Tom Baker Sonic Screwdriver SHOCKING EVIDENCE!

[Jet Beetle]

looks like you nailed it phez= I'm going to check it against the photos we have as well - but man, what a score.

 

[Asp9mm]

From reading "Ectropy's" post from pg.7 it sounds like only one sonic head may have had the magnent added for a specific scene (the red one that matches these in the screen caps). For all we know the parts on the other heads may not have even been magnets.

Toms black version was definately magnetic as he uses the magnet to pic screws up. Just painted probably, although black versions are available as I have them on my safe limpets.

 

[phez]

I know the origenal Sonic has been missing for a while, did they have access to measure it before or did build theres using screen caps? I might have to order one and check it out. :lol

 

[Asp9mm]

I know the origenal Sonic has been missing for a while, did they have access to measure it before or did build theres using screen caps? I might have to order one and check it out. :lol

For years it was considered that TLP had the most accurate sonic, then the licenced version was released based on more info the BBC provided, which ironically was muchos close to TLPs version. You need to have one to fondle to appreciate the differences. Russ makes the best version in terms of machining and quality though. Russ would be the first to tell you his isn't screen accurate, just a damned good good one.

 

[Jack T Chance]

I'm just going off the TimeLordsPocket and Licenced version. To me based on the screencaps that we have, the dimensions are spot on. TLP also uses button magnets that are larger than 12.5mm. These are available, though not as readily as the 12.5.

I didn't know that. The pictures from his most recent auction all had the "magnet" side of the emitter head turned AWAY from the camera, so you can't tell what it looks like.

If his is larger than 12.5 mm/½", what size IS it? If we know the size, we should be able to track some down eventually. :cool

No luck at Home Despot and Lowe's. Neither one carried ANY button magnets. :unsure

I wanted to check the Ace Hardware in the same town (closest Ace to me that I could remember off the top of my head) but I swung by there at just after 7:30 this evening. They had closed at 7.

Guess I'll have to go back up there another day. In the meantime, I'll also check Harbor Freight Tools in my home town and see if I have any luck there. And if I have no luck with either them or Ace, then it'll be time to get REALLY desperate... I'll check places like Michael's and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

 

[Jet Beetle]

Maybe Sears as well.

 

[phez]

Here are a bunch of sizes from the company that makes them. I would think you could just have your local harware store order any size that you want.

http://www.magnetsource.com/Solutions_Pages/HOLDINGMAGSalnico.html

 

[Jack T Chance]

Here are a bunch of sizes from the company that makes them. I would think you could just have your local harware store order any size that you want.

http://www.magnetsource.com/Solutions_Pages/HOLDINGMAGSalnico.html

Poop. Looks like they only offer them in red. Just because of the shape and the need to mask off the exposed magnetic pole ends, repainting it black will take just a little more work than normal. Which is why I'd prefer to buy one that's already black. Guess that's not possible, though. :unsure

And if C.T. is right that the ½"/12.5 mm size is too small for the bullet diameter, I wonder if the 0.687" model is the right size? Or would that be too big? :confused

 

[Straker]

Too cool! Sounds like C.T. got his information wrong on the size!

BUT... it's still the wrong color. Sure, it's fine if you're doing one of the variations that had the red magnet on it. But the most commonly seen variation of the 4th Doctor's sonic screwdriver had a BLACK magnet on the emitter head. Anyone had any luck finding them in black yet? :confused

Why do we think Russ's is too small? Do we have any form of a measurment off of it (not a story of a measurment, like a photo with a ruler [and not one that nobody can see ]) that can be used as refrence. It seem like a bit of a quicidence that a found item that has not changed much and that is still currently avalible matches the size of the bullet on Russ's Sonic dead on (and looks exactly like the screen cap's) but that it is the wrong size. What is the source of the info?

I am not trying to be confrontational, I would just like to know if there is a real known size for the bullet what is it and what is the source of the info.



From reading "Ectropy's" post from pg.7 it sounds like only one sonic head may have had the magnent added for a specific scene (the red one that matches these in the screen caps). For all we know the parts on the other heads may not have even been magnets.

For years it was considered that TLP had the most accurate sonic, then the licenced version was released based on more info the BBC provided, which ironically was muchos close to TLPs version. You need to have one to fondle to appreciate the differences. Russ makes the best version in terms of machining and quality though. Russ would be the first to tell you his isn't screen accurate, just a damned good good one.

From what I had seen based on screen caps and the ring diameter I always thought the bullet filled the ring out more on the original prop. Take into account the length based on the SS diagram and the diameter of the ring it looks like the real prop was bigger then 12.5 mm diameter to me as well.

