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Post by JES on Feb 8, 2008 10:53:59 GMT -8
It would be an easy call for me--restore the diving vehicle. In pieces, it does no one any good. I would want not only to restore it, but then to dive it to get a "feel" for how it works, and what the divers experienced in the movie when the "flew" it. As I recall, it is a "wing" design which looked very unique. If it is restorable, even with some blemishes, and can again be "flown," in my opinion it should be restored. I for one would probably pay some money for the privelege to "fly" it. John You remembered correctly:
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Post by ltstanfo on Feb 8, 2008 12:03:58 GMT -8
Most movie items I have seen have been restored, if there was significant damage but only enough to ensure that the viewer could recognize it against the original.
In your case I would be inclined to repair / restore it enough for show but I doubt I would repair it to a usable condition. It's rare enough that I would weigh the risk of use vs. loss / damage against other surviving examples.
Can you find original parts to use? Can you contact the manufacturer to help guide you in repair / restoration? If the answer is no, I am inclined to say "cosmetic restore" only.
Just my .02 worth.
Regards, Ltstanfo
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Post by seakrakken on Feb 8, 2008 19:52:08 GMT -8
When I was a kid I lived in San Antonio for a while. Naturally I got to visit the Alamo. I did not perceive it as a beseiged Fort. It appeared as just another museum. They had patched all the bullet holes and canon damage and it was air-conditioned. There were a very few artifacts under glass and a few paintings on the wall. It was a hollow impression. Then a few years later we visited the movie set where John Wayne had filmed the movie "The Alamo" Now it sank in what had happened. As another example I would not fully appreciate the meaning of what had happened to Bonnie and Clyde if someone repaired all the body damage done by the bullets ripping through the car when the police finally got them. Seeing it riddled to pieces and blood stained meant something gruesome had happened to them. Their stature as outlaws was even more impressive when you can appreciate visibly the risks they ran as bank robbers. If the movie studio ordered everything destroyed yet, this one miraculously survived that makes it even more special! It should be seen with its battle scars to emphasize how close it came to not even being around any more.
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Post by Nemo on Feb 9, 2008 17:46:50 GMT -8
Thank you for your replies. You've all made valid points.
My first reaction was that the item should be restored maintaining as much of the originality as possible. But all things considered, I now believe it should be left in it's present condition. That may be an error, but if so I think we're erring on the side of caution. In this case, it can't hurt to leave things as they are.
I appreciate all your help and advice; and I wish I could say exactly what the item we've been talking about is. But, out of respect for people who have taken me into their confidence and wish to remain anonymous, I can't do that. Maybe some day that will change.
Again, many thanks for your help.
Pat
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Post by Broxton Carol on Feb 10, 2008 12:21:11 GMT -8
John, YES that is the undersea James Bond vehicle I saw back about 1970 at the Carl Gage dive center. I did not see it from the side you show, but from the other side facing the front. As you walked back into the dive shop, it was on the LEFT, and as I remember the cabin, made of plexiglas! Thats it all right. I wonder what happened to it? Somebody must know?! It was at the Carl Gage dive center on the north edge of key largo, right there by the waterway on the right, going south! Maybe it was dumped as part of an artificial reef project?
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YankDownUnder
Pro Diver
Broxton 'green label' Aqua Lung and 1954 USD Rene triple 44s.
Posts: 162
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Post by YankDownUnder on Feb 10, 2008 13:56:56 GMT -8
Nemo,
Just another two cents worth...I like things restored so they do not look as if they have been restored. If the paint is too new looking, it just looks like a replica. Anyway, just a thought. Steve
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Post by Nemo on Feb 10, 2008 19:44:36 GMT -8
True. No matter what's done (restored or not) some will appreciate it, and others will not.
In this particular instance, monetary value is not a factor to the people making the decision, even though the item might have some value in any condition. To those close to it, what's most important about this particular item is the history behind it: including how it got in the poor state of repair it's presently in.
A happy medium has been suggested by some: keep it as is and display it in a way that tells the story: through the media, perhaps. Plenty of good visual documentation, so everyone can see what it is, where it came from, and understand how it got as it is now.
