CB2001
Master Member
Maybe a few of the Trek fans or those who have built replica TOS tricorders can help out in answering this question. I've toyed around with the idea of scratchbuilding a TOS Tricorder to give to my dad (who is a ST fan and has been collecting books and comics involving the original ST characters recently). Now, though I'm only considering it (and I already have some the research material, namely the ST Tech Manual reprint which gives me a starting point for constructing such an item), I've been trying to do some research on materials to use for the Tricorder. Yes, I know I could buy a Diamond Select Tricorder or even a Playmates Tricorder toy and convert it, but I really want to get into the act of building things (as most of my props have been found items). Though I've got a few other things on my list (such as the BSG FN-57's launcher as an example), I figured I'd ask this question, as I know that Orlando has more resources for materials (and since I'm moving in the final week of this month, I may pick up some material before I move).
What I'm wondering is that for the black "shell" of the Tricorder, what material was used? Was it just normal black spraypaint? Faux leather? According to the ST Tech Manual, the strap that is used for the Tricorder is made of naugahyde vinyl. But I don't know if that's what the production used on the original series for the shell when they made it. Anyone happen to know?
What I'm wondering is that for the black "shell" of the Tricorder, what material was used? Was it just normal black spraypaint? Faux leather? According to the ST Tech Manual, the strap that is used for the Tricorder is made of naugahyde vinyl. But I don't know if that's what the production used on the original series for the shell when they made it. Anyone happen to know?