(Pre) Build thread: Mass Effect M-12 Locust SMG

[Itsanonsense]

Hi,

I'm soon going to attempt my first build (with the help of my dad) so I'm going to need advice.
It will be a replica of the Mass Effect 2/3 SMG the M-12 Locust.

These are the reference pictures I found around the web.
Concept art:

Full reference sheet: (Bigger version.)

3D model rendered by Robert Fletcher. (This model has more detail than the in game model, but not entirely accurate. Still a nice reference for details.)

First things first: I need to draw up some blueprints. Does anyone know of a quick and easy way to do this? I'm not a complete stranger to photoshop and vectors and all that jazz but perhaps there's another easier way?

 

[Itsanonsense]

Bump for helping a newbie.

 

[Itsanonsense]

My exams are done so I'm finally getting started! First hour done. Spent it on drawing up my blueprints. This is what I have so far:

 

[SanctumMenice]

looks promising! keep it up!

 

[Itsanonsense]

looks promising! keep it up!

Thanks!

My blueprint is done. If anybody has any feedback I'dd be glad to hear it!

 

[LeoFirebrand]

What materials are you planning on using? Some general tips:

• Plan ahead. Regardless of materials, building in layers is key. You want to determing the base shape and thickness and then layer on detail from there. If you will be resin molding you will also need to consider how many pieces you will have.
• Bondo and sandable Primer with Filler are your best friends. The hardest part of a project for me is finishing it. By then you can see it coming together and it's easy to rush espically since you cant do anything between bondo coats. but quality finishing can make a HUGE difference in the end quality. Dont settle, if you dont like the way it looks in primer it may need more bondo and sanding.
• Hand Sand. While belt sanders and dremels are great for large strokes I still find hand sanding to be the only way to get that final finish.
• Buy a dremel. While it may not always be the most efficient tool it is the most versatile and there is very little it can't do.

Lastly, do you have any specific questions?

 

[Itsanonsense]

What materials are you planning on using? Some general tips:

• Plan ahead. Regardless of materials, building in layers is key. You want to determing the base shape and thickness and then layer on detail from there. If you will be resin molding you will also need to consider how many pieces you will have.
• Bondo and sandable Primer with Filler are your best friends. The hardest part of a project for me is finishing it. By then you can see it coming together and it's easy to rush espically since you cant do anything between bondo coats. but quality finishing can make a HUGE difference in the end quality. Dont settle, if you dont like the way it looks in primer it may need more bondo and sanding.
• Hand Sand. While belt sanders and dremels are great for large strokes I still find hand sanding to be the only way to get that final finish.
• Buy a dremel. While it may not always be the most efficient tool it is the most versatile and there is very little it can't do.

Lastly, do you have any specific questions?

I'm going to make this out of PVC foam. I'm also going to hand sand since I'm not going to buy a dremel for my first build. I had also planned on making it out of multiple parts since I want there to be a light inside.

Also, I'm not a complete novice since I have been making architectural models since I was nine. (I doubt I can call the ones I made at 9 architectural models though... They were most definitively houses and buildings though. ) So i'm quite used to working with utility knives and cardboard, foamboard, balsa....