H.G. Wells "The Time Machine" Large Paper Model - Animated

[mtrappett]

H.G. Wells
"The Time Machine" Large Paper Model - Animated​

I built this model at a larger scale of approximately 1/12th. I have always been a fan of the original version of, "The Time Machine". I decided to add animation and lights. The model is quite large as can be seen from the photos and video.

I created a separate key that must be inserted to switch the machine on (just like the original). The disk rotates forward or back in time faster or slower the more the lever is moved. The lights all work the same as in the film. It is controlled by two basic stamps. One controls all the lights, the other the disk. The Basic Stamps both talk to one another through a serial communications link.

I will add the build thread below these.

 

[zathros]

That looks to be the size of the demonstrator model from the movie. Well done!! I used to program 4,5 and 8 axis CNC machines in BASIC, I can't remember a line of code now.

 

[thegreek270]

Hi mtrappett,

this is a very nice and clean build of UHU's Model. Thank you so much for re-uploading this one, i was hoping you do so.
I had no chance to download your pictures before the tapa...... Desaster. I will save them now.

This one is on my List and i had the same idea to build it with moving Dish. I thought also about using the lever as a switch, but i was not sure if it could work.
Seeing your work just proves once more that it is possible to do. I will try it. I just don't know if i go that big though. (no Space !!!).
I still have other models to do before i get to this one.

I have two Questions.

First.
It is very shiny. What did you use to coat it with ?

Second.
If i remember correctly you also built UHU's Gen11 ChittyChittyBangBang Car in a bigger scale. Could you re-upload that one too please ?

Thank you so much.

 

[mtrappett]

That looks to be the size of the demonstrator model from the movie. Well done!! I used to program 4,5 and 8 axis CNC machines in BASIC, I can't remember a line of code now.

Hi Zathros! That's interesting what you mentioned about programming CNC machines. That was a well paid job. Thanks for the reply too!

 

[mtrappett]

Hi mtrappett,

this is a very nice and clean build of UHU's Model. Thank you so much for re-uploading this one, i was hoping you do so.
I had no chance to download your pictures before the tapa...... Desaster. I will save them now.

This one is on my List and i had the same idea to build it with moving Dish. I thought also about using the lever as a switch, but i was not sure if it could work.
Seeing your work just proves once more that it is possible to do. I will try it. I just don't know if i go that big though. (no Space !!!).
I still have other models to do before i get to this one.

I have two Questions.

First.
It is very shiny. What did you use to coat it with ?

Second.
If i remember correctly you also built UHU's Gen11 ChittyChittyBangBang Car in a bigger scale. Could you re-upload that one too please ?

Thank you so much.

Thank you for the comments, and I'm glad you like the model.

I experimented with various methods for getting a nice shine on the model. I finished up using Dresden Spray Varnish. It goes on really thick and is the equivalent of three coats at once.

Thank you, and yes, I will upload Chitty. It can be difficult with the larger scale working with it and strengthening it where needed.

Much appreciated!

 

[mtrappett]

Start of the Time Machine Build Thread​

The model is based upon the paper model created by UHU02 but has significant changes. The model has been up-scaled to approximately 1/12th scale. The construction of the model had to be reinforced in many places to support the extra size and to prevent floppiness of the paper. The model has also been equipped with electronics including lights, and micro-controller (PIC) programmer. The finish of the model has also been made more durable so that it can be "played" with.

The disk at the back of the Time Machine model is a disposable paper plate from Walmart. It was just the right size to give some strength.


This is the backside of the plate/disk.



Building up the disk in sections fixing an issues with colored pencils.



This is the center-boss of the disk. It was reinforced with some balsa wood.



This is the piece that I think they used an old barbecue for in the original movie.



Building up the details.











The servo motor and LED lights will be installed into this part.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

This looks FANTASTIC! You did an AMAZING job on this project! I like the fact that you added electronics to make it "work"!

 

[Revell-Fan]

Absolutely stunning! Increasing the scale and adding ights make the detail really pop. Excellent!

 

[micahrogers]

I've always loved the design of this time machine, it looks like something from the era the book was written. Very nice build of the model, and a nice improvement of UHUo2's design.

 

[mtrappett]

This looks FANTASTIC! You did an AMAZING job on this project! I like the fact that you added electronics to make it "work"!

It makes me happy that you like it Thank you! I had a lot of enjoyment working on this.

