Risu's Return

This is my first blog entry in just over a year. Coming back to something like this after such a protracted absence is daunting. It's not as if I've really been away either as those of your who regularly interact with me via Twitter or Facebook will know that I've actually been a pretty busy boy. To be blunt, the last entries in this blog a year ago, revolved around taking chunks out of an idiot called Dan Stokes (known online as 'Anakin Starkiller') and that whole distasteful business left an exceedingly acrid taste in the mouth. Despite my rather obvious talent for it, I'd rather not berate, belittle or bully anyone unless I find their behaviour either exceedingly stupid or just plain and misguidedly wrong. In both instances, Stokes just excelled and instead of just accepting it, decided to argue. Again, a monumentally stupid move given I held all the cards. So, instead of expending my ever pressed resources on arguing with Stokes and fucksticks of that genus, I decided to concentrate on doing what I do best, knowing that my work willl speak louder than any wanker of a detractor. 

To that end, the blog took a haitus, my career has, to put it mildly, come on in leaps and bounds and I've finally reached the finish line in regards my rather definitive 11th Doctor sonic screwdriver. It is this particular replica, or rather the events that have arisen from it that is the subject of my ire today.

It is generally accepted that certain things within this universe that we inhabit are constant, fundamental and pretty much undeniable. The axioms upon which our reality is founded span the disciplines of mathematics,  physics, geometry and philosophy, to name but a few. The way in which any online discussion of sonic screwdrivers invariably descends, double quick time, into an unmitigated clusterfuck being yet another, less anodyne truth. But now we can add another: stupidity. Not just any old stupidity, mind. It is a stupidity so deep, so magnificently ill conceived and so logic defying, it can only originate from that primeval pit of eternal stupidity that we only know as Daniel 'Risu' Pawlik.

Yes, him. Our old chum, purveyor of crap 'replicas', humourless blowhard, professional runt and Doctor Who wannabe in a cheap knockoff suit. A knobgobbler with all the skill of a blind dyspraxic rent boy with Parkinson's. Not content with the virtual beatings I have dealt upon him over the years, he has carved out quite a niche for himself as a laughing stock, a byword for comical ineptitude that has sent even the most forgiving and patient collectors running for the hills, screaming for mercy. 

And I have shown mercy. Despite his numerous cheap pot shots over the years, which I have ignored, I have refrained from pressing the button and permanently squash this irritating little fuck, until now.

Let me give you a little background. Earlier this year my team and I finally completed our prototype for my replica of the 11th Doctor sonics. These beauties here:

A little background behind these: these were based directly on the 4 screen used props that I had access to and differ significantly from the replicas that Nick Robatto made for QMX. In short, these are about as accurate as you're ever going to get and even more so than those made by Robatto. In addition to accuracy, one of the major issues that has taken me over 2 years to rectify and solve is the issue of fragility. The filming props were flawed in that they often broke from the flicking action that is needed to open it. Despite numerous vehement denials from various parties, this has been confirmed from multiple unconnected sources who have seen first hand, at conventions, the rather horrible habit of the upper cage detaching and flying across the room when flicked. Mainly because I am an extremely clever bastard, I have redesigned my sonic replica internally to allow you to do this:

So where does Risu come into all of this? It is well known I am an extremely choosy seller. The almighty dollar has never been my primary motivation rather the pursuit of the perfect replica has driven my little enterprise. Having a little fun a long the way and shining a light into the dark ignorant corners of fandom has proven to be a welcome side effect as well as some of the wonderful, loyal and charming friends I have made along the way. That is as it should be. However, the flipside is that I have also made a lot of enemies and as a rule I don't sell to enemies, dickheads and thieving cunts. Which leads me quite nicely to Risu.

About a week or so ago, I received an email from a good friend and customer of mine asking me if I had heard about Risu and Bob Mitsch's run of metal 11th Doctor sonics, copied directly from the Robatto QMX. 

It is a pretty major rule, some say fundamental, in the world of prop replication that you do not recast or copy another maker's replica. Even if that replica is by the original maker and is a replica of his own work, unless you have his blessing. Let me give you an example from the world of Highlander: Sal D'Aquila produced the Season 1 katana. He later sold a subtly modified replica of it as the 'Musashi' katana. It is pretty obvious that buying one then recasting it and selling it is a no-no. However, a grey area exists if you somehow got hold of the original screen used prop and started selling replicas based on that. Ok, Sal may not be happy about it, but tough shit, it's up to Davis Panzer to deal with but within the world of prop replication, it's fair dibs.

A week ago, Risu posted the following on the Gallifrey Base forum: (click to enlarge)

Mitsch dropped a hint that there was a run in the offing (knowing full well he was one of the instigators). Risu couldn't help himself and replied on the same thread with "it's actually closer to $700 range, but yea (sic), it's in the works. And it'll be the best ever"

Conveniently overlooking the rather juvenile and nauseating hyperbole (seriously "it'll be the best ever"????? When this incompetent fucker has neither a track record in producing anything that is 'best ever' except for steaming turds, nor has a prototype to show or even any reasons for why it will be the 'best ever') this doesn't really appear to be very incriminating. 

So let's see the smoking gun. Feast your eyes on these private messages that one of my customers sent me:

Makes for some pretty grim and damning reading doesn't it? This fucking idiot is not only singing like a canary to some random internet agent provocateur, he's also landed his buddy Mitsch in the doo doo and admitted that what we've known all along, he's been sucking up to Robatto in order to extract enough info to copy his replica. Hmmmmm, classy. I hope Nick tells that cunt where to go. Who fans can be a bunch of cunts at the best of times but when you combine cuntishness with an unimaginative lack of resourcefulness, you end up with cheap fucks like Risu.

