Atari 520 ST - Papercraft Design

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.

View fullsize

I chose to create an early Atari ST design, this machine does not have a built-in disk drive.

View fullsize

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.

View fullsize

Escape from the Planet of the Robot Monsters has some amazing graphics.

View fullsize

Many manufacturers produced Atari’s SC1224 monitors. This is the Goldstar version.

View fullsize

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.

View fullsize

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.

View fullsize

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.

View fullsize

Atari SF354 - Floppy Drive. This is my first time to make time 3 1/4” disks.

View fullsize

The pattern includes a “functional” drive bay door.

View fullsize

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.

IBM 5100 Portable Computer

The IBM 5100 Portable Computer papercraft is available for download at the bottom of this post.

Since I started making these papercraft models, several folks have offered suggestions of computers I should make next. Most of them are the typical nostalgic subjects (all of which I want to make) but when I received a request for a IBM 5100, I needed to Google it.

This computer debuted in 1975, and cost as much as $20,000 1975 USD (64k). This 55 lb. monster was considered a portable because it had a self-contained 5” monitor, tape drive and came with an optional carrying case.

This machine was released 6 years before IBM’s more well-known IBM PC series and was considered to be among the earliest personal computers, bested only by MITS Altair 8800. To my eyes, the IBM 5100 is the first personal computer to be commonly recognizable as a computer.

View fullsize

The model comes complete with DC300 cartridge.

View fullsize

Cartridge can be inserted into the drive bay.

This might have been enough to convince me to make this design but as I continued to read the request, I began to learn about the connections of this computer to both the John Titor time travel urban myth (2000) and the manga Steins;Gate (2009). Now I needed to Google those things too!

In 2000, a user who identified as John Titor started posting in various online forums claiming to be a time traveller sent from 2036 to find a IBM 5100 which somehow would lead to saving humanity. The specifics of Titor’s many claims and predictions are the subject of many meandering YouTube videos so be sure rabbit holes abound.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Steins;Gate is a manga from 2009 has a number spinoffs and anime series. It weaves the John Titor myth into it’s storyline going so far as to include a IBN 5100. Steins';Gate inserts many real-life references into the plot and fan’s documenting and collecting these items is not uncommon. Given the incredible cost of an IMB 5100, a papercraft version suddenly made a lot of sense.

View fullsize

The “screenplates” include recreated artwork from screen crawl demo seen at the VCF West XI.

If you are a fan of very old luggables, time travel, or the Steins;Gate series, this papercraft pattern aims to please. I adore the computers of my youth but I also love to learn about machines too exotic to practically own.

If you liked this write-up, please consider smashing that like button, it helps me gauge what I should make next (Apple fans, I hear you). Download the IBM 5100 papercraft pattern here.

Amstrad CPC 464 Papercraft 2.0

I am happy to present an new updated edition of the Amstrad CPC 464 papercraft I created a few months back. As this was my first attempt at a papercraft, I was still figuring out things. This update includes improved rendering of the computer and monitor, more accurate monitor proportions, and a series of ten interchangeable screenplates to further customize you CPC experience. The download link is located at the end of this post.

View fullsize

Barbarian

View fullsize

Gryzor AKA Contra

View fullsize

The monitor now has some added dimensionality in the back.

View fullsize

Growing up in Canada, I never had an opportunity to mess around with one of these systems. Through the magic of emulation, I have recently begun to explore this system and continue to be impressed by its colourful selection of amazing ports and original games.

You can download this Amstrad CPC papercraft pattern HERE.

View fullsize

Fantasy World Dizzy

View fullsize

Rainbow Islands

View fullsize

Prince of Persia

Apple II - Papercraft Design

I am happy to present my latest papercraft project, the Apple II. This pattern is free for you to download from the link at the bottom of this post.

I have often spoken fondly of my time with the Commodore 64, but I also grew up with the Apple II in my school. I always thought of these systems as school computers and while fun to play with, I always saw these as serious machines.

View fullsize

Karateka - Great graphics, difficult to master

View fullsize

Lode Runner - Classic on the Apple II

View fullsize

As a young Commodore 64 user, I was shocked to discover that school’s Apple II did not have BASIC in memory.

Growing up, the only game I ever played on the Apple II is Oregon Trail because that was the only game our school had. I was already pretty obsessed with computers and always hungry for more exposure. Thankfully the Internet happened and now I can experience this machine in a multitude of ways, which happens to include creating and sharing this papercraft pattern (link at end of post).

View fullsize

The Apple’s wedge shape, makes it ideal for a papercraft interpretation.

View fullsize

Handsome profile.

Please click HERE to download the Apple II papercaft pattern. I think this is the perfect project to occupy the family over the holiday season.

If the Commodore 64 is more you jam, you can download that pattern HERE!

If you would like to see more retro papercraft consider leaving a like below, it helps me gauge what I might want to do next!

New Watch Designs

I have heard stories of famous watch designer, Gérald Genta being given crazy deadlines to design many of his iconic watches. The AP Royal Oak being designed in two days, the Patek Nautilus in a half a day. So wanting to follow in his footsteps, I am attempting to design watches as quickly as possible a) for practice and understanding b) and maybe I stumble upon a hit like Genta.

The Lunchtime Diver is a function forward design with a generous oversized bezel ideal for larger or gloved hands. Simplicity and legibility is the mission. The contoured sunburst dial adds a pop of flair to this tool watch.

The Tall Boy is a weekend warrior’s watch.

The Tall Boy was designed to be as different as possible from the dive watch. Experimenting with extreme proportions and distortions. The face’s ridged pattern matches the minute tics of the chapter ring.

