District 9 Arc Gun - Dimensions

[RSloan76]

Several months ago after the movie first came out, I decided to make a 3d model of the arc gun (seen below). Now that the DVD is out, I've kinda got the prop itch and I'm starting to think about maybe starting to plan the project



I made my 3d model using this side-view image that's been circulating:




As such, I'm quite certain my 3d model is scaled correctly. I found this quote in another thread that gives the real-life dimensions of the arc-gun:

yes this is a replica made by the creators of the gun used in the movie and is a full scale piece. Dimensions are 42" x 14 x 3" depth

I took a snapshot of the side view of my 3d model, then I scaled the image in Photoshop so that it's 42" from end to end. When I did this, low-and-behold, the distance from the bottom of the trigger frame and the top of the horizontal canister was 14" - So I know I must be on the right track.

Next, I separated the image into 8.5" x 11" sections so that i could print it out in full scale. Once that was done, I checked the measurements and sure enough, it's 42" x 14"




The issue I have now, is that this thing is unbelievably huge! I know it's supposed to be used by 10-foot-tall Prawns, but in pictures where Wikkus is holding it, it doesn't seem out of scale.

I wanted to know what you guys thought, because I'm apprehensive about going forward with something that looks so out of wack.

I also found a piece of concept art that shows the length to be 105cm, which is just about 42" I guess all signs point to this being the correct scale, but still -this thing is seems way to big!

Any thoughts?

 

[MooCriket]

I would love to see these made and offered for sale:love This guy did a great job on his, maybe you can get some info from him.
http://fritzthegreat.deviantart.com/art/District-9-Arc-Gun-138021215

Suposedly he made it out of wood, that he had lying around and total cost was $20.00!

 

[eraser111]

I'm sure you have seen this picture but here it is anyways:
http://i.usatoday.net/life/_photos/2009/07/22/copleyx-large.jpg

The dimensions look excellent to me. But if your worried it will look too big, make it an inch smaller, but obviously keep the same aspect ratio. I too am looking into building one, or at least some type of D9 gun they are all awesome.
I'm in love with the 3D image:love , what program did you use?

 

[RSloan76]

I would love to see these made and offered for sale:love This guy did a great job on his, maybe you can get some info from him.
http://fritzthegreat.deviantart.com/art/District-9-Arc-Gun-138021215

Suposedly he made it out of wood, that he had lying around and total cost was $20.00!

Yeah, I've seen this. I'll be going for a more accurate representation if/when I start this. I've read about how he scaled his, but looking at his hand on the grip, there is no way that his can be 42"x14" His looks much smaller than that.

I guess I'm not sure what kind of help I'm looking for here. The quote from the thread clearly states that it's 42"x14"x3" and the concept art clearly states 105cm long.
On paper (literally), it just looks way too big.


Here's the thread where the dimensions are given:
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=67175&page=2&highlight=district+dimensions

I'm sure you have seen this picture but here it is anyways:
http://i.usatoday.net/life/_photos/2009/07/22/copleyx-large.jpg

The dimensions look excellent to me. But if your worried it will look too big, make it an inch smaller, but obviously keep the same aspect ratio. I too am looking into building one, or at least some type of D9 gun they are all awesome.
I'm in love with the 3D image:love , what program did you use?

Yup, that was another image I used when making the 3d model. I might try to go off something from that image too. Assuming Sharlto Copley is about 6' tall, I might be able to pull the scale off that.

I used 3ds max btw.

 

[franz bolo]

Great job!!

The screen guns are slightly different from the auction gun. The handle area is slightly different.

FB

 

[Griefboy]

The screen guns are slightly different from the auction gun. The handle area is slightly different.


FB

Just an FYI... The gun in the auction picture is not what was actually auctioned off. Safe to assume that was a screen used - made for production gun.

-Grief

 

[Clutch]

Go to Home Depot and buy a sheet of blue board. Trace the gun out on it (roughly) and cut it out. Take a picture of yourself holding it and let us decide.

 

[RSloan76]

Go to Home Depot and buy a sheet of blue board. Trace the gun out on it (roughly) and cut it out. Take a picture of yourself holding it and let us decide.

Yeah that sounds like a good idea. I might just stick the 1:1 paper version to some card board or poster board that I already have around the house.

 

[franz bolo]

Just an FYI... The gun in the auction picture is not what was actually auctioned off. Safe to assume that was a screen used - made for production gun.

-Grief

The handle pics I posted are from the same gun as the image above. I just checked.

In the pics I posted, the grip looks different but it's just showing the details more I think from the angle.

FB

 

[RSloan76]

Ok I attached the paper to some poster board and took a pic.

I think it DOES look like the right scale after all. What do you guys think?

PS You'll have to excuse the "tight jeans" I took the pic right before going out for New Years :lol

 

[zorg]

look pretty good size wise,

nice work on the graphics too


-z

 

[Griefboy]

So from the stock to the tip of the Y shaped arc emitter thingy is 37.5 inches. The original concept measurement might be accurate when you factor in shrinkage from the molding/casting process.

Either way its going to be big! Take a look at it next to my other guns. It's huge!

-Grief

 

[MooCriket]

Wow...GREAT collection, Griefboy:cool

 

[eraser111]

That is an awesome collection!!! :eek

 

[Jet Beetle]

Ok I attached the paper to some poster board and took a pic.

I think it DOES look like the right scale after all. What do you guys think?

PS You'll have to excuse the "tight jeans" I took the pic right before going out for New Years :lol

Forget the gun size - your likeness to the lead actor is remarkable !

 

[Clutch]

I'm glad the cat's eyes are still open!

 

[RSloan76]

So from the stock to the tip of the Y shaped arc emitter thingy is 37.5 inches. The original concept measurement might be accurate when you factor in shrinkage from the molding/casting process.

OK cool, thanks for the measurement and the picture. The 42" I measured is form the stock to the leading edge of the sparker thingie, right where the little wire/hose comes out.

I checked the 37.5" against my paper version, and from stock to tip of Y-shape it's 39.25" - so I guess my scale is just a bit too big. I assume you took your measurement off your actual gun? -That being the case, I'll probably use that scale. If you have time and want to take any other measurements at all, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Husker75]

wow, looks great! Can't wait to see how this develops! It's not something I'd ever have room for, but at the same time.. this makes me want one!

 

[Clutch]

After looking at the pics again, I believe you are right, scale it down.

 

[CustomCreations]

Love the 3d work....

Wasnt there a thread on this that said some of the parts were fouund parts from a motorbike? Think I'm right, could be making it up...!!

Anyway, If this is so, you might be able to get an accurate measuremant off one of those parts and scale your 3d file accordingly.....

You could always ask WETA too, no harm in trying ?