Star Trek TNG Replicator Display

Snow Builder · Jan 26, 2023

I have a bunch of odds-and-ends Star Trek pieces that are displayed around my home office.

I’d like to consolidate them into a single display and wanted to do something a little more interesting than a shadow box.

My solution? Let’s go with a TNG style replicator. The replication “plate” will act as a shelf while the back panel can be used for pictures and hanging pieces.

I’m sizing it to be 36” tall by 30” wide to fit a specific wall. I want it to be super light, so construction is housing insulation and poster board (with a little foam board snuck in).

First built a small mock-up from foam board.

Now on to full scale….

More to come…

JamesM242 · Jan 27, 2023

Thanks for posting - I'm looking forward to following your progress.

Shyaporn · Jan 27, 2023

I sort of love the small mock-up and gives me an idea for doing a hack on our espresso machine

Snow Builder · Jan 29, 2023

Interesting challenge. I’ve been using wood glue with foam for years and never had a problem. Of course for this project I’m having a problem with the glue not curing.

It’s always something .

I’ve glued up more of the structure. I’ll start skinning it next.

MattMunson · Jan 29, 2023

Amazing. Looks great! Can't wait to see the next progress pic!

division 6 · Jan 29, 2023

I've seen in a few videos people using water activated gorilla glue and tooth picks and Skewers to hold the parts while curing.

Caveneau · Jan 29, 2023

Very cool project. I'll be watching this for sure!

Jastor00 · Jan 30, 2023

Liquid Nails works well on extruded polystyrene insulation. Model Railroaders use it to create scenery. Worked for me!

Very much approve of this build! Will be watching with interest...

Snow Builder · Jan 31, 2023

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement and I appreciate the suggestions on adhesives.

The skinning has begun. I start with a layer of craft paper then add a second layer of poster board.

Snow Builder · Feb 5, 2023

Starting to figure out the detailed paneling. Began on the bottom shelf. Think it’s looking pretty good so far.

There’s a shortage of foam board out our way so I’m using corrugated plastic for this part.

Doc101 · Feb 5, 2023

Very cool idea - are you planning on having it as a static display or will you add in any electronics?

Snow Builder · Feb 7, 2023

Doc101 said:
Very cool idea - are you planning on having it as a static display or will you add in any electronics?

I’ve installed lighting but don’t think I’ll do anything further. The LCARS display will be a transparency. The top and bottom sections will remain accessible, so I can always add a Bluetooth speaker or rethink electronics at a later time.

Adding the final details starting with the bottom section, craft foam attached with spray adhesive. I think the replicator is starting to look like a child’s toy with all the primary colors.

Snow Builder · Feb 8, 2023

Whew, finally got all the plating done. Figuring out the measurements was time consuming.

Hard to see what it’s really going to look like with all the colors. Next step is to get it sealed and primed.

JamesM242 · Feb 9, 2023

Thanks again for posting your progress. Watching this has inspired me to change up some plans I have for building a display base. I like where are going with the craft foam, which is a material I have never used before. Is this type of foam readily available at a hobby/craft store and do the different colors have any significance (strength, weight, etc.)?

Snow Builder · Feb 9, 2023

JamesM242 said:
Thanks again for posting your progress. Watching this has inspired me to change up some plans I have for building a display base. I like where are going with the craft foam, which is a material I have never used before. Is this type of foam readily available at a hobby/craft store and do the different colors have any significance (strength, weight, etc.)?

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Craft foam is ubiquitous and inexpensive. I'm using a large pack I picked up at Walmart for about $4, I think each sheet measures about 11" x 16" and there's probably 20 sheets in the pack. It's pretty easy to work with, you can cut it with scissors or an X-acto blade. It has stretch to it -so it can cover for less than perfect angles or cuts, and has pretty good strength (though you'll tear it if you're too aggressive). It can be easily textured if you're trying to replicate leather and can also be lightly sanded.

The colors don't mean anything, it's a material primarily used by kids for arts-and-crafts so they're just bright and vibrant.

Snow Builder · Feb 12, 2023

Got several base coats of black down. I’d sealed the craft foam with Modpodge but it was still very thirsty.

The next step will be to paint the panels gray (the spaces between the panels will remain black).

Since this piece will hang on the wall the underside will be visible and it’s not looking great right now. I'll re-skin it with foam board and repaint.

Last will be the LCARS display, There’s a temporary panel for now. I’ll replace it with plexi.

publiusr · Feb 12, 2023

I tried to get a 3D printer to make a replicator…but then it went on strike.

I tried a scab printer…but it went insane at the task.

Snow Builder · Feb 14, 2023

Got the right color of gray down and did the panel lines. Starting to look the part. Need to do some edge paint clean up.

Snow Builder · Feb 24, 2023

I’ve got the bolsters added. You wouldn’t guess it took a couple of days.

They’re connected at about a dozen load bearing points with wooden dowels driven through to the attached shelves to help support/distribute weight.

After they were attached, skinned them with poster board to cover the the connection points. Next step is to do the same through the back.