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Marvolo New user 3 Posts |
Greetings oh wise ones:
My brother and I recently built a Tip Over Trunk from the Mark Wilson blueprints. (Or should I say, my carpenter brother did most of the work while I attached hinges and the like.) I'm getting ready to paint it and I've discovered a problem. When the box is in show position, there's a gap between the "floor" and the box where light would be seen, about three inches or so. I've been thinking of attaching a row of black felt to the "floor" to take care of this problem, but I'm wondering if anyone out there has a better idea. Secondly, I'm assuming that the interior gets a coat of black paint, and I'm also assuming matte black finish. Anyone out there have a more specific suggestion? Many thanks! |
amazingcarrington Veteran user 307 Posts |
A striped pattern on the interior can help.
A black interior will for sure make any potential light coming through stand out exponentially. Brightly painted stripes inside might even take care of your problem with the light coming through Good luck |
Frank Simpson Special user SW Montana 883 Posts |
Mine has a very small metal "lip" around the edge of the box. This way when the box is in "business position" it prevents any light-leaks.
I agree too that the last thing you want to do is paint the interior black. What "sells" this effect is the audience's ability to see beyond question that the box is empty. Mine is actually lined with a rather obnoxious flourescent leopard-print fabic! This shows the interior quite nicely, and it does keep the eye busy enough so that if there were a light-leak it would not be likely to be seen. |
magicleland Regular user 197 Posts |
I disagree with the painted inside. I like illusions that look practical looking. Yes I could have aforded the Tilford but I decided to go with one that look's like it came form a ship yard.
zig zag illusion - $3,000
theater rental - $500 geting advice from othe magicians on the cafe - priceless |
socalmagic Loyal user Los Angeles 267 Posts |
The Magic of Alan Wakeling has a solution to the gap at the back of the trunk. My solution was inspired by his, but a little easier. I hinged the "floor" to the box. I also attached small metal stops to keep the floor from being pulled out the back. Finally, I attached straps to make sure the floor stays where it is supposed to even when the trunk is in the display position. The gap is about an 1/8 of an inch. I use a multi-colored striped fabric cut a little larger than the floor to conceal the gaps. I hope this description makes sense and does not revela anything to layman.
Brock Edwards |
amazingcarrington Veteran user 307 Posts |
Brock,
Just curious...which book or reference is that from . I have the Magic of Alan Wakeling but don't recall that being in there. Sounds like good advice. Would be curious about where this is from. Thanks Carrington |
MagicErik Loyal user Sneek, Netherlands 284 Posts |
Don't think inside the box but outside.... I can send you photos of one I have... mail me at magic.evi@home.nl My english is not that good to describe the solution.. But place a frame of about 2 inch wide wood around the bottom of the shell. Or in other words, when the box is in tilted position don't place the ' backdoor' on the outer end but about 1 inch inside the box. In that way you can place a frame behind the 'backdoor'. When you choose for this solution you will discover that the 'backdoor' moves forward for one inch. How to solve that depends on what you have behind the backdoor for the 'assistent' ... Hmmm sounds like chinese I think... Hahaha!
EVI |
socalmagic Loyal user Los Angeles 267 Posts |
Carrington,
It's called the Elusive Clown on pages 158-162 of the Magic of Alan Wakeling. I didn't use the strut because it was not neccesary in my version, and I accomplish almost the same thing without it. Brock Edwards |
amazingcarrington Veteran user 307 Posts |
Brock,
Thanks for the info. I'll have to dig out my copy and look it up. All the best. Carrington |
MagicalDuda New user Ontario, Canada 73 Posts |
Hmmm... I just built this exact box too - (just a bit bigger, so I can fit Santa in there!) from the Mark Wilson Book, and have the same problem... a BIG gap where the light is coming in... it's very frustrating... and I don't know what to do from here!!
was thinking of keeping the look of it - a shipping crate, that came from the north pole, but maybe lining the inside with X-mas Wrapping paper. I was thinking of making it over lap, so it minimizes the light that comes in. will that work? the other solution I was thinking about, is putting the "bottom" on an angle, and to tip it over just enough, so all the children can see inside the box. AHH! anyways, any suggestions would be appreciated! if you'd like to see some pictures of it... you can on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/magicalduda
>>Magical Duda<<
www.magicalduda.com |
jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
I went to the fabric store and lined my with a patterned cloth. When lining the fixed bottom it's easy to Extend the cloth beyond the end of the "floor". With a little experimentation you can get it to fit almost perfect.
When doing this on stage, I've found that the lighting behind you is usually minimal, making it difficult to see a crack even if it's there. Jim |
MagicalDuda New user Ontario, Canada 73 Posts |
Thinking that's what I'll do, I feel better after researching about it, and learning everyone has this problem! I thought it was just me!
>>Magical Duda<<
www.magicalduda.com |
Pambalini New user 58 Posts |
Years ago we solved our problem by using a long strip from a truck innertube. It allowed us the flexibility of eliminating the light source and not have it interfere with the intended functions of the box.
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CA-Lynx New user 52 Posts |
Line it with clothe. If you paint it, over time some of the paint may transfer to you costumes if not sealed properly.
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MagicalDuda New user Ontario, Canada 73 Posts |
Thanks again for the suggestions, help and support - I applied some stripped lining in the box.
The show was yesterday, and it went sooo well! Best show I've done thus far with my career. So many clients came, so many friends, and family came for the support. I had a huge group, I'd say I knew about 40 - 50 of the people in the crowd, and that boosted my energy like you couldn't believe! Amazing reviews... So much positive feed back, and I couldn't have been this successful with out the help of the Café. I read so many posts, all the time. Almost daily. But don't post in here too often. This is a great place for magicians
>>Magical Duda<<
www.magicalduda.com |
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