Armchair Dragoons Forums
Other Gaming => Arts & Crafts & 3D Printing => Topic started by: Doctor Quest on December 26, 2021, 05:51:44 PM
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I have been collecting prop replicas for a number of years now. I really like science fiction weapons and I have a decent collection of Star Trek hardware. My other pride and joy is some great replicas of the famous U.N.C.L.E gun from the 1960 TV show. I also have a replica pen communicator from the same show. I also have a number of Airsoft “Bond” guns, notably the Walther PPK and P99 with silencer hardware.
I decided a few months ago to try my hand at the art of prop building. I want to be clear that this was for fun. I don’t consider myself a professional prop builder and I certainly don’t have a shop with ALL the right tools. Project One was the blaster from the original Blade Runner move. I was inspired by an Adam Savage video I stumbled across where he talked about a company that makes a 1:1 scale replica blaster squirtgun. I found the place and ordered one.
(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/93819550_10217913015961216_5173065864949268480_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=Jz5pIE6Jb0EAX-VST-B&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AT_OsV7NMvNg34cLnOtjyQlL1Zn1JR2b8-dD_jH3SXbAQg&oe=61EE2129)
I removed the squirtgun barrel, added some weight via BBs and painted it up as best I could given the information available. Here is the result.
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/93844125_10217913014361176_7032131403777048576_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=EQenpHgNsucAX9JB0pF&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT-rWT_29hHzkCrbmD3CNAhWL5i6EuoB4OlnI1NB2_1CNw&oe=61ECC454)
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/93794209_10217913014281174_2903269768926593024_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=jlAJNSm8OlwAX_4m8JC&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT8bpsXF74ooPA3WnxAYNP2tbLCQCa8C25SKPf0BGTVm5w&oe=61F02CD2)
There are a couple of pieces that were added after the pix but you get the idea.
The frustrating thing about this weapon is I never really found a good explanation for how the fictional weapon was supposed to work. Why the two triggers? In the movie it appears to be projectile weapon firing what almost looks like a cannon round. It does some serious damage.
Project Two is Han Solo’s DL-44 blaster Mark I. Star Wars geeks are aware that the design of the blaster was changed a bit between “A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back”. I was going the New Hope version. I have some of the parts for the later “Mark II” version as well. We’ll save that one for a later post.
Here is a pic of the Mark I parts inventory. The base model is a Mauser C96 pistol. I used a non-firing replica from Denix. The “blaster parts” were ordered from an Etsy vendor called Infinity3dPrints and are 3D printed plastic. They are sturdy and of good quality.
(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270045260_10222168335621548_5545582385149350234_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=s3jqDmExUykAX8lcp2b&tn=mqY9q5rp3P7MJnwY&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AT_U-71wDM4EufEodi18fJ4IHgDeJKeIicjL36Vcv3XuHw&oe=61CD3CE3)
The first step is sawing down the barrel to fit the DL-44 barrel parts. This was probably the trickiest bit since once done it is done. A good hacksaw made quick work of this.
(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270036732_10222168335141536_940748978451005788_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=cvOwHuNTp8UAX_DChd5&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AT8gOQfAlCQhHqRa7VY5X5Y76hx7d2yV430Qw2VUBQ3Gzg&oe=61CE82C1)
A quick test fit of the barrel parts to verify I measured correctly.
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270011023_10222168335181537_717329984153452863_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=hsoDGFmpyKYAX-t9P0w&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT_CnX7GgQDhAhVBTnSAG6EGJcZJbHZyHxXmfngol_nlxg&oe=61CE9D7E)
I decided to start with the scope mount since I wanted to use sheet metal screws to attach the lower part of the mount to the pistol body. I went ahead and removed the grips in preparation for later painting. I pre-drilled the screw holes, attached the mount and filled the holes.
(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270012941_10222168335981557_2472923901510223362_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=HzqR9CP9iScAX-fxHdc&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AT-DlvRjFl0ZT7kGvkSkdC4U8IcR51XLL8nYzR3G9ER5HA&oe=61CD6BE5)
The rest of the parts went together using super glue. The only remaining parts are the front and rear scope lens mounts. They are finished in a different color. They will go on later as will the scratch built “lens”. The lens are several layers of plastic laminating sheet cut to fit. I added a retaining screw to the bottom front of the barrel. Now we are ready to paint, weather and overcoat.
