Foundation Prime Radiant (heavily documented)

[Sendel]

Prime Radiant replica — Foundation
by Bunnicorn Props

Hello there,

After countless hours of freeze-framing blurry shots over multiple years, I’ve finally committed to finishing my replica of the Prime Radiant from Foundation. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing the full process as much as I had fun with it. — I’ve had a blast digging into every little detail. For me, the best part of prop-replicas is uncovering things no one’s noticed, spotting tiny inconsistencies, or cracking the logic behind a new fictional language.

Version 30, rendered in Fusion 360

A Quick Note​

If you’re planning to make your own version of this prop, I encourage you to do your own research from scratch first—then come back and let’s compare notes. That’s how I do it, and honestly, it's the most rewarding way to spot new things.

I know it’s tempting to grab ready-made sources or schematics, but I hope you’ll understand that this approach values the time and effort that goes into these builds. That said, feel free to use any techniques you see me using here!

On the left, my current model compared with the original prop on the right. 1x01

With Season 3 of Foundation just starting, it finally feels like the right moment to finish this project I started after the first season aired in 2021.

Originally, I paused because there weren’t enough high-quality reference materials. When Season 2 arrived, I picked it up again, but soon shelved it once more to focus on my life-size Stargate replica (more updates soon-ish). Now that my big project is nearing completion—and with everything I’ve learned—I’m ready to dive into more manageable builds.

My aim is to finish the replica by the Season 3 finale on September 12 (episode 10). The plan is to create a precise, bubble-free clear resin replica with detailed molded-in symbols (not laser etched). I’ll be using a resin printer, filament printer, and a pressure chamber.

If all goes well, I might consider a limited run later.

If you worked on this, you probably already spotted that the cage is not split in 2 halves in this visual. It's planned for later.

Researches​

The main Shape:​

The core form is a cuboctahedron — a cube with its corners cut off, composed of 8 triangles and 6 squares. Once you know the length of one edge, you can calculate the rest, as all sides are equal.

The Five Versions Seen On-Screen​

1. Simple version

The design of this one is simpler than the others. It seems to be made of acrylic panels (or flat resin casts) assembled together. We can see reflects on the internal face of the last picture of this post. They are wrapped around a golden cage that is also simplified (more about this in part 3). I'm convinced there is a central core in it, but that's a subject for later.

It’s used in only a few scenes and not in really closeups shots. (spoilers - duh):

• Jerril gives the PR back to Gaal 1x01
• Gaal tries to activate the PR 1x01 later Salvor relives this part 1x09
• Seldon is found dead 1x02 (there is an editing glitch here, the PR is both on the desk and on the floor)
• Salvor tries to activate the PR on Terminus 1x09
• Salvor looks at the PR before she goes away from Terminus 1x10

1x01

2. Hero curved version

This one is made of a solid pour of clear resin. If you look at the center top corner, you can clearly see it's not straight. All faces have a negative curvature. It may not be a voluntary shape, maybe it's because of how the mold was made. As the center is perfectly transparent, there is no clue of a core here.

2x01

3. Hero straight version
Same as the previous one, but this time if you look at the corners you can clearly see it's straight. Again, it looks like there could be a central core visible here. You can also see the two halves of the cage I was mentioning before.

2x01

4. Prototype version
This one has protruding faces: squares and triangles. Its body is transparent, the external faces are painted black/graphite with golden symbols. The sides between the main shapes are not straight, but all inclined. It's more obvious on the flat version.

2x06
5. Flat version
This one is self-explanatory, the design is flattened, including the cage that has more rounded internal angles here. What's funny is it's made of the same acrylic tiles used for the prototype version.

2x08

CGI

There are two CGI models used during the show until now. The second one was very helpful for the symbols.

2x01 2x08
Not completely related, but the opened version of the vault is based on a similar design.

Sizing the Radiant​

I estimated the Radiant’s size based on a scene where it’s placed on an R60 Peli Case. I have the full box dimensions, but if anyone owns a real R60 and can measure the label area where the PR sits, that would help! I currently estimate the label area at around 97mm.

2x01
As you may have noticed, I'm going for the curved hero version, but including the core. I like this one the most. I think it adds a bit of complexity to the object, and it may even help create a visual distortion when you look through it.

I’d love to hear what you think about the different versions. Which one do you prefer?
Anyone else building one or planning to? Let’s compare notes! For example: do you think the central core is a real internal element, or just a refraction illusion?

Bonus:

Here you can see the bottom of the simple version. It's white for some reason. It may be to diffuse light inside more efficiently for some shots.

1x10
Next week: Decoding the Language of the Angels — a deep dive into the Prime Radiant’s mysterious symbols, including the logic behind their shapes and placements.

Future posts will cover:

• Researching and replicating the golden cage and the core.
• 3d prints, silicon molds, cure clear resin in a pressure chamber.
• Possibly a custom display or box.
  
