Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Looking good! Great to see actual product from the files.
Looking good! Great to see actual product from the files.
Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
- Thread starter Doctor Octoroc
- Start date
TickTockMan
Active Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
It's been so exciting to watch this take shape! While my CO sonics will always be my first choice for cosplay or just play in general (I keep them at my desk to "sonic" stuff when the fancy strikes me), I look forward to making up a couple of nice static displays featuring these once they're available!
It's been so exciting to watch this take shape! While my CO sonics will always be my first choice for cosplay or just play in general (I keep them at my desk to "sonic" stuff when the fancy strikes me), I look forward to making up a couple of nice static displays featuring these once they're available!
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
I just finished the base coats of paint on both sonics. I just have to do some cleanup and a few more coats of white, then I can crackle finish the 9th sonic handle, lacquer them both and see how they turned out! So far, so good. I got an interesting texture on the "felt tip" of the 9th and "leather grip" of the 11th by doing a coat of gloss black enamel, then a coat of flat black. It ended up with a sort of rubbery, satin finish.
I just finished the base coats of paint on both sonics. I just have to do some cleanup and a few more coats of white, then I can crackle finish the 9th sonic handle, lacquer them both and see how they turned out! So far, so good. I got an interesting texture on the "felt tip" of the 9th and "leather grip" of the 11th by doing a coat of gloss black enamel, then a coat of flat black. It ended up with a sort of rubbery, satin finish.
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Not too shabby. :thumbsup
Not too shabby. :thumbsup
TickTockMan
Active Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Just beautiful...I definitely think the marble option (or a cabochon, whichever one suits you best) would be a good idea to give the 9th Sonic just that little added touch of realism...but even as they are, they're just BEAUTIFUL...
Just beautiful...I definitely think the marble option (or a cabochon, whichever one suits you best) would be a good idea to give the 9th Sonic just that little added touch of realism...but even as they are, they're just BEAUTIFUL...
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Think this cabochon would work?
Thanks! They will be available in the near future. I'm a bit OCD so I have some changes to make to the design of each before I'm satisfied.Very nice, can I haz? lol. Seriously, I love how the 9th stunt sonic looks!
I agree. The only thing holding me back so far is the lack of suitable substitute for the 11th Doctor's sonic or River Song's sonic. I hate that it's not as simple to get a lens for those but I suppose that shouldn't rob the 9th/10th sonic of it's full glory.
Think this cabochon would work?
Last edited:
TickTockMan
Active Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
I think that would work beautifully! I get what you mean about River's sonic (which I'm also quite interested in, by the way--I like how you're actually incorporating the 10th Doctor design) and the 11th Doctor's sonic, but yeah...if you CAN do it for the Russell T. Davies-era sonics, why not?
I think that would work beautifully! I get what you mean about River's sonic (which I'm also quite interested in, by the way--I like how you're actually incorporating the 10th Doctor design) and the 11th Doctor's sonic, but yeah...if you CAN do it for the Russell T. Davies-era sonics, why not?
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
So I have some preference questions for those interested in these models. Consider it a general survey that will determine the availability of certain models and variants, so if you're at all interested and want some say in how they turn out, speak up!
First up, the 9th and 10th Doctor's sonic screwdriver:
Second, 11th Doctor's sonic screwdriver:
Next, the 4th Doctor's sonic screwdriver:
River Song's sonic screwdriver:
I look forward to some responses. Please be as detailed as possible so I can get the best idea of the best route to go as I redesign these.
So I have some preference questions for those interested in these models. Consider it a general survey that will determine the availability of certain models and variants, so if you're at all interested and want some say in how they turn out, speak up!
First up, the 9th and 10th Doctor's sonic screwdriver:
- As is, the emitter lens is part of the model and therefore a solid part to be painted. With an added cost of $1-$2, who would rather have this left hollow and a found item emitter lens included as part of the kit?
- For the 10th Doctor's sonic, there is a gap that runs down the length of the main handle which, on the actual prop, is there for the slider button to move up and down to extend the head. What are some suggestions as to what should appear inside this gap to simulate the copper tube and glass neck that would normally be seen?
Second, 11th Doctor's sonic screwdriver:
- On the "leather grip" section of the handle, stitches or no stitches at the "seam"? And if so, criss crossed like the CO toy or straight like the universal remote (and the actual prop, I believe).
- Who would want a variant that left the emitter lens off to replace with the lens from the CO toy or other object?
