Need help finding the right box to build on! Trek Replicator

[Sulla]

Ok everyone. I am a go on my captain’s chair; my full size engineering station has begun. Now I want to start resourcing my replicator.

I was thinking of making it from some kind of existing box. My first thought was some kind of aluminum box or plastic/wood/metal storage bin.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I figure I find the main structure (preferably clear if plastic for back lighting purposes) box and build the face and the dropped angle-front ‘roof’ of the replicator. Paint the whole thing, install lights, and apply graphics.

Here’s pix of a cardboard mock up I did of an ideal replicator. It was sized to fit on my shelf, but I figure I can put it anywhere and may eventually design a Trek-style storage cabinet with this replicator set into it.

 

[Sulla]

Something like this would be perfect, but I don't want to sped $50 on one of these for this project.

I am trying to avoid making the box here.

 

[juno]

I think the cardboard looks pretty darn good! How about just styrene with that same design?

 

[Sulla]

After some close consideration, styrene would work well. But I need to find it in larger sheets than are available at my Hobbytown USA.

 

[superjedi]

Not sure what's available in your area, but my local Ace Hardware carries acrylic sheet.
They'll even cut it to size for you for about 75 cents per cut.

 

[phase pistol]

That looks great, but one thing to note: I wouldn't put a button panel INSIDE the replicator.

I mean, wouldn't that be like putting a control panel inside your microwave oven? :lol

Buttons on top look good tho. :thumbsup

- k

 

[sector 7G]

Myer (sp) is what you seek Andy, on the Eastside Binford Blvd. you can get a 4 ft by 8 ft sheet of styrene, just about any thickness for around 40 bucks.

After some close consideration, styrene would work well. But I need to find it in larger sheets than are available at my Hobbytown USA.

 

[Sulla]

Thanks Russ. I am sure you've told me this before. Sorry if you've had to repeat it.

That looks great, but one thing to note: I wouldn't put a button panel INSIDE the replicator.

I mean, wouldn't that be like putting a control panel inside your microwave oven? :lol

Buttons on top look good tho. :thumbsup

- k

Sorry for the quality. This was taken before I had my video capture software.

And from the DS9 tech manual. These replicators were seen on the Defiant.

 

[peter1701]

I gotta agree...lol...the mock up itself looks great!