Cyberamic figures: Interesting little details many overlook

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Hi gang.

I'm in a writing mood so thought i'd post a new fact-filled thread about PTT's glory days....this time focusing on some little known facts and interesting details i have come across over the years relating to the Cyberamic figures themselves.

I know there are many here that own some, and many that seriously collect them ( myself included). Some of this info may be stuff you are already aware of, but for many of our younger readers much of this may come as a revelation of trivia. These are some of the many things i have noticed over the years of collecting and restoring various Cyberamic figures from PTT era right through to today's figures currently in CEC Locations.

So here we go....a list of some fun facts i thought fans might enjoy hearing about. Some of this info ( particularly regarding the early PTT figures) will help you to DATE your figures. Age of a character matters tremendously, as the earlier pieces are far more 'valuable" then the more recent models. Many people may not even be aware of what they have exactly ( and i am probably going to regret posting this thread...as this info may lead future sellers to inflate their prices! Argh! 8o )

Ah, the heck with it. This is a FAN COMMUNITY and without all of us sharing info we know, we gain little insight and enjoyment out of our hobby. So here goes nuthin'.....


Okay.....

This list covers ONLY the "Cyberamic" animatronic figures....and also primarily focusing on the COSMETICS only ( face masks, eye color, clothing, etc). There is nothing here that relates to "Portrait Mechs" ( Poratrait PT Player figures) or the later "Garnies" ( Garner Holt Studio C animatronic figures) I feel a need to stress this to avoid confusion!

Alrighty then....let's get on with it....

The earliest 'Cyberamic" versions of the Pizza Time Players came onto the scene sometime in 1979 it is beleived, with the bulk of the rollout happening in 1980. The first "Cyber-Stage" was a early version of the Classic Balcony we all know and love. Primary differences were mainly in the fact that less wood was used to decorate the lower and upper stage areas and were instead decorated with cloth on ringed grommets. The look was very Vaudivile.

The first Chuck E. "Cyberamic" figure wore a BROWN vest and yellow shirt with THREE buttons...NOT the more commonly associated red vest. Take a look at the photo of the Chuck figure above as part of the Showbiz.com header......this is a photo i took in Brandon, Fl in 1981 and his vest is brown. Vega did a little enhancement and colored it red to fit better with the header...but in reality Chuck has on his ORIGINAL BROWN VEST. Very rare to find pix of this version, but Brandon was a original early location which explains this. After the brown vest came the famous "Checkered" vest which is mistakenly thought of as being the "first" but trust me it was'nt. That did not appear until 1983. Around 1985 or so Chuck finally was given his traditional Red Vest and wore it right up until the early 90's.

Early Cyberamic characters were made out of excellent quality materials, the exception being the 80'/81' models in some cases. You can date early figures by not only the fabric covering them, but the wood that is used to make the Masks. 80'/81' models are made out of very bad grade wood...and the face plates ( flat wood piece cut in the shape of a characters face) and made out of dreadful pressed chipwood. The following year PTT started to construct them with much better woods...using prime quality plywood. No expense was spared in 82'/83' models exspecially. After this time, the craftsmanship started to suffer and cheap materials started to creep back in ( todays figures are the result). So take a look at your Masks and note the wood. Is it very brown toned, and brittle? Or is a white toned, and obviously far better quality? This will tell you a LOT about your figure.

Fabric is another clue when it comes to dating a figure. The best fabrics were used right from the start and many figures sported expensive materail. Most Cyberamics from 80' through the late 80's were made from terry cloth fabric. Others had thick pro-costume quality fur plush. Others remarkably were covered entirely in velvety velour. And this is just the "skin" of the character...i have'nt even mentioned the costumes they wore! Beautiful craftmanship and details galore went into the creation of these early figures. No corners were cut and everything from gold PVC to faux pearls to rhinestone gems were used to make up the perfect 'look" of each character. Real wigs were used ( doubled up) to create "hair" for Harmony Howlette, Madame Oink, and Dolli DImples. Even Foxxy Colleen wore a doubled up wig. Again, early figures will be covered with terry cloth and nice plush. Newer models will be thin cotton/poly skinned and cheaply furred. A excellent example is the Rat himself...Original era Chuck E.s have terrycloth covered dark pink noses , lips and inner ears. Newer models ( including today's) are all thin fabric cotton/poly.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Other things that are telling signs of a figures age is HOW they are put togther.

Early figures have mostly staples and some hot-glueing to hold the fabrics and decorations onto the cosmetics. Later models employed more hot glue then staples.

Another interesting thing to note is that over the years many of the character dementions have changed, and of course suttle appearences. This holds true for both cosmetic-building and re-costuming.

Perhaps the most obvious is Jasper T. Jowls.

Orignal "Cyber" Jasper's from 1980 to the early 90's had wrinkles around his eyes to simulate a real hound dog. He also sported spots, freckles if you will, on his nose. The nose itself was made of a piece of egg-shaped styrofoam covered in black terrycloth. He wore a human sized real straw hat, and around his neck was a BLUE neckscarf. This is important to note, as only early era Jasper's have a blue scarf. Later versions ( 86' and up) started to wear a red one. Jasper also wore a maroon flannel plaid shirt and REAL overalls complete with authentic buckles. Later versions has simplified versions of the pants, and the shirt has changed a few times over the years which is to be expected. Perhaps the most obvious change though was Jasper's "going electic"...that is, he went from playing a REAL banjo to a "fake" one and then eventually to the famous Cheese Guitar. The banjo is another interesting tidbit....early Cyber versions used actual playable banjos but the weight of it was too much for the animatronic mechanics to handle, not to mention to strain on the shoulder cosmetics! A company was contacted to make real looking replacements, and these were made out of lightweight fiberglass. In the early 90's Jasper got modern and dropped the banjo all together simply because it would'nt fit in with the new show stage theme ( Munch's Make Beleive RAE....uh,,,i mean Band!).

