Graveyard Columns

A couple years ago I built my graveyard fence.  It's been a great addition to the display but I really wanted to add to this year by building some large entrance columns.  I modeled my columns off the Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris Resort.  I think it will go great with the existing fence as well as match with the exterior style of my house.  The exposed brick from the decaying plaster finish will match well.  Here is a fantastic shot of the Phantom Manor as well as one of the columns.

 

In my first attempt to make a column 3 years ago I really had a hard time getting my scale correct.  So what I decided to do was contact Ray Keim from Haunted Dimensions to help me figure out approximate dimensions.  Ray was great and sent me over some plans.

This week I started constuction on the frame of the columns.  Here are some pictures of the progress.  So far the only challenge I had was trying to figure out the angle to cut for the middle-upper bars of the column since all sides pull in towards the top.  Good thing my brother-in-law is an engineer to help me figure that one out!  More to come soon!  

Happy Haunting!

 

 

This year was supposed to be the year that I got everything done ahead of time.  Well that never seems to happen.  I started purchasing parts for the new editions at the beginning of the year and now everything is really starting to gear up.  This year if everything goes as planned will introduce some major changes to design/control of the display.  Here is a list:

• DMX Controlled System
• 5 DMX RGB Lights
• All Pnuematics controlled via DMX
• MedusaDMX Boards to control the Pumpkin Quartet/Old 3-axis Skeleton and the Ghost Host
• Introduction of Pneumatics
• Reaper Spitter
• Coffin Sit-Up
• Casket Escaper
• Tombstone Popper
•  Entrance Columns to add to the existing fence

I have already begun construction on the new columns, ground-breaker coffin for the sit-up pneumatic, and  animation of the coffin from last year (Coffin Escaper).

Happy Haunting!