Icons Batman Forever Sonar-Batcowl Prototype

Here is a 1:1 scale authentic replica of the original Sonar Batcowl worn by actor Val Kilmer in the feature film Batman Forever.

This extraordinary display piece was produced by Icons Authentic Replicas in 1997. It was intended to be sold in Warner Brothers Gallery Stores before Icons closed their doors forever. Icons also produced, in conjunction with Warner Bros Gallery's, 1:1 scale replicas of the Batman's Batarang and Robin's Redbird, which were sold out not long after release.

What is amazing about this piece, besides its striking appearance, is unlike foam or latex which dries out and eventually disintegrates, this Batcowl was cast directly from the original Bat-shop studio mould in fibreglass. It will never rot or decay !!

It was prototyped by one of Icons talented fabricators (Jeff White), who is now a Walt Disney Imagineer. The paint finish is awe-inspiring. It appears like it is an automotive metal flake custom paint job. Very illustrious and sealed with a lacquer finish that makes it look like it was painted yesterday. If I remember correctly, the paint was a kind of "Luminescent black".

This piece drew many compliments while it was on display at Icons legendary memorabilia replica conference room from 1997 to 2000. It has been in Jim Latta's private collection for over 5 years. It resides now in a private collection in London, United Kingdom.

Icons "The Ten Commandments" Tablets Prototype (1996)

Here is my most prized possession... 

The Prototype #1 of only 1 set made... 

Here's an astounding, rarely photographed or ever seen, prototype from the pioneer in Film and Television Studio Licensed prop and miniature 1:1 scale replicas, Icons Authentic Replicas...a set of authentic "Moses Tablets" replica molded directly off of the production-used originals seen in the classic Biblical Epic The Ten Commandments starring Charlton Heston (Ben Hur, Planet of the Apes, Omega Man, Soylent Green...) who portrayed Moses and Directed by legendary Hollywood mogul Cecil B. DeMille. 

This amazing display piece, consists of "2" first-generation cast replicas of the prop Tablets actually used in the film. Icons had only 24 hours to conduct the molding process of the originals, as the Tablets were enroute to Christie's Auction House in New York City. 

Access to the screen-used originals was provided by the Cecil B. DeMille Foundation to Icons R&D and Prototype Fabrication Department. 

After molding, the originals were express-shipped to Christie's where they sold in excess of $68,000.00 USD at auction, a world-record at the time. 

The replica castings were prepped and then painted by an independent custom paint & finish artist, who had been utilized for various Television projects by Paramount Pictures (the Licensor of The Ten Commandments), including working on various incarnations of the Star Trek TV franchise. The simulated stone-like paint finish on the original prop Tablets and the engraved "Pre-Canaanite" lettering (which preceded Hebrew) was meticulously replicated on the Icons prop replicas with fine-art results. This was done on all surface areas of the Prop Tablets. 

A massive, custom-made, display case was then fabricated for The Ten Commandments Tablet prop replicas, with custom-made Plexiglas mounts which gently hold the Tablets in place, in the museum-quality display case. Which has an over-sized custom wall-mount hanging bracket. 

The displays all-metal, over-sized plaque features both the Icons Authentic Replicas logo and Paramount Studios logo and reads "The Ten Commandments", "PROTOTYPE". This was a proposed Icons licensed replica display that sadly was never realized by the visionary company. 

In Icons 5 years in business, only "1" of these "dream replica displays" was ever produced. And only "1" set of Tablets were ever cast, prepped and finished at Icons. 

This is the actual, legendary prop replica display which was on exhibit in Icons memorabilia adorned conference room from 1996 to 2000.

The Tablets at Icons in the conference / showroom....

Icons Indiana Jones IDOL "Study" Prototype

The Raiders of the lost Ark "Fertility Goddess Idol" prop replica is a gorgeous, unknown generation casting, taken directly from the screen-used original. This piece was finished and spray painted metallic gold as a study model and for discussion purposes with Lucasfilm Ltd. 

