It was Purely QMx Sonic Screwdrivers...

themeinside

All three quoted for the truth they provide.

But I think sound is most definitely the way to go with these- perhaps incorporating the 'Artisan' and 'Standard' editions. Artisan- Kenney's idea of exact workings to the screen used, 100% exact to the filming prop edition- No Sound. 'Standard'- Idealised prop with sound.

VortexRunner

KCP will the sonic be spring loaded or flick of the wrist action? I prefer the flick of the wrist action as I believe the catches will get easily worn out?

As for the accuracy, I think the replica should be as close to the original but bearing in mind, these things are fragile and need constant maintenance - making them screen accurate in this respect would be a poor choice.

greatwazoo42

QFE and stuff.

whitefall

Haven't posted in a while, but I saw this thread and thought I'd chime in, for what it's worth.

Full disclosure - I do occasional freelance work for QMx. My day job is also in CAD/CAM software. Completely coincidentally, Kenny uses the CAM software our company develops (I actually ran into him before I knew his affiliation with QMx, when he was looking for some additional CAM software. Pretty bizarre, actually).

- I've seen his stuff, both completed and as CAD files, and there's no other way to describe it other than top notch. Especially some of the CAD files. Absolutely stunning.

- I'm very well aquainted with 3D scanning and what results can be produced straight from untreated objects. As it happens, I'm out in Washington now doing a series of site visits, 3/4 of which employ handheld laser scanners on a variety of untreated surfaces, and the results can be INCREDIBLY accurate.

I can't speak to the sonic - I haven't seen scans, CAD, or protoypes - but judging from the previous work I've seen I don't think there's any question about the skill level involved.

DaddyfromNaboo

Let´s continue the discussion of QMx sonic screwdrivers.

Regards,
Michael
RPF staff

NTBBCPD

...........................

greatwazoo42

That's a toughie. Like I've said a few times I'd love QMx to release two levels of the replica. One being designed to be as close to the real thing as possible but made to be affordable (with sound) and the other be an artisan grade replica which is exact in every detail (warts and all) to the real prop to the point you could put one next to the other and not know which is which.

mistersh0w

Been lurking the thread for a while, but I just wanted to second the idea of the "2 levels" of the replica. Mostly because I'd really want sound included, and the non-"premium" version would be perfect as a higher end "toy" for cosplay and fun.

Of course if the "premium" close-to-perfect sonic included sound somehow without compromising the authenticity, I'd be down for that too!

greatwazoo42

Thanks! My thinking is that the lower cost one would be good for cosplay and for every day carry while the artisan level version is for puting in the display cabinet and occationally taking out to admire.

Mr.Spider

I have always preferred the idealized prop, mad as if it were the real thing, without the scrapes and dings

themeinside

For sure, I don't quite get the whole pre-relic'd look...

Birdie

How could QMX possibly release a 'warts and all' exact replica, with no sound, and charge more for it than an idealised (ie like 99% of fans think they are seeing on screen) one with more functionality

Come on guys, whatever Kenney is saying about wanting input, QMX is a business, and that business model would be commercial suicide, even without the inevitably high pricetag of such a piece.

These threads just keep getting weirder...

greatwazoo42

Considering the membership here; weird is a compliment. LOL!

TrumpetClark05

It has to do with volume. More people would buy up the "cosplay" level of the piece, so one would assume that a marginally lower price coupled with high demand would equal a reasonable profit. The crowd that desires high end, "it could've walked off the set" replicas are a smaller bunch who will likely pay whatever is asked for a limited run, limited number item. I don't believe that line of though is entirely unrealistic...if it goes down that way is another matter entirely.

