Project: Water Cooling Turbine

[rendermandan]

Hi everybody!

My water cooling kit came in today.

Here are my ideas for the setup to house the radiator, fans and Resevoir.

My cooling system: the Swiftech H20-120 Premium Kit
http://www.swiftnets.com/assets/images/products/h20-120-premium/h2O-120-premium-res-micro.jpg

Fans: Thermaltake A1926 120mm Blue LED Case Fan
http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/ProductImageCompressAll200/11-999-127-06.jpg

Resevoir: XSPC Passive 250mm Reservoir - SILVER
http://www.frozencpu.com/images/products/main/ex-res-87.jpg

Basically it will look like this:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/1.jpg
Back exhaust:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/3.jpg
Front looking down tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/2.jpg
Here is a section cut from the top:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/4.jpg


The unit will sit ontop of my computer and, the large tube will house the radiator in the center and air will flow over it to help cooling, then the tube will taper to meet the entering fan and be pushed thru the radiator. I'm going to add a second fan on the back side to help also.
Obviously I did not add any colors to anyting.
It will mostly be silver and black with Blue lights
I'm not sure how to "Dress up" the outside of it yet. but I"m working on it.

I have to order the resevoir yet, but I thought I'd see what you guys thought before I get too far into this.

So... What do you guys think?

[Luke122]

I love the look of this! I think thats going to be a great idea!

As far as the decoration/color for the outside, this thing makes me think "jet engine" or rocket. It's got a sort of outerspace/sci-fi look to it, so why not do something that looks mech/industrial, with some deep-space damage/debris to it? Paint it to look like panels and rivets make up the shell, and have some warning stickers near the intake and exhaust maybe. :D

This case (http://www.notebookforums.com/thread144209.html) has the sort of damage/detail to it that I'm talking about.. like blaster fire marks and a general dirtyness that would come from flying through space. :)

[jdbnsn]

That does look pretty cool, reminds me of a jet engine.

[rendermandan]

Thanks for the comments, Yeah, the jet engine is where i got the Turbine name. -Hopefully it doesn't sound like one though, I want quiet!

I went shopping tonight for the 6" tube. -The only thing I found was a 6" dia. section of pvc that was 10' long. Way more than I need plus it was close to $30. I also found a 6" dia. metal supply duct. but its too flexible. Hmmmm...

[Spawn-Inc]

dude, thats freaking awesome, go for it 100%. going on the jet engine look it reminds me of a pod racer engine from star wars. is the rad in between the two fans?

[rendermandan]

dude, thats freaking awesome, go for it 100%. going on the jet engine look it reminds me of a pod racer engine from star wars. is the rad in between the two fans?

Thanks

Yes, if you look at the plan section, you can see the "fins" of the radiator between the two fans.

[rendermandan]

Well, looks like this might actually get under way. My first real creative Modding project. Everyone wish me luck please!

Today at lunch I went to a local concrete block facility and picked up a 2' section of 6" dia. Sonotube. Its basically a thick hard cardboard tube that has a coating on the inside to make it smooth for forming a round concrete column. It was only $1.50 per foot too. but the bastards charged me $3.00 to cut it. LOL

I'll try to get some pics tonight after my bowling.

[elbarto241]

It was only $1.50 per foot too. but the bastards charged me $3.00 to cut it.


thats gotta be one of the funniest things ive ever heard. nice design BTW, its gonna looks sweet sitting on your case. :devious:

[rendermandan]

wow, I'm really getting sucked into this. I just ordered the resevoir, some tubing clamps some steel blue non-conductive coolant and some EL wire. -I'm going to integrate that into the outside of the tube. Man the gears have really started turning on this. not to mention my pocket book is getting thinner by the minute!

[jdbnsn]

not to mention my pocket book is getting thinner by the minute!
__________________

Lol, yeah the obsession does cost. But it's worth it.

[The boy 4rm oz]

It looks like a good idea.The fan would really help due to the passive cooling elements of the reservoir.

[Redundant]

Looks like a great idea and, when in operation, should keep your temps low. The only thing you might want to check would be is the pump powerful enough? (I'm not really knowledgeable on WC'ing.)

I think to make it look even better, you might want to taper the tube toward the back as the air pressure will lessen at the back otherwise. While you're at it, might as well make the back end look like a jet fighter. (vector nozzle? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NArrMPFNdUw) A non-moving one, of course.)

[rendermandan]

ok, Here is what I got done over the weekend.

Here's a shot of the parts and the tube I purchased:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1855.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1856.jpg

I started by laying out where to cut the tube so the radiator and fans will slide down into it from the top:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1860.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1859-1.jpg

here are the holes i had to cut:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1871.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1872.jpg

And here is the radiator assembly in the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1873.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1869.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1875.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1876.jpg

Next I cut a section of board to form the backing for the back of the tube.
I then cut the hole out of the middle for air.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1888.jpg

this piece will help me to mold and shape the exit of the tube.

And here it is glued into place:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1893.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1891.jpg

Thats it for now. :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looks good so far, I can feel that this is gonna turn out well. Just letting you know that those Thermaltake fans can be quite loud.

[rendermandan]

Hmmm... here are the specs posted on NewEggs website.
Model
Brand Thermaltake
Series Thunderblade
Model A1926
Spec
Type Case Fan
Compatibility Case
Fan Size 120mm
Bearing Type Sleeve
RPM 2000 RPM
Air Flow 78 CFM
Noise Level 21 dBA
Power Connector 4 Pin
Color Transparent
LED Blue


21 db doesn't seem that loud to me.
especially for 78 CFM. Most of the ones I've seen in that CFM range are around 30 db or more.

[The boy 4rm oz]

20 dBA doesn't seem like much but in a quiet room you notice them. My friend had a pair and they annoyed him so much he got rid of em, but they are good fans. I've got one of the Thermaltake 120mm Smart Fans with the thermal probe and speed controller. The probe and the speed controller are broken and the fan running at full speed howels like a banshee.

[Computer-Geek]

wow nice idea ! This will turn out good :D

[Commando]

Oooohh,

That does look wicked cool. The case for the turbine out of clear acrylic tubing will be really cool. Being able to see that cool reservior on the inside will be awesome.

[Spawn-Inc]

Oooohh,

That does look wicked cool. The case for the turbine out of clear acrylic tubing will be really cool. Being able to see that cool reservior on the inside will be awesome.

i rather like that idea.. maybe you can cut windows on the tube and melt(shape) some plexi over the window.

i know its to late but i've heard good things about panaflow fans. i'm gonna grab a couple when i w/c my computer. i'm not sure what look your going for but you could add some tubes and pipes running into the side of the tube for a steampunk kinda look.
is that kill bill on the tv in one of the pictures??

[rendermandan]

Spawn, I had the same idea about some tubes on the sides, I'm going to go for a "industrial"-futuristic look. Kind of hard to explain, but very geometric shapes with glow wire that follow the shapes in "grooves" cut into the tube.
Kind of hard to explain. I like the idea about the plexi tube, but couldn't think of how to make it without ruining or scratching the plexi to form the shapes in the rear. -see my next post!

FYI, your close, I was watching Paycheck.

[rendermandan]

Here's my next update:

I left off with just one round form on the rear, so I made another for the front:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1896.jpg

Then added some bondo:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1897.jpg
and some more bondo:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1898.jpg
after some sanding I added some spot putty:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1899.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1900.jpg
here is the finished end.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1903.jpg
Up next was the front part. I first had to make a template to help shape the bondo as access to this area was kind of tight.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1905.jpg
Here is my first attempt. I think it turned out pretty good.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1906.jpg
and here is a shot after adding spot putty:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1915.jpg
While that was drying, I turned my attention to the base. I cut some plastic panel to shape:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1913.jpg
then I beveled the edges of the sides so they will fit better to the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1912.jpg

Thats it. Next up is to cut a design in the sides of the bottoms, and sand the inside of the tube.

