Warehouse 13 - The Tesla Gun

batterymaker said:

They used a 7025? AAAAUGH! Audiophiles will be jumping up and down over that one. They're used as preamp tubes in stereos.

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Not if we get them first. LOL

A standard 9-pin miniature will work well in its place. Please don't use a 12AX7, though, unless they're known bad tubes--they're worth their weight in gold.

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I think I now have a couple of 12AX7 tubes in my box of tubes. This box only exists since my search started for suitable tubes. It will get used if it fits and looks the part as they hold no value to me other than if they look right.

Hi Guys,
OK... It's amazing how much interest people are showing in the vacuum tubes. You guys definitely have a taste for detail. I built the Tesla for the show..... and I can tell you this.... no one has figured out the correct tubes as of yet. It's been a while since I posted here but figured it would be fun to jump on and tease a little. Maybe we can do some kind of contest or something for trying to figure out what the tubes are that I used. FYI: I'm also building the Teslas for QMx and I made them exactly the same way as I did for the show. I wanted to make sure that the fans who purchase the prop get exactly what the actors have.

Here's some food for thought. A few different types of tubes were used. The original guns did have real vacuum tubes but cracked / broke during shooting and dropping of the prop. They were replaced by custom made acrylic tubes and end caps. The base endcap is bonded to the bottum and then a radius placed on the edge. The top cap is cast and painted which is why you have a straight line edge on the paint. The inside is real tubes clipped and some of the pins still in place which epoxy is used to keep it in place. In one of the pics here, you can see that the glue failed and the electronics are floating around in the tube. When I made the guns for season 3, I made the tubes a little different... cleaner and sharper on details. I used the same real vacuum tubes for the electronics. So, what tubes did I use? :love Well, I'm not going to make it that easy for you all. I will say this.... I made sure that I located the most complex tubes I could find... tubes that had a lot going on.... tubes that would be hard to identify and/or find. Naturally, I removed all markings. So, what can we do to make this interesting?

Kenney

kcpstudio said:

So, what tubes did I use? :love Well, I'm not going to make it that easy for you all.

Kenney

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Hi Kenney,
Always a pleasure to watch a professional "pot stirrer" in action! :lol
I'm happy with the tubes I've found, it's that f#@*ing trigger that's got me boggled!!
Care to throw a hint on that one??:love
Glad to have you aboard!
Cheers, Jeff

Welcome Kenney, always nice to hear direct from the source...

kcpstudio said:

So, what tubes did I use? :love Well, I'm not going to make it that easy for you all. I will say this.... I made sure that I located the most complex tubes I could find... tubes that had a lot going on.... tubes that would be hard to identify and/or find.

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To heck with the tubes, I'd be more interested to know what you used for the middle piece (the barrel with the indicators) and the handle. I saw a VERY similar antique metal hacksaw at the Milwaukee Public Museum.

@Interceptor6... "Professional Pot-Stirrer"? Lol... I like that. Here's the hint... everything on the Tesla is hand made with the exception of the tube internals and the knob. I mean everything. The frame is not a hacksaw but now that you guys mention it... it kind of looks like it. It just cut out of aluminum stock. As for the "barrel"... again, the main housing i machined out of brass stock. That housing has actually 6 main machined parts in it... even parts you can't see... both brass and delrin. The gauges are not a found item. The first guns, the gauges are just scaled down pictures of a guage but the resolution wasnt the best. For the season three, I took that very particular gauge into Photoshop and totally recreated it from scratch so it would be more crisp on the resolution. All the versions are just printed out paper mounted behind an acrylic lens. But, what guage I used is the question. Lol I think the hardest obstacle to overcome was the front emitter coil. It's not what it appears to be. It's actually the hardest piece to make and I had to make a custom jig just to make it.

I do want to say that all the pics I've seen here of all the work you all have done is truly amazing. Its pretty cool watching every one get together to pick apart ones work to see what they use or how they made something. I'll say this again, it's amazing how you guys eventually figure out what we used when we make stuff for the industry.

For the QMx guns, I did exactly the same thing for all the guns as for the studio guns. I can't release any main details on that run but I will say that you won't be disappoint. Those guys are some of the best people I had the pleasure of working with. They're all about the fans and wanted to make sure you got a great product and give you exactly what we did for the studio.

kcpstudio said:

Hi Guys,

Here's some food for thought. A few different types of tubes were used. The original guns did have real vacuum tubes but cracked / broke during shooting and dropping of the prop. They were replaced by custom made acrylic tubes and end caps.

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We figured that happened at some point as the tubes just didn't look like glass anymore. Also it was easy to see where the connections inside had been cut.

kcpstudio said:

So, what tubes did I use? :love Well, I'm not going to make it that easy for you all. I will say this.... I made sure that I located the most complex tubes I could find... tubes that had a lot going on.... tubes that would be hard to identify and/or find. Naturally, I removed all markings. So, what can we do to make this interesting?

