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Findings at a Former Looney Bird's; Advice is much appreciated!
Topic Started: Dec 6 2014, 04:11 PM (7,964 Views)
Clockwork
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My first few months in the fandom have been interesting, but nothing can top what I experienced yesterday. I was fortunate to grow up near the Jackson, TN Looney Bird's location. My trip there as a young child, while not photographed, was a blur of color and excitement that made a lasting impression in my young mind.

This memory wasn’t awakened until rather recently, as I was looking for true animatronics of the past as my brothers enthused on about Five Nights at Freddy’s. I soon came upon the Rock-afire Explosion. I became engrossed, watching many a programmed performance on YouTube, and was amazed of the show’s complexity in it’s technological age.

Soon, I recalled the old Jackson Loony Birds, and remembered that the sign had remained above the building since earlier this year. Curious, I drove down to Jackson to see if, perchance, any of our beloved band members still resided there. Driving up, I was disheartened to see that the signage had been removed in the short span of time, yet I persisted to the window.

Squinting, I could make out the stage that still stood in the dark corner of the former restaurant. Strangely, the curtains were open. And I could make out the Tune Machine’s glinting surface! I could also see Looney Bird’s own bright red plumage from his side of the stage!

As if on cue, the groundskeeper exited an adjacent building. I asked, and he was kind enough to allow me to snoop around the place. The lights came on, and this was the first thing I saw.

First view.

Of course, all the games and climbing equipment were removed. It was saddening to see the place where families once had an amazing time and many birthdays so desolate. Still, I made a beeline for the stage. What I saw was shocking. (I apologize for the darkness of the pictures. The stage lights no longer worked.)

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3


Disappointingly, the vintage band of years past had left the building, but not without leaving a battle worn Looney behind without his barrel. (Where are his hands?) Antioch hung limply from the ceiling.

Poor ole' Looney

The stage was in such a state of disarray, torn and props everywhere.

The groundskeeper was even generous enough to allow me backstage, where I snapped pics of the remaining pieces of equipment.

Gadget 1

Gadget 2

Gadget 3

I’m not yet an expert, so I’m not sure if this is a complete set of machinery (which I highly doubt). As far as I could see, there were no showtapes.

Patently, the groundskeeper waited as I ran about like a madwoman, snapping more pictures.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

Pic 4

Pic 5

I also procured a few relics (with permission, of course) that consisted of a token, ball pit ball, and a strap that must have torn of Bill Bob’s very overalls!

Relics

The groundskeeper informed me that the former manager in Alabama took Billy Bob, and maybe some of the others. The thinks a different person snatched up Fatz, but was uncertain. He talked about the possibility of calling them, but seemed uncertain on the topic. He also alerted me to the possibility of tearing down the stage if there ever is an offer on the building, but was in no hurry.

He gave me a business card, and said I could return for another tour if I’d like. Yet still, my anxiety was kicked into high gear. Should I save as much as I can and (somehow) stuff it in my small house? Should I track down the band? I’d hate for one of the remaining RAE stages to become rubble.

What do you guys think? Any advice or suggestions? I’d love to hear any thoughts as I try to preserve such a large part of the fandom.

Before all the memories...

...are history!

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theanimatronicjunkie
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Snatch all of the stage up!

That is a really lucky find I'd take Looney and the back drops and a few props as well! (But then again that's just me)

And remember sharing is caring LOL just kidding (unless you want to hehe)
Edited by theanimatronicjunkie, Dec 6 2014, 04:25 PM.
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Clockwork
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Of course I'm gonna get Looney. But as for everything else, it may go into storage if I can afford the fee. There is a slim chance I may sell, but I'd much rather reunite the band rather than letting them be an expensive figure in someone's basement.
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theanimatronicjunkie
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Clockwork
Dec 6 2014, 04:30 PM
Of course I'm gonna get Looney. But as for everything else, it may go into storage if I can afford the fee. There is a slim chance I may sell, but I'd much rather reunite the band rather than letting them be an expensive figure in someone's basement.
Yeah totally! You may wanna ask retrogirl if she needs any of it because she owns a few of them (Beach bear, Rolfe & earl, Fatz and Mitzi! :cecwink: I'm only looking for propish characters like the frog Antioch and the other few little kinda unnoticeable props.
Edited by theanimatronicjunkie, Dec 6 2014, 04:32 PM.
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Clockwork
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I may do that if putting the originals together isn't an option. :/
All their hydrologic hosework still remains in the base.
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theanimatronicjunkie
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Clockwork
Dec 6 2014, 04:40 PM
I may do that if putting the originals together isn't an option. :/
All their hydrologic hosework still remains in the base.
Wow those are still there nice! Any of the side characters there? (I know Anotich is but what about the rest?)


And would you be willing to get Anotich for me and sell him to me?
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Clockwork
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There is a smaaaall chance. I'd much rather get the stage back together rather than tear it apart further.

I suppose selling will be a last resort if I run out of leads.