  I’ll stream some of the process on Twitch: twitch.tv/bunnicornprops — follow if you want behind-the-scenes, resin disasters and breakthroughs!

 

[renaissance_man]

Prime Radiant replica — Foundation
by Bunnicorn Props

Hello there,

After countless hours of freeze-framing blurry shots over multiple years, I’ve finally committed to finishing my replica of the Prime Radiant from Foundation. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing the full process as much as I had fun with it. — I’ve had a blast digging into every little detail. For me, the best part of prop-replicas is uncovering things no one’s noticed, spotting tiny inconsistencies, or cracking the logic behind a new fictional language.

View attachment 1948785
Version 30, rendered in Fusion 360

A Quick Note​

If you’re planning to make your own version of this prop, I encourage you to do your own research from scratch first—then come back and let’s compare notes. That’s how I do it, and honestly, it's the most rewarding way to spot new things.

I know it’s tempting to grab ready-made sources or schematics, but I hope you’ll understand that this approach values the time and effort that goes into these builds. That said, feel free to use any techniques you see me using here!

View attachment 1948784On the left, my current model compared with the original prop on the right. 1x01

With Season 3 of Foundation just starting, it finally feels like the right moment to finish this project I started after the first season aired in 2021.

Originally, I paused because there weren’t enough high-quality reference materials. When Season 2 arrived, I picked it up again, but soon shelved it once more to focus on my life-size Stargate replica (more updates soon-ish). Now that my big project is nearing completion—and with everything I’ve learned—I’m ready to dive into more manageable builds.

My aim is to finish the replica by the Season 3 finale on September 12 (episode 10). The plan is to create a precise, bubble-free clear resin replica with detailed molded-in symbols (not laser etched). I’ll be using a resin printer, filament printer, and a pressure chamber.

If all goes well, I might consider a limited run later.

View attachment 1948786​

If you worked on this, you probably already spotted that the cage is not split in 2 halves in this visual. It's planned for later.

Researches​

The main Shape:​

The core form is a cuboctahedron — a cube with its corners cut off, composed of 8 triangles and 6 squares. Once you know the length of one edge, you can calculate the rest, as all sides are equal.

The Five Versions Seen On-Screen​

1. Simple version

The design of this one is simpler than the others. It seems to be made of acrylic panels (or flat resin casts) assembled together. We can see reflects on the internal face of the last picture of this post. They are wrapped around a golden cage that is also simplified (more about this in part 3). I'm convinced there is a central core in it, but that's a subject for later.

It’s used in only a few scenes and not in really closeups shots. (spoilers - duh):

• Jerril gives the PR back to Gaal 1x01
• Gaal tries to activate the PR 1x01 later Salvor relives this part 1x09
• Seldon is found dead 1x02 (there is an editing glitch here, the PR is both on the desk and on the floor)
• Salvor tries to activate the PR on Terminus 1x09
• Salvor looks at the PR before she goes away from Terminus 1x10

View attachment 1948634
1x01

2. Hero curved version

This one is made of a solid pour of clear resin. If you look at the center top corner, you can clearly see it's not straight. All faces have a negative curvature. It may not be a voluntary shape, maybe it's because of how the mold was made. As the center is perfectly transparent, there is no clue of a core here.
View attachment 1948635
2x01

3. Hero straight version
Same as the previous one, but this time if you look at the corners you can clearly see it's straight. Again, it looks like there could be a central core visible here. You can also see the two halves of the cage I was mentioning before.

View attachment 1948638
2x01

4. Prototype version
This one has protruding faces: squares and triangles. Its body is transparent, the external faces are painted black/graphite with golden symbols. The sides between the main shapes are not straight, but all inclined. It's more obvious on the flat version.

View attachment 1948637
2x06
5. Flat version
This one is self-explanatory, the design is flattened, including the cage that has more rounded internal angles here. What's funny is it's made of the same acrylic tiles used for the prototype version.

View attachment 1948636
2x08

CGI

There are two CGI models used during the show until now. The second one was very helpful for the symbols.

View attachment 1948679
View attachment 1948680
2x01 2x08
Not completely related, but the opened version of the vault is based on a similar design.

Sizing the Radiant​

I estimated the Radiant’s size based on a scene where it’s placed on an R60 Peli Case. I have the full box dimensions, but if anyone owns a real R60 and can measure the label area where the PR sits, that would help! I currently estimate the label area at around 97mm.

View attachment 1948669
2x01
As you may have noticed, I'm going for the curved hero version, but including the core. I like this one the most. I think it adds a bit of complexity to the object, and it may even help create a visual distortion when you look through it.

I’d love to hear what you think about the different versions. Which one do you prefer?
Anyone else building one or planning to? Let’s compare notes! For example: do you think the central core is a real internal element, or just a refraction illusion?

Bonus:

Here you can see the bottom of the simple version. It's white for some reason. It may be to diffuse light inside more efficiently for some shots.