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270207897_10222168336221563_1903163169073265848_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=juROshPDjVEAX8Wap9v&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT8QXEW4BuxK-kFETKMRg9OPylmee9i6KG2Jdpchutgtow&oe=61CDA303)
I used Rustoleum semi-gloss for the base color. The weathering was done by dry brushing silver. I used Rustoleum satin finish clear coat to protect the finish and provide a consistent gun metal look.
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270049995_10222168336821578_7581011583325417443_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=WRFuzmfN7UMAX-8J-sy&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT_sAHSCFMFDCQhZZHQzTWm_uvH7lXC-dfCDQ7HtYT_6GQ&oe=61CD7FB7)
The front and rear lens mounts are gold weathered with black. I got the “brass” type look I wanted. The lenses are glued to the mounts then then to the scope. The grips are reattached as the last step.
Final results
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270033176_10222168337221588_6628361675347276720_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=Ugcv9CKI1aIAX-chpzm&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT9pAopl4mu-FYFr1wtT8r3g41Qy5qjCaDbw9ZZIw-EuBA&oe=61CE9C67)
(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270003205_10222168336581572_1984851288103193118_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=VZsZveStpy4AX-ZeVno&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AT8cnKkAID8Wlm-D6OokALcD4hnyYrhS096apC_EoD-Ypw&oe=61CED2B5)
The disk looking widget on the left side of the pistol may not match the same parts on the movie version. I had the parts lying around and it adds some unique flavor to the build. Look up “polishing sh*t”. Speaking of polishing poop, there were a couple of parts on top of the barrel that showed up in some photos of the Mark I but not others. I couldn’t figure out what the hell they did so I left them off for a cleaner looking barrel.
Some detail photos of the finished barrel and scope.
(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270191199_10222168336861579_941412231173525529_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=DDZr8MRUiT8AX_UGfYq&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AT83_nQVSsCWKfXO3Jz03USc39GaZnLBsBWgCgio6tP4qQ&oe=61CE018B)
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270204236_10222168338341616_3344669458596550732_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=AMHx806ArDUAX-jEWIQ&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT92MmF2E7IyDbH_zunq5LMqzLlFN5KNaCg5OhNpZjPBJA&oe=61CE0608)
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/270190996_10222168338061609_7382571939326480327_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=qmjtBYMGy9AAX8MXVid&tn=mqY9q5rp3P7MJnwY&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AT8xC5hr35HBdD07xa8dBEA3O4orvJeQzKaGx-PL121T_A&oe=61CD9444)
It was a fun project and turned out pretty well given the time and money spent. I also think it pointed out why they changed the design of the blaster for later films. The replica as built is pretty heavy. It would be worse if I was using a real metal scope. The Mark II has a much smaller scope which looks a bit more technically advanced than the basic scope on the Mark I. I am waiting on my Denix Mauser C96 base model for my Mark II replica. The assembly and finishing should be very similar to what I did for the Mark I.
(No. I don’t know if the “Mark I” and “Mark II” designation are canon. Seemed like a good way to tell one from the other.)
May the Force be with you.
Always.
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Look cool DQ
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Pretty damn awesome!
Are you going to try a stormtrooper blaster one of these days as well? The Hellboy 'Good Samaritan' gun would also be a cool build.
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I want to get the DL-44 Mark II done next. What I really want to look into next is a 3D printed kit of the Mandalorian's blaster. I think there is a pulse rifle kit out there, too, but they get a little pricey. I have also found a resin kit of the small speeder bike trooper's blaster.
I do have one of these. Mine is finished a bit more accurately.
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Very interesting write-up Doc! I had not seen this thread previously but unfortunately, most of the images are not displaying for me. :(
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Very interesting write-up Doc! I had not seen this thread previously but unfortunately, most of the images are not displaying for me. :(
Yup, the error message I get is: "URL signature expired" Yay Facebook! :waiting:
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Sorry, everyone. Let me see what I can do about attaching the pix directly to the post.......