Tomb of the Cybermen: Exhibition head restoration!

[@tidmouthmilk12]

I find it funny that the sound of you drilling out the eyes and mouth almost sounds like a Cyberman screaming in pain 😅

[@PBProps]

That hadn't occurred to me until you mentioned it. Now all I'll be thinking is that this is a Cyberman torture video...

[@johnlarro6872]

Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain. Pain.

[@oatymilkshake]

@@PBProps You monster!

[@Randomclone5464]

We do not feel pain, all emotions and pain were emoved

[@brianartillery]

Excellent work. Possibly the second creepiest Cybermen to the 'Tenth Planet' ones. 'Tomb Of The Cybermen' is a stone cold classic, in a season which had so many other brilliant stories in it, featuring Daleks, Yeti, Ice Warriors, Salamander, Sentient Seaweed; an embarrasment of riches (now mostly lost) from a time when Doctor Who was literally unstoppable, and Patrick Troughton's Doctor was the scruffy little man, prone to childish outbursts, and anger, disregarded by his enemies, but who had a mind like a steel trap. 'My' Doctor. The one who started my obsession with the show, in 1968, when I was five.

[@PBProps]

Thanks - I do think there's something rather creepy with these early versions. I'm not very keen on the Iron Man cosplayers from 2005 onwards.

[@brianartillery]

@@PBProps - No, me neither. They just stomp around, en masse. The early Cybermen were sinister, lurking in dark corners, (sometimes possibly for years, as hinted at in 'The Invasion') with infinite patience, until the time was right to show themselves. That's why they were scary; unlike Daleks, they COULD be hiding under your bed.

[@Gojirawars03]

I liked the first ones in the revival. A good modern reinterpretation. They’re all steampunk and industrial. Probably what you’d imagine they’d look like in today’s modern mechanical world. But they still have the bodysuit underneath all that armor to remind you that it’s still a human inside of it. But everything after that just gets worse and worse. More gimmicks, less story roles, less of a threat. They’re practically just robot soldiers for the other baddies at this point, which is a real shame.

[@DrBagPhD]

Oh wow, there's a solid chance I've seen this helmet in person. I'm so glad that there's people like you out there preserving these pieces of history.

[@PBProps]

Very possibly, it did the rounds from the late 1980's until about 2010 or just before then.

[@DrBagPhD]

@@PBProps It's a small world haha

[@worldsno1drwhofan]

@@PBPropsdo you know if this head was displayed at the Llangollen Dr Who museum that was open till about 2004?

[@PBProps]

@@worldsno1drwhofan I genuinely couldn't tell you. They guy that owned it was involved with various BBC exhibitions over the years and told me very little about it. It was just "a display head" that he wanted rid of because it was damaged and couldn't (therefore) be rotated out on display anymore, so it was pulled and retired. He thought that I may be able to do something with it - which I did about 10 years later.

[@Byle1990s]

RUN

[@PBProps]

She's out for the afternoon, so I'm quickly making good my escape and planning my new identity.

[@thefakemaker]

Fantastic work. Loved the new music too.

[@PBProps]

Cheers. Yeah, one piece of music is new, the end one is a throwback to the other Cybermen videos that I did. I just thought it'd be nice.

[@MartinFutter70]

A fine and dandy restorative job... Also a handy tip (not hack!) on getting stickers/vinyl where you want them using some masking tape 👍

[@PBProps]

Thanks - glad that you liked it.

[@paulbennett4548]

An excellent video with a cliffhanger ending you face a peril no Doctor did. The wrath of "She Who Must Be Obeyed "

[@PBProps]

Sometimes you just need that cliff hanger ending. Thanks for tuning in!

[@brakar0427]

Wonderful job as usual!!

[@PBProps]

Thanks - and I appreciate you tuning in too!

[@kgmaster9421]

good job on that, that reminds me , i had some unique yet creepy designs of cyberman, steam punk yet mechanical clock work and bit of inspired by the Fire fighter gear from 1800's , which were interesting but creepy, and got into making a helmet from my drawings but haven't even finished it , just the rock hard shell of a helmet, good job on upgrading the cyberman helment, and thanks for reminding me on mine

[@PBProps]

Thanks. Your idea sounds interesting... now get on and finish it! I want to see it.

[@cybermatstrikes7557]

You will be like us! Awesome job!

[@PBProps]

Thanks - and thanks for watching too!

[@TheTaridsMan]

I watch the tomb of the cyberman and they looked good for the time definitely an improvement from the mondasian cyberman from the tenth planet

[@PBProps]

The design is a natural progression in their evolution. My wife really likes this design too.

[@FixableCell]

You should get the tardis interior toys and make them look more like the ones that were on screen

[@SkageXL5]

Great work dude!

[@PBProps]

Thanks very much! Glad that you liked it.

