[joker]

The first is the motor & lever mechanism that houses the simple mechanics that cock and release the prop. The housing was built using plywood and 2x4 pieces. Conduit is used as a lever that the wiper motor acts against to raise and drop the prop. I used the parking switch function on the motor to allow the use of a momentary switch to trigger the prop. 3-conductor thermostat wire was run between the power supply/activation switch and the lever box. A diode prevents the parking switch from shorting the power supply. I painted this portion of the prop white with spray paint to blend to the ceiling.

So your using the park function of the wiper motor to return the prop to the UP position? And the momentary switch turns the wiper motor on just long enough to release the prop to allow it to swing down?

In the up position is there anything else that helps defy gravity?

 

[Dixie]

Just stunning... corpsing with plastic sacks, I'm in awe. Thanks so much for the progression pics. It's a beautiful piece.

 

[IMU]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! Great prop, wonderful effect.

 

[hlmn]

Very nice. Some pics of the lever and mechanism if oyu have them please

 

[Just Whisper]

I am so impressed. And I love the grocery bag idea. Cuz I have those. Great prop, for under $20. or not, it's still a great prop. Unique.

 

[Bethene]

VERY cool corpse, SS, love the plastic bag corpsing idea, who would think thats what that is with it done!!??! Very creative!

 

[lowdwnrob]

That thing is amazing. I would love to know exactly how the drop mechanism is made. Once again awesome prop.

 

[SpookySam]

Joker -

No, the wiper motor is the only thing holding the corpse up. That is one of the reasons I made it so light weight. The whole idea of this thing started when I was trying to think of a way to make a simple non-pneumatic pop up that would reset itself. I'm pretty sure I can invert the prop and use a spring to force it up instead of gravity to pull it down. The thing is, gravity is a lot cheaper than a spring.

 

[SpookySam]

I'll try to get a pic or a drawing to explain the mechanics a little better when I get some time.

 

[Parabola]

Excellent entry! Love the look of the corpse and the overall idea is great.

 

[beelce]

WOW....This guy is sweet!! Nice work SAM....that's what I call bang for the buck....love the corps

 

[Lady Nyxie]

That would scare the pants off of me. Nice work.

 

[Spanky]

You realize your going to be famous for this technique, right? You've invented a new corpsing method- Bravo!!!

 

[HauntDaddy]

That would scare the crap out of adults let alone kids!!!!

 

[Merlin (The Quiet One)]

Great corpse! and a very cool idea!

 

[halloween71]

wonderful prop smart use of everyday props.

 

[Sickie Ickie]

How do you stain the bags without tearing them?

Would this hold up outside?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Fantastic corpse and great animation! I'll have to try one.

 

[Wildcat]

The ceiling would be unexpected. Looking great.

 

[SpookySam]

Sickie -

The bags should hold up fine outside as long as you use multiple layers and your prop doesn't have a huge surface area to catch the wind. Whatever you make can be very light weight using this method depending on the sub-structure, so you'll want to make sure it can't blow away.

I didn't have any trouble with the plastic bags tearing...just don't apply too much elbow grease. I used spray paint and lightly wiped off the paint in some areas .