Repliee on the Scrap Heap

[jolshefsky]

An old blog post (2007) includes pictures of the original Repliee in pieces in Dr. Hiroshi "Gitchang" Okuno's lab at Kyoto University.

[Rotwang]

So far for the myth that robots are immortal and totally maintenance-free.

[Rotwang]

I am kinda guessing they will have to go to a latex based skin for durability and shelf life.

Hollywood FX makers use materials that apparently last forever, because a lot of the creatures they build with it are still around, sitting quietly on shelves waiting to be re-used.

Actually, a lot of props end up looking like hell. I've rarely seen screen used props that didn't look like they were tossed at least once under the wheels of an SUV.

Most latex simply rots away if given enough time. There are companies that focus on restoring original props (Saw a job on one of the Turtle costumes and some Dark Crystal puppets, pretty amazing jobs)

Several years ago, they were filming some scenes with Stormtroopers for some Lucas project (IIRC it was a video game) they went to the warehouse and picked some original costumes. They ABS had yellowed badly and was so brittle it would break to pieces if somebody tried it on. That's for props that are kept in temperature controlled warehouses ...)

I've seen the original Death Star droid, the exterior metal finish was badly cracked and worn (a lot like metal plated plastic used in toys or model kits) the rubber shorts looked really worse for the wear, all crackled and brittle.

[Borias]

.

[Keizo]

Any Realdoll owners want to comment (I know we got at least ONE out there).

I wonder who that could be? Seriously, though, there are major issues to consider when owning one. The first is whether or not to even use the doll for sex. This is actually my doll pictured in this photo and this was after yet another round of repairs:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexdoll

I've had this doll for 9 years now and she is in relatively stable condition at the moment. When I was forced to put her in storage in her crate, the environment was harsh and she ended up with surface deterioration on her face. I consulted the Realdoll doctor and he had never heard of that happening. I managed to fix the worst of that. The silicone did begin to deteriorate at the ankle area and that will be among my next repairs.

When I first received her I had to open her up at the back of the knees to reattach her leg joints. The genital area was completely destroyed. The armpits were torn and there was a small tear in the left breast. The previous owner didn't seem to take care of her so that's how I got one cheap enough for me to afford!

Anyway I have since had to keep up with the constant tears because I'm afraid to even move her anymore. I repaired the neck joint, tears in the hip area, breasts, mouth, etc, etc. Changing her outfit is an extremely careful and difficult process. I've opted to not attempt sex as the times I have (although fun) have always ended up with some repair work no matter how gentle I try to be. If you are going to purchase one and intend to used her for sex, I suggest smaller breasts no matter how tempting bigger ones may be. The breasts are the most difficult to repair and actually get in the way since she can't move for herself. Unless you like playing mad scientist, then don't try it. They do feel realistic, though, but this is not the model I would have purchased if I had a choice.

Now for the good part. I don't regret my purchase even though that cleaned out my savings at the time. She's nice to have around. "Hey look! It's a babe in my house!" As long as she's not handled roughly, she is fun to fondle and changing wigs and eyes are easy for a different look. I do believe that the silicone has become less resilient with time, but I'll keep repairing her periodically. Hope this helped.

[droidlvr]

Wow,thanks for being so forthcoming.Interesting info.