View-Master

It turns out I had all the elements needed to build a physical prototype with the exception of 4 1x2 inverted arches. The inverted arches are used for the bottom part of the eye holes, but other than that, the following images follow the digital rendering.

The tension for the lever is provided by a Lego rubber band. Different bands were tested and I made several changes for durability and reliability.

The following 4 images show the View-Master from various angles compared to the latest model, the View-Master Classic. It's a cheap model you can currently find online and in some stores. While it's missing some of the beveled styling of the Model L, the size is about the same.

The following is an image of the reel element being inserted into the View-Master.

Here's a comparison to my 1978 View-Master Model L, still sealed in its original packaging.

Clearly, though I had a majority of the needed elements, I didn't have all of them in the necessary colors, nor did I print custom stickers. The intention of this exercise was to test the feasibility of my digital rendering.

There weren't too many adjustments needed to bring this to life, however, I have noticed little things I'd like to improve. I'll share updates as I continue to refine the design.

As usual, I look forward to any comments or questions. Thanks for taking the time to view this, and thanks for your support. Until next time my Lego friends!

Placement and distance between the eye holes has been adjusted to match the actual View-Master more closely allowing you to hold the viewer to your face in a comfortable, natural way just like the real one! Another major enhancement in this area allows direct line of sight through the eye holes meaning you can see straight through the viewer!

The lever is now fully functional. Thanks to tension provided by a white 15 mm Lego rubber band, you can press down on the lever and watch as it springs back to it's original position. When the lever is in the down position, the eye holes and image description window are covered just like what happens with the real one, while advancing the reel!

I've changed connecting pieces for the "3D" tile and the View-Master logo in the front so the tiles fit more flush to the viewer body. I've also added additional detail between the eye holes and increased the size of the description window for added realism.

Despite all the changes, the reel can still be inserted and removed with overall dimensions remaining close to the original model L.

I look forward to any comments or questions. Thanks for taking time to view this and yes, I do plan on releasing another update soon. Until next time my Lego friends!