Mnpctech.com Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9m_corsair_pics.jpg Final photos, posted 11/30/11 http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/firefly_serenity_pc_case_mod_store_mnpctech1.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/firefly_serenity_pc_case_mod_store_mnpctech3.jpg This case mod will be a tribute to the "firefly" Sci-fi series and SERENITY movie. I will draw my inspiration from interior shots of the "firefly" ship. Imagining if the PC was field equipment used by the characters. The case I'll be using is Corsair's 400R mid tower. Here is their product page, http://www.corsair.com/pc-cases/carbide-series-pc-case/carbide-series-400r-mid-tower-case.html http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity1.jpg Made switch box for mounting a pair of fighter pilot toggle switches, this will be mounted on the top handle of the corsair 400R http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity2.jpg Bending toggle switch box http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity3.jpg Switch plates for Red Fighter Pilot Switches, http://www.mnpctech.com/spdprtToggle.html http://www.mnpctech.com/FigtherPilotTogglesColors.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity4.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity5.jpg Stay tunes, I'll be starting on the side panels and adding more features to the switch box.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlawlessSoul Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 Stay tunes, I'll be starting on the side panels and adding more features to the switch box.... No point doing any panels, if it's true to Firefly - the panels will just fall off the gorram case anyway! Looking forward to seeing more of this :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowbeard Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 Sub'd! ::pirate:: Once you get farther along Bill, I'll feature youi on our FB page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted October 14, 2011 Author Share Posted October 14, 2011 Thanks for tuning and commenting guys! Awesome YB! Ok, back to this project. Sorry! to anyone anticipating this to look like the ship, or see a model of the serenity glued on top. My tribute is inspired by visual elements from both the movie and series that appeal to me, in particular "Our Mrs reynolds" episode, which has great scenes of Serenity's bridge. (and christina hendricks) To me, the charm of the Serenity is the mixture of Old West and industrial tech, and sometimes these elements look hobbled together. You can tell the Set builders delved into Ebay for salvaged Electronic and Ham Radio parts. I also love how everything is distressed from use and weathered. The ship's control panel is a mess...lol http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9l_controls.jpg Yes, the circa 60s Muscle car hood scoop style panel hump is being removed.. btw: Great for cable management behind MB tray. http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity7.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9b.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9c.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlawlessSoul Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 I told you panels would be falling off! Already looks like something Kaylee would use. I don't think anyone would make the mistake of a Firefly case being just a model on top, honestly. The charm of the Firefly universe is that it's just held together with spit, tape and stubbornness. No cop-outs on your end, though! If there's any duct-tape, it'd better be ornamental :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 haha... Left side panel progress... Everything will be colored to match the panels from firefly's deck, then distressed and weathered with Copper accents, graphics from interior of firefly will be airbrushed.. side panel was created from interior of an old Dremel carry case, with wire loom, 5" conduit, 3.5" fan controllers, misc wires, misc LEDs bulgin panel LED... http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9m.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9n.jpg Round Modders Mesh for the grills in the side. http://www.mnpctech.com/moddersmesh.html http://www.mnpctech.com/mesh5.32.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlawlessSoul Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 When I saw that side panel, the only thing I said was "Wow". I love the wire bundle you've got, is it functional in terms of the case lights you've got there? As for those switches, again - functional in any way or ornamental? Do you plan on extending the Firefly design inside also? Thinking about it, to get the inside to look like the worst cable management and still maintain function would be the best cable management design ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranviper Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Im in love already! Best show ever... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted October 23, 2011 Author Share Posted October 23, 2011 @flawless, everything functions and works. Yes I'm creating window in other side panel, that still keeps the 400's unique design intact. I would love to continue the them on the inside, but not sure if I'll be installing system or not. @ranviper, love the art direction of the movie and series.. very well done :biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranviper Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 @ranviper, love the art direction of the movie and series.. very well done :biggrin: I agree, and the casting was absolutely brilliant. The characters were written together so well, and the chemistry is what made it work. Of course, every real good show on tv gets cancelled now a days...firefly...V...chuck......Stargate... People these days.