PROPOLOGY Blog

"Fake" and "Real" Thermobaric Bombs - ARROW

12/7/2017

This project was co-produced by
WHITE MONKEY DESIGN and PROPOLOGY.
Due to the scale of the build (and time constraints) design and construction activities were shared by both companies at the request of the
ARROW Prop Department.

The "Fake" Bomb... (episode 607)

A thermobaric bomb is currently the world's most powerful,
non-nuclear, explosive device.
As scripted however, this particular example is a non-functional ruse.

The "Real" Bomb... (episodes 610 & 612)

In a subsequent episode, the thermobaric bomb reappears
...albeit, looking somewhat different.
In this scenario, the bomb is now "REAL", and must be dealt with
in the most decisive and heroic way possible!

Military Rebreather Units - ARROW

12/7/2017

As you might imagine, military scuba rebreather units are hard to come by... especially on short notice. ARROW Props knew they'd have to be
custom built, and choose us for the assignment.

Subway Electrical Boxes - ARROW

11/20/2017

Switchboard and Phone Rigging - THE MAGICIANS

9/11/2017

This project required tying in LED flashing circuits onto existing LED line indicators, on the client-provided phone and switchboard console.
In the case of the phone, it was necessary that the additional circuitry not interfere with the existing functionality of the device.

Multi-Channel Wireless Detonator Device - ARROW

9/5/2017

The device was conceived as 40- channel wireless radio detonator, with a cable connected, pistol-grip type, trigger-switch unit.

Radio Triggered C4 Bombs in Case - ARROW

8/14/2017

More bombs for ARROW...
this time, of the radio detonated, C4 variety!

Apparently if it goes "BOOM", it's generally made here at PROPOLOGY!

RDX Steel Barrel Bombs & Radio Detonator Device - ARROW

7/12/2017

This device was featured as an important plot device in two ARROW episodes.

The Gas Discharge Weapon - ARROW

3/27/2017

This project drew upon some interesting design inspiration.
The result: a novel and interesting outcome.

Interlock Device - ARROW

3/6/2017

Since this was an important and fairly complex item to produce (especially on a tight schedule) the ARROW Prop Department wisely decided
to split the work between two vendors... PROPOLOGY & IRL CREATIVE

Facial Obfuscation Processor with Computer Interface Device - ARROW

2/16/2017

A novel, advanced processor device... with a companion interface unit.

Wireless Motion Detector - ARROW

1/27/2017

The television series ARROW needed a custom device that purportedly sensed motion, was small, and would send an alarm signal wirelessly.

The solution provided, featured a yellow LED that could be flashed on cue, via wireless remote control. The overall length of the device was approximately 3.5".

C4 Explosive Device with Human Sensor Trigger & Timer - ARROW

1/24/2017

Completed Prop (cell phone component to be later installed on set)

Notionally, a C4 explosive device, that had a sensor/emitter array capable of sensing a human presence, as well as incorporating
a conventional timed trigger.

Motorized, Illuminated, Remote Controlled Orrery - Series Pilot: BEYOND

1/16/2017

A motorized model of the solar system… designed to appear built by a "gifted" 12 year old boy. This prop featured radio remote control of the sun's brightness, and variable speed of the planets in orbit.

This assignment, was the result of a terrific collaboration between the Art, Camera, and Prop departments… each having their own specific requirements for this prop.

Click here for the FULL STORY

Nuclear Devices - ARROW

11/17/2016

Another multi-episode story-arc for the TV series ARROW...
this time... involving NUKES!

First item depicted on screen: The "Nuclear Trigger Device"

Later seen, as a completed bomb assembly... fitted to custom transport cart.

Laboratory Scanning Device - ARROW

7/6/2016

The TV series ARROW needed an interesting bench-top type specimen scanner device. Since this was to appear as an example of cutting-edge technology, we were provided the opportunity to explore a novel design.

Explosives Filled Steel Drums & Wireless Detonators - ARROW

7/6/2016

On ARROW,... If it's supposed to go "BOOM"... there's a pretty good chance
it was made here at PROPOLOGY!

Shown Nearly Completed

Crude Concept Mock-up of both Devices

Banding the Barrels Together with Steel Strapping

Detailing the "Quantum Processor" - ARROW (built by UNLIMITED DESIGN, LTD.)

