Dann's Blaster Projects - (Latest) FM ANH Hero Project from Nov 2022

[Dann]

My newest blaster build, the ESB EE-3!

All 3D printed (minus the scope, screws, springs and sling swivels/rings)

Started with some beautiful models on Shapeways and got to work separating the parts for printing. Once I had everything printed, SANDING and Bondo, quick spray with flat black after assembly, then tore the whole thing back down and REALLY got to filling and sanding, then the real painting and weathering!

The stock was fun, I've never tried a faux wood paint job before, and I'm really happy with it, although it's a little darker than I would've liked. I may be able to fix that, or I might leave it.

Finally, I added a sling with some leather and sling swivel studs I had lying around. Made the rings from copper wire. Found some springs that worked for the hammer and the barrel catch.

I also redesigned the scope mounting blocks so they sit higher and have a groove for the feet on the rings, but I don't think I've got pics of these yet.

Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

 

[eethan]

looking great, nice paint job. One comment if I may would be to use a heiland flash instead of the printed part, the chrome would probably bring a lot more accuracy to the overall look. the rest is really nice :thumbsup

 

[thd9791]

holyy crap! your finishing work is amazing. My bespn blaster is kinda sitting around while I find ways to sand down the bad primer near the greeblies. its a pretty small area.

Any luck with found part flash hiders?

 

[OdiWan72]

Wow...would have never thought, that I am looking at a 3D print!!! The only giveaways are the grip and the MPP! Otherwise awesome craftmanship :thumbsup

- - - Updated - - -

What files on shapeways did you use? Seem pretty accurate to me

 

[Dann]

I actually DO have a beat-up Synchronar on the way to replace the cheesy printed MPP, I forgot to mention that!! You just cannot compete with real chrome.

The files were drawn by a member of TDH, he's done some absolutely amazing models of so many Fett objects. I'll look him up and edit this post with the info.

Aha, Rafal Works. He doesn't have all the individual parts available for download, just groups of parts, so it was definitely some work separating everything for printing.

 

[Dann]

holyy crap! your finishing work is amazing. My bespn blaster is kinda sitting around while I find ways to sand down the bad primer near the greeblies. its a pretty small area.

Any luck with found part flash hiders?

Found part flash hiders? I'm not sure what you mean, which flash hider are you referring to?

Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

 

[Jediseth]

Holy crap Dann, great work! This is my first time seeing this thread and I’m extremely impressed. I want a blaster now. Lol

 

[Dann]

Thanks! Having a 3D printer is so much fun, even if there's plenty of room for them to improve. It affords me the opportunity to have props I'd NEVER be able to have otherwise!

Of course, nothing beats the real parts, but these make great wall hangers/placeholders!

If only there weren't so much dagummed sanding required to clean up the parts! PLA is a SERIOUS pain in the rear to sand. I did see that Prusa has released a resin printer, more affordable than a Form 2, perhaps that's an option for the future. Or maybe by that time something even better will have come out.

Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

 

[Dann]

There really is no substitute for real chrome! It can make all the difference. It can make something that's 90% plastic look totally legit. (As long as you've got some decent paintin' skills!)

Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

 

[thd9791]

Found part flash hiders? I'm not sure what you mean, which flash hider are you referring to?

Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

wow I'm bad at following up with things sorry! I think I was remembering that I was waiting to hear back from you about the security guard blaster and I thought you were looking into IDing the flash hider. That may have been incorrect :lol

 

[thd9791]

Son of a wookie I just remembered our conversation - I think I had asked you for one of your seconds, nevermind

 

[Dann]

Son of a wookie I just remembered our conversation - I think I had asked you for one of your seconds, nevermind

You're right! I do have a flash hider I can send you.

Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

 

[thd9791]

You're right! I do have a flash hider I can send you.

Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk

Sir you have a PM incoming

 

[Dann]

Sir you have a PM incoming

Replied!

And here are a few brand new shots of the K-23 with the flash hider, stirrers and gears that I modeled myself.

 

[Krel]

With that wing sticking out of the left side of the grip, that would not be a good pistol for lefties.:lol

David.

 

[Dann]

With that wing sticking out of the left side of the grip, that would not be a good pistol for lefties.:lol

David.

You're "right", it feels terrible in the left hand!

 

[Dann]

Been working on Ponda Baba's DL-21 blaster! It's based on some models that are on Thingiverse.

Took a lot of work to fix the AR-7 model, add details to the bolt/spring/ejection port, and the recess for the safety catch. The model for the mortar fin is a little inaccurate, I'm working on an end cap for that, and also the safety catch.

Grip is a little long (I count fifteen wraps or so on the real prop), it's made from 1/2" copper pipe wrapped with a flash sync cord.

I modeled the dovetail scope mount myself and the scope ring and scope parts are all real vintage parts.

All barrel parts including receiver assembled over a brass rod and tubing, the magazine and trigger/trigger guard are attached to the receiver with 1/16" steel pins and the grip is screwed into the receiver with a 1/4-20 bolt. The scope mount is attached with three 4-40 screws.

The large screw on the left side of the receiver was replaced with a real aluminum Chicago screw, and I'm planning to replace the pin next to it with a real metal pin.

I'm not totally sure I'm happy with the paint job, dunno if the weathering is convincing enough, but I'll probably just leave it for now. I used Alclad Airframe Aluminum for the barrel, which is always fun to spray through the airbrush! I think that looks good, especially after I dirtied it up a bit. I used an old Krylon silver leafing pen for wearing out the edges. I think I could've dialed that back a bit. The fin is Tamiya Grey Metallic, with some brown and black washes. The fin definitely needs some putty and sanding to remove print evidence!

 

[thd9791]

nice work! I made a hoth trooper one (with the sterling grip) and I was never happy using a resin body and separate barrel.. and the original mortar fin. very front heavy!

 

[mgoob]

VERY nice job on the EE3!

The Ponda Baba looks pretty darn good except (repectfully) I'd suggest toning down the silver dry brushing around the magazine & trigger area. It looks too much like it's painted on. Thre rest of it is convincing!

 

[Dann]

Been a long time since I updated this thread!

I'm gonna put some pics here of an old and thankfully really cheap Denix that I found for around $50. I had been looking for one for a long time, because I've got a full set of leftover Han ANH Hero blaster parts and I just couldn't stand them not doing what they were made to do!

This is the furthest I've ever taken Denix modifications, so please be gentle, and please, if any of you folks who've done this before have any suggestions, they're much appreciated!

I'm toying with the idea of using some printed parts here, namely the bolt, sight and hammer, possibly the safety, and I'm not opposed to the idea of cutting out the back to add a faux "trigger group". I know at least one of you has done that before. Also haven't decided whether I'm gonna cut out the magazine butt plate or just engrave the lines.

I'm definitely moving the upper section forward some, but not quite as far as the pics show.

I've also already reshaped the grip frame and grips quite a bit, but not sure I'm done there, yet.

So anyway, on to the pics. This is all very rough at the moment, obviously. I've already done A TON of work on it.