Not only cheap, but a recasting scumbag to boot. I can certainly sympathise with him to an extent. When you have a maker whom you despise  but is the only maker of a replica you badly, badly want though refuses to sell to you, it puts you in a rather interesting quandary. You either bite the bullet and try and obtain one through illicit means (of which more later) or you try and compete. Being the utter halfwit that he is, Risu decides to do the latter, deludedly declaring to the world that "it'll be the best ever". In your frigging dreams Twinkletoes! In order to produce 'the best ever' you need several things:

1. Skill - Risu is about as cackhanded as they get. He can't even cast, in effect, a resin brick. Let me explain: a while back on The RPF, this utter donut managed to get hold of a screen used bar of silver from Looper. He decides to cast them in resin and sell them in the Junkyard. He has absolutely no idea about how to mould or cast them in silver which effectively leads to more experienced guys puppywalking him through the process and spoonfeeding him info on the correct resins and pigments. He then has a brainwave and decides to fill the casting with lead fishing shot, conveniently overlooking the strong possibility of shrinkage and cracked castings. What a fucking tool. To cut a long story short, it takes him nigh on six months to produce a handfull of resin bricks of a quality from 'fair' to 'middling'. Kevinericon then bails him out by producing a much better metal version in a shorter space of time.  The point? Would you trust your money to a retard who is teaching himself as he goes along?
2. A keen eye - I have been pointing out Risu's [lack of] ocular acuity since the year 'dot'. I would rather trust Stevie Wonder to make observations about props that Risu. Either his eyes are shonky, or brain is. Personally I think it's a combination of both. Recently he proudly declared  "Honestly, and I say this having looked at both in hand, the quality of machining on the wand sonic is better. Especially the teeth. They actually fit together. Nobody's done that as well in the past.". Until someone pointed this out:

Which is puzzling since a) he owns one of my UE's and b) even The Wand Company admitted their teeth are incorrect. 

Given the above, it is laughable that this turd refers to my 11th sonic as 'garbage' and 'crap for a number of reasons'. Now what reasons would they be Mr Risu, I wonder? Given that this blind piece of shit wouldn't know garbage even if it shat on his head from 50 storeys up, any idiot can see that my prototypes are about as accurate as it's possible to get. The picture of the four above even fooled a great many people who thought they were pics of the props in their case. I have proven to a number of trusted confidantes that my replica has been referenced from the screen used props. And Risu? All he has are a few pics of the 'ugly duckling' screen used prop from the exhibition and a QMX Robatto replica which is wrong in several areas.

What makes this idiot think that he can re-engineer the sonic to make it more durable (a notion that I have been pushing since I began this project two years ago) with sound in three months when an industry pro like me, with a team of the finest propmakers working in the business, has taken the best part of two years to do? Personally, I'd just let him get on with it and laugh when he falls over and lands in the shit.

Forgetting Risu's limitations as a propmaker, his limitations as a human being are even more striking. This is a man whose innate shadiness is matched by his complete lack of intellect, envy and bitterness. A recent example of this was when he asked Ray Remillard, an owner of a Belstaff Milford 'Sherlock' coat, to borrow a button from the coat:

His purpose? To dump a load of silicone on it and sell recasts. Shameless. At least I had the class to buy a coat and 3d scan the buttons before using a cnc to machine them out of horn. What a twat. This fucker knows what he's doing is wrong. Why else say "This run was never meant to be brought up on the forums"? He's not assembling these things 'free of charge'. I know how much these things cost to make as I make them and this little shitbag cuntflapper does nothing for free. He's probably making enough to both fund his own one or pay the guy who is lending them the QMX sonic. I love how he tries to rationalise what he's doing by saying that he's not interfering with an existing licence as QMX are no longer selling them and that it's only a small personal run between friends. Well, if that's the case, why doesn't he just ask QMX if it's ok first? Why the need to keep it on the down low? Just because QMX aren't actively producing goods under the licence, doesn't mean they have lost the right to. They still have the right to do it and he's infringing upon it, let's make no mistake. And as for a small run between friends, that's too funny. He was ready to sell to anybody that shows an interest. I'm no angel but I'm honest in my outlook, I make no bones about what I'm doing isn't strictly by the book but I have the benefit of Chinese government protection so I have no need to fudge my corporate message. Risu? He's a crooked lying little fuck with a mini penis and a deluded sense of self worth that is utterly at odds with his rather underwhelming physical appearance.

Let me show you some correspondence that one of my customers forwarded to me recently between himself and Risu:

"RISU

Hey man, I just wanted to try to explain the situation a little better, but I can't do it in the public forum. The member that is being referred to is (ABSOLUTELY NO MENTION OF THAT UNLICENSED SELLER IS PERMITTED ON THIS FORUM, EVER). He currently makes the only sonic available, and that's not good for anybody. He's rude, hateful, and at times threatens violence against anybody who disagrees with him, or happens to get caught in the crossfire. For example, he targeted me years ago for calling him out on his rude language toward other board members, and over a full year after everything had calmed back down, he was still reading my posts and commentating on them on his blog. He would call me out on anything he could, and after one of his many lackeys started a whole new bunch of drama with me, he posted a request on his twitter for somebody to find me at a con and break my legs. The reason nobody is allowed to mention him or his products on either forum is because he and his far too loyal customers will find any mention of him and find a way to incite a riot. After the tenth time, they finally made the new rules.

It feels to me like pressing the issue is just an attempt to put a stop to the group run, and that's probably what's about to happen. Even if that wasn't your intent, the argument you've started and what you've said so far might very well put an end to all group runs on this forum. You may not have realized it was headed in that direction, but I don't see how pressing the issue could do anybody any good.

ME

Thanks for that. What I have not had an answer to is, did this person actually say anything on this site to anyone? As I can't see any ref to that. Perhaps you can help answer that? 

I could be wrong, but from what I have read this person has said things on his own blog, but not broken any rules HERE. If not, how can he be issued with a banning order for NOT breaking rules here on GB. 

I don't know why he attacked you or anyone else, & sorry to hear that, but why did he pick on you? Please don't take this the wrong way, but why pick on you out of 100's of us out there? Did you & others say something to start it. Only asking because you know what they say. No smoke without fire etc. Like I say no offence, just asking.

Another question I have & I know you can't really answer, as you haven't set the rules... but OK the member is banned but why can't he or his props be talked about? The trouble is from what I have found out, his props seem to be the best out there. Better than any official licence replicas & most seem to have them. This means that costumed photos at cons with his replicas in hand can't be taken & uploaded as well as photos of collections as that would lead to a banning of any members that publish! Crazy situation don't you think. 

As for banning group runs, well they ARE bootlegs too & we have to be honest about it. If GB has banned a member for illegally producing replicas (if that is THE real reason) then yes they have to do the same with group runs. It would be hypocritical of them not to. The rules have to be the same for all of us & only GB can change that.