jedibugs

A couple things about the idea of a "Warts and all" sonic... First, it is patently impossible to make a definitive replica in this fashion, as those dings and scrapes and repairs evolve over time. You could make a definitive replica of ONE of the props for a given MOMENT in time, but it would only be indistinguishable for that single prop for a small window of time. Next time Matt drops the sonic, BAM, you're no longer screen accurate.
Secondly, I just don't get it. I can see why you'd want an actual warts and all prop that was really and truly used for filming... It's a piece of the history of your favorite show or movie, but a replica of that? To put my thoughts on this in context, lets switch gears to a different property... Say, the Blade movies. Now, Blade used a cool, unique sword. I'm sure, most of the time, the sword used on set was resin and probably didn't look all that great when you were holding it in your hands. Owning that original resin sword? Awesome. Owning a mass-produced exact "warts-and-all" replica of that resin sword? Um... Less than awesome. Give me the vampire-killing, 420 stainless steel katana of death, please.
Lastly, when asked what we wanted, he was looking for how to make the ONE prop to appease the most people. QMx don't seem likely to make a trio of props to serve every nook and cranny of an already fairly limited market. They're making a prop replica from a TV show that most Americans have never even heard of. (Before you argue that point, look outside your circle of friends... Try asking some random people what the hell a sonic screwdriver is). They're not Coca-Cola. We can have Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke or Coke Zero. Or, maybe some mixture of two or more of those. We're not going to get the whole Coke lineup, so let's just pick our favorite damn flavor. Mine is the coldest one, that hasn't gone flat, and whose can is still brightly colored with no dents. Oh, and real sugar, please.

Mr.Spider

you forgot vanilla coke........

Birdie

Plus, that limited market has already been served by the very slow selling MFX and the CT replicas in the case of the Tennant. How much business does that really leave for QMX?

A pretty damn good cosplay Matt Smith is already out there, Character Options sell them.

And what of the River sonic and Laser screwdriver? Hardly anyone has even mentioned them...

I really don't think we are gonna see artisan vs 'stunt'. IMHO QMX should work their asses of to get the hella complex high quality Smith sonic out there to test the market, and stop even thinking too hard about the others.

Folk on the RPF are very keen on talking up what they wanna have available, but when the time comes to get the wallet out...

Well, just ask any of us who have run interest threads over the years

kursosawa

Sound or not, I just want me a 11th Doc Sonic done in metal. And a Laser Screwdriver for that matter. Though Admittedly some sort of simple display stand for the sonic would be preferred.

Laamberry

I'm with jedibugs on this one. A more "well-loved" sonic would certainly have more character to it but it's really just impossible to replicate that perfectly and then to make it marketable. I mean what would you put ,"accurate up until episode __ of series __"? The best bet is to just make them all new looking and anybody who wants to weather theirs can roll it across their driveway a bit or just carry it with them a lot. Also not against the idea of a stunt/costume version but really, isn't that what the toys are good for? Or you could just be careful.Very careful.

QMx GGD

Birdie, I rather like this idea. I think I'll pass it along ;-)

mooneye63

I totally agree with Jedibugs. Well put Sir!

So, would you be happy if QMx produce a limited edition sonic for each episode? Madness. I suppose if they were brand spanking new they are SA from the 1st ep they aired, if that helps? All my Sonics have wear & tear from me & thus are uniquely MY Sonics.

Of course Birdie is also right, a lot of hot air is blown on tis sight that soon dissipates when it comes to dipping hands in wallets. That's why QMx will have to release a robust cleaned up version that is VFM, tough enough for them (or anyone else new to producing these replicas) in this current climate & limited market that has been already well catered for.

jedibugs

Maybe it's because I'm tired, but I cAnt figure out what VFM is supposed to mean.

mooneye63

Sorry Jedibugs its Value For Money. They are using VFM a lot when describing extras on Classic Who DvD's.

Ha! Also had another thought. A true SA 10th Sonic could never be achieved anyay due to the unique properties of the crackle finishes used!

themeinside

It would be, if the toys were in any way accurate- they are rubbish in that respect, and way too big. For someone that even vaguely cares about screen accuracy, they are chronic. I mean, it's got 2 buttons on the blue strip instead of one on the slider.

kursosawa

If QMX can develop an 11th Stunt sonic that can take a beating and a premium version, that would be sweet. Goodness knows that my CO 11th sonic takes a beating getting flung around and such. Though my wallet would hate it coz i know i'd get both. even if i have to sell most of my lightsaber collection to do it!