Prehistoric Zoo & Aquarium

[Ammonites]

So I've decided to start out by making my first prehistoric costume for my zoo & aquarium.  Some of you may remember my trilobite aquarium.  I will work on a more accurate one for this endeavor.  Until then, enjoy the progress I've made for the Doedicurus costume.  Bear in mind this is my first time making anything like that so don't be too harsh...

I'll just be posting some highlights but you can view full progress on my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/keith.olsen.925/media_set?set=a.10200457102850758.332358.1252394051&type=3#!/keith.olsen.925/media_set?set=a.10200457102850758.332358.1252394051&type=3










So anyway, that's two days of work.  I'll try to get the rest of the foam covering the shell later today and get some more test pictures.  Its looking pretty good for a first attempt at something, let me know what you think.  So far as I know this is the first Doedicurus costume anyone has attempted.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I think your off to a great start !

Next time try a higher gauge, maybe 14 , welded steel wire for the frame over your pvc then lay a smaller holed poultry netting on it for more support and better attachment.

[Ammonites]

Well this is just the prototype.  I plan on better quality ones later down the line.  The frame for the shell should be finished soon and then I will start on the body.

After testing out with a bit more added it feels more awkward than heavy but I think the ambling will work out fine with this creature.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Well this is just the prototype.  I plan on better quality ones later down the line.  The frame for the shell should be finished soon and then I will start on the body.

After testing out with a bit more added it feels more awkward than heavy but I think the ambling will work out fine with this creature.

Sorry didn't mean to sound bossy there or anything just giving a tip. 

Sounds like the weight is working out well, it will help when having your actor in there for some time. 

[Ammonites]

Little more progress





Testing out the backpack with the undersuit.  Okay, so the shell isn't the best looking but considering my lack of artistic talent I'm happy with how its turning out.


The under suit.  Slip this on after the shell backpack.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Ah !! That rock has LEGS ! lol joking !

Looks really cool so far..makes me want to do an Ankylosaur suit.

[Ammonites]

Thanks.  On down the line I want to see about a Gastonia costume since that's one of my favorite dinosaurs.  Probably make a couple more prototypes until I can get the funds and support to make better ones.  Still need to figure out how to get the head done on the Doedicurus.  Got the tail mostly done, I'll post pics of that once I get that finished up.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Cool..mammals are neat..but I love dinosaurs ! lol

Can you make it out of foam ?  Or maybe sew one? Heck you could make a foam base then sew a " skin " to go over it.  You could also add taxidermy to it.

For mounting the head and tail..maybe additional pvc pieces ? Attach them so they move freely either side to side or up and down, then attach a light spring to it..should give you some motion simply by walking around if there is enough play in the spring.

[Gryphoceratops]

Woah cool.  Looks like its going to be really fun when its done.

[Jetoar]

Wonderful, I am waiting to see the final costume  .

[Ammonites]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jI2gRcwvfI&feature=youtu.be

Test on the body and tail.  Needs a few touchups but the video of me inside gave good insight.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jI2gRcwvfI&feature=youtu.be

Test on the body and tail.  Needs a few touchups but the video of me inside gave good insight.

Cool ! Progress pics and video can be as helpful to us as they are neat to look at by others.

[Ammonites]

Too true.  After watching it a couple times I could find things that need work and adjustments I wouldn't know about otherwise and being in the costume helps me know its strengths and limitations.

[Ammonites]

I've been speaking with a studio that is interested in assisting with my zoo project.  They're busy right now with other projects for a co vention but said they'll help out with a fundraising video in a couple of weeks for a Terrorbird costume.

http://www.hallowskeepcreations.com/index.html

Really great customer service and excited to help out.  Updates on that as they come out.

No further progress on Doedicurus right now but I'll keep that one more as a keepsake as to my own skills.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I've been speaking with a studio that is interested in assisting with my zoo project.  They're busy right now with other projects for a co vention but said they'll help out with a fundraising video in a couple of weeks for a Terrorbird costume.

http://www.hallowskeepcreations.com/index.html

Really great customer service and excited to help out.  Updates on that as they come out.

No further progress on Doedicurus right now but I'll keep that one more as a keepsake as to my own skills.

Awesome ! Hallowskeep has some excellent items and the staff is very friendly to work with. I'm sure you will do well with them !

[Pachyrhinosaurus]

Your suit looks great so far. I like your idea, can't wait to see the final product. 

[Everything_Dinosaur]

We shall look forward to seeing how the project progresses.

[Ammonites]

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/prehistoric-zoo-aquarium/x/4410024

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLr1yNdF9LI

Started a campaign to get a Terrorbird going for the zoo.  Could use as much help as I can get.  Not sure if this warrants its own thread but if anyone on staff thinks it could go somewhere to get more traffic all the better!

Got a month and a half and the studio is working on some concept art right now for it.