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlawlessSoul Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 Are you using high-res stills from the show for source, or "backstage" shots of their construction? I agree, and the casting was absolutely brilliant. The characters were written together so well, and the chemistry is what made it work. Of course, every real good show on tv gets cancelled now a days...firefly...V...chuck......Stargate... People these days.. To be fair, Stargate tailed off after it became Fargate SG-BenBrowder. Up until S8, it was very good. The summation of the Ori story was done reasonably well, at least, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't actually enjoy the last seasons. V... wasn't amazing. Certainly not in the same league as Firefly. Better than most series reboots, however, that is true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranviper Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 Are you using high-res stills from the show for source, or "backstage" shots of their construction? To be fair, Stargate tailed off after it became Fargate SG-BenBrowder. Up until S8, it was very good. The summation of the Ori story was done reasonably well, at least, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't actually enjoy the last seasons. V... wasn't amazing. Certainly not in the same league as Firefly. Better than most series reboots, however, that is true. One of the reasons I liked V so much was because it was very well done re-make. Bringing the old to the modern, and had some good casting as well. Certainly no firefly, noting really is, and I doubt ever will be. I think what frustrated me is that they even cancelled the movie endings of startgate, part way through filming. That's just unfair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wired Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 The 3rd SG1 and 1st Atlantis movie were only proposed and initially green lit, but due to the economy they were cancelled well before production. Unless you're talking about something else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted October 27, 2011 Author Share Posted October 27, 2011 thanks for tuning and commenting guys. I know... it looks way too clean. I have to fab everything first, before it can get paint effects. The updates have been a little sparse. I'm working on 4 different vendor display PC builds for CES, AND preparing to show my billet case accessories in person. on the Main Floor!!! So, if you're attending CES, Jan 10th - 14th, Drop by and say "Hi" :biggrin: I worked on the access panel for this project yesterday... The Mesh was epoxied with ScotchWeld DP-190, the strongest 2 part adhesive I've ever found in my 10 years of Modding. Yes, it bonds metal, but for decoration only.. It won't handle autobody work..haha and You need 3M's Applicator http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/images/pics/LEDdiagram7b.jpg Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Weld-Adhesive-DP190-Translucent/dp/B000WXHG1Q Honeycomb Modders Mesh for the side panel... http://www.mnpctech.com/moddersmesh.html http://www.mnpctech.com/mesh5.32.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9r.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9o.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9p.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9q.jpg Gum drop style LEDs.... http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9s.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted October 28, 2011 Author Share Posted October 28, 2011 Bare with me on this part, it will make more sense when I've taken more pictures of the panel. I'm making a junction box for the panel, from an old bezel top.. imagining the box suffered damage from some type of accident and caught on fire.. Gumdrop LED is cracked, one of the black wire looms will be disconnected with have melted wires exposed.. I'm still deciding on what looks right, as I go along.. I plan to head over to Home Depot's Plumbing aisle tomorrow for some copper pipe, hopefully I can get .25" diameter, maybe buy a pipe bender and emulate whats I'm only guessing is coolant or misc fluid lines? (it's all pretend..lol) from lower right panel in this photo. I keep telling myself "need more copper implemented) http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9l_controls.jpg fyi: all of the photos were taken on my iphone 4, then I email them to myself and edit later. http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9t.jpg cannibalized bezel piece, to be heated and bent into used and abused junction box for the access side panel show above.. http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9u.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9v.jpg Dremel had a snack... The effect of having caught on fire at one time will be added with paint later http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9x.jpg One of the black wire looms will be disconnected with have melted wires exposed.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted November 1, 2011 Author Share Posted November 1, 2011 I did find 1/4" copper tubing at Home depot, so I'll creating some simulated liquid lines. painted the 2nd panel, Matte Black and installed 1/4" wide u-channel, used as trim around fan holes, sold for xbox 360 shells, but also works on PC panels. link http://www.mnpctech.com/xbox_360_window_trim_molding.html http://www.mnpctech.com/xbox_360_window_guide_install_mnpctech.com9c.