First Star Wars Build: DL-44 ANH Hero (New to the RPF)

BlayneKenobi

BlayneKenobi

New Member
Hey Star Wars fan community,

I'm new to the RPF and new to prop building. So like so many before me, I figured I would start with the beloved DL-44. I'm sure you guys don't need to see another thread on this build but hopefully this thread turns into not only an informative piece for me, but also a thread where you can share your stories of your first build!

Star Wars fan since I was probably 7 or 8. (I'm 25 now) I love working with my hand and challenging myself so when I recently discovered this forum, it is the best of both worlds AND MY MIND IS BLOWN. How have I not discovered this place earlier. For about a month straight I have been reading the discussions and amazed what I have learned from everyone. So of course I am not going to be original by picking the ANH Hero blaster as my intro but damn it if this prop is not beautiful or what! Excited to start the madness I'm sure all of you have felt and hope this is the first of many.

So what I am asking form you guys is tips on where to start. What to do first and any information that will help. Also please post your story about remembering some of your guy's creations. What was your first prop, just stories to get me pumped up :D.

My Denix arrived today and basically that's all have to talk about. I am trying to narrow down where to get a good metal parts kit. (not realizing that its hard to get these parts and probably having to be on a waiting list) Dark Energy Creations, help me out here brother!! Oh, yes I have read about every thread on this project but cant get enough. I feel like a kid again. Probably going to be a slow posting thread in the beginning since kind of under prepared. Probably going to go to buy a dremel tomorrow and start hacking away :eek

So I will post the pic of the denix untouched so you can say either how awesome it is or how ugly it is not modified yet. I know not an original post but cant wait to hear from you.
Denix.png
 
Nice Denix. First things first! Dremel off the awful logos that are on the Denix sides. Those always suck until you get em off. This can be achieved with a sanding wheel on a dremel.

Second, pop off the top sight slide thingy and revers it so the block on the side of the slide is on the right.

Those 2 mods will be the most important changes you can make to a Denix mouser. Hope that helps:)

Alex
 
Make sure you watch all of Scott Juarez's YouTube videos including his live fire builds. That always gets me pumped.
 
My story is similar to yours. I am working on my first DL-44 build right now as well and started a thread about it. All the people around here have been great and tremendously helpful. I hope you have a great time with the build. As said, Scottjua and his threads/posts are very informative. I have been using a combination of DEC and Todd's Costumes parts and have very pleased with both. But yeah, parts are hard to come by. I am still waiting for my scope so I can finish. Cheers!
 
Oh man it sounds like you just got hooked bad. It all starts with one project, soon you'll have 15 in progress and no money. I just had parts for 4 DL-44 projects delivered today, 2x ESB Han Hoth, 1 ESB Luke Bespin, 1 Han ANH hero.

You could look at Todd's Costumes, but you're Denix is not machined like the ones they sell. You could get the scope and scope mount from them for less than DEC charges. The scope is functional too.

Just to stoke the flame: if you're interested there is a run of parts for the ROTJ DL-44 going that has a couple spots open. Look in the project runs in the classified section.
 
Go Vols! A little late on getting to work on this project because of football season. About to sand and make some progress with the dremel. I saw a post H0llyw00d where you painted I think instead of bluing the gun, any recommendations on how this went.
 
BlayneKenobi said:
Go Vols! A little late on getting to work on this project because of football season. About to sand and make some progress with the dremel. I saw a post H0llyw00d where you painted I think instead of bluing the gun, any recommendations on how this went.
Click to expand...

I know man, the FL and GA games were better than sex. :) Whether the body of the ANH DL-44 was blued or painted is still hotly debated. I'm solidly in the painted camp. I used 2 coats of matte black Rustoleum and 2 coats of spray-on polyurethane. I find that it is chipping and wearing through handling into a great weathered finish. I still play with it like a giddy 8-year old on an almost daily basis. :)

It's almost certain that the scope remained blued. I'm waiting on a Todd's functioning scope to complete my build.

- - - Updated - - -

BlayneKenobi said:
Does the sliding part just pop apart though?
Click to expand...

Yep, just a friction fit. Just use a tiny screwdriver to pry it apart.
 
Any tips on using aluminum black? I used it and followed the instructions, so it is black now but idk if I like how it turned out. What is the best process in making this part look good?
 
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