Modern Jasper's now wear a huge oversized plastic hat and his face comsmetics have been incredibly simplified. The doggie-like wrinkles are long gone, and his nose is now a small rubber attachement.

That was just one example of the diffrences you can see.

Now let's get more into the little known stuff....

Most Cyberamics are actually dated in writing on the pieces themselves. Today's Tech's probably already know this as all modern figures have fire retardent labels placed on the various cosmetics with a date on them. Did you know this has been going on since 1981?

Yep.....starting in 81' most figures have a small tag hidden on them somewhere stating the date completed, and a signature of WHO built them, as in person! I have always found this to be one of the MOST interesting things about these animatronic cosmetics....the people who sat down and assembled them left their legecy on these tiny little square bits of paper tabs. It's captures a moment in time to me....as you can look at that tab and know EXACTLY when that figure was made...a EXACT date ( 10/5/82' etc.). This alone is well worth investing in a Classic Era figure. The proof of age is there. It's also a nice nod to the concept, and it goes to show you how much passion went into building these things....in later years the dated tabs dissapeared, and were later replaced with the flame retardent labels. Very early Cyber figures do not have any labels, but this has not been officially confirmed. I am basing this on a very early Jasper and Munch i have, with all the signs of "1980" and no labels. Interesting to therorize.

What else is there?

Well, i suppsose eye colors is next. Iris colors have changed little, but the pattern has slightly. Early models have very rich screen printed designs that are buffed, not shiney. The eye balls themselves were painted off-white ( more yellowish then white) instead of the bright white of today. Modern lenses are thin shiney plastic with slightly smaller iris graphics. I suppose only a serious CEC Freak like myself would notice these differences...but then again i'm not alone as YOU'RE reading this thread!! ha ha ha!! :lol

Eye lids also changed slightly, but not enough to really discuss.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

I cannot stress how wonderful and creatively made these early era Cyber figures were made.

After 20+ years, most figures from that bygone era still are structurly sound and amazingly the foam that lines the inside of the wooden frames has not rotted as most foam does by this time in age. The wood used was the best, up to a certain point, and the sheer craftsmanship ( when compared to today's figures) is fantastic. It was indeed good times at PTT. 1981 thru 1983 seemed to be the best days for these figures, as they were made so well back then. In later years we saw many costume changes, and even themed shows with special costume swaps ( Halloween, Christmas, etc.) but the figures themsleves started to decline in quality or were simply phased out. We all know about the Guest Stars and how by 1984 they were gone for good. Same holds true for the Lounge and Caberet Acts.

So all in all, when you come across a figure, or are inspecting ones in your own collection...ask yourselves these questions to determine it's age.

What kind of wood is it made from? Chintzy, or posh? "Brown" or "White"?

What materials are used for it's "skin" or costume? Terrycloth or thin, smooth fabrics?

This reminds me of Pasqually. There are MANY versions out there....despite the fact he has changed very little over the years as far as his overall look. He has changed quite a bit though material and craftmanship wise.

Early era Pasqaully's from 1980 through 82' were all made out of a yellowish terrycloth for "skin". Even his hands. His jaw was shaped more like Mr. Munch's then the dimpled chin of later years. He also always has a mustache with LONG black hair...not the later SHORT plush versions. Early era Pasqually's also sported a shirt with SMALL checkered patterns. In later years he recieved the more modern LARGE chex.

I list him as this is a great example of how to know what you have. If you have a Pasqually and have been wondering, well, now you know! he should have the dated tab on him, but if not, basically if he is a terrycloth model, he is a early version. If he has smooth material, or today's flesh tone nylon fabric, he is a much later model. His jaw and 'stache are also good for dating. Dimpled jaws first appeared in 83' and the "short fur" 'stache came in much later.

Some characters are easy to date as they changed appearences so much it's more then obvious to even the most casual CEC fan....take Helen Henny for example.

Now here we have a interesting figure history. The first "Cyber" version was in 1983 with the debut of the show entitled "Broadway Helen Henny". This was a Balcony era show reel and Helen was the new Guest Star. Orignal versions have her dressed in her famous sexy, very low cut red sequined dress. She also sported makeup ( both real and cosmetically) and in some locations wore a black feather boa draped around her neck. She was one alluring broad...er...chick! This soon became un-PC as times changed and in the mid 80's she shed her hussy look and instead transformed into a Country Chick. Now we see Helen as before, but the main change being her dress is now a simple red cotton creation. A few years down the road we would see an even more drastic change of event.....

Here we come to the early 90's when Helen Helen became what i refer to as "Helen's Daughter". Modern Helen was redesigned to appeal more to young girls and downplay the more "adult' chararistics. Here we have a pig-tailed cheerleader type dressed in purple and looking more like a duck then a chicken! However, not all is lost...for even this version went through some changes. How many here knew that even the modern Helen can be dated?

When the first MMBB Stages were installed, the "new" Helen was designed slightly differently from today's version. There are still some locations out there that STILL have this "original modern" Helen....and here's how to tell!

