Full Size Tau Pulse Carbine - WIP

[Brien]

Decided to build a full sized prop weapon based on the Tau Pulse carbine from the Warhammer 40k miniature game. Here is a picture of something similar, though the "markerlight" on the top of the weapon will be replaced by a scope.

Started with a 2.5 cm rifle from the game and scaled it up. I went with the idea it would be roughly the same size as the M4 carbine (29.75") and based all my measurements on that assumption. Since I do not have a CAD program, I went with photoshoping my template.

Template in hand I traced the outline on a nice hunk of 2X10 and headed off to the woodshop on post. Loads of guys making handmade beds gave plenty an odd look. I cut the basic shape and brought it home to finish. Despite dremels shoddy plunge router attachment, I was able to get my grooves cut pretty quickly:

Then I started on the top scope and the under slung "grenade launcher" or the box thing in the above picture. These are very rouch yet, made from Sintra:

Next will be some seriousl patching, sanding and sealing. I might add some electronics to the plastic bits for lights, though I am not too sure yet.

Then it's a shot at the Tau armor so I may take my place as Geek Supreme.

 

[jddurst]

Looks like you're off to a good start.
Can't wait to hear what they think of it at the range. :lol

 

[darth_sayder]

Cant wait to see the finished product.

 

[dropshipbob]

I don't see enough Warhammer replicas around here, good work so far.

 

[Brien]

Well, real life has kept me busy but here is a small update. Mostly some detail I was able to do this week. Sealed the wood and sanded it nice and flat. Cut the round inserts on the front. Put grooves in the under slug grenade launcher.

Plan on getting a lot done tomorrow, including some lights and more detailing. Hopefully get a couple base coats of paint. Then the weathering.

B

 

[Brien]

Well, it's pretty much finished. All I need are the little emitter things on the front but that is minor. For those who play 40k, I am using the old citadel paint lids for the emitters. Until then this will have to do.
Safety note: Make sure when wiring LEDs that it is wired correctly. I almost blew some batteries up on this thing.

Next I think I am going to start on a Tau Helmet

 

[Ghadrack]

Very cool I should really get off my duff and plan out a Bolter /Storm Bolter. More fun yet would be something Orky and fun like a ShoK Attack Gun or a Heavy Stubber

 

[Jedi Lawja]

Woah. What a beautiful scratchbuild. And it looks so simple, too. Fantastic job on the scope. I think it almost looks better unilluminated - but that's probably an atifact off the photograph.

Jay

 

[GeneralMayhem]

Neat scratchbuild. Looks like you're making good use of the Sintra. I'd have thought it too brittle for those tight bends.

 

[Noeland]

Nicely done. How much does that sucker weigh?

You gotta have more than one picture, post some more.

 

[Brien]

I am not too sure how much it weighs, less than 5 I would think. I am going to add a sling sometime so I do not have to carry it all the time.

The screen does not look that clear in normal light, not sure why it looks as good there. The LEDs lighting it still produce hot spots, I may put some more diffusion material behind it.

With the Sintra, I found using a piece of wood clamped to the sheet and heated could produce pretty sharp corners. The thinnier plastic is styrene which I was using a hair dryer to bend.

I will try to get some more pics tonight. I threw those together to post quickly as my wife wanted to go to dinner.

I am thinking about doing another version that I can cast but I am not too sure on my skills for that yet. It would use a lot of resin I think.

 

[B-Movie Zombie]

Holy.......... Very Nice job. :thumbsup

 

[Noeland]

<div class='quotetop'></div>

It would use a lot of resin I think. [/b]

It would, but a piece like this would do well vacformed. You could cast some smaller parts. The grips, and sight, and vacform the larger parts of the rifle. This would also make it very light.

Njc--------------------

 

[Brien]

I think I might be interested in pursuing the vac-form of this but I am not sure the process. Any tips on how to begin this? Wouldn't the body be kind of flimsy being vacuum formed? What would be the best way of doing the handle as it is integrated as part of the body and the stock.

Any tips would be helpful.