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Well either way I won't have a clue as I don't know enough about tubes.

kcpstudio said:

@Interceptor6... "Professional Pot-Stirrer"? Lol... I like that. Here's the hint... everything on the Tesla is hand made with the exception of the tube internals and the knob. I mean everything. The frame is not a hacksaw but now that you guys mention it... it kind of looks like it. It just cut out of aluminum stock. As for the "barrel"... again, the main housing i machined out of brass stock. That housing has actually 6 main machined parts in it... even parts you can't see... both brass and delrin.

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At first we thought a few of the parts might be found items but I think it was clear early on that it wasn't the case. I did still hold out some hope that the brass "trigger" part might have been a plumbing or gas fixture.

kcpstudio said:

The gauges are not a found item. The first guns, the gauges are just scaled down pictures of a guage but the resolution wasnt the best. For the season three, I took that very particular gauge into Photoshop and totally recreated it from scratch so it would be more crisp on the resolution. All the versions are just printed out paper mounted behind an acrylic lens. But, what guage I used is the question. Lol I think the hardest obstacle to overcome was the front emitter coil. It's not what it appears to be. It's actually the hardest piece to make and I had to make a custom jig just to make it.

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kcpstudio said:

I do want to say that all the pics I've seen here of all the work you all have done is truly amazing. Its pretty cool watching every one get together to pick apart ones work to see what they use or how they made something. I'll say this again, it's amazing how you guys eventually figure out what we used when we make stuff for the industry.

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The great thing about the RPF is how members work together to figure out how things are made. It's also great too when industry people come into the forum and talk about stuff they've worked on.

kcpstudio said:

For the QMx guns, I did exactly the same thing for all the guns as for the studio guns. I can't release any main details on that run but I will say that you won't be disappoint. Those guys are some of the best people I had the pleasure of working with. They're all about the fans and wanted to make sure you got a great product and give you exactly what we did for the studio.

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I'm sure they'll be great quality replicas as QMx tends to have real good products. Affordability might be an issue though. Can you at least say if the tubes are glass or acrylic on the QMx ones?

Hi PeterLC.... I believe QMx released one of the pics I took of one of the guns I did for them so I say it's safe that I can discuss those details. Like I said earlier, I made all the guns the same for QMx and the studio. I made all the tubes using acrylic and "modified" real tubes. Yes, modified. Lol It was only in the very beginning of Warehouse 13 that the real tubes were on the Tesla. And that was for the hero all metal guns. Then there were others in various states... plastic etc. with metal parts but those had acrylic tubes. For most of the show to present, it was the acrylic tubes on all the guns. When people get these and hold them in their hands, they'll immediately see that these are hand made... each and every one. And, know that it's a high end collectable. Especially since you'll be getting something made exactly as the real studio props by the real prop maker. There is no difference at all.

Welcome Kenney! It's nice to know you and QMX have put so much thought into this prop. Thanks for the answers and even more questions you've bought up here.

Hi HeroWorship... sorry for adding any additional questions to the prop. Well... to be honest... no I'm not. Lol It's more fun. Lol Seriously though... the only questions anyone should have are...

1. What tubes were used.
2. What knob was used.

That's really it. The rest of the prop is totally hand made. I mean, you could ask... "well, what was the dimensions here or there etc". But, those questions I couldn't answer and wouldn't be ethical because QMx holds the license and this is their baby right now. For those who buy the prop, once you hold it and look at how we build things in the industry, will realize and say... "oh, wow... that's how they did that". Oh... I totally forgot something. There will be one question that comes up with the prop for those that get one. I intentionally left a detail into the prop that has no use for fans. So, we'll have some fun then. But don't worry, I won't drag it out... much. Lol I'll tell you guys when the time comes.

P.S. Not sure if you guys are Planet of the Apes fans... but I did most of all the iconic props in the new movie. All the canisters... filling stations... etc. We're forgetting Mark W. did a POTA movie and we're going back to the old movies. That comes out August 5th. It's called Rise of the Planet of the Apes. We called it Caesar: Rise of the Apes for a while and I wish they stuck with that cause I liked that name better. Anyway, I don't want to get if the real topic of this thread... just wanted to let you guys know.

