The Expanse: Props & Found Parts

[FPLeatherCo]

We called the Seattle store & hq "the mothership."

Interesting that the crew had different boots... I guess I'll have to pay more attention to the boots on show.

I also had the same impression with the boots seemingly being randomly matched to outfits in the Propstore auction. Propabilia is also selling a couple of pairs of stand-alone boots, I think they are also Tourmasters from what I remember. Tourmaster does make a whole range of motorcycle boots (and their sizes seem to run small), and there are a lot of relatively similar styles out there.

With the rear flap on the boots, it was nice to have that Adam Savage video where we get a better look at them. I wonder how they are attached to the original boot, perhaps with leather glue or something. It seems unlikely that they would attempt to sew them on if they could avoid it as that would be a hell of a job.

Yeah, Adam's video was very helpful especially with IDing the lighting device as the same as in the hand terminals.

It looks like the rear flaps were riveted on at the top. On the bottom they used snaps but the snap bases would have to be set through the leather of the boots and would be permanent. Looking through the auction there are lots of boots where it looks like other pieces of leather were just glued on to obscure the boot a bit and those tend to start to peel off.

Here are some pictures of the hero boots for reference:

 

[RandomMaker]

Yeah, Adam's video was very helpful especially with IDing the lighting device as the same as in the hand terminals.

It looks like the rear flaps were riveted on at the top. On the bottom they used snaps but the snap bases would have to be set through the leather of the boots and would be permanent. Looking through the auction there are lots of boots where it looks like other pieces of leather were just glued on to obscure the boot a bit and those tend to start to peel off.

Here are some pictures of the hero boots for reference:

View attachment 1850967View attachment 1850968

Yes, those boots are slightly different, perhaps another Tourmaster model. I'd have to go and research them again.

I thin they did use snaps set into the boots, top and bottom, which I imagine would have been challenging until you got that process down. They would have drilled holes for the snap installation right through the boots, I imagine. The added piece folded at the top, so they were opened by pulling up from the bottom. My recollection was that in addition to the three bottom snaps, there was also velcro to keep the closed flap flush with the boot.

There are good photos of what are claimed to be Avasarala's magboots on an eBay auction: The Expanse show props Sci-Fi/Amazon Mag-boots worn by Avasarala GENIUINE | eBay

They look to be the same model as the ones in your hero boot images - if a much smaller size. Unfortunately there's no good maker label shot, although I just sent the seller a message asking if there is a label or other markings... I'll also lighten some of the pictures up in Photoshop and see if there is any brand name on the outside that I just can't see.

- Dave

 

[FPLeatherCo]

Yes, those boots are slightly different, perhaps another Tourmaster model. I'd have to go and research them again.

I thin they did use snaps set into the boots, top and bottom, which I imagine would have been challenging until you got that process down. They would have drilled holes for the snap installation right through the boots, I imagine. The added piece folded at the top, so they were opened by pulling up from the bottom. My recollection was that in addition to the three bottom snaps, there was also velcro to keep the closed flap flush with the boot.

There are good photos of what are claimed to be Avasarala's magboots on an eBay auction: The Expanse show props Sci-Fi/Amazon Mag-boots worn by Avasarala GENIUINE | eBay

They look to be the same model as the ones in your hero boot images - if a much smaller size. Unfortunately there's no good maker label shot, although I just sent the seller a message asking if there is a label or other markings... I'll also lighten some of the pictures up in Photoshop and see if there is any brand name on the outside that I just can't see.

- Dave

Hah - I saw those on Ebay and sent a similar message to the seller. They do look authentic though. I haven't been able to find any Tourmaster or similar touring boots that look like these. And I've also searched for the cup sole component on it's own in case they added that separately but with no luck.

They definitely added some parts and leather pieces to these boots but I'm not sure if they are completely custom. It seems weird that they would go the the trouble of custom making boots just to look almost exactly like an off-the-shelf pair.

 

[RandomMaker]

Hah - I saw those on Ebay and sent a similar message to the seller. They do look authentic though. I haven't been able to find any Tourmaster or similar touring boots that look like these. And I've also searched for the cup sole component on it's own in case they added that separately but with no luck.

They definitely added some parts and leather pieces to these boots but I'm not sure if they are completely custom. It seems weird that they would go the the trouble of custom making boots just to look almost exactly like an off-the-shelf pair.

Agreed, it doesn't make a lot of sense, especially for a minor boot change. I suspect that the jumpsuits were custom made by their large costume shop, but it makes sense to have those tailored for their fit TV stars. Very slightly different boots, not so much... I'll do more googling at some point and keep my fingers crossed... I was hoping that the guy with LeatherCo in his name would know!