It was cast, prepped and painted in 1995 for submittal to the Studio, as possible licensed product by Icons Authentic Replicas. 

Icons was slated to assume all licensing rights to the Indiana Jones films in the Prop, Miniature replica category by LFL. 

 

Icons Lost In Space Jupiter 2 Prototype

For the first time, it was nearly possible to invest in a precise recreation of the legendary Jupiter 2 Miniature from the classic television series Lost in Space.

Accurately downsized from the 4ft. special effects beauty miniature utilized in the making of the series.
 

The officially-authorized Icons Authentic Replicas Jupiter 2 Miniature had fold-up landing gear, fully-illuminated alternating engine core lights, illuminated bubble dome and cockpit mock-up with windshield.
 

That miniature was researched, designed, hand-crafted and drafted by project director Jim Key (who was realizing a dream-come-true after several years !!). A friend of mine told me that if Jim Key could have climbed into the J-2 and flew away from Earth ?....he would have !! He treated the project as if he was a real rocket scientist at NASA :-)
 

The miniature was mostly made of resin, with white metal legs, some brass and vacu-formed polyvinyl butyrate. It had a hand painted and custom professional air-brushed paint job. The landing gear was retractable, the fusion core was removable and the ship had a complete cockpit. The display base was supposed to be detailed to replicate the landing area in the "Ghost Planet" episode of the television series.
 

The Icons Jupiter 2 prototype was nearly completed but needed a little bit more of work, to be fully finished.
 

This is the only prototype Jupiter 2 Icons ever made and it is the property of "Uncle Odie's Collectibles" in the U.S.A. You can read more about that replica on his website.

Icons Lab Coat

This is the Icons lab coat worn by Al Zequeira on all Icons photo session :-) 

A awesome piece painted by in-house Mireya Romo, now lead painter at Gentle Giant. Mireya had to do it FAST...
Jim Latta brought her an image of the Icons logo and she worked on it immediately.
Hand painted in maybe 2-3 hours...whew !!!

Al Z. during the photo session.



Icons Disneyland "TWA Moon Liner" Imagineering Study Model Maquette Replica Prototype (1998)

Huge Prototype #1 (of 2 made) of un-produced licensed Icons / Walt Disney Art Classics miniature. 

In 1997-98 Icons secured the master license to produce 1:1 scale authentic replicas based on Walt Disney Imagineering's Theme park attraction miniature study models and replicas based on props, wardrobe and miniatures seen in numerous Disney Feature Films, including : Mary Poppins, The Rocketeer, The Black Hole, Tron and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. 

Icons at this time was considered the world leader in the manufacture and distribution of authentic Film and Television Production artifact replicas. The company's Star Wars products were called "The Crown Jewels" of the Lucasfilm Ltd. licensing family. Over 40,000 replicas were manufactured in the pioneering company's Sun Valley & North Hollywood locations. The company's fall from grace is the stuff of business legend. 

The item showed here is the original manufacturers prototype of a staggering proposed product....a 1:1 scale authentic replica of a "TWA Moon Liner" miniature, utilized in the planning stages of the construction of the full size one, built for and operated at Disneyland. 

Icons was given unprecedented access to both Walt Disney Imagineering and the legendary Disney Archives, for research purposes including access to blueprints, drawings and photographs, etc...But like many of Icons outstanding products, Icons R&D staff also relied on their world-wide network of contacts to procure original reference material. 

Much of Icons staff were diehard Walt Disney enthusiasts. A retired Walt Disney Imagineer living in Arizona, USA, was tracked down and his personal copy of a casting of the original TWA Moon Liner miniature was procured. Photographs of Walt Disney holding a similar model to this one (primarily the main body area, though with less detail), was located and helped establish the authenticity of the miniature located in Arizona. 