As for the TLP sonic and the licensed version...That is hairy because the TLP version is supposedly what the licensed version was copied from to the nearest mm. TLP even posted that info on their auctions and I have to admit, form fit and finish that licensed one looks exactly like the TLP version. It's at least arguable that it's the same sonic anyway. I don't own either version but I'll bet both of them have a wider bullet diameter then 12.5mm.

Not that it matters since we CAN get one that fit's russ's sonic anyway. I'll have to go to my local TrueValue to have a looksee there i think.

 

[Asp9mm]

The emitters are slightly diferent on the TLP and licenced version. I had the both side by side yesterday at a friends when I was considering buying the licenced version. There is quite a big difference in diameter in relation to the Russ sonic. And as Straker points out, the bullet fills the halo alot more.

It's easy to paint the red ones black. Just spray the whole lot black, then run the horseshoe side over fine grit paper to strip the paint uniformally on the ends. It produces a neat result and then you don't have to mask anything.

 

[Risu]

I went to True Value today and they didn't stock any of these types of magnets, then I called all the others in my area and none of them had them either. Can somebody with access to them pick one up for me?

 

[Funky]

I went to True Value today and they didn't stock any of these types of magnets, then I called all the others in my area and none of them had them either. Can somebody with access to them pick one up for me?

I'd be interested in one myself. :love

 

[fuelish]

If I Remember Correctly, he said the 12.5 mm/½" magnet wasn't small ENOUGH. But I might be remembering what he said incorrectly.

I think I'll check Home Despot and Lowe's, see if they carry any of the black ones.

You might want to try Northern Tool. They usually have a big selection of magnets.

 

[Jack T Chance]

As for the TLP sonic and the licensed version...That is hairy because the TLP version is supposedly what the licensed version was copied from to the nearest mm. TLP even posted that info on their auctions and I have to admit, form fit and finish that licensed one looks exactly like the TLP version. It's at least arguable that it's the same sonic anyway. I don't own either version but I'll bet both of them have a wider bullet diameter then 12.5mm.

*SIGH* I am getting sick and tired of people only ever telling TLP's side of the story (especially "TLP" himself!) :thumbsdown

The licensed version was designed/prototyped/whatever by RPF member the DOCTOR, who is also a member of the Gallifrey Base Doctor Who Forums. Here's what he had to say on the subject over there:

Hmm, that old chestnut- yup, TP sold me one for the purposes of saving me time and money for the mock up, and don't I regret it now; then, once the licence was granted , I did a whole pile of research- including mining the truly exhaustive thread over on the RPF for details- and, using this research, the finished PE Sonic is a rather different beast from TPs unlicensed, constantly evolving, Sonic...

Incidentally, while I'm here, CO/Design Works and Weta have had occasion to enlist my help as a research tool* for Classic Who, and I didn't even charge them for it...

*I use 'tool' in it's broadest sense...

The source of that quote is THIS THREAD. (NOTE: You can only view threads at Gallifrey Base if you're a logged in member. So if you're reading this thread and you aren't yet a member at GB, take this opportunity to sign-up now. )

If you look at pictures of the most recent TLP sonic design side-by-side with the officially licensed one, especially if you look at the emitter head design, you'll see how different they really are. I'm about to eat dinner, but I'll be back in a bit with the comparison pics.

And remember, kids, as a Vorlon once said: "Understanding is a three-edged sword; your side, their side, and the truth."

 

[Jack T Chance]

Okay, here's your photographic evidence, kids. The pictures of the Sixteen 12 Officially Licensed Sonic Screwdriver come to us courtesy of Gallifrey Base member babyjelly, who recently bought one. So you are seeing the ACTUAL production model that's being sold, not old, outdated photos of a prototype product.

The photos of the Time Lord's Pocket Sonic Screwdriver (with "weathered", metallic burgundy emitter ring) come to us courtesy of TLP's most recent eBay auction for one of his sonics, so they should be representative of what he's currently selling.

I've chosen the most similar photos to compare side-by-side to each other, as this makes the differences more apparent.

Now then, anyone that STILL thinks they're identical is just delusional, as even the untrained eye can immediately spot the differences, especially on the emitter heads!

And just for the sake of being complete, here's 2 more shots of the Sixteen 12 Collectibles Sonic Screwdriver:

And here's one last image of the TLP Sonic, showing off one of its best features: The extending (AKA TELESCOPING) emitter head, as seen in the story "Genesis of the Daleks". This feature PROVES that it most definitely IS possible to make a sonic screwdriver prop featuring BOTH the spring-loaded, working "activation" sleeve AND the telescoping emitter head! Anyone that says otherwise is clearly misinformed!

I wish TLP would consider coming to these forums and doing a large group run at a lower cost, the way Russ did. That would be SWEET! :thumbsup

Anyway, there's your photographic evidence. Discuss amongst yourselves.