And then perhaps, at some time in the future (once it's been thoroughly documented and photographed, and the story is common knowledge) maybe it could be restored and dived again. To bring the story full circle, so to speak.
No one decision will ever satisfy everyone; but perhaps a compromise of sorts will be best. Time will tell.
Thanks again for your input, All.
Pat
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Post by duckbill on Feb 10, 2008 23:21:48 GMT -8
Unless it is in need of PRESERVATION in order to halt any continuing deterioration, then it certainly doesn't hurt a bit to leave it as it is. You (or they) can decide any time down the line to restore it once you know for sure that's what you indeed want to do. In this case, it seems, once the item has undergone restoration you would not be able to change your minds and put it back into it's "found" state should you regret the decision. I think you realize this from your statement, "That may be an error, but if so I think we're erring on the side of caution. In this case, it can't hurt to leave things as they are."
Best of luck on this interesting project. I hope you will share with us what it was all about if the time comes to go public.
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Post by Nemo on Feb 11, 2008 0:19:31 GMT -8
Thanks DB.
You're right, and preseration is not a factor at this point. The condition is stabilized and not in danger of deteriorating further.
A real restoration will require extensive work and invasive methods that will destroy a lot of the "character" the piece has. Unfortunately, no way around that.
That's why the general thinking has tipped toward holding off for a while; let the World enjoy it as is. Maybe later a restoration.
And yes, I believe a disclosure will be forthcoming about the item in due time. If that happens, I'll be sure to post word of it here.
Thanks for all your help.
Pat
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Post by SeaRat on Feb 12, 2008 17:08:14 GMT -8
Pat,
I think someone above (Duckbill?) had a very good point, of keeping it in its original condition, but using that to build a duplicate that can be dived. Then, you have the best of both worlds, the original for show, and a divable replication that people can experience.
John
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Post by duckbill on Feb 12, 2008 19:07:17 GMT -8
Nay. It was Ryan, sea.explorer, and I wholeheartedly agree it was an excellent suggestion. The only danger I see in it being the temptation to use some of the original parts to make up for parts that are difficult or impossible to find, thereby defeating the whole purpose of keeping the original as complete and original as possible.
If the item under discussion really is a DPV (still a secret) and he does make a working replica, he could sell rides like you suggested and help defray the expense.
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Post by Nemo on Feb 13, 2008 0:10:45 GMT -8
Thanks guys. Excellent suggestions, every one of 'em.
Can't say much more about it for now. One of these days....
Thanks again.
Pat
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Post by Nemo on Feb 17, 2008 15:46:16 GMT -8
All, I am now at liberty to say that the item we've been discussing is an authentic 20,000 Leagues diving helmet. I've made a disclosure including a graphic image, and soliciting opinions regarding restoration, on the Chalkboard page of my Vulcania Submarine website. If you want to take a look: www.vulcaniasubmarine.com/CHALKBOARD.htmThanks to all who shared their opinions here. VBR, Pat
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Post by Broxton Carol on Feb 17, 2008 17:34:08 GMT -8
Having just viewed the picture of the helmet, I say do not even think of touching it. Leave it as is. That is a unique artifact of one of the most familiar, and memorable films ever made. It is priceless. Take care of it. BroXton Chuck
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Post by Nemo on Feb 17, 2008 18:20:14 GMT -8
Having just viewed the picture of the helmet, I say do not even think of touching it. Leave it as is. That is a unique artifact of one of the most familiar, and memorable films ever made. It is priceless. Take care of it. BroXton Chuck Thanks for the input, Chuck. We're still soliciting people's opinions; so far, most feel like you do, and I'll admit to being one of them. I could restore it, but that would involve using invasive techniques that will destroy the "character" of the helmet. It's value is as a historical artifact, I think. I've got the two functional replica helmets we dove for Operation Undersea Two. I've got two more helmets in construction, and plan to start a third. If we want to dive a Leagues hat, we've got 'em. The more I think about it, the less I'm able to justify restoring and diving this one. But I'm still keeping an open mind about it, and listening to what people say. Thanks Chuck. VBR, Pat
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