VX Gas Canister Build (The Rock 1996)

[Skillerious]

Hey all, First proper post after lurking for a number of years.

I am starting to tackle the VX Gas Canister build. It is one that I have been meaning to start for a few years. I have seen Nitrox's and TheKaiser's builds and was blown away with the detail. I have ordered a good portion of the materials including 40mm Blown glass beads, (2mm OD) Tubing, spade connectors, magnetic wire, rubber gromets, keyring hoops, and monofilament fishing line. There is still quite a bit I need to source but have found a few items that where used on the screen used prop.

Over the last few days I have been 3D modelling the Lid, body and bottom of the canister and have uploaded the designs to Thingiverse for anyone who also wants to create this prop. VX Gas Canister (The Rock) V5 by Skillerious

The model is far from perfect but continue to update it regularly, I was planning to 3D print but had concerns for the strength of the body. I am more than likely going to outsource the manufacturing of the lid, body and bottom to a CNC machinist.

More to come soon!

Robin

 

[Movie Magic]

Love this prop! Great job!

 

[Skillerious]

Love this prop! Great job!

Thank you kindly

 

[Knightmare]

I had a few of those originals balls . They were filled with dish soap in the film .

 

[Skillerious]

I had a few of those originals balls . They were filled with dish soap in the film .

Was it not Banana Boat Aloe Gel?

 

[Knightmare]

Was it not Banana Boat Aloe Gel?

Nope

 

[Skillerious]

** See post #12 for updated photos and files **

Hey all, just want to give you a small update. I have re-designed the canister using different software (I don’t think Tinkercad was cutting it lol).

I’ve been studying the prop store photos that @TheKaiser was kind enough to find. It still isn’t perfect but I think it is heading in the right direction.

I’ve made the STL files available on Thingiverse if anyone is interested in this prop. Thingiverse Link

I am also looking into having the parts machined out of aluminium. I found a custom parts manufacturer in china that is quoting me a very reasonable price to CNC the parts. I will leave you with a few photos of the model I have knocked together so far. I’ve also included some schematics.

Until next time!

Robin

Edit:

I wasn’t happy with the way the lid turned out. I was looking at it for too long wondering why it didn’t look right. So I studied the original again and think it’s pretty close now. I’ve updated the images below, the files on Thingiverse and provided a zip file with the .stl files attached below.

 

[Skillerious]

just a small update folks

Over the last few days I’ve been finalising the design of the 3D model. It was proving quite tricky as I am not the best 3D artist or am I very good at judging sizes from reference photos. The model that I posted before was huge and I mean huge! I edited the previous post above ( #7 ) to show the final model. There may be the odd tweak here and there in the future but nothing drastic.

My goal was to have something screen accurate and think the design is getting closer. I have located and ordered some found items that were used for the movie prop and can’t wait to receive them (will post photos on arrival).

Robin

PS,

The .stl files hosted on Thingiverse will be updated in the next hour or so to reflect the changes shown in the above post. I have also attached a zip file containing the .stl files in the above post.

 

[Art Andrews]

GORGEOUS work. I got to hold the original at Propstore. It is a crazy-cool piece of machining work.

 

[Skillerious]

Thank you Art, I really appreciate it.

I'm really jealous you got to handle the original prop. The detail of the prop is amazing and especially the clear photos Propstore took of the item (really helped when 3d Modeling). I have managed to source and purchase the switches used under the lid on eBay...

(These things)

I have 5 coming for now but may get a few more to knock together another one. Just need to get the model sent off to the CNC machinists. Will keep everyone updated on the process.

 

[Skillerious]

I have received the switches that attach under the lid and hold the glass beads filled with the green banana boat gel. They are in pretty decent nick. Just waiting on a few more being delivered as I had to source them from different suppliers.

 

[Skillerious]

I have made the final adjustments to the 3D model. Just want to post a few updated photos. This was done using the reference photos found on propstore. I’ll be updating the STL files in the next few hours and making them available on Thingiverse and also attached directly to this post.

Edit: Files added to post (Download: VX-Gas-STL-Files-V9.zip)

 

[trullock]

Skillerious Amazing build, what are the brass "switches" called?

 

[Skillerious]

Skillerious Amazing build, what are the brass "switches" called?

Thanks Dude,

They are called Clare Pendar switches, they come from old apple mechanical keyboards from the early 80's (don't quote me on the origin lol)

I got mine from eBay, takes a lot of searching but they are on it, below is an image from my purchase history but the seller is currently sold out.

Robin

 

[trullock]

Great thanks, $18 pus intl. shipping means i'll just turn some brass and put some decals on it

But at least I now know what to write on the decals

Cheers!

 

[Skillerious]

Great thanks, $18 pus intl. shipping means i'll just turn some brass and put some decals on it

But at least I now know what to write on the decals

Cheers!

You are very welcome

 

[SideSalad0212]

GORGEOUS work. I got to hold the original at Propstore. It is a crazy-cool piece of machining work.

Hey I'm putting together a PowerPoint for my university course and was wondering if you know who the original was made by?

 

[PHArchivist]

GORGEOUS work. I got to hold the original at Propstore. It is a crazy-cool piece of machining work.

Just about my favorite prop ever - this, and the endo arm...

 

[Knightmare]

Great film