Resident creates life-size TARDIS on his property

April 22, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
We all like to get away from it all at times.
For one resident, all he has to do is walk across his front lawn and be sent clear across the galaxy. Or at least that’s the idea.
Alan Hart, who lives on Mount Wolfe Road on the Caledon-King border, created a full-scale replica of the TARDIS, an iconic piece of hardware from the long-running British science fiction show, Doctor Who. The TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) is as recognizable as the starship Enterprise, but less cumbersome.
It’s intricate to the Dr. Who saga, a machine that allows the characters to travel through time and space, wreaking havoc, creating mayhem and averting disaster in nearby galaxies and dimensions.
In the series, the Doctor pilots an apparently unreliable, obsolete Type 40, Mark TARDIS. Its chameleon circuit is broken, leaving it stuck in the shape of a 1960s-style London police box after a visit to London in 1963.
Hart’s creation stands roughly nine feet tall, with 52 square inches of floor space. It’s been quite the conversation piece and traffic stopper, since it’s been perched on his front lawn for the past year or so. He wanted to build it to pay homage to the show’s 50th anniversary, which was celebrated in 2013.
While decorative, the TARDIS can be used by Hart’s children as a shelter waiting for the school bus.
Many people have stopped by to catch a glimpse of the TARDIS and cars are often seen at the side of the road with its occupants taking photos. Hart smiles, saying it’s likely one of the most popular tourist attractions in Caledon.
It’s a simple shape, yet Hart painstakingly recreated the design, trim and window style. If you’re a fan of the show, its appeal is obvious. As you approach it, you almost expect opening the door to see the inner workings of a massive time machine.
As production progressed, the TARDIS got heavier and heavier. It weighs in the neighbourhood of 650 pounds.
Hart’s love for the show got a boost when actor Tom Baker, arguably one of the most famous Doctors, stopped by his elementary school in Belfast in the mid-1970s. Fast-forward to 2013 and Hart contacted Baker’s agent to see if it was possible for Tom to visit Bolton for 50th anniversary.
He’s been catching up on past seasons of Doctor Who, and has a great fondness for all the newer Doctors.
In its early years, Doctor Who was produced on a limited budget and would seem quite funny by today’s standards. It has evolved into a very sleek, well written show that rivals any science fiction drama.
Hart is an idea man and has plenty racing around his mind at any given time. He loves entertainment and would love to break into the industry via movies, TV and commercials. He has rough drafts for all of these. He did produce a two-minute car commercial that’s been seen on YouTube.
He came up with an idea for an innovative beer commercial. Since he likes to go “big,” he approached Irish stars like Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson and Colm Meaney to lend a hand to his project. He approached others like Howard Stern, even producer Steven Spielberg. He’s also wanting to get into acting, but has more of a desire to be behind the camera. He’s still hopeful that he will one day present his ideas, including a TV show and game show, to receptive producers.
While he’s hit some brick walls, Hart is tenacious.
His personal to-do list continues to grow. He’s been busy around his Caledon home, honing his skills making furniture, guitars, garden sheds and some miniature versions of the TARDIS.
As the local TARDIS pays tribute to a TV show, it’s a testament to one man’s talents and passion.
Hart is more than happy to discuss his projects. If you’d like to find out more, contact him at ahart67@gmail.com.