Mines
These can be regarded as similar to shells in the method of use. The important distinction between them is that the firework element is ignited in the tube and is already burning when it exits the tube.
The effect of a mine is therefore instantaneous from the spectator’s viewpoint and always lower, although heights of 100 ft. may still be reached. These produce effects of stars, bombettes, whistles etc. Special care must be given when loading the bag type mines.
It is sometimes extremely difficult to distinguish the difference between some cylindrical mines and cylindrical shells and there are even some spherical mines.
Multi Shot Barrages or “Cakes”
These fireworks known affectionately as “cakes” are actually a collection of other categories of fireworks grouped together in boxes and produce stars, bombettes, whistles, spinners, etc.
They may vary in size from small packages up to large cardboard boxes which can be very heavy to handle.
A cake may contain anything from say 25 x 2.5”” shells in light tubes, 100 x 30mm maroons or even up to 1000 roman candles one shot in each tube.
They are extremely powerful so please be careful! They need to be set up very carefully, with particular attention paid to the surface upon which they stand and secured to a series of stakes. Cakes should always be angled away from spectators.
It is important to ensure that they are the right way up! It is not unknown for them to be labelled upside down or even the larger ones to be packed into their boxes upside down. Please take note !
Due to the size of some Cakes and the calibres used, we recommend moving them at least 50 metres, and in some cases even further (refer to 1st Galaxy Fireworks Site Policy)
Cakes are boxes containing a number of separate items, fused together so that they are fired in sequence over some period of time, normally much longer than for a single firework. The items may be all of one kind, or a mixture, including small, shells, candles etc.
As with roman candles, once started, the firing continues automatically until the last item is reached.
Batteries are comprised of a number of fireworks, normally of the same type, grouped in a single layout, to be fired as a single unit, individually in sequence, or in any other combination. The effect is the same as from any one firework on its own, enhanced by sequential or multiple firing.
Set pieces
These fireworks are, as their name suggests, used to create a static effect. They can be in the form of waterfalls strung horizontally on string or poles, wheels, flying pigs, fountains or lancework e.g. “Good Night”. These are mini flares linked together with fuse and burn for about 60 secs.
Careful attention needs to be paid to setting these up in order to gain the maximum effect from them, especially with respect to their height. Care must be taken to ensure that the moving fireworks set off in the right direction initially.
Most set pieces are not dangerous if properly assembled, however keep these out of the firing line to avoid premature ignition, especially lancework which must be positioned up wind of the rest of the material on site.
Lancework is a set piece of a special type. They are made up from small fireworks set on a frame which burn simultaneously as individual points of light to present a continuing two-dimensional picture. The picture may be symbolic, such as a badge or crest, or in word form, such as “Good Night”.
More complex effects can be produced by creating different pictures in sequence on the same frame, to produce an impression of motion.
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