Dark City Memory Needle

[TheAtomicSoul]

I had a poster from Dark City hanging in my storage building till about 2004 when I moved; I loved this movie and decided to drop a prop from it.

(As I'm waiting interest before I produce either the Danger Ball or the Wooden Nickel, I can't help but to fulfill my desire to create wither another item!)

I wasn't too sure about creating this one as I found a couple old threads in theRPF related to it; as the most recent edit in any of those is about three years old I don't think there will be any conflict of interest.

While setting up the size/shape for it I've been considering how to make it function and I *THINK* I've come up with a way to make the wings open when you press down on the plunger!

 

[djmastayoda]

Way underrated aussie movie. Be that man sir!

"I never worked day in my life, I just lay back and let the big beat lead me."

The Jungle Brothers

 

[Gixxerfool]

Totally and utterly subscribed. One of my all time favorite movies.

 

[ahoudini]

Great prop from a great movie! I am definitely along for this ride!

 

[rashielx]

One word on this. Yes.

 

[TheAtomicSoul]

Just a quick update: I've been working on these and test printing, but because of how small and thin some of the moving parts are my machine isn't capable of achieving the required level of detail and- more importantly- consistency to be able to test these before production.

What this means is that I will be taking a different approach to how these are produced and sold. It also means it's going to take a bit more time for them to be produced because I will have to print through a 3rd party during testing phases to make sure it all fits and functions.
The additional down side is that this production method will increase the cost of the final product: at a quick price quote it's looking like all the final parts in total will be about $95.
Since I'll be using the change in production method I'll be able to finish the plunger mechanism and move on to getting the "fins" to open when you press down.


QUESTION!

The one catch I'm not able to tell is the details on the metal part in the movie. While most of it is just a "rough metal" look- which will be replicated with the material these are made from (sans color), there appears to either be a raised or lowered section in the tube section of the metal under where the handle attaches.

Reference


Testing parts: different methods for the plunger, length of parts (they're not all the same length) and ways to assemble them. The glass part will be clear and you'll be able to see the black line passing through the center.
I will be able to make it where you can add a liquid inside the glass section, but that will increase the cost of the glass section accordingly.

 

[ahoudini]

Excitement is building! I remain in for one!

 

[nick daring]

Very coooool!

 

[screenseenprops]

I'm sure someone on here a few years back was doing the same project, maybe worth a search to see where they got?

 

[TheAtomicSoul]

Sorry for the long delay in updates!
I've been working on a couple paid projects, a pending kickstarter, and the projects here!

- screenseenprops: I'll hit'em up to see if they guessed at it or found a better pic!

I'll ask them, along with restarting the model.
While what I got worked to a degree, how thin the walls of the plunger section are at the top are causing the issue with my FMD printer due to tiny degrees in warping. The good news is this has gotten me thinking of ways to make it function better because of how it'll be produced. (a few restrictions I won't have to worry about!)

I should be back on this project later this week!

 

[TheAtomicSoul]

It's taken me a while to get back to this one.

After getting so far I realized that I couldn't figure out a way I could print and cast it myself and make it functional. While there ARE several more technical ways it would be possible I simply don't have the capacity to be able to do what would be needed in that way.

Recently I decided to revisit this project with a different plan: I would set it up to be 3D printed in nylon which would allow it to be made without the thickness issues I foresaw trying to cast it myself, along with setting a "built in" way for the plunger to function without being overpriced.
I haven't printed it yet to ensure it works or paint it (kinda broke) but I plan to order it in black and paint it metallic from there.

If you'd like more info on it hit me up on Facebook here: www.TheAtomicSoul.com

 

[Funky]

This is one of those props that always seems to take off then peters out before completion.
I really hope this comes to fruition.

 

[Gixxerfool]

This is one of those props that always seems to take off then peters out before completion.
I really hope this comes to fruition.

I'm with this guy. Judging by the talent in this board I could see why. No one here would half ass this. Trying to make it fully functional seems to be quite daunting. Not that I should be one to talk with me lack of progress.

 

[falloutboy]

I have a resin printer coming late next month / beginning of January, and would be willing to assist on this if you want help?

 

[TheAtomicSoul]

I'm with this guy. Judging by the talent in this board I could see why. No one here would half ass this. Trying to make it fully functional seems to be quite daunting. Not that I should be one to talk with me lack of progress.

Yea, one version the wings don't move automatically, the other does but I had to make an external setup, which makes it no longer "screen accurate".
I'm still trying to work out a way to get it all internal.

I have a resin printer coming late next month / beginning of January, and would be willing to assist on this if you want help?

I've got the trouble that I troubleshoot as I go along.

I've uploaded it to Shapeways and have it ready to print, just have to wait till I have the funds together to get it. I made short spring sections inside it, connected in several places, that should push each section down evenly as pressure is applied. My biggest concern on this is that they may be --too-- short to work properly. Never having attempted it I don't have a good way to find out in advanced.

On the tip, as visible in the second picture above, I made a mechanism on the outside of end that will pull the wings/fins down when the center bar from the plunger goes down when it's pressed. This causes an internal section to move down with friction from this, and moves back up when it goes up. I wanted to try making the two sections more connected but couldn't find a better way for this mechanism. Admittedly I'm FAR from being a mechanical engineer but I do like to try.


I just realized I didn't make the holes in the wings yet, so I need to go back and add those in. Good new is adding holes makes it cheaper to print! XD

 

[Gixxerfool]

Depending on which version you're building the wings are sort of latched and spring loaded so when the plunger is pressed it just in latches them. Is that right?

 

[TheAtomicSoul]

UPDATE!

Depending on which version you're building the wings are sort of latched and spring loaded so when the plunger is pressed it just in latches them. Is that right?

... I have no idea. XD

I know of the "Special" one they were going to use to put their mind into the guy, but it doesn't actually have moving parts on it. That one would've been easier, but less iconic.


The other... I don't know how the real prop worked. I'm sure using metal it'd be easier to make a spring and latch setup, but I've got neither the knowledge nor skills to be able to do it in that manner.

THANKFULLY your question did make me think about the mechanics again, so I got the movie and managed to get a better view of the bottom section. It seems I had designed it wrong and that is a good thing. After seeing the correct design I went in and redesigned the mechanics for the wing section so it can both function AND appear true to the movie!
Now the mechanics are there, but hidden and SHOULD function properly. I say that in bold because it needs tested.

Anyone want and willing to be the first to test it?

 

[Gixxerfool]

UPDATE!




[SNIP]


View attachment 560067View attachment 560068

Ok. I was under the impression you had a design for it. By testing it do you mean printing it?

 

[TheAtomicSoul]

Ok. I was under the impression you had a design for it. By testing it do you mean printing it?

Nope, nothing but my own concept/ guesswork on how it functions. It has to be printed in Nylon through an online service to be functional. Basically the material is used as the springs throughout the print, something that can't be simulated with PLA, ABS or liquid resins.

I figure it's worth the investment and ordered one (as early Birthday and Christmas gift to myself.) I'll be getting it in about Dec 14th so I can verify it's functional. When I do I'll upload a video of it moving (or failing to do so) to let others see how well it works.

 

[Gixxerfool]

It's great work. The materials look good as well. It's a little out of my price range right now. Maybe after Christmas.