Repaired and upgraded WhizzBang Shakespeare Bust

[westbatman]

I just thought I would share the latest repaired and upgraded WhizzBang Shakespeare bust that is almost complete for a client.

It was originally sent just for a light and switch replacement but FedEx told us otherwise!

You'll see pictures of the bust head as it arrived with the FedEX fragile handling, then the original neckpiece which usually breaks like this upon removal, followed by a complete new one. Then my jig saw repair which is puttied over with a two-part sculpting epoxy medium, sanded and primed.

I repainted the whole thing and installed Chris Pappas excellent and accurate switch and switch plate and then the light I found.

Finished pics to come soon!

Enjoy!

Andy

[Dan E Kool]

Looks like the Bard has seen better days.

Well done with the repairs. I'd imagine work like that takes lots of patience.

[Lou Szabo]

Sounds like an episode "The Busted Bard"
Great work

[Meule]

Awesome job on the repairs, my heart would've sunk in my shoes if I had received it like that

[Chuck Williams]

Nobody does it better Andy!
WELL DONE!

I'm amazed how fragile it is being cast as thick as it was.
Some super brittle resin.

Cool to see the inside .
Chuck...

[Ben Bentley]

Andy, you're a hero!

[BatRob]

"To the bat po.......oops!!!!.......Errrm Alfred! Bring the bat superglue!! " haha

Excellent work on the fix!

[westbatman]

Thanks everyone.

Chuck,
I'm not sure what type of resin these are made of but they seem to be rotocast using two different resins. If you look at the broken pieces you can see a white outer "detail" layer and then a darker support layer. All of the ones that I have repaired had some pretty decent air bubbles in them which is why they break so easily.

I've also noticed that the Chinese manufacturer also knot the electrical cords inside the bust, I guess to keep you from pulling on the electrical connections. Never, never tie knots in electrical cords, as they can overheat and get VERY hot.

A few final photos and Bill will be going back to his owner.

Andy

[johndeblasi]

Just amazing, I am so jealous! and can't believe it's been well over a year since I pre-ordered the Diamond Select one and still waiting.

[EHuffy]

Andy has done an amazing job working with my bust. My heart did indeed sink into my shoes when I saw busted Bill but now he looks better than ever!

[Jim Akin]

Great work Andy!

Concerning your comment about knotted cords inside the bust, is there any way to undo that without removing that fragile neckpiece?

Thanks,

Jim

[westbatman]

Thanks Jim and yes there is.

The knotted cords are at the bottom directly inside the bust from where both cords exit. Lay the bust down on a thick pad of towels and I used a single edged razor blade to carefully separate the thin, black "fun foam" from the bottom of the base then you will have access to the knotted cords but because of the thinness of the bust in the back you will not be able to access the switches and remove and replace them. The only way this can be accomplished is by removing the neck plate.

Andy

[majormac2]

Andy,
Might I ask the manufacturer and part number you are using for the light? I've got a Diamond Select hopefully coming soon and I plan to upgrade. I've already got the switch, just need to source the light. Thanks in advance. Tony

[westbatman]

Without coming across as a real pain-in-the-arse, yes you may ask but I am not sharing at this point.Sorry.