Bowcaster Parts

Macklin · 05-12-2005, 01:30 PM

I recently acquired a Horton Safari crossbow that I plan to convert into a Chewie bowcaster. I checked the POSW page, but it's still incomplete. What parts do we know about besides the Single Point scope?

Does anyone have a good idea how the scope assembly is put together?

The side panels look like cut metal sheet. The barrel is most likely metal tubing. what about the front sight? And the side greeblies? Could one of them be the Imperial Officer disc? Maybe camera parts? Which type of sling is used? What are the balls?

Just trying to start some conversation here. I'm really excited about my purchase and can't wait to start working on the project.

Patrick

BAlinger15 · 05-12-2005, 01:34 PM

The side greeblies are tuning knobs off of a guitar or amplifier or similar....like volume control knobs.

-Brandon

DL 44 Blaster · 05-12-2005, 03:57 PM

One of the coolest props of the OT and one that we know very little about. The ones that I have seen done were basically just the best rendition that the persons vision allowed....and they were all GREAT! I'm hoping that MR does Chewies bowcaster from the OT..........

OdiWan72 · 05-12-2005, 04:16 PM

kurtyboy is the man you seek

HeÂ´s done a massive amount of research on this great prop, with the support of our very own Chris T.

IÂ´m sure theyÂ´ll chime in very soon

Markus

OdiWan72 · 05-12-2005, 04:18 PM

BTW:

Got pics of your horton X-bow?
I built my first BC based on a barnett commando, but IÂ´ve got a Horton waiting for itÂ´s conversion too

There are just sooo many different versions out there

Markus

Macklin · 05-12-2005, 05:29 PM

Here's the auction pic. I don't actually have it in my hands yet, so no pics form me. I thought about documenting my progress and posting a tutorial. We'll see how it goes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...DME:B:EOAB:US:6

Brandon, I know nothing about amps or guitars. Any more info to offer before I go investigating knobs?

I'd love to hear input from folks who have already made one of these. Any construction tips and material suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Patrick

kurtyboy · 05-12-2005, 05:40 PM

I see you have the same Horton that me and Markus have. Except mine is green... I think Markus' is also green. Good price too! I thought I got a bargain at $50 on my one. I've seen them go for well over $200.

This is about the closest we're going to get the to correct crossbow. I spoke to someone at Horton USA and showed them some Bowcaster photos. They told me that they had only ever seen one of those in their whole life! It has a metal frame unlike ours which are plastic.

There are a total of 5 Imperial discs on the bowcaster (you seek Obi1kenny!). The other greeblies I'm not sure about but some are just flat discs. I have the info somewhere about the sizes and types of screws holding them on (got the info from Lonepigeon).

Now onto the scopes. The two flanking scopes have not been identified but they are probably the same as the Dr. Evazan blaster but definitely not the same as the Boba Fett blaster. They are not ASI 4 x 20's. The closest ones I've found are Nikko Stirlings. I know they are not the correct scope but the shape and size is pretty much spot on and the screws, windage/elevation knobs/box are also the same.

The centre scope is a cone tipped singlepoint. You also need a pair of ROTJ style scope rings (like the ones I sold in the Junkyard recently) and a pair of the Boba Fett style scope rings (you may have seen me selling these in the past too).

That's about all I know I'm afraid. Reference photos of the ANH are very scarce. The best one I found came from the SW Fact Files UK. It is a much bigger and much cleared version of the side view in Chronicles. The ROTJ or ESB crossbow has been on display though.

Markus has info on the correct bow part.

DL 44 Blaster · 05-12-2005, 06:50 PM

Does this particular prop still exist in the Archives?? I know it's a near impossibility,but I thought I'd ask...........

Sumatra · 05-12-2005, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DL 44 Blaster@May 12 2005, 05:50 PM
Does this particular prop still exist in the Archives?? I know it's a near impossibility,but I thought I'd ask...........

[snapback]985946[/snapback]

Also, was the same bowcaster used throughout the trilogy?

Anyone have reference photos to post?

kurtyboy · 05-12-2005, 07:25 PM

Might have been the same base weapon, but details changed throughout the trilogy.

It must still be around because it was shown in an exhibition. Not sure which exhibition though.

Quote:

Originally posted by Sumatra+May 13 2005, 12:16 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sumatra @ May 13 2005, 12:16 AM)</div>

Quote:

<!--QuoteBegin-DL 44 Blaster

Quote:

@May 12 2005, 05:50 PM
Does this particular prop still exist in the Archives?? I know it's a near impossibility,but I thought I'd ask...........