FYI, my resevoir, coolant and glow wire should be delivered tomorrow. YEAH!
Later!

[Spawn-Inc]

nice work on the bondo. i like the way it looks, reminds me of the mythbusters jetpack episode. +rep.

[Commando]

Oh my bad,

I thought that tube was clear with the cardboard stuff on the outside. I see now what it is. I would try to do something so you can see that wicked cool reservoir. The reservoir is really too cool to be hiding in the guts of the mod.

Whatever you decide, it's looking really wicked.

[rendermandan]

Oh my bad,

I thought that tube was clear with the cardboard stuff on the outside. I see now what it is. I would try to do something so you can see that wicked cool reservoir. The reservoir is really too cool to be hiding in the guts of the mod.

Whatever you decide, it's looking really wicked.

Thats ok, I can see where you thought it was clear tubing covered in a protective layer.

I'm thinking about having some type of pattern cut into the tube, but I"m not sure how everyting will layout. It just depends on how large the openings want to be to look good. We'll see.

[alphastryk]

damn man this looks awesome... I've somehow missed seeing this one before... bad plan that.

+rep
/subscribe

[rendermandan]

Thanks for the rep, alphastryk! You just gave me my third green Bar!!!! woohooo.

Unfortunatly, I wont have anything new for you guys tonight, my wife and I are taking our son to see a ball game and the fireworks show here tonight. So no modding tonight. Sorry.
But I should be back on it tomorrow night. :)

[The boy 4rm oz]

If you want to make some easy plastic "slots" in the cardboard you could use a piece of plastic from a water bottle i.e Coke or something of the required size. Saves you bending sheet plastic and doesn't cost much.

[elbarto241]

holy mother of water cooling turbines! that looks nice. cant wait to see more :D

[rendermandan]

If you want to make some easy plastic "slots" in the cardboard you could use a piece of plastic from a water bottle i.e Coke or something of the required size. Saves you bending sheet plastic and doesn't cost much.

Excellent Idea, I might have to try that! +reps

and as expected, my stuff from Frozencpu showed up today. WOW that resevoir is sweeeeeet! You guys are right, I'm going to have to cut some type of window in the tube because it is such a thing of beauty that I don't wan't to cover it up.

Later

[elbarto241]

cant wait to see that res in action! amazing an innovative desgin ^BTW

[The boy 4rm oz]

No problem, thanks for the rep rendermandan.

[Spawn-Inc]

pictures of the res!!!!!!

[The boy 4rm oz]

First page has a pic of the res Spawn-Inc.

[Spawn-Inc]

i know but i want to see the "real" one, not just a staged(right word?) photo.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Ok haha sorry. The first pic looks awesome though.

[rendermandan]

Ask and ye shall receive:

Here is all the stuff I got from FrozenCpu:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1917.jpg

The resevoir next to a 12" ruler:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1922.jpg
The end. -Notice the small scratches, I could not see them untill the flash.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1918.jpg
The end with the cap off.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1927.jpg
The cap itself:


I got just a small amout done yesterday. I was way to busy with parties and family.

I laid out a pattern on the side of the bottom frame.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1931.jpg
Then I taped the two sides together
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1933.jpg

I have to go get my scroll saw from my Dads workshop to cut them out.

Later.

[The boy 4rm oz]

That res is awesome, I want one lol. I'd have no where to put it though ;)

[elbarto241]

cant wait to see the scrollsaw action! :D

[rendermandan]

So anybody have any ideas on where to mount the pump?

[alphastryk]

So anybody have any ideas on where to mount the pump?

maybe put it on the side somehow and make it look like some sort of random cool tech thing on the side/top?...idk how to describe what I'm thinking :|

[rendermandan]

maybe put it on the side somehow and make it look like some sort of random cool tech thing on the side/top?...idk how to describe what I'm thinking :|

that actually gives me some ideas. Thanks.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yeah go with that idea. You could mount it under the top panel of the case so it's unseen.

[rendermandan]

maybe you guys can help me decide on what shape hole to cut into the tube. here are some options I came up with:

Option 1: Just a large rectangular hole.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/holeoption1.jpg

Option 2: One small hole:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/holeoption2.jpg

Option 3: Two larger holes:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/holeoption3.jpg

Option 4: Irregular, geometric shape cut into tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/holeoption4.jpg

FYI the bottom panels will not have the holes on them as shown in the pictures. -This one actually matches the design of the bottom and panels that will be applied to the tube. so it fits the best with the overall design. but does it look good? this is what the bottom panels look like
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1931.jpg

Please any comments are welcome!

[calumc]

think id go with the odd shape to match the bottom panel

[elbarto241]

odd shape is the way to go. maybe a little TBCS logo action somewhere??

[rendermandan]

Here is an updated 3d model.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/WC.jpg

[calumc]

lookin sweet!
BTW are you usin autocad for these models?
if it is then they are amazin (never liked that program much)

[rendermandan]

lookin sweet!
BTW are you usin autocad for these models?
if it is then they are amazin (never liked that program much)

Thanks,

Actually it is Autocad Architecture 2008, formally known as Architectural Desktop.

I do 3d modeling for my job so I work with this 8 hrs a day. There are alot of things I don't like about it either, but overall its pretty good.

[calumc]

well your good at it!
i prefer solid works myself, i just find it a lot easier for 3d stuff.

On topic: can't wait till this thing gets finished!

[Spawn-Inc]

definitely go with your latest model, it looks really good. +rep

[Eclecticos]

This is possibly the Kewlist thing i've ever seen!
Great Idea. You are the Mannn!

[M!ST!CX]

got great potencial,cant wait to see it all done.

[rendermandan]

I made it out to my dad's tonight.

here is a shot of how much sawdust was on my scroll saw. I haven't used it in a long time!
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1934.jpg

First i drilled the 1/2" hole for the tubing. and small holes for the blade to go through.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1935.jpg

Then cut out around the 1/2" hole
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1939.jpg

Then proceded to cut out the rest:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1945.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1947.jpg

Here is the finished cuts:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1948.jpg

obviously I have some filing and sanding to do, but it turned out pretty good.

[jdbnsn]

Came out pretty good!

[Luke122]

Looking great for sure!

[Spawn-Inc]

oh yeah my mom wanted me to get more miracle grow. oh, and it looks good to hehe...

does that drill press have a drain in the table/pan? (i don't know what to call it)

seriouly though its comming along nicely.

[M!ST!CX]

very precise cut.....cant wait:p

[The boy 4rm oz]

That looks great. For the window use either option 1 or the updated option 4. Option 4 looks cool and unusual.

[elbarto241]

man i really need to get a scroll saw. nice job on those cuts. :D

[rendermandan]

does that drill press have a drain in the table/pan? (i don't know what to call it)

Not sure, I think it does. Never really noticed.

[rendermandan]

Tonight I sat down and filed the plastic cutouts.

Now I have 2 identical, mirror image pieces. Isn't that lovely?

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1953.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Good work, it's gonna look great when it's done.

[rendermandan]

Well, here is tonight's update.

I stopped picked up some semi-translucent plastic as a backer for the bottom section,
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1956.jpg
I cut it to shape and set it aside.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1957.jpg

Then came the task of cutting all the small strips to add to the sides.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1963.jpg
Too bad half way thru, I almost sliced the end of my left middle finger off. I was holding a straight edge and pulled a razor blade right across the tip. -I didn't get any photos.

Then I glued the sides, front and back together and added some gussets for strength.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1958.jpg
Then I glued on the little strips:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1961.jpg

then I glued it to the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1962.jpg

Then just for fun, I checked to see how the tubing would look:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1964.jpg

Thats it for now. Tomorrow I'm going to get working on the cover that goes over the radiator.

Later,

[M!ST!CX]

awesome man

[elbarto241]

the side paneling on the base with the strips for detail looks simply amazing. i love the way the tube looks going into the base, it really add that flair to make it unique. nice job

[SgtM]

just.. WOW! +rep.

