Avatar: Bushboss Flamethrower build

[matt bond]

Hey up,

I was asked by a friend to build this replica of the "BUSHBOSS chem/flame incinerator unit" (or flamethrower to you and me) from "Avatar". I started on this project a couple of weeks ago, having previously built replicas of two of the other Avatar weapons, also.

The main base is 3 x MDF sheets, jigsawed & routed out, while the detailing and angled side pieces will be added in sheet styrene or ABS(to keep weight down) same with the detailing to the carry handle etc.

There's still a long way to go on it, with a lot of details to add and a few points I need to adjust (like the front upper bulge being to large), but I thought you lot might like to see some in progress pictures during this build. By the time it's done, it'll be big, heavy and yellow:lol

The replica so far.

 

[Stormy320]

So do you scale these to and Avatar or a human?

 

[matt bond]

It's scaled to a human, as it's a human manufactured weapon in the movie.

 

[MooCriket]

Looking good! Can't wait to see more progress:thumbsup

 

[patrick]

that thing is huge
like it. good job so far.

 

[Mike J.]

Awesome!

 

[matt bond]

Cheers everyone. It's been a while since my last update, but I have now added the lower side pieces and built up the carry handle details.

 

[patrick]

niiiiiice

 

[TheMechanic]

Any new progress? This is a cool build.

 

[Yellowjacket]

Very cool. That thing is beefy.

 

[matt bond]

Cheers guys. I have been a bit side tracked this past week with personnel stuff but have made some progress.
Thanks to everyone that is following this build.

 

[matt bond]

Here we go, the latest updated photos.

So...I have attached the main burner nozzle at the front via the threads from a screw on sun shade for a rifle scope, so that it can be unscrewed/removed for storage. Underneath is some detailing, in the form of a brass nozzle etc. (which I will show in a photo soon)
The burner assembly was made removable in order to fit into an existing case I have which will eventually be done with the same Bushboss logo as the flamethrower has, on the outside.
It is still missing a couple of details on the nozzle but for the most part it is nearly done, assembly wise.

A few other detail pieces have been added or amended since the last photos too, such as the bolts on the left side etc.
The selector switches although missing in this photo, have been made, but are not attached as of yet. I am still waiting for some thick black plastic rods to arrive in order to make the control knobs, but they should be done by next weekend.
I have slapped on a quick coat of primer just to get it to a solid colour and to help see where still needs smoothing, hence the white colour.
Anyway enjoy...

 

[Yellowjacket]

It just keeps getting better.

 

[TheMechanic]

Very nice. I happen to live near a plastics company that sells me pieces of whatever I want. ANything from ABS sheet to PCV sheet, Delrin, Plexi, anything and everything of every conceivable size and shape.
I'm thinking about getting a bunch of .090 ABS sheet and building one of these.

 

[darkchylde80]

Looks bloody great so far, good job!

 

[MooCriket]

Very nice details so far....keep it coming

 

[matt bond]

Here's the latest update for the Bushboss Flamethrower.
I have started a new job recently at a model making studio so time on this build has been a bit limited but it's nearly done. Since the Weta photos were posted on there sight I've had a decent side view for the first time, but have realised that a couple of areas on my build are slightly different to the screen shown one, though I was too far along in the build to easily change them when they posted the photos so now instead of being a Bushboss FD-3 as in the movie / survival guide this is now a Bushboss FD-4 varient (that's my explanation anyway) as the client is happy to keep it as is.

Still need to add a knob detail to the front and a small nozzle to the top of the front muzzle.

The photo does not do the item justice, you can't see several of the details, such as the muzzles burnt metal paint effect or the knobs etc. but you get the idea.
I will posted some decent pics when it is fully done, along with the case I am planning for it and eventually an instruction manual.

 

[applefish]

This is a realy realy beautiful work :love
I look forward for some close up and new pictures !

Congrats Matt , and good luck on your new job !

 

[TheMechanic]

That's incredible. How did you do the lettering & logo's?

 

[matt bond]

Cheers guys. The large lettering and logos are vinyl stickers done in photoshop, while the selector markings/stripes were painted.

Should have it done fully by the weekend, when I will take some decent snaps.