So, a couple of us started making the box.  It wasn't easy to find good pictures of the box as shown in the movie, and you don't get very good views of it.  After some digging, we found a place that sells old movie props and they had a listing for something that looked about right.  They listed dimensions, and that gave us something to start working with.  We still haven't figured out how to do the columns on the front, but so far, it looks like it will work well.  There is a lot of room in he back for the electronics, and after it gets painted and trimmed, it should look the part pretty well.  Here are some pictures of the progress:

Here is the foam board, ready to 'go under the knife'.  Foam Board and Gorrilla Glue... Yummy...

The shape begins to show.  We used Pins and Glue both to make the joints to help make sure it had some strength.  

Afro Spock, carefully contemplating the terrible device we are bringing to life...