Tom Baker Sonic Screwdriver SHOCKING EVIDENCE!

[defstartrooper]

If what you say is true, I can't say that I blame you.
I seem to recall many moons ago a gent right here on the RPF discovered what the "grip" section was on the OWANH saber was and shared it here on this forum...before he had a chance to buy one. Within 24 hours the price of the grenades went from 20.00 to 400.00. And you would think someone here would have just BOUGHT him one for sharing this info??? No chance.
Jet, the only thing I might have done was bought up your stock first, then shared the info.
Folks just need to learn a little patience. :unsure

With you 100% there Funky but he has already told everyone what the item is(at least what he says it is) so i don't see how posting a photo of the item will help anyone track down the item as they already know what it looks like obviously(it looks like the prop).
The i don't want to share a photo cos people will know what to look for and drive the price up doesn't fly when you've already told people what it is and they know what the item should look like.

Seems like a pretty backward way of announcing you've found a real world found piece to me, it would make more sense to show a photo and then say i'll share what the item is when i've aquired some for myself not tell everyone what the item is and then say i'll show you what it looks like after i have my own, everyone knows what it looks like.

 

[Jack T Chance]

Sing it!

My name is Mok
Thanks a lot
I know you love the thing I've got

Sorry, I love Rock n Rule.

It has taken me from whatever time you posted this, up until RIGHT NOW, to figure out just what the heck you were talking about! That's what I get for not paying close enough attention to Jet Beetle's avatar.

Do you love our mods because you reported CTs avatar as racist and he got banned for it? Just curious as none of his posts seemed to be against the TOS or users agreement but his avatar was taken down and well, you did mention it.

Actually, Straker, you may have just missed seeing it. I, on the other hand, stumbled upon it earlier this evening. Go back one page, to the posts from yesterday... it was a comment made then, in Post # 94... the sentences right at the end NOW read as follows:

Personally, I don't have to be. If you want to take the info I am sharing, fine. If not, that's fine too. ***************** Anyway, I feel right at home :lol

The asterisks indicate where content was censored, and the edit notation now reads as such:

Last edited by ManfromNaboo; 11-17-2009 at 08:14:16 AM. Reason: Edited for content violating the CoC

So the censored content was in violation of the forum rules. As someone else mentioned a few posts ago, it was most likely the 4 letter abbreviation for a 4 word term that is apparently verboten here, even as an abbreviation. Will have to remember that for future reference.

 

[Jack T Chance]

As for sharing what we have - the minute I post what we know everyone interested will rush off to ebay and drive down the supply and up the prices. i will post - but I just want to make sure we get a few first - and some for those who are friendly.

If what you say is true, I can't say that I blame you.
I seem to recall many moons ago a gent right here on the RPF discovered what the "grip" section was on the OWANH saber was and shared it here on this forum...before he had a chance to buy one. Within 24 hours the price of the grenades went from 20.00 to 400.00. And you would think someone here would have just BOUGHT him one for sharing this info??? No chance.
Jet, the only thing I might have done was bought up your stock first, then shared the info.
Folks just need to learn a little patience. :unsure

I didn't mention it before because I got sidetracked by other comments, but all along, I've had no problem with Jet Beetle waiting until he secured a few to reveal it to us, because I knew about incidents involving the parts used to make the Original Trilogy lightsabers. Besides the rifle grenade incident mentioned by Funky Jedi, there's also the issues involved with the vintage camera flash guns used to make some of the sabers. As soon as the Graflex and the other one were positively identified on the world wide web, prices skyrocketed, not just because of eBay bidding wars, but also because of the dealers that trade in vintage camera equipment. As soon as those guys got wind of why there was suddenly so much demand for those particular flash gun models, they started jacking the prices way up in an attempt to discourage Star Wars fans from buying and then "ruining" vintage camera equipment by turning it into props!

But then people like Jeff Parks and the now sadly out-of-business Larry Leung decided to save people a lot of time, money and trouble by turning out exact (or nearly so) replicas of the flash guns (which in some cases were so exact, they actually FUNCTION as flash guns! ) so those sabers could be had for a REASONABLE price. And they were able to do this legally because those flash guns are so old that the patents on them have now expired! :thumbsup

That still didn't explain why Jet Beetle went 4 months without providing the info. But then he stated himself that the first units he tracked down were so badly damaged as to be useless, so he's still having to hunt for some to buy. So that's perfectly understandable. I merely wish he'd told us this a little sooner, is all.

