I am happy to present a new papercraft design, the Atari 520 ST. This design is free to download and build, a link can be found at the bottom of this post. It is the perfect way to start a miniature computer museum in your home.
I have also created many other retro computers papercraft models, to see them all click here.
I chose to create an early Atari ST design, this machine does not have a built-in disk drive.
The left side of the computer had a cartridge slot.
I have created seven retro machines and I thought it was time to build an Atari. I have always been a big fan of the Atari 2600 and the many arcade tiles released by the company. I also purchased a pristine Atari 800XL at a local flea market for the bargain price of $20.
But my experience with the ST line is largely limited to a few remote school yard conversations about which was better the Amiga or the PC. The Atari might have been mentioned for its superior MIDI capabilities but in grade 9 in 1991, this had no real life application to our lives.
It’s only much later in my life through YouTube that I have been reintroduced to the ST and it’s many hidden gems.
Escape from the Planet of the Robot Monsters has some amazing graphics.
Many manufacturers produced Atari’s SC1224 monitors. This is the Goldstar version.
Atari SC1224 rear view. My papercraft monitors are becoming more true to the original designs.
Whenever I add extra geometry into the models I design, I always try to maintain an degree of simplicity. Typically these extra folds provide more strength, are more true to form, and do not add much extra difficulty. Be patient, these monitors look great when complete.
Atari 520ST - Rear. Atari’s were known for their superior MIDI capabilities out the box.
While less familar with the Atari ST than some of the other computers I have rendered in paper, I am very pleased with how this design turned out. Typically my favorite design is the last one I completed and the Atari ST came together amazingly. I am proud to share it with the Atari ST and greater retrocomputing community.
While the computer may lack an internal hard drive, it has a much smaller footprint than it’s Amiga 500 counterpart.
As with all of my retrocompter designs, the monitor has eight interchangeable screenplates, so you can further customize your desktop experience.
Atari SF354 - Floppy Drive. This is my first time to make time 3 1/4” disks.
The pattern includes a “functional” drive bay door.
Atari 520ST - Dungeon Master
If you like these designs and would like to see more papercraft computers in the future please feel leave a like below or free to leave a comment below. I read them all.
The Atari ST 520 papercraft pattern can be found here.