ANH Hero DL-44 Discussion - Three ANH Greeblies Found

[Vanitas]

I keep coming back to the Todd's Costumes scope that I have - the magnification, sharp machining, and overall finish quality is really just the best all around.

But at the same time I REALLY can't stand the incorrect knurl pattern on the windage knob and the tiny Hendsoldt engraving; which almost balances it out at the same time, urgh. Honestly I'm tempted to try and find somebody with an older Todd's Costumes scope that's willing to sell it at this point haha

 

[deadbolt]

I keep coming back to the Todd's Costumes scope that I have - the magnification, sharp machining, and overall finish quality is really just the best all around.

But at the same time I REALLY can't stand the incorrect knurl pattern on the windage knob and the tiny Hendsoldt engraving; which almost balances it out at the same time, urgh. Honestly I'm tempted to try and find somebody with an older Todd's Costumes scope that's willing to sell it at this point haha

We originally were really hoping/aiming to make working scopes at first, even debating about making both the original Rifle eye relief as per the original vs. an alternate, less accurate, Pistol eye relief so when holding the blaster you can actually see a clear image though it at arms-length..
Sadly though, the cost was just too much to go for our pipe-dreams there. =b

Especially considering we wanted them made 'in house' so to speak, rather than made in China or something.

DEC Dave actually lost quite a bit of money on the 1st Mega-Run, no profit whatsoever, but he still kept his promises to fulfill those orders. That's why the cost naturally had to be increased for the 2nd Mega-Run.. I still feel bad though, I don't think he made that money back from the increased price the second time around. He possibly, barely, maybe broke even.

He's trying to focus on new projects these days, but I think he deserves a lot more credit towards this project. A lot of people don't know the significance of his fabrication skills and how much he was dedicated to this project back in the day. Again sadly, he wasn't recognized all that much in the Chicago Book either..
Nobody could have done it better that Dave, in my opinion. I think that's a fairly obvious fact, we couldn't have asked for a better man for the job. And a damn decent dude too at that.

With passion and dedication, comes wonderful results.


-Carson

 

[Vanitas]

We originally were really hoping/aiming to make working scopes at first, even debating about making both the original Rifle eye relief as per the original vs. an alternate, less accurate, Pistol eye relief so when holding the blaster you can actually see a clear image though it at arms-length..
Sadly though, the cost was just too much to go for our pipe-dreams there. =b

Especially considering we wanted them made 'in house' so to speak, rather than made in China or something.

DEC Dave actually lost quite a bit of money on the 1st Mega-Run, no profit whatsoever, but he still kept his promises to fulfill those orders. That's why the cost naturally had to be increased for the 2nd Mega-Run.. I still feel bad though, I don't think he made that money back from the increased price the second time around. He possibly, barely, maybe broke even.

He's trying to focus on new projects these days, but I think he deserves a lot more credit towards this project. A lot of people don't know the significance of his fabrication skills and how much he was dedicated to this project back in the day. Again sadly, he wasn't recognized all that much in the Chicago Book either..
Nobody could have done it better that Dave, in my opinion. I think that's a fairly obvious fact, we couldn't have asked for a better man for the job. And a damn decent dude too at that.

With passion and dedication, comes wonderful results.


-Carson

I still have one of Dave's scopes from his first run of parts to this day! And even though I don't use it these days I can still absolutely appreciate and respect all the work that Dave put into his runs of parts! My only regret is that I wasn't active at the time to get in on them myself, as I really do think that the effort that went into them was just about second to none. That's also why I've brought up the idea of Dave potentially having another interest thread run something this year!

As for my grievances with Todd's scope, they mostly come down to me nitpciking details that others may find to be acceptable. The crosshairs are a nice touch and functionally they're a novel concept, although I honestly think that on a replica that doesn't focus they're more of a minor detail than anything else. The mods that people like Scott do to Field Marshal's scopes (replacing the glass cutouts with magnifying lenses) are more than good enough for me; I just don't personally care for the "pass through" look of many replica scopes.

Again, I think Field Marshal's scope is more accurate, but the Todd's Costumes scope is just of a higher overall quality (though it misses out on the engraving and windage knob details). I'd personally love to see both improved!

 

[MastahBlastah]

We originally were really hoping/aiming to make working scopes at first, even debating about making both the original Rifle eye relief as per the original vs. an alternate, less accurate, Pistol eye relief so when holding the blaster you can actually see a clear image though it at arms-length..
Sadly though, the cost was just too much to go for our pipe-dreams there. =b

Especially considering we wanted them made 'in house' so to speak, rather than made in China or something.

DEC Dave actually lost quite a bit of money on the 1st Mega-Run, no profit whatsoever, but he still kept his promises to fulfill those orders. That's why the cost naturally had to be increased for the 2nd Mega-Run.. I still feel bad though, I don't think he made that money back from the increased price the second time around. He possibly, barely, maybe broke even.