The craftsmanship of this incredible replica is exquisite ! The casting itself is of great quality. The main body area is hollow at one end and mounts onto a clear plexiglas rod for added display strength. The 3 landing gear act as practical support mechanisms to the display. The landing gear is beautifully made, consisting of multiple parts, also handcrafted, including small metal rods that brace the assembly. 

Obviously the paint finish of the prototype is exquisite. Painted by an award-winning professional miniature painter (Larry Taylor). If you look closely, you can see the exceptional detail work including the hatch door and port windows. As well as the bold red accents to the entire piece. 

The TWA Moon Liner rests on a black melamine-board base, complete with the original Walt Disney / Icons all metal plaque, which states "Disneyland...Tomorrowland's..."Moon Liner"...1955-1966...Prototype". 

The center area beneath the Moon Liner consists of a cast, cylindrical object, which was machined and molded prior to casting. It is painted with a fine silver-metallic paint finish. 

And to sweeten the deal, the replica comes with the original plexiglas case, which covers the entire model top to bottom, that was fabricated by Icons internally. 

Measures 30" tall !!

 

Al Z. and Larry Taylor working on the piece !!!



Icons 1st Season "Stunt" 1:1 Scale Laser Prop Pistol Replica, "Brown-Handle Grip" Prototype (1996)

Here is an extremely rare prototype from one of Icons best selling 1:1 scale Studio licensed, authorized and authenticated prop replica product lines, a non-functioning 1st season laser pistol from the beloved and classic television series Lost in Space. 

Behind Star Wars and Terminator, Lost in Space was Icons best-selling product line. These stunning prop replicas were sold through quality retailers such as FAO Schwarz and The Sharper Image. Several hundred were sold & shipped to collectors all over the world. 

The original prop pistols used in the 1st season (and often 2nd season) seen on the popular T.V. series, Lost in Space, were originally created by 20th Century Fox Studios prop fabricators, who created them by molding a readily available Remco brand toy pistol, found at department stores in the early 1960's. These talented prop makers took the original toy and modified it by adding changes, such as a large simulated battery compartment, the simulated brass-colored target aims, a simulated battery-energy regulator light, the brass-colored cylindrical feature near the barrel and the red cone at the end of the pistol barrel (both solid and red translucent-clear for the illuminated "Hero" prop version). 

The cast and modified body of the Lost in Space prop pistol was painted solid black, which appeared visually stimulating on-screen combined with it's brass and deep red colored accents. 

Both "Hero" electronic, functioning illuminated prop pistols, as well as "Stunt" non-functioning versions, were constructed for production use on the Lost in Space television series. The illuminated versions interestingly assisted 20th Century Fox sound engineers with sound effect cues. And the illuminated "Hero" versions of the prop laser pistol also helped the actors during filming on set, feel like they were actually firing a futuristic laser weapon at some strange alien creature or huge space monster, like the dreaded Giant Cyclops.... 

Icons produced three (3) 1st season prop replica prototypes for approval by the Studio licensor on the Lost in Space property at the time, New Line Cinema who produced the much loathed and horrible Lost in Space big budget feature film released in 1997. 

1st one was painted solid black with 2 brown hand grips on either side of the prop pistol handle (as were occasionally seen on the Lost in Space T.V. series), the 2nd was painted solid black with black grips on either side of the prop pistol handle, as was the primary version seen on the T.V. program. And finally, the 3rd one, that one, a brown handled "Stunt" (non functioning) version of the 1st season Lost in Space laser pistol. 

This scarce, 24 year old, rarely seen, 1:1 scale, Studio licensed, authorized and authenticated Lost in Space 1st Season prop pistol replica is extremely well-made and gorgeous ! As you can see by the picture above. 

The 3 display plaques that are featured in the display case are very unique. They are the 1st (all metal cast & etched) Lost in Space celebrity signature plaques that were ever produced for this product line, plus a standard plaque bearing an AP number.

