The Doctor Who Collection of Chris Balcombe

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Enjoy this small sample of Chris's Collection

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No, neither Tom nor the two cybermen are in my collection, but thought it worth putting this pic from the days shoot up on the page. Good to see Tom in fine form, as he opened the Earls Court Doctor Who Exhibition in London, UK. He was a liitle put out when a Cyberman interrupted his speech, but merely stopped, gave the cyberman a fiver and told him to go and have a drink! The exhibition features a large number of props, all from the BBCWales Dr Who series. There were no classic series props on show.

Chris Brimelow replica Season 12 Tom Baker Scarf

Chris Brimelow is fast becoming known as the very best maker of Tom Baker replica scarves. Having compared Toms original scarf (sold at Bonhams...I was there...should have bought it!), Chris, from the USA, is now managing to exactly colour-match virtually ever colour and thickness of the original 1970s wool, and produced this beauty in perfect garter stitch with lovely width and length. If you put it round Toms neck you would say it was original (though in slightly better condition!)

Special Effects model Dalek used in Revelation of The Daleks

For a sequence in the Colin Baker series REVELATION OF THE DALEKS (1985), a white dalek is seen firing at two intruders, but it then disintegrates. This effects shot was recorded separately from the live action studio, and used a model based on the Sevans dalek model kit, modified by Stuart Evans who had been commissioned by the BBC to alter it for this episode. An internal wire allowed the head dome to move from side to side, and the dome lights were given working light bulbs to flash in time with the dalek speech. A video pixelation effect was eventually used to destroy the dalek after it fired its blue beam, so the model, painted up in white and gold by the BBC, survived completely intact. It remains the only COMPLETE screen-used BBC dalek that Chris owns. Shame its only about a foot high! Below, the dalek in action on screen as it fires its exterminator gun

Original, screen-used Dalek Trooper Helmet presented by BBC

This Helmet was made for the 1984 story Resurrection of the Daleks and is made from fibreglass and constructed in three parts. The small plastic domes are stock items from an EMA model parts catalogue painted in brush-on grey Hammerite which is also applied to the corrugated area of the eye stalk. Inside the helmet there is the interior head band from a work-mans hard hat and an elasticated black chin strap. The helmet is painted in high gloss black, and there are also the small remains of the clear perspex visor on the left hand side.

Only a small number of these Helmets were made for the story, a few of which were sold at the Bonham’s Doctor who auction in 1991. A huge problem with these Helmets is the number of rather heavyweight, incorrectly-moulded fakes that have been made over the years. Some have even been sold with PHOTOCOPIED Bonham’s receipts making authenticating them almost impossible. What makes this one unique is its 100% authenticity. Read on!

This particular helmet was won as part of the 1984 BBC design a monster competition and comes direct from the original competition winner along with three letters from the BBC, one of which confirms that the helmet was screen-used, and newspaper articles from the time showing him wearing the helmet and using a prop gun (part of his prize....see my Vengeance On Varos gun). History like this is invaluable and anyone who is offered a Dalek Trooper helmet should demand a VERY detailed cast-iron history. I am very grateful to www.drwhoprops.com for his help with this description.

Vengeance On Varos Guards Gun

This was included with the Dalek Trooper Helmet (seen above) as one of the BBC prizes given to the young winner. At the time, the BBC mistakenly called it a cyberman gun, but it was only used in Varos. This is an original, screen-used gun, made by (and confirmed by) Martin Bowers, from resin, plastic and machined aluminium, with a working, pull-back trigger. Martin made at least two different designs for the Varos guns, and this one features in several scenes.

The gun in use on screen, in Vengeance On Varos

Warriors Of The Deep original mask

One of the three original masks worn on screen in the Peter Davison series WARRIORS OF THE DEEP. The latex rubber remains in remarkably good condition for its age. Chris keeps the mask in a light-tight, glass-covered case to best preserve it. This was the mask used to take a mould from, to produce a rubber toy mask in the eighties, licenced by the BBC.