RISU

He was only banned for the conduct. The forums have to be delicate about things thing group runs and unlicensed replicas. It's kind of an unspoken thing with license holders. Members are allowed to produce small runs of items without being issued a cease and desist. With CT, he mass produces them in China. But he wasn't banned for that, it was just a tenuous issue that made the mods nervous. As for taking pictures of his sonics, people are free to do so as long as the sonic isn't the focus/they don't go talking about how it's a CT sonic.

I can't remember exactly what went down on GB because I was mostly just an RPF member back then, but I think he was briefly a member here as well. He was banned from both forums, but here's exactly how it happened on the RPF. He signed up, started posting about his in development sonics. A couple people very politely suggested some alterations to improve on accuracy and he flipped out. He started calling people c***s, etc. (this is where he latched onto me, because I posted to tell him he was out of line. He attacked a few others as well, but eventually let them off the hook because they publicly apologized to him, which I still refuse to do) Anyway, he was quickly suspended from the RPF for his language, and that's when he started posting to his blog. He posted rants about the RPF and it's specific members, pulling our real names and pictures of us from our Facebook pages, posting libel about a few of us that was searchable on google if you typed in our names. In some cases they became the top results for our names. The moderator of the RPF found out about the blog, read the posts, and immediately permanently banned him. It wasn't until much later that the no mention of him rule came about, which as I said was because any mention of his name or products was riling up his supporters and causing them to start flame wars. To keep the forum running smoothly they had no choice but to set up the rule, and things have run pretty smoothly ever since. I think Shaun over here followed suit with that rule because he didn't want the same thing happening over here."

Stirring words, aren't they? Pity that they have no basis in reality. To put the record entirely straight, I was banned not for using 'bad language' but because I refused to take the petty envy and the snideness that was directed at me because, a) I was new to the forums and b) I stood up to the childish bullying that Risu was part of. Risu never apologised and continued to make snide remarks about my products, claiming inaccuracies etc when that fucker wouldn't know the first thing about accuracy. All my claims have been PROVEN. Time and time again. My initial detractors were neither polite nor informed. They simply were not qualified to criticise on accuracy because they had never been as up close to the prop as me. That's simply the way it is. Was I rude? Sure. But I had earnt the right to be especially to deadheads who thought they were fucking experts and Risu was one of the worse. He still knows fuck all.

My UE sonic came onto the market 2 years ago based on the Tennant B prop. It is only now that things have come out to confirm just how accurate it is. My 11th prop replica is no exception. What makes Risu's claim even more absurd and surreal is that recently he has shown that he owns not one, but two of my supposedly shit replicas. A fob watch and one of my UE sonics! That he was waving it around like a halfwit at a recent convention not realising that one of my customers "Captain K" was right next to him. So....let's get this right. This is a toolbag who supposedly thinks that my products are shit, yet owns two of them and was inspired to copy my ideas and price point by producing his own competing product? Yes Risu, we believe you have no hidden agenda. 

In spite of everything above, I do believe that what we've got here is a failure to communicate. Risu simply does not understand that you cannot take me on and expect to get away lightly. His stubborness is commendable but ultimately he has caused his own destruction. His first encounters with me have dented his credibility yet he didn't have the intelligence to quit, apologise and move on like some of his friends. Subsequent encounters have made him a laughing stock and still he thinks he can go head to head with me and expect to come out on top. So, as much as it pains me, this time Risu is finished.  I just hope this has made him realise a few home truths and if he comes out of this broken, so be it. He'll rebuild, stronger and hopefully less of the turd he's spent his life so far being. Somehow, I doubt it will happen though.

Addendum: Inspired by Risu, I have decided, forthwith, to adopt his observations as my corporate advertising slogan. What better endorsement for a product than to have it slated by a simpleton with dead eyes? Don Draper, take note.

and again....

Again from Dan Stokes: (my responses in RED)

Once again I am using this space to respond to CT's attacks on me which have resulted from this thread.

I never claimed that "the Aztec heads were salvaged for both of them" (them being the two season 4 sonics) I claimed that the Aztec head was used on one of the props, the one MFX researched and the one David Tennant now owns. Please read more carefully. Indeed you did, and I have noted that and everything I stated subsequently took this into account. Sloppy writing in my part but you're splitting hairs as it doesn't make the slightest difference to my argument. I know you said only one Aztec head was used. 

You claim "I possess the Aztec head CAD files and what you see in my Mk1 S3-4 sonic IS the Aztec head."

I have seen absolutely no evidence to support this claim. Your eyes should have alerted you. Other proof...well, I've actually sent that to people I actually do like, so believe what you will, I've actually hinted at this in my blog over a course of the past three years just as I have with the paint. If you're too thick to see it, not my fault. I blame your parentage.

And you have always asserted, up until now, that that your mk1 Tennant sonic was extrapolated from the sonic you said you had examined--the season 1 Eccleston slider prop. Indeed I have and that still remains true but ask yourself, why I have done certain thing the way I have? Why have I added in details that I have? Just because i don't share them publicly does not mean I don't share. Read between the lines, you fuckwit. There is a lot of stuff going on here that you haven't a clue about.

You write "All other comparisons were done with either screenshots of the 'a' prop or comparisons to the Aztec head used on my Mk1 sonics. According to you, the 'a' prop used an Aztec head, it means my comparisons were inadvertently correct which does not render them invalid but actually lends weight to them. Nice one ********, thanks for that". 

Once again, I have never seen any evidence to show that you're mk1 Tennant resembles the Aztec head.  Your eyes? How about doing a nice overlay? Look and you shall find, you moron. If you cannot see a pristine Aztec head, you're a bigger moron than I thought.

You're now claiming that your mk1 Tennant sonic uses the cad files from an Aztec sonic.

But this is in direct conflict with everything you've previously said about this prop.

You've always claimed that your Eccleston sonics, and the Tennant mk1 sonic that you extrapolated from your Eccleston replica, were made from your references of "the Penny Howarth made hero prop", and specifically not the Aztec prop. ""It was extrapolated from the idealised S1-2" 

The Celestial Toystore: Ok, I'm going to take this slow..... 

" As I have stated on record, this was derived from my Season 1-2 sonic from which I had extrapolated from".The Celestial Toystore: The Ultimate Edition 10th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver

"I had not had access to the Tennant prop. I have never claimed it was 100% perfect and never claimed anything other than it was extrapolated from my near 100% accurate Eccleston sonic." The Celestial Toystore: Omygod they killed Kenney (you bastards!)

