I am usually way too busy with modeling commissions to actually BUILD anything anymore, but I did manage to weasel this little guy in. I was commissioned to model the Mac 11 extension from the first Blade movie a couple of weeks ago, designing it to be a direct fit on an airsoft replica. The base airsoft was graciously sent to me so I could take my own measurements and 3d model a base gun that I could then build on the new attachment. It was also agree that I would just print up a kit on my machines, giving me the chance to double-check my work before it went anywhere.
With the MAC 11 in hand, we got to modeling up all of the components around the base gun in Blender. I modeled the attachment to accept electronics for the lower rail LEDs, and also metal rivets and screws on the exterior (beats printing and finishing those bits). It came out to a few mire parts than a static attachment could have been, but I didn't want to tear up the airsoft too much or make battery replacement a nightmare.
The Mac 11 still didn't escape unscathed, the trigger guard had to be removed to match the hero. The guard on this replica was an injection-molded plastic, so a jeweler's saw made quick work of it.
Got the modeling as wrapped up, then printed up some kit parts and started doing some test fitting. (those print lines are not as bad as they look in this light, I promise lol)
After going over the design a bit and making a couple of adjustments, I jumped into the electronics. Two red LEDs are built into the lower rail, powered by a battery in the main body and activated by a switch under the trigger.
Testing the LEDs. Rivets are test-fit as well here, there are also slots on the front for allen head finishing screws. You can see the barrel attachment theaded on the base.
Once the electronics were completed, the lower rail was attached to the rest of the attachment with screws from the inside. I modeled in channels in the attachment so the rail could be adjusted forward and back for fitment so it is snug against the Mac 11 grip, but as it turned out, it was not needed, everything lined up well.
So the attachment itself installs on the gun in a little bit of an unorthodox way; this build is just going to be finished and then displayed, but I wanted the piece to be both sturdy and still functional as an airsoft. The barrel extension threads onto the original barrel using the existing threads, and works as the backbone of the kit. After the extension is screwed on, the main housing slides into place, matching up the rear octagonal shape of the barrel. To keep the housing in place, set screws can are installed inside the main housing (not shown installed in the picture below) and into the sides of the barrel.
The top cover slides into place along an interior channel, with the barrel extension fitting right through the front end. This piece needed to then be secured, and I wanted battery access to not require any tools, so I took advantage of the original prop's side 'bolt' details and turned them into retainers. Once the top cover is slid into place, a decorative 'bolt' pops into each side with neodymium magnets, filling the holes and locking the top in place. This works well, I don't like unnecessary screw heads or additions on props, and no tools is just convenient.
And just a couple of assembled pics.... Once the sanding, priming, paint and finishing are done on the other end, I think this will be pretty sharp.
Quick video for the new owner as well showing assembly and function, it is a quick install for sure. Thanks for looking!
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With the MAC 11 in hand, we got to modeling up all of the components around the base gun in Blender. I modeled the attachment to accept electronics for the lower rail LEDs, and also metal rivets and screws on the exterior (beats printing and finishing those bits). It came out to a few mire parts than a static attachment could have been, but I didn't want to tear up the airsoft too much or make battery replacement a nightmare.
The Mac 11 still didn't escape unscathed, the trigger guard had to be removed to match the hero. The guard on this replica was an injection-molded plastic, so a jeweler's saw made quick work of it.
Got the modeling as wrapped up, then printed up some kit parts and started doing some test fitting. (those print lines are not as bad as they look in this light, I promise lol)
After going over the design a bit and making a couple of adjustments, I jumped into the electronics. Two red LEDs are built into the lower rail, powered by a battery in the main body and activated by a switch under the trigger.
Testing the LEDs. Rivets are test-fit as well here, there are also slots on the front for allen head finishing screws. You can see the barrel attachment theaded on the base.
Once the electronics were completed, the lower rail was attached to the rest of the attachment with screws from the inside. I modeled in channels in the attachment so the rail could be adjusted forward and back for fitment so it is snug against the Mac 11 grip, but as it turned out, it was not needed, everything lined up well.
So the attachment itself installs on the gun in a little bit of an unorthodox way; this build is just going to be finished and then displayed, but I wanted the piece to be both sturdy and still functional as an airsoft. The barrel extension threads onto the original barrel using the existing threads, and works as the backbone of the kit. After the extension is screwed on, the main housing slides into place, matching up the rear octagonal shape of the barrel. To keep the housing in place, set screws can are installed inside the main housing (not shown installed in the picture below) and into the sides of the barrel.
The top cover slides into place along an interior channel, with the barrel extension fitting right through the front end. This piece needed to then be secured, and I wanted battery access to not require any tools, so I took advantage of the original prop's side 'bolt' details and turned them into retainers. Once the top cover is slid into place, a decorative 'bolt' pops into each side with neodymium magnets, filling the holes and locking the top in place. This works well, I don't like unnecessary screw heads or additions on props, and no tools is just convenient.
And just a couple of assembled pics.... Once the sanding, priming, paint and finishing are done on the other end, I think this will be pretty sharp.
Quick video for the new owner as well showing assembly and function, it is a quick install for sure. Thanks for looking!
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