Silurian Wrist Communicator, Warriors of The Deep

One of the three existing original wrist communicators worn by the Silurians in the Peter Davison episodes WARRIORS OF THE DEEP (broadcast January 1984). This one has been screen-matched and appears in semi-close-up in scenes on the bridge of the nuclear base. Originally bought at the UK Bonhams auction in 1993, lot number 469a. Only three silurian costumes were made for the series. See later entries on this page to see an original Silurian mask and body shell

The wrist communicator, otherwise referred to as communicator bracelet, in close-up

The very same wrist communicator as seen in the show

Screen-used Silurian shell from Warriors of the Deep

Above, a screen-used Silurian Torso, used in the Peter Davison episodes Warriors of The Deep. This particular fibre-glass, front and back body armour, worn by the reptilian Silurians, was specially rigged with a small explosive charge in the chest, which ignited during the final scenes, when the Doctors companion Turlough shoots a silurian on the bridge of the nuclear base. The original wiring for the charge is still in place. This goes well with the original Silurian head in Chris collection

The Tissue Compressor Weapon used by The Master

Anthony Ainley used two versions of the TC gun. This intricately-made brass and copper device was the most often seen, second version. Used by The Master in many episodes, but in particular close-up in Mark Of The Rani in 1985, and Planet Of Fire in 1984, when Peter Davison uses it to destroy the android Kamelion - which had been under the mind control of The Master. In The Five Doctors, Ainley has this gun, or a stunt version of it, knocked to the ground after the good old Brigadier punches him unconcious in the final episode. The weapon is still fully functioning, with four leaves opening at the bulb end when the opposite end knob is pressed in. Wired up to a battery, the illuminated end lightbulb still shines brightly. Purchased by Chris (not cheaply!) after fierce bidding at the 2005 UK Bonhams Knightsbridge auction, where it was one of many pieces from John Nathan-Turners own collection. Below, the weapon as seen on screen.

The giant Fly from The Green Death

The close-up giant fly built for The Green Death (1973) and used in several scenes as the series reached its climax and Jon Pertwee realises that one of the larva has pupated into a large killer fly, able to squirt deadly green liquid at enemies. Built by Colin Mapson under the direction of designer Ron Oates, the fly prop is made from wood, furniture foam, latex and plastic, with wire-framed wings (only one of which survives and has been restored). Below, this prop can be seen in action, eventually being downed by Jon Perwtee, who hurls his cloak into the air to trap it.

The close-up giant Fly prop, as seen on screen in The Green Death

Original Cybergun from Silver Nemesis

The only known original gun to survive after the recording of Sylvester McCoys SILVER NEMESIS, where he and Ace faced the gleaming, silver-plated cybermen. The helmets, chestplates and guns were all treated with a silver-plating process, then laquered to protect the high-gloss finish. But, upon expsoure to daylight, John Nathan-Turner realised that the laquer began to turn yellow...almost gold! Somewhat ironic, with gold being any cybermans poison. The remains of the silver plate, under its goldish laquer, is visible over much of this screen-used gun. Most of the Nemesis guns were dismantled and the same firing mechanisms used in the Happiness Patrol guns. Below, another view of the complete gun as it is today.

Gold Soldier Dalek

Identical in materials and from the same moulds as the original Dalek featured in Chris Ecclestons debut series. Constructed from fibreglass, wood, aluminium and rubber. Far heavier than the Genesis dalek owned by Chris, and actually leaving the operator less room inside the mid section, the new series daleks were initially constructed by Mike Tuckers team. It was hoped the same team would continue to build the props for the rest of the series, but the contract was awarded to a company in Wales, where the production process was simplified and different materials used. This dalek has been fitted with a voice box and is fully functional, only lacking the remote-controlled dome, as it didnt eventually appear on screen. The original rubber daf oil seals surround each hemisphere, and the paintwork is from the same pots used to finish the two screen-seen props in DALEK. This was a very kind gift to Chris, and naturally has a commanding position within his collection.

Original Section of Sixties Movie/BBC dalek

After appearing in one of the two Peter Cushing Dalek movies in the sixties, Aaru films gave this Shawcraft-built dalek to the BBC, for use in the TV series. After altering it to match its television brothers, this dalek went on to appear in virtually every dalek story until the classic series ended with Sylvester McCoy. Sadly, luck ran out for the dalek after that point, when a walk-in dalek display was required by the BBC, so people could climb inside, waggle the gun and plunger arms and gaze out through the neck section at a reflection of themselves! To allow easy entry, a large rear section of the neck, mid-section and skirt were neatly removed, and Chris has that mid and skirt section, purchased from John Nathan-Turner at one of the Longleat auctions. There is always talk of other sixties TV-used daleks still being around, but this is the only one publically-proven to still exist. The main part of the dalek, heavily refurbished, can still be climbed into at Blackpools Dr Who Exhibition, after serving a long term at the Llangollen display at Dapols factory in North Wales

