Beginner looking for help with mainframe replica

[malwarebuster]

I am interested in retro computers, and am trying to build a functioning replica of an IBM System/360 front panel. Some pictures are included below. Some of the pictures are from the prop used on the TV show Mad Men.

AFAIK, this is the only surviving 360 model 30 in good condition

screenshot from tv show

another screenshot from tv show

I have never done prop stuff before, and have no idea where to begin. To get started, I am looking at how to do the buttons and dials. I believe that it would be possible to 3d print and paint these parts, but I have no clue about how to go about doing the surface that this all gets mounted on. What material should I use as a base? What should I use to paint it? How do I add the legends?

Any advice that you can give me would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

 

[VilleLeskinen]

I think that depends quite a lot on what you can work with. Metal sheets? If you have the tools, that is. MDF is easy to work with though it contains formaldehyde apparently. Plywood would work too but the surface would be harder to achieve. Plexi could work also. The frame could be build from 2x2's (wood) easily, then the surface material would be mounted on it.

Have a look at this thread for some inspiration. I know it's not a computer but the build has smooth surfaces and is a bigger, chunkier piece that needs a frame :

1:1 Millennium Falcon Cockpit Replica - Group Build

Hope it helps!

 

[smithjohnj]

I thought you might find this video of interest. It provides some details of both the front and rear side of the control panel and may give you some ideas of how the original was fabricated.

 

[ID10T]

This is a fairly ambitious project.

Have you reached out to IBM directly? Are they even still in business?

 

[malwarebuster]

This is a fairly ambitious project.

Have you reached out to IBM directly? Are they even still in business?

Yes. There are already emulators for this kind of thing. I am looking to model and implement a subset of the panel features to control the existing emulator. The main questions that I had were concerning the fabrication of the components in question.

Btw: Yes, IBM is still in business, and making mainframes, but the old systems with the nice front panels are long gone.

 

[ID10T]

I wasn’t thinking emulator. I was thinking original design and engineering drawings to provide suppliers of visible components.

IBM didn’t make the switches; they ordered them from someone who did.

 

[malwarebuster]

I wasn’t thinking emulator. I was thinking original design and engineering drawings to provide suppliers of visible components.

IBM didn’t make the switches; they ordered them from someone who did.

Thanks. I didn't even think of that. It might be worth sending them an email.

 

[ID10T]

I deal with this stuff on “real” stuff. I spend half my time finding old obsolete junk to fix older junk.

 

[MrVolt]

SLA 3D printing would work for replicating the buttons since the detail of the font is quite small. You could possibly get away with using the prints directly if the buttons won't be used much, but you'd likely have to mold and cast them if you want replicated parts that will stand up to any abuse. What tools do you have access to?