[@susanroche597]

What I love about the cyber man. They are the opposite of the terminator

[@PBProps]

I always thought the scare factor in the originals (1963 to 1989) was down to the fact that there was still a sense of humanity from within about them, those from 2005 onwards just seem to be boring, slightly threatening robots.

[@Randy_Batswinger]

I'm totally in awe of your skill. Where did you learn to do all this? I wouldn't know where to start. Another great video. 👾

[@PBProps]

It's all pretty much being self taught, trying out things to see what would work and what wouldn't. Plus I had a lot of encouragement from my parents too while I was growing up. My Dad would also get me doing a lot of "hands on" stuff around the house when I was very young too, so I ended up with a lot of transferable skills under my belt. Thanks for watching!

[@thegreatzarb8835]

Another great video - thanks. This one of particular interest to me because I've got a 'Wheel' Cyberman head with similar eye and mouth issues. It also has the overall wonkiness that you pointed out here. It's supposed to be from a mould taken from an original and I was told the surviving Cyber-heads had warped over time. Maybe they were always a bit crook?

[@PBProps]

Thanks for tuning in. From what I've always understood about these castings is that when the mould was taken from a screen used version, the mould broke as it was released. It then had to be repaired and partly re-sculpted - and it was here that a lot of the deformation crept in. I've compared it to an original and you can see where they differ.

[@enclavehere.7995]

These are my favorite Cybermen! The fact that someone decided to throw this out before even trying to restore it is just sad

[@PBProps]

They are an impressive design. As to it being thrown out, if it's cheaper to cast a new one, that's usually what happens... it sounds dreadful, but it makes sense financially.

[@Terry.W]

The trouble with Cybermen ..thay have a chip on their shoulder ..and their head and their chest..

[@PBProps]

This one certainly had a chip or two on it... and cracks, dings and various other dents.

[@marklewis1763]

Great vid! I have/had one of those heads. I haven't a clue where it is though. I'd better start hunting!

[@PBProps]

You'd better get on to it then, it's frustrating when you lose things!

[@KASTERBEROUS]

Fantastic work as ever, I was holding my breath while you were drilling the eye holes - you have a much steadier hand than me! What are the holes above the eyes, just under the 'crown' are they for screws, or simply ventilation for the actors?

[@PBProps]

First off. Hey you're back, I've been wondering where you were... Got to say, I missed you commenting here - it's not the same without you! As to the head, thanks. I was probably holding my breath as well when cutting those holes, mainly because my dust mask is pretty useless. Best bet, with something like this, is to take it slow and easy. And the holes under the crown? You got it right - ventilation holes for the actor, just like those on the cheeks.

[@KASTERBEROUS]

@@PBProps Thanks, it's always nice to be missed! My notifications managed to turn off all by themselves, so I've missed loads of stuff, it's been a right pain in the backside, hopefully all sorted now. Tha dust gets everywhere when you're doing that sort of work, I think the only way to keep things clean would be to work in a CSI style tent! I've never noticed the holes in the crown before, I'm a bad fan, they'll make me hand in my scarf!

[@davidallan1098]

I'm really enjoying your videos, I love the sixties designs for the cybermen. I'm planning to build a tomb head but struggling to find measurements. Are you aware of where I might find even a few basic dimensions to start from?

[@PBProps]

Well I am really glad that you're enjoying the content here - so thanks for watching. As to your question regarding the Tomb head, unfortunately I no longer have one to give you measurements from, but I'm sure if you look at some of the prop boards, there must be someone there who can help you. Good luck with it all!

[@davidallan1098]

@@PBProps Thanks for the reply. I can't find anything on the Moonbase/Tomb style helmets but I have gathered lots of reference photos and think I can make a decent guess. I think it's more important to get the proportions right for it to look correct.

[@PBProps]

I know that there are measurements for later classic Cybermen out there, Revenge and Earthshock styles. If you can find those, they will give you a starting point as those were made using the original Tomb style head with new details sculpted on to it. Best of luck with your project.

[@davidallan1098]

@@PBProps Perfect, that is helpful as I have found sizes for the revenge cyber heads. Between that and reference photos I should be OK. Thanks.

[@markbelsom3174]

WAS GOING TO THROW IT AWAY,??? Excellent restoration, looks ten times better dispit being a bit wonky.

[@PBProps]

Thanks. I think it has a certain charm.

[@markbelsom3174]

@@PBProps the original props weren't exactly straight.

[@philcurran2313]

A very interesting restoration only let down by the pumping music!

[@PBProps]

Each to their own, I guess, but the "pumping music" is a call back to an earlier video on the same topic. If you know of any acceptable copyright free music, please do let me know as I have extremely limited resources in this field. Thanks for watching.

[@derekhart3308]

Do you know which exhibition it was last from?

[@PBProps]

I have absolutely no idea other than what was told to me - I just repeated that in this video.

[@benflay6038]

is this tomb or wheel can never tell difference .looks Great would it be easier to just drill with hole cutter for eyes ? I think helps it's not exact and symmetrical look what happened to the Vader helmet when they did that so handles are they transparent ?