Icons Jurassic Park Velociraptor "Wall" Claw Prototype (1996)

Here we have yet another very interesting early Icons prototype. It is a Universal Studio licensed Jurassic Park Velociraptor dinosaur claw replica prototype, molded off of an original used in filming.

5 variations of Icons Jurassic Park claw prototypes were created at the same time, to present to Universal Studio licensing in order to determine which Jurassic Park Velociraptor claw display would eventually be chosen for manufacturing. It is very interesting to see these variations which include an alternate display case in one unit (mine) and an alternate paint scheme on both the claw replica and its background in another (not shown).

This particular replica is one of the 5 un-produced Icons Velociraptor claw prototypes, known as the "wall-claw" version because of the display stand where the claw does not sit "flat" but hanging on the black plexi-background panel, just under an original affixed photograph of a Velociraptor as seen during filming, printed from a master negative supplied to Icons by Universal Studio's.

The other individual Icons Velociraptor claw replica horizontal display prototypes were created to simulate an archeologist discovery. Each of these 5 prototypes was designed, developed and fabricated by and under the direct supervision of a special effects and prop fabrication film & television professional.

The Icons claw was molded as 1st generation replica, directly off of a screen-used original used in the filming of Steven Spielberg's mega-blockbuster, Jurassic Park, which was a landmark achievement in visual effects at the time of its release. Perfectly melding classic creature effects with sophisticated high-tech CGI technology. If you watch the film again closely, there is a beautiful close-up shot of the claw when the Velociraptors hunt the two children in the movie, while they hide in the kitchen area of the main complex on the fictional Jurassic Park Island. Watch as one of the menacing Velociraptor's taps its claw repeatedly on the floor in anticipation of the kill.

The Icons Velociraptor claw replicas were sold through a variety of channels, including at the "Jurassic Park The Ride" gift shop at Universal Studios in Universal City, California.

Included in the display, two original Icons prototype display plaques for the claw replica, one bearing the first and more intricate Icons pedestal logo.

Icons "The Vault" Collectors Society Official Catalogs

Here we have Icons official Collectors Society magazines / catalogs.

As most collectors know, the Icons Vault magazines / catalogs have become quite collectible in their own right. Only 3 Vaults (with #3 being a double issue) were produced by Icons Graphic Design and Marketing department, who were very caught up in the excessive growth of the company and focusing most of their energies on Certificate of Authenticity documents, plaque design, packaging, sales kits, advertising, etc...

Vault #1 was only 4 pages long. Vault #2 was 20 pages long. The legendary Vault #3/4 was over 75 pages and has sold on eBay in excess of $80.00 each. That edition of the Vault #3/4 really shows the mindset of the company in the Spring / Summer of 1998. That issue really was the swansong of Icons Marketing & Graphic Design department. Collectors rarely let editions of the Vault go due to their limited print runs and the fact that they tend to increase the value of an Icons replica if the edition is kept with the product.

"Vaults" are an indepth quarterly journal which takes us behind the scenes of Icons and the unsung special effects artisans of Hollywood. They're filled with interviews, feature stories and special studio updates on Icons editions and more !!

Icons Magazines

Icons has received exclusive media coverage with the following magazines : Sci-Fi Universe, HFX Magazine, The Official Guide to Star Wars Toys, Go Figure ! and many more....and have included many fine specialty retailers such as The Sharper Image, F.A.O. Schwarz, The Warner Bro. Studio Store, The Smithsonian Institute, Walt Disney, Universal Theme Parks, and Icons products appeal to collectors all over the world, especially in countries such as Japan, The United Kingdom and France.

Icons Predator 2 Disc

This Icons disc was molded from an original Predator 2 throwing disc weapon used in the production of Predator 2. The unique wall mount display was created by noted Hollywood special effects artisan Brian Bero. It appears to be constructed from a fiberglass material.

