I am trying to figure out a way to raise a vertical set flat (15' wide x 12' high) about 10' in the air. I have to do this from the ground (no overhead points), and I need to have the lifting mechanism be BEHIND the set flat so that it isn't seen from the audience when the flat is down on the deck. I am somewhat concerned about noise, I just dont want it to be TOO loud from the audience....but I don't need it to be completely silent. Also, I would like to achieve a 10' height (from deck to BOTTOM of flat) in less than 10 seconds. This will go up and down repeatedly throughout the course of the show.
What I was thinking was 2 hydraulic cylinders of some sort, one close to each L/R side of the flat behind it, that lift the flat up "guillotine style". I think the scissor-lift style lifts are too obtrusive for this, and don't know if I can get a 10' height with them. Electric is also an option.
My last option was building a goal-post truss structure over the decks, with a pully and wire rope electric winch system from behind the set. But Oy Vey! Thats a lot of trouble, and it will most likely be too long of a span with downlegs.
Rental is an option, but I would most likely be looking at purchasing.
Anyone have any ideas? Perusing McMaster just led to dead ends....
What I was thinking was 2 hydraulic cylinders of some sort, one close to each L/R side of the flat behind it, that lift the flat up "guillotine style". I think the scissor-lift style lifts are too obtrusive for this, and don't know if I can get a 10' height with them. Electric is also an option.
My last option was building a goal-post truss structure over the decks, with a pully and wire rope electric winch system from behind the set. But Oy Vey! Thats a lot of trouble, and it will most likely be too long of a span with downlegs.
Rental is an option, but I would most likely be looking at purchasing.
Anyone have any ideas? Perusing McMaster just led to dead ends....