[rendermandan]

Thanks for everyones encouragment on this! I really appreciate it.

So, as promised, here is another update.

I had some blue CC tubes that I never turned on inside my case, so I took those out to use in the base. They will only light up the base area. with that Translucent plastic film I showed earlier.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1967.jpg

Then I worked on the front and back of the cover for the radiator:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1970.jpg

Here is a shot installed on the tube.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1969-1.jpg

Then for grins, I hooked up the fans to test airflow. WOW does having two of those fans move a lot of air!!! It literlly felt like a vacume at the front of the tube. Here is a shot with the flash on:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1965.jpg
and with the flash off, The bright blue really washes out the image. I will have to play with the settings to try and get a better shot.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1966.jpg

Thats if for a few days, I am going on vacation tomorrow and won't be back untill this weekend, So everyone take care, Later!

[chaksq]

Wow, I just saw this, It seems incredible. Gives me ideas for some of my projects. I love watching things get created.

[Cagedconnerman]

Wow, this is really coming along great, have fun camping too :)

[rendermandan]

We decided to leave tomorrow morning for Vacation so I got a little modding done tongiht. Only problem was my wife packed our camera so I couldn't take any pictures. All I got done was the sides to the back and started on the cover. So its not a big deal.

Later,

[rendermandan]

Hi everybody, I'm back from our Vacation. Unfortunaly my wife's father passed away while we were gone, so we had to cut our trip short. I still managed to find a little time to get a little modding done, so here it goes.

Here is a shot of the sides attached to the radiator housing:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1984.jpg

and some braces on the bottom:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1985.jpg

Then I mocked up the removable top:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1987.jpg

and here it is all together:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_1986.jpg

Then I turned my attention to the 3 tapered rails that run along the tube.
I used a thin sheet of plexi sandwiched between two plate sheets.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2102.jpg

I left a recessed in the bottom edge of the rail:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2106.jpg\

The recess area is for the glow wire I purchased.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2108.jpg

Here are some shots of it lit up:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2109.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2110.jpg

And with the lights out:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2112.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2111.jpg

Then pictures really dont' do it justice. it is much brighter than shown in the pics and looks great!

One down, 2 more to make, then I can mount them on the tube.

[Bucko]

That looks great! +rep

[Cagedconnerman]

awesome work +rep...nvm gotta spread it around

[dgrmkrp]

wow.. this is my 1st time seeing this.. just wow! very cool idea (pun intended).

Some thing I saw back in the worklog is that the reservoir has a cap that goes all the way to cover the fins when installed... This should hinder some airflow if I am not mistaken (although the air from the fans will pass over the cap and reach the ribs).

This thing looks sick and I am really curios as how it will mate with the case (and what you plan to do with the case >:) )

Good luck.. and work more and give us more to "digest"! ;)

[rendermandan]

Thanks everybody, dgrmkrp, You are right, there is a cap on both ends that does hinder the airflow into the fins. however after testing the airflow and feeling how much air moves thru the tube when both fans are running, I thing it will be ok. There is a ton of air moving.

as for how its going to tie into the case... I'm not really sure yet. I have some ideas for the case, but for now I'm just concentrating on the top. FYI, my current computer case is all aluminum silver and clear plexi with blue lights everwhere.
here is a shot:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/100_1609.jpg
so obvously, that will be next. :)

[rendermandan]

I had some time to get some stuff done this afternoon. I ended up getting alot more done than I thought I would have.

I finished making the other two light rails.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2124.jpg

I got both sides of the back tube wraped in the trim.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2120.jpg

then before mounting the rails, I took a piece of plexi and melted it to match the ouside of the curve for the main window.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2115.jpg

as I heated it with a torch, I used tape to help pull it down to match the tube.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2117.jpg

This is the final shot with it all taped down ready to cool.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2119.jpg

Then it came time to fit the light rails.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2126.jpg

I had to add trim to the intake end of the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2130.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2131.jpg

then I cut a slot for the wire to tranition from on rail to the next. the other transition happens inside the back box.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2135.jpg

here is a light rail attached to the side
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2128.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2138.jpg

with the lights off
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2139.jpg

so what do you guys think?

Up next comes some serious thought as to the size and shape of the window and how I will cover the edge to make it look good.
I know I have to order more glow wire so I might get some other goodies too.

untill next time,

[danthegeek]

Awesome work so far. Im really lovin it.

[Eclecticos]

Impressive! Reminds me of the Battlestar Galactica Mod.
You got my subscription. Keep up the Fantastic Work :up:

[rendermandan]

I just ordered 2 more sets of glow wire, some elbows and about 6' of tygon tubing. the tubing that came with the kit was ok, but I've heard so much good stuff about tygon, that I just had to get some since I was placing an order anyway. guess now I have to wait for it to get here. Hopefully I can get the window cut and laid out while I'm waiting. Cheers! and thanks again for everyones positive encouragement.

[elbarto241]

amazing work with the EL wire. and like Eclecticos said, it also reminds me of the Battlestar Galactica Mod. maybe a little kit bashing is in your future?

[The boy 4rm oz]

This looks great.

[rendermandan]

Tonight I added a cover over the glow wire in the front, although its hard to see being white, the flash kind of washed it out.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2145.jpg

Then I laid out the shape of the tube window:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2147.jpg
and using a dremel, I cut it out:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2148.jpg

here is the final window:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2157.jpg

Here is the piece of plexi I heated and bent to match the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2143.jpg

and here it is taped to the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2161.jpg

Just for fun I installed the blue CC lights and tested the cover for the bottom.
I think it is alittle too bright. I might have to come up with something a little less intense for the bottom light.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2156.jpg

I then traced the shape of the window onto the plexi and covered it in tape to protect it.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2162.jpg
Cut it out:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2163.jpg

So my final thoughts on the window were to "MAYBE" laser etch something in the plexi. lets say TBCS? or logo or something. I'm not sure yet.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2167.jpg

happy modding, later!

[The boy 4rm oz]

Hey you used my idea...kinda. Looks great.

[calumc]

freekin sweet +rep

[yakyb]

i love the idea

i have the exact same res btw its really nice isnt it im surprised more people dont use the xspc gear

[rendermandan]

i love the idea

i have the exact same res btw its really nice isnt it im surprised more people dont use the xspc gear

any pics?

[Scotty]

Looking great can't wait to see it done.

[FrooP]

what is the color of the tube?
cool stuff you are teh maan

[rebelliont56]

ive been following this worklog for awhile and i have to say...its is BEAST!!!!....such a cool idea....

[rendermandan]

what is the color of the tube?
cool stuff you are teh maan

Thanks, I'm assuming you mean when its done? Basically I'm going to paint it black and then come back with silver and grey and maybe drybrush it or air brush it. Not really sure about the finish. I have to make up some mockups for testing the finish before I start on the actuall pieces.

Right now I'm just concentrating on gettting it built. however I think I'm going to be forced to start painting sooner because of the clear plexi parts and the panels that will cover the edges.

[si-skyline]

wow this is so cool, i love what you have been doing at the moment, i dont think there are menyworks to discribe but wow...


...I think it is alittle too bright. I might have to come up with something a little less intense for the bottom light.

I say keep it, it looks cool. very bright on the bottom and then the less bright on top and in side. iv got this image that its a glow from a generator or something connected wih the turbine and its this ultra bright glow xD

also a cool point to make is to try and get the light to fade in and out.

[rendermandan]

well, to play off your idea of having it fade in and out, what about motion?

maybe I could use a pair of these:
http://www.xoxide.com/sunbeam-meteor-light-blue.html

that way I won't get the heat buildup with cc tubes.

[Spawn-Inc]

don't forget to paint the edge where your sticking the window, wouldn't want to see any of that brown tube.

[rendermandan]

You are correct, Spawn, I don't wan't to see any brown tubing. I'm trying to figure out how to install the window and still paint it. Like I said earlier, I may be forced into painting sooner than I had hoped.

