ADC Curtain Track, Part 6: Series 220 Trak-Eze

Trak-Eze is an ideal commercial duty curtain track for straight installations where it is important that the cord be completely concealed in the track. As Trak-Eze allows for mounting directly into a doorway header, one popular usage of Trak-Eze curtain track is to hang doorway drapes in traditional theatres, to mask light and sound between lobbies, entrance hallways, and auditorium areas.

Constructed from 16 gauge extruded aluminum, this manually-operated modified box-shaped track channel offers a choice of walk-along, cord-drawn, or motorized operation and can be recessed, surface-mounted, or suspended from the ceiling. When used in a doorway, we recommend selection of the walk-along option.

Cord-drawn and motorized models may be configured to a maximum of between 20 and 24 feet, depending on the model selected, while walk-along models can be configured to any length desired. The maximum curtain weight recommended for all models is 13 pounds per foot of track.

We recommend utilizing a light to medium weight fabric when choosing a custom drape for use with Trak-Eze curtain track. Depending on the style you prefer, you might choose a specialty sheer or satin or a traditional napped fabric such as 13oz Apollo Velour or 16oz Commando Cloth.

ADC Curtain Track, Part 5: Series 170 Besteel

Besteel is the most economical of the medium-duty curtain tracks. Constructed of 14 gauge galvanized steel, this box-shaped track is a popular choice for small to medium sized traditional theatres and school auditoriums. Besteel is available in the standard steel finish as well as in a black finish.

As Besteel track channel is box-shaped, it cannot be curved, either onsite or at the factory, and therefore cord-drawn and motorized models are available for a straight track configuration only. However, if a walk-along model is selected, prefabricated curved sections ranging from 45 degrees to 90 degrees are available and can be attached to a straight section of track to create a simple curve shape (such as a wide “U”).

Walk-along, cord-drawn and motorized are all available operations with Besteel. Models 170 and 172 may be configured to a maximum of 40 feet as cord-drawn or motorized, whereas Models 171R and 171N, which include upgraded nylon ball-bearing carriers, may be configured up to 48 feet. Walk-along models 173, 173N and 173R may be fabricated in any length. Besteel can be mounted directly to the ceiling or suspended from the ceiling. Please note however that it must be mounted to or suspended from the ceiling joints rather than from a dropped ceiling.

Maximum curtain weight for the Besteel ranges from 10 pounds to 15 pounds per foot of track, depending on the specific model chosen.

We recommend utilizing a medium weight fabric when choosing a custom stage curtain for use with Besteel. Theatrical velour is a popular choice, with selections that include 15oz and 22oz Encore Velour and 21oz Marvel Velour. Another excellent fabric option is 25oz Memorable Velour, as long as care is taken to ensure that the size and fullness of the drape do not result in a curtain weight that exceeds the maximum curtain weight designated for the Besteel model selected.

ADC Curtain Track, Part 4: Series 160 Moto-Trac

Moto-Trac is the ideal choice for those looking for a lightweight motorized curtain track for use in a non-theatrical application, such as a classroom, boardroom, multi-purpose room, cafeteria, nightclub, or restaurant.

Constructed from 16 gauge aluminum and available for straight tracks only, this motorized track offers a choice of either a one-way draw or bi-parting operation through its unique dual-channel design.

To configure a bi-parting operation, most types of track require the use of two separate pieces of track channel, each slightly more than half the width of the space, overlapping in the center. With Moto-Trac, just a single 20 foot section of dual-channel track, along with two overlapping master carriers, is used for a bi-parting operation.

Model 160 may be used for a maximum track length of 20 feet, while Model 160B can be used for lengths up to 24 feet. Both models are also available in a non-motorized cord-operated or walk-along configuration. Moto-Trac can be mounted directly to the ceiling or suspended from the ceiling. Please note however that it must be mounted to or suspended from the ceiling joints rather than from a dropped ceiling.

Maximum curtain weight ranges between 75 pounds total curtain weight for Model 160 and 100 pounds total curtain weight for Model 160B.

We recommend utilizing a light to medium weight fabric when choosing a custom drape for use with Moto-Trac track. Depending on the style you prefer, you might choose a specialty sheer or satin or a traditional napped fabric such as 13oz Apollo Velour or 16oz Commando Cloth.

ADC Curtain Track, Part 3: Series 140 Rig-I-Flex

As a medium duty I-Beam style curtain track, Rig-I-Flex is the most popular bendable curtain track, used commonly for gym dividers, small to medium sized stages at high schools, and film and television studios, especially when a motorized curved track is desired. It is available in the standard aluminum finish as well as in a black finish.

Constructed from 11 gauge extruded aluminum, this versatile track is available as a walk-along, cord-operated, or motorized operation. Rig-I-Flex track channel can be factory curved or, with the purchase of bending tools, can be curved onsite.

