Haunted Mansion Candles in Stairway...

[KZevchik]

I have been intrigued and interested in unique lighting for many years and have even created my own devices to mimic all types of lighting including my ZaniFlicker module that flickers lights using the original MAPO frequency (before DMX). This passion all started with my first trip to WDW in 1985 at the age of 9, I was fascinated by the chandeliers with mantles over the light bulbs. I even called WDW to try and find out how they made these flicker and why they had "little socks" over the bulbs.

I know there are a lot of backyard imagineers out there that may be able to help me here. I work in the industry and there aren't many special effects that allude me, but this one may have. I have many ideas how it is done, but want to make sure before recreating it.

So, the effect I am referring to is the new candelabras in the stairway of Haunted Mansion. These candles have a very real looking flame that get blown out as you ride through. They may very well be real flames from a gas pilot, but I doubt that. Anyone have ideas or truly know how this effect is done?

 

[EPCOTPluto]

Perhaps a mechanism that rocks the fake plastic flame around from inside the candle????

:shrug: Just a guess...

 

[mousefanwhat?]

I'll have to take note....I've never really noticed. My son who is 8 is usually really good at picking out the new things. He has an eye for detail!

 

[marni1971]

Funnily, I`ve been studying some HD footage of this recently for a project

It appears there is an outer `dome` which is flame shaped and illuminated from below, either as a solid object along its base line or from within as a whole. When switched off, the `dome` can be seen to be transparent, with a `wick` effect inside of it which remains illuminated.

Either the outer `dome` becomes translucent when lit, or the brightness of the light fools the eye into not seeing the wick until that is the only thing illuminated.

 

[KZevchik]

Marni1971 is there a way I could see or get that HD footage from you? I got some HD video from my camera, however, by the time it focuses on the flames when they ignite they are out again.