Talking Sonic Screwdrivers with Doctor Who's Prop Maker Nick Robatto

River Song's Sonic from 'Silence in the Library'

More than any other Comic-Con in recent memory, Comic-Con 2011 was the Doctor's con. From the Doctor Who & Torchwood panels, to the fez-wearing con-goers, there was a strong Gallifreyian influence.

GeekFilter caught up with the folks at the Quantum Mechanix Inc. booth and had a chat with Doctor Who prop maker, Nick Robatto about his work on the show and for QMx.

Nick was asked by QMx to create replicas of the Doctor Who sonic screwdrivers he builds for the BBC using the same materials, finishes, etc used on the show. Based off the designs of Dan Walker and Peter McKinstry, the sonics on display are intended to be prototypes for the QMx Artisan line.

Unlike the plastic toys you may have seen, these are lathed and milled from solid metals with moving parts and spring-loaded action. The Master's laser screwdriver has a particularly satisfying 'kerthunk' when you push the button to extend the prongs. However, since they feature many moving parts, internal electronics and lots of different materials including brass, copper, aluminium, resins and leather, they require lots of care and polishing. And with Matt Smith admitting to being a bit clumsy with the sonics, often a bit of repair work!

Nick has worked on the series since the re-launch as well as the Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood. Check out Nick's personal site at Rubbertoe Props and follow him on Twitter...and take a look at all the amazing models over at QMx

Allons-y!