The "original modern" Helen's have a different styled mask. The most noticeable features include a POINTED beak with more obvious "smile lines" and orange blush applied to the cheeks. Later versions do not have these features. Another diffrence is that this version also had a lot more "fur" on her actual face sections...not like the "bare face" look of todays' figures. It's hard to describe but if i could show you the photos i have you would know what i mean. These versions of "modern" Helen are rare today. Most were worn out and replaced ages ago with the cosmetics we see today at most locations. If you want to see a original version, check out the Helens in Lowell, MA and Wayne NJ's CEC Locations.

[puppetmaster29]

Geez, you were not kidding when you said you were in a writing mood.... damn.:lol

[Just4all]

Hmm I'd love to show you pics of our Tacoma washington balcony stage Jenn u seem to be somwhat of an expert on Cec...I notice some wierd cosmetic diffrences from most of the balcony stages

[pizzacam]

You guys still have one or you meant older pics?

There were some later cosmetic updates to the C stage like making Helen younger so she got a new mask and Jasper's clothes being switched to the common white shirt with black spots and the aussie hat... :eek At least that how our last C stage was here when they took it out in '97

[MMBBfan327]

This is really neat info, Jenn! Something cool is that the Chase Ave. store still has Jasper wearing the human-sized hat, not the over-sized one.

[dheineCECfan]

I didn't know Chuck E. Cheese wore a brown vest besides wearing checkered, red, and blue vests!

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Yes, brown was the original color on the first series of Cyberamic Chuck E.'s. Not many people knew this, mainly only because we have mostly a younger crowd here and they were'nt even born and around when Chuck was sporting this look! So now you know.......check out my pix in the Photo Gallery in the "Brandon Fl" section and check out Chuck. Even the walkaround costume wore the brown vest set back then!

Just4All....i'd love to see your pix. Any chance you could post them here? I would be more then happy to tell you what you have.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

I remembered a few other details i thought i'd add......

Very early Jasper figures had yellow 'highlights" painted on his face. Apparently it was thought to enhance his "down home dog" look he was aiming for back then....so if you come across a wrinkly, terryclothed Jasper with these splotches of paint added to his cheeks, upper brow, and under his eyes...it's a oldie! 1980 or earlier definately.

I also should add that many of the characters back in that era (81 thru 83) actually sported real makeup. Both Oink and Helen had actual pink blush hand applied to their cheeks ( and nose in Oink's case) to add a touch a feminine realisim. This was not paint applied at the warehouse in CA, it was applied on site when the figures' cosmetics were installed at a Location. B.B. Bubbles also had it directly applied to her cheeks. This is a little bit of trivia as many are not aware of this detail and it is usually not present when old cosmetics are salvalged ( it tends to brush off easily if handled too much). Well, now you know! So those of you with Oink's and Classic Helen will need to rush out and purchase some blush ( yes, you men too!) and add it on to be as authentic as possible.

:D

[ChuckEZone]

Wow, that was quite a read! Very interesting, Jenn:D

[mmbbfan10972]

yes

[thatsmilingface]

Very good Jenn! You definitely have earned the title of "CEC historian" in my book.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Well shucks....

I'm blushing....:o

Thanks gang. :D

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Some more info now.....this just came to mind recently while going throught some things.

The "Broadway" version of Helen also wore "earrings" during her first appearence. They were small silver glittery balls ( more then likely styrofoam) pinned to the side of her head just below the featherline of her hair.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

More info now about Classic "Broadway" Helen that has come to light for me upon inspecting a old Helen body....

She also wore a rhinestone necklace acorss her upper chest. Yes! My therory is that this was used on the early versions of the "Broadway" cosmetic, as there is no evidence of the nice necklace in use later on.

I always wondered what the glint of silver and red was in one of my old Balcony shots of when she was first seen. Now i know: it was this rare necklace. It was real too...as in real diamond-like rhinestones and metal.

Also if i forgot to mention this earlier, 'Broadway Helen" also had a fauz pearl beaded trim around the upper edge of her red sequin dress. It is along the front, and looks pretty sharp.

I also now realize that her original eyebrow lines were not simple cutouts but actually beaded sequin strips of material. Wow! Nice to see that....all these years i kept thinking it was the same as the later "Porch Helen" verson.

[pasqually82]

Awesome info on Helen, Jenn. Classic/Broadway helen was my favorite version of Helen. Well. . . okay . . .Pasqually was always my favorite, but Classic/Broadway Helen is right up there. I kind of miss seeing the classic braodway Helen, I thought she was great!

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Thanks Pasqually82....

Speaking of Pasqually....how about i talk about him ( the character people...not Pasqaully82...lol!)

Okay, early Cyberamic versions of Pasqually were made out of a yellowish tan terry cloth, NOT the later flesh colored fabric. This was used for his head, jaw, nose, and hands as well. Later on the fabric was changed to a smooth nylon material that gave him a more human appearence. Blush was also added to his cheeks as early of 1983, when this fabric change took place.

The first versions of Pasqually in Cyberamic form had a very simplified head and were constructed cosmetically simpler in appearence than later versions. A typical "first version run" of Pasqaully had a squarish shape to the head, huge upper and lower jaw, and a long SHAPED mustache. When i say "shaped" i mean the base metal of the actual mustache was bent into a curved shape so that the edge of his 'stache wrapped partically around the sides of his head. Later on this time consuming metal work was dropped and we saw the introduction of the far more common "straight" version ( flat metal base cut into the shape of his 'stache.) I did not know of this early version until last year, when examining some very early figures in a private collection.

