...that have to move.

Hi folks, a bit new here, but have worked on a number of shows.

Designing/Building a set for a production of Rocky Horror, and require two platforms, approx 8'x8, 5.5' to 6' tall.  That have to roll, but thankfully, only on one axis.

I can't seem to visualize the most proper/safe/study legs and for these things, and I'd be happy for any suggestions anyone can offer.  I'm not afraid to over-engineer the thing, but I can't have it too heavy to move.
 
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If you're interested, here's the last set I built, for a production of Leader of the Pack at Cresson Lake Playhouse in Cresson, PA.  Rocky Horror is being built for the same company:

http://webpages.atlanticbb.net/~ezahurak/set/

I know nothing about set construction but would those big thick tubes that carpet is rolled on in the stores work?  I don't know if engineering wise they would work well or be safe to hold the weight of a platform. When my CT needs columns for a set  we go to the local outlet carpet store who donate their empty tubes us. 

Dan, thanks for the tip!  What you describe certainly sounds like the way to go.   Nothing much needs to happen beneath the platforms, but I will need to make the lower platform a tiny bit smaller than the top one (where the top would be 8x8, the lower would be about 6.5 x 7, aligned on the frontside and outside edges) to allow for a set of stairs to be rolled underneath and to leave enough room behind for a crossover.   Most of the weight will be on the aligned edges so I don't think the overhang will be all that tipsy, especially when the platforms are butted up against each other.

Tristan, thank you for the compliment.  As you can probably guess from the drawings, CLP is a tiny tiny place that's *tough* to build for.  Pulling that one off was no small feat. I had a lot of fun putting it together and am quite pleased that others like it, too.

Sondra, I don't know that those tubes would work to hold up my lumber in this case, but it's inevitable that sooner or later I will need big tubes/rolls for something and I hadn't thought before to check the carpet stores.  Thanks for the suggestion, it will come in handy.

Yeah, but it figures -- now that I got an answer, the thing doesn't have to move.  Bummer.  I was looking forward to making it move.  It'll be cheaper and easier to build now, though.

This will be my second year working Rocky, but only my first year building.  I've seen the thing countless times.  It's always great fun.

I agree with Dan's excellent advice, but with one small variation. I would never use 4x4 for legs, as I don't think it is really necessary - too heavy and too expensive. I would use two 2x4s for each post, but not flush with each other to make the equivalent of a 4x4. Put them in the shape of an "L" and space them every four feet each way, making a total of nine doubled up legs. Then again, if the audience is going to see the legs, 4x4 might be called for. Definitely screw the legs together at their bases, cross brace with 1x4, and build a 2x4 frame around the base of each platform. I always double up legs when they are 4' or more long, or if the platform is going to have to support an insane amount of weight (usually 8+ adult actors).

Putting casters on such a beast would have added a whole additional degree of complexity. Be thankful you were spared that requirement.

Good luck!

Brian

http://members.aol.com/bmiller025/BrianDesign.htm