 

[RandomMaker]

Also, I was searching around for more boot clues and found some good boot info here from another Propstore auction winner:

https://www.reddit.com/r/TheExpanse/comments/1e1tcnj/mag_boots_info_for_cosplayers

 

[FPLeatherCo]

Agreed, it doesn't make a lot of sense, especially for a minor boot change. I suspect that the jumpsuits were custom made by their large costume shop, but it makes sense to have those tailored for their fit TV stars. Very slightly different boots, not so much... I'll do more googling at some point and keep my fingers crossed... I was hoping that the guy with LeatherCo in his name would know!

Yes, I do remember hearing from the costume designer (I think, maybe in one of those Adam Savage vids) that most of the jump/vac-suits are custom made in house.

But the vac-harnesses are almost completely just off-the-shelf construction fall gear. When the show was airing a lot of the smaller props were easily available on Amazon. I've got a whole thread tracking down some of this stuff: The Expanse: Holden Season 4 Build/Research

All of the weapons are just airsoft guns with added hardware and decals.

That's why I'm holding out hope that the base boot does exist but man, there hasn't been much progress on figuring it out and maybe the whole premise is wrong.

 

[RandomMaker]

Yes, I do remember hearing from the costume designer (I think, maybe in one of those Adam Savage vids) that most of the jump/vac-suits are custom made in house.

But the vac-harnesses are almost completely just off-the-shelf construction fall gear. When the show was airing a lot of the smaller props were easily available on Amazon. I've got a whole thread tracking down some of this stuff: The Expanse: Holden Season 4 Build/Research

All of the weapons are just airsoft guns with added hardware and decals.

That's why I'm holding out hope that the base boot does exist but man, there hasn't been much progress on figuring it out and maybe the whole premise is wrong.

Yeah, she said the vac suits were all custom in-house, or at least Miller's was. I suspected that they did at least the hero suits. And it makes sense they would tailor the star's coveralls, along with the ones for stunt etc.

They had a great "found item" ethos for props, which generally makes life a lot easier for us. I know of a bunch of tool and ammo boxes where they were based on everyday Plano, DeWalt, or Milwaukee storage boxes. Also tools and other props, like the Belter mining charge.

We still have mysteries to try to unravel though, like those crew boots or one that got stuck in my head, the MCRN "breaching charges" as carried by Amos and sold in the recent Propstore auction. They absolutely reek of being a found item, just what that item happens to be I still have no clue!

At least with the boots you can easily score a set of used Tourmasters or whatever and get a really good "close enough" as I have. Then in the meantime the work can continue trying to puzzle out a perfect replica, but at least I'm covered for now, although I still need to add the heel lights.

Speaking of which, if you had to take a guess on the best leather glue to use, I'm guessing that you'd have some expertise and opinion there. I've done amateur leather working over the years, and back in the day my prop/costume buddy and I used Barge's cement. Which might explain why some examples have peeling leather bit, lol! I'm wondering if there's something better now that it's 30 years later. Any thoughts there?

Thanks!

 

[FPLeatherCo]

Yeah, she said the vac suits were all custom in-house, or at least Miller's was. I suspected that they did at least the hero suits. And it makes sense they would tailor the star's coveralls, along with the ones for stunt etc.

They had a great "found item" ethos for props, which generally makes life a lot easier for us. I know of a bunch of tool and ammo boxes where they were based on everyday Plano, DeWalt, or Milwaukee storage boxes. Also tools and other props, like the Belter mining charge.

We still have mysteries to try to unravel though, like those crew boots or one that got stuck in my head, the MCRN "breaching charges" as carried by Amos and sold in the recent Propstore auction. They absolutely reek of being a found item, just what that item happens to be I still have no clue!

At least with the boots you can easily score a set of used Tourmasters or whatever and get a really good "close enough" as I have. Then in the meantime the work can continue trying to puzzle out a perfect replica, but at least I'm covered for now, although I still need to add the heel lights.

Speaking of which, if you had to take a guess on the best leather glue to use, I'm guessing that you'd have some expertise and opinion there. I've done amateur leather working over the years, and back in the day my prop/costume buddy and I used Barge's cement. Which might explain why some examples have peeling leather bit, lol! I'm wondering if there's something better now that it's 30 years later. Any thoughts there?

Thanks!

