Starting in 1999 I built a police box. It took about 6 months to make.
At that time I wasn't aware that there were any online forums for prop building, and I didn't know anyone else who did things like this, so I was pretty much on my own.
Here's how it looked in the early days:


here are a couple of pictures in the dark:




Around 2005, I gave it a make-over, changing the signs and lens and roof stack to look more police box-like, and also repainting and texturing it, to make it look more like concrete.
Here's the result.



In 2006 I moved house, so here's the TARDIS in its new location:



That's Scarfwearer in the last picture.

Crispin

Is that a fox in the second to last picture?

When did you decide to start making your short films? I love those things by the way. Also the box looks a different, and much lighter color in the last two, was that time taking it's toll or a preference of yours?

Quote from: terrasolo on Feb 12, 2009, 07:12 pmIs that a fox in the second to last picture?

Yup - I think he probably wasn't feeling well, as it's very unusual to see foxes wandering near buildings in the daytime.

Quote from: terrasolo on Feb 12, 2009, 07:12 pmWhen did you decide to start making your short films? I love those things by the way. Also the box looks a different, and much lighter color in the last two, was that time taking it's toll or a preference of yours?

I think the fan films started soon after the console room was more-or-less complete.
Sometimes the lighting for the camera makes the box look a lighter colour - I don't think it's faded significantly.

Crispin

I had the pleasure of seeing this up close in Seattle prior to the refit.  It was beautiful then and even more so now.  Something about actually walking through the doors of the TARDIS into the console room, it was sureal.  I was so in awe that I really couldn't speak.  I'll never forget it.  You were a great host Crispin and thank you for that memory.

Karst

Sorry, didn't mean to make it sound as if I mean faded in a bad way, just curious as to the difference. Was it hard getting it to the UK? or did it just fly itself?

Quote from: karsthotep on Feb 13, 2009, 06:13 pmI had the pleasure of seeing this up close in Seattle prior to the refit.  
Karst

It was a great day - we had a quick trip to Mars in the TARDIS and then tea on the deck, as I recall.

Quote from: terrasolo on Feb 13, 2009, 06:50 pmSorry, didn't mean to make it sound as if I mean faded in a bad way, just curious as to the difference. Was it hard getting it to the UK? or did it just fly itself?

Well, it wouldn't be the first faded TARDIS, I'm sure. Getting it to the UK? Ah well, that's a story yet to be told, but probably on my console room thread. When I get to it... possibly this weekend.

Actually when I was repainting it I had a visit from a friend who looked at it in the workshop and looked at the gap where it usually stands and said:
"so how did you move it in there?"
"well, I just pulled this lever..." I quipped.
She gave me such a look!

Crispin

Since I've been working on the top signs and their lighting, I thought I'd put up some new glam shots.



After all you can never have too many TARDIS shots...

Crispin

Looking great Crispin! The new signs really look the biz too.

Crispin,

Fine shots of the ol' girl.  I love those back lit shots for sure. 
You're right, you can never have too many shots of a TARDIS, especially your own.

cheers,
Jon

K...        That is absolutely incredable!
I have to ask... how did you do the 'splotichs' on the windows?  AND, that pic with the door open was... well, REALLY cool! How was that done?

Of course, you don't have to give away your secrets, but I just have to know.

Quote from: magepro on Feb 05, 2010, 02:44 am
K...        That is absolutely incredable!
I have to ask... how did you do the 'splotichs' on the windows?  AND, that pic with the door open was... well, REALLY cool! How was that done?

Of course, you don't have to give away your secrets, but I just have to know.

The splotches on the windows are somewhat randomly applied matt black aerosol paint. I also used a little acrylic artists' paint mixed with alcohol and sprayed on - you need to do that with the window lying down, as it's runny.

D'you mean this picture?

The story behind that one is here: [ref topic=568]Scarfwearer's Console Room[/ref]...

Crispin

Quite silly of me to have even proposed that it was merely photographic trickery. You really do have a console room inside there... well, sort of inside.   

I think if I showed my boss this, he'd freak!

"Uh, yeah boss? You say you want a console room for the rest of the booth space? Talk to Crispin."

HA!

Is that a Dalek head I see in the open door shot behind the console?


Also, I was slightly worried at the moving house pictures, her blue was a bit too light.

You really are the master of who prop building aren't you? Just wow, specially the console room there, I saw your website, it looks really fab when you just catch a glimpse of it through the door. Do you think a TARDIS should look concrete? I know the real PBs were concrete, but, for me, when starting my build, I came to the conclusion that I was building a TARDIS, not a PB, and I would be best to replicate the actual  TARDIS, and not the real this, as I'm not building the real thing. You're probably lost by now, trying to read this Tell me, how do you light up the inside of the box, without us being able to see the light in the open-door pics? I was thinking you'd but the lights in the sign boxes and lamp, but that doesn't explain how the windows are lit up so easily...

There are nicer builds here than mine, though I might hold the record for scale.
There have been a number of TARDIS props over the years. I think only the Newbury (1976) prop resembles concrete. My TARDIS is a bit of a custom build these days: season 18 basic design, concrete texture, but a police box-style roof and sign boxes (after a refit).
The sign boxes on my build have closed backs and short fluorescent tubes behind them, so the police box is usually dark inside; that way you get the best eye-dazzling effect when the console room doors open.  For some of the photos I've stood a work lamp in the box to back light the windows (i.e. I cheated...).

Type 83 spotted a dalek in the console room. Yup there're a couple in there most of the time...
The paint hasn't faded - sometimes the camera makes the TARDIS look pale in natural light.

Crispin