TimeyWhimyStuff
Well-Known Member
Now I just need the rest of the TARDIS console to materialize for me..
Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 1963-present keys)
- Thread starter Straker
- Start date
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- Tags
- doctor who
Terrasolo
Sr Member
So my plight to get a "screen accurate" (in quotes as we can never be sure what it really looks like aside from color and shape) Davison Yale key cut for my Police Box and prop collection finally came to an end. First, I want to thank TimeyWhimeyStuff for the help he has given me in the past with a few classic Yale keys. Second I want to thank Straker for the tip on the modern Yale key that can be sanded for a Smith sSnowmen TARDIS key. This wouldn't have happened without the keys these two helped us find. Lastly I'd like to thank Deck5 for his help with electroplating, of which you can see the results below.
Basically I had realized while searching for a one rest/bump classic Yale key that pickings were slim. Of course there are many different cuts, sizes and shapes to the keys so finding one that fit the collection was looking less likely or at least a long ways out. Then I had the idea that I could make one. I had a few extra classic Yale keys from a lot that TimeyWhimeyStuff had found a while back and looking at the shape of the key I realized that I could easily sand off one rest/bump and make the key look as if it were made that way. So that is what I did. I am really pleased with the results too. When you put that key next to an ERA key they have the same profile, even down to the slightly higher flat edge where the rest should have been. Hard to really explain that point though, something you need to be pointed to look at.
Anyway, moving on, this is where Deck5 comes in. After sanding the rest/bump I was not completely satisfied with the key as it did not look all that different from the identical key I have in my collection for Pertwee. And since the picks of the Davison key appear to be silver to me, that was my goal. So I had asked if he could electroplate a couple keys for me. Test the waters and see how the process works. He kindly agreed and you can see the results below:
To start, here is a before picture of four keys. From left to right we have
1) Classic Yale
2) Identical Classic Yale with one rest/bump sanded off
3) ERA key to show silver
4) Modern Yale sanded of logo (and seemingly tarnishing :/ )
And now the same four keys after keys 2 and 4 have been electroplated.
A couple closer shots of the Classic Yales before:
and after - with added hemp cord making a Davison key variant.
And lastly a comparison of a non-sanded modern Yale and a sanded and electroplated version making a Snowmen version of the TARDIS key.
All in all I am very happy with the electroplating process, particularly on the classic Davison Yale key as it helps it to really stand apart from the otherwise identical Pertwee key.
Basically I had realized while searching for a one rest/bump classic Yale key that pickings were slim. Of course there are many different cuts, sizes and shapes to the keys so finding one that fit the collection was looking less likely or at least a long ways out. Then I had the idea that I could make one. I had a few extra classic Yale keys from a lot that TimeyWhimeyStuff had found a while back and looking at the shape of the key I realized that I could easily sand off one rest/bump and make the key look as if it were made that way. So that is what I did. I am really pleased with the results too. When you put that key next to an ERA key they have the same profile, even down to the slightly higher flat edge where the rest should have been. Hard to really explain that point though, something you need to be pointed to look at.
Anyway, moving on, this is where Deck5 comes in. After sanding the rest/bump I was not completely satisfied with the key as it did not look all that different from the identical key I have in my collection for Pertwee. And since the picks of the Davison key appear to be silver to me, that was my goal. So I had asked if he could electroplate a couple keys for me. Test the waters and see how the process works. He kindly agreed and you can see the results below:
To start, here is a before picture of four keys. From left to right we have
1) Classic Yale
2) Identical Classic Yale with one rest/bump sanded off
3) ERA key to show silver
4) Modern Yale sanded of logo (and seemingly tarnishing :/ )
And now the same four keys after keys 2 and 4 have been electroplated.
A couple closer shots of the Classic Yales before:
and after - with added hemp cord making a Davison key variant.
And lastly a comparison of a non-sanded modern Yale and a sanded and electroplated version making a Snowmen version of the TARDIS key.
All in all I am very happy with the electroplating process, particularly on the classic Davison Yale key as it helps it to really stand apart from the otherwise identical Pertwee key.
TimeyWhimyStuff
Well-Known Member
Those look really great! I may have to do the sanding on the one shoulder thing.
Straker
Sr Member
Lol, I already posted that on page four, XD
Clever! I might just go ahead and do that myself. Doesn't seem to be too many ways to find what we're looking for though I am still trying.
Terrasolo
Sr Member
Er... like I said, Straker posted this on page four
Exactly. And when the spares are there it just made sense to try. It was really easy too. The sanding even left the side of the key pretty much looking the same all the way down too. So the key looks like it was made that way.
Terrasolo
Sr Member
I had some time today to work on a project I had wanted to do for a while. It's a good thing I had to wait since the 5th Doctor key would not have been correct.
It's not a complete list I know, for Starters I am missing Susan's key - mainly because i don't have a correct chain for it yet - and the key that Ben found, which would have been identical to the 1st Doctor's anyway. Also we have no real idea about what Colin's key looked like and both the 9th and 11th Doctors used the 10th Doctor's key at one point - as did Rose. Then we have the Sally Sparrow key issue, where she has three to choose from. I decided it was best to stick with one, that being the one I personally liked best. I may have missed out a companion (aside from Jack and Donna who both has the same one as the 10th Doctor) but I don't think I did. Could be wrong.
