aliens, facehugger stasis tube

[m4rtijn]

Hi,

im new here so i'm not sure how this works.

First off im trying to create the "facehugger stasis tube" from aliens. I already have an unpainted facehugger.



I used filler & primer + sandpaper to get a decent base coat and to get rid of the 3d printing artifacts.

Now im missing a few infos and items to continue my project and I was hoping some friendly users here might be able to help.

1. The Stasis Chamber

I'm looking for a transparent acrylic / PET or plexiglass tube with ca. 15 cm diameter and 35 cm height.

I've done multiple online searches and went through some local stores. The only thing I've found was from a specialists acrylic cylinder company which was very pricey ( about 200 euros ).

Maybe someone knows a bottle, vase or some packaging which can be used?

2. The stasis chamber top Cap.

I've already found some reference material on yourprops:
https://www.yourprops.com/Facehugger-in-Stasis-Chamber-replica-movie-prop-Aliens-1986-YP46080.html
I was wondering if anyone made a 3d model of this.

3. The paint job

Im totally not a good painter and i do not know which kind of color to use. I was planning acrylic paint - will this stick on filler and primer?

Thats it for now.

Greetings from sunny Germany
Martijn

 

[dropshipbob]

1.Stasis chamber

If you found something that would work and costs 200 euros, I'd say you are lucky. I don't know if that's the correct size (or if you are even interested in a correct size) but years ago there was a group project here in which someone had a company make corrected sized tubes that were also sealed on one end, and it was very expensive, $400+ USD...but that also came with parts for the top. I'm not sure you'll find anything in a store or off the shelf that will work. There are glass vases, but they are nowhere near the correct height or width.

2. Stasis chamber top cap

I've never heard or seen anyone offer 3D printed versions, but I by no means know everything that is being offered out there.

3. Paint job

Are you asking about painting the stasis tube cap and bottom, or the facehugger? On my stasis tube, I used a hammered metallic silver color that was made either by Krylon or Restoleum. That's the easy part. Any brushed aluminum color should work. If you are asking about the facehugger...that's a whole different story, but acrylic will stick to filler and primer. I based my facehugger with krylon grey primer, gave it a base of some sort of flesh color and used acrylics to do the rest. I think it turned out nicely. The thing you have to keep in mind is, if you plan on putting your facehugger in water so that you HAVE to coat it with something waterproof! Water will cause acrylic paint to lift and peel off, even if you use a spray-on sealer. I used Envirotex clear resin and brushed on several coats...which did give it a nice waterproof seal, but you have to handle it carefully as the clear resin dries hard but clear, creating a "shell" of sorts all over the piece. If you try bending it or flexing any of the parts, you risk causing small stress cracks in the coating which could allow water to seep in and potentially ruin the paint.

 

[m4rtijn]

Hi,

first off - thanks for the great advice, especially about the paint job. I hadnt thought about the work i still have to put into the model to make it waterproof.

1. i"m planning a scale of ca. 1:2 and i found a cylinder today for 40 euros. ( ca. because of inch - cm )

2. If I make a 3d model of it - can I share the files here? Also do you know where I can get the right dimensions?

3. Thanks again here..

Kind regards
Martijn

 

[Rogviler]

Here's a very budget-friendly version I just watched the other day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO8mdQJrtrs

If you wanted to got a lot more accurate you could, but it's a good place to start (and Odin's always fun to watch).

-Rog

 

[cavx]

A stasis tube is something I am adding to my build list. The difference is that mine will be a wall mounted half tube. I actually want 2D diffusers for my home cinema and given I collect props now, decided to mix the two themes.

The prices above seem to be high, but like any good prop, you get what you pay for. And sometimes making a replica prop ends up costing more than buying a licenced version.

So how big are the real tubes?

There are suppliers close to me that do Perspex pipe in varying Dia up to 1200mm. Granted you will pay BIG $$$ for that size, but the smaller stuff should be more affordable.

As a test on my vacuum form, I was able to make a half cylinder from 6mm Perspex. 6mm is pretty thick (and heavy) for a replica prop, but for my acoustic requirements, the thicker the better, so I intend to make a black one for the opposite side wall and will use this clear one as a stasis chamber for some form of alien.

 

[m4rtijn]

Hi,

here is some good reference material:

http://goldenarmor.com/stasischamber/2013/6/25/aliens-stasis-chamber.html

http://goldenarmor.com/facehugger-stasis-tube/stasis-chamber-update-2014-photo-gallery/19330820

The correct size for the tube is 12 inch.

The CONTROL BOX (the bit on top) by itself is: DIAMETER: 23.5 cm (9.25")

But some detailed dimensions would be awesome.

Kind regards
Martijn

 

[Dreamscape]

https://plasticonline.co.uk/cut-to-size-plastic/acrylic-material/acrylic-tube/457mm-18-lengths.html

A 15cm diameter 45.7cm length clear acrylic cylinder is £10.91 (12.25 Euro). Don't know if they ship to Germany and if this would be a cheaper option if they can.

 

[m4rtijn]

I made a 3d model with fusion 360 of the control box - if anyone is interested in a copy - pls let me know.
This isnt acurate - If somebody could inform me about the correct dimensions - I'd love to make an acurate model.

Kind regards
Martijn

 

[BrundelFly]

Well..I made the one you referenced in the Picture.

 

[gmsnoodles]

Hey Martjin - that model looks awesome. Im currently building a tank myself with a few personalized touches but the top of the tank is something Ive really struggled with. Any chance I could get a copy of your 3d files?

 

[james77]

they look truly amazing,,can i ask is it just water you put in,,

 

[kurtyboy]

Well I never even thought about making one of these until I saw this thread. Now it's on my list!

 

[m4rtijn]

Hi @gsmnoodles - I'm more experienced now with the 3d modelling software and I finally got my acryllic tubing.

I will make a new 3d model today which dynamically scales if the base radius is changed ( which my previous model did not ).

@gsmnoodles - what is the diameter of your tube?

Also I might make a ready to use printable version.

Anyone an idea how I can get my hands on some specs of the control box?

Kind regards
Martijn