Riggerdan 147 Posted August 24, 2013 For the next 29 days I will live vicariously through the SDAR photos and trip reports..Along with these tropical storms moving through the ABDSP I'm working in the historical Boardwalk Hall / Atlantic City built in 1928, for this years Miss America's Pageant - The event will go live on Sept 15th Your first impression might be "wow" what a lucky guy, and maybe theres a little truth to that...but not really!! For entertainment purposes and maybe a brief read with your morning coffee I'd like to share my experience here in AC There have been many days of riding that have been sacrificed during the design process of this event After all said and done there will be a little over 230,000 lbs. suspended from the building high steel support structure @ 160' Thats roughly 500 KTM990's / 115 tons Assuming there is a desire to see the pageant contestants, I will primarily focus on the project at hand Though one of my goals is to have Miss California wearing a CORE t-shirt Hope you enjoy the somewhat daily journal and look forward to getting this project behind me, and getting back in the dirt. 4 days into it and not much has happened, as all the magic has been happening inside the curved ceiling arches you see. I'm due for an inspection of the connections in a few days and that will paint a different picture, but heres a few shots from ground level.. Theres hundreds of measurements to create reference points for all connections to the venue arches (there will be over 1000 physical connections) Theres miles and miles of wire rope that have been configured to various lengths to reach the arches essentially creating a triangle / pythagorean theorem There are many vertical, horizontal & diagonal forces to take into effect 125' articulating lifts for all work done under the arches These are sub structure grids that have been rigged to accommodate a concentrated amount of connections and help distribute weight accordingly computerized load cells to monitor weight to various locations A few screen shots of the CAD files generating the blueprints for installation and reference There are roughly 30 high steel riggers in the arches with another 20 assistants on the ground, using 500lbs plum bobs to determine accuracy in all cable bridled connections........ and all of this is to prepare for a massive full production load in starting Monday the 26th more to come Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted August 24, 2013 Pfft. Child's play. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FuzzyNugs 0 Posted August 24, 2013 Man and I can hardly tie my rack to my bike on a week trip... Enjoy the pageant girls and yes more pics please. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted August 24, 2013 So should I use bungee's or ROK straps for my waterproof duffle? Outstanding stuff - subscribed. Anybody can hang a KTM from their ceiling..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted August 24, 2013 The CAD work is art-ful. You must be dreaming structures instead of Misses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PastaPilot 17 Posted August 24, 2013 Impressive work Dan. There's a trip in the works for the very end of Sept. If after you get home you feel like getting away there's some riding to be done. PM away. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Covered in Dust 162 Posted August 24, 2013 I've seen some of your impressive work before. Remember to give me a call if you need someone to fetch beer for you while you are in Atlantic City. Covered in Dust Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Afry 1 Posted August 24, 2013 Nice pictures but where's the hot chicks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hobiee 28 Posted August 25, 2013 Hey Dan Just curious who does the preplanning on buildings like this to determine the limits of the old steel?? With all that weight hanging like that is there anything done to monitor the old building itself? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WARP9 0 Posted August 25, 2013 Awesome! love the pics and the CAD is way cool. Looking forward to more! Good luck with Miss CA ;)/> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsfox 0 Posted August 25, 2013 Very cool....I basically do cadd for a living these day, now that I'm inside the office (civil more than structural) but appreciate that for sure....and I have worked tech team for bands over my years in the music scene, so this is fascinating to me.....Look forward to it all....but we will still miss you at coon cabin :mellow:/> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beezzz 6 Posted August 25, 2013 Cool job Dan. Love the photos of the "rigg'n" and the box on the tail of the 990 ktm. I wish I saw the faces on the group with that tail box gag. Beezzz Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riggerdan 147 Posted August 27, 2013 I've seen some of your impressive work before. Thats a classic shot CID brought a BIG smile to my face.......good memories - thats real rigging Just curious who does the preplanning on buildings like this to determine the limits of the old steel?? With all that weight hanging like that is there anything done to monitor the old building itself? I'll take good old USA hot rivet steel over the chinese stuff we see today, I had an outside engineering company evaluate the capacity of these arches, giving me around 30K per each side of the arch, starting from the stage end I've reached maximum capacity on the first 3 arches hence the computerized load monitoring. I take daily deflection reading on the arches and have been told they can deflect over 11'' the base of the arches are on big railroad type tracks to allow movement... pretty amazing by 1928 standards. having off yesterday a little r&r was in order......... a few shots from the boardwalk boardwalk hall being here for 29 days, when I first checked into the hotel I