The Magic Café
Username:
Password:
[ Lost Password ]
  [ Forgot Username ]
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The spooky, the mysterious...the bizarre! » » Remote control haunted doll question (2 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

SlipperySnake
View Profile
Loyal user
221 Posts

Profile of SlipperySnake
I purchased an old creepy Victorian doll in hopes I can find a relatively easy way to make her head silently turn, and possibly raise one of her arms via remote. It would be used in a creepy parlor setting and be on a shelf where it would be talked about in a normal state, and then later in the evening trigger the movement (still debating whether to have the spectators actually see the movement, or just have it moved, and hopefully they will notice on their own after the fact). Does anyone here know of something I can buy on Amazon or such that I can use to put inside the doll to make this happen?
Nick Birch
View Profile
Regular user
Holmfirth, UK
153 Posts

Profile of Nick Birch
If only it was that simple! Professional prop builders and creators can spend months on R&D recreating the very effect you describe. However, what you're looking for already exists. My advice would be to try and track down one of Lebanon Circle's Dolly Darkos. They do sometimes appear for sale on the Café and we sold one last month.

N.
www.darkartefacts.com

Purveyors of the finest handcrafted hauntiques. The Uninvited, Deathwatch, The Gift, Whiteface, Satan's Circus
SlipperySnake
View Profile
Loyal user
221 Posts

Profile of SlipperySnake
I appreciate the feedback. I have to think these days though there has to be a DYI method. Maybe something like a remote-controlled car and tearing it apart to use the wheel assembly inside the dolls body, etc. I have a remote-controlled R2D2 in which the head can spin, but I don't want to ruin it by taking it apart and rigging it into the doll. With all the inexpensive science robot kits I have to believe something is out there. I already have the doll I want to use. I just wanted to check here before moving onto a non-magic forum
Joshua J
View Profile
Special user
734 Posts

Profile of Joshua J
It's simpler to make an object connected with the story move. A cabinet card, a smaller toy with the doll. Check the ectoplasm thread for an idea of something smaller that can be made to move easily.
Mind Circus
View Profile
New user
Northern California
94 Posts

Profile of Mind Circus
What about some good old fashioned carpet th***d. Keep the doll in a cabinet or display box to easily hide the th***d. Activate with foot, or windup mechanism, or counterweight, etc.
Joshua J
View Profile
Special user
734 Posts

Profile of Joshua J
Quote:
On May 26, 2023, Mind Circus wrote:
What about some good old fashioned carpet th***d. Keep the doll in a cabinet or display box to easily hide the th***d. Activate with foot, or windup mechanism, or counterweight, etc.


Sefalajia within Annemann's practical mental magic would be perfect for this. The doll sat in the cabinet making things happen. Don't need to go high tech, particularly if you are talking more theatrical seance type effect.
Bremner
View Profile
New user
59 Posts

Profile of Bremner
Quote:
On May 24, 2023, SlipperySnake wrote:
I purchased an old creepy Victorian doll in hopes I can find a relatively easy way to make her head silently turn, and possibly raise one of her arms via remote. It would be used in a creepy parlor setting and be on a shelf where it would be talked about in a normal state, and then later in the evening trigger the movement (still debating whether to have the spectators actually see the movement, or just have it moved, and hopefully they will notice on their own after the fact). Does anyone here know of something I can buy on Amazon or such that I can use to put inside the doll to make this happen?


Found this on Youtube.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNBeW9x--8I

Should give you some idea of what you are up against.

Bill
SlipperySnake
View Profile
Loyal user
221 Posts

Profile of SlipperySnake
I decided to try a remote-controlled tripod base inside the body of the doll. My thinking is I want to put the doll in a small chair facing the wall on a shelf (she has been bad and is in time out...). After doing a series of haunted effects, it is hopefully noticed at some point that her head is now facing forward... (180-degree turn). I will let you know how it goes,,,
Joshua J
View Profile
Special user
734 Posts

Profile of Joshua J
Good luck with your plans. Hope it works out how you want.
Mind Circus
View Profile
New user
Northern California
94 Posts

Profile of Mind Circus
Let us know how it goes. I think these DIY build threads are interesting and helpful.
The Curator
View Profile
V.I.P.
Beware Vampire, I have
3878 Posts

Profile of The Curator
This 1860's German doll does more than 60 different things and doesn't have any hidden mechanism.
Every effect used traditional magic from the XIXth century.
You just have to study the classics.

Image
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The spooky, the mysterious...the bizarre! » » Remote control haunted doll question (2 Likes)
[ Top of Page ]
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2023 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved.
This page was created in 0.04 seconds requiring 5 database queries.
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café
are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic.
> Privacy Statement <

ROTFL Billions and billions served! ROTFL