Kappel Rigging Trainer

An open-source counterweight rigging system for the classroom

New Prototypes Underway

Written by

in

In preparation for USITT26, the new prototypes of the KRT are in-progress. These prototypes are sponsored in-part by Productions Unlimited, Inc. All of the laser-cut steel and aluminum parts were donated. Thank you Productions Unlimited! Also, thank you to the Krannert Center Scene Shop for supporting the build. Last but not least, thank you to Eben Alguire for helping with the 3D-printing and students Alex Cheney and Brian Zuckerman for helping assemble the new trainers. See below for some highlights from the build.

Cutting on sacrificial foam with ShopBot CNC
Finished sheet of CNC parts
CNC Parts after clean-up
Grid assembly
Prototype drawings
5LSQ Grid plate
5LSQ Loading gallery
5LSQ Towers
3LS Towers before and after painting
Filigree scenery pieces from Productions Unlimited
Counterweights from Productions Unlimited
Painting the pipe weight
Side-by-side of metal and 3D-printed side plate versions
An army of 3D-printed side plates
Assembling stacks of sheaves
Sheave assembly party
Mock-up of USITT display