 

[phez]

Hmmmm, look at the bullet size of the sixteen 12 sonic (and the TLP version) in comparison to the black "neck" piece on it. I am not so sure the bullet is much bigger than on Russ's. It looks to me like the tube the halo was cut from has a smaller diameter than Russ's Sonics. Notice in this photo the halo is just slightly wider than the bottom ring of top cone on the slider. It sticks out beyond the cone edges about a good 1/4 inch on Russ's. Do we have a measurement of the size of the bullet on one of those? It does look like there is a bigger (a bit more than the 1/2 I found at the store) diameter magnet on the front of the emitter though. I could be wrong LOL


Man what I would not give for just one good photo with a ruler next to any part that could be used for accurate scale.

I like the big handle on the 1612. It looks like the entire sixteen 12 sonic is dusted with the same sort of stuff (sort of sparkly) that is on the head of the MFX sonic (to knock down the glare maybe?). I wonder what that is (Some kind of clear coat)? :confused

What is the story on the screw in the ring on the slider? I have never noticed that detail, Is that cannon from a screen cap?

Thanks for posting those shots. Sorry for all the questions but I did not know about these two Sonics before this thread. (very nice piece incidentally :eek)

 

[Jack T Chance]

Hmmmm, look at the bullet size of the sixteen 12 sonic (and the TLP version) in comparison to the black "neck" piece on it. I am not so sure the bullet is much bigger than on Russ's. It looks to me like the tube the halo was cut from has a smaller diameter than Russ's Sonics. Notice in this photo the halo is just slightly wider than the bottom ring of top cone on the slider. It sticks out beyond the cone edges about a good 1/4 inch on Russ's. Do we have a measurement of the size of the bullet on one of those? It does look like there is a bigger (a bit more than the 1/2 I found at the store) diameter magnet on the front of the emitter though. I could be wrong LOL

It's hard to tell. One of our new members owns the Sixteen 12 Sonic, and has 2 coming from Russ, IIRC, so he's supposed to be posting comparison shots. That should be helpful in figuring it out. :thumbsup

Man what I would not give for just one good photo with a ruler next to any part that could be used for accurate scale.

LOL! I think a lot of us here feel the same way! :lol

It looks like the entire sixteen 12 sonic is dusted with the same sort of stuff (sort of sparkly) that is on the head of the MFX sonic (to knock down the glare maybe?). I wonder what that is (Some kind of clear coat)? :confused

There's no indication that there's ANYTHING sprayed on the head of the MFX. C.T. even examined it under magnification (with a jeweler's loupe, If I Remember Correctly) and I seem to remember him confirming that it was not painted. I think what we're all seeing is just a "duller" or more "matte" finish from all the machining that's been done to it, as photos taken with really good, high resolution cameras reveal what appears to be a LOT of tool marks from the machining.

As for the Sixteen 12 officially licensed version, TLP has made the claim that theirs are die-cast, instead of being made of machined aluminum in the "correct" manner. But I've yet to find any confirmation from Sixteen 12 Collectibles in regards to what their manufacturing method is. I've heard that die-cast aluminum looks different from machined aluminum, so if theirs is die-cast, that might explain the difference.

What is the story on the screw in the ring on the slider? I have never noticed that detail, Is that cannon from a screen cap?

To me, it doesn't look like a screw. It looks more like an intentionally sculpted DENT, possibly to simulate damage that can be seen on the original prop in some closeups that have been seen in the show over the years.

Of course, if C.T.'s theory expressed in one of his latest blog entries is correct (and it at least sounds plausible) then EVERYONE'S gotten the "activation ring" wrong on every replica that's ever been made. What we've been interpreting as white paint applied to the ring, then chipped/flaked off during filming, may ACTUALLY be the possible chrome plating, seen here...

...corroding over the years that the prop was in use, getting progressively worse all the time. Interesting theory, but hard to either prove or disprove, since the original prop has long since vanished. :unsure

Thanks for posting those shots. Sorry for all the questions but I did not know about these two Sonics before this thread. (very nice piece incidentally :eek)

Somebody hasn't been keeping up with their sonic screwdriver replicas! :lol

Time Lord's Pocket has been around for at least a few years now, and many fans consider those sonic screwdriver replicas to be the best available. But boy are they expensive! :unsure

And as for Sixteen 12 Collectibles, they're the official BBC licensee. They were originally called Iconic Replicas, I believe, but underwent a name change for some reason. Their Sonic Screwdriver replica went on sale earlier this year, limited to only 800 pieces worldwide. Since the DOCTOR designed the prop replica for them, he might be able to give us more info about their version. :cool

 

[Straker]

OK, I understand that. Thing is that the older TLPs had a different look. The newer ones have been changed for sure and now don't resemble them in most of the key ways including the grip diameter and decorations. I think TLP changed them and even removed the info about the copy from his auctions anyway. Not to mention, not all TLP's feature the telescoping head, just the one with the bright red emitter halo from Genisis of the Daleks and even then only when the auction specifies it so that's not quite entirely proof.

