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A pair of full-size Power Loader "short version" legs with additional components from James Cameron's Aliens. The Colonial Marines' spaceship Sulaco came outfitted with several P-5000 Power Loader exosuits that Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) used to help load up a dropship for the expedition to the terraforming colony on LV-426. Later, Ripley donned one to fight the xenomorph Queen that stowed away on the dropship's landing gear from the exomoon's surface.
Designed by John Richardson with input from production designer Syd Mead and Cameron, the full-size exosuit was cumbersome and required hidden counterweights and suspension wires to remain stabilized while it was piloted by stunt performers hidden within the suit. "Short versions" of the Power Loader legs such as these were created by VFX technician Steven Begg's team for shots when the principal actor's feet were unseen while operating the exosuit, as compared to the more stilt-like legs used for full body shots. These short legs were used for the majority of the final battle with the Queen, as they allowed the performers a much safer and dynamic range of motion while filming atop a raised platform to compensate for the reduced height.
This pair of legs is constructed from vacuum-formed plastic filled with rigid foam and inset with metal foot plates. They feature plastic boots inset beneath the top aluminum plate where the stuntperson would have their feet as they operated the exosuit behind the performer.
Also included are additional vacuum-formed plastic panels painted in silver and yellow colors; 12 smooth foam tubes used as hydraulic cables for the Power Loader; one fiberglass "claw" side panel painted gray; a machined aluminum joint with rubber tubing and a pneumatic hose attachment;. and a pair of PVC pipe antennae, both slit along their lengths to allow them to be wrapped around the heavy cables used to hold up the suit during filming. Production intentionally distressed these parts to appear well-used with grime and liquid streaks. This lot exhibits separated plastic, loose components, chipped edges and paint. Dimensions: (each) 30" x 30" x 25" (76.25 cm x 76.25 cm x 63.5)
Estimate: $6,000 - 12,000