046 - Morpho Brain
From The Keys of Marinus (1964)
Version 1 - Updated 4/1/2024

Finished: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-dOm2OtYBMRnbtIP5rz_81Wj1NJz55D8

Notes: This was the annual April Fools Day figure for 2024. The brain creatures were never specifically named on screen (they are merely referred to as "the masters of this place.") but Morpho was the species name used in the script and later print publications.

Print Recommendations: The files used to print this figure are the same, regardless of whether you are printing in PLA (filament) or SLA (Resin) though the clear dome can only be printed out of clear resin, and because the eye stalks are super thin and fragile, it is highly recommended that you print the Morpho Brain itself out of flexible resin like 3DMaterials SuperFlex (preferred, if you can get it) or SirayaTech Tenacious. This will allow the eye stalks to bend without breaking during play. Note that when printing out of flexible resin you may need to greatly increase the thickness and crossbeam percentage of your support structures.

For the transparent dome, I recommend that you either use 3DMaterials SuperFlex (which is quite clear), Anycubic or Elegoo Clear resin, or better yet, a 50/50% combination of the two for added durability. If don't have a resin printer or simply want to use an off-the-shelf part, look on eBay or in a local craft store for a 30mm wide by 40mm tall cloche or bell jar. They make them for doll houses and other extremely small displays.

Paint Instructions: We have a handful of rare color photos that show the brains sitting in their bell jars. (Note: They weren't actually called "Morphos" on camera, simply "The Masters" but . )

The body is a bright cherry red, though the back brain area is a deeper dark red color. The eyes are white with blue irises and black pupils, and there are some faintly visible veins on the side. The base of their jar is silver reflective metal, though the bottom curved decoration section is a flatter less mirror-finished steel. The interior of the jar is illuminated just below where the Morpho Brain sits. (Sadly, the base was too small for me to incorporate a LED brick into the design, and I didn't feel like recreating the entire desk.)

If you resin printed the dome, but it doesn't seem transparent enough for your liking, try spraying on some Krylon Triple Thick Clear Glaze. Don't spray on so much it pools in the top of the dome, but this stuff is incredible for making transparent parts proper smooth like glass.

Assembly Instructions: There are only three pieces, so assembly is quite simple. It is better if you do not use crazy glue around the dome as it will create an ugly fog on the surface. Glue down the brain so he is facing towards one of the shorter points, and then allow the glue to dry completely before attaching the done.