Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

[Rylo]

As a number of you already know, the Sandman guns used on the TV show were simply converted movie guns.

These pieces have grown on me over the years. I've come to really like the grips, trigger and the splash of color (settings) in front of the tank.

I also like the look of the momentary switch in the back; it just looks interesting. Speaking of which, no way did the original builders move the location of the glow-plug switch for safety sake. (As the rumor goes) I really think this was done to simply clean up the profile of the gun since it would get so much screen time with the new show. As nayone who's ever handled one of these will tell you, just picking up one of these converted pieces almost activates the plug. the web of ones hand just wants to fall right on the switch....cool looking but certainly not a safety feature! :confused

Anyway, I'm wrapping some TV conversions up for clients and figured I'd do a little construction breakdown for the curious.

(Pics back later)

 

[Lanboy]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

I'd always wondered about that story concerning the momentary switch in the back, because it would probably be activated whenever the gun was in your hand...

Gorgeous!

 

[nickytea]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

Awesome work!

I love the TV version of the Gun. It's about the only thing to love about that show. Well, that and the sweet hover-car.

And the theme song:

YouTube - Logan's Run TV series intro (1977-78)

 

[CessnaDriver]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

Awesome work!

I love the TV version of the Gun. It's about the only thing to love about that show. Well, that and the sweet hover-car.

And the theme song:

YouTube - Logan's Run TV series intro (1977-78)

and Heather Menzies....

 

[Apollo]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

Awesome as always!

I loved the grips and the trigger on the T.V. guns

 

[Prefect42]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

Excellent photo's as always, Rylo.

Having handled and fired a movie version now, I've also started to wonder about the story concerning moving the switch for the glow plug. Your theory to simply make the gun look more streamline makes more sense.

Is it possible to get a good grip on the TV version without activating the glow plug? Just wondering as they shouldn't be on for more than a few seconds. (I found out the hard way!)

Always lovin' the builds.

Ted.

 

[Lanboy]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

I seem to recall reading somewhere about an actor on the TV series burning his leg with one of the DS guns, presumably while it was in the holster. Having the glow plug turned on by a momentary switch that was only compressed when the gun was in your hand would prevent that sort of accident...

 

[pauljones33]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

That is a really impressive piece of work Rylo! I remember this show with some affection from the late 70's, I think the Sandman's Groundcar was one of the coolest scifi vehicles :thumbsup

 

[Apollo]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

That story came from the Movie, hence why they did the switch different for the T.V. show.

I seem to recall reading somewhere about an actor on the TV series burning his leg with one of the DS guns, presumably while it was in the holster. Having the glow plug turned on by a momentary switch that was only compressed when the gun was in your hand would prevent that sort of accident...

 

[Jimbo890]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

Always good to see more Flameguns.

 

[Krel]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

From what I've read, they did more than just change the glow plug switch. The movie Sandman guns were made from cigarette lighters, and the valve couldn't handle the pressure, and leaked. Michael York tells how sometimes you would pull the pistol, flip on the glow plug, then your hand would suddenly be enveloped in a fireball. :eek

When they went to do the tv series they decided to rebuild the guns, partly because of the gas valve problem, and partly they had been stored with water in the gas chambers which corroded the mechanisms.

Years ago I found a web site where they decided to make some Sandman pistols using the same parts as the movie. They acquired the parts, including the lighters, and started construction. They quickly came to the conclusion that the lighters were just too dangerous to use.

To me the momentary switch on the back seems safer, like a grip safety on a Colt Government pistol.

David.

 

[CessnaDriver]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

It's good they were dangerous, it contributed to the dramatic look on the actors faces. LOL

 

[Rylo]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

The TV guns used the same valves, dude.

Note: I was involved with the project you're referring to. Yep, we tried everything. Those lighter valves were terrible!

You'd have to handle a TV gun to understand the switch and how easy it lights the plug.

From what I've read, they did more than just change the glow plug switch. The movie Sandman guns were made from cigarette lighters, and the valve couldn't handle the pressure, and leaked. Michael York tells how sometimes you would pull the pistol, flip on the glow plug, then your hand would suddenly be enveloped in a fireball. :eek

When they went to do the tv series they decided to rebuild the guns, partly because of the gas valve problem, and partly they had been stored with water in the gas chambers which corroded the mechanisms.

Years ago I found a web site where they decided to make some Sandman pistols using the same parts as the movie. They acquired the parts, including the lighters, and started construction. They quickly came to the conclusion that the lighters were just too dangerous to use.

To me the momentary switch on the back seems safer, like a grip safety on a Colt Government pistol.

David.

 

[Rylo]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

Right! York looks terrified half the time. :lol

It's good they were dangerous, it contributed to the dramatic look on the actors faces. LOL

 

[Krel]

Re: Logan's Run Sandman Gun (TV Version Conversion)

The TV guns used the same valves, dude.

Note: I was involved with the project you're referring to. Yep, we tried everything. Those lighter valves were terrible!

You'd have to handle a TV gun to understand the switch and how easy it lights the plug.

Interesting, I had read when the show came out that they had to rebuild the guns because they had stored them loaded, and the valves got corroded. They were suppose to have used better valves because of how dangerous they were. But then, I don't remember them using the flame effect much in the show so they could very well have just used more lighter valves.

I don't know if the log of your build is still on the web, but from what I remember it was an interesting read.

David.