[@PBProps]

Both!

[@lepterfirefall]

Tomb....wheel had tear drops on the eyes. Of course they could have been filled in.

[@benflay6038]

@@lepterfirefall oh that where that started thought invasion had tear drops

[@lepterfirefall]

@@benflay6038 yeah...apparently they modified wheel in Space heads to make the invasion heads....

[@benflay6038]

@@lepterfirefall they evolved 😁

[@johnnysmith5770]

Does anyone know anywhere you can buy a tomb cyber head?

[@georgemartinezjr]

What are you using fir filling Bondo

[@PBProps]

I'm using a brand called Upol Easy Sand, it's been around for decades and I really like it because I feel that it's very easy to work with.

[@cafereecer7919]

ive looked at doing a k9 and a cyberman head as a next project but cant find anyone doing castings? is there any recomentions ?

[@PBProps]

All I could suggest to you is to check out eBay - which you probably have already done. Best of luck!

[@ecc84]

Was this one of the Longleat heads from the fire?

[@PBProps]

Unfortunately, I really don't know the specifics of this one, other than what happened to it at the end of it's exhibition life.

[@ecc84]

@@PBProps do you know what happened to all the longleat stuff? did it just disappear i know quite a bit was saved.

[@PBProps]

As for as I'm aware, it all either went into storage or was moved to Blackpool. When that closed, things were auctioned off and the rest of the important pieces were again placed into storage.

[@michaelclentworth1283]

Couldn't you have just converted it to a Wheel In Space type?

[@PBProps]

I could have done, but it was originally a Tomb type and the chap who wanted the head, wanted a Tomb head.

[@johnlarro6872]

One day, I am going to have a display of Cyber heads... Yes, one day... I'd love them to be screen-used but of course reality is another matter.

[@PBProps]

That's something that I can get behind as I've been saying this for years. Personally I'm not into screen used stuff, but nicely made replicas from genuine castings is all I'm bothered about. We can dream, right?

[@johnlarro6872]

@@PBProps Had to come back to this video as it keeps coming up in my feed and - well - Cybermen! We've just bought a house, and so this dream of having a place that is mine to do with as I please is that much closer.. I've narrowed down my ideal 3 heads, too... World Enough and Time (ie updated Tenth Planet), Cyber Controller (Tombs), and Earthshock (with shoulders/chest plate). Although they wouldn't be able to be mounted to a wall with their eyes at the same level, I think they could work together. Now to just save enough money... (and then expand the set to include a broken Invasion head (ala Dark Water) and and and... probably a standard Tombs head, too. (My wife forbade me years ago from getting one of those full size Terminator endo-skelatons, as it would give her nightmares, so - a wall full of Cyber heads - even better!)

[@PBProps]

Well, congratulations on purchasing your own house! We did that a couple of years ago and are still slowly making it our own. As yet though, I've not had the time or the spare money to make the props that we want, but in time that will come. I like your choice of Cyberheads, though if I were to do this, I'd just go with one of each - luckily my wife is in agreement to that, which is nice.

[@johnlarro6872]

@@PBProps One of each Cyber head through all history? Need a big wall :) My wife is not a fan of the show - doesn't hate it, and accepts she has 2-3 kids who like it too now... but I think 3 heads will be about all I'll get, and keep a moderately happy wife.

[@jeffdunne1299]

I love to own one of these but I would be relegated to the shed for the rest of my life

[@PBProps]

Just wear it all the time. Say it's medicinal.

[@michaelbrind9222]

Suprised you didnt use glass fibre filler rather than smooth.

[@PBProps]

It wasn't really necessary for such a small area.

[@lepterfirefall]

Exhibition head.....where do you get these things from? Trash? Shocking!

[@PBProps]

I used to do a lot of work with the exhibition organisers and from time to time I'd be given something to repair, restore or overhaul. Lots of these went back, sometimes if they were deemed rubbish, I'd be given it. I once threw away a Clockwork droid face because it was in several parts and missing the nose. It'd be quicker and more effective just to get a new one cast up.

[@lepterfirefall]

@@PBProps i see....lovely to see it brought back!

[@StanTheSlitheen]

i found out your plan! you are secretly "repairing" cybermen hoping they will spare you!

[@PBProps]

Ah, you got me. When our Cyber Overlords come, I'll gladly welcome them open armed...

[@StanTheSlitheen]

AND THEY WILL BETRAY YOU!

[@PBProps]

It's a risk I'm willing to take.

[@StanTheSlitheen]

well, on your own head be it!

[@fordz3781]

Did your wife get you? Or are you still with us?

[@paulashe61]

Who was the originator of the masks? Beech?

[@paulashe61]

Level with the ear handles??

[@paulashe61]

A Sterling

[@PBProps]

It came from an ex-BBC member of staff who used to supply items for display after he left the corporation.