View attachment 1948681
1x10
Next week: Decoding the Language of the Angels — a deep dive into the Prime Radiant’s mysterious symbols, including the logic behind their shapes and placements.

Future posts will cover:

• Researching and replicating the golden cage and the core.
• 3d prints, silicon molds, cure clear resin in a pressure chamber.
• Possibly a custom display or box.
  
  I’ll stream some of the process on Twitch: twitch.tv/bunnicornprops — follow if you want behind-the-scenes, resin disasters and breakthroughs!

I did a similar analysis when I made my replicas.
I'm sure JOATRASH FX did too when he made his replica.

Getting the clear resin inside without any air pockets forming at the internal joins of the acrylic tiles was a really tricky aspect to nail on each replica made.

Best of luck with your build.

 

[Sendel]

I did a similar analysis when I made my replicas.
I'm sure JOATRASH FX did too when he made his replica.

Getting the clear resin inside without any air pockets forming at the internal joins of the acrylic tiles was a really tricky aspect to nail on each replica made.

Best of luck with your build.

Thanks !

I love what you did. I hope you'll find my take interesting.

About the bubbles : I hope the pressure chamber will be enough to have a nice result easily. You did it the hard way without a pressure chamber, right ? The result is very impressive!

You chose the straight version, was that a technical choice or more about aesthetics ?

What about the core ? Do you think it's a real component ? I'll share more details about why I think it's there, maybe tomorrow.

 

[renaissance_man]

Thanks !

I love what you did. I hope you'll find my take interesting.

About the bubbles : I hope the pressure chamber will be enough to have a nice result easily. You did it the hard way without a pressure chamber, right ? The result is very impressive!

You chose the straight version, was that a technical choice or more about aesthetics ?

What about the core ? Do you think it's a real component ? I'll share more details about why I think it's there, maybe tomorrow.

My problem with the air pockets was more because of the way I constructed the prop from individual tiles and the meeting point of those tiles, creating potential for pockets to form during the multi pour process, despite swirling a thin layer to coat the inside before proceeding with the next layer pour of clear resin.

I chose the straight version as it made the most sense given the materials I chose.

The internal lattice is definitely physically there in the original prop, you can see it in many of the screenshots you've already posted and it would be so costly for production to 3D track that in after. It just makes sense to print it, paint it and embed it within the clear resin.

 

[Sendel]

My problem with the air pockets was more because of the way I constructed the prop from individual tiles and the meeting point of those tiles, creating potential for pockets to form during the multi pour process, despite swirling a thin layer to coat the inside before proceeding with the next layer pour of clear resin.

Internal corners = bubble traps. I see what you mean, that's the same problem when you cast dice.

The internal lattice is definitely physically there in the original prop, you can see it in many of the screenshots you've already posted and it would be so costly for production to 3D track that in after. It just makes sense to print it, paint it and embed it within the clear resin.

Sorry, I didn't mean the lattice (which I'm calling : "the cage" here). What I'm calling the "core" is an extra component. I think it's a good time to explain this part to anyone reading this.

------------->

When you look at the official concept arts, what I call the core is the part you can see at the very center. Once you know it's there, you can see it very clearly on the render made by the concept artist.

Here are the 3D models not rendered :



And here is one of the original render :



You can see that the core is gray in the non textured model, compared to the main body that is transparent. It made me think the core could have been a mirror, but it's not what we see in the final render.

Now that we know that this part MAY exist, we can take a look at the prop again.

As you can see, there is a transparent mass at the center of some of the versions of the prop. There is a different diffraction in this area (violet highlight) and the light is not going through it as easily as for the rest of the body.

Also, you can see some strings (red highlight) that first seem to be from the cage, but are actually not coherent. They are not going in a logical direction and are made of a brighter metallic color (more gold / yellow).

If we take the following scene for example, the Prime Radiant is placed nearly the same way both times, but rotated differently.
If the bright gold lines at the center were just a bent view of the cage behind it, it would be nearly the same. But here you can see these lines are totally different.
Also, if you look at the white arrow, you can see that it seems like it's the end of a thin rod and not something overlapping or connected.

For now, my guess is that it's really another transparent cuboctahedron. Maybe the surface is a bit duller so we can see it. Maybe it's just the way it's refracting the light once encapsulated. And I think inside this core, they encapsulated small rods made of a golden material. Maybe just some real brass compared to the cage being made of painted 3D printed resin / plastic.

The fact that the cage is made of two halves is another clue. I think it's because it was easier to include the core at the center that way. I can think of different explanations to why it's made of two halves, but this one makes sens.

That being said, in some shots we can clearly see a prop with no core at all.

So, what do you all think ? Does this core really exist in some versions, or am I seeing things that are not there ?

Also, I just bought a pressure chamber from Vevor, pretty cheap, 75$ for a 15L tank. It's made for spray paint at max 70 PSI.
I'll modify it quickly so I can start running some test casts with the resin inclusions for this.