Antioch is the only prop character I saw.
Edited by Clockwork, Dec 6 2014, 05:40 PM.
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theanimatronicjunkie
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Clockwork
Dec 6 2014, 05:20 PM
There is a smaaaall chance. I'd much rather get the stage back together rather than tear it apart further.

I suppose selling will be a last resort if I run out of leads.

Antioch is the only prop character I saw.
Okay :) you should check out ebay or maybe get Aaron called up for help I guess?
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VegaNova
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This is a really great find! I had no idea that store was still sitting empty, or that the stage was still intact like that.

I'm trying to remember the story behind this place - you'll have to forgive me because I'm going back years here and haven't thought about it in a long time. Something happened with the guy who was running the place. He went nuts or something and had issues with the people to actually owned the franchise. He was just managing it for them or something along those lines.

Now I'm not sure what happened to the bots, but there was something that happened to them. For the life of me I can't remember what their fate was, but I've been under the impression that they were gone a long time ago. A fan who went looking to get this show years ago contacted someone "in the know" and got the story about how this place fell apart, etc.

So the bots may be a lost cause, as far as tracking down the exact ones that were in the Jackson store. But that being said, if the groundskeeper will let you pillage the stage, you should totally do it. Seriously. Heck, you'll probably be saving them the cost and trouble of having to remove it and haul it all away themselves when someone else wants that retail space.

There's a lot of nice stuff there. At least a few hundred bucks (probably more) just for Looney alone. Plus there's the organ (with face), the sign even with the cover, Antioch, the gas pump, all the stage props and pieces. Judging from the prices these stage pieces seem to sell for, there's a couple grand worth of scraps left. I didn't see the graybox computer, but it looks like a lot of the rest is there. That panel with all the wiring is the RAF electrical box (that thing weighs a ton so you need a few people to get it down and to move it). All this stuff would be nice to just keep too!!

I would definitely contact that guy and gently explore the possibility of getting the stuff. I think it would be worth your time whether you decided to keep it all or to sell it.

Some of that stuff is in short supply. When I bought my show from Aaron in 2005, I remember some of the props were almost completely gone from the warehouse, while others were still abundant. I distinctly recall that the center-line trees (the ones that fold and are hinged, that sit directly behind Fatz) were almost gone. So even if Aaron has one show left, that show is likely not 100% complete. In other words, some of these minor stage pieces are just as scarce now.
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Clockwork
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I've locked in a deal with the owner, and decided to keep the rest of the items in storage to reconstruct the band at a later date for a future project.
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Mousester23
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Designated Mom Friend
Oh, wow. This must have been really cool even though it was in such bad shape :(.
I hope that you'll be able to get it all back together :)
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RetroGirl
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Wow. Totally cool story. If you decide to part with Rolfe's backdrop or Fatz' organ, please let me know. The freaky thing is that I was told my bots came from Florida. Rolfe was obviously from a Showbiz or Showbiz franchise. The others were pulled from a CEC.

But, wouldn't it be cool if my Rolfe was from there? Chills!
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Clockwork
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RetroGirl
Dec 6 2014, 09:43 PM
Wow. Totally cool story. If you decide to part with Rolfe's backdrop or Fatz' organ, please let me know. The freaky thing is that I was told my bots came from Florida. Rolfe was obviously from a Showbiz or Showbiz franchise. The others were pulled from a CEC.

But, wouldn't it be cool if my Rolfe was from there? Chills!
I'd keep that in mind. But I'm really looking foward to starting my own venture. :)

Haha. That would be interesting!

If possible, you can go ahead and lock the thread. I've got all the advice I need. :)
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Sidewalk Surfboard
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Install Gentoo 💾
I want that Looney Bird so bad. *slurping noises*
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Clockwork
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Haha. Sorry, but he's mine. I already paid, and can't wait to give him much needed TLC.:3
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SuperMuppet64
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dead
StePauMa
Dec 7 2014, 06:28 PM
I want that Looney Bird so bad. *slurping noises*
Turning Looney Bird into cooked poultry?!
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Clockwork
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SuperMuppet64
Dec 7 2014, 06:59 PM
StePauMa
Dec 7 2014, 06:28 PM
I want that Looney Bird so bad. *slurping noises*
Turning Looney Bird into cooked poultry?!
:what: For shame!!!
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Clockwork
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Turns out I still need a bit more advice after all! :)

Looney's beak has become a bit soft and is torn in places. Is there anything I can do for a temporary fix?
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RetroGirl
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I don't know much about Looney's cosmetics, but if you can get to the back of the mask you can reinforce it with nylon mesh (well, panty hose) and liquid latex that you can order from theatrical supply houses.

Make a "patch" from the nylon. Spread liquid latex over the back of the damaged area and press the nylon into the latex. Then coat the top of the nylon with latex. Let it dry and test it. You may need to cover and coat a few times.

Use the same technique to reinforce and fill in cracks and tears.
Edited by RetroGirl, Dec 8 2014, 01:59 PM.
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Clockwork
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Thanks so much!!! :D
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