Handcrafting a free standing mannequin

[Adam S.]

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?

Without any ankles or foot bridge they should go in easily. If I can get boots onto a regular mannequin foot then this would be a breeze.

[-Ray-]

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?

For all leather boots only I did the following:

Insert the foot and metal leg struts in the leather boot like this in illustration #1 (not attached to the form). The foot platforms should be loose IOT pivot down in the boot. With the thin strut you have enough room to access and tighten the ankle (bolt-nut) joint in a rigid fixed position, your hands and sockets wrench will have room to do so. This is the part that takes patience to adjust and achieve the proper angle for correct balance.


Next, make sure the trousers/breeches are on the mannequin, then insert the mannequin-legs over the struts and inside the boot shafts. The struts will be inserted up far enough in the legs. (I believe these are 3' or 4' lengths, I cut some off for the spacers to resource my material and cost though). The bottom of the legs should be cut at the ankles and maintain contact with the foot panels for stability.

Once you have the form in place it will be loose and wobble in the upper leg areas so drop the breech's below the knee. With 2 drilled holes in each of the upper thighs of the form horizontally insert the 2 bolts and tighten at your desired height . (see illustration #2 red arrows) It will greatly assist if the struts tightly make contact with the inner walls of the thigh and or knees to achieve maximum support here. At this point as an alternative I thought about making this telescopic with separate struts permanently fixed inside the legs bolted in place and use expanding foam in the legs(tape off the holes in the struts) to really hold in place then just simply slide over the lower struts just to simplify.

Expect a bit of trial and tribulation, but works excellent.

Earlier I should have mentioned that the weight of these metal struts/girders is enough to produce a heavy bottom weight that naturally stabilizes the mannequin remarkably well. I would also think if you have a mannequin without calves you can stuff some type of wadding in the boots and shafts around the struts for support as an option.


-Ray-

*** Thanks for the comments too guy's

[-Ray-]

Without any ankles or foot bridge they should go in easily. If I can get boots onto a regular mannequin foot then this would be a breeze.

Very much agree Adam. I was surprise at how little surface space the feet require.


-Ray-

[Eddie]

Very nice work Ray and great collection of course

[don_kihotis7]

If I can get boots onto a regular mannequin foot then this would be a breeze.

Hi Adam, thanks for the reply.
I always have to cut the food pad completely to fit it in the boot.

[don_kihotis7]

For all leather boots only I did the following:

Insert the foot and metal leg struts in the leather boot like this in illustration #1 (not attached to the form). The foot platforms should be loose IOT pivot down in the boot. With the thin strut you have enough room to access and tighten the ankle (bolt-nut) joint in a rigid fixed position, your hands and sockets wrench will have room to do so. This is the part that takes patience to adjust and achieve the proper angle for correct balance.

Thanks Ray. This was my thought exactly.
Cheers

[riflegreen297]

Very nice collection and what a great way to display. Thanks very much for showing the technique. I like this way better than having a face staring at you.

[airborne_steve]

Ray,

This has been a very informative thread. BTW, very nice collection! Keep up the good work. Steve

[jacquesf]

Ray, thank you for the really helpful advice on the mannequin, I love the way you display you items. Need to set mine up in a similar way. J

[panzer nco]

Ray you have GIVEN me an idea for my legless friend..


Thanks For posting it !!!!!

[Brig]

Now that's a clever idea for the covers. I always enjoy seeing creative home made display methods

[PlaceOfBayonets]

My Mannequins never gave me the creeps but then I set one up with a bayonet at the foot end of my bed. The only time I seriously considered the creeps creeping in. But rationally I know the Mannequin was not going to come alive and bayonet me in my sleep.

Nice WWI camo on your Desk by the way!

[Brig]

My Mannequins never gave me the creeps but then I set one up with a bayonet at the foot end of my bed. The only time I seriously considered the creeps creeping in. But rationally I know the Mannequin was not going to come alive and bayonet me in my sleep.

Nice WWI camo on your Desk by the way!

I saw the pic before I read your reply...and your reply is spot on

[-Ray-]

My Mannequins never gave me the creeps but then I set one up with a bayonet at the foot end of my bed. The only time I seriously considered the creeps creeping in. But rationally I know the Mannequin was not going to come alive and bayonet me in my sleep.

Nice WWI camo on your Desk by the way!

Now that I can live with and actually looks demeaning but cool with the pro-mask and the cold steel towering over you. Dominantly fitting for a WW I scene.
Thanks, and for sure a nice camo helmet to you too.

Thanks to all for reviewing this thread and providing the nice comments and input. Would be glad to see some affiliated projects anyone can post please.



-Ray-

[-Ray-]

Thanks again for everyone's interest and sharing their input here. Purchased another $14.00 torso and just constructed another one based on the same concept.



-Ray-