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swandog β Fursuit Wings Mock-up
Published: 2007-10-13 20:08:28 +0000 UTC; Views: 40318; Favourites: 439; Downloads: 1928
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Description
This mock-up of my swandog fursuit wings took me a week to make (from cardboard, superglue, pins, paint, screws, bolts and elastic), after studying swan wings from every position and angle...The actual (full-sized) wings will be curved more (I couldn't curve the cardboard without creasing it), and will open/close via a hidden string-pulley system. The primaries/pinfeathers will fan out a bit when the wings are fully-spread, similar to the way a Japanese fan works. (I had to make 3 separate pairs of wingtips to demonstrate that effect in the mock-up.) See the diagram here: [link] and my other mock-up here: [link]I'm going to attempt to make the full-size wings myself rather than commission them, because no one was willing to tackle this complex commission when I first approached various fursuit makers about it, and even if I did manage to find someone who was willing, I doubt I could afford what they would charge for them, plus I doubt that they would make them exactly as I imagine them to be. So now I just have to figure out how to make the hidden wing armature/pulley system, and what materials I should use for it (something lightweight but very strong).
The armature itself will be shaped like the actual unfeathered wing arms of a swan (again, I did my research), with the wrist area being the only moving joint, where you see the screw/bolt in the photos. I'll be posting a mock-up of this and possible concept drawings later. To anyone else making their own fursuit wings, I just want to encourage you to make a similar mock-up first (whether jointed or not), and to do your wing anatomy research; all this will really help you to visualize everything better, to work out all the kinks, and to make a much more realistic wing design.
Edit: If anyone else wants to make wings like these, be they large or small (since most angel wings are based off swan wings), here are some refs for you...
Topside of wing:
[link]
[link]
Underside of wing:
[link]
[link]
And the separate feathers of the wings...
Primaries:
[link]
[link]
Secondaries:
[link]
[link]
How the feathers fan out: [link]
How the feathers connect to the arm:
[link]
[link]
[link]
[link]
And lastly, just some generic good refs to have:
[link]
[link]
[link]
Hope this helps!
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Comments: 47
Hi SD,
Do you have some dimensions with this pic?
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They are packed away (we just moved house), but I'll dig them out and measure them for you.
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Aww, it's not too hard! It just takes a lot of time and practice, and paying close attention to ref sheets and how wings move. Be sure to check out =Sunnybrook1 's and ~Bushitaka 's wings, to see how it can be done.
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Thank you so much, It's just that I am not a person with alot of self esteem :/
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I know how that is; I don't have much either. *hugs*
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Thanks for this, the other WIPs and all the other links. This'll definitely help with my cosplay~
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Ah, these reminds me of this lady -> [link] [link] <- she uses a very similar design.
Also, I've been experimenting with making large feathers for human-sized wings, out of paint, fabric, and wire. Although they are currently used on arm-wings, they might help you with your own design ~> [link]
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cool cant wait to see the finished thing
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Legend the Griffin Bard is a fursuit with large articulated wings. The wings are photo realistic works of art on fabric that move with a complex array of levers and compressed gas pistons.
[link]
Korul Al-Wassar is a gargoyle fursuit with smaller and simpler hinged articulated wings.
[link]
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Yep, I already know about Legend's wings; my wings won't move in the same way as his (they don't fold up completely). Mine are a bit more like Korul's, which was one of the many inspirations for this design.
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That's really cool 
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Poke me when you're done; I'd love to see it!
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That's really cool, I love how you made it so mobile!
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Wow, this is very impressive! I cannot wait to see the actual thing
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why does black have to be an evil color?!
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It isn't, in my opinion...why do you ask? Just because my wings are white? These are based on the wings of a mute swan, which of course are always white. (I adore black swans too, but my char is half mute swan.)
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Fishing line and plastic pulleys, have the ends of the wire in little rings that can be pulled without fishing line digging into flesh.
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Yep, that's pretty much how it'll be!
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If you're willing to work with metal tubes and hinges, aluminum is very lightweight and strong, but it can be brittle and difficult to work with. It also won't break down over time, which seems to be the bane of a lot of foam fursuit parts. I think finding a plastic that is both strong and lightweight will be a tall order. This is a really good, unique design, it'll be cool to see it finished. Of the winged suits I've seen photos, none of them have attempted something like this. Very cool.
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Holy. Swannie, that is amazing work. As Illucian pointed out, your anatomic detail adds to the model; your effort showing through!
It'll be an amazing pair of wings I am sure -- a great example for others. The problem with avian suits is that they are far more complex than the furred ones. Less documented than the regular furry ones as well, so you breaking through with an astounding wing design potential and how to go about with it is going to inspire a lot of others or give ideas.
Ah, I am loving this... It'll come through in time.
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Lots of great research you've done.
The mock up looks great!
What feathers are you going to use for the real version and how are you attaching them?
That's always where I've bolloxed making wings myself.
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What feathers are you going to use for the real version and how are you attaching them? That's always where I've bolloxed making wings myself.
P.S. I wanted to show you this, as another possibility that I'm considering for the feathers: [link] and [link]
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I'll be using either foam or felt feathers covered in white velvet/velour and having wire or fiberglass barbs. As for how I'll attach them, you'll see in the second mock-up (of the wing armature), which I'm still working on.
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Looks nice, How heavy are they? You might come back with some back problems 
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These little mock-ups aren't heavy at all, being less than a foot wide/high. But hopefully the large versions won't be too heavy to wear.
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You really put your blood, sweat and tears into this thing. I hope it's all worthwhile.
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Solid Aluminum is fairly durable, and cheap enough to replace if it gives out on you...
But, I admit, I know nothing about fursuits. I'm not a fur. :3
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o.o wow.
Whatever you do, PLEASE OH PLEASE thoroughly document everything. I'm sure that this project will be of GREAT use to the fursuiting community. Heck, if I had any talent with sewing I would love to do this kind of thing since I've got a great combo-animal I'd do myself.
Eagerly awaiting any new developments
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Thanks, hon; I'll do my best!
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I think it's good you're trying this yourself. With your determinaton and research I'm sure you could do just as good a job as any expert fursuiter. Even the mock-up looks impressive so I know the actual item will look amazing. Good luck! <3
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Those look FABULOUS. The attention to anatomical detail really really makes the model. I'm very impressed.
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Oooo! Pretty
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Wow, IΒ΄m really looking forward to see when itΒ΄s done!
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