Quite honestly, as long as a new show shows some respect to the original GH...I'm pretty open to various interpretations. The respect thing is really crucial.
I have a question that some of you might be able to help with. In trying to research the '66 Hornet Sting there are picture of a version with a total of 5 segments and ones with 6 segments? Any idea which version was used more often? Did these version vary in total length? IT'S SOOOOO CONFUSING!!
Looking at reviews of the Factory Entertainment prop, it looks like there are five sections in addition to the handle. That's probably based on their research, so is likely the most common. Photos of the real prop show either four or five sections. There were multiple versions so each one is probably a little different. Also it looks like the collar and end pieces are made of brass.
I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect reproduction or prop, so I'd go with whatever works best for you. If you're using electronics, probably 1 1/2" diameter is best if it will contain wiring. For my purposes a 1 inch diameter worked fine.
One more thing to consider is if you merely intend to display it, or take it to conventions where it will get more wear and tear. My daughter is an award-winning cosplayer, and she tries to make her props strong enough to take some abuse, but still has to treat them delicately when transporting them. There are stations at larger cons that contain adhesives, paint, and other stuff so people can make repairs to their costumes and/or props.
I saw the 1966 Batman exhibit at the Hollywood Museum, and even those reproductions weren't "perfect" and the screen-used props actually looked kind of rough (as in not well made).
If Folks want to see "rough", One should see the original Battlestar Galactica weapons. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; I was told by the prop and costumers on various shows that they had to "Make it cheap; make it fast and make it just strong enough to last for the filming" So it doesn't surprise me if the real props look a bit worn or cheesy.
Yes, it's true that most props are not made to last a lifetime and a lot of them don't even make it through the films or TV series before needing to be replaced. I do agree that a close approximation is about the best we can hope for and that it's whatever works best for our needs...and in my case it will be for actual cosplay with all the rigors that accompany that. I appreciate everyone's input on this.
Does anyone have the Factory Entertainment prop? I'm trying to figure out if the Sting segments extend in equal lengths or if each segment extend at different lengths. Its hard to tell from pictures of the real prop.