Light table Nostromo

[Ottostudios]

Hello good,

I have been fascinated by this photo of the Nostromo (Extras alien anthology) bridge for a long time, the number of objects that were created to set a space environment is fantastic.

Do you want to play?

We can clearly identify a lunar map (Nostromo HQ?) and a Philips star map from 1960...

Let's talk about the instruments, I see a goniometer on top of a photo screen with two compasses and Weyland logos, does all this form some kind of space navigation instrument?... I'm seriously thinking about building it.

 

[joberg]

Go for it...and don't forget this pack of cigarettes:

 

[ID10T]

That would make a nice coffee table in the movie room...

 

[ZeroSum]

The compass (on the right) appears to be a SRPI Morin Hand bearing compass. Here are some examples:

VINTAGE PRISMATIC HAND BEARING COMPASS (France) | #1737893494
Vintage Prismatic Hand Bearing Compass - SRPI MORIN France - Maritime | #1806774564

 

[ZeroSum]

For the other compass, "vintage Silva Ranger 15t" yields some useful results of similar compasses that may have served as the basis.
eg
Silva Sweden Original Type 15T 'The Ranger' Compass, Box & Instructions | eBay

 

[ID10T]

I have a newer Silva compass somewhere in my truck...

 

[Ottostudios]

Hi guys!
I'm sorry I didn't explain myself well, I don't intend to make the light table, just the strange goniometer/angle protractor with two compasses...

But now with the information that ZeroSum has given, I am tempted to buy those compasses
I show you part of my nostromo collection

 

[septic]

Dude! Very cool! (And YES, you should make the light table )
Love the way you've displayed the Olifant figure, I might have to do something similar with mine.

 

[joberg]

Cool collection

 

[ZeroSum]

Hi guys!
I'm sorry I didn't explain myself well, I don't intend to make the light table, just the strange goniometer/angle protractor with two compasses...

But now with the information that ZeroSum has given, I am tempted to buy those compasses
I show you part of my nostromo collection

Well yes, now you have to buy the compasses

 

[Sahare Studios]

Those light tables are actually real life objects to photograph certain products. Check photography light table

 

[Ottostudios]

Hello there

 

[joberg]

Well, that's one prop, a few left to find

 

[septic]

Right! Time to get serious

Prop ID list / suggestions / notes

• Balaji cigarette pack ... but what are the two cylinders on top?

• Possible - Silva Type 15T 'The Ranger' Compass, but there's a second item sitting over the top; a chart map glass of some sort, maybe?

• SRPI Morin Prismatic Hand Bearing Compass [NB: other similar products made by/labeled - Opticompas, West Products]

• Plastic circle protractor with scale arm; there's a few modern versions of things like this, but can't find anything with the red line

• Plastic draftsmen's straight rule with bevel edge. Chunky, maybe 5-6mm thick?

• Plastic square coordinates protractor ... with another orienteering compass sitting on top???

• Orange plastic handled scissors?

• Large plastic triangle set square?

 

[septic]

Also, few more photos of the bridge for reference (no more detail of the items, but still interesting, I thought).

 

[septic]

Last thing from me for now, I've bought an original 1960's Philips' Chart of the Stars : Stars of the Middle Heavens (at least I think it is, could be the 80s reprint, but that's fine by me too), and plan to high-rez scan it, should some want a copy.

As for the moon map, to me, the Library of Congress' version is spot on. Original here - USAF Lunar Reference Mosaic 1966 Moon Map
My edited version (to match the light table) attached.


Not directly related, but some cool resources regardless - Actual Maps - 3-D Starmaps

 

[joberg]

Those cylinders at the top of that pack of ciggies are a mystery...doobies maybe

 

[septic]

Was playing Alien:Isolation today and stumbled over these bits ...


Very cool homage. Someone obviously knows what that raised "map viewer" box thingie is ...

 

[LabMan]

Right! Time to get serious

Prop ID list / suggestions / notes

• Orange plastic handled scissors?

View attachment 1819219

Fiskars scissors?:

 

[moviebuff5]

The objects on top of the cigarettes look like disposable lighters, facing opposite directions.
The ratio of metal to plastic makes me think they might be a mini Bic (07033245), but they could be full sized. I have no idea what the size of that pack is.