Getting back to his mouth now....Pasqually had a HUGE mouth. This was to balance out the giant mustache appearence wise no doubt. Early versions have a prominent upper jaw area and the lower jaw is large. Later versions had the lower jaw reduced in size considerably, and by 1983 we started to see the more complex "sculpted" jaws. These are very similar to the jaw Pasqually has today, which shows a very obvious "chin" with a dimple. Early Pasqaully Cyberamics do not have these.

Another bit of trivia for the die hards is that Pasqaully did not have eyebrows on the mask until much later. Early Balcony Era version have none, and when you see him without his 'stache and wig he looks pretty creepy!

Let's talk about the difference in Pasqaully's clothing now. Very early Cyberamic figures of him have the trademark "checked shirt" in a very small square pattern. His apron was made a a thin cotton material with thin shoulder straps. It was not until much later on that he gained his current wide-squared version of his shirt and the wider apron.

[pasqually82]

WOW! Thanks for all that info on Pasqually, Jenn. I know that I can always count on you to fill me with Pizza Time knowledge. This was very interesting stuff.

I am actually very grateful to still see the Pasqually from the PTT era at my local CEC in Rockford. They still have Munch, Jasper, Chuck, and Pasqually from the PTT days! How cool is that? For some reason, I appreciate the half bodied bots more than the full bodied bots we have now.

If they left classic broadway Helen instead of replacing her at this location, I would be in PTT Heaven!

[bzier]

I noticed that the Chuck there in Rockford must have newer cosmetics, because his nose points outward, instead of upward like the old Cyberamic figures.

Down here in Brandon, their Chuck still has the old cosmetics, aside from his new sport Chuck outfit...but that's the only Chuck I've seen left with the older cosmetics, with his nose pointing upwards.

[pizzacam]

Here's one with most of the cosmetics off that was for sale at one time... :eek:

[pasqually82]

Nice pic! Kinda cool to see

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Thanks for the pic Pizzacam....reminds me of the restoration job i was involved in at The Captains!

In Pizzacams photo, the cosmetics are far newer then the robot's frame. The cosmetics are are from the late 80's based on his chin ( sculpted version) and skin color ( pale, smooth nylon fabric)

The robot frame that is shown here is your typical early Cyberamic model....hard to come by. I date the frame at 80'/81' as it has all the trademarks of a "first run" Cyberamic frame. These versions were built differently in many ways when compared to the ones that were made just a couple of years later.

The main differences for telling them apart is the many extra parts and even an extra cylinder added to the "first runs". While looking at the photo, note the huge bolts shown on the main support. These are absent from frames made just 1 to 2 years later.

Also note the more complicated mech used to operate the Arm Lift. If you are familiar with these figures, you can see it is a little more complicated then it needs to be. In later models this was tidied up.

Another dead giveaway is the black metal strip "circles" that are seen on the shoulders of the upper cross piece. These were placed here to give the character more shape, and under the shirt/fur it would give the impression of shoulders. You will also see a matching "neck bar" made of the same flat metal strips, which was put on to help fill the gap between the head and the body cosmetics. Not long afterwards the "2nd version" Cyber frames had carefully designed "shoulder rings" and "neck bars" that were better adapted to doing the job. These are still found on today's figures. The early black metal strips prove it's age beyond any doubt, when in doubt!

Not shown in the photo is the extra Head Raise cylinder. On most Cyberamic Bot's ( even todays) this cylinder is located in the neck position. On the first versions of the Cyber frame, for some reason there was TWO used. The designers must have assumed more force would be needed to move the heavy heads around, but then later on realized they did'nt need two. So one was dropped. Imagine how many cyclinders they saved that way for another figure!

All of this i saw firsthand when i had the pleasure of restoring The Captian's show earlier this year. Up until then i did not know there were these early Cyber versions, but upon viewing one of his oldest figures it was more then obvious there was a big difference.

All of these differences were included on the PTT Restoration video that was shot during the reconstruction. A early frame and the more common frame were compared side by side so the differences would be easy to see.

Someday soon i hope to have this released!

[captslappy]

Note: Munch and Pasqually did not have head raise movements. Those were only on the guest, Chuck and Jasper on the main stage. This was due to the fact that each bot had an 8 limit movement. Munch had to independent hands that were pneumatic (the guest and chuck are identical and the left was a mechanical linkage and Jaspers were slaved in series). Pasqually's hands were also done in series where both worked together until the later drummer conversion. His extra movement was his mustache twitch which was later connected to his mouth when his arms were made independent.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Yep...tis' true.

And Classic Era Munch could really WACK you hard with that independent moving arm too!

:laugh:

Trust me, i know!

[RAFE CEC Guy]

Interesting Stuff Jenn!

Do You Know The Difference Between the 1st Gen and 2nd Gen Wall Portrait Cyberamics?

[mp3aa]

Yep...tis' true.

And Classic Era Munch could really WACK you hard with that independent moving arm too!

:laugh:

Trust me, i know!
Munch once knocked off and broke my glasses! :nerd:

[captslappy]

No one punches harder than Mitzi. Trust me, I know that from experience too.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Very true!

Also i should note that the Studio C "Garnies" ( what i call the Garner/Holt robot..) can push you over pretty good to!

One time i was working on our Alpha Stage in Methuen, MA and Chuck nearly pushed me over his desk! There is a LOT of strength in those skinny arms let me tell you...

Mitzi probably could b**** slap "Garnie" Chuck any ol' day though i'm sure....hee hee hee...

:p

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Interesting Stuff Jenn!

Do You Know The Difference Between the 1st Gen and 2nd Gen Wall Portrait Cyberamics?


Interesting question....

