Train (theater)
A train as part of the stage technology in the theater is a lifting device that enables the stage technicians to quickly set up and dismantle as well as changing the scenery and technical equipment. A train is used to move the load vertically between the stage floor and the string floor .
Most of the hoists are used to adjust the height of horizontal tie rods suspended from ropes. Stage brochures and other decorative parts or spotlights can be attached to the tie rods . The traction ropes are guided on the lacing floor via pulleys to the side of the stage building, where they are attached together to a drive.
Point and prospectus trains
A distinction is made between point and prospect hoists.
Prospect train
A prospect hoist has several cable outlets, to which a horizontal pull rod is attached for lifting the load. Brochure hoists are mainly used to hang flat decorations - including the eponymous stage brochures , which should be hung parallel to the front edge of the stage. They are the type of theater train that is most often installed.
The pull rod is usually so long that it covers the width of the stage area below it. It is hung (with exceptions) parallel to the front edge of the stage. Depending on the permissible load of the train, the rod consists of a round or rectangular tube with a diameter of approx. 50–60 mm or is built as a truss .
Several prospectus trains are arranged one behind the other above the stage at a distance of 30 to 50 cm.
Point hoists
A point hoist only has a single suspension element - for example a steel cable from which the load can be hung. It is used when a non-flat load has to be hung. A chandelier, for example, only needs a single suspension point so that a pull rod is not necessary. Point hoists can usually be set up variably in order to reach the point on the stage that is currently required. Chain hoists are an alternative to point hoists with steel cables .
Drive types
A distinction is made between the following types of drive :
Hand winch
The pull ropes are guided onto a winch and wound up there. It is driven by a hand crank. The trains with hand crank operation are very slow and therefore mostly only suitable for construction and dismantling work.
Hand counter pull
→ Main article: Hand counter-pull
The drive is carried out by hand by pulling on so-called command cables . Since the load is countered by counterweights, i.e. balanced, it is easier and faster to operate than with the hand crank. This type of train is often found in the theater, but it is gradually being replaced by mechanical drive types.
Hydraulic drive
The pull ropes are attached to a hydraulic cylinder that moves the train up or down by moving it in and out. The hydraulics take up the entire load, counterweights are no longer necessary. This type of drive can be integrated into a control system so that several trains can be operated at the same time from a central control panel.
Electric motor drive
The pulling ropes are guided onto a rope drum that is driven by an electric motor. This type of drive can also be integrated into a control system.
literature
- Bruno Grösel: Stage technology. Mechanical facilities , Munich, Vienna: Oldenbourg 4th edition 2007. ISBN 9783835631281