SG1Props

Hello all,
I have just uploaded some photos of my Atlantis Lifesigns Detector prop replicas I have built. One is a "non-working" version but which I consider my "Deluxe" version due to its detail. It is made of translucent material. The other version is a "working" version prototype I built and has a Pocket PC inside which runs animated screen graphics and sounds like those seen in the show. I am almost finished with this prop. Check them out if you like. They are located in the gallery file called "Atlantis NSW SEAL Atlantis Prop Replicas" under my screen name.
Peace,
Atlantis NSW SEAL

Chris, I can't decide which version I like more! They're both McKay Worthy ©

The details on the non-working model are amazing. The depth of the translucent material coupled with the painted details and your choice of coloring really give it the Atlantis feel. Did you paint the blue lines on? You did a nice job finishing this.

When you finish your working model be sure to show us another picture. Even unpainted it's a nice prop because of the screen.

Thanks very much!
I was quite pleased with the looks of the non-working model. I was trying to get as close to the colors and translucence as possible. Actually, the blue lines are a self adhesive detailing tape for model making made in the UK. It comes in several colors. I wanted very accurate, very straight lines and the tape was the best solution I found. To make the prop look right I put a "faux" computer painted dark silver inside the translucent case so it gives it real depth and substance at the same time. Even the weight of the prop is just what one would expect. Light but with enough heft to make it feel real in the hand. It took me a while to find all the right little bits for the details like the blue and silver buttons.

I am considering making a new translucent case for the working version prop and keeping the opaque version for making molds of and making cheaper solid versions, but I may still decide to paint the opaque version. I found a great pearlescent white that would look good.
I will have to see what I want to do eventually. I just got an order for a working version from a friend who got the same Pocket PC I used in my original working version so I will be making another case soon.

Yeah, the screen came out pretty good. I have actually made a couple new screen animations since those photos were taken which update its look for the newer seasons. One is a bit bluer and brighter instead of having a black background.
Anyway, I appreciate the kind words, they are always appreciated.
Regards,
Chris

SG Merc wrote:Chris, I can't decide which version I like more! They're both McKay Worthy ©

The details on the non-working model are amazing. The depth of the translucent material coupled with the painted details and your choice of coloring really give it the Atlantis feel. Did you paint the blue lines on? You did a nice job finishing this.

When you finish your working model be sure to show us another picture. Even unpainted it's a nice prop because of the screen.

Ya know, I had a feeling that your blue lines looked like decals. That's brilliant -- I can imagine how squiggly they would end up if I was trying to paint something like that freehand!

If you decide to make a second translucent case for your working model than more power to you. That would be a very nice piece. Just from your photos I really love the look created with a layered piece.

Keep us informed if you decide to mold it

The blue tape also worked well in the sense that the blue lines on the actual props have a certain amount of depth to them, as opposed to paint which would be virtually flat with no depth at all. If needed, a clear coat can be put over the top of the decals to give them a bit more protection but I haven't had any problems with them myself.

I don't know when I will make a mold, but if anyone needs one for themselves I can always be commissioned to build another one just like it.
Anyways, thanks again,
Chris

SG Merc wrote:Ya know, I had a feeling that your blue lines looked like decals. That's brilliant -- I can imagine how squiggly they would end up if I was trying to paint something like that freehand!

If you decide to make a second translucent case for your working model than more power to you. That would be a very nice piece. Just from your photos I really love the look created with a layered piece.

Keep us informed if you decide to mold it

Hi All,
I have just uploaded updated photos of my Non-Working Atlantis Lifesigns Detector Prop Replica which I have made minor paint modifications to to make it more accurate in appearance. I also have uploaded photos of the prop with a hardside belt holster I custom designed for it as well as one showing me wearing it on my Atlantis Security costume.
Hope you enjoy,
Atlantis NSW SEAL

I like the changes to the paint, and the holster is a very nice touch for keeping the prop visible at conventions.

Great costume too! I would love to start on one of those, but just need to find a good jacket to use as a base.

Keep up the good propping man!

Thanks very much!
Yeah, the blue color was always intended but I couldn't find the right shade until this one popped up. Once again, Tamiya comes through!