1st Gen "Portraits" were VERY rough. I have some photos and they all look very crude when compared to the Cyberamic figures that came a few years later. Animations were VERY limited, but there were some surprises: for example, the "2nd Gen" Portrait Chucks' derby hat could spin!

1st Gen "Portaits" include the original Chuck, Jasper, "scary Pasqually", and Crusty. Interestingly, the original Black Warblettes did not change very much from day one. Not too long afterwards "Goose" Helen replaced Crusty, so she also had a 1st Gen Portrait.

The way to tell the difference is by their appearence. Interesting, the 1st Gen figures actually looked BETTER then the "homely" 2nd Gens. To see the first Gens, check out the "PTT Info" section on this site. In the sections with all the early promo material, you will find a set of photos from 77' that show the 1st Gen Bot's at the original PTT in San Jose. To see the 2nd Gen Bots'. look in the same section for the 1979 Franchise Booklet. In this you will see the 2nd Gen Portraits, including the first Munch and Foxy Colleen!

What is interesting is the original 1st versions looked so much better..perhaps these were "one offs" and only appeared in the 1st Store as surely they were made by Nolan's enginneering friends ( who were tasked with the job). When PTT branched out to open a couple more local stores, they had to make some more figures. THESE are the 2nd Gens that have the rather homely appearence. There were made for mass-production ( well, what was considered close to it back then) so maybe this is why they do not appear to be as nicely made as the originals.

Anyway, the photos many of you have seen from the Corporate Home Office a few years back show some Portrait Bots' that they used to display there. All three were 2nd Gens. In 2004 they were removed and only Chuck is now known to still be around, literally hanging out in the Dept 18 Studio.

One has to wonder whatever became of those ORIGINAL first CEC animatronics. One of the old engineers probably has then hanging in his garage!

[dheineCECfan]

Do we count goose Helen Henny and 1978 Foxy Colleen as first generation portrait robots as well?

[captslappy]

Definately!

[dheineCECfan]

I forgot to mention first generation circa 1978-1979 CECPTT Madam(e) Oink.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

A couple of details i missed earlier:

Helen originally had black sequined eyebrows while in her 83' re-introduction mode ( sequin dress ala "Broadway Helen"). She also had her dress lined on the upper edge in faux pearls, as well as the often missing dress straps also made of strings of pearls. Early versions of Classic Helen also sported a glittering necklace of rinestones. This is almost always missing...so if you have a Helen with this necklace intact it is a rarity. She also appeared at some stores at this time with a black fur stole and hat. Attendees of CV3, and folks who own the CV3 Dvd Set saw this fur set being worn by Dolli Dimples in that footage. Dolli did not originally wear these itmes, they are actually Classic Helen's from her introductory show.

There are several version of Classic Jaspers' mask as noted earlier, but i did not go into further detail. Older versions seem to be painted with yellow highlights on his brow and cheeks. The more familiar "Classic Jasper" masks are missing this. Later Jasper masks lost there "wrinkles" and the spots on his nose also were decreased considerably. With the introduction of the MMBB Stage Shows, Jasper was fitted with a newly designed set of cosmetics that were more brown then flesh colored in his face area. There was also a faint airbrushing of brown shading around his eyes in this period ( 91' thru 95') This was phased out later on to the Jasper of today, with a pale tan face, a few nose spots, and no added details on his mask.

Classic Rat originally had very large teeth made out of white flexible vinyl that was covered with stiff glue on the backside to give it some substance. Later on his teeth were made a bit smaller, and in the 90's changed to be made out of plastic foam core. Today Chuck's teeth are more then 50% smaller then when his Cyberamic version was introduced in 1980.

I forgot if i mentioned this earlier in this thread, if not, well great! If so....nevermind!

This refers to Classic Era Munch. Early Cyberamic versions of him are easy to spot as they tend to have the nostril circles very high up on his nose....not at all like today's Munch mask. Today, Munch tends to have them in the middle of his nose, and spaced apart. Classic Era Munch cosmetics have the nostrils close together, high up on his nose. This is a good way of dating your Munch if no markings exsist.

[chuckrules]

I knew the the modern todays Helen Henny can be dated Jenn!:D Never knew that real makeup was applied to the classic Helen figures or any of the older 81 - 83 character cosmetic figures. Like of Dollie Dimples, Madame Oink, Jasper T. Jowls.

PS. Helen does not look like a duck!!!!!!!! I bet it was fun to dress Helen up like that Jenn!:P:D

[dheineCECfan]

Chuck E. had high nostrills? I thought he had a rat/mouse nose!

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Darryl i am talking about Mr. Munch here...not Chuck E.

It's MUNCH's nostrils that were high up on his snout on the early versions of him in Cyberamic form. Later version right up to the present day have his nostrils much lower, closer to his upper lip.

Just a little tip for those trying to ID their figures.

[dheineCECfan]

Sorry I confused Mr. Munch with rat CEC...

[PaulKTF]

Hi Jenn,

Thanks for sharing! I love reading the stuff you write about the history of PTT/CEC. Muchly appreciated! :)

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Thanks Paul!

Glad to hear you are enjoying what i have to say...!

[CEC3066]

Hi Jenn,

Thanks for sharing! I love reading the stuff you write about the history of PTT/CEC. Muchly appreciated! :)

Don't you mean MUNCHly appreciated <grin>

[PaulKTF]

Don't you mean MUNCHly appreciated <grin>

Agggh so cheeeesy (which I guess is apropriate for a pizza-lovin' monster). :)

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Here is some general info for those interested in reading more about older original Cyberamic versions of your favorite CEC characters:

All figures from the "classic era" ( 81' thru 83') were made of plush pile fur fabric and colored terry cloth. Today's figures tend to be made out of thinner fabrics, and the terry cloth was being phased out in the early 90's.

