THE TIME MACHINE PROJECT

From "The Time Traveler," April 1996 issue

Blair K. has captured the imagination of many people with his latest project. He is building a full scale model of the Time Machine, as it is seen in the movie by the same name. Blair, a well-known figure in local fandom, has been a member of C.A.O.T.L. since the club’s beginning and the Time Lords are proud to be sponsoring a raffle to support his project.

Building large elaborate displays or props is nothing new to Blair. Paramount recently awarded him first prize for his design of a transporter pad from the classic Star Trek series. The display appeared at a local theatre for the premiere of the movie Star Trek Generations and at other locations since that time.

The idea of building a Time Machine has been brewing in Blair’s mind for many years. He recalls that the first time he saw the movie he was about seven years old. When he was in junior high school, he remembers calling in sick to work so he could see it on the big screen for the first time.

The idea to buld a Time Machine began taking form when he started attending Minicon. He saw con attendees wearing elaborate costumes and devices, especially one wearing a type of time machine on his back. After seeing an article in Starlog, which described two gentlemen from Scotland building tabletop models and selling them at $2,000 a piece, he decided to do it. To clinch his decision, the U.S.S. Behr’ak, a local Star Trek fan club, offered him a grant to build the full scale model, if their club could use it in the annual Zoo Boo fundraiser at the Como Park Zoo in St.Paul. Blair accepted and began to gather the materials needed.

Since then, many others have helped with this project. Wayne M. connected him with a fellow who sold him a satellite dish at cost. Blair’s building manager has offered Blair use of his personal workshop in the building. Art J. donated a motor, and pieces have been found and Axman Surplus in St. Paul.

Blair began the project in 1994, expecting to get it done in a year or two. But now he realizes it a really a five year project. Because he is limited by time and finances, he can only work on it a little at a time. Blair sees the challenge with this project to be in constructing a model comparable to one that could be built with big bucks in Hollywood, but to construct it on his limited budget.

He says he feels very fortunate to have so many friends who have contributed financially to the project. He thanks the Minnesota Fan Alliance and the Time Lords for sponsoring a raffle to raise money fo the project. At Minicon this year, be sure to see photos showing the construction of the machine, as well as peices from the model, including the chair. They will be on display at the Time Lords’ room parties in room #107, Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Good luck to you Blair!