talking wighead

[Dr Morbius]

:D I know this is a shameless plug for my idea, but I am new to prop building and I wanted some feedback on my wighead idea...I wanted a talking head, but alas no bucky nor talking douglas fir to hack was available to me. I would appreciate any feedback, good or bad! www.robbybuilder.com/halloweenprojects

Dr Morbius

[Zombie-F]

It's a neat idea, though I don't know why a Bucky skull was unavailable to you. My only concern with this method would be the effects of wear and tear on the animatronic. The foam should only be able to withstand the opening and closing of the jaw only so many times before the foam either starts to break away, or the holes you've pushed the stiff wire through start to enlarge themselves.

There also aren't very many things that stick very well to these styrofoam wig heads. Maybe the mask parts would do better if they were glued on with some liquid nails foam adhesive.

Neat idea though, and I've never seen it done this way before. Be sure to let us know how you make out with it! :D

[Dr Morbius]

I appreciate the feedback, and you have legitimate questions, Zombie..

First of all, I only meant that I don't have a bucky, and that a douglas fir was unavailable to me. (Try to buy one in July or August here in California).

Secondly, Yes the hole enlarges,but only somewhat, and I have ran it continuously for 6 hours straight as a test and it still works. The whole assembly is extremely light so that no foam is broken off.

Third, A full or 3/4 mask that covers the wighead needs no adhesive. Gravity does all the work.

If you have a 1/2 mask, I have found duct tape to be a fine way of attaching a mask if it is to be covered by a hood (ala reaper), But I like your idea of foam adhesive. Remember, My prop is only meant to be temporary for halloween, and is suggested as an alternative to anyone who doesn't have Bucky skulls or Douglas fir trees at thier disposal.

Thank you for visiting my site, I think yours is fantastic.