"Just to make sure that the moron Phez is 100% clear on this point, I have never claimed access to the Tennant prop just the Season 1 prop. My replica has been extrapolated from the Season 1 prop" The Celestial Toystore: The turd that won't flush

"Little is really known about the Aztec and there has been a lot of myth that surrounds the original Season 1 prop. I had the pleasure of measuring one of the Season 1 props: the 'wide slider' version that featured the 0.25mm step below the struts but this version, although able to extend, was not really considered a 'hero' prop as such as it was quite battered and had to be held in such a way as to hide the 8mm wide slot in the body". The Celestial Toystore: Secrets of the Aztec

You have consistently claimed for the past few years that you had access to the wide slider prop, not the Aztec prop. But now you seem to be changing your tune. 

Mostly all of your defenses from this point relies on your claim to have used the Aztec cad files for your Tennant mk1 sonic, so I'll forgo further dissection of those points. And this is 100% true. But it does not mean that I have to admit certain things in the public domain. Yes, the wide slider prop was the main reference source but certain extra things were referred to. It's like the whole issue of prop access. I have had, do and may still, have access to certain things I am not supposed to. But just because I am coy about it, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I just don't say because it compromises my sources of access. I share my info with certain people because I like them and they can be trusted. They are not pricks like you. You can call me out on it but fuck you, I don't give a fuck because those that matter know what the truth is and they know I am telling it. You, however, are a weaselly little fuck with an attitude problem and an overactive sense of entitlement. I put in clues in what i say because I like creating puzzles. So piss off. 

You state that the emitter on the MFX was cast metal because it "corrodes easier than the rest of the sonic and appears to rust in places, which suggests a casting alloy". First of all, I've never seen anyone's MFX sonic with rust on it. Rust is the result of Iron oxidation and the MFX head has no iron in it. (Use a magnet to test this if you don't believe me) There may be aluminum oxide on the emitter head, aluminum does oxidize, but it's not rust. But, beyond that aside, you're missing the more obvious answer to your theory of different alloys, which is that oxidation occurs more rapidly on a piece of metal with a dull finish than it does with a machine polished finished. The emitter heads became dull during the deburring process. The rest of the aluminum parts were not deburred in this way so they retained a higher shine. As time when on the dull parts oxidized quicker. Go take a piece of aluminum. Put a nice freshly machined shine on one part. Now take some scotchbright to another part of that same piece of aluminum and remove the tool marks, but in the process rough up the surface. Now watch which part oxidizes first. Don't be patronising. I have been doing this a lot longer than you have, you fucking cretin. I do this for a living, you're a fucking amateur in every sense of the word. I know at least one MFX owner that has a head that has minute spots of rust like dirt. Personally, that is the only one I have seen. What I am suggesting is a degree of oxidation that is not consistent with machined aluminium, rumbled or not. It is consistent with a pouring alloy. You've got an answer for one thing, how about answering why the head is not perfectly circular? I maintain that it was likely the head was cast off a machined die.

Eventually in your response, when you run out of reasonable answers to my objections you just turn to insults and off hand dismissals without answers "You have no interest in finding out what is correct, you're just hell bent on making it look like I'm wrong. I don't give a **** as I've seen the prop, you haven't, so **** off you loser and go CAD up some more proof to support your dogma" 

What dogma am I trying to prove? I have no interest in the MFX sonic. I have no association with the people who ran or worked for MFX. I didn't put any stock in them, and even if I did they're all sold and gone now. You are trying to prove I am wrong. You lack basic fucking respect. You lack the intelligence, the insight and the sheer class to learn when to shut the fuck up and see the bigger picture. You have NO idea what is going on here. You can barely see straight let alone comprehend the more subtle facts of what I do and how I do it because you don't want to as the  reality will probably drive you sick with envy. So instead of taking the time to engage brain, you put your fingers in your ears and go 'lalalalalala' because the possibility of me being right sickens you. 

Furthermore, with this post "I used the Perfetto brand because it was easily available. It is IDENTICAL to Aleenes. It is the exact same stuff, molecule for molecule you retarded ****. Do I use it? Maybe I do, maybe I don't. But I will say something, those of you out there who know the truth are secretly pissing themselves over how big a fool you have made yourself look with this last bit. I'll save that for another day. ;-)" makes me wonder if you've ever actually gotten a hold of any Aleene's crackle because if you did, you'd know that the consistency, application process, and appearance of the two products couldn't be more different. You are such a fucking douche. I'll do another tutorial shall I using both products? They are identical in every way you fucking idiot. If you don't see that, then you are cack handed loser. Ask Aleenes, ask Perfetto. They use the same fucking supplier you dumbass fucktard.

Oh, and there is one other point that you did not answer. Which is that you lie, that you posted lies about me and insulted me before I had ever said two words to or about you.

You assert "This project was something you had discussed and had talked to Russ about. I know this for a fact" 

PROVE THIS OR APOLOGIZE FOR BEING A LIAR.

I know for a fact that you cannot support this assertions in any way because I know for a fact that they are 100% untrue.

You write "you had a project and the intent to do so and you had made arrangements to make it happen" This is a complete fabrication and you cannot possibly have any support for your claims because they never happened. You just made it up and lied about it. Now you're caught and you think you can worm your way out by persisting in your lie and you think if you just keep saying it over and over it will become true. But I'm sorry, that's not how lies work. I don't need to. You proved it for me, you dickhead. Your statement about me trying to 'discredit your project' is enough proof all by itself.  I'm not retracting it. WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT???? CUNT.

You tell your fans "I may be an *******, but I'm an honest one". But in your blog about me you didn't address how you saw someone else making a NS sonic screwdriver replica and decided to post lies about that person on your blog in order to discredit the project with ABSOLUTELY no basis for your assertions. Nope, I didn't discredit you. You pretty much discredited yourself. You want to make a sonic? Go ahead. I'm not stopping you. Won't stop me taking the piss out of you though. Why? Because you're a complete clown and I cannot stand you.