Boris Karloff Rare Fiberglass Life-Mask Icons Prototype (With Etched Signature Plaque)

Shown here is a rare original Icons Boris Karloff (Frankenstein, The Mummy etc...) licensed Icons manufacturers prototype, produced by Icons in 1998. Unbeknown to Icons collectors, the company secured the license from the Karloff Estate for this piece and had planned to produce an extensive line of 1:1 scale life castings of Icons of Film & Television. With the Karloff Life-Mask being the first in a series.

Only "4" of these were made. One is in the collection of Sara Karloff, the three others with private collectors.

Long bootlegged (the quality often very substandard compared to this beautiful casting), Life-Masks have not been licensed to my knowledge, which makes this prototype quite scarce. It was to be the first of many licensed Life-Masks that were planned, but the collectibles company Icons closed after 5 years in business (1995 to 2000) and this Boris Karloff Life-Mask was never released or sold to the public.

Life-Masks are made in Hollywood directly off of actors faces to be used in the creation and casting of latex foam make-up appliances. Having historically been produced since the early days of make-up effects.

This one in particular was molded (or pulled) from a 1st or 2nd generation copy of an original. It is so detailed you can even see Boris Karloff's eyelashes !!
What is rare about this piece, besides being a prototype, is the fact that it is made of lightweight fiberglass (vs. plaster, which is used most often in bootlegg Life-Mask castings that are sold) and as you can see, it is a 3/4 head life-casting. Mr Karloff's ears are cast on the sides.

Go compare this Karloff Life-Mask casting to any for sale on eBay or on the Internet. There is no comparison. Most do not feature the ears, are 3rd, 4th and 5th generation copies, losing much of the detail in the facial features, forehead, scalp and neck area.
Additionally they have often been re-sculpted on important areas such as the eyebrows etc.
The condition is impressive as you can see. The burnished patina custom paint job was provided by a Film & Television painter who was a lead at Icons (either Vince Odoni or Brian Bero).

The piece features an etched plaque with Karloff's signature engraved on its surface, copied directly off of one of his original autographs.

Sadly this piece never made it to the production line and is shown here publicly for the first time. So top-secret was this project at Icons, this prototype was not shown in Icons conference room.

Icons Jim Latta recalls "Life-Mask collectors had been producing bootleg copies and selling them for many years when we secured the license from the Karloff estate for this piece. As it was, Icons had significantly taken away from the unauthorized sales of unlicensed prop replicas. It was quite obvious that if we announced the Icons Life-Mask replica line, we would have made even more enemies, so this prototype was never displayed".

A fascinating piece of Hollywood Memorabilia as well as being a rare manufacturing prototype, for an awesome and historic product line that was never released.

Here is the original (signed by Sara Karloff, the daughter of the legendary Boris Karloff and the curator of the Karloff estate) of the faxed licensing agreement issued in 1998, for this proposed product.
The document features the facsimile signature of Mr Karloff.



Icons The Black Hole Sentry Pistol

As usual with Disney, the Studio asked for 6 samples to be made for product approval.

Only 6 were completed (replica, display stand & numbered plaque, paperwork, box & foam), no more.

The following picture is a concept advertisement for the Sentry pistol replica, with some Disney's hand-written corrections.

Icons MIB Noisy Cricket

In analyzing the original screen-used prop, it was found that in order to assemble hundreds of units, the internal engineering of the piece had to be carefully redesigned.

Only a few were fabricated for use in the film and cost the Studio thousands of dollars each.

Additionally, on the original prop, the trigger did not move or illuminate the barrel portion of the gun. At Icons, it was unanimously suggested that the trigger should illuminate the barrel each time it was pulled.

Icons strived to authentically replicate without altering original design specifications but occasionally, they artistically enhanced a piece such as adding this feature to the Men in Black Noisy Cricket.

Icons Star Wars Luke Skywalker ROTJ Lightsaber Prototype

Here is the Luke Skywalker ROTJ Lightsaber Prototype....only one made !! (A great "thank you" to Robert Mannion, the maker/machinist, for that awesome piece).