Kenney

I've seen the knob before, though I haven't seen it since I've been looking. I'd take a clue on that if you're in a charitable mood!
The trigger / valve still holds my attention, not because I don't believe you, but because it's such an "unlikely" shape for a trigger! It's side mounted, uncomfortable looking, obviously not ampedextrous, and looks bloody familiar! Was the bleeder looking thingy on top of the trigger scratch built as well?
Cheers, Jeff

Hi Interceptor6,
lol... don't know what to tell you about the "trigger / valve" assembly or it's an "unlikely" shape. I built it so I don't know what to tell you about that. Only that you'll continue looking for something that doesn't exist as far as this prop is concerned. But, if you feel the need... by all means... knock yourself out. If you find the item... you'll have my ultimate respect. :thumbsup But sincerely, though, it's not a found item my friend. Listen, in this industry... we as prop makers receive drawings a lot of the time or even just an idea and asked to make it. A lot of times, you are correct to assume we look for found items. We do it all the time... especially when you have a extremely short turn around. As for that piece not being ambidextrous? Well, that wasn't something thought of for really any weapon of the time period. Having ambidextrous selector switches or magazine release buttons etc wasn't really used extensively until recent times. Would you agree? When you build something, you have to think about the time period first. And... the "bleeder looking thingy" on top of the "trigger" as you call it... was parts modifed and not scratch built. I hope this helps out bro. I know its not much but you'll understand in a sec.

OK, here comes the hard part. I received a call today asking that I refrain from posting anymore on this subject. Apparently, someone felt the need to copy and forward my posts to various people to initiate drama. And for that... we thank you (Tosh.0 - we love ya man). I will say this, though. I said nothing that would be revealing in such a way to cause concern to a license holder. So, you failed my friend. :lol This is just another reminder why after all these years I've been on this site, that I only have a few posts. There's always that one person who needs to be the sheriff and the big stalker/snitch. I was very respectful to the license holder and respectful to all of you guys. I felt coming on here and the fact that you would be hearing from an industry person would be a cool thing for everyone. I saw all the cool things you all were doing and I was impressed. Everybody keep up the good work.

Kenney

Just a few of my recent works:

1. Caprica
2. A-Team
3. Fringe
4. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
5. Mission Impossible 4
6. Warehouse 13
7. Spielberg's Locke and Key
8. Underworld: New Dawn
9. Blood and Chrome

Thanks Kenney!
Yes, you've given away nothing! Other than a bit of friendship and some great banter when we needed a bit of inspiration! Well done!
There will always be the little "snitch-bitches" hoping to glean a favor or a pat on the head from someone they think vastly superior to themselves! Poor mis-guided fools that they are.
I'll cease my searchings and concentrate on my scratch-building, and hope to have a fine looking "fan made" Tesla to enjoy when it's done!
Keep up the great work, and feel free to 'say hello' whenever you like!
Cheers, I6

kcpstudio said:

Hi HeroWorship... sorry for adding any additional questions to the prop. Well... to be honest... no I'm not. Lol It's more fun.

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:lol Prop sadist.

kcpstudio said:

Seriously though... the only questions anyone should have are...

1. What tubes were used.
2. What knob was used.

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That world of vintage glass tubes was pretty scary. After a while everything started to look the same.:wacko

I thought this was the knob used.
Pedal Parts Plus: Black Knurled Pointer Knob

kcpstudio said:

Oh... I totally forgot something. There will be one question that comes up with the prop for those that get one. I intentionally left a detail into the prop that has no use for fans. So, we'll have some fun then. But don't worry, I won't drag it out... much. Lol I'll tell you guys when the time comes.

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I'm guessing the recharging insert?

kcpstudio said:

P.S. Not sure if you guys are Planet of the Apes fans... but I did most of all the iconic props in the new movie. All the canisters... filling stations... etc. We're forgetting Mark W. did a POTA movie and we're going back to the old movies. That comes out August 5th. It's called Rise of the Planet of the Apes. We called it Caesar: Rise of the Apes for a while and I wish they stuck with that cause I liked that name better. Anyway, I don't want to get if the real topic of this thread... just wanted to let you guys know.

Kenney

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That trailer is looking extremely good. Glad to know you had a hand in that. It's definitely on my "must see", but after POTA I think Mark W. should pay for my ticket.:lol

Well, I think I've found the guage from the Tesla case, it's an API 361 VU meter, and can be found in a MPI or SCULLY console unit. I've bid on a couple on flea-bay, but they're going for $50 ea or better. Pics below.

Interceptor6 said:

API 361 VU meter, and can be found in a MPI or SCULLY console unit.

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Another piece of the puzzle!:cool

kcpstudio said:

OK, here comes the hard part. I received a call today asking that I refrain from posting anymore on this subject. Apparently, someone felt the need to copy and forward my posts to various people to initiate drama.

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There always has to be one who messes things up.

This is just another reminder why after all these years I've been on this site, that I only have a few posts.

I felt coming on here and the fact that you would be hearing from an industry person would be a cool thing for everyone. I saw all the cool things you all were doing and I was impressed. Everybody keep up the good work.

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Obviously most of us are glad you popped in Kenney. You gave nothing important away but at least now we won't waste time looking for parts that don't exist. I hope you'll continue to drop by now and then.

Oh, great thread. I hope the fined keep coming. The QMx stuff looks great, but I'm sure it will be well out of my price range, so I would loove to be able to do my own. (some day.)

Warehouse 13 season 3 this monday baby!!!