Flux Capacitor Redux

[Valor]

As quarantine has dragged on I've been revisiting a few props I build years ago. One of those is the Flux Capacitor I made about 7 years ago. I build it off the best info I had at the time. But there are things I want to improved.

Pics here are the current state. A fine flux, but a few things to redo:

1. The color: I used a gray that is too dark
2. The Torr Relays:
   1. Upon inspection I'm about 1/8" too small in diameter and 1/4" too short.
   2. Also, I really want these to be real brass!
   3. I'll be rebuilding the glass relay tubes out of acrylic tubes and spheres.
3. The Elbow Connectors: I used 2 simple plumbing elbows originally. I want to create the set of three connectors that are commonly shown. I'll be modelling the two obscure elbows in 3D and printing them on my resin printer.
4. Latches: My box came without latches. The door is held on with velcro, which is fine. But I'd like to get my hands on two latches.

Here we go.

 

[Valor]

I've been working on the Torr relays. Again, my goal is correct size and BRASS. To do this I created a solid puck of resin the size of the body of the relay. I'm covering this with brass sheet. Really thin stuff around the side (securing in the back with the bracket. And a thicker round piece for the top. I'm also making all the brackets out the thicker brass sheet.

 

[Valor]

I spent the night modeling the two "CANNON" elbows used on the top and bottom of the Flux. I'm not an expert, but I believe these were some sort of vintage computer connector? I'm ballparking these based on limited imagery I can find. But they are way closer than what I had. The big fat top elbow is a modified PVC elbow. Close enough for me.

 

[Valor]

The acrylic glass tubes are finished. I’m now waiting for a couple details to finish the capacitors. The new accurate size is more different. Than I thought when you lay everything out. Looks like I need a new backboard as well. I got a deal on a damaged Stahlin enclosure on eBay. I’ll be stealing the hinge and latches off it to add to mine.

 

[Valor]

I bought a damaged Stahlin enclosure on eBay. I was able to transfer the hinges and latched to my Box. FINALLY feels right.

The inside bits are coming along. I'm waiting a a couple details (flux labels, paint the acrylic block sides gold, etc.

I also made up a little data plate for the bottom. Something to commemorate the build.

 

[MattgomeryBurns]

Your craftsmanship is amazing. I’m constantly impressed with each of your builds and the dedication to making them better (and not just another carbon copy).

 

[erv]

amazing result and so love you also printed your curved connectors. Stellar SLA prints !

 

[ChaosX]

The acrylic glass tubes are finished. I’m now waiting for a couple details to finish the capacitors. The new accurate size is more different. Than I thought when you lay everything out. Looks like I need a new backboard as well. I got a deal on a damaged Stahlin enclosure on eBay. I’ll be stealing the hinge and latches off it to add to mine. View attachment 1413766View attachment 1413767View attachment 1413768

Do you have a printable template for the back board?

 

[signeddiamond]

Any chance you are parting with the connector files somewhere? That’s one addition I have never attempted on my capacitor.

 

[Valor]

Here's the backboard drawing I used.

 

[Valor]

Any chance you are parting with the connector files somewhere? That’s one addition I have never attempted on my capacitor.

Sure. Here's the STL's of the curved connectors I made. I believe I scaled them down a bit when I printed them. Maybe 80%.

 

[Valor]

FYI, I'm holding on some final pics of this build because I'm waiting on the little silver labels on the Torr Replays. Must ... Be ... Patient ....

 

[Skysurfer]

I'm a little behind, the printed ones do look great though.
A

 

[Valor]

Oh man, those pictures would have been super helpful when I modeled my pieces

 

[Skysurfer]

Broken down on a mat (.250") for scale.
The shell is 2 pieces so there would be a parting line down the center.

 

[Valor]

Interesting. Slightly different from these (which I know are a casting) ... Seems like there are severals versions of these.

 

[propmainiac]

Very nice work! Don't know if I'll go that far with the electrical box elbows....I picked up a box( not stahlin) but dimensions are the same for 45 off ebay..how does that hinge attach and where?

 

[Valor]

Very nice work! Don't know if I'll go that far with the electrical box elbows....I picked up a box( not stahlin) but dimensions are the same for 45 off ebay..how does that hinge attach and where?

It fits between the door and the body when it's closed. Because this was an exact match from the one I salvaged it from it was pretty easy.

 

[PolarSuns]

Wonderful work! This is one of my bucket list props.

 

[mluder]

FYI - The small terminals on the Torr relays are still available... Item TSL-1410B. Standoff Terminals - Rivet Terminal