He's trying to focus on new projects these days, but I think he deserves a lot more credit towards this project. A lot of people don't know the significance of his fabrication skills and how much he was dedicated to this project back in the day. Again sadly, he wasn't recognized all that much in the Chicago Book either..
Nobody could have done it better that Dave, in my opinion. I think that's a fairly obvious fact, we couldn't have asked for a better man for the job. And a damn decent dude too at that.

With passion and dedication, comes wonderful results.


-Carson

Dave truly is a top-notch guy, he's been so generous and helpful with me on multiple occasions across multiple builds! He belongs in the RPF hall of fame, in my opinion, along with a few of our own right here in this thread

 

[Vanitas]

Man, one of these days I SWEAR I've got to bite the bullet and just find myself a real Hensoldt scope already! These replicas just keep piling up

 

[chubsANDdoggers]

Dave truly is a top-notch guy, he's been so generous and helpful with me on multiple occasions across multiple builds! He belongs in the RPF hall of fame, in my opinion, along with a few of our own right here in this thread

There is a few people who truly belong in the RPF hall of fame. Probably mostly depends on your individual calling within these cherished walls.. but my vote for what it’s worth would definitely go to the HERO’s who have their blood, sweat and tears within this here very thread.

 

[CntAllBeWinners]

While I make my way through this thread from page one, kpax recommended I post in here to get some tips on what modifications the Denix C96 needs to bring it up to snuff before adding a Fieldmarshal kit. He said chubsANDdoggers might be able to give me some pointers. What is there to do to the Denix? Is the Denix even the best option for a base? An actual Mauser is a bit out of my price range at the moment but I’ve seen some Airsoft replicas out there. Are any of those worth looking into? Or even a Japanese modelgun (would an M712 still do the trick)? I just jumped on the Denix because that’s what was mentioned with the Fieldmarshal kit. I’m open to something else.

Any guidance would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[thd9791]

While I make my way through this thread from page one, kpax recommended I post in here to get some tips on what modifications the Denix C96 needs to bring it up to snuff before adding a Fieldmarshal kit. He said chubsANDdoggers might be able to give me some pointers. What is there to do to the Denix? Is the Denix even the best option for a base? An actual Mauser is a bit out of my price range at the moment but I’ve seen some Airsoft replicas out there. Are any of those worth looking into? Or even a Japanese modelgun (would an M712 still do the trick)? I just jumped on the Denix because that’s what was mentioned with the Fieldmarshal kit. I’m open to something else.

Any guidance would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

The new Denixes are much better than the old ones. It is a great, affordable start and I did all of mine on them until I got some lucky chances on an MGC or two.

If you divide up the modifications by how easy they are - the only big ones I can recommend off the bat are to
1) cut off the front sight and re-round the barrel with a file
2) Metal file or grind away the rings around the sight hinge
3) Take a triangular file and sharpen/align the knurling on the hammer.
4) sandpaper any rough or lumpy spots, but I doubt you'll find any
5) sharpen the hexagon shoulder with a metal file

More complicated things...
1) remove the trigger and thin and reshape it to better match a real mauser
2) cut off the bolt nub and slice a slotted screw socket into the bolt
3) grind the recess behind the trigger a bit more rounded, better to match a mauser. I think you can also re-shape the area right above the handle too
4) cut out the grip frame to match corellian exports MGC grips or some real Mauser grips

You can use a Mill to:
1) sharpen all the recesses
2) cut the lines to mimic the mag plate
3) mill the detail into the bolt

etc...

 

[scottjua]

As above, and yes contact Chubb's, because he's the denix king for sure. He has his own thrread chronicling to endeavor I think. There's a lot to do to get it looking and feeling much better...

And the good thing the metal is fairly easy to work with.

 

[chubsANDdoggers]

Thank you kpax and scottjua.

They both can easily rework a denix themselves and I’m sure have their own great tips and insight to share without question. Everything thd9791 mentioned will get you well beyond where you need to go with the denix. But being only words to follow it can leave a lot to the imagination as to what is what exactly. This being your first dl-44 endeavor (yes?) I’ll post some links in your thread to share some of the things I’ve done that has helped me along the way. Pictures that might help. I don’t lay claim to anything I’ve done as being my own original creation but it’s certainly a hard path to navigate all at once by yourself. These are things I’ve gather by studying this thread, the real hero prop, real Mausers and pretty much everything in between.

I would highly suggest looking at pictures of real Mausers once you get your denix in hand and then compare and study.

As far as what to build on? Well that’s mostly up to budget and time. Im sure others can weigh in here as well but the denix is certainly a basic replica that can be reworked and improved. In all honesty simply building your first blaster on a denix without any mods will bring much joy. Many options available today for replica Mauser builds including cheaper alternatives as in Resin and very expensive options including MGC’s. MGC’s though are almost impossible to find these days and if you do you’re probably better off saving it for a GK, Hoth or Endor blaster as those where actually built on MGCs. Food for thought..

