All these years later and those mass-produced TARDIS toys you had a hand in creating still give me joy. It is a different kind of project compared to hand-crafting a particular prop, but both are still fine accomplishments. Nice to revisit an old video and give it another view.

I was young when these came out, I was the intended audience for these, and I got some of these Tardises. This sheds a whole new light on my childhood.

Thanks for a great review. And the history behind the CO Tardiss'. I wish they had released every Doctors Tardis. I know as you say they are not accurate, but I like them. Your model is superb though.

I can imagine they'll be loads of people shouting at their screens, and crying now: "He's got 4 of them, unopened, and they're just sitting in a box!"

Fascinating back story, my father in law was a designer for matchbox (back in the day), and completely it’s about technical capabilities, economics and really trying so hard to make a “toy” everyone will love. I played with horrendous dr who “toys” as a kid and I loved them. Now I’m a big kid I can afford to get fussy about detail, but still love the wildly inaccurate and the fabulously detailed. At lest we have a wide selection to chose from, so everyone can enjoy.

The McGann and the Baker police box are my favorite designs and you've created the most beautiful Tom Baker model!

You’ve made the most accurate tardis’ I’ve ever seen watching these videos helped me cope with my dads death last year

Really interesting to hear the background to all this. Re-use is so common with toys all of ages. One day I still hope to be able to work within the toy world.

It must be wonderful to have the skill to be able to produce a perfect replica like that.Enjoyed video.

*In my silent dreams, I dream of Character working with you again, to make the TARDISes for each doctor the way YOU intended*

I still absolutely love the 4th doctor TARDIS from both of you. The CO one I love from everything, except yes it’s a little small, and yours is truly beautiful. If I had to choose between yours and the CO 4th doctor TARDIS, it’s a matter of how much I could get one or the other for.

What a brilliant video, really interesting to hear a bit of history about how these came together, and what changes had to be made. But I'd really just like to say thank you for designing such a wonderful model in the first place, they're certainly the most accurate version of the the TARDIS that I've ever seen, and I love them all! I know the client that you made that one for (I think you made him a McGann version as well), and I have seen many pictures of them both over the years, and I am always stunned by how fantastic they look!

Its such a shame we never got an accurate late 1st/2nd doctor's tardis with the roof hangover on the sign :( Excellent video to highlight why character did what they did though!

Betwixt a scale model and a 'collectors toy', the comparison is evidently immediate. It's really interesting to hear you were involved with this toy line, which I started to collect some of the Dalek's last Christmas and then have moved over onto the 80's Cybermen, which landed me on your channel in the first instance. So many differences in the Tardis over the years between the Doctor's, that to the casual eye all blends into one - colours, keyholes, doors etc which are only just becoming apparent to me. I heard recently on a podcast that A.Dewar, Character Options director of Product Development, said the current Tardis moulds had cracked and needed replacing.

Could you please do a video where you show off all these figures ect that you helped designed and talk us through the design process? I’m sure loads would be so interested in hearing about what goes on behind the scenes!

I’ve never hit the play button so fast in my life :D

Well, the way things are going, the price of the toys on the second hand market may rival yours. Also, what a shame that the individual TARDIS’ for each doctor didn’t happen.

A great comparison and explanation of how toy designs get rationalised and economised (to the point of breaking the design..!)

I love your TARDIS model it is really good. On your 'About' section you mention that you would never say you are an expert in anything but in my opinion you are the best TARDIS modelmaker I have ever seen, you are so good at it. Good luck with future projects!

You have brought joy - along with bank deficits! lol. But - the eternal joy of such a classic box can never dematerialise from our spirit. I would love to get a PB handmade one one day.

Sorry I'm late, but I just wanted to say this was a really well made video and informative, I enjoyed it. Your bespoke model is one of the best classic TARDIS recreations I've ever seen, great job. I've only just started collecting the classic series 5-inch range, which means I've unfortunately missed out on most of CO's classic TARDISES, and it's saddening to see that most of them are now going for a fortune online (thanks to scalpers). Only just managed to snag a Second Doctor War Games TARDIS set recently for £24 (a bargain considering how much they're going for now!)

This is amazing! I'm so glad this just popped up as one of the vids like "you'd probably like this". And Google was right. I've been looking on Ebay for the TARDIS toys. I do have the 11th Doctor Flight Control TARDIS, but it is so lonely. lol Best part of this was the backstory of production. How some changes were made just because of the pieces needed, like the electronics. That's awesome. And your hand-made model looks gorgeous.