[snapback]985946[/snapback]

Also, was the same bowcaster used throughout the trilogy?

Anyone have reference photos to post?

[snapback]985953[/snapback]

[/b]

Macklin · 05-12-2005, 08:22 PM

Seems like the front sight changed between ANH and ROTJ. I'm not sure about any other differences. Maybe the strap? Dunno.

Patrick

Sumatra · 05-12-2005, 09:47 PM

Are there any alternatives out there that are easier to find and not to pricey? I'd really like to make a bowcaster. It wouldn't need to be perfect, but most of the ones I'm finding are way off.

kurtyboy · 05-13-2005, 10:56 AM

I was hunting (if you pardon the pun) for a suitable crossbow for nearly two years.

So far the only ones I've seen that look any good are the Barnett (close but apparently too big) and the Horton which is very accurate but the stock will need to be hollowed out. The other bonus is that the Horton has the correct scope rail and the grip is the right shape.

The Horton seems to be very cheap nowadays.. but that could change if demand builds up

They are relatively rare though. One or two pop up on ebay every few months.

Be aware of the two types of Horton Safari though, the front part is completely wrong on one of them. I bought the WRONG one by mistake first time round

Quote:

Originally posted by Sumatra@May 13 2005, 02:47 AM
Are there any alternatives out there that are easier to find and not to pricey?Â* I'd really like to make a bowcaster.Â* It wouldn't need to be perfect, but most of the ones I'm finding are way off.

[snapback]986065[/snapback]

kurtyboy · 05-13-2005, 10:57 AM

Could someone remind me what the strap was? I knew at one time but its been that long that I've forgotten!

I was going to use a Sterling strap.

Treadwell · 05-13-2005, 11:40 AM

There is also a coiled Graflex cord on it.

A bowcaster was on display a couple years ago during Disney's SW Weekends. Reportedly Peter Mayhew saw it and said it wasn't the one. Of course, we know to take prop recollections by actors with a grain of salt.

jedivigneri · 05-13-2005, 09:23 PM

Heres what I know from talking with Chewie P. Mayhew himself....

the planet hollywood hero medal i looked at with Peter, and he looked long and hard, and said "not even F##$( close..." and walked away...and all these years later we have the ACCURATE MR medals..SO ya, i think peter has a good idea of whats real off set and not...

If he said the bowcaster at disney wasnt it makes sense, as he told me back in 2000 that there was only ONE used between 77-83, and somehow it got out of the archives and into the hands of a private collector from the same source as steve sansweet got his 3po head, han gun, and other REAL sw props. THE one and only bowcaster is in a private sw collection in germany,according to p. mayhew. and we know the ONE real hero medal from sw is in a private collection in the UK, so it all sounds right...

the "balls" were racketball balls painted black...got that from mayhew, and saw it in print once...somewhere...

Mayhew knows somethin of props, as when he saw my han blaster with real hensoldt scope he looked long and hard at it and said, WOW havent seen one of those in a long time...and he called a droid caller a "linhof" and said he had one...

that what i know...curt solo

Sumatra · 05-13-2005, 10:57 PM

Wow, that's good info. Thanks Curt.

OdiWan72 · 05-14-2005, 03:47 AM

So....the BC is in Germany??

Will have to reactivate some of my contacts

Markus

Sluis Van Shipyards · 05-14-2005, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by OdiWan72@May 14 2005, 03:47 AM
So....the BC is in Germany??

Will have to reactivate some of my contacts

Markus

[snapback]987038[/snapback]

So you'll have the original and find a cache of the correct crossbows in about, what a week?

kurtyboy · 05-14-2005, 11:44 PM

DROOL DROOL!

Quote:

Originally posted by OdiWan72@May 14 2005, 08:47 AM
So....the BC is in Germany??

Will have to reactivate some of my contacts

Markus

[snapback]987038[/snapback]

Sumatra · 05-15-2005, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sluis Van Shipyards+May 14 2005, 08:38 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sluis Van Shipyards @ May 14 2005, 08:38 PM)</div>

Quote:

<!--QuoteBegin-OdiWan72

Quote:

@May 14 2005, 03:47 AM
So....the BC is in Germany??

Will have to reactivate some of my contacts

Markus

[snapback]987038[/snapback]

So you'll have the original and find a cache of the correct crossbows in about, what a week?