Thanks for the comments on the holsters. They work really well and allow much of the detail of the props to be seen instead of being concealed as they would be if the holsters were made from leather or something else. I did consider leather, like they use for the Asuran holsters, but they are brown and wouldn't look right on the grey Atlantis costume. I have, however, considered making a Lantean/Asuran costume. Both props would go right with it!

One really nice thing is that due to the "open" design of these holsters details can be seen, such as the blue lighting of the cystals on the Atlantean Disruptor and the entire screen and control section of the Lifesigns Detector. They are a lot of fun!

Thanks! I am very pleased with my Atlantis costume. It isn't perfectly canon, but is extremely close. The main thing is that the screen used jackets had no front pockets, mine does, which actually I am fine with. They give me a place to carry little things during Cons.

As far as the jacket, I used a Dickies "Eisenhower" jacket in Slate Grey. I modified it with the black panels (with side zippers), a weather flap inside the front, a horizontal stitch across the back at the shoulders, squaring off the collar, modified the cuffs to velcro closed, and removed most of the liner which makes it a lot less hot at Cons. I highly recommend this jacket for a base! They are the closest I have found and the easiest to modify.

I recommend the Propper brand grey BDU pants. They are closer than the others I have seen and seem to have a better fit. The main difference between these and the screen used pants are that the screen used have a strange closer on the leg cuff. I simply removed the tie string on mine and let them fit as normal pants do. They don't blouse them on the show, so I don't either.
Anyway, thanks again and good luck on the bidding!
Chris

SG Merc wrote:I like the changes to the paint, and the holster is a very nice touch for keeping the prop visible at conventions.

Great costume too! I would love to start on one of those, but just need to find a good jacket to use as a base.

Keep up the good propping man!

How much for a working one? Or can you tell me how to build one but I am no electrician

Hi,
There are a couple prerequisites for me to make a "working" version for customers. The first is that you must supply the PDA used inside the case for the "working" part of the prop. Most customers have bought theirs on eBay or other such sites. Most can be found for very low prices. The last one I did, the customer found her PDA on eBay for $15! It was brand new and in the box!

The PDA must run Pocket Windows CE for Pocket PC. This is because they must be able to run the programs which I install on them to run the sound and screen animation effects. They must also have full color screens and a built-in external speaker.

Two of the best for the features mentioned, as well as for their general size dimensions are the Casio Cassiopeia Model EM-500 or a similar model of Compaq Ipaq Pocket PC. If you find one, let me know what its size and specifications are so I can make sure it would work for this application.

After you buy one you need to send it to me so that I can program the unit with the animation and sound programs and files and then build the case around the Pocket PC, that way I will be sure it will be a good fit.

The case is made one piece at a time and takes over 100 man hours to make. In other words, it is a lot of work to make. For the case plus the programming service I charge $400, which must be paid in full upfront as soon as you have sent me the PDA. Charge includes shipping in the US.

If this is too expensive for you, then I do make a "non-working" version in translucent material (photos of this version are in the photo gallery in my Atlantis Props Gallery). The "non-working" version is $250, plus $12 for US Shipping. Again, payment in full is required upfront.

Contact me if you wish to order either version.
Thanks for your interest,
Chris (Atlantis NSW SEAL)
Owner-Galactic Prop Lab

goose1977 wrote:How much for a working one? Or can you tell me how to build one but I am no electrician

Chris' Lifesigns Detector is well worth the price for the man-hours alone. There are licensed props that cost more and are literally just a block of painted resin. And there's nothing wrong with static props, but this is a pretty nice deal for the level of interaction in this prop.

I've got one on my list, and just need to wait for my finances to free-up. Chris wouldn't buy my idea of a long-term payment plan

Thanks for the very nice comments, SG Merc!
Chris (Atlantis NSW SEAL)

SG Merc wrote:Chris' Lifesigns Detector is well worth the price for the man-hours alone. There are licensed props that cost more and are literally just a block of painted resin. And there's nothing wrong with static props, but this is a pretty nice deal for the level of interaction in this prop.

I've got one on my list, and just need to wait for my finances to free-up. Chris wouldn't buy my idea of a long-term payment plan