5 Star Cases is supplying Unusual Rigging with 100 new flight cases for one tonne Liftket motors, the first of which are rolling off the production line at the Wisbech-based company’s manufacturing plant.

Unusual have had to increase their hoist stock to facilitate an incredibly busy touring season, bringing their total motor count to more than 1,000.

Unusual approached 5 Star to build rugged road cases for the new hoists, which have been customized inside and out. The light blue exteriors feature the Unusual Rigging logo and full contact details. On the inside, the Tour Grade cases are fitted with a specially designed framework to accommodate the hoist. Unusual’s David Mayo comments, “We returned to 5 Star again because their cases are incredibly robust and well constructed.”

The trunks are based on a familiar 5 Star hoist case shell, with further enhancements including a refined CNC machined cradle support. This cradle system comprises 24mm birch ply that is rebated, glued, and pinned ensuring maximum support for the heavy motors. Separate compartments are provided for convenient storage of the chain and chain-bag. These cradles form part of many versions of chain hoist trunks available from 5 Star. The design has recently been streamlined due to the further investment of CNC machining facilities at the Wisbech site. Full corporate branding on the case exteriors was achieved via professional screen printing of the Unusual Rigging logos. In addition to creating great visual impact, this also adds a security factor of being easily identifiable, which is invaluable when working among several different contractors on the same site.

Unusual’s current UN and European touring work includes My Fair Lady, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Miss Saigon and Mammia Mia.