Star Trek - Nomad Probe

[alexbailey]

I'm working on a full scale replica of the Nomad Probe, from Star Trek. This project has been gestating for a while and I started the CAD model back in 2022.
I have been wanting to make something from Star Trek, but was having trouble finding something I was drawn to, now i've settled on this.

The dimensions were off a set of plans found on the Internet back in 2021, unfortunately I can no longer find the link.

Here is a couple of screen grabs for the CAD models, these a working models and sections are not finished. I often begin making parts before having completed every detail of the model. I find at some point it's best to start making parts.

 

[Snow Builder]

Looking forward to seeing your progress -one of my favorite TOS props.

 

[comm510]

I’d love to build one of these out of aluminum. Can’t wait to see your progress.

 

[jheilman]

SWEET!!

 

[alexbailey]

Here are the side panels with the hole for the lights. These a 1mm stainless that's been laser cut and the bent at the side.

Considered doing all of the cutouts on our CNC's but would have been very tedious and the price for the laser cutting was very reasonable.
The surface requires some brushing to finish, but I will leave that until the project is further along.

 

[alexbailey]

Here's a copy of the set off plans I used for dimensions, although I have modified much of internal structure.
I would like to provide link to the creator of the plans but unfortunately can no long find a link.

 

[alexbailey]

Here the base section, made of modelling board because it's easy to machine and finish.
4 section of 50mm stacked. Helpfully the using the plans I have the joins between pieces work out nicely. There are a few chips which I will need to fill in before sealing and painting.

before and after taking a skim cut to check everything looks good

Action shot, taking material of the top to end up at the correct thickness per the plans.

Finishing the more complex piece.

 

[alexbailey]

I have machined the next section up this is aluminium, this is piece that the rest of model connects too. its two layers of aluminium one 20mm round piece and then a 8mm square plate on top.

Looking here at the bottom of the plate, the countersink and counterbore holes will the underneath on the final piece. in keeping with Star Trek rule of no visible fasteners, but retaining the ability to disassemble and reassemble easily.

 

[jheilman]

Love your progress on this!

 

[alexbailey]

Just put the main parts roughly together to give a idea of my progress on this project.

 

[Captain Dunsel]

Just put the main parts roughly together to give a idea of my progress on this project.

View attachment 1841827View attachment 1841828

You…ARE…”The Creator”…

 

[alexbailey]

Not a vast amount of progress. I have been making a few brackets when I get chance over the last few weeks.

Material cut for some more.

 

[Iskelderon]

Sweet!
The other day, I collected pics of that redesign John Eaves made for that background nod in Picard, giving it a style reminiscent of the upgraded probe they designed for Voyager.. Maybe it's of some used for a before & after miniature on the plaque to go with this.

 

[alexbailey]

Little more progress, I have to fit it in around the actual money making machining. finished of the brackets from the material I cut in the previous post.

 

[alexbailey]

I have started work on the longer components that go on the 4 corners of the main box, the inside which is shown here is shaped the fit the panels between and tapped holes to mount the parts.

Before

After

Closer detail on the profile and holes, step shown on the right photo is to clear the bottom plate of the main box, I made a few posts ago.

The material used id significantly thicker than the final part, it ends up about half as thick as the original size, the other side has 15 - 1.5mm (Likely 1/16in originally) grooves running the length of the part, will take a while to machine.