Thread: Prop builders tell all. What didn't work!

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For your jason prop think about using a clear piece of pipe (available at wine and beer brewing supplies) reduce the pump preasure so the water is just pumped up the pipe and let to flow on the outside.

Originally Posted by strange1

I've had ideas for props, but when they are done it looks and acts nothing like I had invisioned. .............

I draw out sketches of what I want my props to look like all the time. If I really wanted that look I'd have to put the sketches out in the display. LOL

This year I decided I really wanted a "Basement" monster. You know, one of those things where the doors are chained together, and then start slamming open against the chain when somebody comes near. I planned to have it all rigged out with flashing lights and growling noises. The thing was, I just didn't have time to build it, so my son and his friend volunteered to make the prop as long as I took care of the electro-mechanical bit. Come a few days before halloween, this beast of a prop shows up at my house. They had taken an old round table top and cut it in half for the doors, then mounted this mess on top of an Octagional frame that was basically just tacked together. It was heavy as hell and took 2 peopled to even lift it. I went and mounted a door closer hooked to a solenoid valve to fire it and even created a circuit to make it pound 4 times every time it was triggered. So, on "the day" I'm stressing, just got the action mounted in it, go to test fire it, and nada. Those friggin heavy a** doors don't move. Soo, no big, dial up the pressure, fire it again. Just a little bump this time, but progress. Back to the regulator and jack up the pressure again. Push the button, and WHAM! did that door come up...coool. Now, hook it up to the circuit to test the pounding sequence. Push the button, WHAM, WHAM, SPLINTER,CRACK.....and the cruddy frame the boys had built came flying apart.
(Heavy Sigh!) Maybe next year.

At least their hearts where in the right place. For now....He he he. Alas, that is for another Halloween. :-)