EDIT: One user reports knocking off the top cover after bumping one of the prop rods. Please use caution. Consider Julia's version: I believe the hinges may be a bit more firmly aligned in their directionality. I still like this one, but do use caution!

After beginning to remodel JuliaTruchsess's parts to fit 1/4" rods, I went back to blank paper and drew these up instead. They're no better, just different :-)

I used 16.25" long pieces of 1/4" diameter carbon fiber rod (from a kite parts supplier, surprisingly affordable) because it's just so doggone cool. Also rigid - 1/4" wood dowels would be a little floppy at this length.

I stuck a little felt pad on each top bit, so I can just nudge the lid up and the props fall down without hurting anything.

Thanks for the inspiration, Julia!