3/7/2016

This project was co-produced by
UNLIMITED DESIGN, LTD. and PROPOLOGY.
Due to logistics, and time constraints, design and construction activities were shared by both companies at the request of the
ARROW Prop Department.

The "processor" detailed by PROPOLGY, prior to completion by
UNLIMITED DESIGN, LTD

Weird Things Repurposed….

1/20/2016

Foreground item: An anti-molstation device known as a SONICGUARD. Designed for female joggers, the unit produces a 110DB siren shriek when activated. Two of these were purchased on spec about 20 years ago, and have languished in inventory ever since.

Background item: The same item… recently repurposed… as a "radio detonator unit." The slide-switch (which formally controlled a flashlight function) "arms" the device (sliding the switch downward reveals a flashing LED indicator). Pressing the adjacent pushbutton, causes the LED to stop flashing, and increase in brightness… ostensively transmitting the detonation signal.

This kind of repurposing is fairly common plaice in prop building… especially if your client is on a tight schedule and/or budget. We always like to hang on to nondescript objects like the SONICGUARD, because of their utility. Having interesting objects on hand that posses useful attributes (working switches, LEDs, battery chambers, etc.) can same valuable build time… and keep costs down.

New Rental Inventory: Retina Scanner Access Control Device (simulated)

11/8/2015

(click on image to enlarge)

This unit is provided with cable connected power & remote control. Conversion to RF wireless operation is possible.

click here for MORE INFORMATION

Prepping Vintage Reel-To-Reel Tape Recorders - THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE

7/14/2015

Recently, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE required a room full of late 50's, to early 60's, reel-to reel tape recorders. In all, over 30 machines were needed. Twelve "hero" machines were provided by the Prop Department, while the balance coming from Set Dec. PROPOLOGY was assigned the task of prepping the Prop Department machines. Given the late arrival of the machines from eBay, we needed to turn them around in very short order. Each machine received a restorative cleaning to make them appear nearly new. More importantly, each had to have operational transports and illuminated indicators. All were cleaned and lubricated, had missing or broken parts replaced (harvested from a "donor" machines) and received new main drive belts, to ensure reliable operation.

It's safe to say, that its probably been a number of years, since so may operational reel-to-reel tape recorders have occupied the same room!

FOUND: Becca's Sidearm from ANDROMEDA

5/6/2015

PROPOLOGY provided the "hero" weapons for all the principal cast for the TV series ANDROMEDA. Images have just surfaced from Prop Store Live Auction of Film & Television Artefacts (#10) that show Becca's sidearm as being successfully sold at auction for the sum of £1,600 (approximately $2,440.00 USD)

Click here for MORE INFORMATION

New Rental Inventory: Fingerprint Access Control

3/12/2015

Click here for MORE INFORMATION

Features self contained operation. LED indicator can be changed from red (access denied), to green (access granted), via a small radio remote control.

New Rental Inventory: Industrial Control Box With Mushroom-Head Pushbutton and Red Indicator

12/7/2014

Click here for MORE INFORMATION

"It's a Bomb!" (a really BIG BOMB!) - ARROW

10/8/2014

How "one typical, little prop bomb"...

Original Bomb Concept Rendering

…became "somewhat larger" …virtually overnight!

Revised Bomb Design

Ever wonder what a shipping pallet of C-4 explosive would look like?

Click here for the FULL STORY

"...And Then There Was Two" - THE FLASH

10/8/2014

Click here for MORE INFORMATION

Click here for the FULL STORY

The new TV series THE FLASH, has just taken delivery of a duplicate replica tabletop scanning electron microscope originally built for the television series ARROW.

Like the original, it features sequentially controlled LED indicators and a motorized "specimen chamber", that opens at the push of a button.

Although the first unit that was purchased outright, the duplicate was built as a "Custom Rental", and as such, remains part of the PROPOLOGY inventory, and is available to rent.

PROPOLOGY Production Continuum

Here you can see some of our current and past projects, as well as new additions to our growing rental inventory!

Categories

We Need Your Input

It's our goal to create an archive that showcases our prop building history.

Our company, formally known as MOLNAR MOTION PICTURE PROPS, INC., has produced countless items since its creation in 1987. Much of our earliest prop builds still exist, and can be found in various prop rental houses, or in the hands of private collectors.

If you know the current whereabouts of, or can provide any production anecdotes pertaining to any of the items listed in the early posts, please let us know. We will expand upon the archive on a ongoing basis as information becomes available.

We appreciate your valuable contribution!

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