Haunted Mansion Entry Column Build

[poltergeist]

Greetings fellow Mansion fans! I wanted to share my steps in reproducing one of the front entryway columns at the Haunted Mansion. I tried to make it as authentic as possible, but had to limit the height so it would fit inside my house.

Here's the real McCoy:



next up materials...

 

[poltergeist]

I started by scanning in a close-up photo of the column, dropping it into a CAD program, and tracing everything. I then was able to scale it as close as I could. I asked around in one of the Disney forums if anyone had the architecture plans showing dimensions. Someone was able to give me a few of the dimensions.

 

[poltergeist]

I was primarily working on the weekends... during the week, I was able to get some additional parts I knew I could not reproduce. The front plaque. (says "The Haunted Mansion' on it) also the light. I found one on eBay, the other at a home improvement store. I felt the light was close enough to what I had envisioned for the final prop. (with slight modification)

 

[poltergeist]

I cut and glued the "blank" for the column.



then added the cap pieces. The veneer brick I am using is 1/2" thick, so I needed to extend past that.

 

[poltergeist]

I mitered the corners to get a better fit with less seams. I them sprayed the top and bottom to look like granite. This product has a very slight texture to it.

 

[poltergeist]

At this point I took a few days break to let the spray dry, and figure out what was next. I ordered my brick veneer from the home improvement store. It comes in "sheets" so I peeled off the bricks so I could cut the ones that needed it. And also control the spacing a little better.

 

[poltergeist]

I had also received my light. I promptly took it apart and started rearranging the pieces. I took the bottom section off, flipped it, and used a dremmel to cut a saw pattern in the top. I also went to the hardware store and bought a fan pull chain, and a lamp top. (finial?) I cut the legs out of poplar wood with a scroll saw and had to shape them quite a bit. (tip: invest in a bandsaw) I then could position them around the light using some pvc pipe for the support.



- - - Updated - - -

Next up was the brick. This stuff was great, hardly any weight to it at all..... I used hot glue and clear silicone. Holds like a rock, but if you need to remove, it can be done with a little elbow grease

 

[Moviefreak]

WOW!!!! That is great! I can't wait to see the finished piece.
Welcome to the RPF.... That is a great first project to share

 

[poltergeist]

Here is the completed column. I still need to repaint the light to match the real light a little closer, but for now, I kind of like it.... I must admit it's a little big for the room. I did enjoy making it though. Thanks for reading!

 

[Moviefreak]

Great job :cheers

 

[TVsRobLowe]

Looks great! What a unique prop.

 

[Moviefreak]

Here is the completed column. I still need to repaint the light to match the real light a little closer, but for now, I kind of like it.... I must admit it's a little big for the room. I did enjoy making it though. Thanks for reading!

View attachment 339284

Here is what I am picturing...
One column on each side of the head of the bed, and an iron gate between them acting as a headboard.
That would be AWESOME

 

[LTsmash1200]

Here is what I am picturing...
One column on each side of the head of the bed, and an iron gate between them acting as a headboard.
That would be AWESOME

YES. THAT.

 

[xdjbx87]

This is fantastic! great job

 

[poltergeist]

Thank you for the kind words everyone!

I like the idea about the headboard.... I passed it by the wife and she agreed it would look great! I may be building another one soon.

 

[PHArchivist]

Good stuff!

 

[howlingwind13]

Love it...Having a mansion themed home theater, all mansion stuff is interesting to me. great work.

mike