jcroscigno
Well-Known Member
Looks great to me. I think I'd be thoroughly interested in a good replica of this one.
The 12th Doctor's New Sonic Screwdriver
- Thread starter ManOfGallifrey
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- doctor who
Uk cave man
Active Member
Its been seen on the workbench at rubbertoe in photos so give it few weeks and I guess you'll be able to get one from them.
Nick posted a nice closeup as well as a confirmation that yes they will be doing replicas once the 11th sonics are out the door:
https://www.facebook.com/Rubbertoereplicas/posts/999277553463330
https://www.facebook.com/Rubbertoereplicas/posts/999277553463330
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
I second this. Excited to see what others will do but I'm definitely planning to put together a 3d printed kit if I can. Wish I knew more about electronics, this won't be as simple as incorporating a BYOS into the model like I did for the 8th Doctor alt sonic.
It seems as if there are three different modes for the screwdriver. Off, strobing, and all on. Its likely that there are at least two props, but is it possible that the electronics inside each one are different?
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Okay, so I've already started setting up sketches in Solidworks and the measurements given on the diagram from BBC America don't line up with the lengths on the image of the sonic itself. Not sure how this is possible since it's supposed to be a scale drawing but perhaps someone made a mistake - the question is, follow the measurements or build the model to match the image itself better?
And the other question is, does it extend or change form at all with moving parts? Those extra bits on the two sides near the middle of the length look like they might move but it's possible they don't.
And the other question is, does it extend or change form at all with moving parts? Those extra bits on the two sides near the middle of the length look like they might move but it's possible they don't.
In the short scene where Nick is constructing the sonic, it is pretty clear that he is using a central brass tube like on his 11th doctor sonics. Even if the tube was shortened, I don't see how he could incorporate an extension system while also fitting in batteries, the switch, and electronics into that tiny blue box.
Also, the concept art does vary from the sonic. The aluminium section where the bars are screwed in has some slight differences, such as rounded windows instead of square ones. You can scale the sonic by measuring the exposed brass tube where the wiry grip meets it. However, one should probably find the diameter of the tube first.
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Yeah, it's the age old dilemma of 'first to build' vs 'most accurate build'. I've generally made all of my props using screen grabs and known dimensions and working it all out while building the 3d model but since we've been given 'plans' for this one, it would seem a shame not to utilize them at all. Still, a lot of changes happen between conception and construction so edits will need to be made on the concept drawings in order to build an accurate model. It just seems odd to me that the measurements in the concept don't line up to the drawing itself.
On another note, It looks like the emitter pylon has a sort of spray-anodised look. The lower pieces could be cast resin, or just made from translucent blue acrylic. There isn't too much detail in the shots to be able to tell for sure.
EDIT: After looking at the close up on the Instagram page, it definitely seems like the parts were made from aluminium and given a coat of blue paint. There is a worn section near the control box that is exposing some aluminium. The top pylon seems to have an area where the paint "pooled up" and dried.
EDIT: After looking at the close up on the Instagram page, it definitely seems like the parts were made from aluminium and given a coat of blue paint. There is a worn section near the control box that is exposing some aluminium. The top pylon seems to have an area where the paint "pooled up" and dried.
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Capaldi also mentioned in his showing off of the new sonic that the one used in the last scene of the finale isn't the same as the one he's holding in the video, not to mention he made suggestions for changes to the prototype (which I'm assuming is what we see in the diagrams found on BBC America). So really, we still don't have enough info to make an accurate replica.
It is possible that they filmed the scene with the sonic in his hands later, and CG'ed the sonic into the tardis shots. Just my .2
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
I guess that's possible. He only said "which this wasn't even present at" referring to that scene. There are some noticeable differences between the one in the scene and the one he's holding - first thing I noticed was the length of the upper half and the size of the tip vs the shaft of that front end.
Zombie_61
Master Member
Too 90s Trek. It looks like something Geordi La Forge would keep in his toolbox. :rolleyesI like the bottom half, though it may be a little overdone on the blue. I really don't like the lights, it gives the sonic an overall toyish look. Looks a little 90's Trek, though.
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Okay, yeah, you're definitely right - you can tell the shot where he catches it has the sonic done in CGI - it's clearly not in his hands there but definitely is in the next shot - however, all the differences are there between the one shown in close up and the one he's holding in the interview.
greatwazoo42
Master Member
Broilermaker
Sr Member
I like it, where's the toy verison?
I'm not sure I'm seeing a difference between the interview and the closeup, but I do agree the one he catches is CG... also, the closeup of it operating could have been done with a stand-in once the prop was ready.
Its possible that they have two builds. An "A" prop and a "B" prop. Since they are handmade by Nick, its possible that there are some differences.
greatwazoo42
Master Member
Sort of like Luke's RotJ lightsaber.
The first revision of complex prop like this is never going to be right, there will always be need for tweaks and improvements.I think that working from what's available would get you 90-95% there. Then as more information is available you can do a second revision that's even closer. I work in electronics research and development... the first version of anything always has problems. Engineering is an iterative process. So, I wouldn't let incomplete information stop me from working on a replica. Especially when there is this much information!
