Browning M2HB, M2A1, M3 & AN/M2 machine gun 3D printed - Terminator RSB-80?

[TazMan2000]

Finished the ANM3 / Flexible. Currently working on the building instructions for both the M2 and M3, which seems like a bigger undertaking than creating this props in the first place. Some problems were realized and changes made. But it is close to being released.

Normally in the shadows you wouldn't notice but the flash reveals the innards. I replaced part of the copper pipe with steel rod stock on this replica. This improves the look as there in nothing in the real world weapon copper coloured. In addition, the solid steel rod balances out the prop as the length of the barrel, all that PLA and the1/2" cooper pipe made this prop quite forward heavy.

The business end. I created 3 different ends, but only one flash suppressor. When you have one that looks this mean, why make others.

Most M3s mounted in helicopters do not have this cocking plate, but I decided to add it anyway. It almost looks bare without it. In addition I modelled a custom backplate to convert this to the Flexible version.

TazMan2000

 

[anamorphicWayne]

"Outstanding Taz, Outstanding. Get ya a case of beer for that one"

 

[TazMan2000]

"Outstanding Taz, Outstanding. Get ya a case of beer for that one"

If I walk into a liquor store with this, I probably could get a case of beer for free.

TazMan2000

 

[anamorphicWayne]

If I walk into a liquor store with this, I probably could get a case of beer for free.

TazMan2000

 

[joberg]

Pro-Job on that wonderful project...shame that you've chosen such a busy background to take pics

 

[TazMan2000]

Pro-Job on that wonderful project...shame that you've chosen such a busy background to take pics

Yeah. I don’t dare take it outside for pics. One neighbour (and his wife) is an a-hole. I called bylaw enforcement on him for his dog barking for hours and he would love to get back at me.

TazMan2000

 

[joberg]

I can understand that...no need to point that prop toward their dog

 

[TazMan2000]

I finally completed the naming of the parts and assemblies along with the instructions on the M2. I uploaded them to CGTrader but there seems to be a delay on approval. Has anybody had problems getting stuff approved on CGTrader? Do you really need a flat file structure? Isn't one that group objects together based on assembly, better?

TazMan2000

 

[TazMan2000]

Uploaded to Cults3D. No problem there.

No printable guns allowed on CGTrader.

TazMan2000

 

[TazMan2000]

There is a company called CFD International who manufactures weapons systems with a variant of some of the parts of the M3 with a fluted barrel for better heat dissipation.

Even with the above model, there look to be mounting variations and different barrel machining. This is my version of the picture above.

Fabrique Nationale Herstal also makes a variant of the M3 seen on automatic turrets, mounted on helicopters and even a pod configuration that can be mounted on a weapons rack. Designated as the M3P.
This one has just a strange looking attachment muzzle for the front and a modified recoil buffer in the back. Shown below is the configuration with the belt attachments and the automatic cocking/firing box on the side.

Weird how the camera changes the length of the barrel in the photo below. Measurements were based on the photo above.

TinkerCad does distort the drawings with a forced perspective view, but I'm sure I have the measurements pretty close.

It would be nice if there were high-res drawings I could work from, but where's the fun in that?

TazMan2000

 

[TazMan2000]

Finally got the AN/M2 and M3 loaded up on Cults3d. Making the instructions for assembly was more difficult than actually designing the prop in the first place. ***Edit. the AN-M2 feed cover is incorrect. The one pictured is actually an M3 Feed Cover. I forgot to change it. There is a difference.

TazMan2000

 

[anamorphicWayne]

Excellento Taz!!

 

[joberg]

Wow Taz Coming from Belgium, I like the fact that you`ve put the models from Fabrique Nationale

 

[TazMan2000]

Still making accessories. At this point, I might as well make the whole damn system. Mounts, electronics and armor.
This is the M88 Surefire mount for the M2HB.

TazMan2000

 

[joberg]

Most excellent rendering

 

[Gibbo88]

Where can we get your plans from I'd love to make one for my self

 

[Gibbo88]

It looks amazing!!!

 

[Gibbo88]

That's no worrys, I did find it in the end on there lol. For years iv wanted to make one that is accurate but it never actually crossed my mind to print one.where did you get all your dimensions from as there is very little online? ah really what other parts have you done for it?

 

[TazMan2000]

That's no worrys, I did find it in the end on there lol. For years iv wanted to make one that is accurate but it never actually crossed my mind to print one.where did you get all your dimensions from as there is very little online? ah really what other parts have you done for it?

There is some stuff online but its very hard to find...bits and pieces here and there, but the information was not complete.
Quite a few years ago built one out of styrene sheet, plumbing pipe and vacuum cleaner tubes, based on blueprints from Killbuckets, but I found those were inaccurate.
Some of my measurements were guesstimated from reference photos. It would have been so much easier if someone took a micrometer to a real weapon and posted the measurements but I haven't found that in years of searching. Earlier another member offered to do this on an AM-M2 but my build was already complete by then.
Its not an exact replica, but if built and detailed properly, it can look pretty darn convincing.
What you see on this thread is what I have done. I'm thinking about doing a tripod mount for it, reinforced with copper plumbing pipe. Re-enactors might find it useful, but displaying it on the tripod in my basement would just take up too much room.

TazMan2000

 

[Gibbo88]

There is some stuff online but its very hard to find...bits and pieces here and there, but the information was not complete.
Quite a few years ago built one out of styrene sheet, plumbing pipe and vacuum cleaner tubes, based on blueprints from Killbuckets, but I found those were inaccurate.
Some of my measurements were guesstimated from reference photos. It would have been so much easier if someone took a micrometer to a real weapon and posted the measurements but I haven't found that in years of searching. Earlier another member offered to do this on an AM-M2 but my build was already complete by then.
Its not an exact replica, but if built and detailed properly, it can look pretty darn convincing.
What you see on this thread is what I have done. I'm thinking about doing a tripod mount for it, reinforced with copper plumbing pipe. Re-enactors might find it useful, but displaying it on the tripod in my basement would just take up too much room.

TazMan2000

That's the problem I have had. Yeah iv made a few out of different things, steel, wood, styrene but everytime there slightly different sizes as you say it's alot of guess work, iv always wanted to make the twin aa that they have on the side of the ships with the big mag drums. That my end goal anyway lol