I won't take up any argument about it. TLP isn't even arguing about it either, but, I have seen the older model TLP in question next to the sixteen 12 sonic and the comparison pictures were pretty much dead on...at the time. I never saved them and even then I wouldn't post them if I had since I don't want to open a flame war right after this site just got over the last one :rolleyes I just want to explain my reasons for initial comment is all. Besides, I did say it was SUPPOSEDLY a copy, but I guess I really should have been more specific that it was speculation. :unsure


I do agree though that TLP should do a group run like Russ. I'd just want a plain-o with burgundy emitter that I could maybe possibly put the new magnet on the end of XD I don't think I would really put a magnet on the end of it though, his emitter end is actually REALLY nice looking.

*SIGH* I am getting sick and tired of people only ever telling TLP's side of the story (especially "TLP" himself!) :thumbsdown

The licensed version was designed/prototyped/whatever by RPF member the DOCTOR, who is also a member of the Gallifrey Base Doctor Who Forums. Here's what he had to say on the subject over there:The source of that quote is THIS THREAD. (NOTE: You can only view threads at Gallifrey Base if you're a logged in member. So if you're reading this thread and you aren't yet a member at GB, take this opportunity to sign-up now. )

If you look at pictures of the most recent TLP sonic design side-by-side with the officially licensed one, especially if you look at the emitter head design, you'll see how different they really are. I'm about to eat dinner, but I'll be back in a bit with the comparison pics.

And remember, kids, as a Vorlon once said: "Understanding is a three-edged sword; your side, their side, and the truth."

Okay, here's your photographic evidence, kids. The pictures of the Sixteen 12 Officially Licensed Sonic Screwdriver come to us courtesy of Gallifrey Base member babyjelly, who recently bought one. So you are seeing the ACTUAL production model that's being sold, not old, outdated photos of a prototype product.

The photos of the Time Lord's Pocket Sonic Screwdriver (with "weathered", metallic burgundy emitter ring) come to us courtesy of TLP's most recent eBay auction for one of his sonics, so they should be representative of what he's currently selling.

I've chosen the most similar photos to compare side-by-side to each other, as this makes the differences more apparent.

Now then, anyone that STILL thinks they're identical is just delusional, as even the untrained eye can immediately spot the differences, especially on the emitter heads!

And just for the sake of being complete, here's 2 more shots of the Sixteen 12 Collectibles Sonic Screwdriver:

And here's one last image of the TLP Sonic, showing off one of its best features: The extending (AKA TELESCOPING) emitter head, as seen in the story "Genesis of the Daleks". This feature PROVES that it most definitely IS possible to make a sonic screwdriver prop featuring BOTH the spring-loaded, working "activation" sleeve AND the telescoping emitter head! Anyone that says otherwise is clearly misinformed!

I wish TLP would consider coming to these forums and doing a large group run at a lower cost, the way Russ did. That would be SWEET! :thumbsup

Anyway, there's your photographic evidence. Discuss amongst yourselves.

 

[Asp9mm]

I've actually had a change of opinion since someone in the business pointed out some facts. If Russ made a smaller diameter halo, I think it would be spot on. Especially with the magnet back applied. I'm in the process of spraying mine, but will get some pics up ASAP.

 

[Ectropy]

Here are the pics I promised of the Sixteen 12 sonic next to Russ' sonic.


There is some lens distortion in the left side of this picture:

Side view of the emitter heads while activated:

Russ' does not have any holes in the emitter ring to mount the bullet, but the design is a bit more fragile as a result. The spring on the Sixteen 12 is much looser than Russ'.


"Front" view of the emitter heads:

The inside of the halo is not painted on the Sixteen 12. The outside of the ring is a metallic paint or powder coating. Russ' halo is anodized.


"Rear" view of the emitter heads:

Alternate "rear" view of the emitter heads:

Neither sonic matches the button magnet's appearance, but I think the Sixteen 12 is closer. The diameter of the "magnet" on the Sixteen 12 is 13.5mm.


Mid view:

The diameter of the "thumb" activator ring is larger on the Sixteen 12.


Alternate mid view:

The Sixteen 12 handle is 3.5mm thick aluminum tubing-- considerably beefier than Russ'.


Bottom view:

The Sixteen 12 has a convex curve on the bottom, while Russ' is flat. It is possible for Russ' to stand on its own. The Sixteen 12 hole is off center in the angled cut, though.

The Sixteen 12 is much more expensive, but officially licensed. Russ' can be customized to order, but availability is limited.

Both sonics have their positives and negatives, but neither is entirely screen accurate. I'm happy with both, and I'd like to extend a thanks to both russrep and The Doctor for their excellent work. The search continues...