AndyLoudon Posted October 21, 2010 Share Posted October 21, 2010 Hi folks. Looking into panto props again! Currently, I'm working on a prop for the archery contest in a Robin Hood based panto. Basically, its a big target that has three concealed, spring loaded arrows on its face. With some misdirection from the cast, the arrows are released and spring up into place (with appropriate sound effects...) The issue is how to release the arrows. My first thought was electromagnets to hold and then release the arrows. It would be a nice clean release, but would need powered all the time to stop the arrows popping up. My second idea was some sort of manually operated mechanical release. I think this would be more reliable, and removes the need to run cable(s) across the deck. I guess either a well trained cast member of concealed crew member could operate this. So the mechanical release is my preferred method, but I'm just wondering how others might have done this in the past, and if they can give any pointers on what works or doesn't work. I'm off to get the Lego out to see if I can get my head around a release mechanism! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted October 21, 2010 Share Posted October 21, 2010 The last time I did this I had the arrows come out of the board rather than hinge up. They were driven back out with bungee cord. They were held in with a stage pin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Basson Posted October 21, 2010 Share Posted October 21, 2010 We had spring-loaded flip-out arrows, operated by a stage hand behind the target. Worked every time. I think the thing came from Imagine, in Coventry, who might be able to supply a photo. Try 02476 688122. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the kid Posted October 21, 2010 Share Posted October 21, 2010 When I did it to shoot at a castle, we had drilled holes that you could hardy notice and pushed them out from behind. Because of the length they stuck in and as they were hand pushed we could do a comedy "arrow wobble" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baldwin Posted October 21, 2010 Share Posted October 21, 2010 My first thought was electromagnets to hold and then release the arrows. It would be a nice clean release, but would need powered all the time to stop the arrows popping up. Notwithstanding the good advice already posted, just to note that electromagnet releases come in two flavours - those which require current to hold (e.g. fire doors) and those which require current to release (e.g. kabuki drops).Some example products here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ynot Posted October 21, 2010 Share Posted October 21, 2010 Proscenium have a full sized archery target with this already built in as I recall - we're doing RH in January and they offered this when I booked our cloths (however our archery gag is an acted option with 'invisible' arrows and SFX...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitlane Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 Spring loaded door closer, two screw eyes, a hinge pin and a piece of string. We did borrow/hire one years ago (can't remember where from) that even had the "one arrow splitting another one" effect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyLoudon Posted October 24, 2010 Author Share Posted October 24, 2010 Thanks for the replies! Looks like the electromagnets are out completely thanks to the budget being in the tens of pounds rather than hundreds :D so I'm going to go with a pin that gets pulled out for the release mechanism. The arrows will need reloaded, but after re-reading the script, that can be done offstage now. I guess I could stick some pics up once I get the thing built... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dipstick Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Thanks for the replies! Looks like the electromagnets are out completely thanks to the budget being in the tens of pounds rather than hundreds :D so I'm going to go with a pin that gets pulled out for the release mechanism. The arrows will need reloaded, but after re-reading the script, that can be done offstage now. I guess I could stick some pics up once I get the thing built... Hello Andy Did you manage to do the trick with the arrows? I am facing the same problem for the Robin Hood at the moment and chasing a few different options, I wondered how you fared? Jane Mackintosh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulears Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Moderation: Andy hasn't actually logged in for 18 months, so probably won't see this, but although we don't usually re-open old topics, there isn't in this case much point starting a new topic - so let's see what happens? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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