Next, the 4th Doctor's sonic screwdriver:
- On the actual prop, there is a hole in the bottom where the end is angled, as well as a slit that runs from one side to the other at an angle. As far as I'm aware, these allow you to see into the hollow innards of the prop, where there is a rod running up from the bottom and a spring which would push the middle section back up after being depressed. Should these parts be built into the model or left out? Also, should these cut away areas just be simulated, like they are on the CO toy, and not allow you to see into the hollow inside?
River Song's sonic screwdriver:
- What is the preference on the clear rod that runs from the ring up to the push button just off the neck: part of the solid model (and therefore not clear), or an actual clear rod for an added dollar or two?
- Should this one be the size of the CO toy or the actual prop. The difference in cost will probably be between $3 and $5, so I figured I'd ask before making it more expensive due to it being more accurate.
I look forward to some responses. Please be as detailed as possible so I can get the best idea of the best route to go as I redesign these.
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Okkie dokkie!
1) I'd prefer a found item that could allow the potential for electronics to be added more smoothly.
2) Now, I probably do not understand how the printing process, or indeed, the modeling process works, but it seems that there is enormous potential to modify the physical models such that they would be able to extend and retract. Unless I'm totally off base, perhaps such a modification could be accommodated into the model itself? A sonic without a slider perhaps?
3) I say match the prop as closely as possible.
4) I would like such a variant, tho I have NO idea what could be used as a substitute lens...
5) Don't know nearly enough about this prop to comment.
6) Clear rod, all the way!
7) I would size it to the actual prop, if it's possible. I already have a CO Laser Screwdriver, and I don't *think* they are getting hard to come by...why not go more accurate if you can?
Just my thoughts, what ever you decide to do, I'll still be picking up a few copies for tinkering!
Okkie dokkie!
1) I'd prefer a found item that could allow the potential for electronics to be added more smoothly.
2) Now, I probably do not understand how the printing process, or indeed, the modeling process works, but it seems that there is enormous potential to modify the physical models such that they would be able to extend and retract. Unless I'm totally off base, perhaps such a modification could be accommodated into the model itself? A sonic without a slider perhaps?
3) I say match the prop as closely as possible.
4) I would like such a variant, tho I have NO idea what could be used as a substitute lens...
5) Don't know nearly enough about this prop to comment.
6) Clear rod, all the way!
7) I would size it to the actual prop, if it's possible. I already have a CO Laser Screwdriver, and I don't *think* they are getting hard to come by...why not go more accurate if you can?
Just my thoughts, what ever you decide to do, I'll still be picking up a few copies for tinkering!
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Also, just finished the last coat of lacquer on the 11th sonic and I think it looks pretty good, especially for a hand-painted 3d print.
Also, just finished the last coat of lacquer on the 11th sonic and I think it looks pretty good, especially for a hand-painted 3d print.
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
what Cadeian said...
nice paint job too!
what Cadeian said...
nice paint job too!
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Just finished the 9th Doctor's sonic!
The crackle finish isn't crackled so much as it is bumpy...I'm going to have to revisit that one, or I could attempt to incorporate the crackling into the physical model like the CO toy. Thoughts?
Just finished the 9th Doctor's sonic!
The crackle finish isn't crackled so much as it is bumpy...I'm going to have to revisit that one, or I could attempt to incorporate the crackling into the physical model like the CO toy. Thoughts?
TickTockMan
Active Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Beautiful job on both the 9th and the 11th!! I'd recommend possibly working the crackle finish into the model, not unlike the CO version...that way, a dark colored wash over a light coat would pretty much bring it out (I used just black shoe polish on one of my CO sonics and really liked how it came out...)
Wow, good questions...here goes!
9th/10th Doctor's Sonic:
1. I've been a fan of the marble/cabochon/found object idea from the get-go--not just because it leaves open the possibility of electronics, but because to me it just LOOKS better! I'd have no problem paying another buck or two for this, because blue marbles are easy enough to come by...
2. I hadn't thought of this before...perhaps just cut the slot, leave it hollow, print the button as a separate piece with perhaps a tab to fit in the slot, and let the buyer decide what to put in there. (I guess a bit of acrylic or clear plastic tube and painted plastic would do...)