Original "Portrait" figures were molded out of hard roughed plastic, then covered with plush fur or actual clothing assesories. Animations were very limited, though some did sport some novel animations ( such as early CEC's ability to spin his derby hat in surprise)

The 83' version of Helen Henny wore "makeup" that was made out of strands of black sequins, thin sheets of light blue plastic cut in the shape of her "eyeshadow" and embroidered black wavy trim for her "eyeliner". It is very difficult to find a classic era Helen with her blue "eyeshadow" intact and not cracked. It is also very hard to find one still wearing the original red sequin dress. Doubly difficult finding it with the pearl lining and rhinestone necklace still remaining as well. Most were pillaged when the character was junked, or removed to be reused for something else. Her black stole is also hard to come by.

As noted before earlier, the ORIGINAL Cyberamic version of Chuck E. that started to appear in PTT's in 1981 wore a BROWN vest, not the more famous red one. The Brown Vest was actually nothing more then thin flower-patterned fabric safety pinned to a stocky polyester yellow front peice. It consisted of four seperate peices, two vest halves, one front peice, and the bow tie. Later models came with the checkered vest that were all attached to one main peice that velcroed around the figures body.

Unlike today's Cyberamic figures, original PTT version did NOT have "body shells". Modern Cyberamics have these to protect the costumes/cosmetics from wear and to sheild the electonics/robotics from the fabric ( fire safety). Originally PTT Era figures had no such contraptions, though most were still sprayed for fire proofing.

The original PTT Parts Department was located in CA in a old ex-roller skating rink. This used to be a warehouse that Nolan used to store Atari games and products in the mid to late 70's, but when PTT came into a force of it's own, the building was put to further use. Across the street was the new Atari headquarters, thus why the building was availible.

Early models are sometimes not dated, but most Cyber figures from the Golden Era of PTT are dated. Most wooden frames have a small price-tag sized paper stapled in a reletively hidden area when in use not only stating who built the figure, but also the exact date ( month, day and year!) Many metal robtic frames are also dated in this way.

The ONE animation that has always been consistant with a PTT character up to the present day, regardless of which version Bot', is PASQUALLY's mustache twitch. He had this even when he was nothing more then a "order is ready" annoucer above the 1st PTT's kitchen window.

[dheineCECfan]

Helen Henny had more makeup in the 1980's?!

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

She was downright "****ty" in 83'!

Come on Darryl, i know you have seen the photos: Low cut sequin dress- large chest- "eyeshadow"- "eyeliner"- etc.

[amelovesjasper]

...Did all the girls have big breasts, or was it just Harmony? I had a feeling it was all of them... XDD

Those poor girls.

[dheineCECfan]

She was downright "****ty" in 83'!

Come on Darryl, i know you have seen the photos: Low cut sequin dress- large chest- "eyeshadow"- "eyeliner"- etc.

I know the 1980's Helen Henny robot and photos!

[chuckrules]

Jennnnnnnnnn! LOL

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

...Did all the girls have big breasts, or was it just Harmony? I had a feeling it was all of them... XDD

Those poor girls.

Yep, they sure did......

I would say Dolli and Broadway Helen take the award for "Largest Cup Size". The original designers of the PTT Cyberamic cosmetics made is more then obvious who was a gal and who was a lad back in those days....even Foxy and Sally had some impressive clevage!

Most certainly....having seen all of these gals up close, and in most cases having to ..er....undress them.

( gasp )

Harmony is SMALL compared to Helen.

Helen today has nothing. She has turtle shell bumps compared to what she used to haul around....

But of course...it just proves that today's young Helen is REALLY just the daughter of the original Helen Henny.

( wink wink..)

:laugh:

[chuckrules]

LOL Jenn! Any other Helen Henny images you might have made Jenn?:D

[dheineCECfan]

Largest cup size? Don't you mean nose size?

[Larry the Tech]

Here is some general info for those interested in reading more about older original Cyberamic versions of your favorite CEC characters:

All figures from the "classic era" ( 81' thru 83') were made of plush pile fur fabric and colored terry cloth. Today's figures tend to be made out of thinner fabrics, and the terry cloth was being phased out in the early 90's.

Original "Portrait" figures were molded out of hard roughed plastic, then covered with plush fur or actual clothing assesories. Animations were very limited, though some did sport some novel animations ( such as early CEC's ability to spin his derby hat in surprise)

The 83' version of Helen Henny wore "makeup" that was made out of strands of black sequins, thin sheets of light blue plastic cut in the shape of her "eyeshadow" and embroidered black wavy trim for her "eyeliner". It is very difficult to find a classic era Helen with her blue "eyeshadow" intact and not cracked. It is also very hard to find one still wearing the original red sequin dress. Doubly difficult finding it with the pearl lining and rhinestone necklace still remaining as well. Most were pillaged when the character was junked, or removed to be reused for something else. Her black stole is also hard to come by.

As noted before earlier, the ORIGINAL Cyberamic version of Chuck E. that started to appear in PTT's in 1981 wore a BROWN vest, not the more famous red one. The Brown Vest was actually nothing more then thin flower-patterned fabric safety pinned to a stocky polyester yellow front peice. It consisted of four seperate peices, two vest halves, one front peice, and the bow tie. Later models came with the checkered vest that were all attached to one main peice that velcroed around the figures body.

