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This is a prop you can use on Halloween to greet the kids. And maybe give them a surprise to boot. Put it in a scene or just by the front door. You can leave it plain or dress him up.
This rat can move about in place, talk with a wireless microphone and spit acid (really just water). Watch the videos to see how he moves.
The star of the show is a latex rubber rat I found at Wal-Mart for $7. It's about 14" tall and was filled with some kind of poly stuffing. The goal is to build a movable skeleton that conforms to the inside of the latex rat. You don't have to use a rat, any kind of hollow latex creature that is flexible can be used like a cat, gargoyle, snake, bat ect... But look for something that can be easily animated. For example if the mouth has no depth to it you really can't animate that.
I had no plans drawn up for this project and created it as I went with stuff I scrounged up around the house and at home improvement stores. This is a crudely built prop with rusted bits and popsicle sticks, but hey it actually works! You will have to use your imagination to come up with substitutions if needed.
The most expensive part of this project is getting hold of a 4 channel radio control. I used one from an old RC airplane that I never could fly. It doesn't have to be fancy or programmable, look on ebay, there are deals to be found there. You could even use a RC car radio with 2 channels and just animate the mouth and something else.
If you want to see more follow the steps to see how it was done.
Here are some videos to give you an idea of what he does.
Demo of Rat in motion Video YouTube messed up the audio sync on this one. The mouth is supposed to be synced with my voice.
Internal Skeleton video
Rat shooting water Video
Putting the skin on Video
This one below is a little dark but it was from this Halloween.
This rat can move about in place, talk with a wireless microphone and spit acid (really just water). Watch the videos to see how he moves.
The star of the show is a latex rubber rat I found at Wal-Mart for $7. It's about 14" tall and was filled with some kind of poly stuffing. The goal is to build a movable skeleton that conforms to the inside of the latex rat. You don't have to use a rat, any kind of hollow latex creature that is flexible can be used like a cat, gargoyle, snake, bat ect... But look for something that can be easily animated. For example if the mouth has no depth to it you really can't animate that.
I had no plans drawn up for this project and created it as I went with stuff I scrounged up around the house and at home improvement stores. This is a crudely built prop with rusted bits and popsicle sticks, but hey it actually works! You will have to use your imagination to come up with substitutions if needed.
The most expensive part of this project is getting hold of a 4 channel radio control. I used one from an old RC airplane that I never could fly. It doesn't have to be fancy or programmable, look on ebay, there are deals to be found there. You could even use a RC car radio with 2 channels and just animate the mouth and something else.
If you want to see more follow the steps to see how it was done.
Here are some videos to give you an idea of what he does.
Demo of Rat in motion Video YouTube messed up the audio sync on this one. The mouth is supposed to be synced with my voice.
Internal Skeleton video
Rat shooting water Video
Putting the skin on Video
This one below is a little dark but it was from this Halloween.
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Signing UpStep 1The Rat
To start you need a willing subject. Rubber creatures don't complain much. Whatever you use make sure its plyable and has areas that can be animated.
Here is a general parts list, but you will have to use your imagination and substituted what will work for you I cant give you a detailed list to take to the store and shop as every creation will be very different.
Rubber creature
3 or 4 channel radio with standard size servos
water pump. (out of an electric squirt gun or you could probably buy a small pump)
Micro switch
Battery Case for 4 1.5V D cells ( or a transformer to supply the power)
Plastic tubing
Aluminum angle and u stock
Wood for the base and wood scraps for other things
Sports water bottle
2 red leds for the eyes
Electical wire
Piano wire for linkages
I cut the tail off and slit the rodent up the back to behind the head and halfway across the bottom. I removed the stuffing but didn't throw it away as it was needed later to pad out the arms, head and some of the body. The internal metal skeleton doesn't support the latex shell well and it droops in spots if not supported.
Here is a general parts list, but you will have to use your imagination and substituted what will work for you I cant give you a detailed list to take to the store and shop as every creation will be very different.
Rubber creature
3 or 4 channel radio with standard size servos
water pump. (out of an electric squirt gun or you could probably buy a small pump)
Micro switch
Battery Case for 4 1.5V D cells ( or a transformer to supply the power)
Plastic tubing
Aluminum angle and u stock
Wood for the base and wood scraps for other things
Sports water bottle
2 red leds for the eyes
Electical wire
Piano wire for linkages
I cut the tail off and slit the rodent up the back to behind the head and halfway across the bottom. I removed the stuffing but didn't throw it away as it was needed later to pad out the arms, head and some of the body. The internal metal skeleton doesn't support the latex shell well and it droops in spots if not supported.
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very funny!