Handcrafting a free standing mannequin

[-Ray-]

After recently reviewing a few threads regarding mannequin display techniques i'm compelled to share my bullet method that works for me.

This is a rock solid freestanding mannequin without any static support. This construction stands on it's own merit in highly stable manner. These will not fall over!!!

-Ray-



*** I will demonstrate with this example as the platform for all my display's.
(FYI: no need for the rifle to support, strictly cosmetic)

[-Ray-]

This is a poor man's mannequin torso. Plastic, hollow. Any combination can work with head, arms and even knee and calves that I will elaborate on as I go on.


The steel girders and angle irons in the following post can be purchased at any home improvement center. Just about any type of spacer on the interior can be improvised and stance adjusted to your hearts content. An additional joint can be incorporated in place of a knee for forms with a high cutoff or can be telescopic for height adjustment

-Ray-

[-Ray-]

Once again just adjust the ankle joint to the pitch of the footwear and weight composition for a stable disposition. The wood foot base is .5" thick cut with a jigsaw then finished on a belt sander.

For breeches I have used a form that has the knee and calves as illustrated on the right. This is a human feature difficult to simulate as seen on the tropical ensemble, left ( just need to change on the correct form when time permits)

The wood platform does not require a full length platform for stability and will fit with high boots, just cut the form at ankle level or below the knee.


-Ray-

[-Ray-]

As a side note would like to suggest that on some fabrics I use a bungee to support the trouser to alleviate any undue stress on buttons, belts and stitching IOT preserve the structure/harware of the garment. The buttons and belt are completely slack here, no prongs engaged or damage in the material and with the running end simply stowed away in the retainer tunnel


-Ray-

[-Ray-]

For the headwear I fabricate a plant hanger from Lowes home improvement. Then finish off with a desirable material


-Ray-

[-Ray-]

Just take a sledge hammer over an anvil or heavy vise and blacksmith away.


-Ray-

[-Ray-]

Then I use a typical sponge like the kind for washing your car which is naturally formed to compliment the headwear. This of course produces a levitating effect.


-Ray-

[-Ray-]

Finished products:


-Ray-

[-Ray-]

Finished products II:

I prefer this presentation more realistic rather than a noticeable pole protruding from the calve or seat area. What ever floats your boat; my personal taste also entails a faceless expression so as to focus more on the uniform/equipment item(s), but also agree a face conveys an expression as well but I can't handle a pair(s) of sinister or blood shot over stressed eye balls bulging out at me, gives me the creeps.


-Ray-

[-Ray-]

Currently under construction to list a few.

-Ray-

[armorrich]

Beautiful Ray.....I compliment you on your collection and method of display. Wonderful to behold. Thanks for shareing your method and technique....best, rich

[Adam S.]

Very nice stuff Ray. Great to see your collection too.

[NZMark]

Excellent solution to a common problem. The leg constructs are particularly impressive
Regards,
Mark
NZ

[don_kihotis7]

Excellent idea Ray, thanks for sharing

[don_kihotis7]

One question though. How can the boot be worn? Are the wooden platforms moving downwards in a vertical position so that they can enter the boots and then move into the horizontal position? With tropical boots that have laces or with LW boots with zippers it's easy but how does it work with marching boots?