Yesterday, Winnipeg-based Canadian artist Rocky Bergen released a free collection of miniature vintage paper computer models that hobbyists can collect for fun. They are available from the Internet Archive as a pack of 24 PDF files that can be printed on letter-sized paper and folded in three dimensions.
Among the Barbie-sized paper models of Bergen, you will find images of classic computers originally released in the 1970s and 80s, such as the Apple II, IBM PC 5150, Commodore 64, Apple Macintosh, and even the rare Apple Lisa 1. You will also find paper models of several classic game consoles such as the Sega Master System and the Nintendo GameCube.
Bergen began making paper models in the summer of 2016, starting with the Amstrad CPC 464, which he designed for CPC magazine. “I grew up with the Commodore 64 and have always been a fan of old computers and their industrial design,” Bergen told Ars Technica. “I’d love to have a huge collection of them, but it’s not always practical for people to have a huge amount of equipment around.”
To create models, Bergen collects photos of equipment from the Internet and cuts them into pieces in Adobe Illustrator until he gets a satisfactory result. “I usually keep serial numbers intact so I can check if I’ve used your computer or not,”he says.
Many of Bergen’s paper models include additional variants with different software or games on monitors that can be replaced by inserting folded screen images into slots on the devices. Many models also include exciting details such as matching scale model accessories such as floppy drives, mice, floppy disks, software boxes and even modems.
“The response from the Internet has been very encouraging,” says Bergen. “So I created a lot of these models so you can go crazy and build a whole computer museum.”
When printed, cut and folded, models are typically only 3 to 4 inches tall, but the scale varies depending on the paper size used. Bergen developed models for 11×17 (A3) paper. At this size, they seem to be “the size of a typical mini-console”. But they can also be automatically reduced to paper size of 8.5×11 inches, making them roughly “Barbie doll scale”.
Bergen finds model building a meditative experience. “I didn’t think I would enjoy the cutting and folding process, but this is my favorite part of the process,” he says. “I thought it would be stressful, but it turned out to be quite relaxing.”
To start creating your own paper museum, you will need a color printer, paper, and scissors. Download PDFs from the Internet Archive, print them, cut along the lines, fold over the tabs, and insert them into the slots. Bergen says thicker paper is easier to work with. “The paper folding tool (called the bone folder) really helps create nice edges,” he says. “But any butter knife without serrations will work fine too.”
It’s no secret that the prices of vintage computers and game consoles have skyrocketed over the past few years, especially during the pandemic. This makes building real cars much more difficult and expensive than ten years ago. Bergen says he always thinks about these factors when creating his paper sculptures.
“I like the idea of taking rarity or cost out of the equation,” he says. For the price of paper and ink, you can have some fun with rare vintage cars that can be worth thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars. “My Apple Lisa 1 will only cost you your time and you can learn a thing or two about her too. I know I knew.”