Heavy duty hoists

Published Monday 29 September 2008 at 16:25

Summit Steel is supplying production rigging, plus two automation systems and control for the European and UK sections of Coldplay’s current Viva la Vida world tour. Summit’s Jay Call has coordinated the project, liaising with a touring crew that includes head rigger Gabe Wood and production manager Craig Finlay.

The supply includes a 26-way Kinesys variable speed automation system with K2 control and 10-way Kinesys fixed-speed automation system with Vector control, 46 one-tonne CM Lodestar hoists and eight half-tonnes hoists for lighting and scenic rigging, along with a further two two-tonne hoists and 20 one-tonne hoists for the PA hangs. Of the 26 Kinesys vari-speed motors, 22 are being used to automate a series of ‘wave’ trusses - four individual runs of bespoke curved ladder beam flown horizontally, each section with a slightly different curve. Together, explains Summit, they create a sine wave effect, and move into different positions throughout the show. The K2 system is operated by Tommy Green and the Vector by Steve Richards on all sections of the tour, which reaches the UK in December.