Firefly Class Starship Serenity (and Random MQ-1 Predator) from a Floppy Disk

So it seems that my other floppy disk pieces are a bit of a hit! Knowing that the internet is a fickle lover, I offer a new set!

One of the commenters had asked if a Firefly model was coming. Um...well...why not? I love Firefly! I'll even throw in a MQ-1 Predator Drone, I'm that nutty. These are fairly quick and simple, so give them a go!

For those younger than 20 or so a floppy disk is that strange icon you press to save a document. For those older than 30 or so that is a 3.5” Floppy as we know that they also came in larger and less useful sizes. That being said my family's first computer was a Commodore PET, which actually had a tape deck for external data storage. Seriously, you had to put in a tape and press “Play”!

If more snark about these tired workhorses of the data storage world and how to mangle them into pretty shapes, my previous pieces are here and here! I would rather jump right into this one!

To start off with orienting you, I included my usual 3D model and 3D PDF. The model can be opened in Autodesk 123D (http://www.123dapp.com/123d). If it proves helpful to future modelers, I also made a model of the disk and door.

This one only requires one floppy disk...and really the door only. You could use a primary buffer panel if that hadn't already fallen off. The Predator will also require one floppy disk door.

Step 1: Tools

You will need for this Instructable:

1. Your Wit
2. A Cunning Spirit
3. A Needle Nose Pliers

Mostly I recommend making your cuts by the tried and true method of fatigue, which I assure you is a word. Think of it like when you wanted to break a paper clip by repeatedly bending it. The intricate details of crack propagation and crystal lattice structure are really all handled by the metal anyhow, so don't worry over it. Who knew that metal had such a detailed understanding of material science?

Some of the cuts for this model are a bit harder to bend. Scoring with a stylus before starting to bend to fatigue or working with a diagonal cutting pliers might help in this case. A good friendship with Superman would work in a pinch also.

Comments

[spyder2021]

Nice work. Tin man. waiting to see what others you will come up with. It simple, inexpensive yet cool.

[Jetpack5]

Thank you! I hope you will like them!

[TheGreatS]

you Sr. are a master with these floppy disk metal pieces. I'm exited to see what you have in the future.

[Jetpack5]

Thank you! hopefully something in the next few weeks.