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y1.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y2.jpg Industrial looking vented cover will be hinged.. http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y3.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted November 2, 2011 Author Share Posted November 2, 2011 I didn't see a pipe bender for 1/4" OD copper tubing at Home Depot, but I think I can stuff the soft copper tube with bicycle brake cable cover, to prevent the tube from collapsing as I bend it around a pipe. I want to achieve 90 degree bends. We'll try this afternoon at the shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanutz94 Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 Try an auto parts store or a dedicated plumbing supply house for the benders. I actually have a few sets . If you were closer i would just give you a set. Is your copper in a coil? If it is, you can take that tubing a stretch it out using two solid points. Like two vertical beams in a building. (Your shop may have them). Use a c-clamp to clamp one end of the tubing to the beam and attach the other end to a come-a-long or even a ratchet tie down strap and crank it tight. It will stretch by a few inches depending on the length you use. This will give you perfectly straight tubing to use and also make it more rigid and less prone to kinks when you bend it. I use this method at work when running new coolant or lubricant lines on industrial machinery. It makes for a really nice clean install I can't wait to see this finished. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted November 3, 2011 Author Share Posted November 3, 2011 It's straight. and Thanks for the suggestion! :biggrin: I didn't have a lot of time today to experiment with my tube bending idea. Here are the 120mm Aerocool fans I painted last night with Rustoleum's Metallic Copper, #1937830. The multi fan blade design fits the antique copper. This paint looks surprisingly realistic, and doesn't smudge like the fake Chrome effect paint. I'm going to airbrush the edges of fan frame and blade hub, to give it aged look, hopefully Thursday night. http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y4.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted November 3, 2011 Author Share Posted November 3, 2011 You can remove the internals of the fans by removing the retainer ring, hidden beneath manufacturer sticker on back, here is DIY guide... http://prodmod.wordpress.com/2007/02/12/take-apart-that-pc-fan-see-whats-inside-brushless-dc-motor/ I have mounted a piece channeled aluminum I scrapped from an old chassis. 1/4" OD copper tubing will route the wires for gum drop LEDs in window frame, back the junction box. I inserted bicycle brake cable sheath into the copper tubing, to prevent the tube from collapsing as I bent it around a screw driver handle, propped in bench vise... http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y5.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y6.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y7.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y8.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9a.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 Copper tubing and fans installed... http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9f.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9b.jpg link http://www.mnpctech.com/xbox_360_window_trim_molding.html http://www.mnpctech.com/xbox_360_window_guide_install_mnpctech.com9c.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9e.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9g.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employee Corsair George Posted November 5, 2011 Corsair Employee Share Posted November 5, 2011 Looks great, Bill! Coming along very nicely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 Thank you George! Access panel progress http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9i.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9j.jpg with mangled vent ..heh http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9k.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlawlessSoul Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Gorgeous work there, and work you did on the copper tubing looks like it paid off! Any chance you can hook those fans up so we can see them spinning? Sitting still like that, I'd say perhaps some extra cosmetic effect to tie them in, though I do remember you mentioning some airbrushing :) Have you frosted (silly term, must be a better one!) the window a bit there, as well? Loving the gum drop LED housings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mnpctech.com Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 Thank you, more grime to come, and Yep, the blades got shaded a bit...hard to see in that pic.....I'm going to work on chassis and bezel next and get back to the panels later...Did you ever see the episode "Our Mrs Reynolds?" ....Christina Hendricks sabotaged the control panel on the Bridge, the wiring was pretty bad...lol the wire loom is too glossy, need to weather it next http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9o.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9m.jpg http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/corsair_400_window_panel_pc_case_mod_serenity9y9n.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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