Icons Forbidden Planet Laser Pistol Prototype

Icons X-wing Fighter

To launch its Masterpiece Line (Icons authentic replicas which require extraordinary detail and labor intensive procedures), Icons product development and creative staff, along with its Fabrication and Design Group (Icons in-house film and television effects fabrication specialists) chose two highly desirable iconic film miniatures : the Star Wars X-wing fighter and the ID-4 : Independence Day Alien Attacker.

"There is perhaps no other film space vehicle in history that is more recognizable worldwide than the X-wing fighter" stated Doug Conway, President of Icons.

"Icons Masterpiece Series represent the 'Crown Jewels' of the collectible universe" explained Daren Dochterman, Icons Creative Director. "What is most impressive about these pieces is their sheer size in comparison to the standard toy or model kit. The fuselage of the X-wing measures 22 inches and the Attacker is 26 inches across" said Dochterman.

He continues "Each piece features precision detailed Dremel work and custom paint finishes. Even weathering and 'battle damage' are accurately reproduced".

Each Icons Masterpiece edition is film quality. You can take an Icons X-wing or TIE fighter for exemple and mount a motion control bar in it and shoot it on film. That's QUALITY.

Max Cervantes, who was in charge of making the prototypes & molds for the production runs at Icons, was also at one point in charge of the quality control of the X-wing line. He made a multi-point checklist to make sure they were made to the highest quality standards. Max thinks at the most, 500 X-wings were ever produced on the supposed 1977 edition size. So, the Icons model is really RARE !!!

The Icons X-wing 1st generation masters castings came from John Eaves who worked at Boss Films (formally John Dykstra's Apogee FX).  Although that style of miniatures was also studied at the LFL Archives. 

There were 5 Icons prototypes made.

This is a prototype for the X-wing cockpit that Al Z. was going to fiber optic to light up the control panels.He thought it would be easier than wiring LEDs. 

If you look carefully, you can see the holes he drilled out for the fiber.

Another one of those things that never fully happened.

Icons X Files Replica Test Prototype

Here's probably the most unusual early Icons prototype that I have ever seen or had the pleasure of sharing. 

This never before seen or photographed, one-of-a-kind early prototype, produced by the pioneering collectibles company Icons Authentic Replicas, was a X Files prop replica concept, developed to submit to 20th Century Fox and X Files creator/producer Chris Carter, as a possible licensed, limited edition Studio authorized and authenticated product. 

In 1995-96, the popularity of the hit television series The X Files, was at an all-time high. 20th Century Fox wanted to capitalize on the tremendous success of the show, so it endeavored in discussions with Icons to create unique limited edition product. 

After the test piece was completed and examined, Icons Fabrication and Design Group moved swiftly to complete the finished and final prototype. And the results were extraordinary. The piece was submitted to 20th Century Fox Licensing who immediately approved the piece and in turn submitted to X Files creator Chris Carter. Everyone waited on pins and needles for Carter's decision...but what came back was what was expected from Fox Licensing. Chris loved the piece but would not approve it for manufacturing and release to the general public. Case closed. But he wanted to keep the prototype because he was so impressed with it. 

Chris Carter had a understandable but highly protective nature when it came to his creation. Carter was very concerned about over-exploiting the X Files when it came to merchandise. A source of constant frustration to Fox licensing. 

Thus ended another colorful experiment and dynamic chapter in Icons history. 

To this day, 24 years later, no one has ever seen again the original Icons finished prototype of this replica, that remains in the possession of the illusive Chris Carter... 

FYI, this X Files prototype was hand-made by the skilled and talented Vice President of the original Icons Fabrication & Design Group, Mike Moore, who was also one of Icons co-founders and Senior partners and now runs HMS-Studios.

The piece above is a concept drawing / doodle. It was rendered by James Latta. He actually read / studied UFO abductions. The alien calligraphy is based on several cases where people recalled alien writing during their abduction. So that is what Mike Moore made from scratch. Copper plated with gorgeous I.D.'s and clear lucite and plated FBI badge. 

