The three pedals pictured above are an original 1970s MXR Distortion (Left), JN Modified Distortion (Middle) and JN Vintage Distortion (Right).

These were the first attempts to make effect pedals from scratch. The PCB was drawn by hand with a Dalo etch resist pen then etched using Ferric Chloride.
All parts were bought from a local electronics retailer.

The 70s MXR Distortion was bought 24 years ago (second hand) for £22, it has survived countless gigs and practices. It produces a smooth warm distortion. The track layout and components were the basis for the other two pedals.

I had a schematic from the internet but the layout was different from the MXR, so I copied the MXR tracks and matched the components to a list from the web.

Modified Distortion
It has twice the amount of old style diodes in series, which produce more cleaner increased output, but still give a mild, smooth overdrive, an increased value output pot, a newer IC which gives a clearer signal with less hiss and an increased input and an increased value Capacitor which filters less bass frequency giving a fatter sound.
Overall the sound is very good it has more output, more sustain and better clarity / response than the original MXR. This was constructed in a Die Cast case.

Vintage MXR
Is based on the same components as the original and it sounds very much the same.
This now belongs to my son who wanted a red transparent case and knobs off a Telecaster. Not very Vintage looking but has the Vintage sound.

Test Pedal (Not shown)
Is a copy of the modified one but with Silicon diodes which give more distortion but sounds harsh and scratchy, it has a lot more fizz.
This may be converted to the modified spec above as a backup/spare.