Blade Runner K’s Blaster build

[andychristofi]

Just started my build of K’s Blaster from Tip top workshop. I started with the handle because I’m waiting for some paints to arrive for the rest of the model.
I used some non slip mat liner to create the pattern and held it in place with some clips and wire after priming and semi gloss black tamiya spray

I used gunmetal spray to create the pattern, but it didn’t turn out too well.

The mesh wasn’t tight enough and the spray got under. So I started sanding it to start again.

The actual prop has some texture on the silver parts that I wasn’t sure how I was going to replicate but I’d created it by accident!
I sprayed it black and started again. I’d run out of gunmetal so I used gloss aluminium instead, this ended up working in my favour.

Much better but still some raised areas. I decided this was as good as I was going to get so I started sanding.

Some tamiya smoke to bring the brightness down.

And some tamiya clear to create the wet look.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to get it looking exactly like the actual prop but I was surprised how much better it turned out than I expected.
I didn’t want to use the masking tape method as I thought it looked too neat so I hope this helps some people who want to try the liner method.
I’ll update this thread as I continue with the build. Hopefully with some LEDs if I can figure it out.

 

[kurtyboy]

That looks great, I think I'll try that too. Can you post some pictures of the underside and front of the grip please?

 

[andychristofi]

That looks great, I think I'll try that too. Can you post some pictures of the underside and front of the grip please?

Thanks very much! I knew the front wouldn’t line up perfectly but you can barely see it with all the clear coat. The bottom I masked off and sprayed separately.

 

[baron von blondle]

This is turning out great! I used the mask/reverse mask method previously on the same kit and it looks oooookaay

but I really wanna try this method on my new build too...in fact it's the last step to complete it and I've been really putting it off...your posts have made me feel motivated again!

Can I ask...did you apply the pattern on the bottom of the grip separately?

 

[andychristofi]

This is turning out great! I used the mask/reverse mask method previously on the same kit and it looks oooookaay

View attachment 1938552

but I really wanna try this method on my new build too...in fact it's the last step to complete it and I've been really putting it off...your posts have made me feel motivated again!

View attachment 1938553

Can I ask...did you apply the pattern on the bottom of the grip separately?

It looks great! You’re finishing with the part I started with. I just wrapped it in plastic bag and masked it of so only the flat bottom was showing, sprayed it black and laid a piece of mesh on top and sprayed the silver and smoke. It doesn’t line up perfectly but you can’t really tell. There are some photos I posted earlier today.

 

[baron von blondle]

I left the most awkward part til last
Thanks for the tips! I WILL have a go at it this weekend I swear!

 

[Reel Fakes]

Genius!

 

[andychristofi]

Ok here are some more progress photos, mostly adding functionality where there wasn’t any.
First I added a grove down the trigger guard for the LED wires and drilled holes for the LEDs. I hollowed out the main body to put the battery and switch in and added some magnets to the nubbin on top access them.

Added some lead weight and drilled barrel holes.

I made the trigger spring back instead of being glued in place by adding a spring, a stop made with a grub screw and a point of rotation. I drilled a small hole for the bar to go through which will be filled in.

Next step is sanding and painting.

 

[andychristofi]

Blaster has been chromed with masking tape over the gray barrel parts and LEDs.
I can see all the imperfections now but once the black layer is on and taken away it should add to the weathering hopefully. I tried some green stuff world chrome clear coat on a test piece and it seems to work ok for this project since most of it is covered.

 

[andychristofi]

Finished the blaster after many problems and lessons learned.
The chrome varnish dried soft and tacky and basically peeled off, so I had to remove it all, sand it down and used Tamiya metallic silver instead.
While spraying it I dropped it and smashed the trigger guard exposing the wires and messing up the paint as I grabbed it. At this point I was ready to give up and stick it in a drawer but after all the work adding electronics and a working trigger I decided to see it through. Back to sanding and re spraying.
Chipping fluid is always tricky and in some parts it just wouldn’t come off so on half of it the scratches are hand painted. If I were to do it again I would just use masking fluid instead.
While painting it fell off the desk and smashed the trigger guard again and breaking apart all the glued parts.
Because of all the problems the finish isn’t as perfect as I originally intended but I’m glad I actually finished it.

 

[joberg]

Like it a lot I know that, sometimes, accidents can happen and despite the falls, you've completed one good prop (love the Ennis tiles in the background...yours or Kropserkel?)

 

[andychristofi]

Like it a lot I know that, sometimes, accidents can happen and despite the falls, you've completed one good prop (love the Ennis tiles in the background...yours or Kropserkel?)

Thanks very much! Finishing projects that aren’t working is always worth it in the end. For the tilesI bought a big 3d print off eBay to make a mould and made a bunch of resin copies.