M-72 LAW Rocket Launcher for my Highness

[yuumi2891103]

Here's a story.
At a breakfast table on last weekend, my Highness addressed just a word,
'Sarah Connor!'
I had a premonition that she is gonna say that because three of us went to see the movie, 'Terminator - Dark Fate' on the day before.
And also, the day of the Tokyo Comic Convention is coming soon.
'What? .... uhh Ahh, Oh, I see, but I think you are too young for that Sarah Connor on that movie. - That was a dead right words to keep our good relationship and I'm good at it.
She looked satisfied and say,
'Non problemo, Sarah Connor ten years younger version.'
'Yes, Ma'am.'
'What's for the dinner tonight?
'indefinite, Ma'am.'
'Beef stew.'
'Yes, Ma'am. Good choice Ma'am.
Then she went to work.

That was a great movie. And the Linda Hamilton's first scene is so impressive. Ahh, she needs M-72 LAW Rocket launcher.
Last year, she was Ripley in 'Alien' and I built that flamethrower.
That was an easy build and was made up in a one day.

I quickly went to the work shack and looked around to check the materials and junks.
US Army M-72 LAW, 60 to 80 cm long and 66 mm diameter.
Oh, I got a rain drain tube of 60 mm diameter.

Let's get started.

As I check the detailed data on the internet but was relatively little. There are several version of this weapon and it's different by the production factory even a same model. Anyway, quit worrying and go for it.

Paint job.

Done

Hope she likes it.

Thanks!

Katsu

 

[ed-209]

Katsu, you did a great job!!! I have a real M72 empty tube and you're looks great!!!! --Ed

 

[division 6]

Well done.

They used to sell those (used surplus) at a gun shop locally back in the 80's.

 

[SmilingOtter]

Everything about this is fantastic, including the conversation that led to it.

 

[Scapey]

Love it!

 

[kerick]

Just don’t try to take that through the airport!!!!!
Excellent work as always!

 

[Kokanee]

Holy cow! Looks just like the M72's I've used professionally. Any plans to put on the painted markings / instructions?

 

[yuumi2891103]

Katsu, you did a great job!!! I have a real M72 empty tube and you're looks great!!!! --Ed

ed-209-san,
Thank you very much and 'Wow'! The empty tube of the real one is very rare here in Japan and value of $1000 in auction here.
The compliment by the real owner is so honorable to me.

katsu

Well done.

They used to sell those (used surplus) at a gun shop locally back in the 80's.

Thank you, division 6-san.
The chance to see it in Japan is like seeing the Loch Ness monster. XD

katsu

Everything about this is fantastic, including the conversation that led to it.

Thank you, Tom-san.
To serve my Highness is the fate of my life.

katsu

Love it!

Thank you, Scapey-san!

katsu

Just don’t try to take that through the airport!!!!!
Excellent work as always!

Thank you, Ken-san. If I'was arrested for this, please be my good defense witness.

katsu

Holy cow! Looks just like the M72's I've used professionally. Any plans to put on the painted markings / instructions?

Ohhh, here you are! The one who used this for real!!
This would never happen here in Japan.
Thank you so much! Domo-arigato!
How nice to hear the compliment from the real user!

Yes, I want to put the markings and instructions on it but I couldn't find the good reference on the net pics.
But that is one of the key feature of this to makes it look realistic.

More than 50 years ago this well designed weapon has been developed and still used in the present time.
The idea of 'ready to fire' expendable launcher is incredibly brilliant.
Low cost, light weight, simple to use and so effective.

All the best,
Katsu

 

[SmilingOtter]

Yes, I want to put the markings and instructions on it but I couldn't find the good reference on the net pics.
But that is one of the key feature of this to makes it look realistic.

It looks like there were variations in the markings - which makes sense for a weapon with such a relatively long period of use.
This video shows one particular set of markings, at least on one side:

 

[ed-209]

I hope this helps you. --Ed

 

[yuumi2891103]

It looks like there were variations in the markings - which makes sense for a weapon with such a relatively long period of use.
This video shows one particular set of markings, at least on one side:

Thank you! Tom-san. This movie shows me a lot detail.

I hope this helps you. --Ed
View attachment 1083490View attachment 1083491View attachment 1083492View attachment 1083493View attachment 1083494

ed-209-san,

Thank you very much for the very valuable pics. It is so clear.
I think I'm going to try hand writing with a thin paint marker pen with some masking tapes for the reference line.

Also, the pics shows the details around the safety pin which I couldn't get one either before.
Thank you for the great help, my friends.

When I thought I try to build this prop, there were some easy way to make it 'looks like a LAW launcher'. However, as I check the pics, data and the history of it, I could learn many thing about this weapon. Designer's engineering ingenuity and intention to make this weapon useful for the soldiers using this in battle fields. That made me try to build this as accurate as possible. And I got many good friend there to help me doing it.

I'll put up the pic soon.

Thank you very much!

katsu

 

[yuumi2891103]

OK, that was a little hard work for my weak eyes but here's a result.

It is my hand writing. Not a quite good but I'm satisfied and way better than before.

And here's a safety pin.

Again, thank you very much Tom-san, ed-209-san.

OK, I'll show this to my Highness tonight!

All the best!

katsu

 

[McFlyte]

This looks amazing! Well done!

 

[yuumi2891103]

Thank you!!!

 

[ed-209]

Fantastic, Katsu-san!!!!! Now all you need is to go find some Terminators!!!!! --Ed

 

[Apollo]

Wow outstanding job!

 

[SmilingOtter]

Fantastic. I know that She Who Must Be Obeyed will be pleased, and you will find favor in Her eyes...

 

[yuumi2891103]

Fantastic, Katsu-san!!!!! Now all you need is to go find some Terminators!!!!! --Ed

Thank you, ed-209-san,

Is anybody looking for me?

Wow outstanding job!

Thank you so much!

Fantastic. I know that She Who Must Be Obeyed will be pleased, and you will find favor in Her eyes...

Thanks, Tom-san!
Oh, she loves it!!

Here's a word from my Highness.

'This is not the achievement of thine alone.
You shall not forget all the usual good help from thy good friends.
Send my best regards to all of them. And wishing all the best things may happen to them'

....Indeed...

Katsu

 

[SmilingOtter]

You're both very fortunate to have each other. I can't wait to see pictures of her in costume.

 

[yuumi2891103]

Thanks, Tom-san.

OK, Here's a next prop.
Remington M-870 Super Shorty.

I have a very old model gun of M-870 shot gun which I bought when I was 17. Now it is just a junk.
Zinc alloy die casting model gun. That was about $150 then.
Long barrel model with a wood stock.

This one in the pic below is not mine. I picked up this in the internet because I forgot to take a picture of mine.
Same model as mine but this is very good condition.

I thought it will be able to convert to the short barrel one.
Take out the old long barrel and replace with a aluminum tube of same diameter.
Add a pistol grip and vertical fore grip.
I had a pistol grip of M-4 and some aluminum tubes.
I may have to make a checkered for grip.
Let's get started.

Finished

This was one day easy build.

The Tokyo Comic Convention is on this weekend.
We are almost ready.

Thanks for looking!

Katsu