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TV-Radio-Cassette Player

W

hile researching props for the captain's stateroom, I stumbled across a little device practically lost to time: the Panasonic TR-003. A fascinating, all-in-one, TV-radio-cassette player from the early 70s.

Initially, when I first discovered it, all I had was an image from a scanned advertisement (see here), with no idea what the device was called. My Google Lens searches only turned up random old portable radios. After more digging, I found the popular Panasonic TR-545C, which led me to a high-quality scan of a vintage newspaper advert featuring the entire portable Panasonic range. And there it was: the TV-cassette player I’d been looking for, the TR-003, complete with its model details.

Searching for this forgotten device online yielded scarce results, only about eight grainy single-page ads. It wasn't just obscure; it was like a digital whisper from a bygone era. As a sucker for old studio-lit tech ads, I instantly knew its unusual, compact form and tiny 3-inch pop-up TV (one of the smallest CRT TVs ever made) were perfect for the game's setting. It was exactly the kind of device the captain and crew might have used off-duty.

Additionally, I love the compelling challenge of being (probably) the first person to ever 3D model this wonderful piece of retro tech. However, with such limited material (online references are practically non-existent), it felt less like research and more like an archaeological dig for a lost artifact.

Just as I was about to give up hope, a stroke of pure luck. A fantastic DIY tech YouTuber called Exercising Ingenuity showcased the TR-003 in a video (see here) from last year! The relief was immense. Suddenly, I had what I desperately needed, solid reference from multiple views and a clear understanding of its main components. This video was an absolute game-changer, allowing me to dive in and meticulously recreate the key components. What began as a frustrating hunt for a forgotten relic transformed into an exciting build.

I like to view all the 3D models I create as "impressions" rather than accurate real-world digital reconstructions. This approach allows me to capture the essence and character of these unique pieces; balancing authenticity with creative license. To avoid any potential legal issues, I'll name the brand 'Fonosonic' in game just to be safe!

It’s incredibly satisfying to recreate something obscure from the past. This Panasonic TV, radio and cassette player isn't just a prop; it's a piece of history, adding that crucial layer of authentic detail in the game. Of course, I had to also make a cassette tape to go with it!



Jason Bartlett ©

Jason Bartlett ©

Jason Bartlett ©

Jason Bartlett ©


Stay tuned for more retro tech making its way into the project!


Thanks for reading :)

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