Above: This is the complete dalek from which the rear section was cut out. There are certain distinguishing marks on the rear, after various repairs, which clearly identify this dalek base. This scene is from Peter Davisons Resurrection Of The Daleks broadcast February 1984). Copyright image by BBC. Below, as it appears in Genesis Of The Daleks, as the star dalek, introduced to the Kaled scientists by Davros on Skaro. Copyright image by BBC

K9, the Doctors faithful metal friend

Cast from a mould taken from the original K9 who accompanied Tom Baker, but without the extra head shape changes made to the main screen-used prop, this replica matches the stunt K9 seen in episodes where the poor old metal dog is upside down having a wiring change, or is being lifted up (the second version lacking any internal motors so easily liftable). This K9 has been fitted with remote-control, enabling it to travel, the head antenna to extend, tail wag and ears wiggle. The lights on the top control panel in the same pattern as the original hero prop.

Studio Plans for Remembrance Of the Daleks

Original BBCtv studio plans for Remembrance of the Daleks. Three sheets, detailing the cafe, two space ship interiors, school, cellar, and Army HQ used in TC8 at Television Centre, London, in late April 1988.

Replica Genesis Dalek with Raymond P Cusick

It was a real pleasure for Chris when he was assigned to complete a photo shoot with ex-BBC designer Mr Raymond P Cusick, at his home in Southern England. Chris took along his replica Genesis-style dalek, which has, over the years, appeared on TV and at the movies advertsing Kitkat chocolate bars. It also came up against Sylvester McCoy, see below, when Chris had to argue the case for the return of the daleks, when their future was in doubt, as recording of the new series with Chris Eccleston was in the planning stages.

The Genesis dalek at BBCtv South, with Sylv

Here it is again, with a neat backdrop from the new series!

The same dalek making its starring appearance in the TV and Cinema Kitkat advert, filmed inside a very warm South London shopping arcade. Chris emerged, dripping with sweat. And also, because he forgot the extra padding on the interior front of the skirt, with blood-dripping knees! But it was great fun and Chris wouldnt have missed it. And nice to prove that not just short people can operate daleks. At six foot three inches, the dalek fits him like a glove!

Original Five Doctors screen-used figures

The original figurines of all the classic series Doctors and companions who appeared in the anniversary Five Doctors episodes. The figures include Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and Peter Davison, and the Brig. Poor old Tom never made it as a figurine... he got caught in a time vortex, perhaps the penalty for refusing to return for this anniversary show! The figures, sculpted in milliput, were purchased by Chris at the Bonhams auction in London, where much of the remaining collection of John Nathan-Turner and Gary Downie was sold.

The figures were modelled by artist Sue Moore, who had previously made numerous models for the fan market but was eventually commissioned to create these figures for The Five Doctors. With thanks to www.doctorwhoprops.com for the extra information

Seen above, the Five Doctors figures as they appeared on screen

Planet Of The Daleks original camera script

Original camera script for the epic Jon Pertwee story Planet Of The Daleks, episode six.

Original stunt banknotes from David Tennants The Runaway Bride

From David Tennants episode The Runaway Bride, broadcast at Christmas 2006, come these two prop banknotes, made for the BBC to use in the scene where the good Doctor goes to a hole in the wall ATM and, using his multi-skilled sonic screwdriver, causes the machine to send dozens of bank notes flying out into the air, causing a diversion while he and Rose escape. The notes were never seen in close-up, but BBC Wales thought it would be amusing to have the faces of David Tennant on one, with the words Ten Satsumas, and series producer Phil Collinson on the £20 version. Each note is double-side printed in very fine detail. Beware clever forgeries! Copyright BBC Wales

1985 Revelation Of The Daleks Glass Dalek gun

Colin Bakers encounter with the daleks and Davros featured a dramatic scene where an organic dalek creature materialised in a translucent dalek. The glass dalek, as it became known, was made by the BBC visual effects department from various cut-outs and mouldings in plastic and perspex. The dalek went on to appear in the Blackpool Dr Who exhibition then, like so many original props, vanished. This is the only publicly-seen part of it known to exist. The gun originally only had a half ball socket, but the other half was added, before it appeared, minus the dalek, in a couple of minor BBC exhibitions. Perspex construction.