You say "I've never wanted enemies but some idiots just hate me for no reason. So I give them a reason". That's exactly how I felt when you started making up **** about me and insulting me, when I had NEVER ONCE SAID A SINGLE THING ABOUT YOU. No, not directly. But oblique dismissals of my work, a total lack of respect every time anyone ever mentioned me or my products, your tunnel vision evey time anyone brought up something of mine that conflicted with your narrow world view....that pretty sums up the level of respect you show me. So because of that, I don't see why I have to be nice to you. Is that clear enough for you or do I have to post a huge picture of someone flipping you the bird?

You say that "The last vestiges of respect I had for Stokes has vanished"

Well I the last vestige of respect I had for you vanished when you started posting lies about me before you even knew who I was. When you see someone make up lies about you, and tell other people these lies, you start to question what else they have lied about in the past. That's why I think your blog is full or ****. That is why I don't take any claim you make at face value. Because I know for a fact that you are a liar. At this point I really don't give a flying fuck anymore. Whatever i say, you'll just argue against, so what's the point? You're coming out of this looking like a twat. Me? I couldn't care less. You make your bed, you lie in it. I call it like I see it. I have to admit, your vehement denial made me question what I was told by the guy who tipped me off to this. I was almost willing to think you may be on the level but as soon as you said I was discrediting your project and not you, that pretty much confirmed it. Don't be sore about it, shit happens. 

Here we go again....

Posted by Dan 'Anakin Starkiller' Stokes: 

(My responses in RED):

The Following is in response to CT's recent blog about me.Erroneous information on CT’s blog that needs to be corrected.

The Season 3-4 Sonic. 

To start off with. CT has and currently does sell two models of sonic screwdrivers. In the past he had what he called an Eccleston season 1-2 sonic and a Tennant season 3-4 sonic. Now he has his Aztec sonic, which has replaced his Eccleston sonic and his updated Tennant season 3-4 sonic. 

As such, he perpetuated the misinformation that David Tennant used the same sonic prop in seasons 3 and 4. This is information is wrong. The siding prop that DT used in season 3 was built by Mark Cordory out of the remains of the Eccleston season 1 prop and Tennant season 2 prop (which was the wide slider fx sonic). The body on this prop featured a square slider that was held in place by two slotted screws and used a third slotted screw to actuate the light. Nick Robatto has shared pictures of the remains of this sonic and the body can be seen here. http://www.therpf.com/f9/9-10-sonic-...e-info-137253/ Correct, it is the 'intermediate' sonic last used in Runaway Bride however I did not once state Tennant used the same prop in season 3 and 4. In my blog post here: http://celestialtoystore.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/color-of-sonics.html  I clearly state: 

"These props were refurbed continually until Season 3 when a new slider control was designed beginning the evolution of the Season 1 props into the Tennant prop we are familiar with. Basically, they retained the Eccleston body and grey color scheme but implemented changes to the slider assembly, where the trapezoidal button was removed and replaced with a curved plate, the microswitch was changed into a long button version and sunk into the battery tube with the top of the button column poking out through a hole in the centre of the slider plate. The wires inside the acrylic rod were changed to yellow. I call this sonic the 'Intermediate' sonic...Further along into Season 3 the Intermediate sonic changes and the hitherto clear central channel begins to mist up and give the illusion that it is in fact, a solid central rod or sleeve....This is an optical illusion caused by the oil used within the channel to fill in the tiny scratches and cracks to aid transparency flowing out leaving the misted up channel.

...In Season 4, things get even more interesting still as there is a whole new hero prop added to the mix with the distinctive new ridges and the tactile switch was replaced with a leaf spring contact assembly with self coloured button . Accounts vary as to when this was built but most accounts have it built during the prop refurb between series 3 and 4 and there is uncertainty about whether there were one or two built. This retains all the characteristics of the Intermediate 1 prop including the color. You can see this prop and the distinctive new ridges in the following shot from Partners In Crime, the Season 4 opener:"

Epic fail number 1 Mr Stokes.

This sliding prop, made by Mark Corday, and the Aztec props (which did not have a slider, but a tac switch embedded to the side of the prop) were the props used for season 3. The season 4 sonics were different builds. If you read Nick Robatto’s web page you will see this stated clearly.

For season 4, Nick Robatto took the season 3 slider prop, and an Aztec prop and cannibalized the heads to make two new props for the remainder of Tennant’s tenure as the Doctor and for Matt Smith’s first episode. 

prop makers

I am aware that there were two new sonics made but I do not believe for one minute that the Aztec heads were salvaged for both of them. Why? Because I possess the Aztec head CAD files and what you see in my Mk1 S3-4 sonic IS the Aztec head. There are distinct differences between the Aztec heads and the subsequent heads, namely the bevel just above the teeth and the thickness of the struts and the window bisection on the struts. I grant that it may entirely be possible from the pic below that on the S4a prop this is the case as I have not handled it, so even if the head may have been remachined due to damage but the fundamental geometry does not change, The b prop cannot possibly be an Aztec head as even though it has been heavily remachined, the proportions are all wrong.

The prop that was made out of Mark Cordory’s season 3 emitter head became the prop used in the 11th Hour by Matt Smith. I can go with that.

The prop that was made out of the Aztec emitter head became the prop that was referenced by MFX in building their replica and can be seen here. Again, that makes sense.

It is currently owned by David Tennant.

The two props differ subtly from each other. Because the emitter heads came from different sources, the DT sonic (and I use this abbreviation to signify the prop now owned by David Tennant, but of course both props were used by Tennant as the Doctor) features an emitter head with slightly larger and squarer windows. Correct and well spotted. Hence why the windows on my Mk1 sonics are larger and squarer. The grip ridges are a bit rounder and more bulbous, and the bottom aluminum cylinder is a bit thicker. So why did MFX fuck up the head? It should be near identical to my S3-4 head in size and proportions. Answer me that, dickhead.

I have attempted to illustrate some of the body details here http://www.therpf.com/f9/millennium-...ml#post2387777

The 11th hour sonic can additionaly be distinguished in its later appearances by the addition of a cross head screw that was added at the base of the sliding channel. 

The “teeth” on the bodies and emitters of the two sonics are also aligned differently. Actually, the teeth and head alignment can and has changed. By default, both sonics were aligned identically. The b sonic is aligned exactly the same as the a sonic above. 

So, when CT talks about a season 3-4 sonic. He is really confusing everyone who listens to him since the sliding sonic used in season 3 and the sliding sonics used in season 4 were totally different builds. Refer above, I never said that. The Season 3-4 sales tag was only used to differentiate it broad from the season 1-2 sonic. It was never supposed to be definitive of one model used in one season. Nice try wanker, but surely you must have something better than that???

