But a 11/70 replica needs two physical 'cosmetic elements': proper
switches, and the white bezel/frame. The switches *seem* to be feasible
to produce cheaply (I will know in a month with PDP-8/I switches...). The
white bezel though brings me into unknown territory. 3D CAD (based on
Museum Measurements), then injection molding or vacuum forming. Or any
technique to produce a plastic object in medium quantities. All I know so
far is that it's very feasible - and much cheaper to do than just a few
years ago.
Jumping on the metro (since I'm so young) running:
Can't it be 3D printed? Or done with vacuum forming? Resin molding?
Are you talking the white bezel on this photo?
http://www.psych.usyd.edu.au/pdp-11/Images/11_35_draw.jpeg
It can be done easily:
- You can do it in a 3D prusa-something printer, if you divide it in
printable blocks, and glue it afterwards.
- You can easily do that in Vacuum Forming. Since I never saw a 11/70 in
front of me, I don't know the size/hardness requeirements, but I believe it
is feasible
- You can create a cast mold in some material and use liquid resin
(epoxy comes to mind since it doesn't shrink/expand on cure). Probably it
would need a two-part positive/negative mold. Easily done if I had the
original part on hand
- I haven't seen all the details, but I believe it can be 3D-cut into a
suitable CNC machine, in wood or plastic.
