Battlestar Galactica Leg board/Data pad (Computron)

[Rhaven Blaack]

So, as we all know @Revell-Fan is revamping and revising all of the Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers Props. He has started with the Legboard-Computron.
(*NOTE* There are two versions of this prop. This is type I. Not only that, but both types can either be made into a leg board or a handheld data pad.)


I am doing the test build on it. Here are the formers for the light-bar.


The formers are finished.

Here is the light-bar.






The light-bar and formers.


The light-bar is complete.




The screw heads are raised.


Please stay tuned to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates as they come in.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

OK, here is a small update. I was able to make the mount for the light bar, and the main board.

Here is the mount for the light bar.







Here is the main board.










I am sorry that this is taking so long, between the heat and humidity, it has been limiting my build time.

Please stay tuned to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates as they come in.

 

[zathros]

Cool project!

 

[Revell-Fan]

It looks great so far! Please, take all the time you need. We are not in a hurry.

 

[mijob]

update, update, update....

 

[Revell-Fan]

The legboard was used in Buck Rogers, too. I have just noticed two variants in the episode "Space Rockers": One with differently coloured LEDs (this one is already featured in the kit) and another one with a big plexiglass plate which goes over the whole "calculator display".

 

[Revell-Fan]

update, update, update....

No, no, no.

It's

BEEDEE - BEEDEE - BEEDEE!!!

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

 

[micahrogers]

I absolutely hated Twiki. they tried to match the "Cute Robot" from Star Wars, and it ended up being a joke. The "robot Daggit" on BSG was at least cute.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here is a small update. This is the leg pad and the spacers for he strap.

Here are the formers for the leg pad.


The formers for the leg pad are assembled.


The leg pad is assembled.






These are the spacers for the strap.


Please stay tuned to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates as they come in.

 

[mijob]

Yust like a real tv program we have to wait for the next episode

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here is another small update. I am actually going through and assembling the layers (so that I do not have them all over the place).

I have added the spacers for the strap.


This is the layer that will hold the pen holders


The main board is attached.


I have to say that even being made of paper/cardstock, there is quite a bit of weight to it. It is going to be rather hefty once it is complete. So, I can see why the weight of the real prop could be a problem to have it bouncing around on ones leg during filming.

Please stay tuned to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates as they come in.

 

[Revell-Fan]

You can vary the height of the replica by adding more laminated sheets, so if you want to install electronics and the space inside is insufficient you can make adjustments easily.

I have to say that even being made of paper/cardstock, there is quite a bit of weight to it. It is going to be rather hefty once it is complete. So, I can see why the weight of the real prop could be a problem to have it bouncing around on ones leg during filming.

That was the reason why the legboard was not used more often in the show. The prop was always moving down the leg. As a result, the strap was removed and it was turned into a handheld device.

I deviated from the real prop in one area: The original strap was fastened to two holes in the curved leg pad. Rebuilding this would be possible but I feared that the "handles" would be too weak for practical use. So I chose another way and designed it so that the strap could be pulled through the entire thing. That makes construction easier, too. In addition, you are able to adjust the size of the opening at will. So if you have a strap wider than 2" / 5cm you won't be in trouble.

 

[zathros]

When I used to fly, my leg pad would move around my leg too. I really needed it, but it was a P.I.A. sometimes. I brought what was considered a highly rated one too, the low rated ones probably ended up by your foot.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

SInce this was a prop for BSG, they could have easily added a strap that went from the top of the board to the belt. That would have solved so much trouble. Or, they could have made a smaller arm mounted version to do the same thing.
Maybe something like this:


Or this:

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

OK, ladies and gentlemen, here is another update. I am continuing to layer up all of the main parts. This time, there are far more photos for your viewing pleasure.

Here is the main plate for the placement of the light bar, LED bar, and calculators.


The light bar is in place.


Here are the calculators.
*NOTE* Wait to add the raised calculator buttons to the calculator until both calculators are in place on the leg board.


Here are the parts for the LED bar.


The LED bar is assembled.
*NOTE* Do not add the LEDs yet. Wait until the LED bar and the second calculator are in place before add in the LEDs (unless you are going to add real LEDs).


Calculator one is in place.


The LED bar is in place.


Calculator two is in place.


These are the clamps that go on the top of the unit.


Clamps are in place.


Here are a couple of knobs. I laminated parts 15 and 16(+) to just over 1mm.


The parts for the knobs are assembled.


The knobs are assembled.


Knob one in place.


Knob two in place.


Now moving on to the pen holders, LEDs and calculator buttons.

Please stay tuned to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates as they come in.

 

[mijob]

yesyesyes........this looks good

 

[Revell-Fan]

That looks great, pal! :Bravo:

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Thank you both!

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here is another small update. These are the LEDs. There are 14 in total. They are a bit tedious, however, they are worth the work.

I laminated the base disc to about 0.5 mm and painted the edge. Then assembled the "bulb" itself.
(*NOTE* When assembling the bulb, I cut each part separately and and assembled accordingly).


The LED is complete.


Like I mentioned earlier, there are 14 in all.


The LEDs are in place.


I will be working on the number keys for the calculator. After that, will be the pen holders.

Please stay tuned to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates as they come in.