Who do you guys and gals think puts out the best plans/blueprints for building illusions/effects?

I have yet to see any where I feel they are worth the prices - but admit I have not looked at many yet...

There's only one answer to this question..

Paul Osborne!

And what do you mean "not worth the prices..?" Virtually anything that gets you closer to a finished illusion is worth the price. Even if the plans are just "pretty good"... as long as nothing is left completely out.. you're far better off then where you started.

I RARELY see plans that are more than $25..and at that price.. unless they're drawn by a 4 year old.. I'd consider that a good deal. House plans are THOUSANDS of dollars... and thousands more if you want changes and multiple copies.

I've never build an illusion.. from ANY set of plans that didn't' need to be checked.. double checked.. changed.. and occasinally I made significant changes.

If you're a magician with a good mind..and are a competnet metal/woodworker. Any napkin/plan/ or scrap sketch should be a good start to get a mockup started.

I think the BEST plans I have ever seen were the ones produced with the Fechner books, Soirees Fantastiques (not readily available). Steinmeyer produced a decent set with his book that included Modern Art and the Shadow Theatre. Harbin did another decent job in his book (abolut 14 plans). The best plans that there are a few designs out there, are the schematic plans by Owen Magic, they even have a materials list.

Loomis produced a nice set on his Doll's House (Temple variation also).

I think a question is do you actually wish to build from them, or are you looking for the secret? I am sure countless illusion plans by Osborne end up on the shelf and are not really being used for building. I like the Osborne plans, as having little access to a lot of illusions, I enjoy the tips on materials, building etc. he includes. Remember he sees a LOT of props!

Blair

Of all those you mentioned, Osborne'se the VERY best, what a genius!

For a good overview with detailed plans, you may also want to take a look at Welles, "Great Illusions of Magic". This is a two volume set. The first volume describes the illusion and it's workings. The second volume contains detailed plans for each of the illusions.

Kent

Owen Magic Supreme's plans are exceptional, but may be somewhat limited. They have actually built from these plans and made corrections as they went along, so you can pretty much be assured that they will work.

The Osborne web site: http://www.osborneillusionsystems.com/