Props

Hoverboard

This is a replica of the Back to the Future 2 Hoverboard prop. I was mildly obsessed with this device as a kid and I love the look of it now so decided to build one based on drawings I found online.

The basic construction is plywood, sandwiched together to achieve the right thickness with an angled tail at one end. This was filled and painted to give a smooth matt finish. The graphics are printed onto vinyl with adhesive and stuck to the body. This really gives it that 80s toy look I think.

The 'hardware' was an interesting challenge. I drew the pieces in CAD based on the design dimensions and all the red parts are 3D printed in PLA. The 'hover discs' are made of three pieces, two flat disks top and bottom connected with a 3D printed ring which forms the chamfer. This came out suprisingly well and with a bit of black and silver paint really matches the original prop.

The biggest problem is the weight, the plywood is very heavy and you would struggle with this under your arm strolling about Hill Valley. Foam would have been a better material choice, but I do enjoy how robust it is and it's a prop that would stand up to close inspection. I'm also missing the foot strap, but I won't need that until I figure out the levitation mechanism. ⏰