Project Animals.... another Pink Floyd theme

[godfoot]

Right, so being the Floyd fan that I am and after seeing mnpctech's The Wall case I decided to start on a (series of) Floyd theme myself, this one being an Animals theme. Pics to follow but here is what will be on the inside as farr as the important parts are concerned.

Shuttle AN35/N Ultra
AMD XP 2000+ (currently at 2.2)
Swiftech MCX-462V
GeForce4 Ti4200 (will be a 9800 Pro by next weekend)
512MB Kingston HyperX PC2700 (single stick currently)
Adaptec Ultra2 SCSI card (for external HDDs)
11 x 5.25 bays and 2 x 3.5 bays

The case is NOT a standard case, it was an old Agfa Apogee PrintDrive case that is split down the middle (vertically) and the mobo fits on the right side ot the case BTX-style.
As I said, pics to follow.

[godfoot]

case before starting

[godfoot]

Interior shots before starting clean-up of interior.

[godfoot]

Pic after cutting hole in mobo tray for better wire routing. Redundant PSU is non-functional and is serving to hold up PSU on other side until custom mounting plate can be made.

[godfoot]

Pic after making bottom compartment baffle from old U-shaped case shell.
Clamp is for dry-fit purposes only, will eventually attach baffle with Dzus fittings.

[godfoot]

Pic after cutting 120mm fan hole and using edge molding acquired from mnpctech's online shop. (Thanks again Bill, for the T-shirt too :D )
Plastic washers seen in first pic are used between fan and inside of panel.

[biggiy6]

This looks interesting especially cuz I have never seen a case like that before, looks like a really old lian li pc-V1100, bring on the updates.

EDIT: Aren't you a mod on the pimprig forums?

[godfoot]

That is it for now, I am not sure how much more will get done before my move at the end of the month, but hopefully some more progress will be made before then.
Comments, questions and suggestions welcome, of course.

[godfoot]

This looks interesting especially cuz I have never seen a case like that before, looks like a really old lian li pc-V1100, bring on the updates.

EDIT: Aren't you a mod on the pimprig forums?
It is a bit larger than the Lian-Li case, the measurements being 12.5" W x 26" H x 21" D.

Yes, I am a mod at PimpRig..... thanks for noticing. :D

[mnpctech]

Hey godfoot, no prob

Are ya planning to do any painting? just curious

[Negative Design]

Looks kool :)

I would like to see some paint too;) get ya hands a lil dirty ya know:D

[Starbuck3733T]

Nice choice of case. Will you be watercooling?

[godfoot]

mnpctech and Negative Design: Yes I will be painting it. :) I originally had plans of sanding and painting from scratch, but after thinking on it a while (and since the color scheme will follow the album art colors) I believe I have decided to go with dry-brushing. This will serve two purposes, one to give it a realistic weathered look since the finish is kinda textured already, and two it will be a LOT less hassle and I won't have to depend on the weather to decide for me when I can paint.

Starbuck: I had thought about making this my first water-cooled rig (lord knows there is plenty of room) but again, after thinking on it a while, I have come to the decision that the minimal temp gains I would get would not be worth the extra hassle and regular maintenance. I may change my mind after I get to Texas though and my ambient temps go through the roof in the summer, so I guess only time will tell.

Thanks for the interest.... now I gotta get to thinking which album to do after the WTTM project. (always like to think 2 steps in advance if possible)
And Bill, after I finish all the Floyd albums, I will help you cover the Zep albums too. :D (as if you need any help)

Edit: Realized I hadn't posted plans for my next case here yet so the WTTM part may be confusing. The next project will be entitled Welcome To The Machine (to cover the Wish You Were Here album) and will be using this case which is a MONSTER:
http://forums.pimprig.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17912

[mnpctech]

When you mentioned Dry-brushing, heres an idea... Get some self modeling clay for emulating the sides of the Battersea power station. First, you would have to construct 1/4 or 3/4 size molds to apply vertically on case sides from wood (lined with tin foil) Then apply one clay mold at a time to case. Then the drybrushing would really give the bricks and ribbed sides some depth. I'd still like to see some smoke stacks on top... @ least two :)

This is an idea that I'm thinking through for one of my projects. Once I sort the best approach from trial and error, I can help you.

off topic @ godfoot, I got reply back from reference who knows glass guy... still waiting for contact info though... Show me the design you have mind, there may be a substitute over having custom made pieces.