Now onto CT’s posts concerning the MFX replica.

When CT reviewed the MFX replica. He compared the emitter head on his Eccleston sonic to that on the MFX. Here is what he wrote. 

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VpKh__f_aa...0/100_1679.JPG

" Let's take a close-up comparison of the head:

The finish is completely wrong on the MFX and the proportions and dimensions are all over the place. The head should look elegant and slender yet on the MFX there is a squatness and cylindrical look. Compare with my head which looks more balanced, more slender due to the correct window placement and thicker struts. Overall detail in the MFX is incredibly low with dull edges and lack of definition especially in the struts which need to stand proud of the main body in order to avoid the flat cylindrical shape the MFX exhibits.

The lens cap is also the wrong shape and colour. The prop possessed a shiny gloss cap of dark blue yet the MFX has a dull matt finish and the incorrect colour. The shape is also wrong in that it is a partial hemisphere. The prop possessed a straight cylindrical side topped with a hemisphere as does mine. It also varied in height depending on who assembled the prop so therefore the lens cap sometimes sits quite high up in the emitter head showing more of the straight sides and sometimes low. I have adopted a mid position often seen during Season 2 as seen here:

"

Now there are a couple things wrong with this comparison. First off, in comparing as a tool by which to assess the accuracy of the MFX. He’s using his own replica as the standard of accuracy against which another replica is to be measured, a comparison which as Shawn McBeen (Jedibugs) might argue is flawed “Yeah, I love how he's using his own models as proof of something. Talk about an inflated ego.”. No I'm not. I'm making a comparison of my replica against the MFX and then making a comparison with the actual prop. I'm not holding mine up as the benchmark. I am holding the prop as the benchmark to which both mine and MFX should be compared. What fucking planet do you live on? You compared your model to the MFX and stated that your model was akin to the original. It isn't. Proof does not work that way or are you some fucking tool?

Then, instead of comparing the MFX to a photo of the prop which it was modeled after—the season 4 prop made from the emitter head taken from an Aztec prop—CT compared the MFX prop to a blurry photo of the season 3 slider prop that was made by Mark Cordory. So, many of the differences he’s highlighting as deficiencies in the MFX prop are due to the fact that he was comparing two different props and two different emitter heads. 2 things here: At the time I did those comparisons, I was unaware of the Intermediate sonic and so was everyone else. I used that particular pic above to highlight one point and one point only: the lens cap. All other comparisons were done with either screenshots of the 'a' prop or comparisons to the Aztec head used on my Mk1 sonics. According to you, the 'a' prop used an Aztec head, it means my comparisons were inadvertently correct which does not render them invalid but actually lends weight to them. Nice one dickhead, thanks for that.

Now, the emitter on the MFX does look a little dull. But that is not, as CT has claimed because it was cast. But because in the finishing process, the MFX emitter heads were run through a de-burring process to remove the machine marks left by milling, which gave them a sort of satin texture. I believe it was cast. Still do. Why? Because the metal is softer and corrodes easier than the rest of the sonic and appears to rust in places, which suggests a casting alloy. Machine marks can come from the die it was cast from, it is not perfect circular and why was the rest not subjected to rumbling? Questions to this day that remain unanswered. 

Now I would never contend that the MFX replica was in any way a perfect replica. But I recognize that in the manufacturing process they had two options. They could put their emitter heads through a finishing treatment that removed the tool marks, but also consequently decreased the luster and sharpness of the machining. Or they could keep the part in its raw state and leave it as is (like CT has done with his replicas and like I have done with mine) and hope not to be flooded with complaints that the sonics are covered with tool marks. I think it was done to hide the fact it was cast and remove casting flashing. It's what I would have done if I had die cast it. 

As to CT’s critique of the lens cap “The lens cap is also the wrong shape and colour. The prop possessed a shiny gloss cap of dark blue yet the MFX has a dull matt finish and the incorrect colour. The shape is also wrong in that it is a partial hemisphere. The prop possessed a straight cylindrical side topped with a hemisphere as does mine”. He provides no evidence of the season 4 sonic to support this claim. The lens was too wide for a start. The straight sidedness is evident is several screen shots from both S3 and S4. Subsequent examination of the S4 b prop have proven this to be 100% correct. 

He then goes on to critique the MFX end cap.

"The MFX endcap is substantially incorrect. It looks too boxy and squat. The original props had some degree of variance in their dimensions but the overall shape still fell within certain parameters of a millimeter or so. All exhibited a noticeable and distinctive taper. The MFX endcap is just plain wrong bears little to no resemblance to any filming prop.

Compare to the original filming prop MFX claimed to have copied:

And the 2005 Season 1 prop:

Here's what the MFX endcap should remind you of:

Yes, your eyes deceive you not, it does look very similar to a CO toy endcap!

So there you have it. Knockout I think".

However in the years since he wrote this critique. CT has admitted that the end cap on his own sonic was wrong. “I deliberately altered the design of the black bulb to change it from the original prop including the dimensions of the black bulb which were a little smaller than the prop and had a distinctive tip end. This alteration is NOTICEABLY different and distinctive from the prop”. Correct. I have admitted this error on mine. I've not tried to hide it. I've been honest about it and  corrected it by casting directly from the b prop for my UE's. So I'm human. Big deal. 

In the following months CT posted a number of other things that were not true, such as, “Neill's apparent prototypes were the same as the prop. No question. That's because MFX didn't make them. Nick Robatto, the original propmaker, did”.

CT really should go back and correct his blog, since it persists in dissemination bad information. In fact, Nick did not make the MFX prototypes, Chris Martin did. As CT himself has stated in his twitter feed form July 29, 2012.

He tussled with Neil Gordon on this point,

"So CT’s – FACT – is shown to be a complete – LIE – and fabrication and includes accusations of passing off of others work as his own against rpf. member Chris Martin. 

Nowhere above have you proven anything of the sort. Are you saying 'Chris Martin' made the slider sonic prototype or not? Because all you have shown is a couple of pics of a person with a blurred face and a psuedonym apparently measuring a few props. I still contend that the slider 'prototype' was made by and obtained from Nick Robatto. Nice try, but you are going to have to do a lot better than that". 