Just as small update tonight.
I started to trim the underside of the front. You won't see it much, but in my opinion, attention to detail everwhere counts!

Here is what started with, I added a few trim pieces around the edges:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2177.jpg

Then I simply added a few layers of board down cut to random shapes. Note: this area will not have any glow wire.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2181.jpg

The only other thing I got done was to rough up the surface for the other side of the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2183.jpg

Like I said, just a small update tonight, I'm waiting on the extra glow wire that should be here Thursday.
and an update on doing the laser etching. I will have to wait on that. they guy that I know that has access to it teaches at a local high school and he informed me that he won't have access untill school starts, which is at the end of august.

later,

[jdbnsn]

I'm really impressed with this project, it's original and turning out quite nicely. If I were you, I would go for a more subtle interior lighting scheme than a cathode tube or that meteor thing. I think it would look better with a dim, soft glow of a couple LED's. But that's just my opinion. Any plans on how you are going to paint it? A nice weathered metal would look good like the technique illustrated by Commando in his Tips, Tricks, & Tutorial series.

[rendermandan]

jbdnsn, I agree, I have to find someting not so bright that does not give off much heat. I thought about wiring up some led's myself, not sure exactly what I'm going to do yet.

As for painting, thanks for pointing me toward Commando's tips, I have access to an airbrush, but I don't have an air compressor, so I have to figure that one out. But Yes, I will be air brushing it to make it look liked weathered metal. I really like the paint look on Crimson's Doom 3 case, but I dont' want to copy it exactly. and I want it to look more like the insides of a futuristick turbine.

Thanks again!

[The boy 4rm oz]

This just keeps getting beter and beter.

[rendermandan]

I just had an idea, but I"m not sure how to go about doing it.

Basically I want to add some led's under the tube instead of the cc tubes that are too bright. I found these 2 color leds: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1886/ele-51/5mm_BlueRed_Dual_Color_LED.html?tl=g6c77s665

my idea would be to have several of these wired up below the tube and would start out as blue when the liquid is cool. they would be hooked up to a controller that would slowly change them over to the red as the water temperature went up. then as needed if the water temp went down, they would return to blue.

anyone know how to accomplish this. I'm not very good at creating ic circuits. I can do basic soldering, but circuit design is not my fortay!

[calumc]

well i'm not great with ICs either but i'd say you might be able to do it with just thermistors and resistors

[Spawn-Inc]

well don't waste your money there go to ls diode (http://www.lsdiodes.com/) 0.45 for 3mm red and blue. as far as hooking them up you can use onf of those calculators. if your wanting to hook it up so it changes to the temp of the water i'm not sure how good that would work becuase its only 2 colours. for the power i would grab it from the 5v molex connector running to the fans.

[rendermandan]

Thanks Spawn, +Rep you just saved me a boat load of money!!! I ordered 15 blue leds and resistors. I'll skip the idea about color changing for now. and I'm not sure I'll use all 15, I just figured I'd get some extras while I was placing the order. Thanks again.

[calumc]

i would look more into the colour changing thing bcoz that would be rele cool.
im pretty sure you could do it with a thermistor and just have an extra resistor on 1 colour.
there must be someone here that would know how to do it

[rendermandan]

I would need someway to measure the temp of the water also. Preferable measure it right after it leaves the cpu block.

[Spawn-Inc]

np. so you got 15 eh, thats good then you get the 1 free 5mm Blue LED. they even through them in coloured bags so you know what colour right off the bat.

you could get this (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=239&products_id=20420) and make a T line right from the cpu (in or out). you would need some kind of micro controller (i think is what you want but not sure) and have it change the number/colour of led's on at one time.

on a side note what program did you use at the start of this log to make rendering (right word?) of this project. i started making a sketchup to show what i was going to suggest. so now i'm just building it for fun.

[rendermandan]

Thanks again for the head up on that company, and they only charge $2 for shipping. Excellent!
I've been doing all the 3d modeling in Autodesk Architecture 2008

[yakyb]

any pics?

none at the moment its going into my case mod that i have delayed whilst i play around with a couple of ideas. (possible involving a complete rebuild as there isnt enough room in the two cases)

[FrooP]

for the idea with the color changing leds.. this is an NTC right, so ntcs are like:
temp up, res down use a switcher relay, if the water is cold the relay is not forced (dunno how it called but its "off") because the resisor is 2 high = blue led is connectes in circuit. secound circuit on relay activates when the water is getting warmer, the resistance(?) is sinking and the relay can switch to the blue led.. bad thing on this is you just know that the water is hot or cold. not how and youll hear the click of the relay... im looking for a IC circuit somewhen and try to translate it :)

[rendermandan]

wow, that would be great!

[FrooP]

first off i want to know if you think you can solder something like this.. its the basic version, fades a bicolor led from 1.2 to 12V, we would manage that with a ntc and some stuff more.
http://www.modding-faq.de/moddingfaq/sonstiges/duoled_voltage/front.jpg

[rendermandan]

Yeah, I think I could solder something like that. as long as it was clearly labled out where things go in the breadboard and what needed to be soldered to what. +rep for your help!

[FrooP]

i think this would take some more time, so are there bipole leds avaiable? cuz this circuit works like this i think
0V= led got power from the upper pin.
power rising to 12V= power fades to the lower pin(upper pin goes ground)
so i think youll need a bipolar led which is pin 1 red and pin 2 green or sumething
dunno yet, gonna find that out 4 ya
http://www.modding-faq.de/moddingfaq/sonstiges/duoled_voltage/schematics_th.gif
http://www.modding-faq.de/moddingfaq/sonstiges/duoled_voltage/front.jpg
http://www.modding-faq.de/moddingfaq/sonstiges/duoled_voltage/back.jpg

[rendermandan]

I just got my order of the tygon tubign and more glow wire delivered.

I have to say, I'm not exacly thrilled with the tygon tubing. It is very soft and flexible and it does kink! the tubing that came with the switech kit doesn't kink as much as this stuff! I think I wasted $18!

I just don't understand it. everyone talks this tubing up and says it so great, but from the looks of it, if I put my fingers about 5" apart, and bend its ok, but If I move them closer like 4", then it kinks hard and completly shuts off. I'll try it out when I get home and maybe take some pics.

[Spawn-Inc]

thats sucks, i will be sure to stear clear of that stuff then, once i start to w/c anyway. i think i would just go to a hardware store and pick up w/e is there.

on a side note my frist time using and somewhat understanding sketchup i tried to make a model of you project to show you how i would have placed the lights. my idea didn't work out on sketchup or at all so since my internet was out i messed around and came up with this haha,

http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/5295/2538097110100511463S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/4707/2169193860100511463S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/5115/2771469150100511463S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/5921/2897374820100511463S600x600Q85.jpg

i call it a steath "JET" bomber.

back to the project though. i was thinking about changing the voltages for the leds to make it fade in and out better. i would have no clue on how to do it though. i tend to think mechanically so i would have made some wheel wire different voltaged wires. anyway hope you get it working!

[rendermandan]

Spawn, Those are some pretty cool ideas and sketchup models.

[rendermandan]

Here is tonights update. I started to layout the framework for the recessed glow wire lighting on the back side of the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2184.jpg

Then I taped the glow wire along next to it just temporarily.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2185.jpg

Here is the framework all finished: -note: wire has been removed.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2186.jpg

and here it is at night:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2188.jpg

Then I proceded to layer the covers over the top of the wire:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2196.jpg

and her is the effect it gives. The picture really does not show how bright it its. you can see how the glow lights up the other "layers".
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2193.jpg

I am going to finish the covers and add more layers as I see fit. but the wire will be removed for painting. After its painted, I can run the wire back around the path and tuck it in between the tube and the first layer of cover. but the entire thing will be hidden. all you will see will be the glow radiating out from behind the multiple different layers.

What do you think?

[Spawn-Inc]

for the EL/glow wire what does it hook up to? does it need resistors, cheap, volts?