Above, the complete dalek, including the gun, as it appeared in Revelation of the Daleks

Original Stunt Cyber Chest Unit

Converted from a standard Earthshock Cyberman chest unit, this was split at the tube section, and the rigid moulded tubes replaced by three bending plastic flex tubes, to allow stunt cybermen to fall over and roll wiothout causing damage to themselves or the costume piece. The unit was used extensively in cyber death scenes in the Five Doctors and in Attack of the Cybermen. It then remained with the BBC and was converted, with a new chest design applied with flashing light, and the rest of the unit painted black. It featured in a short-lived comedy show. Chris has removed (but kept) the modified chest plate and resprayed the whole unit to bring it back to its former days of glory.

Original Davros Head made by Stan Mitchell

This is the back-up Davros head moulded by tv effects man Stan Mitchell, for the scene in Revelation of The Daleks, when the head of Davros is shot at and deflates after spinning around. The first take was successful, so this latex head wasnt required and remained unpainted. It was kept by Stan until visited by Dr Who models entrepreneur Stuart Evans, of Sevans Models. Stuart was given the head, filled with foam to hold its shape, as a gift. Chris keeps it in a blacked out box in a glass case, to prevent light deteriorating the latex rubber. Pictured right is Stan trimming the cast head.

Original Eagle Comic. The same issue read by Peter Cushing

Dated 20th March 1965, it was this issue of The EAGLE comic that actor Peter Cushing was filmed reading during the opening front-room sequence in the first dalek big screen adventure DOCTOR WHO AND THE DALEKS. A Dan Dare story features prominently on the cover. The cinema film, which showed the audience the daleks in colour for the very first time, was a box office hit. Chris wishes this was THE actual copy featured, but it is the nearest you can get. In near-mint condition with slight browning to the top of some pages.

Original Mike Kelt Tardis Console Plans

Above and in the two shots below, a very rare original set of plans for the Classic Tardis console. These are the plans for the console used from the Five Doctors onwards, designed by Mike Kelt, and come in eight sheets, detailing all measurements. Showing signs of fading, these sheets are now packed away in storage, so please no requests for photocopies.

Original Cyberman Gun from Attack of the Cybermen

One of the most copied Dr Who props around, so buyer beware if you are ever offered a cybergun claiming to be from Earthshock, The Five Doctors or Attack. This screen-used example, originally built for Earthshock by Martin Bowers, went through the wars in both Earthshock and Attack, with its front perspex tube section smashed at least once, and the front section (made from a 1980s Ventaire Car Air Freshner) broken off. It was rescued by a well-known props man working on the series, who is still heavily involved with the BBCWales effects, and ended up being almost completely refurbished by an ex-BBC Dr Who visual effects man. It still retains a crack running through a portion of the main body, but this has been left as found. The front filter section is made using exactly the same type of Ventaire freshener as Martin used. Chris, ever suspicious of these weapons, got Martin Bowers to give this gun the once over, and Martin kindly confirmed it to be, in his own words, a refurbished original gun. It also starred in the BBC 20th Century Roadshow (see clip at top of page). There are VERY few originals in existence. But there are probably between at least 80 to a 150 replicas in circulation, so beware! Martin actually holds copyright on these guns, and was none too happy that the BBC granted a licence to another modelmaker to produce reproductions of his Earthshock guns.

Jon Pertwee as Worzel Gummidge

Jon Pertwee left TV sci-fi after Doctor Who, and was to become another famous UK televison character, a daft scarecrow which came to life called Worzel Gummidge. Made by Southampton-based Southern TV for the main ITV network, and broadcast from 25/2/1979 to 12/12/1981, with thirty one, 30 minute episodes over 4 seasons, plus a Christmas Special. Filmed in the countryside of Hampshire, and mainly in the village of Braishfield, (ie: not far from Chris), there were several media press calls to get the series publicised in the national press. Chris had the chance to photograph Jon as Worzel twice, and this was shot on location, with Jons co-star Una Stubbs, as Aunt Sally, right. On the left, for that particular episode, Una had a rival Aunt Sally, played by Connie Booth, co-writer and co-star of the John Cleese hit Fawlty Towers. As always, Jon was a gentleman at the photo session and did anything required.