[godfoot]

When you mentioned Dry-brushing, heres an idea... Get some self modeling clay for emulating the sides of the Battersea power station. First, you would have to construct 1/4 or 3/4 size molds to apply vertically on case sides from wood (lined with tin foil) Then apply one clay mold at a time to case. Then the drybrushing would really give the bricks and ribbed sides some depth. I'd still like to see some smoke stacks on top... @ least two :)

This is an idea that I'm thinking through for one of my projects. Once I sort the best approach from trial and error, I can help you.

off topic @ godfoot, I got reply back from reference who knows glass guy... still waiting for contact info though... Show me the design you have mind, there may be a substitute over having custom made pieces. Nice idea on the molds, but on this particular case I am going for a bit more simplicity. The stacks may become a reality though. ;)
The WTTM case is where I am gonna go "balls to the wall".
As far as the idea that may require the forming I will have to draw some things up (not a very good artist, at least not as far as drawing is concerned) and I am not 100% sold on my original plan yet, flexible conduit may or may not be used instead but I will still draw up the original plan to get your opinion on it. The original plan would not allow for "aiming" if you get my drift, but I could possibly combine the two ideas.

Edit: BTW, was that you that gave me my avatar and title Bill? I just noticed it. At any rate, thanks a bunch! B)

[fivecheebs]

Im looking forward to both of these cases, I love Pink Floyd :) Bills "the wall" is gonna be a hard case to follow, speaking of which...


The WTTM case is where I am gonna go "balls to the wall".
Is that the sound of a leather gauntlet hitting a bare cheek? :D

[Pug]

Im looking forward to both of these cases, I love Pink Floyd :) Bills "the wall" is gonna be a hard case to follow, speaking of which...


Is that the sound of a leather gauntlet hitting a bare cheek? :D
Lol, classic. Good eye, cheebs.

/me gets popcorn.... :D

[Starbuck3733T]

Jeebus.

[mnpctech]

BTW, was that you that gave me my avatar and title Bill? I just noticed it. At any rate, thanks a bunch!

That was Pug. The owner and leader of this fine establishment. He always knows how to make well known personalities from other forums feel @ home here ;)

[godfoot]

Ahh, well thanks to Pug then! Looking forward to making myself more at home here as well.
And to fivecheebs, yeah, that was a little tongue in "cheek" humor. :p
Looks like our senses of humor are quite similar, I am one of the resident smart alecs over at PR as well.

[fivecheebs]

And to fivecheebs, yeah, that was a little tongue in "cheek" humor. :p
Looks like our senses of humor are quite similar, I am one of the resident smart alecs over at PR as well.
haha, well played sir ;)

[Pug]

That was Pug. The owner and leader of this fine establishment. He always knows how to make well known personalities from other forums feel @ home here ;) Oi. I hope I make everyone (who comes with the right intentions) feel at home! :rant:

:lol:


Hi Mike. I'm Rich (but I go by Pug just as much 'cos it's a letter less to type :D).
PimpRig has full respect here and like Bill says, any crew from major contributors to the scene are more than welcome.
Pull up a bar stool & grab yerself a cold 'un. :cool:
Look forward to seeing this project unfold.

[godfoot]

Nice to "officially" meet you Rich (Pug).
While I am finishing my Holy Grail Ale, give my regards to the bartender...... excellent service. :wacko:
I am hoping to get a bit more done this weekend, but packing for the upcoming move is coming along slower than expected (I hate packing).

[ByteTech]

godfoot, some sweet ideas there. mnpctech, same to ya. Being a Floyd fan, gonna be keeping my eye on this one.

[godfoot]

Sweet! Yet another Floyd fan, and thanks for your comments.
Progress is slowing on this at the moment as I am preparing for a move to Texas within the next 2-4 weeks but once I get to Texas I will be picking right back up where I leave off before the move. I may or may not get some more done before then, but I have been busy with work and tying up loose ends before leaving.
I did get the orange LEDs ordered today that will be used to edge light whichever window I decide to etch, still up in the air on that at the moment.