I did add the idealized Mooncrest 4th Doctor's key in as we know Tom's was molded from the Pertwee key, so therefore it would have been differently constructed as one solid piece. With that in mind I felt there was sufficient cause to add it in as a change. Lastly I do have an incorrect chain on my 4th Doctor key. I have yet to find a curb chain the size I want on it yet.
It's not a complete list I know, for Starters I am missing Susan's key - mainly because i don't have a correct chain for it yet - and the key that Ben found, which would have been identical to the 1st Doctor's anyway. Also we have no real idea about what Colin's key looked like and both the 9th and 11th Doctors used the 10th Doctor's key at one point - as did Rose. Then we have the Sally Sparrow key issue, where she has three to choose from. I decided it was best to stick with one, that being the one I personally liked best. I may have missed out a companion (aside from Jack and Donna who both has the same one as the 10th Doctor) but I don't think I did. Could be wrong.
I did add the idealized Mooncrest 4th Doctor's key in as we know Tom's was molded from the Pertwee key, so therefore it would have been differently constructed as one solid piece. With that in mind I felt there was sufficient cause to add it in as a change. Lastly I do have an incorrect chain on my 4th Doctor key. I have yet to find a curb chain the size I want on it yet.
Last edited:
TimeyWhimyStuff
Well-Known Member
Nice roundup! I have the Mooncrest 7th.. need to order the 3rd & 4th at some point.
TimeyWhimyStuff
Well-Known Member
Found a nice in-between key of classic & current Yales. Based off of Terrasolo's evolution pic it will serve well for a 6th.
TimeyWhimyStuff
Well-Known Member
Yeah I went ahead and cleaned it up, had too many super dark areas for my liking.
Terrasolo
Sr Member
Since making the "history of" file above I've been thinking a lot about the keys. I've since gotten a better chain for my Tom Baker key started the hunt for a good chain for my Susan Foreman key. Which got me thinking, in the new series there have been a lot of companions who had their own key but in the classic series, the the best I can recall, only Susan seems to have had her own key.
Now I know the Doctor lent his key to Sarah Jane, Tegan and tried to offer it to Ace at least but still no permanent keys there. Chang Lee and Ben Jackson also found themselves in possession of TARDIS keys but ended up giving them back. Rose lent hers to Adam and the one the Doctor gave the alt Clara never really took.
Now I know there must be more examples of who didn't really have one but had used one, but can the list really be one classic companion to own a key vs many new series companions ?
What I have is:
Susan Foreman
Rose Tyler
Jack Harkenss
Martha Jones
Sally Sparrow (Not sure if it was given back in the packet she handed him or not)
Donna Noble
But is that really it? I can't think of anyone else off hand.
Seems like RTD went nuts handing out a TARDIS key where as Moff - with the exception of a one off Clara and not even the real deal - seems to think old school with the Doctor keeping it close to his hearts.
Now I know the Doctor lent his key to Sarah Jane, Tegan and tried to offer it to Ace at least but still no permanent keys there. Chang Lee and Ben Jackson also found themselves in possession of TARDIS keys but ended up giving them back. Rose lent hers to Adam and the one the Doctor gave the alt Clara never really took.
Now I know there must be more examples of who didn't really have one but had used one, but can the list really be one classic companion to own a key vs many new series companions ?
What I have is:
Susan Foreman
Rose Tyler
Jack Harkenss
Martha Jones
Sally Sparrow (Not sure if it was given back in the packet she handed him or not)
Donna Noble
But is that really it? I can't think of anyone else off hand.
Seems like RTD went nuts handing out a TARDIS key where as Moff - with the exception of a one off Clara and not even the real deal - seems to think old school with the Doctor keeping it close to his hearts.
Straker
Sr Member
Very nice. I like that. I'm still looking for some other variations.
Nice setup.
Well, I think it's almost a retrospect thing where they seem to want to put importance on him handing a key to a worthy companion where they didn't even really dwell on it in the classic series much because well, it makes sense to either hand a key to the companions or keep it on him at all times because well, he's not going back to the Tardis without them...one way or another XD.
I'm still working on my set but my companion keys are coming along well so far:
TimeyWhimyStuff
Well-Known Member
Thanks! I found a good Euro Yale for Terrasolo's 1st Doctor Key, it should get here sometime this week. Also Just ordered a Mooncrest 3rd. Sadly the site was out of stock on the 4th.. hopefully be back in stock soon.
Straker
Sr Member
Nice. I'm still behind because I want them to be blanks so I can get them cut to fit my own door lock XD
Terrasolo
Sr Member
That's my hold up on my Susan key, I'm trying to find a blank similar to my First Doctor key myself so I can have them cut to fit my TARDIS. I'm hoping one of those blank keys you have will work in the mean time until I can find some more vintage Yales.
Thanks for the compliment on the layout! I should note that all of the keys in my "Evolution of" pic - excluding of course the special design keys - are cut to fit my TARDIS lock with the exception of my First Doctor key. That one is cut to fit a friend's classic TARDIS build, which I think is rather cool.
Thanks for the compliment on the layout! I should note that all of the keys in my "Evolution of" pic - excluding of course the special design keys - are cut to fit my TARDIS lock with the exception of my First Doctor key. That one is cut to fit a friend's classic TARDIS build, which I think is rather cool.
Straker
Sr Member
Well you can always use the chrome blank I'm sending you. I think it makes a great Susan key.
EDITED BECAUSE I ALREADY POSTED THAT PIC...seriously, what the hell is wrong with me, I totally forgot XP Never mind people. XD
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