 

[mtrappett]

Absolutely stunning! Increasing the scale and adding ights make the detail really pop. Excellent!

The movie was so inspiring to me, as many others too of course. It's that scene where Mr. Wells places the model of the Time Machine on the table, and starts it up only for it disappear, which of course the whole idea. It seemed such a waste to me that it should be lost forever.

Thank you for your comments! thumbsup

 

[mtrappett]

I've always loved the design of this time machine, it looks like something from the era the book was written. Very nice build of the model, and a nice improvement of UHUo2's design.

Thank you Mica! My eyesight is getting kinda blurry these days and I have to rely more and more on magnifying devices LOL. I wish I could just go back in time to those younger days.

 

[Revell-Fan]

Nothing beats a classic. "The Time Machine" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" starring Pat Boone are all-time classics. Tomorrow I'll be recording "Journey" in HD from free TV (it was restored to its original length and looks absolutely gorgeous, so I'm looking forward to it; I recorded it on DVD last year but it will look so much better on BD ). "Time Machine" is one of the few movies that's missing from my collection and I'm still waiting for it to be shown again. There was a time when the stations would broadcast it every year on new year's eve. I do have an old recording from analog TV but it is time for an upgrade now.

 

[mtrappett]

This was one of my favorite models to build I can remember. Building it bigger enabled me to add greater detail in some areas that would have been very difficult if not impossible with the original scale. I had to do a lot of paint touch ups to cover/hide the dotted fold lines. Also , painting the edges of the parts in the appropriate color. I had always wanted a model of this way back when I was a kid.




I decided early on that I didn't want the model to be flat colored. Some models it works okay, but this I think would look better glossy.



This was the old barber's chair on the real Time Machine.
































The railings also where most of the wires would be hidden. It worked out well as the tube is wider diameter due to scale-up.



I laminated the base using thick card to give more rigidity.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Even though I do not build in such a scale, I still think that once I get a few more projects cleared from my queue, this build has inspired me that I should try my hand at this model!

 

[mtrappett]

Even though I do not build in such a scale, I still think that once I get a few more projects cleared from my queue, this build has inspired me that I should try my hand at this model!

I'm really pleased to hear that it has inspired you! That is music to my ears! thumbsup I loved building this model, and it would look nice on your bookshelf.

 

[mtrappett]

Okay.... "onwards, and upwards", as my old boss used to say.

Here you can see more details of the strengthening I added. I added a piece of spruce wood at the back (the large square. That is to provide stability for the rotating disk. There are also a bunch of additional strips glued around the edges.




Now that is much better! More solid. There's no way just the regular paper would stand up to the rigors on its own.







I drilled out the 4 bolts that are 2D and added real nuts and bolts to give a better effect.



The feet also had to be reinforced with card and wood.







Here are details of the LED installation for the sides.



Starting to take shape now.



More LEDs for the control console. There are 2 LED's of different colors here. A single common wire to reduce wiring complexity.



This is a blurry picture of the control key setup. Its a plastic tube that provides a sleeve for the key to be pushed in to.



I fitted a feather micro switch to signal that the key has been pushed all the way down. This was tricky to get right. I used a piece of balsa wood to hold it all together. This is one of the input signals to the microprocessor circuit.



Here's one of my favorite parts to build, the control console. I think its neat that you can select a date of your own. UHU02 provided a full list of months and days. I used a hot glue gun to fix the LEDs to the paper. The light shines through perfectly.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

I'm really pleased to hear that it has inspired you! That is music to my ears! thumbsup I loved building this model, and it would look nice on your bookshelf.

I have quite a few other projects in the queue, so it will be awhile before I can get to it. However, with that being said, I will post a build thread, once I do start. thumbsup

 

[zathros]

SO many build picks, it's hard to comment, but I will say one thing, I have told people here thatt the gauge wire they use is far too thick. To see such fine wiring shows me you understand electricity, and electronics, and can wire up something the way it shuld be. It looks so orderly, like a High End working model that one would buy from Hammacher schlemmer.com. No Shit!!!

 

[mtrappett]

SO many build picks, it's hard to comment, but I will say one thing, I have told people here thatt the gauge wire they use is far too thick. To see such fine wiring shows me you understand electricity, and electronics, and can wire up something the way it shuld be. It looks so orderly, like a High End working model that one would buy from Hammacher schlemmer.com. No Shit!!!

Thank you Zathros for the nice comments! Much appreciated!