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mate this is great. What colour are you gonna paint it?

[SgtM]

Awesome work man! On one hand, I can't wait to see this completed, but at the same time, I'm having fun watching you build it.

BTW, LSDiodes FTW! RWKY.

[rendermandan]

Thanks everyone!, I'm glad you are liking how this is turning out.

Spawn, It comes with a transformer that has a 4 pin molex connnector on it. Thats it! I've read that you can cut its length to whatever you want, but I've also read that if you try and hook it up to both cut pieces, then it becomes half as bright. -I can't verify that, but its just what I've read.

Boy, I'm going to start with a base coat of black, then do some drybrushing and air brushing on it. -Overall its going to have lots of depth. I still have alot more layers to add and detail to add. -I've only begun.

Sgtm, about LSDiodes, "FTW! RWKY" sorry, but I'm a little rusyt on my e337 or whaterver its called. LOL

[SgtM]

RWKY.. It's the sticker that LS Diodes gives out with every order.. Robots Will Kill You. IMO, they're awesome.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sounds good. Good luck. can't wait for the finished product.

[elbarto241]

that layered shot of the EL wire blew my mind, nice job

[alphastryk]

great job on the EL wire, keep up the great work!

[rendermandan]

Thanks for your comments. I was able to borrow an air compressor and dual action air brush from a friend, Now I have to learn how to use it. :)

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Verry stylish project! +rep
I like the idea and the design of the surface.
Also the idea with the glowire is great, but why do you change the design on the second layer? All other cutouts are very accurate and look symmetric but the second layer looks like you glued on the pieces left over from former work in a cluttered way... Or is it only for testing the glow effect?

[rendermandan]

LOL, No its not the left overs from the bottom section. Its meant look like that. Think of an futureistic jet engine with lots of layers, wires, parts etc. So it is meant to look "cluttered" and non-uniform. The bottom is different because its a completley different part of the turbine. It is meant to look like the fuel pod for the engine with the tubes comming up into the top back part to feed the jet. Get it?

Up date next after my pics upload...

[rendermandan]

ok, here we go...

I finished doing right side of the turbine tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2201.jpg

Here is a close up:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2199.jpg

Then I moved to the other side:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2204.jpg

Here it is finished.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2209.jpg

The glow wire on the window side will follow the shape of the window and be concealed by a trim ring. I still have to add a little detail to its surface and I can't install it untill I get it painted:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2212.jpg

Speaking of paint. I started to mask off the 3 light bars on the tube. I had to cut a long strip of masking tape to a very thin piece, so I used my stripe cutter from my Airplane modeling days.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2214.jpg

here is a piece of mask on the top section:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2213.jpg

I finished the other 2 sections with mask and now its ready for paint.
My son's birthday is tomorrow so I probably won't get anything done untill after he goes to bed, So I may or may not have another update tomorrow night.

Later,

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Okay, got it ;) Sorry it my post sounded a little harsh. With more layers and pieces the effect comes out better.
That stripe-cutting-machine is a nice tool, cant wait to see the turbine painted!
Happy birthday to your son.

[Remy]

This is by far one of the best worklogs I've seen on this site. I'm very anxious to see it finished. Great work, awesome idea. LOVE IT!!

+rep

[rendermandan]

NQ, thats ok, no offense taken. :)

Thanks for the reps and positive comments guys!

Here we go again,

Ask and you shall receive, you wanted to see it painted, here it is in black. BORING black base coat. I have a lot more air brushing to do, but for now I just applied the base coat.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2244.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2246.jpg

While the body was drying I turned my attention to the supports for the resevoir inside. I cut and glued up some strips of plastic.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2237.jpg

Then I used my dremel and a sanding drum to rough out the shape:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2240.jpg

The shape is meant to look kind of like an airplane wing so air will flow smoothly around them.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2242.jpg


I covered it in fine filler:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2249.jpg

Then I used my straight edge sanding block to smooth it out:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2243.jpg

here is the final piece:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2250.jpg

I have to cut it into 6 sections to use around the resevoir. I also have to figure out how I'm going to attach them to the resevoir. so for now, thats it.
Cheers!

[Zephik]

This is really cool! +rep!

Are you going to leave the paint as is or are you going to give it a little more contrast? It looks great as is, but I think it would look pretty cool to have a darker black or something to set off the detail pieces on the turbine. Give it more depth I guess its called? Just a thought. ^_^

Looking great! Can't wait to see more updates!

[Spawn-Inc]

oh man that looks really sick +rep

are you going to cover or do anything with the tubing?

on a side note i fixed up the sketchup i made before.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4102/spaceshipde8.th.png (http://img521.imageshack.us/my.php?image=spaceshipde8.png)

[rendermandan]

are you going to cover or do anything with the tubing?

ummm Not sure what you mean?

[M!ST!CX]

:eek: OMG there is no words to describe awesomest of this turbine,truely......I want that turbine right now:D :D

[.Maleficus.]

Man, this is so fricking cool! After seeing this, I definitely want to build my own res when I get my watercooling stuff. +rep for sure!

[rendermandan]

Hey, my led's showed up from LSDiodes.com -Only one small problem. I didn't get my free Sticker. Booohooo:( Oh well. looks like tonight I can start to make the led light bar for the underside. Yippie

[Spawn-Inc]

i mean are you just going to leave the tubing clear or are you going to paint it or light it up?

[rendermandan]

well, my original intention was to leave it clear. I'm hopeing with all the led lighting I've got going on with the resevoir, and the "Fake fuel tank" that they will be lit with a soft blue glow. At least thats the idea.:rolleyes:

[rendermandan]

Once again, here is the nightly update:

Tonight I decided to turn my attention to building the LED light bar for the "Fuel Tank". Here are the Leds and Resistors I got from LSDiodes.com
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2256.jpg

I started by cutting 2 strips and drilling small holes in them equally spaced for the leds.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2257.jpg

Then I added a thin plastic spacer to act as an insulator between the wires.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2258.jpg

Here it is with the led's in place.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2259.jpg

and here is the negative side wired together.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2261.jpg

Here is the positive side soldered together with the resistors.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2262.jpg

Here is a test. They all light up. Excellent the third one from the right on the bottom seems like its not as bright as the others. I might have to replace that one.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2264.jpg

I put it under the tube and put the translucent cover in place.
OH NO! it looks like ****! The led's have too great of a spot light effect and leave very distinct bright spots. I hate it!

Looks like I may be going back to the cold catholdes, they were a little bright, but atleast it was uniform light.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2269.jpg

What to do.....?

[SgtM]

Frost/sand the tops of the LED's. It will diffuse the light, and will be more uniform.

::EDIT::

Great progress on this!

[Remy]

What about this??

I drew this idea in Illustrator CS2.

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/7986/leddiffusedj5.th.jpg (http://img529.imageshack.us/my.php?image=leddiffusedj5.jpg)

The idea is to have the outside plates catch the "spot light". The reflection should create a nice glow.

[Spawn-Inc]

Frost/sand the tops of the LED's. It will diffuse the light, and will be more uniform.

ya, thats what i would do/was going to suggest. looks great aside from that though. i like the way you wired them all up.



Here's the link to the pic...

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w272/neelyjer/?action=view&current=LED_Diffuse.jpg

this is strickly advice, not complaining. if you don't like something about your other post, eg the picture not working there is a edit button on the bottem right side so you can just edit rather then posting so much.

the link doesn't work or is taking for every to load. maybe try rehosting it?

[Remy]

Render,
Just found this in a TCBS worklog. The guy filed the ends flat on his LEDs, gave exactly the look I think you're going for.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8838&page=10

[yakyb]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m92/YAKYB/ssl11212-250.jpg

i experimented with frosting a peice of clear acrylic then shining a led down it the effect was fantastic dont see why you couldnt use this here i think a worklog called ice by defyant was the first to use this effect, and more recently there was one over at Bit - tech that used frosted white acrylic although i forget the name now

any way i think that is exaclty what your after

[jegerjon]

This is very, very nice. I like those computer-related mods, which isn't just computers :) Keep it up.

