Thread: Flying Crank Ghost questions...

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I'm contemplating doing my first animated prop this year and I would love to do a FCG. It would go great with the cemetery theme I think. I have been doing some reading on it and am getting a little more comfortable that this could be something I could do. I would love to do it on my front porch. I have some good clearance underneath that could possibly hide the mechanism, but would like to know exactly before I decide. I'd hate to have all the parts and it still not fit.

I could not find any overall measurements on any FCG sites. I would like to know how long the mechanism is front to back. I have clearance of 3'7" from the house to the porch eave and only 1' of height to deal with. I'm not to sure, but does the motor rotate an arm to articulate everything, and what is the radius on that.

I'd hate to buy all the stuff and not have room for it.

Based off of what I have found online, what is the average cost of putting one together? Seems the motor is the most expensive thing. I saw kits and stuff online or Ebay for a couple hundred dollars... Didn't really wanna spend that much...but if I have to then I will.

The measurements will depend on the plans you use. I made one using Kickthefog's instructions. It measures 16"accross by 20" long. There are lots of simpler plans you could use to cut the costs some.

Flying Crank Ghost

or check out all the different designs on hauntproject.com your sure to find something that will work for you.

HauntProject.com - Your visual source for Haunting How-To's

Is your porch open or enclosed? I had mine on the (open) front porch the first year and it looked really cool but could only be used when there was very little wind or it hung up and tangled. I finally admitted defeat and moved her inside. The FCG is such a great prop it looks great anywhere though!

The first time I saw an FCG, I was dumbfounded. I had no choice but to ask the homeowner how he did it. He wouldn't give up any information. So, I set off on my quest to find out how it was done. This led me to Love Manor. I don't think he had an FCG, but his graveyard smoked my little mind. I decided to do my own haunt and include the FCG. So, for me, getting her built this year is personal. I know most of the focus this year is on 3-axis skull, and I'm a little behind the times, but this must be done.So, please keep us posted on your progress, CMG. I will do the same.

I used a combination of phantasmechanics instructions
The Flying Crank Ghost - Instructions, Part 1
and Kick the fogs. My motor is an outdoor barbecue rotisserie motor I picked up at a thrift sale for 3 bucks. I have since found 2 more at yard sales, one battery operated. Start looking now, and ASK if they have one!
With its red LED eyes, eerie blue glow and slow deliberate motion it really is one of the most impressive looking props - people are always amazed by it. Go for it and good luck!

I have an open porch, but a lot of trees surrounding the front yard. Hopefully wind won't be too much of a factor.

What's the difference between the motors... will a rotisserie motor work just as good as the Dayton Gear motor. What can I use if I don't want to get the Dayton (price) or can't find a rotisserie motor?

I'm very pleased with the rotisserie motor. It is a little noisy, but the background noises drown it out anyway. I took it apart, cleaned and greased it, and inspected the wires just for good measure. The action is very slow, a nice effect.
BTW, I just did a search on ebay for "rotisserie motor" and saw 12 listed - some new, some not.

Thanks for posting this link. I feel confident I can make one now.

How, just need to ask Blinky to do a group buy for the motors.

Originally Posted by buckaneerbabe

The measurements will depend on the plans you use. I made one using Kickthefog's instructions. It measures 16"accross by 20" long. There are lots of simpler plans you could use to cut the costs some.

Flying Crank Ghost

or check out all the different designs on hauntproject.com your sure to find something that will work for you.

HauntProject.com - Your visual source for Haunting How-To's

Dionicia, I'm sure that you can. I would check e-bay for your motor or Monster guts has one that will work too! Just take it one step at a time and wala! You have FCG.

Would a windshield wiper motor work BB? I kinda went nuts last year on buying them and have 5 left over.