When most people think of professional welding services, they think of a repair job on a structure, or a gate, or something else from an industrial fabrication. However, at Sparks Welding, in Slough, we have been in the business for forty years and we have created some interesting things, including fabricating props for films.
A Time Machine Comes to Life.
We recently worked on a replica DeLorean time machine from the Back to the Future movie series, and we thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating the exterior features. Our client Mike Hutchinson, who runs specialist hire company DeLorean and Prop Hire, tasked us with bringing the stunning vehicle to life with addition of a few custom components.
This wasn’t just any fabrication job. The replica components had to be accurate enough to be museum quality, so our team effectively became Back to the Future experts, studying the time machine’s design specs in great detail.
Precision in Every Detail.
We did fabrication work on some of the DeLorean’s most iconic and technically-sophisticated items.
- Semi-immersed engine components: We designed detailed parts to give the car’s modified engine bay a suitably authentic high-tech look, in keeping with the original’s industrial-yet-fantastical character.
- Components of the Flux Capacitor: We helped recreate parts of the component from the time machine that “makes time travel possible.”
- The Generator System would create components, which would seamlessly fit into the larger design of the whole power system that visually fits with the film.
- The venting system is part of the functional and looks pretty fun — both of which help make the machine so visually striking.
- Nuclear Reactor Control Rod: One of the more technically complex pieces, requiring precise engineering to match the specifications of the movie. Also has to be easy enough to handle safely for display and hire.
Research Meets Craftsmanship.
The detective work involved in this project made it fun. We spent hours pouring over schematics for the original time machine and combing through film stills and behind-the-scenes footage and the vast online world of Back to the Future fans. What separates prop makers from replica makers is the level of detail they use.
They had to get every measurement bang on, every finish had to match the scruffy but still functional look of the original, and every part had to fit seamlessly onto the vehicle.
The Result: First-Class Fabrication.
The completed replica time machine proves what you can achieve when conventional welding and fabrication skills are coupled with creative vision as well as research. The effort to get the detail so right means that Back to the Future won’t just be able to appreciate seeing an incredibly authentic time machine up close.
Beyond the DeLorean.
This project is precisely the reason Sparks Welding has been in business for over 40 years. At our business, whether we’re MOT Welding, fixing HGVs, creating custom gates and fencing or working on sci-fi creations, we plan well and use quality skills to do this.
The film and entertainment industry offers unique challenges which push our fabrication skills in exciting directions. Props should not only look real but also should be light enough to be easily portable for actors. Moreover, props must be safe for actors since they may use them at close quarters. Finally, the prop designer or prop-maker must ensure the prop is sturdy enough to be used in different locations.
Your Vision, Our Expertise.
Sparks Welding has decades of experience on a range of applications, practical and fantastical. If you require works on vehicle, architectural and/or movie props – Slough team will make it for you.
After all, if we can build time machine, just think of what we can do for you.
For over 40 years Sparks Welding has been providing professional welding and fabrication services to both the domestic and commercial markets in Slough, Berkshire and the surrounding area. Sparks Welding can help with everything from a simple repair on a car to fabrication of specialised props. Contact us to discuss your prop fabrication project – no matter how ambitious.