Trek TOS Hero Communicator Build

[Tripper]

So this is a project that has been on the back burner for a long time, but I finally found some time in between projects to finish her up. I wanted a replica that was as close to set accurate as possible, and Herocomm.com made that possible through their extensive research. I took the kit and lightly buffed the shells with steel wool to more closely match the shine on the original. Then I used the alpha blueprints to very carefully match the offset position of the moiré ring and the askew jewel hubs. I had another member here cut out a new midplate for me which was a hair larger on the out side so I could sand it down to exactly match the width that extends around the out side of the shell. I even included the little miscut next to the left hinge wheel. I then took the aluminum parts and brought down the shine with steel wool, added a few scratches with 600 grit sand paper, matched the dings in the control panel, and gave them a week long soak in lemon juice to give them that slightly aged patina. I filed out every single hole in the lid to get rid of the flash around the edges and soldered a rebent wire with sharper corners in place. The solder blobs were all matched as well as the solder blob in the bottom middle of the lid. I followed all the tips for custom mixed glue found on herocomm.com and installed all the parts. I also acquired an accurate stopwatch for this build. I chose to include a darker red siam center jewel as well as the midplate between the hinge wheels to replicate its look from the second season. Since the alpha was molded after the bottom shell sagged a bit, I added bondo under the velcro to create the appearance of a newer shell. I also used yellow plastic hubs instead of kit's aluminum ones. With that said, I'll let the photos do the talking:

Click here to see a video of it (Quicktime)

 

[Nicksdad]

Dang, it looks like alpha's twin brother. Wanna build mine for me?

 

[WinstonWolf359]

Alex built my Alpha kit, and it's a work of art. :love :love :cool

 

[Bilbo Baggins]

Beautiful Work! :cheers

~BB

 

[Jedi2016]

Looks good to me. I've got a static Rodd.com version.. I suck at building props, even from kits, but that one actually came out perfectly, one of my better-looking pieces.

 

[thegreatgalling]

Looks awesome Trip, long time no speak. I am glad I am on that list!

 

[Tripper]

Thanks guys! Galling, check out the status page, I'm making steady progress towards your build!

 

[jheilman]

Wow, that's inspiring.

 

[thegreatgalling]

Will do. I better pick up a stopwatch. Tried for 2 on eBay and both arrived duds :eek. One was missing a hand.

 

[redshirt]

That looks FANtastic!! Nice build!!!

 

[rosstheboss]

Looks very good, as usual. Got any talent to spare? I sure could use some!

 

[Tripper]

Minor update to the comm. I managed to locate the original type C hubs for my build. Doesn't get more accurate than this. I also found 3 of the correct steel screws so they are appropriately mismatched. Sorry for the lack luster photos, I'll take better ones at a later date:

 

[docholl]

Nice work Alex.-Steve

Having held Alpha, I'd say you nailed it!

 

[Tripper]

Glad to hear it! Still a couple tweaks to make before she's perfect.

 

[Tobin]

Great build Trip!

 

[Rylo]

Really nice!!

 

[phez]

Awesome buildup!!!!!

What did you use for the whitish/yellow glue? Is that stock of did you use a tint of some type?

 

[Tripper]

Thanks!

The glue for the jewel hubs is loctite 2 part epoxy with a little white and flat brown paint mixed in.

The hot glue type around the watch is fabric, wood, and regular hot glue mixed together with a hint of yellow added.

 

[Nicksdad]

Man, I can't get enough of this communicator. When are you gonna call it done?

 

[Tripper]

I'll be correcting the angle the mic grill sits at as well as improving the moiré pattern a little. Might end up moving the stopwatch up by a mm.