MST Logo Ball model

[Goat Royale]

I had an idea the other night that creating a miniature version of the famous MST logo ball (or spaghetti ball as I tend to call it) might make for a nice little project. Unfortunately, I really don't know where to start when it comes to making such things.

As far as scale goes, I'm not sure how big the original spaghetti ball was (though I know it was quite large), but I was thinking that something between the 3 and four inch size would be a nice, manageable size. A larger one might be better if it were going to be sitting on a bookshelf, but I'm aiming for something that's small enough and light enough to be hung from cord or tether. Actually, a 3"-4" sized ball might also make for a kick ass Christmas ornament when the time comes...

Anyhow, my initial supply list consists of a 3" Styrofoam sphere, some silly string, adhesive, grey paint, and some sort of sealant. However, this list creates a number of problems simply because they aren't the most durable materials. The easy, spray adhesive would melt the Styrofoam sphere and probably do a number on the silly string as well. Of course, using silly string in the first place is a REALLY poor choice because it tends to smash and fall apart like crazy, but I can't really think of anything that could capture the look of the spaghetti ball besides silly string and, uh, spaghetti.

Does anybody have any suggestions as to what materials may work well or what techniques could make this little project run smoothly? I have fairly limited artistic ability, but my wife is pretty good with crafts, and though I'm sure she could help me out a little bit I'm looking for some MSTie input.

[Afgncaap5]

Hmmm....good question....

If you could, I'd recommend tracking down a copy of the Amazing Colossal Episode Guide. I vaguely remember a story about how the ball was created in there, as well as a really nice picture of a few cast members drinking coffee while standing next to the ball (the thing really is pretty big.) Even if I'm imagining the story (I've lost my copy), the picture would give you a good idea of the original scale.

[Pete]

This is the photo Afgncaap5 is referring to:



I'm on my lunch break right now so I don't have time to look for the story on how the ball was created, but a bit later I'll have time to look for it and, if it's there, trasncribe it for you.

[Goat Royale]

Hey, thanks guys. I figured there was some official documentation on it somewhere, but I was expecting it to be hidden on some random fact page on a fan site.

I think a friend of mine has a copy of the ACEG, but I really should just pony up 6 or 7 bucks and buy a copy on Half.

[Afgncaap5]

I think it's well worth the money. The descriptions of the episodes range from hilarious to thoughtful to downright weird.

And then there's the FAQ section.

Q: What's timecode?
A: Timecode is this...time...code...thing that....you use it to sync....numbers are on the screen, so....
Timecode is an elfin ghost that lives in your skull.

I'm not sure if I remember the first part properly, but the second line was the one that really jumped out at me (again, though, not sure if I remember it correctly.)

I can't remember the story on the logo ball, but I think that it was made out of styrofoam, and then after it was carved it had something sprayed onto it, and the spray hardened in a weird, unexpected way that gave it the crumbly appearance that we all know and love.

[Gamera]

I improvized a similar project a few months back. I made this using a big, plastic, novelty Lindt ball (www.lindtusa.com/index.cfm). After painting it seude brown, I covered it with 3-D fabric paints. It's approx. 5 1/2":



It seems you're going for something more authentic... I'd try GreatStuff (more affectionately known as "gorilla snot") instead of Silly String. I use it a lot for making mountains on my model railroad. It gives a similar look, and it doesn't melt plastic/styrofoam too much. You might have to fashion a second lip, as the stuff comes out pretty darned heavy for something as small as 3".

[samtaco]

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