Done / Completed Screen Accurate Hypo Season 2-3 Star Trek TOS

[Captain Dunsel]

This was a fantastic replica of the hypo but…

Are there any more vials available— from anyone?! I have one and the red liquid has evaporated:-(

Anyone, Beuller ???

-TOSfan1

You can refill the liquid in your vial.

This is what I did…

Buy a “wisdom tooth syringe”…

Drill a hole in the top of the vial that is the diameter of the end of the syringe—it’s best to drill the hole on the side of the vial the goes into the “cup” on the Hypo.

Fill your syringe with your liquid of choice and then stick the tip of the syringe into the hole you drilled in the vial and fill it up.

Once you have filled up the vial to the level you want, pull the tip of the syringe out of the hole in the vial and mix up some clear 5 minute epoxy and use a small amount to reseal the hole you drilled.

According to Mike Moore (HMS) they used glycerine, water, and food coloring for the liquid in the vials on ST:TNG.

 

[CptBennetQuill]

Man, those are fabulous.

 

[Tosfan1]

Pics speak for themselves. Bravo.

I love the hypo you have there. I believe I have the same series from Ryan/Scott? The vials look the same as mine but the fluid has all evaporated…

Yours are lovely and full! Any ideas on a repair or replacement for this variety vial?

 

[CessnaDriver]

I love the hypo you have there. I believe I have the same series from Ryan/Scott? The vials look the same as mine but the fluid has all evaporated…

Yours are lovely and full! Any ideas on a repair or replacement for this variety vial?

Same, long evaporated away. I have thought to just fill them with some clear colored resin and be done with it. I think everything is going to evaporate unless they are sealed glass.

 

[Captain Dunsel]

Same, long evaporated away. I have thought to just fill them with some clear colored resin and be done with it. I think everything is going to evaporate unless they are sealed glass.

I replaced all of mine with empty acrylic vials from SD Studos…I have yet to encounter a sealed acrylic vial within which the liquid does not evaporate, over time.

 

[Tosfan1]

Same, long evaporated away. I have thought to just fill them with some clear colored resin and be done with it. I think everything is going to evaporate unless they are sealed glass.

Unfortunately I should have bought more of these vials so if I fail my attempt to refill and seal, I would have a backup. I imagine everyone who has these are going through a similar — “crisis!” The source for these, like the liquid, has evaporated…

 

[CessnaDriver]

Hmmmm, Transmission fluid? It's red!

 

[CessnaDriver]

AI's take on what to use.....

"Fluids to Avoid:

• Red Transmission Fluid: As noted in the previous query, transmission fluids (often red) contain hydrocarbons and additives that can craze or soften acrylic over time, making them unsuitable.
• Blue Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol-Based): Many blue antifreezes contain ethylene glycol or propylene glycol with additives that may attack acrylic, especially with prolonged exposure.
• Solvent-Based Colored Fluids: Any red or blue fluid containing alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol in high concentrations), acetone, or other solvents will likely damage acrylic.
• Dyes with Unknown Solvents: Some commercial red or blue dyes may be dissolved in aggressive solvents, so always verify the dye’s base (water or oil, not solvent).

Recommendations:

• Best Choice: A glycerin-based solution dyed with food-grade red (FD&C Red No. 40) or blue (FD&C Blue No. 1) dye is the safest and most reliable option. It’s non-evaporating, chemically compatible with acrylic for long-term storage, and easy to prepare.
• Alternative: Food-grade mineral oil with an oil-soluble red or blue dye is suitable for shorter-term storage (weeks to months), but verify long-term compatibility with a small test if storage exceeds a few months.
• Precaution: Always test a small sample of the fluid in an acrylic vial for 24–48 hours to confirm no clouding, crazing, or softening occurs, especially with dyed oils. Ensure the vial is sealed to prevent any minor evaporation in water-based solutions.

If you need a specific brand, recipe, or source for these fluids, or if you have additional constraints (e.g., temperature, storage duration), let me know, and I can refine the answer or search for suppliers!"



I guess the TNG guys glycerine solution is the only solution short of doing something solid like resin.

 

[CessnaDriver]

My vile is about 18.8 mm x 45 mm. 19 mm for the plunger size. Looking around if there is a glass vile solution.