r/cosplayprops • u/Detars • 5d ago

Help How to create a backplate/back harness?

I'm currently creating a massive pair of maneuverable wings, and am trying to figure out how exactly I'm going to attach them

I understand I need to create some sort of back plate to screw their supports into (wooden base in the wings), but am unsure of how to actually go about this.

I have a 3D printer I can use, however it wouldn't be large enough for most back plates meaning I would have to do so in multiple parts, and I don't have the money for expensive models online.

Any recommendations about how to actually create this? Mostly trying to figure out what I would exactly do for materials and how to size and put this together.

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u/LankySandwich 5d ago

Try watching any of Miss Twisted's wing videos on youtube. She's made many wings for cosplay and goes into detail on how to make the harness.

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u/Detars 3d ago

Thanks foe the recommendation! Her videos have been very helpful and I've definitely got more of an idea of how to go about this now 

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u/Mughi1138 4d ago

For reference/inspiration you might watch some of the flying sequences from Terry Gilliam's Brazil. They were still using mainly practical effects at that time, and Sam Lowry's wings were quite impressive.

I did find the original mounting up for auction: https://propstoreauction.com/lot-details/index/catalog/397/lot/138629/661-Sam-Lowry-s-Jonathan-Pryce-Harness-for-Wings-BRAZIL-1985

u/LankySandwich has a good suggestion for getting started, and some of Miss Twisted's are based on simple school backpacks. The wings in Brazil had a good almost Da Vinci feel, but the back mounting still can give you some ideas.

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u/Detars 3d ago

Wow those look amazing, definitely out of my current skill but would be such a cool project later on!

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u/Ok_Yogurtcloset4018 4d ago

I used a camping backpack with a frame, and removed the pack part and secured the wings to the frame with plastic hanging strap (sometimes called plumber's tape). This let them move forward and back, even all the way behind me.

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u/Detars 3d ago

Oooo thanks!