[.Maleficus.]

Yeah, I'd say sanding the tips would be a good way to fix it. Otherwise, do what Remy said and put a piece of frosted plexi in front of them.

[rendermandan]

Wow, thanks for everyones input. I really didn't expect to get such a great responce. I'll deffinetly try sanding them down. and if that doesn't work, I can try and and an intermediate frosted plexi piece between the led's and the outside like Remy suggested. Thanks alot you guys!!!!

[The boy 4rm oz]

The plexi idea works great even with out direct contact with an LED. The closer the LED is the brighter the effect. The frosted plexi just defuses the glow. You could even mix two colours together like blue and red to get purple. I think Defyant did that in one of his mods. If your are looking for any tips or ideas for plexi check out any of Defyant's work. HP Res Mega being one of his more well known mods around here.

[Sting]

Great job so far man, its looking excellent. I love the idea of the turbine such a cool look imo. +rep for sure, cant wait to see the finished product.

[rendermandan]

well, +rep to Sgtm for the first to suggest sanding the tops of the led's, that worked great! Thank you.

I tried it on the left one first.

Before:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2270.jpg

After: Very nice and diffused!
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2271.jpg

And here it is on the body: Much smoother glow, it still has a few "hot" spots but deffinetly not as bad. I can live with that.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2277.jpg

I added a little detail and rivits to the window trim and tube: -I know it looks like alot, but after airbrushing, they will fade away an be hardly noticed.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2285.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2287.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2292.jpg

I also painted the frame on the exhaust fan.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2293.jpg

Then I cut the supports for the resevoir to 3 equal lengths to fit inside the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2301.jpg

here they are as a mock up holding the resevoir centered in a spare piece of the tube:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2298.jpg

I have to notch the end of each one to fit around the chrome mounting ring.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2302.jpg

One down, 5 more to go...

[SgtM]

+rep right back at ya for such a cool mod. I can't take the credit for the LED thing though. Froop suggested it to me on my mod..
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5940&page=20

[The boy 4rm oz]

That looks incredible. Great work.

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Wow, becomes cooler and cooler, even without any cooling liquid in it :glasses:
On the pic the white holes look like if they would glow on the black paint. I am curious on the finished paint job.
The diffuse light from the LEDs looks perfect now. I think it is even "more realistic" if you have some brighter spots in it than a complete uniform glow.
Noob question: What is that white stuff you use for modelling? Looks like plastic but you cut it with a knife, don't you?

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looks like plasticard to me. It's basically a sheet of plastic that is as thin as a piece of card board, plastic cardboard> plastic card> plasticard. It can be found at most art/craft store add mabye some supermarkets or hardware stores.

[SgtM]

Wow, becomes cooler and cooler, even without any cooling liquid in it :glasses:
On the pic the white holes look like if they would glow on the black paint. I am curious on the finished paint job.
The diffuse light from the LEDs looks perfect now. I think it is even "more realistic" if you have some brighter spots in it than a complete uniform glow.
Noob question: What is that white stuff you use for modelling? Looks like plastic but you cut it with a knife, don't you?

That would be styrene. Never used it, but I hear it's worth it's weight in gold.

[rendermandan]

LOL, I was wondering when someone would ask me about what material I'm using. Yes, some of it is plastic sheet of different thicknesses. however most of the detail work is made from Mat. Its the mat material that is used around paintings. I got a huge 30"x42" piece at a local craft shop in smooth white. It comes in every color imaginable and textured too. This was a much cheaper alternative to buying plastic sheet not to mention, it cuts easily with an exacto knife. So there you have it.

[elbarto241]

+rep for bringing this amazing mod [have 2 spread it around first]. words cant describe this mod. imagine if you transfer this genius onto a case :D [hyperventilating].....

[rendermandan]

imagine if you transfer this genius onto a case

Actually I do have plans to continue this design into a case. Basically everything will be hidden behind panels that light up and be motorized to expose the case and inside. It will be crazy! Not to mention how much work it will be getting all the motorization working.

There are 4 seperate motorized items:
1. Doors that open to a blow hole in the front
2. A dvd burner that motorizes up from the top to expose the slot loading mechanism
3. Motorized flip over panel to acces the fan controller, memory card reader and light switches
4. Some type of covering over the side window to expose a side fan and inside of the case. (still working on the design for this)

But first things first. I have to finish the cooling system, then I can start on the case.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sounds good. Hope it works out for you.

[elbarto241]

all of that sounds amazing, if it looks at least half as good as this turbine looks it would be amazing at least

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Okay, thanks for the material description.
Your idea with the motorized doors sounds wicked. We'll have to talk about the motors and electronics later (:

I try to imagine a whole case in this cool look, but it's 8 in the morning here and my mind fails on that :? So when can we drool on the first rederings? :D

[Sting]

Hell yeah, i cant wait to see this and the case together, it'll rock

[rendermandan]

Like I said, its still in design phase. I only have a model to show the movable parts. so picture this case covered similar to the turbine only you won't be able to tell a difference between where the openings and movable parts are and the stationary sections are.

Here it is with everything closed.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/case-1.jpg

And here it is open:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/case-2.jpg

here is another angle to show the twin intake fans and the side fan.
The around the side fan will be clear plexi so you can see the inside of the case.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/case-3.jpg

The pop-up slot load dvd player may interfere with the turbine on top (not shown obviously) -so I might have to move it.

Probably put some type of logo on the front of the case in that big blank area, but not sure what yet.

But that gives you guys something to "Drool" over. LOL

[The boy 4rm oz]

Cool. Will be interesting to see how you manage that design.

[Sting]

i agree, it will be interesting to see how you set it all up and pull it off but i have faith.

[Scotty]

Looks nice. Im thinking of a mod, but at the moment it's only a thought, i woudl like to do one but yeah need a case, dont have access to many materials. And no half decent machinary :(
I was thinking of motorizing some stuff, only thing that way on my mind was how i was going to get it so it opened to reveal a drive bay which then opened... you won't have that problem if you use a slot loading drive, but if it ejects itself or something then i wanna know how you will stop it jamming the drive in or damaging the disk?
But the idea is great i like it alot.

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Did I get it right? This will be a complete case-con. Not a case-mod?
Nice idea with those segmented doors. Good luck for your plans!
As I said: I am looking forward for your motorisation details, as I need some inspiration on the electronics and end-switches and so on for my Orb.

[alphastryk]

trubine looks awesome, and I lie the plan for the rest!

[rendermandan]

well guys, I may have to take a few days off of this, I've got some pains that I have to get taken care of at the doctors. Hopefully its nothing major, but from the way I feel, It might be. Later.

[FrooP]

O.O um.. get well soon :)

[Computer-Geek]

I hope its not anything too bad keep us updated :)

[rendermandan]

Thanks everyone.

I got back from the doctors, they said its possibly something related to my chrons. so they gave me a prescription for Vicodin and told me if I still don't feel good by Monday to let them know. Don't you love how doctor's don't know ****. All they do is "try" somethign out and if it doesn't work, you have to spend more money to go in to another doctor only for them to "try" something to see if it will work. its amazing how screwed up our health care system is. Doctors get paid gobbs of money to guess at what is wrong with you....

[Luke122]

..and to throw meds at you.

I have serious ongoing sinus issues.. possibly related to allergies (which I dont have AFAIK), possibly to something else.

Everytime I go to the docs about it, I end up with a prescription for abiotics, and get told "try this, and if it doesnt work, come back and we'll try something else".

Finally I just gave up on them.. I'll just suffer with sinus troubles. Better than becoming immune to meds that might be necessary to save my life.

[rendermandan]

ok, the vicodin seems to help alot so I got alittle work done tonight.

here is a shot of the fan I painted: Not exactly thrilling, yet...
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2304.jpg

I figured I'd play around with the airbrush tonight so here is what I did.

