Mechanical Mask Skeleton?

[padlock81]

Hey everyone, complete noob here with no experience in sculpting, painting or costuming. My hobbies usually consist of metal and wood working and fixing cars. However, I am a huge fan of Predator (and horror and sci/fi in general) and had an idea for an articulating skeleton for a predator mask that could be incorporated into any mask. I'm wondering if anyone has done this before or has anyone thought of this?

I'm thinking 3/16" SS rod for the skeleton, combined with adjustable nylon straps (maybe 5?), and a 4 gear linkage to open the lower mandible faster than the upper.

Again I'm new, but was happy to find an engaged community for this, and I'm looking for a new project.

 

[Usurper]

There have been many people try, but most end up being jerky and even the animatronic ones I have seen look ropey.

I have a underskull here but have yet to have time to work on it, so would love to see what you come up with.

good luck and keep us in the loop.

 

[padlock81]

Thanks for the reply, I've run into and solved my first problem already, I wanted to use a chin strap from my kids old bicycle helmet, but, that would have protruded way too much to be usable in a mask. So, a nylon strap with a cut to surround the chin will suffice for now. And, just so everyone knows, I'm doing my best to only use things you can grab at the big box stores (home depot, lowes, etc.) so anyone can make this, if I'm successful.

 

[padlock81]

Need a little help from you sculptors/artists. Regarding spacing from our jaws to a preds mandibles for making a mask around them, what should my offset be? I'm surr there's no standard answer but would like to be pointed in the right direction for how far off the mandibles should rest from you chin. Thanks in advance.

 

[padlock81]

Sorry about the typos.

 

[Untamed]

generally you want your mask between 11-13.5 inches wide and 20-23 inches long. but what you cast your head in will make a big difference too. if you cast it in latex your head will shrink anywhere from 6% to 10%. silicone which costs a little more doesn't shrink at all. If you can post progress pictures, we love pictures. lol and English isn't a predator's native language so you're in the clear.

 

[Giles]

http://www.thehunterslair.com/topic/7584-animatronic-predator-mask/

I'm not sure how helpful the above link will be but it might be of some use. Not sure of it is even a behind the scenes photo....