Gizmology On Parade... [PIC]

Gizmology is a modeler's trick in super-detailing when you lack an actual spec sheet and file photos of, say an exposed aircraft jet engine or the components behind the pilot's seat where you know what should be there, but don't know the size, shape and configuration. Solution: put lots of little stuff to make it look busy. The same goes for sci-fi stuff when you want to put stuff that could pass for 25th century technology just by looking cool. As a modeler and diorama builder, you're always looking out for things that could pass for small scale components. This includes trash can and dumpster diving. One great find was a large scale Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer, which, if you remember was a huge wedge shaped craft absolutely studded wit little gizmos and gadgets that looked the came from a modeler's parts bin. I could replicate just about any component needed just by finding a look alike on the craft and removing it with a razor saw.

For a movie car, the "Ghostbusters" ECTO-1 is a prime example of gizmology. Starting with a very rare 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura Duplex ambulance/hearse, hardware consultant Stephen Dane scoured used aircraft parts, medial and sci-fi props, a non-working marine radar setup, and components  for a PKE (Psychokinetic Energy) detector and meter. Filling the rest up, he added compressed gas tanks and filled the interior with mock-up scientific instrumentation, storage for proton packs and ghost tracking electronics. Originally, co-creator, Dan Ackroyd, envisioned the ECTO-1 finished in sinister matte black with purple and green strobe lights having the property of invisibility when chased by police. But, director Ivan Reitman and his cinematographer wanted the car to be the star of the show and because it would be almost invisible in night shots, went with pure white with red accents.

Here's my Star Wars parts bin: