Scratch Build – In Progress Project Orange Express (Update 14th)

Welcome to my first scratch build, Project Orange Express.

The design ethos behind this project is a small, simple case that is not to hard to transport, I have taken alot of my inspiration from li lian cases and NZXT very angular cases.

I'm going to be using this Pc for general use and a small amount of gaming (monkey island 2 ) however I will also be using it injunction with my Film storage device which I am intending to build after, so It has to be very quiet and descreet.

On to the pictures



A quick taster shot for you of my planned design for the case, Its only a quick google sketchup but you get the idea.


To start some intial Planning I wanted to fit everything in the smallest space I could yet keep a more traditional case shape.


Once I had decided on hte dimensions I moved onto deciding how it would be constructed time for a cardboard mockup.




Enough cardboard onto the next stage Aluminum...

 

The most current update found at page 2

 

Update 1

First off I would just like to say I am a novice to this so its abit rough and ready at this moment

Right I began by cutting the aluminum to the correct lenths then cutting the corners to a 45 degree angle to begin forming the basic frame.



I then cut out the base of the case it was at this point I realised that my Dremal and jigsaw were both broken however I manged to get by with a trusty hacksaw and my t square.

Once this was cut I was then able to drill the hole for the rivits

Alryaldite time



The final piece for today


It was at this point I realised we dont actually have a file so thats it for today.

I know it looks a little rough but once the frame has been built and painted Im hoping it will look proffesional.

Any comment or advice are welcome especially working with aluminum For the actually panels Im thinking of having them laser cut what do you think ??

Thanks guys

 

It looks pretty dam good already , apart from the little bits of squashed out of Alryaldite

 

Keep the updates coming. Should be cool stuff

 

Update 2

Little update for today while I'm on my lunch break.

My new motherboard arrived from scan this morning the Motherboard in question is the DFi Lanparty LP MI P55-T36, I chose this over other motherboards based on the H55 chipset as Im planing to use a dedicated graphics card that and it has a nice Orange/Black colour sceme.



More updates on the way

Cheers guys and thanks for the comments.

 

looking good

 

Orange express.

I likey Orange cases.


Looking forweard to seeing your project develop

 

Update 3

Past few days I have continued work on the frame due to gluing its been progressing slowly to begin I completed the base frame.



Next I measured out and inserted two more strips to form a further base for the PSU



Then I attached the 1st of 4 small strips to the frame which will surport the main vertical columns




To finsh I attached the main column to the frame, At this point I wanted to really test the glue so I clamped it and now to wait for the glue to full harden (8 hours) once I have tested it I will attach them together using screws.



Thanks once again for the comments.

 

Mini update 4

Hey some samples from the acrylic company today can't decide which I prefer tho, the one on the left is Orange Flouresant and the right is Amber tint.



Orange Flouresant



Amber Tint



Let me know what you guys think ? which is better

Thanks.

 

I like the Amber, but the floro will probably work just as well.

 

amber tint seems better, but fluoro orange would be cool to see

 

Yeah. Amber will not be better.

 

orange flouresant!!

 

Hey guys thank for your opinions

There is a proper update coming tomoro morning when I have time but for now is a quick something I want some opinion on.

Well I was watching the tele last night and I had a thought about the design of my case while looking at my cardboard mock up. so anyway I have done a really quick sketchup of it so Id appriciate it if you guys could tell me what you think.


Cheers guys

Catch you tomorow

 

do something with the shape of the window

 

Yeah i agree, just a quick suggestion (obviously ignore if you have something in mind)



And have the clear as it was with the orange section as maybe the amber tint to retain the translucency and keep it in theme with the design of the front of the case.

Just my 2p's worth

Gonna be looking sweet however you go about it. Orange is always a great colour to sue in cases imho. Subbed'

 

UV or not? -I'd use both. I'd use a lot of the regular orange, and use the UV stuff as an accent, particularly in areas where the edges are visible.
-be right back...


-Something like this on the window comes to mind.

 

Amber is more decent, fluorescent is more fresh your call...
i really like that mobo btw

 

Update 5

Thanks for all your coments so far, In response to a few of your suggestions I am planning to use amber tint for the acrylic and maybe a small amount of flouresant for some accents. As for the window I havent fully decided it yet but I want to keep it simple shape as the case is already quite bold in that sense, but I'm still working on it.

Ok an update well I wasnt happy with the quality of the aluminium frame, so I resarted using a different method which I think looks much better.


Close ups




Also bought some materials first from Chilled PC, some hexagon mesh and 2 little packages containing white and orange LEDS.



And the last a Gigabyte GTX460 graphics card from fellow bit-tech member Bodkin



I really like the nickel finsh on the pci bracket and thinking about using it as the main colour for the case.

Thanks