https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL6px3Jojik
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL6px3Jojik

This is the tail that debuted at Maker Faire 2014. I took a video of its movement. Look at it go!

A very special thanks to helvetica for putting together the original tutorial! http://rarsuit.livejournal.com/44876.html I made a couple changes to his methods. The joints in the skeleton are directly perpendicular to the floor. This allows for better flow. The foam was affixed to the skeleton and carved in a solid block, then sliced like a loaf of bread. The spandex I chose is heavy bodied, so it hides any imperfections in my carving well. With a thinner spandex like milliskin, two socks may be needed. The D-ring belt riveted directly to the skeleton is the BEST! It is much easier to put on and remove the tail. Plus, there is less gapping between my back and the tail. In the future, I will use a slide release clip instead of D-rings, and 1.5" webbing.

I'm not entirely happy with how the tail looks overall, but it was a rush job. I wish I had broken up the scale pattern with some stripes or a belly. The holographic effect looks AWESOME in sunlight, though!

If anybody has any questions don't be afraid to ask.

Materials:
Foam: https://www.foambymail.com/SS/super-soft-foam.html
spandex: http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/11282
spikes: http://www.reynoldsam.com/Rigid-and-Flexible/c10_1121/index.html #17 in white, mold dusted with silver glitter