[godfoot]

Sorry for the double post, but I didn't want this one to be buried. ;)
I know that I am not finished with the Animals case yet, but for those that can't wait to see pics of what I have to work with on my next project (the Welcome To The Machine one), here is a bit of a teaser.
(pics on my personal webspace part of PR)

http://godfoot.pimprig.com/

I know the black part is hard to tell the depth but it is about 6-8 inches deep in the top recessed part and the control panel is mounted on an arm where the wiring runs through on the inside.
I soooooo can't wait to finish Animals and get started on it.

[biggiy6]

Good luck with the move, cant wait for the updates.

It that a stripped downcopier chasis?:blink:

[godfoot]

Good luck with the move, cant wait for the updates.

It that a stripped downcopier chasis?:blink:
Thanks, I can't wait for updates either. ^_^
Nah, it USED to be a Scitex Dolev 200 film imagesetter for a printing company.

[Pug]

Nice to "officially" meet you Rich (Pug).
While I am finishing my Holy Grail Ale, give my regards to the bartender...... excellent service. :wacko:
I am hoping to get a bit more done this weekend, but packing for the upcoming move is coming along slower than expected (I hate packing).
That's cool, you can thank her (http://www.virtualbartender.beer.com/beer_usa.htm) yourself if you like. :D

<_< Heh, I'm experiencing the same with unpacking right now... the fact that I broke my right hand yesterday isn't helping any either. :(

[fillip]

<_< Heh, I'm experiencing the same with unpacking right now... the fact that I broke my right hand yesterday isn't helping any either. :(
It never rains...

Hope your hand gets better soon (and that you're left handed so you wont be too inconvenienced in the mean time http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif)

[Pug]

It never rains...

Hope your hand gets better soon (and that you're left handed so you wont be too inconvenienced in the mean time http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/Pug_WD/badHand.jpg

Nope. <_<
Hospital on Thurs to get cast off.... :rolleyes:

[mnpctech]

Damn, sorry to hear about your hand man.

I hope your nurse is as hot as your bartender on Thursday.
"Maybe I should kiss it first My Pugh" :blink: :wub:

[Pug]

Damn, sorry to hear about your hand man.

I hope your nurse is as hot as your bartender on Thursday.
"Maybe I should kiss it first My Pugh" :blink: :wub: Yeah, it was a bitch. Ruptured two ligaments, dislocated a bone, dropped a knuckle and got a hairline fracture too (just don't ask how :o) ).

Heh, all the female WizD staff need to be hot or they don't last long ;).
Can't think why she strapped those other three fingers down though. :confused:
:lol: :D


[Edit] Anyway, back to Godfoot's thread... don't wann hafta moderate myself for spamming in the wrong section. :o)

[godfoot]

Just wanted to stop back in here and say that no, this project has not been abandoned or forgotten about. Since I am moving soon (later than expected due to my current work contract) and working really long days (not to mention the NFL playoffs), the modding time has become scarce, but the ideas have not stopped.
I have decided on going with the etched window on the non-mobo side of the case (Battersea Power Station etch) but am going to add something I have yet to see in a mod. What I have come up with is to put a shadow box type thingy on the non-mobo side with the etched window and mechanical looking parts on the interior which would be approximately 3-5 inches deep. This may turn out to house a pump if I ever go the water route, but I really want something that moves in there.
One idea I came up with (left over from some of my original ideas for a Wall case before Bill did his) was the "student grinder" although I don't really want to combine themes if I can help it. Any suggestions on what may look good in there and keep with a factory theme?

[mnpctech]

I like the animated window box idea. How about fabbing some machine type cogs that revolved slowly. I'm pretty sure Micromark sells small motors you can adj for animated scenes. I bet chris @ customwatercuts could cut those cogs for you. You could design the cogs to have "ANIMALS" or Floyd logo cut inside cog. Imagine that illuminated from behind.

[fivecheebs]

I like the animated window box idea. How about fabbing some machine type cogs that revolved slowly. I'm pretty sure Micromark sells small motors you can adj for animated scenes. I bet chris @ customwatercuts could cut those cogs for you. You could design the cogs to have "ANIMALS" or Floyd logo cut inside cog. Imagine that illuminated from behind.
Now that would be very special :)

[Starbuck3733T]

I like the animated window box idea. How about fabbing some machine type cogs that revolved slowly. I'm pretty sure Micromark sells small motors you can adj for animated scenes. I bet chris @ customwatercuts could cut those cogs for you. You could design the cogs to have "ANIMALS" or Floyd logo cut inside cog. Imagine that illuminated from behind.