11th Doctor's Sonic:
1. Match the screen prop, definitely
2. I've been thinking on this...it seems to me (but PLEASE correct me if I'm mistaken) that the emitter head's always been more translucent than transparent...kind of a marble or jade-ish green...the CO toy's never really matched it. If I got this, I'd just be making a static prop of it without electronics and I'd try to paint it to match that marbled look, so I say just go with a solid emitter. But I'm honestly more interested in the Eccleston/Tennant sonics in this case, so take this for what it's worth.
4th Doctor's Sonic:
1. I'm not nearly familiar enough with this prop (I started with the 2005 revival and am slowly working my way through Classic Who) to feel qualified to comment on it.
River Song Sonic:
1. Absolutely go with the clear rod...it's one of the most distinctive things about River's Sonic, and making it solid just wouldn't look right!
The Master's Laser Screwdriver:
1. Match the dimensions of the actual prop.
These are all just opinions, of course...regardless of what you do, I'm definitely picking up a few of these!
Beautiful job on both the 9th and the 11th!! I'd recommend possibly working the crackle finish into the model, not unlike the CO version...that way, a dark colored wash over a light coat would pretty much bring it out (I used just black shoe polish on one of my CO sonics and really liked how it came out...)
Wow, good questions...here goes!
9th/10th Doctor's Sonic:
1. I've been a fan of the marble/cabochon/found object idea from the get-go--not just because it leaves open the possibility of electronics, but because to me it just LOOKS better! I'd have no problem paying another buck or two for this, because blue marbles are easy enough to come by...
2. I hadn't thought of this before...perhaps just cut the slot, leave it hollow, print the button as a separate piece with perhaps a tab to fit in the slot, and let the buyer decide what to put in there. (I guess a bit of acrylic or clear plastic tube and painted plastic would do...)
11th Doctor's Sonic:
1. Match the screen prop, definitely
2. I've been thinking on this...it seems to me (but PLEASE correct me if I'm mistaken) that the emitter head's always been more translucent than transparent...kind of a marble or jade-ish green...the CO toy's never really matched it. If I got this, I'd just be making a static prop of it without electronics and I'd try to paint it to match that marbled look, so I say just go with a solid emitter. But I'm honestly more interested in the Eccleston/Tennant sonics in this case, so take this for what it's worth.
4th Doctor's Sonic:
1. I'm not nearly familiar enough with this prop (I started with the 2005 revival and am slowly working my way through Classic Who) to feel qualified to comment on it.
River Song Sonic:
1. Absolutely go with the clear rod...it's one of the most distinctive things about River's Sonic, and making it solid just wouldn't look right!
The Master's Laser Screwdriver:
1. Match the dimensions of the actual prop.
These are all just opinions, of course...regardless of what you do, I'm definitely picking up a few of these!
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
I'm with the others, match original sizing if you can.
Both sonics look good! Really like the 11 especially.
I'm with the others, match original sizing if you can.
Both sonics look good! Really like the 11 especially.
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Great feedback so far, keep it coming! A few thoughts.
I think it's hands down a better idea to have the emitter lens on the 9th and 10th sonic clear blue instead of solid. Looking at the two painted props, the 11th works with the solid tip since it is more translucent on the real prop anyway, but the 9th/10th just seems a bit lacking as is. I'm going to look into cabochons for the part, as per Anakin's recommendation, and hopefully come across something well suited for the job. As for the inside bits on the 10th sonic, a 1/2" clear acrylic rod would fit nicely into the opening that's already there for the neck - instead of the bit that raises up to fit the head, the clear acrylic rod could be the "neck" that holds the head, and a hole could be drilled (or pre-drilled for anyone that needs it), enabling a pair of red/black wire to be twisted and stuck through the hole - and that rod could meet a solid bit to be painted copper for the look. Does that sound like a good idea? It would probably add $5 or $6 to the total cost for all the pieces that achieve that look. Is that worth it?
I like the stitching on the leather grip for the 11th sonic, but does anyone know for sure what the stitching looks like on the actual prop? I believe it's the same as the universal remote but I could be missing some info that someone else has come across.
River's sonic will definitely have the clear rod, I already ordered them for my own anyway. As for the lens, I've seen screen shots where that looks more translucent as well (or at least the lens is the actual color of the "mode" instead of clear like the toy).
For the laser screwdriver, does anyone know the exact length? I've heard the prop is 5% bigger than the CO toy, hear that the toy is 5% smaller than the prop (which would result in a different calculated measurement) and I've seen other members make a complete laser screwdriver that seems way bigger than 5% bigger than the CO toy. I just don't know anymore, anyone have a better idea than me of the actual size? Also, any preference on extended or retracted?
