For avid fans of Doctor Who, owning a replica of the Doctor’s sonic screwdriver is a dream. The Twelfth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control (URC) offers a fantastic opportunity to wield a piece of Gallifreyan technology. However, while it closely resembles the real deal, it’s important to understand that the URC is not an exact screen-accurate replica. Several key differences exist between the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control and the prop used in the beloved TV series. These distinctions are primarily due to manufacturing considerations, allowing the Sonic Screwdriver URC to be more accessible and significantly more affordable than highly accurate, handcrafted replicas that can reach prices of up to $4,000. Let’s delve into the specific variations that set these two versions apart.
Key Distinctions of the Twelfth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver URC
Several modifications were implemented in the design of the Universal Remote Control version to facilitate mass production and reduce costs. These changes, while subtle to the casual observer, are noticeable to dedicated fans and collectors.
Tip Material and Swirl
One of the first details a keen eye might notice is the tip of the sonic screwdriver. The URC version utilizes a solid, transparent, self-colored injection-molded polycarbonate for the tip. While the color is carefully chosen to closely resemble the prop, it lacks the distinctive lighter swirling pattern present in the original. This omission is functional: the swirling effect would impede the infrared signal crucial for the remote control’s operation to pass through the tip effectively.
Clasp Assembly and Cage Shape
The metallic components of the Sonic Screwdriver URC undergo a different manufacturing process compared to the hero prop. Instead of individual hand machining, diecasting is employed for the URC. This shift in technique necessitates slight alterations in the shape of the clasp assembly, as well as the upper and lower cages. These adjustments ensure the parts are suitable for the diecasting process, streamlining production.
Absence of Brass Rivets
In the pursuit of cost efficiency, the design of the Sonic Screwdriver URC cleverly incorporates faux brass rivet features directly into the lower cage molding. Real rivets were deemed unnecessary for the URC’s construction. This substitution maintains the visual aesthetic of rivets without the added expense and complexity of including actual brass rivets.
Cover Ring Shape Discrepancy
Perhaps the most visually apparent difference lies in the shape of the cover ring. The Sonic Screwdriver URC is designed to be opened for battery replacement. To maintain a clean exterior appearance, free of visible parting lines and screws, the joint was strategically placed in the middle, concealed by the cover ring. This practical solution, while elegant, necessitates a less tapered cover ring compared to the feature on the original prop.
Handle Material and Button Variations
The handle of the URC also reflects cost-saving measures. Leather, the material used for the prop’s handle, was substituted with a more economical alternative for the Universal Remote Control. Furthermore, the hero prop features a protruding button soldered onto a square cutout, used by actors to activate the tip’s glow on screen. The URC omits this exact button, opting for a button located beneath the grip material for enhanced robustness and usability in everyday remote control scenarios. This design choice acknowledges that the specific button detail was not intended to be a prominent visual element of the device.
Weight Difference
Finally, the weight of the two versions differs slightly. While the Sonic Screwdriver URC maintains a satisfying heft, it is lighter than the screen-used prop, weighing approximately 205g compared to the prop’s 268g. This weight difference is attributed to the prop’s more solid construction, lacking the internal space required to house the URC’s electronics and batteries.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Twelfth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver URC
In conclusion, the Twelfth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control offers fans a fantastic and functional piece of Doctor Who memorabilia. While it intentionally deviates from perfect screen accuracy in several key areas, these modifications are driven by practical manufacturing and cost considerations. The result is a more affordable and durable product that still captures the essence of the Twelfth Doctor’s iconic device, making it a worthwhile addition for any Doctor Who enthusiast seeking to control their universe – or at least their TV – with Time Lord style.