And he tried to use this point of contention to call Neil Gordon a liar. But now it looks like he has silently conceded this issue without an apology or emendation. Actually, I haven't silently conceded this point. I haven't bothered to amend the blog as I haven't got around to it. Now you have alerted me to this I will make it a priority. I wholeheartedly apologise for this point and shall attribute publically, the honour of having made those beautiful prototypes to Chris Martin

CT also tore apart the MFX sonic for not having “a join on the upper part of the inner recess too. This is where the ball join screws into the emitter head cage”. He claimed that this picture of the season 4 prop

Showed that the MFX emitter was inaccurate, and that it should have had a “large upper aperture where an LED holder, such as on mine will fit into. This aperture is clearly larger than the diameter of the central pipe” 

The images he posted to convince everyone were these two 

And consequently, he concluded “Look and all shall be revealed. I think this what you call, getting 'pwned', lolololol”

However, in his 2012 redesign of his Tennant season 4 prop replica, CT appears to have removed this detail from his replica—silently admitting that he was incorrect—but never apologizing to Neil for calling him a liar or amending his blog so as to reflect the truth.

If you look at CT’s new replica 

you will see that this detail—the join in the upper part--

which was so essentially missing on the MFX replica and consequently made the MFX replica a “nowhere near 'screen accurate'”.

Seems to be unimportant on CT’s new sonic.

Actually, this feature was present on the wide slider version of the prop and I incorporated it into my S1-2 Aztec models along with the 0.25mm step as I was creating an idealised version of the S1-2. It made it's way onto the S3-4 as I was extrapolating at the time for that model. Subsequent examination of the b S4 model has shown this to be erroneous. So big deal, it was corrected on the UE. What you are missing here is that despite the lack of upper led holder, the MFX lacked the lower circular coupler. So my assertion of inaccuracy is still valid. 

In this blog, The Celestial Toystore: Analysis of the MFX Sonic Screwdriver and Inaccuracies to the Prop

CT compares the emitter head of a MFX to pictures of an original sonic. But in each case, he is comparing a replica of one prop to pictures of another.

In this picture, 

CT is comparing the MFX season 4 sonic to pictures of the Mark Cordory season 3 sonic.

In this picture, CT is comparing the MFX sonic (which was modeled on the DT sonic—the one Tennant has in his collection) to the prop which would go on to be the 11th Hour sonic, which was a different prop. At the time, the DK sonic was still a mystery, even to me. It was known it was a highly photoshopped image but it was only recently revealed to be the Cordory Intermediate sonic. Again, this should be amended but I haven't got round to it. So shoot me.

I’m not saying that the MFX is 100% accurate, but I think it’s important to understand the problems with CT’s evidence. The fundamentals of my evidence are sound. They are supported by evidence. If subsequently, the evidence is shown to be erroneous, no problem, that's how we learn. I'm not too arrogant to admit I have been wrong in the past and I am willing to change my opinions if better evidence emerges. If I am so fucking up myself, do you honestly think I would release the UE? It is the MOST accurate 10th sonic ever. It also highlights things that were wrong with my previous model as well as the MFX and some of my original findings. Do I give a flying fuck? Not really. I just care about making the best replica going. That is the difference between you and I. My mind is open. You are so blinkered, you only believe what you want to believe.

In these pictures, CT is comparing the MFX, not to an original prop, but to his own replica—which even he admits was based off of the season 1 prop, not the season 4 prop--to attempt to argue for the inaccuracy of the MFX replica. Yes, but you yourself have said that the S4 'a' head was a recycled Aztec head therefore it inadvertently is a perfect comparison to my sonic head which was based on the Aztec files.

In order to elucidate his argument, CT uses his own cad models as the standard by which the MFX is to be measured “To give you a better view of what is going on, here is a pic of my CAD model of my Season 1-2 emitter:” Let me try and get this through your thick skull. I am making a comparison of MY replica to the MFX on ONE point. What you also failed to show is that I also tried to illustrate this point using other pics of the prop in question and the 3d cad model was an adjunct or supplementary to that. I never once claimed it was the prop but "MY CAD model of MY Season 1-2 emitter."  There is huge difference between that and claiming that your cad model is the same as the original prop. It isn't. It's how YOU see it, you arrogant fuck.

Subsequently, he and his supporters have argued, however, that this is not a reasonable mode of analysis and comparison. “You cannot start off with a belief then build a data set to support it” (CT). “Yeah, I love how he's using his own models as proof of something. Talk about an inflated ego”(Shawn McBee ‏@jedibugs). “You're not comparing the MFX to the original though, are you? You are comparing the MFX to a 3d model of what you think the original looks like” (LeAngeSolitaire). These guys are bang on correct. And you cannot build a data set to support a belief. You have no interest in finding out what is correct, you're just hell bent on making it look like I'm wrong. I don't give a fuck as I've seen the prop, you haven't, so fuck off you loser and go CAD up some more proof to support your dogma.

The Color and the Crackle

As to the color of the sonic, one of CT’s big gripes with the prop community at the RPF has been that he’s not given enough credit. He argues that it’s , “amazing that I still do not get any credit for a) questioning the colour b) proving the correct colour c) the crackle”.

Now in June of 2010. He made a very big deal about the color of the MFX sonic. He convinced a number of people that they had been taken by Neil Gordon because the MFX replica had been painted in Plasticote Heritage Gold. There was a big debate on the RPF where people argued over what shade of Plasticote crackle the season 4 sonic should be painted in.

CT argued

"Here's my theory over the 'Heritage Gold' color:

It is a combination of thin paint application of Plastikote Colony Cream OVER a yellow brass body PLUS natural grubbiness and accumulation of grease and dirt from prolonged handling.

I think MFX/RussRep, in the absence of a definitive color reference knew that it was PlastiKote crackle touch but didn't know the exact colour. On the shelf, the Heritage Gold was closest to the grubby sonic but in reality this was just illusory. Hence they picked the wrong colour!!!!!"

Now in the years that have past since writing this, CT has proved to be right in certain aspects and wrong in others. He was correct that the season 4 sonics were not painted in Plasticoat Heritage Gold. But he is wrong that they were painted in Plasticoat Colony Cream OVER a yellow brass body. 