Sorry for the novel but IMHO a denix will most definitely fit the bill and depending on your own personal gusto and it can be modified majorly or minorly to improve it. It does take a little elbow grease but it is certainly budget friendly as well.

As I mentioned I’ll send some links to your own thread..

 

[CntAllBeWinners]

Thank you kpax and scottjua.

They both can easily rework a denix themselves and I’m sure have their own great tips and insight to share without question. Everything thd9791 mentioned will get you well beyond where you need to go with the denix. But being only words to follow it can leave a lot to the imagination as to what is what exactly. This being your first dl-44 endeavor (yes?) I’ll post some links in your thread to share some of the things I’ve done that has helped me along the way. Pictures that might help. I don’t lay claim to anything I’ve done as being my own original creation but it’s certainly a hard path to navigate all at once by yourself. These are things I’ve gather by studying this thread, the real hero prop, real Mausers and pretty much everything in between.

I would highly suggest looking at pictures of real Mausers once you get your denix in hand and then compare and study.

As far as what to build on? Well that’s mostly up to budget and time. Im sure others can weigh in here as well but the denix is certainly a basic replica that can be reworked and improved. In all honesty simply building your first blaster on a denix without any mods will bring much joy. Since you have FM kit you must have also see his Mauser replica he makes. That’s definitely another option. Resin Mausers are also available as well as an MGC. MGC’s though are almost impossible to find these days and if you do you’re probably better off saving it for a GK, Hoth or Endor blaster as those where actually built on MGCs. Food for thought..

Sorry for the novel but IMHO a denix will most definitely fit the bill and depending on your own personal gusto and it can be modified majorly or minorly to improve it. It does take a little elbow grease but it is certainly budget friendly as well.

As I mentioned I’ll send some links to your own thread..

It’s my first DL-44, but I’ve done a Mando blaster and I’m pretty experienced with making in general, so I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty and go to town with files and a Dremel. Lol.

 

[chubsANDdoggers]

U should be golden then. It’s not rocket science here but more grit, determination and a little attention to detail. All the hard stuff was figured out long before I ever set foot into this world. Any Hero questions u have.. this is most definitely the place to get all ur answers and then some. This thread isn’t overhyped. It’s the real deal. Looking forward to seeing what u come up with!

 

[Vanitas]

Not much to talk about with my own ongoing piece, though as I'll be starting a new job soon I know exactly what my first paycheck will be going towards!

Otherwise, all I've got to say is that I've finally begun work on Project X...

 

[deadbolt]

View attachment 1546452

Just noticed..look how much the scope, and very likely the mount too, are tipped between these two photos..?

And yet the one showing Pat's Patch in the photo with the scope/mount nice and straight, is the one with the larger, noticeably more flaked patch.


-Carson

 

[kpax]

There is enough slop tolerance in the dovetail and crossbar to create the tipping alignment difference in different photos.

Every time the mount was removed or adjusted the angle changed a bit.

The progressive damage/gouging of the crossbar indicates it was removed, moved and adjusted many times for cleaning or storage. The same goes for the flash hider.

 

[Vanitas]

Still slowly working on getting this TC bull barrel ground into shape!

Spent a bit of time cleaning up the bevels and grinding on the milled bottom to create the right lip

 

[chubsANDdoggers]

Anyone else pleasantly surprised by this book. I got it back in 2019 but just revisited it today looking for some ideas. I put off getting it for a while because of the price, cover and didn’t think there would be much of value inside since it was released to go along with SOLO:ASWS. Boy was I wrong. It’s listing price was $50 but I got it for around $30 I think. Just went on Amazon and it’s now only $13 and change.

Here is most of the good stuff but it’s definitely worth the $13 bucks if you haven’t already picked it up..

 

[deadbolt]

Thanks for posting chubsANDdoggers!

Especially that clear photo of the front-view by the Falcon, is much better quality than the one we have had access to!


-Carson

 

[thd9791]

Thank you so much man!!!!

Someone help me here. I thought we would be looking at the rectangular end of the cross-bar. There seems to be a smaller rectangle on the end, and I don't know what I'm looking at. It's enough to cast a shadow

 

[kpax]

Thank you so much man!!!!

Someone help me here. I thought we would be looking at the rectangular end of the cross-bar. There seems to be a smaller rectangle on the end, and I don't know what I'm looking at. It's enough to cast a shadow

View attachment 1565936

you are. bottom of the mount, end of crossbar. angles and lighting play havoc with perception.

Look at this image.

Same details but look what the center thumbscrew looks like. How far it seems to stick out and how thin the knob looks...

Thank goodness we have many images to sort it out better.

The little rectangle is just the paint chips on the end of the crossbar and shadows and reflections.

But this image does show the barrel restrictor.

and here a little different.