[snapback]987438[/snapback]

[/b]

Count me in for a crssbow if you find them

Macklin · 05-17-2005, 11:23 PM

Wow! There's some really great info in this thread! Thanks, guys!

Does anyone know if there is any way besides ebay to acquire back issues of Star Wars Fact File in the US? I've wanted these for quite some time, but I'd rather not buy them all at once. BTW, Kurt, is there any chance we could see a closeup scan of the side greeblies?

Is it true that no source has been found for the Han ROTJ scope rings? I know David had his run of them and I missed out on it. Is anything close available?

Patrick

Macklin · 05-23-2005, 05:25 PM

I got my crossbow a couple of days ago. Just thought I'd share a few pics for those who are interested.

Patrick

Probe Droid · 05-23-2005, 07:14 PM

The Graflex cord mentioned above is a "Y" cord. It's curly like a telephone cord.

A camera geek has spoken.

Macklin · 05-25-2005, 11:47 PM

Here's another tidbit that was lying dormant on my hard drive. I don't know where it came from, but I recognize the board name.

"According to TK818, the ANH Bowcaster used a 2" wide medical bag strap, the same as the Aliens Pulse Rifle. For the ESB/ROTJ Bowcaster, a 1Â¼" wide M-1 style sling was used."

Patrick

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05-12-2005, 01:30 PM	#1
Macklin Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 802	I recently acquired a Horton Safari crossbow that I plan to convert into a Chewie bowcaster. I checked the POSW page, but it's still incomplete. What parts do we know about besides the Single Point scope? Does anyone have a good idea how the scope assembly is put together? The side panels look like cut metal sheet. The barrel is most likely metal tubing. what about the front sight? And the side greeblies? Could one of them be the Imperial Officer disc? Maybe camera parts? Which type of sling is used? What are the balls? Just trying to start some conversation here. I'm really excited about my purchase and can't wait to start working on the project. Patrick

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05-12-2005, 01:34 PM	#2
BAlinger15 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,421	The side greeblies are tuning knobs off of a guitar or amplifier or similar....like volume control knobs. -Brandon

05-12-2005, 03:57 PM	#3
DL 44 Blaster Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The first state Posts: 4,211	One of the coolest props of the OT and one that we know very little about. The ones that I have seen done were basically just the best rendition that the persons vision allowed....and they were all GREAT! I'm hoping that MR does Chewies bowcaster from the OT..........

05-12-2005, 04:16 PM	#4
OdiWan72 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Cologne, Germany Posts: 4,265	kurtyboy is the man you seek HeÂ´s done a massive amount of research on this great prop, with the support of our very own Chris T. IÂ´m sure theyÂ´ll chime in very soon Markus

05-12-2005, 04:18 PM	#5
OdiWan72 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Cologne, Germany Posts: 4,265	BTW: Got pics of your horton X-bow? I built my first BC based on a barnett commando, but IÂ´ve got a Horton waiting for itÂ´s conversion too There are just sooo many different versions out there Markus

05-12-2005, 05:29 PM	#6
Macklin Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 802	Here's the auction pic. I don't actually have it in my hands yet, so no pics form me. I thought about documenting my progress and posting a tutorial. We'll see how it goes. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...DME:B:EOAB:US:6 Brandon, I know nothing about amps or guitars. Any more info to offer before I go investigating knobs? I'd love to hear input from folks who have already made one of these. Any construction tips and material suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Patrick

05-12-2005, 05:40 PM	#7
kurtyboy Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: UK Posts: 5,454	I see you have the same Horton that me and Markus have. Except mine is green... I think Markus' is also green. Good price too! I thought I got a bargain at $50 on my one. I've seen them go for well over $200. This is about the closest we're going to get the to correct crossbow. I spoke to someone at Horton USA and showed them some Bowcaster photos. They told me that they had only ever seen one of those in their whole life! It has a metal frame unlike ours which are plastic. There are a total of 5 Imperial discs on the bowcaster (you seek Obi1kenny!). The other greeblies I'm not sure about but some are just flat discs. I have the info somewhere about the sizes and types of screws holding them on (got the info from Lonepigeon). Now onto the scopes. The two flanking scopes have not been identified but they are probably the same as the Dr. Evazan blaster but definitely not the same as the Boba Fett blaster. They are not ASI 4 x 20's. The closest ones I've found are Nikko Stirlings. I know they are not the correct scope but the shape and size is pretty much spot on and the screws, windage/elevation knobs/box are also the same. The centre scope is a cone tipped singlepoint. You also need a pair of ROTJ style scope rings (like the ones I sold in the Junkyard recently) and a pair of the Boba Fett style scope rings (you may have seen me selling these in the past too). That's about all I know I'm afraid. Reference photos of the ANH are very scarce. The best one I found came from the SW Fact Files UK. It is a much bigger and much cleared version of the side view in Chronicles. The ROTJ or ESB crossbow has been on display though. Markus has info on the correct bow part.