I would like to have more model TARDISES

I have watched most of your videos, and been quite envious. I love Doctor Who, but my model making skills are nothing compared to yours, I love watching to see what you do to make your own Tardis. To be honest I do not have to watch this video to answer the thubnails questions. Yours is better ! I tip my hat to you sir! Keep up the good work,

I know it'll probably never happen, but I think a Peter Cushing Tardis model would look amazing. I always loved how the windows were transparent and you could see that it was just a box from the outside.

"A few hundred pounds..." SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY! lol

Thanks for sharing your involvement.

Wow! You're a toy designer? That's so awesome!!! Glad to learn about the history behind this toy. Thanks for sharing!

awwwww WOW!!!! just magical! firstly your bespoke 1976 model is mouthwateringly beautiful! and thanks for posting just stumbled across the video from batmanmatch's video review of a model 7th doctor tardis kit. LOVED the little history behind the making of the character options boxes. I was just floored when they started making the classic range and even more when it grew and grew and they had 3 DIFFERENT TARDIS's, who would have thought there ever would have been a mass produced toy range of the classic series! I collected everything (and rebrought alot of the figures second hand for my friends two 7 year olds who love Tom and Jon, hehe isn't that wonderful and they love them too) So I got the 1st and 7th Dr boxes, but stupidly passed for awhile on the 4th dr one NOT cause it wasn't a great toy, more because it was a standard 4th dr figure again, and of course THATS the one that went uber rare very quickly (after they had floor to ceiling piles of them in Forbidden Planet london for ages ..kicks self lol) So I'm obviously excited about the B&M re release , will getting two and repainting back to the 4th Dr ones colour wish me luck hehe

The thing that amuses me, is that in the story 'Logopolis', The Doctor's fourth incarnation was concerned that the dimensions of the TARDIS 'plasmic shell' were 'off', and landed next to a real Police box to take it's measurements accurately, so that the fault could be fixed. So, in a way, even if the toy is 'wrong', it is screen accurate. Possibly.

Very informative! The only TARDIS I ever owned was a CO 7th Doctors' and I had to sell it a few years ago. I've regretted it ever since and can't afford to replace it now they're so expensive. One day perhaps.

the thing about his custom tardis is that it sits really flush on a surface good job dude

Further to my previous comment, for what they are I really like them. No one else went to the trouble of producing classic Tardis toys. I have the first Doctors, two of the fourths, one for the third Doctor and three of the sevenths, Doctors & five , six & seven use them.

This needed to be done we know about the toy we see what the real thing is like .I love the 80s toy much I got 2 one to convert .That is amazing details there's nothing to compare lovely work and great paint work for season 11 12 13 amazing how it deteriorate so fast but it was the original prop Love seeing all the tardis together that's a fine collection shame it is not out

Seeing how good your TARDIS is makes me really sad that I don't have one

Wow this video was so informative and it’s so interesting to have an understanding behind the reuse of the 7th Doctors TARDIS mould! Thanks for this video! Your TARDIS is awesome by the way!

How did i miss thia video, Bloody brilliant. Cracking collection I need to get some of these pieces. Though as you said not such a fair comparison it is still a great video to show the differences

I have definitely noticed the re-use of common parts with Character's classic-era dalek toys when I scrutinized them recently. The 'body' section with the hemispheres seems to be identical across all of them, the 70s/80s daleks have the same skirt trim as the 60's daleks just with a little extra piece added on to make them the correct thickness, the supreme dalek from Planet of the Daleks re-uses the 'shoulder' section from the 70s dalek mould (giving it an incorrect circle shape on the front) as well as taking the skirt section from the 60s Invasion daleks (which is actually a really clever little piece that can be retro-fitted to any 60s daleks, as long as they have their wheels removed) I haven't got a Remembrance Imperial dalek in my collection, sadly, but from what I can see of them on Google it does look like the shoulder section and dome have been redesigned to be accurate to the original props.

Great video, really interesting to see the 3 toys and your bespoke model lined up together! And although I hate the flat roof on the 4th Doctor one, I love the white-on-black signage, and the particular blue colour. So apart from the roof, it does have a certain charm! Thanks lots for the background detail on the practicalities and foibles of mass toy production, fascinating and enlightening! Congratulations on being the actual designer of the toys that - yes! - have brought so much joy to we Dr. Who fans ;D

You know what BBC needs to start doing? They need to get a Build-Your-Own Tardis set or something. Also, I like your accurate look to both the sign and the model of the original 4th Doctor Tardis. Also, have you noticed that most of them stick with the same font as the NuWho?