You can read more about that replica on "The Plasma Infusion" website, owner of that awesome piece.

Icons B-9 Robot/Robby The Robot Limited-Edition Promotional Print

Here's a scarce item printed in 1998. These were produced in a very limited edition of only 100 as promotional items for the now legendary and ill-fated Icons Authentic Replicas, which was the original pioneer in Studio licensed Film and Television prop and miniature replicas.

In 1998, Icons successfully tracked down the ORIGINAL and legendary 20th Century Fox and MGM Design engineer & draftsman Robert Kinoshita...who had never done an autograph-session in fandom before !! And as exclusive promotional gifts, Icons published this limited edition print, which depicts copies of the original concept drawings of the Lost in Space B-9 Robot and Kinoshita's other mechanical man masterpiece Robby the Robot from Forbidden Planet (YES ! THAT'S RIGHT ! One man designed both incredible and memorable Robots which are famous and loved the world over).

The print is in mint condition, printed on heavy, light grey-tone, simulated stone-wash paper, very nice stock. It was not printed on a computer but obviously by a professional printing company. The printing quality is very nice and the images are very clear. 

This rare print, depicts the world renown robots and a very cool, unpublished vintage image of a young Robert Kinoshita in it's center, hard at work at a Studio drafting table. Kinoshita himself provided this rare image for this scarce print.

The B-9 is referred to as "Blinky" on the print, because that was Robert's affectionate nick-name for his amazing creation. The initials RK are adjacent to both Robot images. And...as if that wasn't enough, besides Kinoshita's hand written original signature, in order to insure authenticity, Kinoshita utilized a red stamp of his name in Japanese and a duplicate stamp of the same symbols in invisible fluorescent ink !!! You have to hold it under a black light in order to see it !!! (Note : the authentic Kinoshita signature is the smaller one in blue. Not the large facsimile one at the bottom in the center). 

According to my reliable sources, 30 to 40 of these rare promotional and authentic autographed prints were sent to B-9 customers. 10 or 20 went to the company's employees. 

Fans and collectors who received these years ago, rarely, if ever, let them go. That rare art print salutes not only the classic Television series Lost in Space but also the classic film Forbidden Planet, the two most legendary Robots of all time and their brilliant and talented designer, Bob Kinoshita, who was in his 80's when he signed this super-scarce collectable. Only 100 made !!!

Icons TIE Fighter

The TIE fighter 1st generation masters castings came from an ex-ILM employee (although that style of miniatures was also studied at the LFL Archives). 

"The main body was from a 1977 ILM model which had wings as well but they were too bad to mold" said Max.

"I rebuild the wings : I used this central core of the wings but the triangle shaped grills that form the hex was in very bad condition. We found that metal grill and remoded it so I could then remold the entire wing. The ILM TIE wings were NEVER cast as single components.....we did it to save all that assembly time !!!"

Dave Heilman is the one who cleaned up the main body.

Al Zequeira oversaw the molding of the TIE fighter, including the TIE fighter wing micro-screens which were considered impossible to mold and re-cast in production.

Icons Fab & Design helped clean them up and work with Al on the assembly methodology, supervised by Mike Moore.

« The paint we used on the TIE fighter was a water based house paint from Sherwin-Williams. That is a paint company here in the U.S." said Mike.

« I definitely think less than 500 TIE fighters were made add Max……it was a lot of hard work for a lot of people to make that happen. »

Peter Greenwood was the Icons staff member who secured the TIE fighter castings.

Most of the original SW ANH miniature molds were buried in ILMs parking lot as ground filler. Per George Lucas instructions !!

