Doctor Who - Gadgets and Contraptions: The Mirror Matcher

[Risu]

Any writing you can photograph would be very much appreciated. Stamping, too. Particularly anything that might be a brand name or model number on the grips, clock crank, light assemblies, spark plugs, brass cross/tap handle, or mirror mount/clamp. Also, if you can get any good shots of the hardware on the belts it would help me out a lot. Oh, and if there's any way to get a straight-on top-down look at the markings on the dial, that would also be excellent.

 

[Angelus Lupus]

Not to hijack the thread... but on the off-chance the have the Impossible Astronaut envelopes on display pleasepleaseplease grab some snaps?

 

[Kingpin]

If they're there, I'll try grab some shots of them, especially the stamps.

 

[davidnagel]

Ben! Put two laser beams exactly 2 inches apart on your camera and switch on while photographing

That way we can get some good measurements, haha.

Alternatively, when no one is looking, steal it from the display and come to Bedford

 

[rubbertoe]

I just came across this thread, I made this prop for the show, any questions you have just send me a message. You have done well in tracking down the items you have, if I remember correctly the handle bars were off a small child's bike which I cut up, you see the problem was that the whole contraption had to fit inside a small suitcase, so I found a child's bike in the prop store and butchered it up until it fit inside. The small lights I think were from IKEA, the brass surrounds they fit in were actually perspex lazer cuts that I had made for one of my Rubbertoe Rayguns. I did not use the parts and the lights fitted in so well I sacrificed them for this prop. You see in the studios we have a hugh prop store full of all sorts of junk, I just nosey around and take what I think will work on the prop and chuck it on. Ive put some photos on of me wearing it and a close up.There is also a picture of it on this link to my website
prop makers

prop makers
Prof RubberToe Rayguns

 

[Risu]

Wow! I'll send you a PM for the specifics, but I've got to say thanks so much for the pictures and info you've posted already and any help you can give later. And thanks for building such awesome props for the show as well.

 

[rubbertoe]

No problem buddy. Glad to help. I've always thought more should be shown of our props department on confidential, there is a whole bunch of people who'd be really interested in the stuff we do. I'll be at comi com next week at a certain stand with a few certain things, if your going come and say hi!

 

[Risu]

I'll be there! Will you be at the QMx booth, or a different one?

 

[davidnagel]

Wow I'm late to the party and only the bloody prop builder himself posts here!

Mind if I shoot you a PM too sir?

 

[Hogosha]

Rubbertoe,
Good on you brother!

 

[rubbertoe]

Hey Guys, all questions are welcome, glad to help. Just give me a bit of time to reply, very busy at the mo getting ready for comic com, its a long bloody way from Wales.

Prof RubberToe Rayguns
prop makers

 

[Kingpin]

Always nice to see the talents behind the production having the opportunity to stop on by. Without a doubt there'll be plenty of people who'll be greatful of you stopping by. That photograph of the dial graphics is absolutely perfect.

Edit: I see your company also created the River Song Sonic Screwdriver, would it be possible to see higher resolution versions of the photos that you currently have on display?

 

[Angelus Lupus]

... I've always thought more should be shown of our props department on confidential, there is a whole bunch of people who'd be really interested in the stuff we do.

Totally! As much as I enjoy confidential, they do tend to focus on the guest stars. Props and sets would interest a lot of people!

 

[Kingpin]

Any writing you can photograph would be very much appreciated. Stamping, too. Particularly anything that might be a brand name or model number on the grips, clock crank, light assemblies, spark plugs, brass cross/tap handle, or mirror mount/clamp. Also, if you can get any good shots of the hardware on the belts it would help me out a lot. Oh, and if there's any way to get a straight-on top-down look at the markings on the dial, that would also be excellent.

With the photographic expedition to the Experience set for tomorrow, are there any additions/modifications you'd like to make to your requests, Risu?

This offer is also extended to anyone seeking more material of the various props on display.

 

[Risu]

I think I mentioned everything, should be good to go. Thanks again!

 

[Kingpin]

Apologies for the delay, but without further ado, the new Mirror Matcher collection:

Unfortunately as the Matcher is in a display case in a dimly-lit section, I wasn't able to spot many markings with the naked eye, a number did show up thanks to the flash, but some were still barely readable, as you'll have seen.

I will also be uploading the full-resolution photos to Megaupload, so you can peruse those at your pleasure... I'll probably be doing this tomorrow as I need to break the collection down into parts, as if I uploaded it all in one file, it'd take several hours to complete.

 

[davidnagel]

Thanks for the snaps Ben - should come in useful!

Interesting, the mirror is different to that in the pic that Nick posted before it left his workshop...

 

[Risu]

Yea, it looks like the cap was damaged and the top broke off. Pretty cool that we can see how it's rigged now, though.

David, have you made any progress on yours lately? I haven't had the time or money to do anything with mine in a long time, but I'm hoping I can get back to it soon. Those clamps holding the mirror rig are going to be a pain. I haven't seen anything remotely like them, might have to be 3D printed, which will cost probably more than all the rest of the parts combined.

 

[Kingpin]

Organic Mechanic at TARDIS Builders has identified the knob on the central dial, it has been taken from a Cambridge Extensometer:

 

[davidnagel]

Yea, it looks like the cap was damaged and the top broke off. Pretty cool that we can see how it's rigged now, though.

Oh I meant it looks like a completely new mirror, the manufacturer markings are different to the Nick Workshop pic. Unless my eyes have gone all screwy

David, have you made any progress on yours lately? I haven't had the time or money to do anything with mine in a long time, but I'm hoping I can get back to it soon.

Not very far, only just about reached where you are...

I'm talking to a local fibreglass company to give me a good deal on getting a pull from this.

Those clamps holding the mirror rig are going to be a pain. I haven't seen anything remotely like them, might have to be 3D printed, which will cost probably more than all the rest of the parts combined.

I have been convinced its a bike part but no bike shop can identify right now so might be searching elsewhere now, unless Nick can tell me...