You do NOT want to try to design your own cogs in autocad. Its a bitch to get them to mesh together. Unless, of course, you're just doing freestanding gears.
If you'd do them in plexi, contact ben rising @ mountmods.com... he's quite reasonable too.

[mnpctech]

There was a children's toy that had big cogs. Can't place it.
How about the guts from an old Clock on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10031&item=6507437627&rd=1) :huh:

Googled this, Giant Boys Cog Clock (http://www.boysstuff.co.uk/gifts-gadgets/Giant-Cog-Clock.asp) ..in UK though

[godfoot]

You could design the cogs to have "ANIMALS" or Floyd logo cut inside cog. Imagine that illuminated from behind.
Not really sure if I like the cog idea just yet, need to think on that one some more. I DO, however, like the logo/backlit idea........ maybe that is where I will incorporate my user icon into the case rather than for fan grills.
Thanks Bill!

[Pug]

You do NOT want to try to design your own cogs in autocad. Its a bitch to get them to mesh together. Unless, of course, you're just doing freestanding gears.
If you'd do them in plexi, contact ben rising @ mountmods.com... he's quite reasonable too.
http://www.emachineshop.com/

I was gonna keep it a secret but it seems too good not to share. :cool:
I'm pretty sure one of the demo tutorials for their proprietary software that I used was for a machine cog. ^_^

[fillip]

What were you gonna keep secret? coz if it was the eMachineshop.com it's already been mentioned in a few other threads while you were away http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif

When I looked into using them they were completely uneconomical for one off's or very small quantities unfortunately. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Fibbles]

What were you gonna keep secret? coz if it was the eMachineshop.com it's already been mentioned in a few other threads while you were away http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif

When I looked into using them they were completely uneconomical for one off's or very small quantities unfortunately. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/frown.gif
I used them on MNPC's reccomendation ^_^

[fillip]

I used them on MNPC's reccomendation ^_^
Did you think they were reasonable?

[Pug]

What were you gonna keep secret? coz if it was the eMachineshop.com it's already been mentioned in a few other threads while you were away http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wink.gif

When I looked into using them they were completely uneconomical for one off's or very small quantities unfortunately. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/frown.gif
Oh. Alright then. *wanders off & sulks* :( ;) :p
Yeah, I figured that but I was figuring they come into their own on larger quantities or real specialist bits & pieces.

[godfoot]

emachineshop would be too much for this project, but for the Welcome To The Machine project it may come in real handy for several parts that will need to be created, unless I can figure a way to make them myself with limited fab skills/knowledge. Thanks for the link.
Looks like I will be doing some more work over this weekend, stay tuned.

[godfoot]

Ahh, it has been entirely too long since I have worked on this more than little odds and ends, but I am finally moving out of my place tomorrow evening. I will be staying with my parents for a few weeks until my current job project is finished, then on to Texas.
I can't wait to get set up down there and get started back in full swing on this project. I have some new ideas to show you guys that I think you are gonna like. B)

[fivecheebs]

Good luck wiht the move godfoot :)

[Fibbles]

Did you think they were reasonable?
Yeah, but it was only because it was a lot less than MNPC wanted for somethign sort of similar. If I hadent been to him first, it wouldn't have been reasonable at all <_<

[Starbuck3733T]

I guess I'll have to see the parts to have reasonable defined, if you don't mind posting what you paid.

[mnpctech]

have a safe trip godfoot. Look forward to whatever youre planning next.

[godfoot]

Well, it appears that I will have another update sooner than I originally planned (that is always cool, eh?) since I received a review item to do for PimpRig on Friday. This review item required being able to see inside my case (3 guesses as to what kind of item it is.... lol) so I got to cutting on my mobo-side panel today. Got the cutouts done, molding I got from mnpctech installed (need to tidy up a bit.... gaps at the ends), and plexi attached using Liquid Nails adhesive.
I will try to have some pics up tomorrow evening, but I have to find which box I packed up the camera in.
More pics on top of these will follow after I get the review item installed and working, probably next weekend.

