Thunderball rebreather homemade

DanBond11DanBond11 Posts: 64MI6 Agent
in James Bond Memorabilia, Collecting & Props
I have been doing a lot of research on the possibility of building the rebreather from Thunderball.
Has anyone attempted this? It seems to me you just need two small CO2 tanks, scuba diving mouth guard, maybe a gold hose connector (t-pipe) and obviously some black electrical tape with the RJ container... Anyone ever attempted this? I am thinking on trying it but the only problem is finding out the right size so the CO2 tanks will fit into the connector. Also fitting everything into the cigar container..

Comments

  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,458MI6 Agent
    There are some excellent prop/ model makers on this site, I'm sure they could point you in the right direction with some advice
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,541MI6 Agent
    Loads of people have built them. There are two versions of the Thunderball breather, the first one you see in Q's workshop and the one you see later and at the climax. This is the version that uses the CO2 type cannisters. None of them used any scuba related parts.

    Loads of people have made them on here in the past. Minigeff made the best version. It was sublime.
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,458MI6 Agent
    Asp9mm I didn't want to name names but yes minigeff is an absolute artist.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,541MI6 Agent
    Chriscoop wrote:
    Asp9mm I didn't want to name names but yes minigeff is an absolute artist.

    **** artist :))

    I've searched for his threads to link it back here, but he's one of those annoying folk that deletes his pictures 8-)
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,458MI6 Agent
    :)) I meant his work not his drinking habits http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/35702/here-at-last-maggie-the-thunderball-rebreather/http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/40230/has-anyone-ever-tried-to-build-a-replica-rebreather/
    Nice picture on this thread around post 25
    http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/38785/my-jb-007-replica-prop-collection/
    http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/35702/here-at-last-maggie-the-thunderball-rebreather/
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    Aw shucks you guys ;%

    Here's a pic;

    7CE53A1B-DC1B-446E-B7E4-68A1095CD459_zps4hvucja6.jpg

    Thanks for the kind compliments, remember though that it wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for another AJB'er, danjaq_0ff, his vital input should win him at least half the credit.
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,458MI6 Agent
    Beautiful -{
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    Cheers mate -{
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • The Bond ExperienceThe Bond Experience Newtown, PAPosts: 5,490Quartermasters
    Droooooooooooooolllll.....closest I will get to this is the FE Breather set that minigeff designed, but I did get to see this up close in another's collection and you need a bib when looking at it.....
    minigeff wrote:
    Aw shucks you guys ;%

    Here's a pic;

    7CE53A1B-DC1B-446E-B7E4-68A1095CD459_zps4hvucja6.jpg

    Thanks for the kind compliments, remember though that it wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for another AJB'er, danjaq_0ff, his vital input should win him at least half the credit.
    Visit TheBondExperience
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    Thanks David -{
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • Gadget MeisterGadget Meister Bicester, OxonPosts: 1,972MI6 Agent
    I have this and the dictionary just runs out of superlatives. There are those that haven't seen or owned any of MicroJiff's pieces, to them I will say no collection is complete without the splendour of his work, it shines like beacon. Annoyingly, he's a nice guy too {[]
    GM -{

    www.justgiving.com/inMemoryOfLewisCollins
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    I have mj's breathers, too and they are really not too bad :D
    Annoyingly - he's annoying :p
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    Higgins wrote:
    I have mj's breathers, too and they are really not too bad :D
    Annoyingly - he's annoying :p

    Does Michael Jackson's estate know you have his breathers? :p
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Yep, he's annoying - just like I've said earlier :D
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Enjoying DeathEnjoying Death Toronto, ON CANADAPosts: 1,249MI6 Agent
    Any thoughts on doing a project for us AJB'ers? -{
    Pussy Galore: “My name is Pussy Galore.”
    Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
    MG's work is amazing -{

    I especially like the MR camera he made for a 'select group of very close friends' earlier this year :D :)) :)) :))
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    ACACIA_AVENUE wrote:
    MG's work is amazing -{

    I especially like the MR camera he made for a 'select group of very close friends' earlier this year :D :)) :)) :))

    Shhhhhhh!
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • Gadget MeisterGadget Meister Bicester, OxonPosts: 1,972MI6 Agent
    Rob, you know that was secret ..... only for those that have one ...... otherwise it never happened.



    But it is really nice {[]
    GM -{

    www.justgiving.com/inMemoryOfLewisCollins
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
  • DanBond11DanBond11 Posts: 64MI6 Agent
    minigeff wrote:
    Aw shucks you guys ;%

    Here's a pic;

    7CE53A1B-DC1B-446E-B7E4-68A1095CD459_zps4hvucja6.jpg

    Thanks for the kind compliments, remember though that it wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for another AJB'er, danjaq_0ff, his vital input should win him at least half the credit.

    Wow!!! You mind sharing how you built that? Or if my op is even close?
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    ACACIA_AVENUE wrote:
    MG's work is amazing -{

    I especially like the MR camera he made for a 'select group of very close friends' earlier this year :D :)) :)) :))

    Woah!

    Now you are off from my Christmas gift list ! :v
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    DanBond11 wrote:
    Wow!!! You mind sharing how you built that? Or if my op is even close?

    Hi Dan, the brief backstory is the prop was made from the original plans, it's about as close to the real thing as you'll get. There were two versions made for the film, the Q scene and the underwater scenes. For whatever reason (I assumed because it's quite thin in profile and hard to see) the underwater version was slightly larger.

    The design is custom with no parts being used straight off the shelf.

    I built my replica from co2 bulbs, brass plate and bar and resin. The brass parts I plated in 22k gold. The box was bought and I made the tray insert for the cigar tube and prop to sit in. Under the tray is a display stand so the prop can be put on display on its own stand or sat in the box.

    Factory Entertainment saw this prop on AJB and asked me if I could make them a prototype so they could put it into production. They sent me plans of the Die Another Day breather and I made them prototypes of the two different designs. These were then put into production and sold as an 'evolution' set.

    Your guesses are a little off the mark and would be more correct when applied to the DAD version.

    I'm afraid I can't give you any drawings etc, this was a commercial product made from plans provided to me, to allow other people to make exact copies of it would be a kick in the teeth to both FE and Danjaq_0ff.

    I've always said it to anyone who'll listen, research is the key to all this, sometimes I can find my own way, other time various people help me out. As a rule if anyone does give me plans etc then I treat it on a FYEO basis out of common courtesy.

    For me, half the fun is studying the pictures, screenshots and footage and getting that eureka moment when you finally figure out what it is you're looking at. There are a few odd and obscure things used in prop and model making, especially the old stuff!

    Good luck!

    Ps, if you have the desire and encouragement you can do this stuff, from small acorns and all that. I am, for the main part of it, self taught.
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    Higgins wrote:
    ACACIA_AVENUE wrote:
    MG's work is amazing -{

    I especially like the MR camera he made for a 'select group of very close friends' earlier this year :D :)) :)) :))

    Woah!

    Now you are off from my Christmas gift list ! :v

    No sausage for Rob this year then huh? :#
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • Bond Collectors' WeekendsBond Collectors' Weekends Gainesville, Florida USAPosts: 1,902MI6 Agent
    My firm recommendation--build as many rebreathers as you want--but have someone you don't like test them underwater instead of you!

    Nobody Minigeff's it better!
    Seven (007) James Bond Tours! Mission: Mexico!
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    Bond Collectors' Weekends wrote:
    My firm recommendation--build as many rebreathers as you want--but have someone you don't like test them underwater instead of you!

    Nobody Minigeff's it better!

    :))

    "How long does it last for underwater?"

    "How long can you hold your breath?"
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • danjaq_0ffdanjaq_0ff The SwampsPosts: 7,283MI6 Agent
    Excellent project :) :x most certainly the best breather ever to be produced.

    Although it took you about a year to complete the run, it has turned out to be a fraction of the time if you think of what has been on the back burner :D :v
  • DanBond11DanBond11 Posts: 64MI6 Agent
    minigeff wrote:
    DanBond11 wrote:
    Wow!!! You mind sharing how you built that? Or if my op is even close?

    Hi Dan, the brief backstory is the prop was made from the original plans, it's about as close to the real thing as you'll get. There were two versions made for the film, the Q scene and the underwater scenes. For whatever reason (I assumed because it's quite thin in profile and hard to see) the underwater version was slightly larger.

    The design is custom with no parts being used straight off the shelf.

    I built my replica from co2 bulbs, brass plate and bar and resin. The brass parts I plated in 22k gold. The box was bought and I made the tray insert for the cigar tube and prop to sit in. Under the tray is a display stand so the prop can be put on display on its own stand or sat in the box.

    Factory Entertainment saw this prop on AJB and asked me if I could make them a prototype so they could put it into production. They sent me plans of the Die Another Day breather and I made them prototypes of the two different designs. These were then put into production and sold as an 'evolution' set.

    Your guesses are a little off the mark and would be more correct when applied to the DAD version.

    I'm afraid I can't give you any drawings etc, this was a commercial product made from plans provided to me, to allow other people to make exact copies of it would be a kick in the teeth to both FE and Danjaq_0ff.

    I've always said it to anyone who'll listen, research is the key to all this, sometimes I can find my own way, other time various people help me out. As a rule if anyone does give me plans etc then I treat it on a FYEO basis out of common courtesy.

    For me, half the fun is studying the pictures, screenshots and footage and getting that eureka moment when you finally figure out what it is you're looking at. There are a few odd and obscure things used in prop and model making, especially the old stuff!

    Good luck!

    Ps, if you have the desire and encouragement you can do this stuff, from small acorns and all that. I am, for the main part of it, self taught.

    Wow!! Yeah I knew about factory tod but had no idea you designed the OG!
    Super cool! I will say this however and please do not get offended but looking at the parts just to build the rebreather it seems like you could easily do it for under $50 while factory toys sells it for $400... Seems really pricey? Did it really run you that much to make it or are they just jacking up the price?
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,541MI6 Agent
    They have overheads, staff, taxes and business rates to pay. Not to mention the licence costs and EONs cut. Much different from one person making it themselves as a hobby.
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    :)) what he said. I suggest if you think FE are taking everyone for a ride, then you should take that up with FE.

    The main thing you're overlooking is that businesses, for some reason I can never understand, seem to want to actually make a profit, the sheer audacity of it all!

    When all said and done, especially when factoring in time, it cost substantially more than $50 to produce the prototypes.

    Good luck with it all!
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • DanBond11DanBond11 Posts: 64MI6 Agent
    minigeff wrote:
    :)) what he said. I suggest if you think FE are taking everyone for a ride, then you should take that up with FE.

    The main thing you're overlooking is that businesses, for some reason I can never understand, seem to want to actually make a profit, the sheer audacity of it all!

    When all said and done, especially when factoring in time, it cost substantially more than $50 to produce the prototypes.

    Good luck with it all!

    Yeah I figured :)) I found most of the materials online and they were surprisingly cheap.
    C02 bulbs under $5, a diver mouthguard (my personal touch) under $10 and gold brass connectors
    are under $15. Obviously you can't buy something for $50 and sell it for $50 there's no profit, $400 does seem like a crazy price to me but hey maybe it's just me. I am only twenty-two so of course that seems pricey at my age for a prop you'll never use. I know they are popular and there's quite a few review videos on YouTube so good for them!
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