Malcolm Reynolds Pistol 3D modelling for Funzees :)

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Sep 16, 2015

• #1

Hey everyone, I was bored the other day and thought to myself, hmmm I've always wanted Mal's TV pistol from Firefly but I'm always strapped for cash to buy a resin or metal copy. So I decided to take a crack at 3D modelling my own and see how it turned out. With a QMX pistol for dimensional reference, I started out and things came together quite well.

I spent about 8 hours working over the rough details then off and on for a bit longer before I arrived at my current state. So, how did I fare? Well, the main feature I still have issue with is the back of the grips, and really the grips in general are not as accurate on the curves as I had originally wanted but it turned out pretty great.


I've had some useful comments from other members in threads and I'm looking to see if there is more that anyone would like to contribute before I end up going for 3D printing quotes.


Here's a couple shots of the pieces in exploded view, there are 20 Unique Pieces, I tried to keep the seams as natural as possible, the front receiver is hollow.

I have been considering modelling up the alternate components for the Serenity Pistol (Right side panel, Clip, and sight switch/toggle thingy) and I think I will as it only requires a few modified components.

I will get it printed eventually, but I wanted to post the first couple pics of progress to see what everyone thinks, how did I do for a first attempt?

Update:

Here's my Serenity version:

Available 3D models:


Mal's Model B Pistol TV:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1162501

Mal's Model B Pistol MOV (Serenity)
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1188160

Jayne's "Boo" Denix Le Mat Conversion parts
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1140120

Jayne's "Boo" Fully 3D printed:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1720347


Stand for Mal's Model B / QMX Pistol
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1175423

Food Stuffs Bar
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1265886

PAL Comm Device
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1601260

 

Last edited: Aug 14, 2016

Serenity

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Sep 16, 2015

• #2

Looks pretty good! If using a QMx for reference, keep in mind that they thickened the trigger guard and some other areas for molding purposes.

Also, I can't tell for sure, but it looks as if you have four securing screws under the barrel (in the area between the thumbscrews). I'm pretty sure the TV version only had two and the two extra were added when the conversion to the movie pistol took place.

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Sep 16, 2015

• #3

Serenity said:

Looks pretty good! If using a QMx for reference, keep in mind that they thickened the trigger guard and some other areas for molding purposes.

Also, I can't tell for sure, but it looks as if you have four securing screws under the barrel (in the area between the thumbscrews). I'm pretty sure the TV version only had two and the two extra were added when the conversion to the movie pistol took place.

Click to expand...

Are those actually screws? I thought they were like rivets or something, I just reviewed my reference and it looks like you are right, they are only on the sides, and not on the bottom, simple to remove, thanks again for that bit of info.

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Sep 22, 2015

• #4

Updated with Serenity version. Had to make 2 new pieces (side panel, clip) and modify 3 pieces (Rear Receiver front side, Front Receiver, and Hammer guard)

Gonna have to see how printable it really is, a couple of the pieces seem like the supports would be complicated.

 

L

lilykill

Active Member

• Sep 22, 2015

• #5

Loving the break down into parts. Are you going to be releasing the files?.

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Sep 22, 2015

• #6

lilykill said:

Loving the break down into parts. Are you going to be releasing the files?.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I don't know if I would release the files at this point, I need to see if it's possible to make them in the first place. I would consider it. But I also don't want to step on the toes of the people offering 3D prints of this gun in the marketplace.

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Sep 25, 2015

• #7

Another model that I'm almost finished with:

 

Last edited: Jan 14, 2016

Mobjack

Active Member

• Sep 28, 2015

• #8

Looks great man. Hit me up if you want to print it out.

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Oct 31, 2015

• #9

Finished up the first model for my Jayne's Boo

 

Last edited: Jan 14, 2016

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Nov 4, 2015

• #10

So, I found some conversion files on thingiverse for the main parts to make a denix into a a Boo with no metal chopping, but it only contained the rail, and cylinder + cap files. I had to modify the cap and create a new piece for the curve section, here's what the parts in render looked like.

I have printed them out, and I taped them on the gun for a couple of mock up pics, it's looking good so far:

All the printed parts here:

I have since changed the cap to have the screw on it, and will have to re-print.


Looks like I'm ready to start some painting and another print to convert my denix into a boo.

 

Last edited: Jan 14, 2016

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Nov 7, 2015

• #11

Alright, big development for me. I had the Firefly Version Pistol printed, and I assembled it tonite.


Here's what the pieces look like, it was basically like a model kit.

And here it is fully assembled, I didn't glue the screws or the grips in place yet cause I want to paint them seperately.

And here is a comparison between my printed model, and the QMX Pistol:

let me know what you think, I'm now on to sanding and painting.

 

W

WatchMeSoar

New Member

• Nov 7, 2015

• #12

If you released the files for this, I'd print them in a heartbeat and you'd be my new favorite person. Just saying.

Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Nov 9, 2015

• #13

I was excited, so I started some painting:

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Nov 12, 2015

• #14

Well, here's a couple of pics of my denix converted using my 3D printed pieces. I misplaced the end cap so I'll have to re-print and paint that, and take a bunch more photos.

I'm very happy with the way it's shaping up, I know it's not all metal but considering I didn't have to do any metal cutting I'm happy with the conversion, I just need the last piece to finish it off.

 

Last edited: Jan 14, 2016

N

novacat17

Active Member

• Nov 13, 2015

• #15

Awesome! I love the printed and assembled model. I have printer a full version, but the details were always hindered no matter how I sliced and tried to arrange them. Your approach, and the work you put into it, are great! I do hope you release the files, pay or free, as I would love to get a cleaner version of this in my collection.

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Nov 13, 2015

• #16

novacat17 said:

Awesome! I love the printed and assembled model. I have printer a full version, but the details were always hindered no matter how I sliced and tried to arrange them. Your approach, and the work you put into it, are great! I do hope you release the files, pay or free, as I would love to get a cleaner version of this in my collection.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I may have overdone it for some of the slicing, but I'm happy with the way that it assembles, alot of the pieces were designed to be similar to the way the actual panels on the real prop fit together. It was a very fun piece to assemble.

 

N

novacat17

Active Member

• Nov 13, 2015

• #17

I think the model assembly approach to 3d prints is perhaps the better way to go in any case, as you get cleaner and clearer models, at least with the at-home printers these days. You also get the fun of a model kit. Keep up the awesome work.

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Nov 13, 2015

• #18

I had a fun night tonite. It started with applying pewter rub n buff:

Then I applied harvest gold rub n buff:

So this is how it all looked all fresh-like:

And here's a comparison with the QMX pistol, as you can see the finish I got was looking more copper than brass unfortunately.

Then I decided to do tha aging/weathering. I used a black wash for the pistol and a tan wash for the grip and repeated many times. Here's what the result was:

It ended up heavily weathered, but I'm happy with it, this project is complete.

 

Monkey540

Sr Member

• Nov 22, 2015

• #19

Well, i found the Cap, and now my Boo is done for now, till I can work out any other pieces.

Files are available on Thingiverse now:


http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1140120

 

N

novacat17

Active Member

• Nov 23, 2015

• #20

The true Hero of Canton! If you ever decide to release your files for Mal's Pistol, I'll be first in line to grab it!

Thank you!