I took the trim piece for the window and taped off a few areas and painted some rust color:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2305.jpg

then I added some silver and tan:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2306.jpg

Followed that up with a little back drybrushing:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2308.jpg

And here is the final piece:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2310.jpg

So what do you guys think? I still have to do soemthing with the rivits but I have to get a fine paint brush. I was just playing around so I'm not sure if I like the colors. I think it looks pretty good, just not sure If I will like it if the whole thing looks like this. But then again, I wanted a rustic, weathered look to a metal structure so I think I hit it pretty good. Comments?

[SgtM]

Awesome work! +rep

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Good to hear that you feel better.

The paintbrush is really awesome. Particularly as this is your "playing around"!
But (IMHO) this is too colourfull. Not that its to many different colours, but that the single pieces differ so much in colour (doesn't seem "realistic"). But thats only my impression.

[Zephik]

That looks great! Definitely and improvement for sure. The previous colors kind of reminded me of dominoes. :p

[jdbnsn]

Oooo, nice! Reminds me of Doom3's colors ;)

[jegerjon]

ohh god! that's hot!!

[Scotty]

Nice job dude. Good ol' dry brushing always makes things look nicer. +rep

[Remy]

I think the teqnique is awesome, nailed the whole weathered & aged look. The only thing I don't like about it is the full pieces of the rust color. I would think going with a layer of the silver on the whole piece, then accenting the rest with the tan and rust colors. Just my opinion, but still an awesome job.

+rep (got to spread some around first though)

[alphastryk]

looks awesome man!!

definitely a thread to keep watching...

+REP (again...lol)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mate that looks insane. Great paint skills.

[rendermandan]

I've been really busy the last few days and haven't had a chance to get much done, so just a small update for now.

I started to airbrush the main body. Here it is with some of tape for the different colors and pieces:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2311.jpg

and here it is with the tape pulled off (Not Finished)
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2316.jpg

I went to remove some of the tape to get a feel for the whole thing (Not finished yet) and it started to remove some of the paint. looks like I will have to fix that.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2317.jpg

I also got the other sections of the resevoir supports made. I forgot to take a picture though. Maybe tomorrow night I will get them mounted to the resevoir brackets and can test fit it in the tube. I noticed somethign else I completly forgot about while working. The led light bar I instaled on the bottom of the tube goes right thru where the tubes from the resevoir are supposed to come thru the bottom. Again, I'll have to redo this area somehow.

[danthegeek]

I dont know.. I actually like it that way. It looks like the paint is falling off from old age. But its your project and do what you think is cool, otherwise you will never be happy with it. Good Luck and its lookin good.

-Dan

[The boy 4rm oz]

I agree but if you chose to leave it like that add a bit of rust and rust stain to the areas around the black patches.

[rendermandan]

good point you guys, however I probably should have mentioned, that area is actually going to be covered up by the window and trim ring. I wonder if this medicine I"m on is makeing it difficult for me to remember/think of things. I keep forgetting little details like this lately.

[Scotty]

Meh my memory sucks, if you had my memory you wouldn't know what the hell it is when you woke up :) lol

Looking good though

[The boy 4rm oz]

Don't worry about it, it happens to the best of us. Can't wait to see it finnished with the window installed.

[Remy]

I'd like to retract what I said about the painting style. Seeing it all put together like this really brings the color scheme together. I like it.


I dont know.. I actually like it that way. It looks like the paint is falling off from old age. But its your project and do what you think is cool, otherwise you will never be happy with it. Good Luck and its lookin good.

-Dan

I'd have to agree with Dan. If you want an aged / weathered look, that is certainly one way to get it.

Keep it up renderman. The turbine is lookin great!!

[rendermandan]

Thanks. I'm still trying to decide on what I'm going to do on the back half that houses the radiator and fans. I was thinking of trying to integrate the pump somehow but still keep the top removable for servicing the fans and radiator.

[rendermandan]

Hi everyone, Sorry its been a while, been busy going to the doctors but lastnight I got some more done.

I finished painting the main round part of the body. I still have to figure out the back half.


Unweathered:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2318.jpg

Weathered:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2322.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2323.jpg

Then I glued the window in place:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2326.jpg

I also started to run the el wire around the window:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2327.jpg

I have an issue with the el wire for the other side, It has a bunch of dark spots in the wire. however when I bend the wire, they move. its like the el is not working correctly. Not sure what the problem is. I may have to replace this piece. good thing is its only tucked in behind the trim work.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2330.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2328.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2336.jpg

Some night shots:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2338.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2333.jpg

FYI there are 3 el wires all together.

I should be able to finish the el wire around the window and isnstall the trim ring next. After that, I can concentrate on getting the resevoir mounted.

LOL, looking at these pictures, I just realized that I forgot to paint the rivits. DUH.

TTFN

[lukeisthecoolest]

DEFINITELY MIND-BOTTLING MOD!

the way you weathered that made it looked like it sat out for a 100 years!!!! excellent work!

+rep ;)

[calumc]

now that looks freekin sweet! +rep!!!
looks like all the work paid off!

[SgtM]

Excellent work man! +rep

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mate that looks great, the painting really went well for you and the EL wire looks fantastic.

[rendermandan]

Thanks everyone. I'm really glad you like it.

I'd like to do something different for the back half, so i was thinking of doing some kit bashing similar to Doom3. I looked at some models but they were really expensive. A tank model was around $40. thats too much to spend to just experiment. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

[calumc]

maybe you could ask in model shops to see if they have any damaged kits?

[elbarto241]

craig's list and ebay are the first places that come to mind, BTW amazing airbrushing on the turbine man :D

[rendermandan]

I'm so mad.... I got the el wire done and the window frame on last night and I started to work on installing the mounts for the resevoire. I took pictures of everything and was going to bring the sd card to work to upload the photos this morning and I forgot it sitting on the counter. So sorry guys, I'll have to update later tonight.

[dgrmkrp]

no biggie.. the more we wait, the better ;) well, um.. waiting is no problem if the pics show a mod as nice as this :) so, nice going and.. keep going!

[Scotty]

Sweeet!! +rep

[rendermandan]

I told you guys I would not let you down.

Here's a shot with the window installed. it doesn't sit as flat as I'd like it to. this is mainly due to the curved surface. If I had it to do over again, I would have prebent the trim piece before installing it. Oh well, I think it still looks good:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2341.jpg

I laid out 3 60 deg lines so I could mark the resevoir brackets:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2345.jpg

then I just drilled some holes and cut out the padding on the inside for the head of the screw:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2346.jpg

I painted the supports black for now:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2354.jpg

here are both supports with the factory mounts cut off:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2356.jpg

I then drilled and tapped each support:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2358.jpg

And here they are with the supports mounted and ready to go:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2360.jpg

Installed on the resevoir:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2361.jpg

then I slid it into the tube. Very tight fit. I will have to go back and do a little touchup paint when I'm done:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2362.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2363.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2364.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2368.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2369.jpg

Then I installed the translucent side panels on the bottom:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2372.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2373.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2376.jpg

I fixed the issue with the tubes that come out of the resevoir. I cut some holes and made it work: :)
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2371.jpg

Just so you guys can see, the back part is packed full of wiring, 3 transformers, 2 fans and the radiator. I still have more to go!
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2377.jpg

I'm getting to the point of forcing myself to decide what to do on the back half. I'm still not sure yet....

[SgtM]

I don't know what to say other than WOW! +rep

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mate this has turned out awesome, one of the best mods I have seen. +rep for sure.

[dgrmkrp]

Awesome indeed! that rad looks so nice inside of the turbine ;) This is ba far my favorite image: http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2364.jpg
So... more? :)

[|NQ|Squelsh]

Congrats renderman! That thing looks really hot! By now I even like the colours :)
Superb work.
Would you give us an image with all lights on?

