There’s no doubt about it, the advancements in 3D Printing have done a lot for the collecting community. From printing missing parts for toys, and accessories for action figures, to complete collectibles, the whole endeavor has come a long way and it absolutely fascinates me. But also prop replicas! And that’s what I’m checking out today: A Starfleet Issue Medical Tricorder as featured in Star Trek: The Next Generation! I remember the days when you’re only hope of getting a decent Trek prop was to mail away for a DIY resin kit from the back of a magazine at $50-60. And what you got was exactly that, an unfinished kit that needed all sorts of sanding and painting to make it look anywhere near presentable. Even some of the “props” people were selling at conventions for twice that price were pretty crude. I recently found an Ebay seller offering some phasers and Trek replicas at prices that were too good to pass up. I started with some phasers (which we’ll check out here eventually), but the Tricorder came in this weekend and I was really excited to show it off.

This is where I usually show off the box and packaging, but there’s nothing to show here. The Tricorder came carefully bubble wrapped along with a display stand and holster. The stand is the only assembly required, and you just have to tab it all together, easy-peasy. There are no electronics included in the model, so you can consider this based on a regular prop as opposed to a hero prop, which is meant to be seen up close and functional. This particular model has two configurations to choose from: medical or regular, so whether you’re part of an Away Team mission making a geological survey or you’re in Sick Bay trying to find out why all your crew are dying, this Tricorder has you covered! Let’s start with the regular version and work our way up! And just a disclaimer, I know next to nothing about 3D Printing, I’m not qualified to comment on printing methods or techniques, and I’m evaluating this solely as a finished collectible.

Here it is closed and set up on the display stand with the medical peripheral beside it. The model is printed in a rich gray with a matte finish. I think the color of the props varied over the years, but this shade of grey looks to be very close to what Factory Entertainment is using for their high end model. There’s has a bit of a metal sheen to it, where this one does not. Layer lines in 3D printed models tend to bother me a lot, but that’s not the case here at all. Yes, they are there, but for a model in this price range, I think they are absolutely acceptable. They’re most visible toward the top rounded edges of the model and even still, not a problem for me at all. The panel on the front top-left of the model is a sticker, while all the components on the top panel are fully realized details and I really dig the colors and detail displayed on that top panel. The stand is notched so that the Tricorder can be displayed closed or open.

The instrument panel is hinged with metal pins. There’s no resistance, so it just drops down ready for action. The connection feels really secure and the fit, whether it’s closed or open, is excellent. The display screen and buttons are all matte finish stickers applied to the recessed panels. The sticker material feels like it’s printed on substantial stock and I don’t have any worries about them peeling or tearing. The printing is sharp and everything looks really accurate to the prop. Even the faux lit indicators look convincing. This model is just a tad bigger than the old Playmates toy and feels great in hand, with a solid weight and durability. Let’s move on to the medical model…

To convert the standard Tricorder to specialized Medical Tricorder you remove the top component panel, which is held on by magnets and attach the medical peripheral. It slots in pretty deep and is also held on by magnets. You can then use the raised platform on the stand to display the component panel or you can just remove the pedestal altogether. All the details on the medical peripheral are fully realized parts of the model, rather than stickers and the expansion piece seats onto the Tricorder perfectly.

The hand scanner is stored in the top slot of the medical peripheral, secured by… you guessed it! Magnets! It can be easily removed to perform those focused scans that will tell you which alien virus is eating your crewman’s brains. This piece has a silver finish with a bit of a metallic sheen, green sensors surrounding the top edge and a red one dead center. The layer lines on this sensor kind of give it a machined metal look, which really works for me! You can also use the platform on the stand to display it outside the unit if you want to.

And if you are going on an Away Mission and you need to carry the Tricorder with you, the included holster will allow you to store it on your belt for quick access. The plastic holster has a clip on the back and it’s a perfect fit for the unit, which slides in and out very easily.

And finally here are a couple of comparison shots with my old Playmates Tricorder from about 30 years ago. It’s pretty banged up and the electronics don’t work anymore, but it still serves to show how much more detail you get in this version. The stickers are cut neater on Playmates and you don’t get the layer lines in the body, but I love the added detail in the top instruments, and of course the lack of the ugly battery compartment. The manufacture panel is also more accurate on this one, noting San Francisco on the second line. Playmates did make a Medical Tricorder as well, but the medical peripheral was part of the sculpt and you couldn’t switch between them, so that’s another win for this model.

I can’t say enough nice things about this set, and it’s hard to believe you can do better without spending a lot more money. Being able to go from regular to medical Tricorder adds a lot of versatility and the included stand and holster really adds to the value. It’s a great display piece for your personal quarters, which is what I’ll be using it for, but if you like to get into uniform and beam down to conventions, it’s absolutely perfect for that sort of thing. At the time I’m writing this, it is available on Ebay from Tankz3dtavern for $50 plus shipping. I’ve picked up a few other Trek props from him as well and I’ll be checking those out here in the near future.