Barge is still the standard. The newer toluene free formula isn't quite as permanent/strong though. For water-based glue I've been liking Intercom 1804. If you're gluing to grain side or if there's any finish on a piece make sure to rough it up with some sandpaper. And all these glues have a harder time sticking to oily leathers so multiple thin coats work best there. As with most contact cements, pressure and time increases the bond so it helps to roll or burnish down the glued areas and no put too much stress on it for a few days.

 

[RandomMaker]

Barge is still the standard. The newer toluene free formula isn't quite as permanent/strong though. For water-based glue I've been liking Intercom 1804. If you're gluing to grain side or if there's any finish on a piece make sure to rough it up with some sandpaper. And all these glues have a harder time sticking to oily leathers so multiple thin coats work best there. As with most contact cements, pressure and time increases the bond so it helps to roll or burnish down the glued areas and no put too much stress on it for a few days.

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. Does the same hold true for synthetic "pleather" material? I'm thinking it might work better for some of the glued-on boot pieces, even though I normally avoid that stuff.

 

[eethan]

I have finished my 3D model for the MCRN pistol aluminium parts. i'll try to make a prototype for all of those and open a quick interest thread to see if people need those

don't mind the rectangle back part in the back tube, it will be inserted into the tube, I just didn't model the recess here as it's a machining model, not a printing model
cheers

 

[RandomMaker]

Looking great! I was wondering if the 16mm rear top tube might be a little too big but it looks perfect! You know you can add me to the "very interested" list...

 

[eethan]

Looking great! I was wondering if the 16mm rear top tube might be a little too big but it looks perfect! You know you can add me to the "very interested" list...

the 16mm is based directly on the 3D model match to the refs, that doesn't lie, so I'm pretty confident the refs are great and the prop pretty straighforward, so the model is super accurate pretty quickly as a result

 

[RandomMaker]

the 16mm is based directly on the 3D model match to the refs, that doesn't lie, so I'm pretty confident the refs are great and the prop pretty straighforward, so the model is super accurate pretty quickly as a result

I think it's correct. Good job!

 

[JOATRASH FX]

I have finished my 3D model for the MCRN pistol aluminium parts. i'll try to make a prototype for all of those and open a quick interest thread to see if people need those

Looks good! There was virtually zero interest in ANY Expanse parts a few months ago when I was modeling them. (I also tried to get a group order going with the alu parts for the Mars pistol.) Hopefully you'll have better luck now!

(Note: I was going back and forth between 15 and 16mm for the tube myself. Trying to figure out how much lens distortion and slight anti-aliasing was affecting measurements.)

 

[eethan]

Looks good! There was virtually zero interest in ANY Expanse parts a few months ago when I was modeling them. (I also tried to get a group order going with the alu parts for the Mars pistol.) Hopefully you'll have better luck now!

(Note: I was going back and forth between 15 and 16mm for the tube myself. Trying to figure out how much lens distortion and slight anti-aliasing was affecting measurements.)

Hey, thank you for your message, yes I have seen your interest request, machining the parts myself, I can thankfully do a better price for the community. Some machinist outside the community will ask for a lot of money when doing small runs of parts, i'm just trying to help here and was asked to do the parts by someone.
The main milled part is much more difficult of course, so I'll have to prototype and figure out a price and see if people are interested at this price, but I think all machined aluminium parts for this can be pretty cool

 

[JOATRASH FX]

Hey, thank you for your message, yes I have seen your interest request, machining the parts myself, I can thankfully do a better price for the community. Some machinist outside the community will ask for a lot of money when doing small runs of parts, i'm just trying to help here and was asked to do the parts by someone.
The main milled part is much more difficult of course, so I'll have to prototype and figure out a price and see if people are interested at this price, but I think all machined aluminium parts for this can be pretty cool

Even disregarding the cost, there was very little interest overall. I only had 1-2 people even asking, and that's taking into account all the different weapon addons I was building. But again... hopefully you might have more luck.

 

[eethan]

Even disregarding the cost, there was very little interest overall. I only had 1-2 people even asking, and that's taking into account all the different weapon addons I was building. But again... hopefully you might have more luck.

we will see, it's ok anyways, just helping out someone that needed the parts, if no one else needs them, so be it

 

[eethan]

moved forward on the top rod prototype

 

[RandomMaker]

moved forward on the top rod prototype
View attachment 1851817
View attachment 1851818
View attachment 1851819

SHINY! That looks absolutely perfect. Even the exterior finish looks good, much better than dull, oxidized aluminum or a painted, printed part. I'd probably clear coat that so that the finish didn't oxidize over time.

 

[Raza Crew]

I'd be interested in these! They are the similar tops as my Dark Matter pistol.