- Pointy End Props
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Some of you may have spotted this project on display at **Festival of the Time Lords** at Newark Showground—a custom-built Dalek Gun display piece that quickly became one of the most talked-about items on the stand.
Inspired by the modern Dalek design seen throughout the revived series, this piece was created as a display prop that captures the distinctive industrial aesthetic of the Daleks while telling a story of its own. Rather than appearing factory fresh, the gun has been finished as if it has survived countless battles, becoming a relic from years of conflict.
The body of the gun is constructed from a combination of machined aluminium and high-quality 3D printed components. Using both materials allows the finished prop to balance the crisp, precise geometry of the original design with the durability and weight needed for a convincing display piece. Every component was carefully prepared before painting to ensure the different materials blended seamlessly into a single finished prop.
One of the most distinctive features of the build is the rear of the gun. Instead of presenting it as a complete, functional weapon, the end has been detailed to look as though it has been violently torn from its mounting. Exposed wiring, internal mechanical components, and additional layered detailing create the illusion that the gun has been ripped directly from a Dalek's casing, revealing the complex machinery hidden beneath the armour.
The finishing process was just as important as the construction itself. Multiple layers of paint, washes, dry brushing, and weathering techniques were used to create a worn metallic finish, with scratches, grime, and subtle discolouration helping to sell the illusion of years of use. The aim was to produce a prop that looked authentic from every angle, rewarding closer inspection with increasingly intricate details.
To complete the presentation, the gun is displayed on a bespoke Dalek-inspired stand. The stand features bevelled edges and decorative gold rivet detailing that echoes the iconic design language of the Daleks without overpowering the prop itself. Internally, the base has been filled with solid plaster, giving it substantial weight and ensuring the display remains stable and secure.
Projects like this are some of my favourites to create because they combine a range of different skills—from CAD design and 3D printing to metalworking, painting, weathering, and display fabrication. The result is a piece that not only celebrates an iconic science fiction design but also tells the story of what might have happened to it before it found its place on display.
If you saw the Dalek Gun at Festival of the Time Lords, thank you to everyone who stopped by to take a closer look and chat about the build. I always enjoy discussing the techniques behind these projects, and I look forward to sharing more behind-the-scenes looks at future creations.