Prototype Dalek EXTEAMINATE Teapots made for BBC

A UK novelty teapot company, Gary Seymour Teapots, wanted to produce a set of limited edition Dalek teapots about eight years ago. Following BBC licencing guidelines, a small number of example teapots were cast, glazed and painted in the different colours that were proposed to be offered. But, sadly, despite the high quality of the products, the licence was refused. This may have been because the BBC were looking for more mass-produced items, rather than small number production runs. The makers couldnt sell the pots, since they remained unlicenced, so they were given away to loyal Seymour pot customers and one to a teapot museum. Chris now has an example of each colour test. The rarest is the black and gold version, of which only two were made. One is in a museum, in the UK, Chris has the other. The moulds were destroyed and the company moved on to other designs.

Another colour test, and even the very first ceramic biscuit jar!

Gary Seymour tried this colour scheme too, some having both the gun and plunger arm as pouring spouts, some with one sealed, to make serving easier! He also, seen in the picture below, with just two castings, had a go at a handle-less biscuit container.....years before the large official dalek biscuit barrels hit the market.

The experimental biscuit container. No handle, and a little tricky getting your cookies out!

Replica Earthshock Cyberman

This suit made, as the originals were, from an old UK Royal Air Force flight suit which kept the pilot coled by circulating water around his body via tubes in the suit. The RAF suits were stuck onto standard 1980s light boiler suit overalls, to give them more size, then given a layer of rubber latex, which was then spray and brush-painted with silver paint. The helmet and chestplate are both moulded from pieces from the original Earthshock Imagineering parts. The boots are the only non-Earshock copies. They used awful Moonboots in the series, which are next to impossible to find now. But for The Five Doctors, and Attack of the Cybermen, they used 1980s lace-up boots, which this copy wears. An exact working replica of an Earthshock gun, made by the same visual effects man who made them for the 30 Years In The Tardis documentary. The guns contained camera flashguns, triggered by a switch under the centre of the gun. Fully wearable, the suit featured in the BBCtv Twentieth Century Roadshow programme, and can be seen in the clip at the top of this page.

Floorplan model set design for Remembrance of The Daleks

The original floorplan layout, including card models for every set to be used in the studio on the shooting days at TV Centre in London. Intricately-detailed, it includes the cafe, school, cellar and dalek Mothership bridge....which even includes a tiny card dalek! Rescued from the rubbish skip by one of the shows production workers, and kept by his son ever since, until Chris got his hands on it!

Vengeance On Varos Governors Costume

The original costume worn by actor Martin Jarvis, in his role as the Governor on the planet Varos, in the Colin Baker series VENGEANCE ON VAROS. Includes the neck decoration, sash, belt and even socks that Jarvis wore in what was claimed to be, at the time, one of the most violent Dr Who stories ever.

Exact replica of Michael Wishers Davros

If Chris cannot get the real prop, the next best thing is an exact replica, and they dont come more accurate than this. Measured from the original chair and back support, and constructed from the same materials as used in the original Genesis Of The Daleks Davros chair, right down to the patterned perspex and resin operating knobs on the console. Davros himself is wearing a black tunic taken from the original pattern and made from the same material. And as for the star himself. The head is a cast from an original head pulled from the John Friedlander moulds. You cant get any closer! And the best news, for Chris at least, is that he has at last tracked down the EXACT illuminating console switches as used by the BBC back in the seventies. These are awaiting fitting and new pictures will follow. It only took five years of searching!

Prototype Model dalek by SEVANS

Before model-producer Stuart Evans gained the licence to produce his excellent range of model daleks, he to take a prototype along to the BBC to show them exactly what he could do. This is that very prototype, heavy and built from wood. plastic and metal, it includes flashing dome lights. It impressed the licencing team at the BBC, and Stuarts vast range of SEVANS models soon hit the market.

If you have any original, screen-used Doctor Who props from the current or original series, and are interested in selling, please feel free to drop Chris an email.

All photographs on this website are the copyright of either the BBC, where credited, or Chris Balcombe, They cannot be used or reproduced without explicit written permission. The daleks are copyright BBC and Terry Nation's Estate. Full size daleks of every type are available to buy from This Planet Earth, at www.thisplanetearth.co.uk/

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20th Century Roadshow
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