Nice video, sir. Love the points about scale ratios. Having a few mathematical and logistical issues myself building a Police Box. Owing to being linguistically lucky and, therefore, numerically lazy and somewhat thick I have decided not to create a maquette before embarking upon Operation Upset Missus (Garden Folly).... Consequently I am using as a guide a cheap charity shop buy (4" base by 8" to lantern) to try and build a nearly faithful Mk II Mackenzie Trench-ish. I put 'ish' as it will probably have to be slightly smaller than the nine-odd feet of a Met or Glasgow box as, apparently, her indoors needs sunlight coming through the windows. Thus I am going with one inch to a foot, working in twelfths of an inch as an inch, and rectifying the overlarge panels/windows and raising the roof. 'Sounds mad as a fish in a tree but I think it may work... End product may just look like Regal Films' Cushing box, which I can live with. (Oh horror, protect the canon!) If you can possibly be arsed, any top pointers? Your's sincerely, William.

Great video ...you have nearly as many Tardises as me..

Man, if only I could get a classic Tardis if it wasn't so expensive in America, including the flight control tardis

Yours looks great. It's funny how we all look for accuracy but truth be know the original was just slapped together with very little thought. Like in logopolis where the bloody sign above the door is missing on one side.

sorry, I know, I was referring to the taller one that you had to take the roof off to open the door. Look really good to me.

OOOOooooohhh I'd do anything to get my hands on one of those Original 4th Doctor TARDIS's. I prefer that model to the new B&M sets

I love your fantastic collection, even a Terreleptil head?

You know I’d love it if CO could make collectors TARDIS’ that are more accurate. I am sure if they could price them at say £35 or so they’d have a lot of interest. Heck even a lot of the parts can be used to create the many various TARDIS’s.

I feel kinda bad for CO ngl. They tried to make their best out of a bad situation. I'm glad they're releasing new TARDIS'es with the B&M range even if they're non-electronic and less accurate than they would probably want.

That is a beautiful model TARDIS my good man. Where did you get the reference material and dimensions for it? I have three of these CO type 40s, 4th Dr regeneration, Shada and 5th Dr Androzani. I do like them to be honest, look nice in display.

I AM A PROUD ELEVEN YEAR OLD THAT HAPPILY AGREES THIS WAS WELL MADE. The fact I’m seeing this ten months later is bad, I think

Very interesting stuff... A couple of years ago I had a friend pose for some shots and I edited her into a scene with a tiny R2-D2, BB-8 and Daleks (not in same picture) They worked out alright. But I wanted to edit a few shots of a friend emerging from a Tardis. I bought a Tardis from Amazon but it is crap. I mean really, really naff. So every so often I have another search. That's how I came across this vid. My trouble is, I'm not a professional photographer, it is a hobby, and so my budget will not stretch to exquisite quality such as you are making. I've really enjoyed your video and this will help narrow my search.

*When you're the doctor and dont know what tardis is yours : **14:42*

Blue Peter Robot lamp.

I am hoping to get all of them when I am able to because I want the classic boxes

I kinda wish the classic Tardis’ had an interior card to make it more accurate instead of just keeping it blank or if not use a black card to make it look presentable when opened on display.

this is one of the nerdiest things I've watched in a long time.....loved it!

Ugh. I want all of those

Tom Baker had three Differnt tardises He has Jon Pertwee’s one then the littel one with the flat roof then the one that the next three doctors has after him .

3 and 4 shared the same tardis at one point I think during 3s final serials into 4s first serials.

Your tardis looks fine to me.

Your cupboard doors seam to be perfect for being modified as TARDIS doors, aren't they? And the new design will make the inside much bigger ... (maybe)

I was gonna say if it was possible to make your idea of the tardis toys but i forgot you have stopped making tardis modle making for a while

What else did you make for character and the things you make are awsome

I have two light and sound tardis ( one a deeper blue and one aged with opening telephone box) and both seem to be taller as my figures fit through the doors....perhaps the figures shrunk when travelling through time! Great video pointing out the detail , accuracy and differences...I thinking to try and build one twice the size of the ones I have.....and then maybe a 1/4 scale...need to start with some accurate tardis plans! Anybody? 3rd or 4th doctor....

Very nice! I really like your models.

But both are 4th Dr TARDIS. The CO one is from season 14 to 17 the other one is season 12/13. The 7th Dr one is from season 18 to 26

Would you ever consider making any of the TARDIS interiors one day?

