Voyagers! fan Chris has been constructing custom Omnis for years as a hobby. He finally achieved the desired screen accuracy in his fourth and current version. This version has custom laser-engraved dials made by an Omni manufacturer on Etsy: Project Custom: Voyagers Omni Prop Replica – New Brass Dial Upgrade Option.
Chris received a sweet memory and glowing compliment from Meeno Peluce, who played Phineas Bogg’s 12-year-old sidekick and best friend, Jeffrey Jones.
“Oh, Chris! You nailed it! That makes me so happy. It stirs some great memories from the days of making Voyagers! Particularly, it reminded me of Jon-Erik’s hands. He was such a role model for me at that age. And we’d be shooting a scene, looking down at the Omni in his hands and I’d think, Yes, that’s the hands of a man. That’s what I get to look forward to. Strength, creativity, assured and steady. Great memories. And though my fingers are a bit stiff upon waking these days, I’ve grown to have my own pair of very manageable hands. It was great to have a guide, though. We all need clarity of vision for the Voyage ahead …” – M E E N O.
The dials on Chris’ Omni were custom-made smaller to match its size. The phrases “V” and “Time Waits for No Man” were punched onto the lid using a hammer and center punch, just like they did on the original TV omni. The electronics were all redone with a new, improved soundboard with randomized sound escape sounds, including the show’s theme song. The globes were all sized to fit with magnets and steel to keep them in place. Ping-pong balls were used to make the globes, which they apparently used in the original TV Omnis. This makes for a smooth surface for the Testors Enamel model paint and gives a nice shape. To shield the soundboard, magnetic shielding was added, which added to the weight.
I’m looking forward to seeing the construction video showing Chris’ process. I’d also like to thank him for showcasing the Omni page of my Voyagers Guidebook website in his video. Please like and subscribe to Chris’ interesting Voyagers! Themed YouTube channel: Canscify.
How does one purchase these replica omni ‘s. The one I bought on etsy was plastic. I want one made of brass that matches the one on the show. I really would like the original but I know I could never get it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi, thanks for the comment. Unfortunately now one is selling them at the moment. As far as I know. Most people scoured Ebay. A company called Replica Props is in the process of making brand new light-up replicas. They had made them many years back. It’s been a long time but they have just posted a blueprint of the inside of it on my Voyagers Guidebook Facebook Group. They post updates as they go along. Perhaps you can reach out to the creator of the Youtube video on my post? Maybe he will be open to selling one? I wish I could be of more help. Most fans have wanted them for years.
I’ve seen some Omni props for sale on eBay from time to time. Are these some of Chris’ work? I have seen all sorts of price ranges as well.
Hi John, thanks for writing. I’m sorry for this very late reply. I’m unsure about the omnis being sold on Ebay. Those may be older versions from Replica Props. I haven’t checked eBay in a long time. Last I remember, Chris only designed Omnis as a hobby. I unfortunately haven’t had the time to update my websites in a long while, but Chris has uploaded 2 videos in the past month featuring more updates. I’ll add them to this post.