ART : THE UMBRELLAS: NUTS AND BOLTS

Christo has chosen 1,760 sites in the mountains and fields of the Tejon Pass for his yellow umbrellas. Starting near the intersection of Route 138 and I-5 in Los Angeles County, they continue north along the freeway for 18 miles to the Grapevine exit in Kern County. The project is designed so that all the umbrellas can be seen from I-5, although many alternative views can be found on access roads. “The Umbrellas” will open Tuesday and close Oct. 30.

The nylon polymide fabric was woven and dyed in Germany. It was laser-cut and sewn at North Sails in San Diego, the world’s largest sail manufacturer.

The ribs, struts and pole are the same color as the fabric.

The winch system inside the pole allows the umbrella to be cranked open within 45 seconds.

There are eight oval-shaped ribs to which the fabric is secured. These are supported by struts extending out from the pole.

Umbrella was wind-tunnel tested to confirm it could withstand winds of 65 m.p.h. open, and 110 m.p.h. closed.

A molded polymer cover is set over the steel base. It is the same color as the land.

VIEWERS GUIDE

* Freeway exits to viewing sights: Route 138 to Gorman Post Road, Gorman, Lebec, Ft. Tejon and Grapevine.

* Rest stops off freeway: Northbound and southbound stops are located between Lebec and Frazier Park exits.

* Parking areas: Peace Valley, Gorman Post and Lebec roads. Total parking spaces on access roads: 8,797.

* Roads to take for close-up views: Digier, Gorman Post and Lebec roads.

UMBRELLA STATS

Height, including base: 19 feet 8 1/4 inches

Diameter: 28 feet 5 inches

Weight without base: 448 pounds

Fabric area supported by umbrella: 638.17 sq. ft.

Diameter of pole: 8 5/8 inches

Length of rib: 15 feet 7 3/4 inches

Length of strut: 7 feet 5 11/32 inches

CHRISTO COUNTDOWN

Oct. 2: Worker team captains (87 of them) arrived and were trained.

Oct. 3: Workers (they expect between 700 and 900) arrived, registered and began training.

Oct. 4: Ten-person teams began working in the fields, removing the base covers, setting umbrellas in bases and uprighting them.

Oct. 5: Christo was to leave for Japan to oversee operation there.

Oct. 6-7: Field work continues.

Oct. 8: “Blossoming” Day. At sunrise, the teams will begin opening the umbrellas, each of which takes 45 seconds to open. If all goes well, they will all be open by noon. Spare parts will be delivered by helicopter if needed. Christo will arrive at the site from Japan at about 10 a.m.

Oct. 9-29: Public exhibition of artwork.

Oct. 30: Umbrellas start coming down. They will be dismantled for recycling.