, so as you say, do some research and calculations.