I wonder if you can answer this question for me: Why the variations in the TV TARDIS? As a viewer who has dipped in and out of the series from the original screening of the first Hartnell episode, and who enjoyed introducing his sons to the Chris Ecclestone reboot (perfect timing BBC!) This is the thing that bugs me most. I can understand and even forgive the flight of self indulgent fantasy that have led to the the reinterpretations of the interior, but I just don’t get why the exterior isn’t fixed and defined by the real article of the 60’s. As a young viewer I knew the Hartnell TARDIS had certain features, and I am old enough to be able to remember seeing the originals on London’s streets. I’ve never understood the rationale of the Box changing its colour and details. In my head there can only be one definitive look, dark “Quink Ink” blue with white window frames, dark blue sign with white lettering over the doors and panels on the other three sides, a white enamel sign on the front left “door” (the telephone panel door opens, the left “door” doesn’t), and the St Johns badge on the left hand door. Looking back through all the info and images of both the real Police Box and the Tardis in its various incarnations, I’ve put the varying looks of the BBC versions down to poor continuity, shoestring budgets, lack of interest on the part of the design/ builders, or “Artistic Interpretation”, but in my head there can only be one “accurate look”, and I stick stubbornly to this despite having looked at the videos detailing the history and various minor discrepancies of the real police Box. The series finally seemed to get it all right with the Matt Smith version, only to get things wrong again in the subsequent series, which really annoys this Old Man...

Their is a third doctor and tardis set at bam

I wish character would rerelease these

mate please sell one of the 4th doctor tardises..its a waste having both of them just in a box hidden away when somebody would have it displayed and would adore it

My dude, you have a serious addiction. You need an intervention!

The CO tardis looks more the Newbury prop.

I'm not sure how far things went with the idea of all the classic TARDIS boxes being release but which versions of the Doctors would they have come with?

Gonna be honest, I always thought that the 4th Doctor TARDIS toy was based on the Newbery design and not the Brachaki

Great comparison and very informative! I have only one query - when you're talking about the 4th Doctor boxes (and the "good condition" custom you made for that client), to whom do you refer to when you say "Brahosky"? I'm only aware of Peter Brachacki (pronounced "Bra-chat-ski"), the original Doctor Who production designer, who was responsible for the original '63 and '66 props, as well as the original TARDIS interior. Cheers!

In my mind CO just kind of made a cheap hybrid of the Mk 2 Brachacki and the Newberry.

Can you also suggest CO to make the hellbent Tardis (default version)

How much would it be for you to make an accurate 4th doctor tardis ?

Wait you made the classic tardis?!

How do I get in touch with you to commission a 4th Doctors Tardis? (Is their an email or Facebook page to contact you at?) I’m a serious buyer/Collector and would love an “accurate” depiction of the 4th Doctors Tardis for my display and my collection! Please let me know! I am *VERY* interested!! Thanks! Love your videos! Can’t wait to see what you do next! Hope to hear from you soon! 🤖🤓

Do those classic series CO ones have a picture of the console room on the inside like the new series ones do?

Having done the measurements myself, the Character Options boxes - all of them, including the New Series ones - aren’t 1:13. Nor is it even 1:13.5. They’re all 1:14, a whole scale point down.

I just bought what you just described as a first doctor Tardis at a yard sale. I was curious what goes in the slot in the rear top. If you press the bottom of the slot the blue light on top comes on, But my batteries are apparently too weak to open the door. The model number is DR181. So what goes in the slot?

so do you still work for character option?

you could make some mad money from selling those spare TARDIS'es

There is no way I could afford those Tardises. They are very expensive now. Its a shame that's toys they don't all have insert cards of the interiors. It only makes sense not having them if they are prop replicas as only the new props have the interior backdrops for reference.

My collection? Millstone or milestone?

are there any semi accurate 4th doctor tardises ?

Is the inside also 1:13 scale? 🤣

wait, did you work for character ?

2:14 Hmmm I swear I've seen him somewhere

I think you're being a bit overly apologetic by reiterating the bespoke model vs toy angle, at the end of the day it's simply illustrating the point you've been asked about! Like you concluded near the end- if you want quality you pay for it!

Maybe Tom Baker doesn't fit because he is bigger on the outside.

How much do you charge for these?

The base looks too thick. A collection of mass produced bits. Locks are wrong. Love police boxes. Your personal one is your love

“If you don’t have the money, then go for something like that” (shows 4th tardis, costs £300) yeah..

You make bigger

Tom Baker TARDIS? Troughton / Pertwee roof