Unlike today's Cyberamic figures, original PTT version did NOT have "body shells". Modern Cyberamics have these to protect the costumes/cosmetics from wear and to sheild the electonics/robotics from the fabric ( fire safety). Originally PTT Era figures had no such contraptions, though most were still sprayed for fire proofing.

The original PTT Parts Department was located in CA in a old ex-roller skating rink. This used to be a warehouse that Nolan used to store Atari games and products in the mid to late 70's, but when PTT came into a force of it's own, the building was put to further use. Across the street was the new Atari headquarters, thus why the building was availible.

Early models are sometimes not dated, but most Cyber figures from the Golden Era of PTT are dated. Most wooden frames have a small price-tag sized paper stapled in a reletively hidden area when in use not only stating who built the figure, but also the exact date ( month, day and year!) Many metal robtic frames are also dated in this way.

The ONE animation that has always been consistant with a PTT character up to the present day, regardless of which version Bot', is PASQUALLY's mustache twitch. He had this even when he was nothing more then a "order is ready" annoucer above the 1st PTT's kitchen window.

You're right about the Pasqually mustache twitch, but I recall that the 3-stage bot does not.:choochoo:

[chuckrules]

Your right Larry the Tech. All three stage Pasqually bots do not have a mustache twitch. Hence cause that wasn't ever a ptt robotic version.

[Larry the Tech]

Your right Larry the Tech. All three stage Pasqually bots do not have a mustache twitch. Hence cause that wasn't ever a ptt robotic version.
Correct. I believe his mustache was some stringy stuff on 3 stage, and wasn't the plastic type. The only one that does have a twitch is the location in Washington where they have CEC stage bots on 3-stage:rolfe:

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

3-Stage figures are not considered "Cyberamics" as underneath they are really Creative Engineering creations. So the two types of Bots' are completely in different classes really.

The term "Cyberamics" was a fancy word coined by the original creators of Pizza Time Theatre to call their type of animatronic creations. Later on, long after PTT folded and the company of today came into exsistence this style of robotic figure is now simply called "CEC Stage" figures. 3-Stage figures are usually not referred to as such, thus why Pasqually's 3 stage antics were not covered.

;)

[dheineCECfan]

Boy, and I thought Cyberamic robots can be reused for Munch Band shows!

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Well they can in many cases....but you would not be able to use true Cyberamic costmetics on a 3-Stage CEI style Bot'.

Perhaps i should overview the 4 major styles of Animatronic robots seen in PTT/CEC's over the many years:

Early Animated Figures - 77' thru 79' - aka "Portrait Figures" ....... these would be the rough early versions of the characters mounted in large picture frames.

Cyberamics - 79' to present - aka "Cyberamic Figures" .........the most well known and traditional robotic figures that entertain at PTT/CEC

Concept Unified Figures - late 80's/ early 90's to present - aka "3-Stage Figures"........more advanced robotic figures that were originally Showbiz's Rock-aFire Explosion characters, converted over the CEC characters.

Garner Holt Figures - 97' to present - aka "Garnies" or "Studio C Figures".......the most complex of them all, very lifelike robotic character of Chuck E. "Garnies" is a term i use as a nickname for these newer figures.


With the exception of the first entry, Early Figures, all the other catagories still currently entertain and are operational at various CEC Resturants throughout the county.

[Larry the Tech]

That's a good list! I wonder if you could place a 1-stage Chuck E. on a Studio C Beta!!

Okay sorry
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2259583528_c43b6130f6_o.jpg

[chuckrules]

lol. meaning replacing studio c beta chuck and using the older ptt looking cec stage chuck bot? HMM the possiblities are endless. oh by the way Larry the Tech. I love that picture of the the cec stage chuck bot on the studio c beta stage.:D only wish all studio c versions had the other robotic stage characters also!:(

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

I can't remember if i have already posted this somewhere already, but it was recently confirmed that it was indeed CROQUET BALLS that were used as eyes on the "Classic" Era Cyberamics. These were drilled out and hollowed a little to cut the wieght down.

Here is a excerpt from a interesting document that surfaced recently. It gives a overview of the materials used to create and operate a PTT Era Cyberamic character:

"Pizza Time Theatre's animation system is the result of a $2.5 million ( in early 80's money..) development effort centering around a extensive use of computers. A DEC 11/23 is used to to program the character's movement and lighting cues to voice and music recordings. It takes five hours of programming for every one minute of recorded skit material.

When a skit is completed, the master tape is copied for each Pizza Time Theatre. Each set of Cyberamics has a TEAC X-7 Mark II tape deck in its control console which takes the movement command and decodes it to a 24-volt direct current control signal which is then sent over 26-conductor flat cable to the character's pheumatic solenoid printed circut assembly. The voltage controls the solenoid, allowing air to pass to the pnuematic cylinders throughout the mechanical skeletonto create movement. This movement is synchonized to the audio portaion of the show through the use of a microprossesor.

A unique feature of this systme is the automaic volume control. The noise level of the surrounding area is analyzed and the audio level of the show is adjusted automatically. Background music can also be played between skits and announcments can be made. " ( Side note here - This "automatic volume" control was still being used in many current CEC's up until the recent remodels. Background music, back in the day, was played via cassette tapes. A small cassette player was often hooked up to the main control center in some locations to automatically start playing the tape once the show skit reel stopped. Who says "Old technology" sucks?? Ha ha!! That's damn clever to me..)

Continuing now with the article:

"The character mechanism is composed of a vareity of products. Much of the skeleton is aluminum for it's light weight and structural integrity. Oil-impregnated bronze bearings are used at pivotal points for ease of assembly and maitennace.

