RetroReplicas

How to build a replica EPCOT Fountain

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When we first decided to host an EPCOT Center event we always knew we wanted to give out a gift to the attendees. We also knew that a pin or bag wasn’t going to be enough to set apart not only the gift, but the event itself. We went down the path of metal coasters and even a 12 sided rubiks cube with the different pavillion logos. I always wanted to make a replica of the...Read More...

Prototype Coasters

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A while back we did some 3D print tests with a 3rd print company to see how the EPCOT logos would look…we recently added our very own 3D printer to our arsenal of tools and we figured we’d print out a full and complete set as a prototype. While these are reliefs and made of plastic, we may make the final product with a rubber material and inset the logo. Further below you will find another…Read More...

Horizons Pegasus Hoverlift a.k.a. Mesa Verde Hovercraft

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It may have seemed to be have a little quiet around here in February, but I can assure you we were busy. In fact we were working on several projects at once. I was busy working on the Horizons model and both of us were working on developing a toy which ate up a lot of our time. While developing the toy we realized we should try a smaller test on a less complicated subject. This…Read More...

Model Scales Primer

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Some of you have asked what scale we will make our models in. This is an excellent question, and while we haven’t settled on the exact size yet we felt it was appropriate to explain a bit about scale when it comes to models.Read More...

Horizons 3D Model – Update 1 – Part 2

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In part 1 of this update, I discussed the changes to the landscaping I’ve made to the Horizons model to improve its accuracy. In this part, I’ll explain the changes to the Horizons pavilion building I’ve made so far. Luckily, most of the changes I’ve made and plan to make to the model of the Horizons building are minor and are mainly adding more detail and optimizing the mesh for later use in the model making…Read More...

Horizons 3D Model – Update 1 – Part 1

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This is the first in the series of updates to the process of turning my 3D Horizons virtual model into a real physical model. In case you missed it, check out the post showcasing the History of the Horizons Project for more info. As always, Retro-Replicas.net will have the latest project progress posts first. After Todd contacted me about turning my Horizons model into a real scale model, I re-opened my files and began inspecting my...Read More...

From Concept to Product….

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Our attraction models will go through quite a process to go from concept to reality. We have outlined the process so you can see what goes on behind the scenes. These photos are from my company when we were chartered to make a diecast metal and plastic model of a massive electrical generator. In real life these are nearly the size of a bus, but we were asked to make it 1/25th in size. Follow along...Read More...

The Horizons Model – A Look Back Forward

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One of the goals of my original Horizons project was to one day make a physical model from the 3D “virtual” model. I had intended to possibly employ 3D printing or rapid prototyping as part of the process in making my own personal architectural model of this beloved EPCOT Center former attraction. I started on it ten years ago (2003). And I made pretty good progress on it during the first couple of years – working...Read More...

Retro Replicas is open!

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A few months back two confirmed Disney nerds collided in the ether of cyberspace. Each had expertise in areas that the other was looking for, and before you knew it, a partnership was formed. Since then they have been lying the foundation for a new and exciting venture that no one has tried before. Enter RetroReplicas, formed to bring your favorite theme park attractions to your very own home. Thousands of fans have fallen in love...Read More...