Blade Runner apartment key

[eltee]

Possible inspiration for the holes may be the Ving Card technology that I think was around as far back as when BR was in production. It used holes, but the hole end of the card was inserted into the lock. Where you held it was a thicker area with a square shape. The bottom 1/2 of this plastic card is roughly twice as thick as the top. Here's a photo of one I have, placed alongside a precise measurement device for reverse engineering purposes.

Since the prop version may have been made out of a battery cover, perhaps the original device had a speaker near the batteries that necessitated holes.

 

[Kevin]

<div class='quotetop'>(eltee @ Jul 13 2006, 05:43 PM) [snapback]1280046[/snapback]</div>

Possible inspiration for the holes may be the Ving Card technology that I think was around as far back as when BR was in production. It used holes, but the hole end of the card was inserted into the lock. Where you held it was a thicker area with a square shape. The bottom 1/2 of this plastic card is roughly twice as thick as the top. Here's a photo of one I have, placed alongside a precise measurement device for reverse engineering purposes.

Since the prop version may have been made out of a battery cover, perhaps the original device had a speaker near the batteries that necessitated holes.
[/b]

I gotta get me one of those precise measuring devices. Does it need batteries or is it self powered?

I agree that the holes are supposed to represent some sort of key technology. (Oh yeah, and aren't you supposed to give them back to the hotel when you leave?)

I started thinking about printing some of these out. The obvious thing for me to do, given the equipment I have to hand (precise or otherwise ) is to print on a label and stick that to some plasticard approximately 1mm thick.

I just wonder what the chances are of finding a supplier of 1mm thick plastic sheet that is compatible with ink jet printers. Has anybody seen anything like this?

 

[Kevin]

Well this is as far as I have progressed.

I thought I'd mock this up to see how close I am.

The perspective is cheated so don't be too picky. However, I can see that my arrows are too tall and the holes need tweaking. Apart from that I'm pretty pleased.

I shall be redrawing the katana script to match the screen image more closely.

As before, the call goes out to anybody who has or who knows somebody with the 1080 version recorded and can grab me some high res pictures.

 

[kdawg1]

Those look awesome, nice work

 

[Walter]

I posted this on prop circle as well, thought it was worthy to mention here.

Entry card information from Phil's wallet update diary:

"As I mentioned earlier, the screen-used Deckard apartment key was made from what appears to be the slide cover from the battery compartment of an electronic device that bears very unique markings and textures. Therefore, having the piece custom-made was out of the question. In order to maintain the integrity of the reproduction, a casting of the card was the only option.

Tentatively, the graphics will be printed on an archival-quality decal that will be applied to the cast card. On the other hand, if my printer is able to print directly onto the polyurethane casting (which they've said might be possible) the decal will be abandoned for that option."

Just remembered where I heard that from. If anyone has any ideaa about this or reference, let me know, I would be interested.

-Bryan

 

[TheSt.LouisKid]

bbabich,

I was visiting with PhoenixVader recently. He has some info on the key. I think lately he's been busy with some things but he is local to you and me.

By the by, I have an old publication featuring the original Blade Runner parking meter sign.

 

[Walter]

Nice. It would be great to get some more information on this piece.

As for the old publication... that would be of interest to me as well.

-Bryan

 

[Noeland]

I'm a bit curious what an "archival-quality decal" is. Does this mean a really expensive to make and buy sticker?

I am not trying to be a smart alec, I'm am honestly ignorant to what it means.

Anyone catch the blade runner wallet on ebay? My heart stopped for a moment as I thought someone may have broken thier contract, then I saw it was spinner44, and knew better.

But it looked damn cool to me. If I had two pennies to rub together I'd of bid.

 

[Kevin]

<div class='quotetop'>(kdawg1 @ Jul 26 2006, 03:15 PM) [snapback]1288175[/snapback]</div>

Those look awesome, nice work
[/b]

Thank you. It's a bit closer now. I have re-drawn the katana symbols and re-positioned the holes. I'll post another picture later.

Meanwhile, I'd like to second bbabich's call for any info people have.

My plan had been to print a waterslide decal to apply to white plastic of credit card thickness. I assume that the piece should really be shaped. Perhaps, as a battery cover, it should have an arrow or thumb grip cast in it. Any suggestions? I have tried to avoid making things up for this item so far and only gone with elements I can deduce from the few screen grabs.

Again, if anyone has the full resolution version of the recent high definition broadcast, I'd ask them to grab a frame of this piece so that I can check the katana script (and anything else that might become clear).

Cheers

 

[TheSt.LouisKid]

<div class='quotetop'>(bbabich @ Jul 31 2006, 04:51 AM) [snapback]1291040[/snapback]</div>

Nice. It would be great to get some more information on this piece.

As for the old publication... that would be of interest to me as well.

-Bryan
[/b]

Let me know. Maybe here soon you, me, and PhoenixVader can meet up.

 

[Kevin]

<div class='quotetop'>(TheSt.LouisKid @ Jul 31 2006, 05:09 AM) [snapback]1291025[/snapback]</div>

By the by, I have an old publication featuring the original Blade Runner parking meter sign.
[/b]

Cinefantastique, by any chance? It's a good issue.

 

[eltee]

<div class='quotetop'>(Noeland @ Jul 30 2006, 11:50 PM) [snapback]1291059[/snapback]</div>

Anyone catch the blade runner wallet on ebay? My heart stopped for a moment as I thought someone may have broken thier contract, then I saw it was spinner44, and knew better.

But it looked damn cool to me. If I had two pennies to rub together I'd of bid.
[/b]

What a good looking set, plus it has a metal badge. Sweet.

 

[Tiberius Kirk]

That's a beauty.............1

 

[gusw666]

looks amazing.

 

[Noeland]

Yeah, sorry for hijacking the thread, but that's the wallet I was speaking of.

As for the apartment key, is it possible that one could be made the way those old keyes used to be made? Are the companies who manufactured that technology around any longer?