A collaborative effort: G/H USCM Locker Control Panel

[tommin]

Updated Project Collaboration and presentation model depicted above. Original posting follows:

Hind sight almost always comes with greater clarity and I probably should have taken the time to speak a little about why this particular prop captures my interest. The USCM Locker Control panel is a rather obscure set dressing that was utilized in the film ALIENS. Anyone that knows me will confirm that this particular film has captured my imagination since its release in the late ‘80s. To the casual viewer, some of the most notable visuals are things like the characters, definitely the pulse rifle, the creature designs, and maybe even some of the vehicles. The sets for this production, just like the film it sequels, were absolutely incredible. Eventually, I would hope that my entertainment room will reflect the spirit of many of those sets through acquisition or direct fabrication of my own. There is no exception with this particular piece and currently it is at the stage of conceptual proof.

Over the years, I’ve come to know that the replica prop forum includes a large number of talented and highly skilled group of individuals. This is the reason that I would like to share my progress on this particular piece. Excitement drove me to posting the initial show off video. Although, I have no regrets and still love the piece that I made, I am still completely open to ideas and suggestions on making it the best it can possibly be.

With this in mind, I am including three different screen captures that I’ve been grilling on for some time now. Please examine and feel free to post your thoughts or ideas on the topic.

For some reason, the blue tooth adapter on my phone is still gargoyleing on this simple demo. Build tutorial to follow, if there is any interest.

https://www.facebook.com/tom.gray.904/videos/vb.1393041673/10209840860683527/?type=3&theater

 

[breen2057]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

For some reason, the blue tooth adapter on my phone is still gargoyleing on this simple demo. Build tutorial to follow, if there is any interest.

https://www.facebook.com/tom.gray.904/videos/vb.1393041673/10209840860683527/?type=3&theater

the link wont let me see anything it says
[h=2]Sorry, this content isn't available at the moment[/h]The link you followed may have expired, or the Page may only be visible to an audience that you aren't in.

 

[tommin]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

Thanks breen2057.... Wierzbowski's locker control panel until I can find out what is going on with my server...

 

[Mike J.]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

I could see it. Were you logged in to FB at the time?

... Tommin ... There's a name I haven't heard in a long time ...

 

[veektohr]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

Rad I have a weird fondness for that thing. Did anybody ever correctly ID the calculator they used on it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bigbisont]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

Rad I have a weird fondness for that thing. Did anybody ever correctly ID the calculator they used on it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yup. "Dixons Solar 7"

http://forum.alienslegacy.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14999&hilit=solar+7


I do want one of these control panels myself some day but I kind of want to source the stainless locker first though! (man stainless lockers are expensive!)

 

[veektohr]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

Can't think of a better way to store your fatigues, though!

Yup. "Dixons Solar 7"

http://forum.alienslegacy.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14999&hilit=solar+7


I do want one of these control panels myself some day but I kind of want to source the stainless locker first though! (man stainless lockers are expensive!)

 

[tommin]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

Yup. "Dixons Solar 7"

http://forum.alienslegacy.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14999&hilit=solar+7

Agreed. The calculator has been identified but I decided not to waste any more time searching for a 30 year old piece of antiquated electronics. Also, the graphics on the buttons have been modified and each of the control panels that I've seen have slight variances between them. For my needs, going with an idealized version of the control panel suites just fine and since several duplicates of this are needed, keeping costs to a minimum makes me happy.

As mentioned earlier, I began with the study of several screen captures. Wierzbowski's locker appeared to be among the cleanest of them all. With this, I created line art that represents what I felt were some of the most important features of the part.

With the line art isolated, I went forward with a basic study of dimensions to ensure that everything made physical sense. If you ever find yourself presented with the challenge of actually scratch building this thing, you will understand what I mean by that. I am guessing that the floppy port may have been a much older faceplate than the 3.5" discs that may not have been available at the time of filming.

After my initial study, I went forward with a piece that possessed a much higher level of precision. Shown in the upper left of this image is a wing hinge kit that I am developing for the Hasbro 30" X Wing fighter. A demonstration of that is scheduled for a different thread.

Once getting to this point, I determined that standard 5mm LED's with the 8mm chrome bezels were going to make the best fit for this project.

Also, it was decided to go with a sort of standard size opening for the LCD display that will accommodate an assortment of salvaged calculators. Here, the grid mesh material is being attached to the master sculpt.

A quick shot of primer to isolate any irregularities.

I build up of thickness to accommodate my vacuum former.

Finally, the initial test of my vacuum former to see how well the part might be duplicated. Still putting together a few assembly images and hopefully will have some more to show here real soon. All feedback is appreciated and I will be glad to answer any questions that I can. Thanks for looking.

 

[ghostryder]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

Love..

 

[tommin]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

Thanks Willie!!