Lucasfilm has one set of Icons TIE fighter masters that were given to them at the closure of the company, one Icons co-founder had one set (Mike Rogers) and one set was destroyed :-(

Here is a picture of Robert Bowen working on a TIE fighter during the year 1997 at Icons under the "supervision" of Peter Mayhew who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies....Thanks to Rob for that superb picture 😀

Icons Rocketeer Helmet Prototype

This is the production prototype for the Rocketeer helmet. In the late 1990s, Icons Authentic Replicas acquired the sought after Disney license to manufacture props and replicas based off Walt Disney's legendary films. Icons planned to segue from their mainstream "Star Wars" props to "Disney" related items, as communication about license was more effective with Disney than with LFL !!!

However, financial troubles befell Icons in late 2000 causing them to shut down their facilities in California. Icons only created three Disney replicas under the license which were the 15 inch and 31 inch Nautilus from "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" and a "The Black Hole" Sentry pistol.

In 1999, Icons began prototyping the Rocketeer helmet from the 1991 smash hit motion picture of the same name. This Rocketeer helmet was hand-poured and casted by Icons professional film industry artisans and techs from the Studio Fabrication company "Design Setter's" master molds via Paul Ozzimo & Mike Possert who were part of the Rocket helmet & Backpack crew (Disney contracted "Design Setter's" to produce the helmets and backpacks for the production) and loaned by Walt Disney Studios.

This helmet features unprecedented craftsmanship and detail. The helmet, which in the film was fashioned out of an old, rustic bronze space heater, features the signature 4 light bolts fastened around the eye openings to secure the bubble lenses. The helmet also features the streamline art deco raised ribbed edge that contours around the helmet and also features detailed wield lines that circumnavigate around the helmet. Also present are the upper head air vents and the front grill breathing vents.

As usual with Disney, Icons artisans casted only 6 fibreglass helmets from these molds, to make the samples required by the Studio. The original molds were then returned to the Disney production vaults. Only ONE helmet was fully dremelled, refinished and painted : mine. The helmet, which sat on a bronze bolted display stand in a plexiglas case was precisely inspected by the Icons staff and other prominent members before being shipped off to the Studio execs, along with the 5 other unfinished helmets, with art advertising proof sheets and photos.

Disney green-lit the production of the helmet upon revision of the advertising campaign.

Icons was ready to produce the full edition run of the helmets when the issues of the Lost in Space B-9 Robots and faulty production finally presented themselves. Icons filed for bankruptcy and in 2000, they closed their doors.

Once again, an awesome and never before seen piece from Icons guys.

The picture above is the concept advertisement submitted to Disney.

Icons Terminator 2 Replicas

Here we have some Terminator 2 replicas.

The Future War Battlefield Skull (molded off originals used in filming). Some of these were sent to customers who ordered the 1:1 scale Endo Skeleton (to be part of the display base), some others were sold to public. 

Not a lot were made as only 8 full size Endo Skeletons were shipped to customers.

Only one Film Prop replica company produced Terminator 2 "Chrome-dipped" authentic replicas. 

After casting, all Icons T2 Endo Skeletons, Endo Skulls and Endo Arms were carefully prepped and sanded by Icons renown prep department. "Sanding is an art" said Dev Gilmore, Manufacturing Supervisor. "Without borderline perfect preparation, chrome plating will show flaws". 

Amazingly, Icons used THE SAME Triple liquid-Metal plating process that Stan Winston Studios used in the making of Terminator 2. 

Icons three-step plating process was known for being the finest in the nation, if not the world. "We went through 65 platers before choosing our final plater", said Paul Francis, Manufacturing Manager. "Plating polyurethane and fiberglass is very tricky business". 

Each Endo component is treated with an electro-static coat and then dipped in liquid copper and then liquid chrome. The results are astounding. The final gleaming finish is cold to the touch, as if solid metal. 

"Electro-plating" and "vacuum-metalizing" (in China) IS NOT "Chrome-dipping" (in the U.S.A.). Nor is liquid-Nickel AND Copper used in electro-plating. Icons Endo products weigh more, shine better, have thicker plating and a more gleaming luster than ANY on the market. To this very day. THERE IS A MAJOR DIFFERENCE !!!