Rifles and swords! Transporting cosplay props.

It is a quiet Friday night. You have just finished gaming and nothing exciting is happening on Facebook when you suddenly get a hypercreative brainplosion when you realize you have some leftover cardboard tubes, a toy gun and some glue. The convention is not until like 6 months later but it would be nice to get that rifle out of the way before you advance onto the sewing.

Later on you have managed to get all of your costumes done so the last few weeks before the con is going to be a breeze…that is until you suddenly you realize that not everything will fit in the suitcase! Your clothes fit in fine, and the same with your costumes. You have managed to put your toiletries into your rucksack. It is just your rifle you are having trouble fitting. For starters, it is too big, and even if you can fit it in it would be far too delicate to stay in such cramped conditions.

Oh dear! You haven’t finished your driving lessons yet so that is a major no-no and none of your friends are willing to pay the extortionate parking fees so using a car is out of the question. It is a real shame as this would actually be the easiest option as you can go straight to the convention and just leave your stuff in the boot while you travel. You have decided to go by train. However, you have done such a fantastic job on your rifle to the point that it could stir up some panic if seen. Many cosplayers have come across this problem in the past, and there is always a huge number that will. It is a wonder that so many props make it to the convention in one piece.

If it is a staff or looks especially harmless (and not easily broken) you can just carry it by hand assuming you have light luggage. If this is not the case it would help to pop your prop in a bin liner. You can consider using bubble-wrap to give it extra protection. Sadly, you lose a hand to carry the rest of your luggage so either have a friend to help you can consider packing light to make the journey a pleasant one. Props that are sheathed onto your back can be carried the same as you would in costume as long as they would not interfere with you moving about.

If you are transporting something much bigger (like Halo armour for example), extremely fragile or a specifically styled wig then the practical option would be to put them into boxes. Smaller boxes can be put into suitcases so you get the best of both worlds of safety and convenience. It can be a good idea to play Tetris with parts of costumes and T-shirts to help cushion your work while at the same time free up space in your normal luggage. Alternatively, you can make them in a way you can collapse them so they would be much easier to manage. From experience, I have found that using a clear plastic bag (particularly the zipped ones where car parts are sold in) is really useful as not only you can make sure the props are intact, but it also shows other commuters that there are some fragile objects that they need to watch out for!

 

Things you might need to consider:

• How much walking do I need to do?
• How can I make carrying all my stuff more conformable?
• Can I handle all the weight throughout the whole time?
• How busy would public transport be?

No matter how well you transport your props and regardless if they survive or not there is also the issue of them breaking during the weekend. It would be helpful to bring super glue and extra repair supplies in case such accidents happen. As a last resort you can always ask a family member to give you a lift if you don’t live too far away.

Cosplay is certainly not without the odd bit of suffering, whether it is wearing high heels, needles jamming right into your foot and the odd uncomfortable journey but do not allow that to ruin your chances of having a good challenge. You’ll arrive and people will see all the work you have put into everything and you will forget the rage you had to endure. 

Please be aware of the rules the convention may hold for props and weapons. Chances are that there will be a size limit and materials will be taken into consideration, and such props may only be allowed for masquerades, competitions and certain photoshoots. Please read the rules before you begin making your weapons (SRS BSNS!!!)