Just another ANH Hero DL-44 build

[tennantlim]

This looks fantastic! I'm considering taking the plunge on one of these FM replicas. Question for you: I see you went for the pre-trimmed barrel option. Does the bull barrel come pre-affixed to the barrel, or is it loose/intended to be epoxied in place? I can't find these details anywhere on his website.

Thanks!

Thank you! The bull barrel is a separate component and slips over the Mauser barrel. A screw on the flash hider holds the ensemble together so no adhesive is needed.

 

[MastahBlastah]

Very cool! Thanks for the response.

 

[DaveP]

Stunning build. Looks fantastic! I have a Denix on the way, but I'm undecided whether to go for Greedo killer or Luke's ESB version. I'm leaning towards Han's now! Love it.

 

[Don B]

I've already got a Denix M96 (workmanship is lot's better than I've been led to believe) and ordered a DL-44 ANH kit from Dark Energy Creations this morning (they've just started a production run). After reading through your builds, I'm getting really excited about starting my own DL-44 build. What you've produced is awesome and thanks for all the details shared.

 

[tennantlim]

Stunning build. Looks fantastic! I have a Denix on the way, but I'm undecided whether to go for Greedo killer or Luke's ESB version. I'm leaning towards Han's now! Love it.

Why limit yourself to one?

I've already got a Denix M96 (workmanship is lot's better than I've been led to believe) and ordered a DL-44 ANH kit from Dark Energy Creations this morning (they've just started a production run). After reading through your builds, I'm getting really excited about starting my own DL-44 build. What you've produced is awesome and thanks for all the details shared.

Thank you for your kind words, and all the best with your build! The most important thing is to enjoy the process.

 

[CommanderWolffe]

I've already got a Denix M96 (workmanship is lot's better than I've been led to believe) and ordered a DL-44 ANH kit from Dark Energy Creations this morning (they've just started a production run). After reading through your builds, I'm getting really excited about starting my own DL-44 build. What you've produced is awesome and thanks for all the details shared.

Did you purchase an Aluminum or steel kit from DEC?

 

[Don B]

Hi CommanderWolffe, it's an aluminium kit mainly and the quality is good. There are a few parts that are pewter which need some work and the scope knob that's brass - the screws for this are a little short and I'm sourcing new ones to fit it securely to the scope. Hope this is useful.

 

[CommanderWolffe]

Ooo yes very helpful as I have questions on how you plan to paint those aluminum parts! I have been looking at this kit for a while now, but have gone back and forth as I do like the idea of bluing (which temps me to buy steel). I’ve looked into anodizing the parts, or spray paint. Have you decided how you will go about painting? I want to make sure I go about it right so it looks good. I’ve seen mainly bluing on the RPF

 

[Don B]

I've been dithering about which route to take as well, and need to get on with this build. Think it'll be a Christmas project. You can blue aluminium as I'm sure you know but I think I'll paint and knock back the surfaces with Scotch Pad and undercoat and top coat in the usual ways - I'm not going for a Hero prop so not trying to achieve an exact replica.

 

[Don B]

The look that I'm aiming to reproduce can be seen in one of Adam Savages one day builds: for a DL-44. In it there's a Master Replica's Elite Edition which has clearly been painted and I like the look of it even though it's not fully accurate.

 

[CommanderWolffe]

I've been dithering about which route to take as well, and need to get on with this build. Think it'll be a Christmas project. You can blue aluminium as I'm sure you know but I think I'll paint and knock back the surfaces with Scotch Pad and undercoat and top coat in the usual ways - I'm not going for a Hero prop so not trying to achieve an exact replica.

Gotcha, yea I was reading last night on the “aluminum blue” made by the same company that makes the bluing chemical for steel. I’m thinking about maybe going for that. I don’t have parts yet though. My Denix should come in before Christmas. I’m in some of the same boat. I’m wanting to be accurate but I’m not going crazy, just enough that it’s recognizable to the everyday Star Wars fan, but accurate enough for bigger fans like myself.

 

[Pedro]

I use Aluminum Black on a lot of my blaster builds. With correct application it looks quite good. After blackening I typically use some oil to protect the metal, then a coat of clear Kiwi shoe wax.

 

[chubsANDdoggers]

For some strange reason I’m only seeing this thread now?! Absolutely beautiful and a great revisit to a masterful job.

 

[tennantlim]

Many thanks sir!

 

[joberg]

Just did the same thing as chubsANDdoggers Whot!!! Very nicely done and the results are

 

[tennantlim]

Just did the same thing as chubsANDdoggers Whot!!! Very nicely done and the results are

Thanks man