05-12-2005, 06:50 PM	#8
DL 44 Blaster Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The first state Posts: 4,211	Does this particular prop still exist in the Archives?? I know it's a near impossibility,but I thought I'd ask...........

05-12-2005, 08:22 PM	#11
Macklin Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 802	Seems like the front sight changed between ANH and ROTJ. I'm not sure about any other differences. Maybe the strap? Dunno. Patrick

05-12-2005, 09:47 PM	#12
Sumatra Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bloomington, MN Posts: 3,562	Are there any alternatives out there that are easier to find and not to pricey? I'd really like to make a bowcaster. It wouldn't need to be perfect, but most of the ones I'm finding are way off.

05-13-2005, 10:57 AM	#14
kurtyboy Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: UK Posts: 5,454	Could someone remind me what the strap was? I knew at one time but its been that long that I've forgotten! I was going to use a Sterling strap.

05-13-2005, 11:40 AM	#15
Treadwell Join Date: Aug 1999 Posts: 13,856	There is also a coiled Graflex cord on it. A bowcaster was on display a couple years ago during Disney's SW Weekends. Reportedly Peter Mayhew saw it and said it wasn't the one. Of course, we know to take prop recollections by actors with a grain of salt.

05-13-2005, 09:23 PM	#16
jedivigneri Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 566	Heres what I know from talking with Chewie P. Mayhew himself.... the planet hollywood hero medal i looked at with Peter, and he looked long and hard, and said "not even F##$( close..." and walked away...and all these years later we have the ACCURATE MR medals..SO ya, i think peter has a good idea of whats real off set and not... If he said the bowcaster at disney wasnt it makes sense, as he told me back in 2000 that there was only ONE used between 77-83, and somehow it got out of the archives and into the hands of a private collector from the same source as steve sansweet got his 3po head, han gun, and other REAL sw props. THE one and only bowcaster is in a private sw collection in germany,according to p. mayhew. and we know the ONE real hero medal from sw is in a private collection in the UK, so it all sounds right... the "balls" were racketball balls painted black...got that from mayhew, and saw it in print once...somewhere... Mayhew knows somethin of props, as when he saw my han blaster with real hensoldt scope he looked long and hard at it and said, WOW havent seen one of those in a long time...and he called a droid caller a "linhof" and said he had one... that what i know...curt solo

05-13-2005, 10:57 PM	#17
Sumatra Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bloomington, MN Posts: 3,562	Wow, that's good info. Thanks Curt.

05-14-2005, 03:47 AM	#18
OdiWan72 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Cologne, Germany Posts: 4,265	So....the BC is in Germany?? Will have to reactivate some of my contacts Markus

05-17-2005, 11:23 PM	#22
Macklin Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 802	Wow! There's some really great info in this thread! Thanks, guys! Does anyone know if there is any way besides ebay to acquire back issues of Star Wars Fact File in the US? I've wanted these for quite some time, but I'd rather not buy them all at once. BTW, Kurt, is there any chance we could see a closeup scan of the side greeblies? Is it true that no source has been found for the Han ROTJ scope rings? I know David had his run of them and I missed out on it. Is anything close available? Patrick

05-23-2005, 05:25 PM	#23
Macklin Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 802	I got my crossbow a couple of days ago. Just thought I'd share a few pics for those who are interested. Patrick

05-23-2005, 07:14 PM	#24
Probe Droid Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: The Outer Rim Posts: 6,927	The Graflex cord mentioned above is a "Y" cord. It's curly like a telephone cord. A camera geek has spoken.

05-25-2005, 11:47 PM	#25
Macklin Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 802	Here's another tidbit that was lying dormant on my hard drive. I don't know where it came from, but I recognize the board name. "According to TK818, the ANH Bowcaster used a 2" wide medical bag strap, the same as the Aliens Pulse Rifle. For the ESB/ROTJ Bowcaster, a 1Â¼" wide M-1 style sling was used." Patrick