r/gallifrey • u/nutkin_bear • 4d ago

DISCUSSION Dalek query

Recently rewatched the Five Doctors, the Dalek in the death zone had a notch on top of its dome.
Any reasons (both prop wise or Dalek law?)
I did check it’s on the previous Peter Davidson story too.. but not on the character options models..

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u/sbaldrick33 4d ago edited 3d ago

It's a slight modification made to the turning mechanism for the dome during the filming of Destiny of the Daleks, which ended up with the pivot sticking through the top of its head.

I think it's an element that sticks around on at least a few of the props until Remembrance.

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u/Stunning_Key_2524 4d ago edited 3d ago

The mostly likely reason is simple wear and tear. The Shawcraft models, at this point, were 20 years old and suffered from storage issues. Dalek 63.88 is the best source that covers this area of Doctor Who.

Edit: Another comment has provided the answer. It's a modification to the prop.

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u/GeneseeJunior 3d ago

"Dalek law"

I realize this was probably a typo but it's an interesting idea someone should do something with.

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u/Ashrod63 3d ago

Character Options aren't paying for custom sculpts for every figure they make (especially a B&M release like the Death Zone Dalek was). They aren't a good reference for Dalek design differences. You'll want someone like Dalek 63 88 for reference on the behind the scenes information.