I was wondering if anyone knew where I can purchase used Halloween animatronics, and air blasters, etc., used in Haunted House attractions. I know where to find new ones, but was just wondering if there was a website or a shop that sold used items.

Looking to have some fun this Halloween!

Thanks,

P.

I am not aware of any websites or stores that specialize in used animatronics but the Hauntworld website has several forums for the sale of haunt related items. There are generally several used animatronics listed there. Try this link:

http://www.hauntworld.com/phpclassifieds/index.php

Good luck,

Dave

Thanks, Dave, that is exactly the type of thing I am looking for!

If you hear of any more in the next week or so, please let me know!

P.

Peter,

Is there a particular animatronic or type/theme of animatronic that you are looking for? I see individual items for sale on various list serves and in meetings of a group I am part of. If you can narrow it down, I would be willing to forward anything I see that might be of interest. Feel free to PM me with details.

Dave

I am particularly interested in something like a Cellar Knocker, or a "Pop Up" of some sort! Nothing to fancy and looking to purchase 2-3 effects for a Home made haunt this Halloween.

I did email one of the sellers on the Trash Can effect he was selling... so we will see what happens.

But yes Please send me anything you hear of!

I have recently realized that I have left this very late, and next year will plan to make purchases well in advance. This year is my first "serious home made haunt"-so Im learning. I already Have a couple of effects, but would just like to add a few more. Go big or go Home, that's what I always say...

Thank you Dave for your help!

P.

This link is for a haunt that has been going on for 32 years! This is an amazing production in a house in Burbank, CA done with utmost professionalism. The effects are top-notch. It is free and there is a line blocks long every night in operation to see the wonders. You might get some good ideas, they are experts. Also on the link are some useful links for suppliers, etc. Enjoy!

http://www.hauntinggrounds.org/

Well, I just finished building my first animatronic. I couldn't find any of the effects I wanted that I could get before Halloween, so I decided to build one. I decided to build an easier project. I went with the "monster in the box" and I must say that myself and co, did a pretty kick butt job of this thing.

It turned out so good, and was so much fun building, that infact Im thinking of expanding my illusion building business to building not only illusions but affordable halloween animatronics.

Im just very excited with the whole project, can't wait to test it out and wanted to share with all of you, my progress.

We built this one in 2 days, and I hope to have one more effect built next week in my spare time-A haunted bookself effect. I will post pics soon of my "monster in a box" and a video of it in action!

Thanks for all of your help everybody!

Best,

P.

Check out eBay. You can find almost anything there, and way lower prices than retail.

Phil

Peter do you have pictures of what you made???

Love to see them

Michael

I second that! Post a picture.

Thanks,
Richard

I will take one tomorrow and post it!

Can't wait to see it Peter

Ok I took the photo, but it seems way to big to post here on the Café. when I downsized it it came out the size of my fingernail. Any suggestions?

I you want to e-mail it to me (rtgreen8972@msn.com) I would be happy to size it and post it for you.

Richard

I just emailed to Richard! Thanks Richard for offering to help me post it!

Anyway, not sure how the pic will look, but we are thrilled with the prop. The prop works on a motion sensor and the lid and chains thrash up and down very loudly and violently while emitting fog and strobe lighting within!

I love it!

I can't wait to work on another project next week.

Thanks again for richard for posting. I may have to get a video of it on my website of in action this Halloween!

P.

Here is the picture Peter. I think it looks great. I hope you do post a video on your site. I would love to see this in action.

Thanks,
Richard

http://mysite.verizon.net/rtgreen1/Monster-In-a-Box.jpg

Thanks Richard!

You know, when I first started looking for this effect most companies wanted between $1750-$2000 without shipping, without crate, etc. etc. wow, these things are just as much as illusions...lol! I did find some used ones, but the used ones were all priced as high or higher than the new models(and They were used and beat up-but tis the season),- I simply looked to late!

I found, if you want a good animatronic for halloween at a good price you have to start looking at least 6 months in advance! However, this project only cost us a few hundred dollars to make and only a couple of days to build, and keep in mind it was built to look rough! I am seriously contemplating whether or not to build, public domain and ORIGINAL animatronics for a much cheaper price, for those like me who just want a single main attraction for their house without having to spend $2000~

Ah who knows I probably won't have the time, but hell it sure is fun builing the stuff, and scaring the neighbours as we do it! LOL!

I will get a video for all of you!

Can you tell I'm having fun!

Thanks to Richard, and thanks for everyone elses' interest! You know haunts and magic are very similar both use a lot of misdirection!

P.!

http://www.markbutler.8m.com/monsterlist.htm
This is the place for do-it -yourselfers

Monsterlist is a great resource! I have been surfing it for a while! It was awesome on helpling me with my project!

The only thing is that they show plans that are not comercial safe! When one builds an animatronic prop, you have to understand the danger and accept the liability.

Please understand that most of these props cannot be built and sold the way they are. Many of them are accidents waiting to happen! I know I had a few!

My own design for my project was very different and very commercially built, but I did learn a lot from this site! But some of the projects are very dangerous, so again read all disclaimers, and becareful!

I love this site and reccommend it to all! Just becareful! If you are under 18 have parental guidance when building anything on this site or others that are simliar!

Happy Haunting!

Best,

P.