#008 : Internal mechanism in the side of the skull

The side of an Endoskull model

One of the most notable characteristics of the Endoskull is the mechanical components embedded tightly in the side of the skull. I have no idea how each component works, but the aesthetics is very distinctive. According to records, they have apparently used parts from plastic military tank models made in Japan (there seems to be slightly different props used in the original movie and the second one). In the life-size Endoskull models sold today, the details of this area of the skull are very rough and some of the edges are rounded. If you own any life size busts, take a look at it and see for yourself. To mask the roughness of the details, black paint is used to mimic stains. One of the main reasons why I have chosen M1’s model for the base of the Animatronic Bust is because the detailing of this part of the skull was done very beautifully, and the edges were not dull and rounded. By using the M1 kit, there was no need to hide any roughness in the molding with excessive staining. Since the designer of the M1 kit actually designed this portion from scratch referring to the original prop, the M1 kit could be said to be “a more accurate replica of the prop than the original prop”. I’m hoping to interview Mr. Takahashi, the designer himself, about his interesting story of designing this piece.

The beautifully designed parts from the M1 kit

The side of the Animatronic Bust ver. 1.2 skull

Prop displayed at Tomenosuke Shoten in Takayama city