TFA Stunt Graflex Faux-flex research thread

[Anakin Starkiller]

Hello everyone,

I've started a new thread because I'm interested in researching the stunt faux-graflex lightsabers that were made for SW TFA and SW TLJ.
Most people know that the prop department on these films sourced some vintage graflex lightsabers (and some Roman replica graflex) to use in production.
But, what many don't know is that additionally, the prop department fabricated a number of faux graflexes for stunt use and for some special fx shots.

Recently, an oversized scratch-built faux-flex turned up at an exhibit in VA.

This prop seems to have the same construction style as the regular scale stunts.

These are the references I have on hand.

But I know that I've seen more, I think they had some on Graflexbank, before it shut down.

If anyone has references of this style stunt saber, please post them.
I've got an itch to take a crack at one of these

 

[Halliwax]

Oh boy… I see where this is going

 

[Anakin Starkiller]

Hmmm. I'll give this a bump, and hope that someone who downloaded the photos on Graflex bank will see it and re-post them

 

[Halliwax]

anyone have the contact info to the owner of graflex bank? we need to bring this site back

 

[Khufu01]

Graflex Bank

Everything you need to know about the Graflex Lightsaber, all in one place!

web.archive.org

 

[Halliwax]

Graflex Bank

Everything you need to know about the Graflex Lightsaber, all in one place!

web.archive.org

You’re a wizard! Is there anyway we can back this whole site up!??

 

[Halliwax]

While waiting for Teecrooz to post

 

[teecrooz]

Are these it?



And the beginning of this video when she takes it from the chest.

 

[Khufu01]

You’re a wizard! Is there anyway we can back this whole site up!??

Working on it...

 

[Halliwax]

 

[Anakin Starkiller]

Are these it?

View attachment 1893744View attachment 1893745View attachment 1893746View attachment 1893747

And the beginning of this video when she takes it from the chest.

I think it might be. The shoulder doesn't look pulled Awesome!

 

[Anakin Starkiller]

Graflex Bank

Everything you need to know about the Graflex Lightsaber, all in one place!

web.archive.org

Thanks for posting this. I knew it was in the web archive. But, it looks like almost all the pictures of the stunts are gone

 

[Anakin Starkiller]

The thing that is killing me is that the faux bunny ears don't seem to be constructed like a real bulb release. And the way they attach to the main tube is not the same as a real graflex. But I can't quite figure out what IS going on with those parts. Can anyone else lend me their eyes and tell me what you see?

 

[Khufu01]

Thanks for posting this. I knew it was in the web archive. But, it looks like almost all the pictures of the stunts are gone

Dead links with missing photos or as if they were never posted at all?

 

[jakob2121]

Edited: I think it's very similar to the way the original Graflex ears are, it's just the the top bunny ears and the flared interior bulb clamp sides are two separate pieces instead of one long piece as they are on the originals, so they could easily attach the bunny ears without the actual bulb ring.



I think they just hadn't fully cut the slots out on the stunt shown above since they weren't going to bother with the ears.

 

[thd9791]

This is sort of what I’m seeing

 

[AnubisGuard]

No, there's definitely a disconnect between the bulb ring and the "bunny ears." I think jakob2121 's take is correct.

 

[jakob2121]

The flaps you’re seeing is an Illusion from the curve of the front and back flaps where the pin goes through. I thought the same when I looked the first time, too. I think the bottom of the bunny ear pieces are folded over to double thickness where the inner bulb clamp pieces attach, and it makes it look extra confusing.

You can see it all more clearly here:

The curved “spring” on the bulb clamp is a separate semi-circular piece that isn’t affixed, but held on from pressure.

 

[Khufu01]

Sorry if this deviates, but any theories as to why on earth would they go to the effort to do this to this level of detail rather than using available replicas or vintage?

 

[AnubisGuard]

Sorry if this deviates, but any theories as to why on earth would they go to the effort to do this to this level of detail rather than using available replicas or vintage?

They said it's oversized for scale with Luputa Nyong'o as Maz.