Pheumatic cylinders of different lenghs and diameters are used to create the character's movement. Some of the parts are unique in their use but not in their design. For example, the eyes are made from drilled-out croquet balls and the tail pivot is actually a ball joint from an American Motors Pacer!

Character headpeices are built on a rigid skeletal framework made of quarter-inch and a half-inch European birch plywood. ( Added note - Earlier in this thread i was talking about the different types of wood...this is the "best" kind here, found on most 81' thru 85' models.) To provide contours in the face and body, one-inch thick 1.6-pound density foam is upholstered to the framework. The foam is then covered with a vareity of materials and notions to acheive the costume character."


I felt this article was important to share here as it notes specific equiptment models and other details. I know most of us who have PTT Shows or figures may find this all 'old news"...but for all the newer folks this may turn out to be something of interest.

[Vega III CEC]

Interesting it was, Jenn. A question that may have been already asked but I just wanted to know... Does Garner handcraft all of the CEC robots and the replacement parts or do they have more of a mold/ factory system? I ask because in the picture archives here every robot seems to have it's own personality even if they're all still Chuck.

[CEC3066]

it might be a little more Difficult to put a Studio C bot on an existing stage (other then 3 stage) for the simple reason that like the 3 stage Characters the Studio C character valve bank is under the stage wheras the PTT characters valve banks are built inside the characters backs.

[pizzacam]

Yeah and at some point PTT or CEC started replacing them or building them from scratch in some cases with nice new mac valve boards that have LED indicators and diagnostic buttons to be able to test each valve(movement) at a time!

NICE & SLICK! :cec_thumbs:

I was drooling when I first saw these...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p89/pizzacam/DSC_0824.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p89/pizzacam/DSC_0828.jpg

Thanks to RodHouTx for the pics from the Meadows, Tx store!!

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Damn, that is pretty sweet and modern! Here in Danvers, we have the original relics with none of this fancy shamancy stuff like "lights" and "buttons". When you wanted to do a "test", you would whip out a shaved off peice of wire and....

( Anyone who is a Tech will be freaking out right about now...lol)

Basically that was a alternative way i was taught to test a characters movement without having to go through all the Diagnostics. You would use a electrical wire with the plastic shaved off it's ends and manually touch one end to the movements "pot" and the other to the "hotspot". It was simple and effective, but you REALLY really really really had to know what you were doing! If you touched the wrong pot, you blew the whole thing out and fried the board! So yeah, it's safe to say this is something they will not teach you "officially" when you work on a Show...lol....but then again, "official" can be so boring! Nothing like wondering if you are going to fry your hand or blow up the Stage some morning while doing some quick repairs and tests....ha ha!

So yeah...it was good to be versed in the ancient art of correctly identifying what wire went to what screw hole!

Ha ha!

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Interesting it was, Jenn. A question that may have been already asked but I just wanted to know... Does Garner handcraft all of the CEC robots and the replacement parts or do they have more of a mold/ factory system? I ask because in the picture archives here every robot seems to have it's own personality even if they're all still Chuck.

Hey Vega III ( cool name by the way..)

Most of the parts for the 'Garnies" are factory made in a production line...but a small scale. Many of the peices are hand assembled and am fairly certain that the furring is done by hand. Detail work too...but as far as stamping out mask molds and silicon noses go, this is done in a more automated way.

I once had the pleasure of taking home the massive Studio C Manual from one of our local Stores back when i was working there. I had it for a couple of days, and clearly remember how heavy it was. This thing was GIGANTIC and covered everything you could possibly want to know about the Bot, mechanics, setup, sound system, EVERYTHING. I always regretted not copying some of the more interesting graphics, as it was fasinating to see the clever ways they made the figure and how they placed the internal components to make the figure so light, but also strong and fast moving.

[Larry the Tech]

Nice mac values. Is that Pasquallys? Also, where's the arm movements?

[CEC3066]

how'd the Cyber bot's get 10 functions?? I thought they only had *8*

[CEC3066]

Duh!!!I just remembered Pasqually and Munch GAINED Arm Movements in the Porch to Munch Band retrofit.

[chuckrules]

LOL YEAH JENN DON'T BE LIKE LARRY THE TECH AND FRY YOURSELF OR THE SHOW OR WORSE LOL! And Gabrial I love those pictures posted up above of the 2 stage MMBB show and of Pasqually old ptt mach valve.

[Shiney Happy Jenn]

Something i was reminded of recently:

Classic Era Jasper used to have a real corn cob pipe stuck behind the strings of his banjo's headstock. This appeared in 81' and lasted until 83' in many locations.

I have photos from Brandon, FL's PTT in 81' that i shot showing this. thing sticking up off of his headstock...and i always guessed as to what it could be ( the pipe that is..). Well, i was looking over those early promo shots of the original PTT Character voices and lo and behold in the background of one of the shots was the banjo headstock with the corn cob pipe!

Had to post that tidbit.

[dheineCECfan]

Something i was reminded of recently:

Classic Era Jasper used to have a real corn cob pipe stuck behind the strings of his banjo's headstock. This appeared in 81' and lasted until 83' in many locations.

I have photos from Brandon, FL's PTT in 81' that i shot showing this. thing sticking up off of his headstock...and i always guessed as to what it could be ( the pipe that is..). Well, i was looking over those early promo shots of the original PTT Character voices and lo and behold in the background of one of the shots was the banjo headstock with the corn cob pipe!

Had to post that tidbit.

Thought I would bump up this 4 year old thread...

Jasper never smoked a corn pipe, but rat CEC smoked a cigar in the early CECPTT years.