BTW, since the picture posted earlier in this thread is now MIA (don't you just HATE people that don't leave their hotlinked images up on their image hosting account in perpetuity? :rolleyes), here's the picture of the original prop from Thunderbirds, as shown over on that other forum:

It's a shame I didn't save that other picture, because it actually showed the prop in the actor's hand, being used to turn the screw! But this frame gives a better view of the entire prop. thumbsup

And Straker, speaking only for myself, and I am unanimous in this... in that picture, it still looks to me like the main grip is covered with some kind of tape, or a sleeve of some silver, textured material slipped over it, or something. Doesn't look like metal that's been filed down to me. But I'm by no means an expert on these things. When that movie was made, I wasn't even a gleam in my dad's eye, so I don't know what metal-working techniques would have been available to the prop maker back then. :confused

Going by all the recollections and such mentioned in this thread and the one on the other forum, here's my personal THEORY... it's just a theory, mind you, so it may be complete rubbish, but... my thinking is that even if the prop master DID custom machine some parts to give it a futuristic "Thunderbirds look", it would most likely be far simpler to modify an existing tool (say, a Yankee Screwdriver or a push drill, perhaps?) into the prop, than it would be to custom engineer and build the ratcheting mechanism from scratch. So maybe that's what we're actually seeing here: An existing, functionally similar hand tool, with custom machined parts added on? Seems plausible to me, anyway. :confused

All I know is, I'm going to keep being patient and wait for more info as it comes. And once the info shows up, I'll keep waiting to see what new sonic screwdriver props show up on the RPF, produced with this info in mind.

 

[Straker]

I reported NOTHING. I didn't have to. The mods simply stop what shouldn't be going down. I like a little fire - I don't blame CT for doubting, it's just the name calling that could have been done without. i mean C'mon, STFU being used on a family hobby site. There's no need to be rude to people - especially when you just joined and know nothing about the person you are addressing. Show some class and respect.



As for sharing what we have - the minute I post what we know everyone interested will rush off to ebay and drive down the supply and up the prices. i will post - but I just want to make sure we get a few first - and some for those who are friendly.

That's cool i can respect your position on that. I was really just curious because of the coincidences is all.

It has taken me from whatever time you posted this, up until RIGHT NOW, to figure out just what the heck you were talking about! That's what I get for not paying close enough attention to Jet Beetle's avatar. Actually, Straker, you may have just missed seeing it. I, on the other hand, stumbled upon it earlier this evening. Go back one page, to the posts from yesterday... it was a comment made then, in Post # 94... the sentences right at the end NOW read as follows:The asterisks indicate where content was censored, and the edit notation now reads as such:So the censored content was in violation of the forum rules. As someone else mentioned a few posts ago, it was most likely the 4 letter abbreviation for a 4 word term that is apparently verboten here, even as an abbreviation. Will have to remember that for future reference.

Ahhhh, OK, I didn't want to point the blame on Jet, but it was an odd comment so I just wanted to ask and clear the air before or in case it may get suggested.

I didn't mention it before because I got sidetracked by other comments, but all along, I've had no problem with Jet Beetle waiting until he secured a few to reveal it to us, because I knew about incidents involving the parts used to make the Original Trilogy lightsabers. Besides the rifle grenade incident mentioned by Funky Jedi, there's also the issues involved with the vintage camera flash guns used to make some of the sabers. As soon as the Graflex and the other one were positively identified on the world wide web, prices skyrocketed, not just because of eBay bidding wars, but also because of the dealers that trade in vintage camera equipment. As soon as those guys got wind of why there was suddenly so much demand for those particular flash gun models, they started jacking the prices way up in an attempt to discourage Star Wars fans from buying and then "ruining" vintage camera equipment by turning it into props!

But then people like Jeff Parks and the now sadly out-of-business Larry Leung decided to save people a lot of time, money and trouble by turning out exact (or nearly so) replicas of the flash guns (which in some cases were so exact, they actually FUNCTION as flash guns! ) so those sabers could be had for a REASONABLE price. And they were able to do this legally because those flash guns are so old that the patents on them have now expired! :thumbsup

That still didn't explain why Jet Beetle went 4 months without providing the info. But then he stated himself that the first units he tracked down were so badly damaged as to be useless, so he's still having to hunt for some to buy. So that's perfectly understandable. I merely wish he'd told us this a little sooner, is all.

BTW, since the picture posted earlier in this thread is now MIA (don't you just HATE people that don't leave their hotlinked images up on their image hosting account in perpetuity? :rolleyes), here's the picture of the original prop from Thunderbirds, as shown over on that other forum:

It's a shame I didn't save that other picture, because it actually showed the prop in the actor's hand, being used to turn the screw! But this frame gives a better view of the entire prop. thumbsup

And Straker, speaking only for myself, and I am unanimous in this... in that picture, it still looks to me like the main grip is covered with some kind of tape, or a sleeve of some silver, textured material slipped over it, or something. Doesn't look like metal that's been filed down to me. But I'm by no means an expert on these things. When that movie was made, I wasn't even a gleam in my dad's eye, so I don't know what metal-working techniques would have been available to the prop maker back then. :confused

I agree, and it's nice that those Graflex replicas can actually be used as real camera flashes too. I'm just really hoping that the info can finally be revealed so someone can replicate the original item so a more authentic sonic screwdriver can be made. I wouldn't even bother trying to find the original item JUST because I would want a brand new replica. :lol

I know I mentioned that i could be a metal weaved mesh with an adhesive back on it. I can totally believe that that may be wrapped in that AND provide the look of the freshly filed metal that it looks like. Believe me, you're not the only one that is in that unanimous line of thought now. You've converted me into a believer. :lol

 

[Asp9mm]

It looks like tape to me too, probably put on to cover the slit.

