Re-visiting my build for Vash's longcolt, fixing bad casts and new pictures !

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 build in progress !

I made a prototype frame from foamboard to work on the trigger assembly, getting that right was a pain. The next tough part will be the spring loaded latch.

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 build in progress !

Not much of an exciting update, but I did drill out the trigger, hammer, and the frame for the metal pins. I also hollowed out a little more for the spring and I'm working on getting the movement nice and smooth with the 2 halves together. I included my first version I cut out up top to show how bad I started out. I have no idea what I was thinking rushing into the project half *****'d :facepalm but I'm glad I started over with a better plan this time . I also started on the top rail and latching piece tonight. On the bottom left is the prototype I made from MDF, which I molded and made a new one from urethane resin.

View attachment 83310

 

[Sporkey]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 build in progress !

This is coming along great. I really can't wait to see it all finished!

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 build in progress !

Not feeling well tonight :sick , but I did get more done with the sight rail/ latch system. I used some styrene and Sintra . I hope to get alot done Thursday, but I have to drive 45 minutes away to get more Mold Star on my day off. :cry View attachment 83480
And another mockup of my current progress, kinda sorta looks like a gun eh?
View attachment 83481

 

[loveyuri]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 build in progress !

Looking nice.

 

[Valdez]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 build in progress !

Thats looking very good. Going to have to pull my scratch build out of the box now. :lol

 

[Steamtech]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 build in progress !

That's coming along beautifully so far! I'm really impressed with the trigger/hammer assembly you made!

Trigun wasn't my first anime but I've always been a big fan of it, Vash is just such a great goofy fun character

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun!

Thanks for all the feedback ! I'm still not feeling well, but I did get some work done on the cylinder tonight, I used some brass tubing and Apoxiesculpt to make it and I have another piece of brass tubing that fits perfectly inside , which will be perfect to make the bullet casings. I have some rough days ahead at work so I don't know how much I'll get done but hopefully monday I'll be able to mold the front half of the gun.
View attachment 83715

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

MORE PROGRESS !!! THANKS TO CAFFEINE !!! So tonight I assembled the prototype barrel assembly somewhat and drilled out for the cylinder. I cut and glued in the pivot and the pins for the trigger and hammer, which works smoothly! I'm also really happy with the heat sinks. Here are some pics !

View attachment 83785View attachment 83786

 

[Sandman0077]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

This is looking great!

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

This is looking great!

Thanks ! I can't wait to get more done !

 

[loveyuri]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

Nice. Hope you get well

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

Still working on this alot, I went back and made some improvements to the main hinge, and finished fabrication of the latch, I still need to find a torsion spring for the latch return though. Right now I'm making the grip which I will cast in 2 halves with urethane resin. After that, the only thing left to make is the trigger guard, then just fit and finish type stuff. I will be assembling with more accurate screws, etc. once it's painted.

View attachment 84294

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

Making the grip took alot more time to do than I planned, but I'm not on any kind of deadline so that's ok, I just enjoy the problem solving and building. I made the grip out of multiple layers of 1/4" MDF and shaped it with files, sanding sponges, and my dremel.
View attachment 84336
I put what I have done together after a quick shot of primer to show the flaws better
View attachment 84337
View attachment 84338
Next is the trigger guard and front sight, tell me what you think !

 

[terryr]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

Nice. Looks real.

The cylinder looks a tad small compared to that photo. Can you wrap it with a layer of plastic?

 

[FakeBritishAccent]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

Excellent work so far! But I have to agree with terryr...the cylinder looks like it should be a little bigger.

 

[Grey]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

I wish you wern't using that Vice Alpha kit as reference.

It dosen't look bad but I don't think totally accurate either, and everyone cites that as an example of the gun when building them. Personal preference, really. I've attatched a couple composite images I assembled from the series that show show some good detail. I think the one issue that Vice Alpha got "wrong" were the proportions.

Regardless, this is the best custom buildup i've seen of this gun.

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

Thanks for all the feedback ! I actually have over 130 reference pics (thanks Sandman) of Vash's gun. I have found that There are subtle differences that pop up just in the anime itself. I guess mine is a mutt of a mixture of anime and other replica versions, and will never be "screen accurate". I totally agree with the cylinder dillemma, which is made to look worse because I sanded too much off of the frame underneath it making the gap worse. I was trying to get it squared up and took off too much material. I was thinking of wrapping a layer of styrene around it like Terryr suggested.

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

Not much to update about other than I fixed the gap around the cylinder by wrapping a piece of styrene around it to increase the circumference a little. I also built a new latch that is stronger, I just didn't trust the other one ! I was going to make the trigger guard tonight, but I got caught up in the funny picture thread on the off topic forum and wasted too much time lol
View attachment 84645

 

[Weaselhammer]

Re: Vash's longcolt .45 scratchbuild from Trigun !

Tonight I attached the trigger guard to the frame and re-primered everything. I also fixed the spacing issue between the tubes in the cylinder, thanks to a tip from Fevereon props ! I drilled out the barrel and added the barrel tip as well. The farther I go into this build, the more I see the inaccuracies, but I'm still very proud of this, especially since I've been doing this (prop making) for less than a year.
View attachment 84977