I found this forum due to an archived post on woodbabies.  I understand about the bicycle brake cable system, but what I cannot seem to find is diagrams of the cable set ups for things like head movement and mouth movement.  I'd had an idea for a glove operated movement system allowing me more refined movement as well as more than just the up/down/left/right/twist I get from my woodbaby.  I'd love to add mouth opening and wing flaps and stretches.

What exactly are you looking for? Is it the the construction of the joints that you are wanting?  Cable systems are simply the push pull of a cable inside a sleeve so there really is no diagram really needed. The most important thing about that is that your outside sleeve must be securely anchored at each end.

There really are not diagrams available.

mostly how and where on the "doll" body to attach the cables to achieve the desired movement.  Or is it all really as simple as attaching the sleeve to the part and running the line?  What about the opening and closing of the mouth?  That's what I was hoping to diagram, the way the lines run to accomplish certain movements.

It may or may not be useful, but maybe check out Hobey Ford's website. I haven't seen any info specific to shoulder puppets, but he has a lot of great resources to do with cable-control and rod puppets.
http://www.hobeyford.com/downloads

Nice find on the Hobeyford diagrams Na!  His take on the eye mech is very interesting. The fact that he attached it to the moth plate is something I've not seen before. Normally you I see it attached into a "skull".

The mech for opening and closing the mouth could be similar to how they are made on a ventriloquist dummy.  The difference might be that on a vent doll you would normally use a just a line outside of a sleeve that ran down to a trigger. That line would be substituted for a cable brake.  I don't think I've seen a diagram for this although there are quite a few images out there of the actual thing. I'll see if I can find something.

Have a look at this site. http://www.puppetsandprops.com/TheFredProject.html It will give you an idea of how things work inside a vent dolls head.  Now he has used springs to keep the mouth closed. Pulling on the string opens the mouth. You can use springs with cable control also if you want or you can leave them with out.

Click on the "Installing Mechanics".  See the wheel in the base of the head that the string is running over?  I would say that is about the location you would mount the sleeve of your cable.  Remember you want to leave enough room from the end of the sleeve to where it attaches so that you get the full pull action you need. How would you test that?  It needs to be a bit beyond where the connect to the lower jaw would be if open.

Here Goggle "Google Search: puppet mechanism" then look at the image results for the search.  You'll find a ton of images of puppet innards.  Might give you some more ideas.  BTW there is never just one way to do something. Don't be afraid to experiment.

thank you, when I get around to actualy building I'll post images.  It's going to take me some time, I'm just in dreaming/planning stages now.

Shawn!!! That is a stellar link! Wow- and double wow. The way the eye mechs are explained on there is amazing. I am excited to try that out. Thanks for that post. Totally made my day.

Kimberly

Nice find on the Hobeyford diagrams Na!  His take on the eye mech is very interesting. The fact that he attached it to the moth plate is something I've not seen before. Normally you I see it attached into a "skull".

I haven't noticed that before - that's pretty cool. I'll have to look into it. I've been wanting to do an improved version of my original blinking eyes and maybe his work may have some hints of how to do it.

Here is another blog that has a great tutorial for a bird puppet with cable controlled wings.  http://constructionofthecreative.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-i-made-cable-operated-bird-puppet_30.html