[Pug]

Interest piqued. B)
Looking forward to it. ^_^

[Starbuck3733T]

Update woot!!

[Leeum]

I'm just waiting for someone to do a Dark Side of The Moon Project, a huge glass prism :D *hint* *hint* Bill, go on you know you want to ;)

[godfoot]

I'm just waiting for someone to do a Dark Side of The Moon Project, a huge glass prism :D *hint* *hint* Bill, go on you know you want to ;)
If he doesn't get to it first, I probably will eventually..... lol.

As promised, here are a couple of shots of the windows on the mobo side done. I may end up reataching the windows differently sometime soon as I obviously haven't perfected cutting the trim the right size (sigh....) but it will work for the time being since I will be taking the windows out when I start painting anyway.
The windows on this side turned out to be smaller than anticipated originally due to not wanting to show the front fan cage (normally what would be drive cages in most cases, big pet peeve of mine with most large windows), but this is somewhat good in a way as I have decided to go with minimalistic lighting on theis side as to not draw all attention to the hardware inside. My focus is to draw attention to the eventual concept as a whole (when finished) and to the eventual window/shadow-box on the opposite side which will have animated machinery if I can make it work the way I envision it.
More pics to come after my review for PimpRig is finished (likely this weekend) as I don't want to ruin the surprise of the review itself. You will be able to see much potential after this weekend though I promise...... and I will explain why then also.
So now, the pics:

[Starbuck3733T]

Arrright dude, keep on keepin on.

I know they're part of a larger project, so you wont mind when I say I had a flashback to 2001-style-moddin when I clicked those links :)

[godfoot]

Arrright dude, keep on keepin on.

I know they're part of a larger project, so you wont mind when I say I had a flashback to 2001-style-moddin when I clicked those links :)
Certainly not, lol.
I am old (school) anyway..... only a year younger than Bill (mnpctech). :lol:
That is only the start for the side panels though, the factory stamped grills will also be cut out and replaced with mesh/filters for better airflow and aesthetics. I would have made the bottom window larger or added more windows, but the shroud at the bottom of the innards doesn't really need to be seen anyway unless I do something special to it. You got me thinking though (could be dangerous too)....... maybe paint the shroud at the bottom like there is a HAZMAT spill or something. Hmmmm.
But as I said in my previous post, the other side will be more of the focal point besides the front bezel anyway so no worries there.

[zer0]

i like the idea of useing several (in your case 2) windows on the side.

[Pug]

Mmm, would I ne right in guessing that this "review item" might be GPU related then?
/me get's a cloth ready to mop up drool. :D

[godfoot]

Mmm, would I ne right in guessing that this "review item" might be GPU related then?
/me get's a cloth ready to mop up drool. :D
I wish it were something better than my 9800 Pro, but alas it is not. It will still be kinda cool though for one specific reason....... hard to keep the secret but I gotta til the review is posted.

[Pug]

....... hard to keep the secret but I gotta til the review is posted.
/me fidgets impatiently. :p :D

[godfoot]

Sorry for the lack of progress here but I got in a pretty serious accident on the 15th (9 days in the hospital) and have just recently gotten back on the computer.
I did get my review turned in yesterday though so as soon as it is posted on PimpRig, I will post update pics here for the project.
Thanks for looking. B)

[biggiy6]

Sorry to hear about the accident but glad to hear you are okay.

We aren't going anywhere anytime soon so the updates can wait.

[Starbuck3733T]

Yeah, very glad you're ok.

[godfoot]

Thank you for your concern, I am well on my way to a complete recovery but there is much more soreness to put up with for a while.

[fivecheebs]

9 days!! that sucks god foot. I hope you had plenty of reading material. Hospitals can be pretty dull places. (at least this side of the pond)

Look forward to the update when you can post it.

Take it easy dude....... mmkay?

[zer0]

i feel your bordom i had to spend a month and a half in the hospital after my incadint i still cant get the taste of hospital food out of my mouth.... good luck with recovery tho.

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Yeah get well soon Goodfoot.

[mnpctech]

Just keep takin it easy Bro...