Thread: pirate shipwreck progress

Tweet

We are bring back the pirate theme for 2011! The last few years a lot of the kids (and parents) have asked us to bring back the pirates. We really enjoyed doing the theme in the past and decided we would bring it back this year.

Over the years I have seen some remarkable pirate haunts and props on the forums. I really have been inspired by them all but especially Affine's (socalhalloween) work over the years. His shipwreck was remarkable (all the displays are amazing). I wanted to do something similar after we decided to revisit the pirate theme.

I have built some large props over the years but this one has been a bit more challenging than I anticipated. We are working through the challenges. We hope to also build a cave that visitors can walk through to go with the wreck. With that said, time is getting away from me quickly - the Halloween clock is always ticking.

Here is our shipwreck progress so far:

I'm curious now... Whats the frame constructed from?

Great start...loving it!

Nothing like bringing back pirates full force.....looks like a fantastic start. I can't wait to see the progress.

The "core frame" is 3/4" steel pipe. There is also little angle iron and flat bar. The bulk of the frame is 1/2" rebar. The frame is on casters so I can move it around.

The biggest problem has been getting the foam to stick to the frame. I am using hot glue and it doesn't always stay glued. Joining the foam board pieces in space has also given me some pains. The more I get done the easier it is getting.

Have you tried hitting the joints with some "Great Stuff Foam"? by joints I mean where the foam board hits the steel? I'm thinking of the blue can because it sets real fast.

LastHouse

I didn't consider Great Stuff - that is worth a try. The hot glue sets and then sometimes pops lose in places. Great Stuff would bond well with the foam board and rebar I think. Some of the bends in the foam board put a lot of stress on the bond.

Thanks for the idea - I will keep updating the thread with my progress.

I really appreciate all the feedback.

Zip ties? you can cover any dings in the foam later.

Wow! Can't wait to see more progress photos, it looks friggin' awesome!

Wow Southern Haunter!
You weren't kidding when you said you were going to build a big time ship wreck. It's been too hot to even go in the garage lately so I admire all your progress. Great idea with the casters.

Can't wait to see more!