Twizted, your stalkabout looks great! I like the blue led eyes. How much fabric did you use for that costume!?
I had the same problems with my stalkabout when I tried to use a bike helmet. I went to a heavier motorcycle helmet and used the same linkages you've described. I've used mine for a couple of years now and still get the same responses (running, screaming, crying) then "Cool, are you on stilts?"
Some pics and video of mine. Keep up the good work! Let's see some video!
crawfordforester/Stalkaround - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting