Hey, I’m planning to build Cardboard Proton Packs with the intention to sell them on Ebay. The idea behind them is to be lightweight and cheap - for collection, Halloween, or Cons.
Right now, I’m preparing to build a prototype, using Dao(sp?) rods, Cardboard, and Styrofoam. Wires and tubes will be added but there will be no lights or sound, and I’m unsure of the conversion ability TO make them capable of making light and sound but I’m guessing they couldn’t be used for either. I am unsure if I will add an Alice Pack as I would like to spend no more than 200$ putting these together so I can sell them at a decent price. I will see how much these proton packs will cost after I’ve completed my prototype. Should I decide that the prototype is either too expensive, or not of good quality - I will stop at the prototype.
I have several questions before I begin however…
Would anyone be interested in buying these?
If the ALICE Frame isn’t use (but the straps will be attached directly to the motherboard) would this effect your idea of the pack’s quality or comfort?
How much would you be willing to spend on a pack like this?
If I were to include a PKE Meter and Ghost Trap (cardboard and styrophome) would that increase your desire for the pack?
if I think of anything else, I’ll reply.
i will post pictures as the pack is built. So far, I have nothing. I would like to have 10 built before September next year in preparation of Halloween. Thats probably a BOLD statement, but lets call it a goal - no matter how unrealistic that probably is.
I think that using cardboard as a base for construction is a great way to start a pack. But just like a cake, its needs frosting to finish. In this case, consider light layers of wood filler, fiberglass and some combinations of sealants. You can take something like this and make it a starting point or a finished product. I think taking your idea one step further can really make a finer and more attractive replica product. Good luck in your venture!
Holy awesomeness! That baby’s made from cardboard? I’ve always regarded cardboard as an inferior material that needs to be thrown into a fight match to the death with real materials like, wood, plastic, metal, and what not. Anyways, that is so nice.
Unfortunately, I have no ability to alter metal and to a certain degree, plastic and wood. In order to create a complete replica Proton Pack. If I could, I wouldn’t be building 10, but 1 or 2.
Again, I’ve chosen cardboard and Styrofoam in order to keep it cheap and light to wear. I AM going for accuracy - to the best of my ability.
I would like to sell these packs to people like me who cannot afford the awesome metal, wood, and plastic packs. People who bought that really cool GB costume this Halloween with the inflatable proton pack and wished it was just a little bit cooler.
Though, I will say I’ve seen some extremely well put together yet inexpensive packs who HAVE used wood, plastic and metal.
But yeah, I’m trying to sell these somewhere between 100 - 200$.
I had thought about doing the same thing some time back with budget traps and packs as I too am something of a cardboard builder. I have to say, really having the straps attached directly to the motherboard isn’t uncomfortable at all. However a new method I had considered going that you might be interested in is making an alice pack frame fram scratch out of PVC. This will keep the pack on a budget and be more accurate. You can even get the correct pieces to apply the curve in the top of the frame. After that just loop your straps around the pvc and sew the mother. If you can’t sew there are several other methods to secure the straps. But yeah, PVC alice pack frame.
I went this exact smae route for my Halloween Pack, not entirely 100% accurate, but I ahd alot of great compliments at two different Halloween events, one on the 24th and one on the 31st - and no one was the wiser to the innacuracies, and i spent about $30 give or take on my pack - everyone wanted a pic w/ me
I even had one girl dressed as the Statue of Liberty buy me a beer!
After making my cardboard proton pack, I suggest that you sandwich two pieces of cardboard together for the gun mount and the gun to make it stronger and it will be able to hold up.
Well, obviously yes. But if I can find it already black (which they they do) that just allows me to skip painting it as well.
Also, that reminds me.
In the past I’ve used model paint and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. On the times it doesn’t, I’ve stained my clothes with paint.
Bare in mind my noobitude, but would sealant solve most of my problems? Usually, cardboard and wood I’ve had no problems with… but when I try to paint plastic… it’s often a mess.
I would have to build one out of dirt cheap stuff too. Cardboard can be found for free. Frame stores routinely throw out scrap pieces of foam core sandwich board. ( But be careful. They also throw out glass. Not for the dumpster squeamish. )
anyways, you’re planning on selling cardboard packs? What is your plan to convince the buyer that they are indeed purchasing a pack made of real, bonafied, genuine cardboard? We just want to be sure we’re getting a product made in the finest quality materials available.
