Identifying a TOS communicator

[Hiddenevil]

Hi there

I've had this replica for about 5 years now and it's not the most amazing thing on the planet. I bought it simply because it has the smooth body and also a Gamma moire instead of the Alpha.
http://www.herocomm.com/PartsAndPlans/Images/Moire1200-Gamma.jpg

Anyways, unlike my other comms, the moire isn't covered by any laminate or screen. It's just a paper print of the moire thats inserted in to the center ring.

Also should i keep with the Gamma moire pattern or print out a new alpha instead? I thought i'd throw this out to peoples opinion, as this is the first comm i've ever had appart and worked on. I just wanted to give it a face list.

Cheers all

James
p,s where the comms normally finished in matt black or gloss/satin?

 

[28injection]

Just finished my 1st communincator as well and went with the Gamma moir just on paper to be a bit different. Quick pic added.

 

[Hiddenevil]

See mine looks like that, except the body is smooth. However call it fluke, but the spray can i'm using must have a funny nozzle. As it's unintentionally given the comm a really faint textured appearance..Not really noticeable unless it's in your hand. I really like the effect, even if it was unexpected.

Cool comm 28injection! what kit is that? what made you go for the Gamma? Until today i didn't realise that the gamma moire has actually been used in the show!

 

[28injection]

Its a Rod.comm kit, but was upgraded with a set of MW kydex shells based off the Alpha measurements. Obtained it through the junkyard. I just preferred the Gamma to the usual ones, especially as its static. I did'nt actally paint the shells at all, just buffed them up a bit.

 

[robn1]

The static moires on the original props were printed on plain paper, as they were cut from a book. The heroes were the only ones on a clear plastic film.

Hiddenevil- do you have any pics of your comm, I'd like to see it.

28injection- nice comm! I have a set of MW shells, that I haven't done anything with yet. He used the flat Kydex, but like you I buffed mine and they came out nice.

 

[Hiddenevil]

It looks pretty sweet. Think i need to give this baby another layer of black before it's properly done. Decided i'm going to stay with the Gamma moire myself.

 

[Hiddenevil]

Robn1 i stayed over at the GF's last night, but when i get home i'll take some photo's. I sanded the comm down again and resprayed. Anything in perticular you want to see?

I'm actually tempted to buy some matt paint, as i dont know how i'm feeling about the satin black i used. Will see how it looks when i get home, it's had a night to dry

 

[Hiddenevil]

Ok so i'm having some problems with this comm and i need some advice. I'm using enamel black satin and the paint seems to stay "soft" a day or two after it's been sprayed. What do you guys do? i was thinking over covering it with some clear varnish. Just to protect it from scratching, even though the can says the paint has its meant to dry in to a hard durable surface.

 

[robn1]

That's a common problem, most paints can take weeks to dry thoroughly. If it's a spray can paint you used, just give it time. The paint has to out gas while it dries, so don't use any clear coats for at least a week. I'm not a fan of clear coats myself. There's really nothing special about them, they're just clear paint, with all the same problems.

Minwax Polycrylic satin is a good clear, really tough stuff. It dries with a slight texture that's not good were a smooth finish is desired, but on a communicator it should be fine. It comes in tins and spray cans.

 

[Hiddenevil]

Thanks mate, i'm new to this and when it says "fast drying" i'm thinking it'll be ok after a day and a night.

 

[Hiddenevil]

Ok as promised some photo's of the comm in question, i know i've failed epically to show you guys..So here it is!



in pieces



The insides


My workbench, where the magic happens lol

 

[Roger Ramjet]

Looks like a Steve Horch (HMS) model. These were sold at Cons and through Roddenberry (And Still is) for many years. Thanks for posting pics, nice to see these Convention Models popping up from time to time.

 

[TOSPHASER]

nice looking comm........love the Gamma my self.......grew up looking at the making of star trek book..that is the comm I know and love!
here is my DST Comm with a gamma moire' and a few other goodies!!

 

[Hiddenevil]

Thanks TOSPHASER, thats the first come i've ever had appart. I wasn't happy with the paint job the guy had done on it. It was really fragile and i've held off taking it appart for about a year. As i didn't want to break it and didn't know how it came appart. But as i've recently been developing my skills with models/props ect. I build up the courage to work on it and improve the damn thing. It is after all the only static comm i have. The other two are my Starland 90's lights and sounds, that beeps, doesn't chirp and my DST comm.

 

[OhioAstromech]

Sorry for taking this slightly off topic. but I was wondering if someone could either scan or photograph the front of their communicator with the antenna closed.
I have a new Palm Pre and thought it would make a cool background for my phone.

Scot

 

[robn1]

Thanks for the pics, cool piece! I didn't see too many of these convention props in the day, so it's nice to see some are still around.

Nice work on the upgrades too :thumbsup

 

[Hiddenevil]

Thanks robn1, i remember back when i'd come on here years ago and see lots of threads, with people building various comm's. I never thought i'd see the day when i'd be doing it myself.
Because of my health, i'm unable to work. And this has developed in a very rewarding way to spend my time. Spending most days, covered in paint, sanding a random piece of plastic
I scratch built my first TNG themed water bottle, i'm trying to developed an emergency rations kit, bottle, sealed food. The prototype turned out ok and i'm now making a second for a friend, as he kinda fell in love with it

Honestly having someone go "wow" at something you made, is a really weird experience. More so their reaction when you offer to make one for them. Having already begun his, i can tell from word go, it's looking way better then the prototype. Which must mean i'm learning something Shock horror! lol

SCOT - One photo coming right up!!