While Rig-I-Flex does allow for a manually operated cord-drawn curved operation, this requires more effort than straight track. Therefore, we recommend choosing the motorized option for curved track, especially where sharp curves are involved. Even when curving on-site, a scaled drawing of the curved track configuration is requested at the time of quoting / ordering, to ensure that the proper number of spindles and idler brackets are included.

The maximum track length for cord-drawn / motorized Rig-I-Flex (Models 140, 140R, 141, and 141R) is 60 foot, but Rig-I-Flex can be selected at any length in a walk-along model (142 and 142R). Rig-I-Flex can be mounted directly to the ceiling or suspended from the ceiling. Please note however that it must be mounted to or suspended from the ceiling joists rather than from a dropped ceiling.

We recommend utilizing a light to medium weight fabric when choosing a custom drape for use with Rig-I-Flex. Depending on the style you prefer, you might choose a specialty sheer or satin or a traditional napped fabric such as 13oz Apollo Velour or 16oz Commando Cloth. Flex-I-Trac is also a great option for a larger Cyclorama constructed of Extra Wide Muslin or Poly Muslin.

ADC Curtain Track, Part 2: Series 132 Flex-I-Trac

As a light duty I-Beam style curtain track, Flex-I-Trac is a terrific option for retail stores, lobbies, and smaller stages such as elementary and middle schools and smaller high schools.

Constructed from 13 gauge aluminum, Flex-I-Trac is available as a walk-along operation only. What makes this affordable track especially attractive is the ability to easily curve the track on site without the need for special tools.

Flex-I-Trac can be configured to any length desired. Models 132 and 132A allow a maximum curtain weight of 6 1/2 pounds per foot of track, while Models 132B and 132C allow a curtain weight up to 13 pounds per foot of track. Flex-I-Trac can be mounted directly to the ceiling or suspended from the ceiling. Please note however that it must be mounted to or suspended from the ceiling joints rather than from a dropped ceiling.

We recommend utilizing a light to medium weight fabric when choosing a custom drape for use with Flex-I-Trac. Depending on the style you prefer, you might choose a specialty sheer or satin or a traditional napped fabric such as 13oz Apollo Velour or 16oz Commando Cloth. Flex-I-Trac is also a great option for a smaller Cyclorama constructed of Extra-Wide Muslin or Poly Muslin.

ADC Curtain Track, Part 1: Series 113 Specifine

Looking for an economical lightweight curtain track system for use in a non-theatrical application, such as a classroom, boardroom, multi-purpose room, cafeteria, nightclub, or restaurant? Specifine Series 113 curtain track may be just what you need.

Constructed from 16 gauge extruded aluminum, this manually-operated box-shaped track channel offers a choice of either walk-along or cord-pulled operation and can be recessed, surface-mounted, or suspended from the ceiling. In the case of a cord-pulled operation, the cord is completely concealed within the track channel, helping to eliminate unsightly sagging lines.

Specifine track is available as either one-way draw or bi-parting. Model 113A, as a walk-along track, has a maximum length of 40′, with a maximum curtain weight of 4 pounds per foot of track. Models 113 and 113B, which are the rope-operated models, each have a maximum length of 20′. The primary difference between these two models is that Model 113 supports a maximum curtain weight of 4 pounds per foot of track, while Model 113B will support a slightly heavier curtain, allowing a curtain weight of up to 8 pounds per foot of track.

We recommend utilizing a light to medium weight fabric when choosing a custom drape for use with Specifine track. Depending on the style you prefer, you might choose a specialty sheer or satin or a traditional napped fabric such as 13oz Apollo Velour or 16oz Commando Cloth.

Specifine is generally used for straight applications, but Model 113A can also be used in a curved application through the use of available curved sections ranging for 45 degrees to 90 degrees or through custom factory curving.

Specifine track is not available with a motorized option. We recommend Moto-Trac Series 160 for a motorized straight track comparable to Specifine.

The Fourth Year of Rent What?

We’re so very excited to be in the midst of our fourth year of business here at Rent What?, and are even MORE excited at how great the company is doing! Getting to provide drape rentals for major tours and concerts, and helping our clients conceive their visions for these events, is something we have always enjoyed. But lately, we are providing a LOT more than “just drapes” for many different types of events. We are able to help create the overall feel of almost any event that crosses our path. We aren’t just all about Rock and Roll anymore!

Rent What? has expanded our inventory to not just include, but to now also specialize in, everything from our wide variety of Flame Retardant Drapery, Kabuki Drops/Solenoid Systems, Traveller Track, Drapery Lift Systems, Pop-Up Portable Dressing Rooms, Pipe and Drape, and Shadowboxes. This incredible diversity has grabbed the attention of those outside the rock and roll touring industry that has been our “bread and butter” so far. With our expanding inventory, our clientele has also expanded, to include churches, schools (high school and universities), conventions, casinos, trade shows, community theatre, major television shows, and everything in between.

