Fineline's 5 axis router has been in action again, this time producing 8 scenic Spitfires for Opera North's current highly rated production of Richard Keiser's "The Fortunes of King Croesus".

Fineline was commissioned by Phil Martin of Bath-based Theatrical Props to build the basic elements of the planes, which were rough cut and shaped from epoxy model board by the CNC router.

The project was managed by Darren Wring. It was the first time that Martin has used the Bristol-based company, who were recommended to him by a colleague. "They were very friendly, helpful and attentive" he comments.

The planes feature extensively in the opera. Martin was initially approached by Opera North's prop buyer Mandy Barnett. When he was confirmed for the project, he was sent a model Spitfire for a starting reference by the production's set and costume designer, Leslie Travers.

Each of the 8 Spitfires needed to accommodate a small function. They also each needed to have a wingspan of 650 mm and be constructed from a robust material that could be re-engineered to add future functions. They are finished in a high gloss gold, applied through vacuum metalisation.

Wring and Martin looked at various options on the materials front before deciding on the 0.77 density solid epoxy resin board, which has turned out to be perfect for the job. The planes were produced in 7 sections over 3 days on the router using a 6 mm and a 12 mm bull-nosed cutter.

Each Spitfire is mounted onto poles, allowing them to be "flown' onto stage by the performers.

Three needed to have mini smoke machines mounted in their engine compartments, two needed to have snapping wings and one a breaking tail. Two also catch fire during the battle, facilitated by custom designed and built flame paste holders installed by Martin in the engine cavities, complete with safety cut out that automatically extinguishes the flames once the planes are placed onstage.

It was the first time that Fineline had helped engineer planes (although MD Darren Wring is a keen pilot!). To cut the exact, correct Spitfire shapes, Fineline obtained the 3D files from the Turbosquid website.

It was a difficult task for the router as the wings were so thin. The propellers also really needed to be durable, so Martin brought model plane ones and filed them into the correct Spitfire shape.

The planes take centre stage towards the end of the first act of the opera, in the battle between Cyrus the Persian King and the Lydians of whom Croesus is King.

The show has received excellent reviews.