Had to experiment a little bit with some depth variations to get the most optimal form level. The idea is to preserve enough space inside to leave room for electronics yet retain the over all slimline look of the panel.

The moment of truth when it comes to the ease of assembly. A straight edge and a sharpie was needed to indicate my cut lines and a carbon cutting wheel for a rotary tool is all that is needed to remove the excess polystyrene.

Front and back panel pictured here with depression points to accurately drill the openings for the LEDs and picture hanging hardware.

As I had mentioned earlier, the opening designed into the original form should be just large enough to accept many available calculator display screens.

To speed things up a bit for this build demo, a power switch and a 9 Volt battery clip was salvaged out of an old RC toy car.

A quick coat of flat black to achieve a more "manly look" to the piece.

And a quick shot of the inside to illustrate how the newly modified calculator display housing is glued in place.

I picked up a number of these 5mm LED bezels. Again, this was the closest match to the screen used prop that I could find and they are still readily available.

The upper portion of the back panel yields just enough room to install the 9 Volt battery. Wiring should be pretty simple and straight forward. The LED's come prewired with the proper resistors hard wired in to them.

Testing the circuit. The LED's that I have alternate from each other. As much as I hated to do it, I had to get into my supply of locker control panel greeblies to polish off the final details of this replica.

And finally, proof of concept. This control panel is incredibly light weight and can be mounted almost anywhere. If my calculations are correct, one should expect to enjoy a minimum of 35 hours of illumination on a fresh 9 Volt battery. Again, the static picture looks pretty nice but to see the real thing in action is even better. Once again, if you have not seen the video, please feel free to check it out HERE. One of the nice affects is that it tends to strobe a dark entertainment room in a similar fashion as some of the scenes from the film. Which is nice. Hope you enjoy and if I can answer any questions about this, please don't hesitate to let me know.

 

[tommin]

Re: USCM Locker Control Panel

This is a shot in the dark but, I've not even considered creating additional graphics for this piece. Would anyone here be willing to work up some water soluble decals for this? Will be glad to trade out something for the effort.

 

[tommin]

Re: Custom graphics help?: USCM Locker Control Panel

Edited initial posting to recruit some fresh eyes on these calculator buttons and hopefully find someone that can make decals.

 

[Mike J.]

Re: Custom graphics help?: USCM Locker Control Panel

Looks like they may have moved some of the buttons around, possibly rotated them, or added dots or something to them...

The numerals 0-9 and the decimal point all seem to be in the same places, but the other function buttons don't match.

Additionally, it looks like some of the function buttons may have been colorized, possibly simply colored over with a red or yellow marker.


-MJ

 

[tommin]

Re: Custom graphics help?: USCM Locker Control Panel

Looks like they may have moved some of the buttons around, possibly rotated them, or added dots or something to them...

The numerals 0-9 and the decimal point all seem to be in the same places, but the other function buttons don't match.

Additionally, it looks like some of the function buttons may have been colorized, possibly simply colored over with a red or yellow marker.


-MJ

Agreed totally. Thank you for offering your feedback on this as this is something I need; extra eyes to make it perfect. With a little luck, I can draw your expertise into this project.

This picture depicts my current master after undergoing some rigorous vacu-forming.

 

[Mike J.]

Re: Custom graphics help?: USCM Locker Control Panel

Here's a quickie PS comparison.

Rather than popping buttons in and out, I suspect they just put some dry transfer lettering over some of them. Dashes, lines, parentheses, something like that. Plus the colorized buttons.

I can replicate the graphics, but I can't make decals or dry transfers. Jason Eaton (MoffEaton) knows people who can.


-MJ

 

[tommin]

Re: Custom graphics help?: USCM Locker Control Panel

Here's a quickie PS comparison.
-MJ

Thank you, sir. The transfer decals have become my own brick wall in making this thing perfect.

[ ;; disclaimer :: ] I just made these extras for additional rooms and are not for sale.

 

[tommin]

Re: Custom graphics help?: USCM Locker Control Panel

Finally had a chance tonight to restart on these. Hope you guys don't mind the update.

 

[tommin]

Re: Custom graphics help?: USCM Locker Control Panel

I'm really not that good at busting out demo videos but I figured some of you fellas might want to see this.

 

[Oddmar]

Re: Custom graphics help?: USCM Locker Control Panel

I can (probably) cut vinyl lettering that small if that would help? A black piece with the character cut out of it, placed onto a white piece that gets stuck on the control pad. That stays on the best. Or i can just cut small characters out of white vinyl. oddmarjacobin@gmail.com

 

[falloutboy]

Re: Custom graphics help?: USCM Locker Control Panel

If you tell me the measurements- I'd be willing to model the buttons with letters indented in a stl that could be printed- then it's a quick paint job.

Would even be willing to print up a set or two for you on my resin printer if you wanted to mold them.