TOS Communicator Question

[jlong]

Hi guys. As many of you know I recently got the license to
do classic Trek prop kits. My first kit (which is available now,)
is the TOS Hand Phaser. The classic Communicator is planned
for kit #2-and will hopefully be available in the next couple
of months.

My question is this:

If you had your way, would you want a Communicator that was
totally faithful right down to the little asymmetrical characteristics
of the originals, or would you prefer an idealized version?

I personally would prefer a replica that was exactly like the ones
used on set, but I thought I'd run it by you guys and see what you
would prefer.

For me it's kinda like a Trooper helmet-It's the handmade/asymmetrical
qualities that make it look "right".

So, what do you think?

Thanks!

John Long
www.saucersoverhollywood.com

 

[sapper36]

Asymmetrical all the way!

 

[Lost in Trek]

I vote for "just like the original". There have been countless idealized versions over the years.

It's time for a totally accurate prop.

 

[Tripper]

Asymmetrical all the way.

 

[Treadwell]

But each hero comm was asymmetrical in different ways, so how could one possibly be "accurate" to idiosyncrasies that were constantly different?

 

[phase pistol]

I'd rather it look like Herocomm's Alpha, than Master Replicas.

- k

 

[Tripper]

He means the wanks and asymmetrical details that are apart of the shells them selves. Each comm for the original series was the same in that respect. As for other differences, that's up to the builder.

 

[aniskywalker]

I vote for "just like the original". There have been countless idealized versions over the years.

It's time for a totally accurate prop.

Same here. :thumbsup

Of course Treadwell is correct though. I assume(I know ) that you are going to replicate one of the Hero models completely.

 

[jlong]

But each hero comm was asymmetrical in different ways, so how could one possibly be "accurate" to idiosyncrasies that were constantly different?

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying.

There were apparently only two "hero" (or working) models.
All the rest were non-functional props. As for them being
"asymmetrical in different ways", I guess if you're talking about
the slightly different placement of the knobs etc., then that
would be true. But what I'm talking about, is indeed present in all of
the original Communicator props. That is to say the shape of the shells.
The bucks used to form the plastic shells had some very interesting
characteristics, thus all of the shells shared them as well.

The things that I'm talking about are subtle, but would probably
be thought of as imperfections to the uninitiated. The die-hard
Comm fan on the other hand, would see them as the difference
between all of the previous replicas, and something truly accurate.

Thanks!

John

 

[TOSPHASER]

Asymmetrical Buddy! do what you do!.......I for one would want it to match the Phaser!!..........so glad this happened in our lifetime!:love
Thanks John!!

 

[jlong]

Asymmetrical Buddy! do what you do!.......I for one would want it to match the Phaser!!..........so glad this happened in our lifetime!:love
Thanks John!!

Thanks Bruce.

For those who haven't seen it yet, here is a pic of the initial prototype:

I am currently tightening-up the details on what will be the
final production tooling. I'm actually doing that with the benefit
of the two originals in-hand. You guys are going to love this kit:love

John Long
www.saucersoverhollywood.com

 

[Vaderman]

Yeah, that looks alright, I guess.

love

John your phaser Type I is so stellar, I can't wait to see this communicator!

Definitely go with the screen accurate, non-MR type.

Any idea what these little jewels will cost us?

Thanks for the preview!

With the opening in the bottom, I am hoping for a screwdriven wind up mech for the moire? Or perhaps an updated motor, activated by that button?

 

[Treadwell]

That is to say the shape of the shells.

Oh, I see. Yeah, go for that! We've already had idealized versions.

 

[DrMcoy]

I'd be happy with either, but if forced to choose, I'd go with whatever most resembles what was used on set.

 

[dcarty]

Please let me add my voice to those who want to duplicate the original prop warts and all!

Dave C

 

[mtpalin]

Yep, as close as possible to the orignal get my vote. The "imperfections" and period materials are what made the P1 so cool.

Bring in on! :love

 

[HouseAtreides]

We're not worthy!

:lol


Yes, please add a vote for screen accurate over idealized.

 

[Apollo]

Screen-Accurate all the way! :thumbsup

 

[Gregatron]

Are you aiming for replicating a specific hero prop, Mr. Long? As you probably well know, herocomm.com has documented most of the different hero and dummy versions (and recently posted detailed blueprints of the "Holy Grail" Alpha comm at their site).

Will the kit include various optional moire patterns and jewels, or will it be specifically intended to replicate one of the two heroes (Alpha and Beta, as herocomm calls them)?


Oh, and I think you should go with as accurate a kit as possible, with all the wanks and imperfections. With all the info that's come out in recent years, the days of idealized and inaccurate comms should be over!

 

[jlong]

Are you aiming for replicating a specific hero prop, Mr. Long? As you probably well know, herocomm.com has documented most of the different hero and dummy versions (and recently posted detailed blueprints of the "Holy Grail" Alpha comm at their site).

Will the kit include various optional moire patterns and jewels, or will it be specifically intended to replicate one of the two heroes (Alpha and Beta, as herocomm calls them)?


Oh, and I think you should go with as accurate a kit as possible, with all the wanks and imperfections. With all the info that's come out in recent years, the days of idealized and inaccurate comms should be over!

There were only two "hero" Communicators. They have pix of what is
believed to be one of them. The other two Comms they have pictures
of are the same two "non-functional" pieces that I documented in my
Star Trek Communicator magazine article a few years back. I am
currently using those two props to fine-tune the production tooling.
It was one thing to go and take pictures and measurements of these
props to do the article, and build the replicas featured in it-but for
the actuall kit, I really wanted to ratchet it up:love

Thanks to the generosity of the owner, I am creating the tooling
side-by-side with the real Comms. I am determined to make these
as completely accurate as humanly possible.

Thanks!

John Long
www.saucersoverhollywood.com