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Russ Ducksley singing duck — repair

Russ Ducksley — gearbox, wiring, and singing mechanism

Russ Ducksley singing duck

NeedleworkElectronicMechanical

26 August 2025

Russ Ducksley Singin' in the Rain animatronic duck — corroded batteries, stripped gears, and a silent mechanism. We replaced contacts and wiring, 3D-printed gearbox gears, rebuilt the drive train, and restitched the plush so he sways, taps his foot, and sings again.

Work in progress

Before — repair Repair in progress 1 Repair in progress 2 Repair in progress 3 Repair in progress 4 Repair in progress 5 Repair in progress 6 Repair in progress 7 Repair in progress 8 Repair in progress 9 Repair in progress 10 Repair in progress 11 After — repair

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The repair

Ducksley arrived silent and stiff — corroded battery contacts and stripped gears inside the singing mechanism. We opened the plush skin and deep-cleaned the body, replaced the battery contacts and wiring, then disassembled the motion chassis. Broken gears were 3D printed and fitted in the gearbox, the train was lubricated and reassembled, and electrical tests confirmed sway, foot tap, and song again before the skin was restitched closed.

About this item

Russ (Russ Berrie / Russ Gift) Ducksley — The Singing Duck "Singin' in the Rain" (circa 2003): yellow plush duck with yellow rain hat and checkered bow tie. Animatronic motion sways side to side and taps a foot while playing the song. Internal plastic chassis with DC motor, gear train, speaker grille, and battery-powered sound board. Aged units often need gear, belt, harness, or contact service.

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