In fact the bodies on the season 4 sonic were not brass, they were aluminum and Plasticoat was not used on any of the season 4 sonics. So, CT waged a Flame war against Neil Gordon and attempted to get people to take legal action against Neil Gordon for making false claims and selling an inaccurate replica. The Celestial Toystore: How to get a screen accurate Sonic Screwdriver from MFX

But he was just as mistaken as MFX was in claiming that the season 4 sonic was painted in a different shade of Plasticoat crackle.

Here is a picture of the original sonic paint job

Here is a picture of the MFX paint job that attempted to replicate this prop 

Here is a picture of one of CT’s sonics from when I released his replica of the season 4 sonic.

As you can see. Neither paint job was accurate.

It should also be noted that although CT now becomes quite upset that people do not recognize that he was the one who resolved the debate about the season 4 sonic “amazing that I still do not get any credit for a) questioning the colour b) proving the correct colour”, yet in June of 2010 he has written “It appears that the mystery of Tennant's sonic color has finally been resolved courtesy of The Card over on the Gallifrey Base forum. Because I don't want to take credit for this…”. So, apparently in June of 2010 he did not feel comfortable taking credit for another’s work but in July of 2012 he is ok with doing so.

An accurate paint job did not come until QMX released pictures of their first prototype, which looked like this. 

It was QMX’s prototype that changed people’s opinion about the crackle paint used on the original season 4 prop. And subsequently, Nick Robatto himself told the RPF that the crackle paint he used on the season 4 sonics was made by Aleene’s, not Plasticoat or Perfetto—which was the paint that CT began using on his sonics when he began attempting to replicate that achieved by QMX.

CT consistently argues that he should be given credit for “proving the correct colour c) the crackle,” but if you look at the sequence of events in detail. That credit really belongs to QMX and Nick Robatto himself.

Bullshit dickhead. QMX released pics of their prototype in late July 2010, 27th or 28th. I first posted on the ceramic crackle effect beginning of June 2010. I also promised a tutorial on how to achieve this sort of effect on 24th July. I hinted at the crackle in this post on 7th July: http://celestialtoystore.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/extreme-quality-control.html and on the 28th June I had said: http://celestialtoystore.blogspot.co.uk/2010_06_01_archive.html "That is a very good question. I know the secret to this paint and I even alluded to it about two years ago when I announced my sonics and so do several other people, even Mr Robatto himself but that is another story for another time. Whether it will be told is something that you will all have to wonder what this secret is. One hint though. Look at the crackle patterns, therein lies all manner of secrets to be unlocked."  I'm therefore going to make this easy for you to understand, you simpleton. I've known about the paint for a while, and I hinted, put clues in my posts and even told a few people privately. The fact is, QMx knew fuck all about this paint in 2010. How can they be credited with it???? It was after it became public I released the tutorial, a tutorial you read and used yourself.  Btw, I used the Perfetto brand because it was easily available. It is IDENTICAL to Aleenes. It is the exact same stuff, molecule for molecule you retarded fuck. Do I use it? Maybe I do, maybe I don't.  But I will say something, those of you out there who know the truth are secretly pissing themselves over how big a fool you have made yourself look with this last bit. I'll save that for another day. ;-)

Addendum: Whilst I was replying to this, Stokes has edited and added more. I can't really be arsed to go through his drivel as I really have better things to do but I did notice this:

"It should also be noted that although CT now becomes quite upset that people do not recognize that he was the one who resolved the debate about the season 4 sonic “amazing that I still do not get any credit for a) questioning the colour b) proving the correct colour”, yet in June of 2010 he has written “It appears that the mystery of Tennant's sonic color has finally been resolved courtesy of The Card over on the Gallifrey Base forum. Because I don't want to take credit for this…”. So, apparently in June of 2010 he did not feel comfortable taking credit for another’s work but in July of 2012 he is ok with doing so."

Let me come clean with this. The Card is actually a friend of mine in the UK called Anca. It was her who called DK at my behest. So Dan, shall we chalk that up to you being well and truly had?

As for me making up shit about him as he accused me of here:

"The other point in question that has come up is whether or not I was correct in saying that CT's blog is full of lies.

On this point I am 100% sure that I am right since he lied about me.
The Celestial Toystore: CT Aztec Universal TV remote - opinions needed
In October 2010, CT wrote
" Dan Stokes who goes by the rather bellicose moniker 'Anakin Starkiller'. This deluded carpetbagger somehow thinks he can produce an accurate machined metal sonic for $100-$200 and has been actively courting business on the RPF. It seems that this tool has harvested the wisdom and observations from this blog yet has missed out some of the more pertinent gems that I have let slip. That is, it is simply not possible to create a CNC'ed machined, accurate sonic with custom sound chip for less than what I charge and I'm in China where prices are less (but going up rapidly). Any less and I'll be doing it for charity. Dan will learn this the hard way and his little sycophants will have their hopes for a £60 sonic sadly and hilariously dashed.

Anyway, this ****stick has now roped in Russ Brown to help him machine this and we already know that Russ and his old man were responsible for the infamous MFX. Indeed, Russ has been selling unofficial MFX's for quite a while now, both above and below the counter, so maybe he will shift a few more of his 'overrun' MFX's via Dan Stokes? Who knows...maybe even QMx might use Russ too. It's very chummy little world we live in, eh?"

I cannot stress this enough,
AT NO TIME WAS I EVER WORKING WITH RUSSEL BROWN, MFX, OR QMX.

CT just made this up so as to discredit my project before it even began, to bring me onto the license holder's radar as someone to pursue with a C&D, and to try to get Russel Brown in trouble with the people he had worked for."

This project was something you had discussed and had talked to Russ about. I know this for a fact. That it never got off the ground is neither here nor there, but the fact is, you had a project and the intent to do so and you had made arrangements to make it happen. Look at what you are saying. How can I discredit a non-existent project? It either had to exist or it didn't. If it didn't why accuse me of discrediting it? Surely I would be discrediting you as a person? It was common knowledge for fuck's safe, you even talked about it. You just happened to say the wrong thing to someone and it got back to me. I think you're a wanker, so I used it to piss you off. So fucking what? As for Russ selling under the counter MFX overruns. That is true. Anyone who attended London Comic Con or something similar would have seen them on sale on his stall. I have a taped telephone conversation where Russ agrees to sell an MFX overrun for "£140 (or summink like that)". Like I said previously, you want to jump into the pool with me, come on in, the water is lovely.