Great feedback so far, keep it coming! A few thoughts.
I think it's hands down a better idea to have the emitter lens on the 9th and 10th sonic clear blue instead of solid. Looking at the two painted props, the 11th works with the solid tip since it is more translucent on the real prop anyway, but the 9th/10th just seems a bit lacking as is. I'm going to look into cabochons for the part, as per Anakin's recommendation, and hopefully come across something well suited for the job. As for the inside bits on the 10th sonic, a 1/2" clear acrylic rod would fit nicely into the opening that's already there for the neck - instead of the bit that raises up to fit the head, the clear acrylic rod could be the "neck" that holds the head, and a hole could be drilled (or pre-drilled for anyone that needs it), enabling a pair of red/black wire to be twisted and stuck through the hole - and that rod could meet a solid bit to be painted copper for the look. Does that sound like a good idea? It would probably add $5 or $6 to the total cost for all the pieces that achieve that look. Is that worth it?
I like the stitching on the leather grip for the 11th sonic, but does anyone know for sure what the stitching looks like on the actual prop? I believe it's the same as the universal remote but I could be missing some info that someone else has come across.
River's sonic will definitely have the clear rod, I already ordered them for my own anyway. As for the lens, I've seen screen shots where that looks more translucent as well (or at least the lens is the actual color of the "mode" instead of clear like the toy).
For the laser screwdriver, does anyone know the exact length? I've heard the prop is 5% bigger than the CO toy, hear that the toy is 5% smaller than the prop (which would result in a different calculated measurement) and I've seen other members make a complete laser screwdriver that seems way bigger than 5% bigger than the CO toy. I just don't know anymore, anyone have a better idea than me of the actual size? Also, any preference on extended or retracted?
Doctor Octoroc
Sr Member
Re: Affordable Doctor Who Stunt Props (Sonic Screwdrivers, TARDIS Keys, etc.)
Another question: For some of the sonics, the push button that activates the lights on the actual prop is visible. I worked this feature into the 9th doctor's sonic as well as River's because it was part of the design flow, but on the Master's laser screwdriver and the 11th Doctor's sonic screwdriver, they're just sort of...there. Would the general preference be to include them into the 3d print to be more accurate to the actual prop, or leave them out keeping in mind that these features are generally not necessarily supposed to be seen at all in the show.
For instance, Matt Smith needs to press that push button to get the sonic to light up, but in the show, it's not clear that he is pushing a button rather than activating it by touch and feel. One scene in "A Good Man Goes To War" has Rory fidgeting with the sonic to get it to work. If that button is supposed to be there, he would have seen it, no? I get the impression that the 11th Doctor's sonic works on a psychic link like many aspects of the TARDIS, therefore while not more accurate to the prop used on screen, leaving that push button off on the 11th Doctor's sonic screwdriver would be more accurate to the actual, fictional tool.
The same could be said of the Master's laser screwdriver, despite the fact you clearly see the push button when The Doctor knocks it out of The Master's hand.
Another option would be to leave an area cut out where an actual push button could be inserted. Thoughts?
Another question: For some of the sonics, the push button that activates the lights on the actual prop is visible. I worked this feature into the 9th doctor's sonic as well as River's because it was part of the design flow, but on the Master's laser screwdriver and the 11th Doctor's sonic screwdriver, they're just sort of...there. Would the general preference be to include them into the 3d print to be more accurate to the actual prop, or leave them out keeping in mind that these features are generally not necessarily supposed to be seen at all in the show.
For instance, Matt Smith needs to press that push button to get the sonic to light up, but in the show, it's not clear that he is pushing a button rather than activating it by touch and feel. One scene in "A Good Man Goes To War" has Rory fidgeting with the sonic to get it to work. If that button is supposed to be there, he would have seen it, no? I get the impression that the 11th Doctor's sonic works on a psychic link like many aspects of the TARDIS, therefore while not more accurate to the prop used on screen, leaving that push button off on the 11th Doctor's sonic screwdriver would be more accurate to the actual, fictional tool.
The same could be said of the Master's laser screwdriver, despite the fact you clearly see the push button when The Doctor knocks it out of The Master's hand.
Another option would be to leave an area cut out where an actual push button could be inserted. Thoughts?