Conion C-100F Papercraft

My first encounter with the Conion C-100F was at my local flea markets. I went back dozens of times just to see it's majesty. I could never justify the purchase price so the best way for me to get hands-on with one of these beasts was to make a papercraft version of it.

Enjoy the free pattern at the end of the article.

View fullsize

There are so many dials and switches on this thing - it's begging to be used.

This is a device from another time where the design language was clearly more is more. And it is a sight to behold. From the analogue VU meters with that flashy blue and motif, the huge tuner for fine adjustments, those crazy old-school LEDs that light up to the beat, it has a freaking burglar alarm! The thing that really stuck with me was how the folks at Conion decided to use two design languages when implementing the dual-cassette system. A traditional front-loading design typical for portable stereos, and a deck that would be more at home in an automobile. I am sure this is a space-saving measure but it's pretty fun as well.

View fullsize

This boombox uses 8 D-Cell batteries which I imagine don't last too long in the wild.

View fullsize

Conion C-100F - Promotional Badging

If you like this project please consider leaving a like, this lets me know if there is interest in seeing more of these in the future. I would like to do more boomboxes and really want to do an Pioneer Urushi component stereo.

Download the pattern here.

View fullsize

PS. This is not the first time I have riffed off the mighty King Conion. A few months back, I designed a Conion patch.

Nintendo GameCube Papercraft

I was inspired to make my own GameCube Mini after hearing rumors about such a project being planned by Nintendo. While I remain skeptical that such a project is on Nintendo's short list, my new papercraft is free and available for download here.

View fullsize

As much as I like drawing computers from the 80's, the GameCube represented a welcomed departure for all that beige.

View fullsize

Indigo was the most common GameCube colour and the one I own.

View fullsize

Black and Indigo were the base-level GameCube models.

View fullsize

The Platinum GameCube was the system's premium configuration.

View fullsize

I think Nintendo knocked it out of the park with the simple and colourful design!

View fullsize

The Spice-coloured GameCube was exclusive to Japan.

View fullsize

GameCube Development Kits came in many colours including Emerald Blue.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end of the post. I make pixel art and other tech-related papercraft projects. Please check out a few posts just below for more.

If you would like to see more posts like this, consider leaving a like on this post it really encourages me to keep creating!

Commodore 64 Papercraft V3

This is the third update of my Commodore 64 papercraft series. This project consists of everything you will need to recreate the iconic image pictured above:

• Commodore 64 Computer - Update, original light-coloured function keys

• Commodore 1541 Hard Drive - Update, "active" power light

• Commodore MPS 801 Printer - New!

• Commodore VIC Modem - New!

• "Net Sales" Screenplate - New!

Download Link

View fullsize

Commodore MPS 801 Printer - Front

View fullsize

Continuous feed paper with MPS print test

View fullsize

Commodore MPS 801 Printer - Rear

View fullsize

VIC Modem, a mystery to me as a kid

I am enjoying this series. I have received a lot of words of encouragement as well as some great feedback.

Stay tuned for more cool stuff!

Commodore 1541 Disk Drive Papercraft

I was about 10 when I first saw Hover Bovver on my friend's C-64. He had a disk drive and fists fulls of games. I had a 64 for a while at that point but had been limited by the few cartridge games I could find in my small town and a very slow Datasette.

View fullsize

The iconic 1541 drive I pined for as a kid.

View fullsize

This drive would make my C64 a killer games machine.

I begged my mom for a disk drive for years before finally getting one towards the end of the Commodore's run. I bought a shiny new 1541-C (don't worry, the papercraft is a period correct 1541). Even though the scene in town had dwindled to about three kids, I quickly "amassed" hundreds of games. I was often more interested in the "cracktos" featured at the beginning of the games than the games themselves.

View fullsize

Now I can shout out Hokuto Force!

This papercraft is dedicated to the times I spent experiencing exotic greetings from overseas in a time before the internet made such worldwide shout-outs commonplace.

The download is here. The papercraft model includes:

• New Commodore 1541 disk drive

• Two 5.25" floppy diskettes

• Swappable screen faceplates

• Improved Commodore 64 pattern

• Updated Commodore 1701 monitor pattern

View fullsize

A couple of 5.25" floppy diskettes with a few games I owned back in the day.

Thanks so much for all the recent attention. I am glad these projects are providing enjoyment for others as well. Anticipate more updates in this Commodore papercraft series on this site. There are a LOT of accessories and I am also very nostalgic for these times.

View fullsize

Now you can represent your favorite Demoscene with four interchangeable faceplates.

Watch Colourways

Watch design recoloured.

Flower Bandanas

I eventually always return to my monogram bandana designs. I love repeats and patterns. Can anyone guess the source of the flowers petal geometry?

Dancing Flowers Bandanas

New Bandana Designs

New bandana designs are being produced. The Commodore logo and the system's iconic colour palette join in a confetti-like celebration of geek culture and high fashion.

Prototype Case Illustrations

Industrial case design plays an integral role in a gamer's relationship with their console. Here are my illustrations of a few designs that would never see a wide release, save for a handful of rare prototypes.

In 1992, Nintendo teamed up with Sony to produce a SNES with built-in CD-ROM capabilities. After many development issues, Nintendo decided to focus on proprietary cartridges for the Nintendo 64, while Sony would use the experience to develop the Sony PlayStation.

A surreal mashup of branding on the iconic Super Famicom controller hints at a reality that never would be.

The Sega Neptune combined the Genesis with the 32X, which Sega planned to release in fall 1995. The Neptune was delayed for over a year then canceled with the discontinuation of 32X hardware and the recent release of the more powerful Saturn.

The Atari 2700 was was intended to be a 1981 follow-up to the famous Atari 2600 and would feature wireless controllers. At least 12 of these units are rumored to be in existence.