was staring at a brick wall at the Trump tower aka: the Dump tower to the locals I smoozed the girl at the front desk and somehow ended up here.... A few shots from the exterior roof of the venue Needless to say a few refreshments are in order after a hard days work..... sorry CID these girls are a little better looking, but thanks for the offer Back on the job snooping around some old electrical rooms, heres some frankenstein electrical stuff "for you electrician types" I have (5) 100 amp services to power up the rigging, not nearly as much as the lighting and video dept consume Heres an old school theater sign That 3/8'' hemp rope "when cut" will release a 12 ton fire curtain I received an approval from the ACFD to dead off the curtain so I can rig structures through the proscenium, one of the more difficult things to get approved 5 more rigging semis rolled in today (total of 7) filling up the floor with boxes of 1 ton chain hoists, more harware and lots of power and control I use a separate part of the parking structure to build all the trussing no pics yet, about 2000' of trussing to accommodate all lighting and scenic elements boxes of vertical and horizontal fall protection are installed to access all suspended structures a far cry from when I grew up with no harnesses or fall protection and would work hundreds of feet up with tool, ropes, hardware - then OSHA started peaking into the entertainment industry and now its a hefty fine to "not be clipped in" the forklift driving around with the 500lb plum bob........Thats a pretty good gig!! Theres a dozen guys climbing around the sub structure with ropes pulling up wire rope / chains - all day long... tomorrow we will initiate rig power to trussing and start suspending / flying them up for lighting and scenic installation starting tuesday after labor day... more to come.......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riggerdan 147 Posted August 27, 2013 So should I use bungee's or ROK straps for my waterproof duffle? I'm a ROK strap fan - with a 1/2'' steel wirerope safety.... The CAD work is art-ful. You must be dreaming structures instead of Misses. Always dreaming Dave, though usually its about riding my bike around the desert.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted August 27, 2013 Be safe out & up there. Question is.....did she take this picture or did you? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hodnettjj 0 Posted August 28, 2013 Is there fall protection connection points already in the structure? Who puts together the back up fall protection plan? I.e. what to do after someone falls and is hanging safely... Until blood is cut off in their legs...and they die... Do you practice that recovery? My OSHA spidey sense is tingling... Looks like an awesome job.. Good luck.. Hope you and your guys stay safe... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted September 5, 2013 RD How is the Room Lookin' ?? Is sleep an option these days? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riggerdan 147 Posted September 5, 2013 Is there fall protection connection points already in the structure? Who puts together the back up fall protection plan? I.e. what to do after someone falls and is hanging safely There is a fall protection plan for the building, its extremely long winded...a plan for the production elements is very similar. It requires certified rope access climbers and personnel to help retrieve, rescue & stabilize... though many different scenarios can develop in this type of environment RD How is the Room Lookin' Is sleep an option these days All is good Bags..... its been a long few days, hence the delay in the report more pics then words this time around Heres my local IATSE union crew #77 Atlantic City / International Alliance Theatrical Stage Employees They have been extremely helpful and have a lot of passion for this show, and are very appreciative to have it back in AC Installing some power and control for motorized chain hoists That power & control structure flown out A few shots looking out into the house Lighting dept, helping out building the spotlight platform that will accommodate 5 spotlight operators platform, lights, hardware, operators roughly 12,000lbs Good old USA A few shots from the house looking towards the stage area ---------------------THE ORGAN...... Apparently the biggest in the world...............? This guy snuck in the picture These are the pipes that are located up in the arches.......amazing is all I can say the pictures do not even come close to the detail and craftsmanship Keep in mind this was built in 1929........... The price to pay to view such a classic piece of artwork Heres a view from up in the arches (more to come) your vertical sense is compromised with every step There was a comedy show that played in the hall on labor day weekend all flown elements were flown out safetied off and prepared to be lowered tuesday morning Tuesday morning Lighting and scenic start moving in, in full force.... The start of rigging the big scenic "fingers / arches" Standing upstage right looking onto the stage One of the arches looking upstage to down each arch weighs in roughly around 5K after all LED and lighting units are installed Standing upstage center looking down the centerline The color you see is from the video dept testing the LED panels during the installation its inspires me to snap a few pics, generally its a fairly dark venue to work in More electricians installing spotlights on the platform it will live at 55' off the floor and will have a motorized "rigged" elevator to access it Here we are today.......... Giving a few production riggers a brief tour of the venue roof It was the most beautiful day today, a typical september east coast blue sky, low humidity, light winds from the north.... There is an overwhelming amount of security on every level fed, state...etc after the incident in Boston, they are expecting over 200K people A lot of money is being put into surveillance on the boardwalk and surrounding areas Being one of the first few in the bldg its a privilege to work with them and create access for them and the dogs to secure the bldg every day ends with an hour of frisbee on the sand and body surfing the ocean.... Not to mention the amazing dinners Heres a bone in veal parm in a secret little place called Chef Vola's......highly recommendable if you find yourself in this neck of the woods cash only and BYO Thats the current status the contestants are rehearsing about 20' from my plans / computer table... so potentially slightly distracting at times there is a zero tolerance onsite - need I say any more Ken I must admit you brought a smile out with that keen sense of observation.......... more to come................ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted September 5, 2013 Thx Dan. Very interesting to follow along. Ton of work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted September 5, 2013 RD, Bi-Coastal Man,,, Tremendous to see a big crew at work, building something a guy / gal can touch and see. I was reading in the paper how there has been a Big economic boost in Atlantic City. Now I know where the boost came from, our own RiggerDan. And, after putting together a project of this scale, one can see the simplicity of a KTM is a welcome challenge. See you soon. B P.S. - Yeah, I am in a Zero Tolerance Zone here as well. "The contestants are rehearsing about 20' from my plans / computer table...so potentially slightly distracting at times " Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsfox 0 Posted September 6, 2013 It's amazing to see the behind the scenes work.....and wow...the amount of work....and the huge scale of the project... :blink:/>...thanks so much for taking time to include us....very cool..... so whose your favorite contestant? ;)/> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted September 6, 2013 ". so whose your favorite contestant? ;)style="border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; color: rgb(28, 40, 55); line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 252);">/> " Now Deb, you are just trying to get our rigger in TROUBLE. Plus, you know he doesn't play favorites. He just plays. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riggerdan 147 Posted September 14, 2013 so whose your favorite contestant? Deb lets just say I don't think any of these pageant contestants have any dual purpose motorcycles in their garage but it doesn't hurt to look.....right..? Now Deb, you are just trying to get our rigger in TROUBLE. Nothing I cant handle Bagstr Day 24 and things are still going smooth here in Atlantic City...... Today is hands down the most beautiful weather day I've seen.... and it's the big pageant parade on the boardwalk, apparently its all about the shoes... The last few nights have been preliminary eliminations, full show mode along with taped portions. It allows the cameras and all departments to dial in their angles and fine tune the look, in addition to giving the judges a good idea of who stands a chance... I pretty much sit backstage behind the curtains working on the next gig But I did put a few chairs in front of my table for the girls to rest in between their performances...and old industry trick... The security has been amazing, in addition to spanning the 9/11 date there was an overwhelming amount of law enforcement on all levels lots of well dressed men with firearms, handcuffs, and big backpacks / sniffers (not filled with outdoor recreational items) that are constantly combing the area and 20 to 30 dogs sniffing out every inch of the bldg That stuff fascinates me..... anyway here's a finale of pictures that are up to date, not much more to show - other then the show itself The tear down process is all the same just a reverse scenario and will take roughly 3 days with over 150 local stage hands / riggers I have been calling these the "big scenic fingers" it's tedious process of rigging them up and allowing other depts to install lighting / led elements and massaging them into the appropriate arched configuration. A shot form downstage center - starting to take shape.. This is the miss america statue cylinder Occasionally glancing at the phone and getting some local SD news There she is on the floor, slightly violated and wrapped in plastic (2) 400amp services for stage left lighting dept Another power drop stage right w/ ground supported truss cable bridges so they don't trip in their high heels The FOH / Front Of House spotlight bridge Tweaking some rigging LED video walls stage right More LED walls looking from upstage right More flash flood warnings in Jamul Few shots from downstage center Standing SR looking cross stage Not what you want to see when your 3000 miles away from home Cleaned up a little The first night of preliminaries, from out in the seats There she is all cleaned up, the square cut outs at the bottom are for cameras Contestant arches Pics of things getting really close Show goes live Sunday night on ABC 9PM EST Personally not something I would tune into but just another day in the office Hope you enjoyed the journey See you on the dirt................................ Riggerdan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted September 14, 2013 Very interesting series. Thx for taking the time to help us follow along............. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted September 14, 2013 Very interesting how the room changes as the background curtains go up and the house lights go down. The scene changes from a warehouse to a theater. Off the top of your head, or bottom of your spread sheet, what is the weight of those curtains that appeared at the last? I plan on checking out the show Sunday to compare the TV image to your photos. See you soon, B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
