I just read through the entire rebelscum thread linked above. Along the way I decided to excerpt all of MRSWBryan's comments regarding the new Han blaster and post them here for the reference of my fellow RPFers.
Information in parentheses following each excerpt refers to number, date, and time of post.
MRSWBryan's responses to questions regarding the Han Ep. IV Blaster EE, excerpted from the rebelscum thread:
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Q: What is the next EE?
A: Ok, we are giving you all the exclusive scoop. The next EE we do will be the Han Solo Ep. IV Blaster.. Woohoooo.. (#1705918 - 02/21/06 08:30 PM)
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Q: How will the Han IV EE be different than the LE?
A: As some of you may know, our original LE was made froma Denix, which is a replica of a Mauser. Now, the new EE, based on the new information that we have is based on the Broomhandle Mauser. So, this one is accurate to the actual filming prop. Also, the scope will be 'see through" and the handle will be made from wood instead of plastic.
Also, there has been a lot of discussion of the "Antennae" detail behind the suppressors. After a lot of investigative interviews, we have determined that they were there in pre-production but were no longer there in the actual filming. The Merr Sonn casting was done on the pre-production prop. However, the first time the gun was fired, it most likely fell off from the recoil. That is why it is not seen in the screen grabs that all of you have. This we think that this also explains the infamous "mystery Disk"
Therefore, we will be supplyng this piece with the prop. You have the choice to display it as either the pre-production version or the one seen on screen, with it missing. (Post #1706131 - 02/21/06 09:07 PM)
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Q: What is the pricepoint prediction for the Han Solo ANH Blaster EE and will it be able to ship to states like California where there is that no gun through the mail law?
A: As you know, this has been a problem since the beginning. We are still working this out. How we can distribute throught our authorized retailer and yet still have it exclusive to the Collectors Society. (#1706192 - 02/21/06 09:18 PM)
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Q: When will it be available to buy?
A: Acualy it was originally scheduled for June, but we decided to revise the design to have a working hammer. So, this has delayed a little. We will let you know when we have a date to release. (#1706210 - 02/21/06 09:21 PM)
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Q: Un-freaking-believable. With a Han ANH Elite Blaster....you guys have just about burned the LAST bridge with those that have been around since 2002. ANOTHER RE-ISSUE of a retired Prop?
A: This is not a re-issued prop. With the new information that we have received, we feel that it is important to produce the most accurate prop with the information available. The prop that we made in 2002 was made with the information that was available at the time. But this new EE is so different, we felt the the fans would really like to have this new version. I am sure that you have read all of the new threads about the Han Solo Blaster.
Since this is not a re-issue of the same gun, this will not affect the value of the original LE. (#1706260 - 02/21/06 09:30 PM)
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Q: What about those of us that bought into the LIES Master Replicas back in 2002? Once a prop is retired...it's gone.
A: As mentioned before, the one made in 2002 is a retired prop. This is a different version with latest information. I think that both pieces would be great to have in your collection. (#1706396 - 02/21/06 09:52 PM)
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Q: Were there more than one version of the Solo blaster? I hear people referring to the Greedo Killer...
A: You are correct, that is a different version of the Han Solo Blaster. (#1706431 - 02/21/06 09:58 PM)
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Q: Bryan, you've said how the design of the Han ANH EE will differ from the LE, but will it be weathered? Or pristine/as first built by?
A: It will be weathered. (#1706490 - 02/21/06 10:14 PM)
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As far as I can tell, that was everything that MR had to say about the Han Ep.IV Blaster EE on that particular RS thread.
Oh, there was also a post in which Bryan said that MR is trying to negotiate an Anthony Daniels SE C-3PO head. :eek