What I think sets us apart from our competition is having such a close relationship with our sister company Sew What?, who can help create any custom-made draping that our clients might have envisioned. With the combination of our ever-growing rental inventory, along with the custom-made soft goods that Sew What? can also create, our clients are able to get exactly what they dreamed for their event, at very competitive pricing.

This is an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the Rent What? team, and we know that with our continued “Extreme Service”, we will always continue to expand and grow to fit our growing clientele’s needs, too.

Installing Traveler Track

Traveler track is the most common way in which the custom stage curtains that we make are hung, and we are proud to be an authorized distributor for Automatic Devices Company (ADC), one of the major U.S. manufacturers of curtain track.

In many cases, the track is purchased by major theatre companies or music tours who are experienced in the installation of traveler track.  In other cases, however, the track is purchased by a school or other organization that has never installed curtain track and is, naturally, somewhat apprehensive about the prospect.

The reality is that, in most cases, installation of traveler track is a fairly simple, straight-forward situation, and there are several resources available to help.  ADC publishes a variety of schematics and installation instructions, which are available on our website. 

At Rent What? they have a new set of instructions available for installing bi-parting traveler track. They spent some time looking at the various resources available to help with the install process and felt that this was an area where clients might have questions. They have tried their new instruction set with a variety of clients and feel it is “right on” for helping cut to the chase in terms of the rope threading and the carrier and end pulley placement. It’s great because it is written for the “layperson” amd even includes pictures. You can view it here.

Focus On: Contour Curtains

A Contour Curtain is made as a single panel with great fullness, usually about 200% of the curtain width.  The curtain, which is made of a thin / soft fabric so that it drapes well, is raised and lowered by a series of draw lines attached to the bottom edge of the curtain and running through rings on the back to pulleys attached on the batten above the curtain.  As each of the lift lines act independently, by varying the lift on the individual lines, the curtain takes on many different contours.

In this drawing, less lift is applied on the outer edge lines (noted as # 1 & # 6), and then greater lift is gradually added going toward the center of the curtain.  This creates a graceful arched opening. 

Iridescent Silky Charmeuse is an excellent fabric choice for a contour curtain.  The type of track or rigging required will vary depending on the size of the curtain, the number of lift lines, and whether a motorized application is preferred.  A Contour Curtain can also be used as a stationery decorative set piece; in that case, since it would not need to open or close, it can be hung from a batten with fixed lift lines.

Focus On: Traveller Track

Previously I did a post titled “Focus On: Traveller Curtains.”  Today, I thought I’d give you a little information on Traveller Track (also known as curtain track).

Traveller track typically consists of a track channel that is either fixed into the roof studs, mounted to a pipe that has been hung from the roof studs, or  suspended by chain directly from the studs.  The channel may be constructed of aluminium or galvanized steel.   Depending on the track model, channel is typically shaped like a box or an I-beam. 

Box-Style Channel

I-Beam Style Channel

Small steel parts called “carriers,” which have small nylon, polyethylene or neoprene wheels (some with ball-bearings) slot into the channel.  For each length of channel, there is usually one larger master carrier and then a number of smaller single carriers.  The curtain is then attached to the carriers (or, as in the case of the pictures below, to a piece of trim chain that is attached to the carrier).   For ease in attaching the stage curtains to the carriers, often a top finish of Webbing, grommets & S-Hooks is specified for traveller curtains.

Master Carrier for Box-Style Channel.  The chain hanging from the bottom is an option called “trim chain.”   In most cases, however, carriers are furnished without trim chain and the curtains are attached directly to the triangle-shaped bit at the bottom of the carrier.

Single Carrier for Box-Style Channel

Track is installed as either one-way draw or bi-parting.  For a one-way draw, there is a single continuous length of channel, with a single master carrier at one end.  When the curtain is open, the entire curtain stacks at one side of the stage.  For bi-parting, there are two lengths of channel that cross at the center (typically with a foot or two of overlap), each with a curtain attached.  There are two master carriers, one for each length of track (inserted at the onstage edge of the track).  When the curtains are open, the two curtains are stacked on either side of the stage.

Curtain track may be walk-along or rope-operated.  In the case of walk-along, the curtain is manually “walked” open or closed, with a person grasping the edge of the curtain (or an attached drapery baton) to ”walk” the drape open or closed.  In the case of rope-operated, the operator stands at one side of the stage and pulls a cord to open and close the curtain(s).  In the case of a rope-operated bi-parting configuration, the same rope opens both curtains.  Motors are sometimes used to in conjunction with rope-operated traveller track, so that the operator can open and close the curtain(s) with the flip of a switch, rather than by manually pulling the cord.

In most cases, traveller track is straight; however, some aluminum box-shaped track can be curved, either at the factory or on-site.  There are certain limits to the degree of radius that traveller track can be curved; if the curve is too extreme, the track will not function properly.

This is just a basic introduction to traveller track.  There are many different factors that determine which track is appropriate for a specific project, including the weight of the curtain, the stage width, and much more.  The best place to start if you are considering purchasing traveller track is to review the track selector guide.