Weighted Companion Cube Model and Build

Hi this is my first blog, but I wanted to share my plans to encourage inspired builders. I've wonted to build the Weighted Companion Cube from Portal.

The main reason I want this is to be made as a prop to be carried with a Ratmann costume. I tried finding models of the cube to start the blueprints from, but I couldn't find the actual models, just lots of fan models... As I'm super obsessed with accuracy, they didn't satisfy. :P so I decided to make my own, accurate as possible! :)

So... I took heaps of photos of the cube in game (console, not great quality) I merged them to get a parallel projection of the cube, which should make everything proportional and accurate-ish?

I wanted the size also... (which was debated?) So I took comparisons to valve videos and in game pictures. I also measured the cube using cans of beans in game! :3 which was the most accurate method I think, since cans should be a standard size.
I measured it to be exactly 6 cans and I assume the diameter to be 4' inches like normal. giving me the the cube size of 24 inches. sounds about right?

I used Google Sketchup and took the cube to be a round figure of 2 feet, and scaled the image in program. The dimensions of parts seem to meet some rational number (fraction) of inches so I'm sure the origanal is supposed to be 2 feet wide. :3 but that sounds quite big... (especally to be carried) so up for debate :P

So I'm pretty sure I've got it to be very accurate, I really only need it for dimentions, but if anyone wants to download it, you can get the model from here,

 

This should be the blueprints of the weighted companion cube.

 

 For my build though, I scaled down the cube to 450mm wide... I want to carry it around, with some ease (weight also)

Since there are A LOT of parts: corners, middle dome and edges. I'll create moulds and try casting these pieces multiple times and put it all on the basic foundation box.  I've never tried moulding, and don't know what materials to use so it will be a fun learning experience :)

I also plan to use fibreglass or just resin to create moulded shells to add to the box.

I just got my wooden base box, made of 4 mm thick marine ply supposed to be around 395 mm cubed according to my scaled plans.

It is strong-ish, I plan to also reinforce it so I can use it as a cool chair later :)

So I hope I can get it done and keep adding to this blog. :3