10.18
Introduction
The tail was another part that I put a lot of thought into. I think I managed to get a reasonable comprimise. I wanted the tail to be supported so that it looks more realistic and so that it doesn’t drag on the ground. It IS possible to make the tail rigid by inserting a metal bar into it and attaching it to the body with stout belts. However, I felt that this would be rather uncomfortable and awkward in enclosed spaces.
Therefore, I decided to support the tail using a wire. I fitted a mounting on the back piece (solidly mounted onto the harness) and then tied fishing wire to the tail, using thin rubber tube to stop the wire from cutting into the tail.
Tail Mounting
The strap that was installed when the tail was cast didn’t look up to the task of holding its weight, so I “filleted” the tail and installed a wide strap. The width of the strap helps to prevent the tail from twisting up when it is worn.
On the exposed end of the strap, I made a flap of strap that loops over the harness belt and secures with Velcro. This means that the tail is easily removable and is unlikely to fall off.