 

[AJK001]

I think it is about time for this thread to be locked since it is serving no good purpose. JB does not want to release the proof he has been telling us about since March, which is all well and good, but if he is not going to release this SHOCKING EVIDENCE, then why have this thread at all.

As for whether or not CT should have been banned, I guess he did violate the rules, but I also think someone else should be banned for baiting him.

 

[greatwazoo42]

Sing it!

My name is Mok
Thanks a lot
I know you love the thing I've got

Sorry, I love Rock n Rule.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSGIZp9bBK4

Me too. :love Now, what were we talking about?

 

[AJK001]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSGIZp9bBK4

Me too. :love Now, what were we talking about?

About what was used to make a Screwdriver, and if I remember correctly, it was Vodka and Orange Juice.:lol

 

[greatwazoo42]

I'll take two!

 

[fuelish]

It looks, to me, like the handle area was turned against a grinder wheel. So I went out in to the shop and did a piece for comparison.
screwdriver

With flash

With out flash

What do you think?

 

[Asp9mm]

That's what I originally thought, but it looks very much like you can see the tape edge, plus the grooves and slot have been covered which all suggests a tape like covering.

 

[fuelish]

The "ground" area might be a slightly larger dia. and the lip is highlighted by shadow?
It also looks like wound silver thread, like a sword grip is finished.
I tried using the magnifier, but then it looks like lots of little squares.

 

[Asp9mm]

The "ground" area might be a slightly larger dia. and the lip is highlighted by shadow?
It also looks like wound silver thread, like a sword grip is finished.
I tried using the magnifier, but then it looks like lots of little squares.

CT has pointed out that it may be fine wire thread wrapped around. That idea looks good to me. I think we can discount the ground down theory as it would effectively change the shape of the end piece if it was refinished. And we all know it was.

 

[Jet Beetle]

I think it is about time for this thread to be locked since it is serving no good purpose. JB does not want to release the proof he has been telling us about since March, which is all well and good, but if he is not going to release this SHOCKING EVIDENCE, then why have this thread at all.

As for whether or not CT should have been banned, I guess he did violate the rules, but I also think someone else should be banned for baiting him.

I really hope you aren't talking about me. I baited no one. Attitude was carried in here from elsewhere - .

 

[phez]

I think we all need to take it easy :lol. Right or wrong Jet is putting some time and effort into running down his theory and at some point if we see a pic of a perfect match, well mystery solved. If not it just goes down as another lead that was never proven (we know this never happens on the RPF :lol). No big deal.

The one major problem I have with the origenal sonic (from TB) being a totally custom made object (as CT says is an absolute fact) as opposed to a found object of some kind is that:

1. It has the slot that you can see the spring through. Why would you machine that in and then cover it with something (tape or whatever) if it was a custom made prop just for the show. I think that is there for a reason related to the origenal use of that object.
2. Can we tell for sure if the black spiral around the neck part is tape or is a grove in the metal (like a big thread). If it is a big grove (look how exact the spacing between the black lines is) it sort of lends itself to the automatic screwdriver idea.
3. Is the stuff on the handle added or is it some kind of grip that just came on the origenal object? If you look close you can almost see a pattern like it is knurled into the handle.

 

[greatwazoo42]

Remember also that black spiral was on Pertwee's early version of the Sonic as well (Sea Devils I think) but painted over in the Dayglo colors so favored in the early 70's.

 

[Jet Beetle]

The idea that someone would machine a part for a 2 second insert shot on Thunderbirds goes against everything in bringing a show in on the cheap. if the object had played a significant part in the show (Thunderbirds) - like say a phaser, then yes, I would believe it was completely fabricated. As we know it was taken from the Thunderbirds to Who, this is a good way to save money - salvage is key in television.

 

[phez]

It looks like you can still see the bigger black lines underneath the yellow paint/tape on the Pertwee no?

 

[Gojira61]

It looks like you can still see the bigger black lines underneath the yellow paint/tape on the Pertwee no?

Sure looks like it to me!

 

[Gojira61]

Back by popular demand.

And for the love of God someone please grab these this time! I'll try not to go delete happy in the future.

I lightened these a lot from the film, the scenes are pretty dark. Watch “Thunderbirds are Go”, this thing is a push/pull screwdriver, you even turn the handle to the right to eject the screw you’ve just removed.

Until I see something different that's what it is in my mind. And if this was custom made just for Thunderbirds then my hat is off to the props department.