[Computer-Geek]

It looks so good, that res is so nice! I want to see all the lights on though :D

[Scotty]

I think i'm in love <3 awesome work man ;)

[Collinstheclown]

Sweet deal on the turbine! I have the 250mm and 500mm versions of that res in black. I love em'.

+Rep




-CollinstheClown

[rendermandan]

Here is just a small update tonight.

My dad was adding some gutter helmut to his house so I snagged a piece. here is a section of it.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2379.jpg

I ran to the hobby store and bought some plastic modeling parts so I could start some "kit basing". not really though. I'm building most of it from scratch.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2381.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2384.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2385.jpg
sorry, not very exciting.

[SgtM]

Not very exciting my ass! Man that is coming out sooooooooooo sweet. +rep fest from me!

[jdbnsn]

Agreed, some great kitbashing there!

[The boy 4rm oz]

That looks great. If you want some good looking industrial parts have a look at the Games workshop models scenery range. A tad expensive but it is made with resin and completely customizable.

[Blackout]

beautiful piece of work there, really is coming along nicely would be good to see see if this really improoves on the temps that pitifull addon fan for the reseraitor produces.
Keep up the good work man:banana: :banana:

[NocturnaL]

Dude this is turning out awesome, wish i woulda kept my eye on this earlier. But it looks great, hope all turns out well. +rep fo sho

[rendermandan]

Thanks you guys. I'm glad you like it. I'm going to keep kitbashing the back half and then work on painting it. I'm getting pretty close to being done with this. so I'll have to start looking around for a computer case to mod. either that or build one from scratch.

[Blackout]

build it from scratch, ive got my aluminum sheet on order for my 100% aluminum build and I have been working on plans and measurements for weeks now I'm so excited i cant contain myself so would be nice to see how you go about it as well.

[elbarto241]

wow. im having Paul's Doom 3 flashbacks.... :D ahh good times.

love the progress your making on this, im sure when you all set and done its going to be nothing short of the mod of the century :D nice work bro.

[FrooP]

how's about making these in bigger amount and sell em? i would take one :D

[rendermandan]

I continued with the kit bashing tonight. here are some pics.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2390.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2391.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2393.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2396.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mate looks great. Can't wait to see the new part painted.

[Omega]

This project is beginning to look like a res for Doom3

But that's a good thing, I assure you. It's completely bitchin'

[lukeisthecoolest]

this mod is leaving me post-less!

[Blackout]

this is one of those mod's you look foreword to when you see at the top of the list then jump in and its just a post not an update lol and your disappointed :D

[Lairy Fiquid]

this is one of those mod's you look foreword to when you see at the top of the list then jump in and its just a post not an update lol and your disappointed :D

Lmao i get exactly the same thing
Great mod, looks amazing

[rendermandan]

Thanks you guys. sorry, I took a break last night. I went over to friends house to help him with a custom hood liner for his mustang show car.

I'll get back on it tonight I promise!!!

[alphastryk]

looks just amazing man... +REP ftw

[rendermandan]

I really hate being bored at work. I spend way too much money buying things online. I should have one of these comming to me ina few days now. http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2069/ex-blc-287/Danger_Den_Tyee_ATI_X1800_1900_1950_Video_Card_Coo ler.html?tl=g30c87s144

[calumc]

you have to admit, that is one sexy lump of metal!

[Scotty]

Yep, spend it on things that are going to need modding to fit in with the mod. *hint*.

Now hurry up and post some updates. XD

[rendermandan]

you have to admit, that is one sexy lump of metal!

Yeah, that was one sexy hunk of money too. I also purchased the heat bridge for the voltage regulators.
I figured while I'm at it, whats another $12. :)


I'll have an update tonight. Kitbashing takes a long time, so I've found out.



Yep, spend it on things that are going to need modding to fit in with the mod. *hint*.


ummm not sure what you mean there. what could I do?

[dgrmkrp]

Well.. I think he wants you to buy stuff and make it fit ;) hint hint ;) .. Like, mod the waterblock to fit with the theme.. Or buy more stuff and mod it :) Cause you sure have an artistic sense and your work looks so damned good..
Wish I had an airbrush and all those nice materials.. That way, I could at least try what you are doing! By the way, the kit bashing, excellent!

[rendermandan]

Ok, I'm close to being done with the kit bashing.

Here are some Chrome wheels from a car kit my friend gave me. I thought they would make the perfect "Intakes" for the vents on the back. What do you think?

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2400.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2398.jpg

Here are the ones in the back. they look like a fan blade. Infact I think the model of the wheel was for an old style mustang and it was called "Turbine". Ironic huh?

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2404.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2409.jpg

Here is the kit bashing I did tonight on the other side:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2407.jpg

By the way, I'm not sure if you realize this or not but the top of this whole back comes off to access the radiator, fans and transformers.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2405.jpg

Lastly, here is a shot looking at the end of the resevoir inside the tube. you can see the two holes I cut for the tubing directly below the barbs on the resevoir.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2411.jpg

I hope I have enough room to install the tubing and get the clamps tight when I get around to it. :)

Up next. More painting, masking, painting, more masking, painting some more, masking........... You get the idea.

Later,

[Blackout]

looking real nice there, will you be leaving the wheels chrome or painting them?

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looks great. You may be the next Crimson Sky lol

[M!ST!CX]

Honestly,i think that this wheels doesn't fit nice on that turbine,they are too shiny for my taste.Exept this wheels everything looks perfect;)

[b4i7]

Honestly,i think that this wheels doesn't fit nice on that turbine,they are too shiny for my taste.Exept this wheels everything looks perfect;)

he hasnt painted it yet :D

[M!ST!CX]

he hasnt painted it yet :D
lol:D

[rendermandan]

he hasnt painted it yet :D

Exactly!!!

[b4i7]

ya know....those rims look kinda like they would be outside lighting..... like maybe some dimmed white or yellow leds would look good

[rendermandan]

I actually thought about doing some type of lighting behind them. however they are solid wheels. they "spokes" are not see through. so I would have to mount the light in the front and then they would be no different than mounting the lights in the green barrels I had before. I agree though i wish I could find a way to iluminate something back there. I have thought about redoing the area with the round hole mesh to have a translucent glow behind it similar to the bottom fake fuel resevoir. Not sure how to go about that now that its all finished. lol

[rendermandan]

Sorry to dissapoint you guys. I had bowling last night and we went to the bar afterwards so I didn't get much done last night. My goal is to be finished painting this weekend so, stay tuned...

[rendermandan]

well, after alot of work, here is where I'm at:

Final shots of the Kit bashing:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2414.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2415.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2416.jpg

Then I started to mask stuff off and do some painting:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2419.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2421.jpg

Some more masking and painting:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2422.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2423.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2424.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2429.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2430.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2437.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2431.jpg

then after some weathering with the drybrush, here are the results:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2433.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2440.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/rendermandan/Water%20Cooled%20Turbine/100_2444.jpg

What do you guys think?

I'm just about done with this part of the mod. I have to get all the wiring soldered up and in order, then I can permenantly mount the resevoir with the tubing and afterward do some final paint touchups. but overall construction is almost done. Now I have to start planning out the case for this...

[AJ@PR]

What do you guys think?
I think it looks amazing man.
Freaking nicely done dude.

So, now you have to design the case?
OMG Kudos buddy! :)

[Computer-Geek]

That looks so nice!!!!!!!! I love the attention to the details and can't wait to see what you do to the case. +Rep! :up: :D Edit: ( I need to spread some rep around)

[Jim Beam]

wow Great job (shoulda been featured IMO) can't wait to see the rest are you gonna do the whole case too?

[Blackout]

Thats real nice, don't forget to give us some temps, see if it is effective as well as aesthetic.
And yes definatly should have been featured it's a really well made mod
top marks!

[jdbnsn]

Do you want me to move this to the completed gallery, or do you want to do touch ups first?

[The boy 4rm oz]

Mate this is AWESOME, not just the paint job but the whole thing. It's amazing that all you started with was a cardboard tube.