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Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 01 Mar 2009, 13:58
by Nick Marlow
Has anyone got any ideas, tips, or experience in how to simulate the effect of a foam fire extinguisher? Or, to put it another way, how can I get spray cream/shaving cream/similar over a distance for more than a couple of seconds?

And while I'm on the subject, has anyone seen any wam where anything like this is done?

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 01 Mar 2009, 15:12
by BillShipton
Yes, we have done it several times on Gilly's Silly House (including the Tax Inspector sketch). Go to Ebay and check out foam spray called things like Avalanche or Blizzard usually available in party shops. They spray at least six foot for about 30 seconds. Then they stop! Expensive for a quick gag but they do look good.

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 01 Mar 2009, 21:16
by messybear
Another way is an old Charlie Drake one, take a can of shaving foam, turn it upside down, point it at yourself (probably not the face to start with) and using a 6 inch,small flat blade, screwdriver puncture the base of the can. It only takes a small hole to force the foam out at high speed, I guess the spray lasts for about five seconds.

I suggest aiming below the face to start with, because it is quite fierce and once it's started, move upwards.
You'll be surprised how far the foam spreads - onto the ceing, across the walls etc!!!!

But it does leave a good thick covering on the body and face.

Cheaper then Bill's suggestion, particulary if you get Asda or Somerfield own brand shaving foam for about £1.50 a can.

Trust me, I'm a doctor, and I recommended this in a previous life to Clown Julie, who I am pretty sure tried it.

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 02 Mar 2009, 13:07
by Nick Marlow
Woo-hoo! Nice one chaps - I'll try both of these, and to hell with the credit-crunch.

Nick

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 02 Mar 2009, 13:15
by BillShipton

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 02 Mar 2009, 13:20
by Nick Marlow
Is this the stuff you used? Is it similar in texture to shaving cream, or more 'bubbly' than that?

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 02 Mar 2009, 13:34
by BillShipton
Obviously cos it has more propellant to make it go further, it isn't as creamy and doesn't last so long on the face but it has a good effect initially. Yes, we used it in The Tax Inspector. Not a very good pic attached...

PS They are charging rather a lot for postage though!

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 02 Mar 2009, 15:04
by andy250
I'll see if I can find a pic somebody sent me a while ago.

regards

Andy

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 02 Mar 2009, 16:39
by maxoverdrive
messybear wrote:Another way is an old Charlie Drake one, take a can of shaving foam, turn it upside down, point it at yourself (probably not the face to start with) and using a 6 inch,small flat blade, screwdriver puncture the base of the can.


Um..... isn't that terribly dangerous, piercing an aerosol can?

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 02 Mar 2009, 17:00
by Etonman
maxoverdrive wrote:
messybear wrote:Another way is an old Charlie Drake one, take a can of shaving foam, turn it upside down, point it at yourself (probably not the face to start with) and using a 6 inch,small flat blade, screwdriver puncture the base of the can.


Um..... isn't that terribly dangerous, piercing an aerosol can?


Well, I wouldn't do it....flammable butane propellant, sharp screwdriver, risk to eyes from pressurised contents. Why ask for trouble when there are safe alternatives.

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 03 Mar 2009, 14:51
by smittybill53
I have never had any issues when puncturing a shaving foam can. The main benefit is you don't have to hold the release button .

I've used a nail and hammer to puncture the can. There just isn't enough pressure to cause any major issues.
The other thing is if you leave the nail in the hole then it acts as a plug so not much leaks out as you prepare other things.

And yes it does get everywhere. I've had to clean the ceiling in the bathroom when doing this because i couldn't aim it quickly enough when I started. :roll:

Hope this helps

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 03 Mar 2009, 19:28
by muckypup
andy250 wrote:I'll see if I can find a pic somebody sent me a while ago.

regards

Andy


I guess you did find it? Thats a terrific picture! :)

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 04 Mar 2009, 23:00
by ClownJulie
...........................

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 05 Mar 2009, 05:33
by Devo77
Wonderful stuff Julie! Maybe someday we well see that one scene.

Re: Fire Extinguishers!

PostPosted: 05 Mar 2009, 09:14
by Nick Marlow
Fabulous pictures! That blizzard stuff looks great - going watery after a few minutes isn't really a problem with what I'm doing, so I'll definitely invest in a few cans.

Thanks Julie!

Oh, and - to the powers that be...Release that video! :D