Replica MPP Comparison

[StefTrooper]

I was wondering if anyone could offer some info as to which replica MPP (Larbel or Parks) is closest to the original MPP and why. If possible, a comparison of individual parts would be appreciated.

Please... do not turn this into one of those argument threads. Constructive criticism only..

Thanks.

 

[Sporak]

The Parks replica is absolutely the closest to the original MPP used on the Vader saber.
It works for one thing...
Correct large port hole on the right.
Button depresses...clamp sleeve is "more" correct.
Has a more substantial feel to it.


Not supporting anyone...
Just stating a fact.

 

[Darth Lars]

I noticed a few peculiarities about the shroud on Parks MPP this weekend.
I have two of them, and the angle of the diagonal cut on the top is not the same. One is 4 mm shorter than the other, and the longest I have is even 3 mm shorter than on Darth Saber's blueprint.
There is also some uneven machining on the step, casting artifacts and the hole for the thumbscrew is not perfectly centered.

 

[StefTrooper]

Here are the the PROs :thumbsup for each flashgun that I have compiled:

Larbel MPP:
Emitter: Heavier feel and better quality
Thumbturn on emitter: More accurate
Painted finish on the black clamp "tube": More accurate
Black portion on end cap: More accurate (it has rings)

Parks MPP:
Inside components (guts): Contains the little metal terminals & it works
Bulb release push button components: It looks better & it works
Clamp lever and sidebars: Better quality and finish
Plastic sleeve under clamp "tube": More accurate
"Etched" letters around side port openings: More accurate


Please feel free to step in if you disagree.

 

[lesternessman]

Originally posted by StefTrooper@Mar 7 2006, 02:30 PM
Here are the the PROs  :thumbsup  for each flashgun that I have compiled:

Larbel MPP:
Emitter:  Heavier feel and better quality
Thumbturn on emitter:  More accurate
Painted finish on the black clamp "tube":  More accurate
Black portion on end cap:  More accurate (it has rings)

Parks MPP:
Inside components (guts):  Contains the little metal terminals & it works
Bulb release push button components:  It looks better & it works
Clamp lever and sidebars:  Better quality and finish
Plastic sleeve under clamp "tube":  More accurate
"Etched" letters around side port openings:  More accurate


Please feel free to step in if you disagree.

[snapback]1200743[/snapback]​

So essentially to have the perfect MPP replica, you need
1. Larbel emitter
2. Parks bulb release setup, but with a Larbel thumbturn
3. Parks MPP flash with guts
4. Larbel clamp tube with a Parks plastic sleeve
5. Parks lever and sidebars
6. Larbel endcap

and voolah. Hello Blast tec.

 

[StefTrooper]

Originally posted by lesternessman@Mar 7 2006, 01:59 PM
So essentially to have the perfect MPP replica, you need
1. Larbel emitter
2. Parks bulb release setup, but with a Larbel thumbturn
3. Parks MPP flash with guts
4. Larbel clamp tube with a Parks plastic sleeve
5. Parks lever and sidebars
6. Larbel endcap

and voolah. Hello Blast tec.

[snapback]1200770[/snapback]​

The only problem that I see here is that the end caps are not interchangeable, as they are slightly different diameters.

Also, when I say "Emitter Thumbturn", I want to clarify that I am referring to the knob that tightens and holds the emitter onto the main tube.

 

[Darth Lars]

How do we know if the screen-used endcaps had rings or not?
Apparently, the real MPP which Parks is a replica of did not have the rings.

 

[Sporak]

That's correct.
Ask GH.

Originally posted by Darth Lars@Mar 7 2006, 03:46 PM
How do we know if the screen-used endcaps had rings or not?
Apparently, the real MPP which Parks is a replica of did not have the rings.

[snapback]1200842[/snapback]​

 

[lesternessman]

Here's a couple pics I found from another site. If their yours and you want them removed just shoot me a pm. Otherwise thanks...

 

[jamiemp]

sorry but which one is which in the pics?
thanks

 

[Darth Lars]

Originally posted by jamiemp@Mar 10 2006, 11:05 AM
sorry but which one is which in the pics?
thanks

[snapback]1202847[/snapback]​

The one with straight black side-bars is Parks. The one with angled silver side-bars is Larbel.

btw. I am filing and reshaping (accurizing/customizing) my Parks shroud with putty. If you have any detailed shots of a real single-step MPP shroud, please post them.

 

[jamiemp]

another question?
how accurate is the mpp1 blastech kit?
ill probably pick up that mpp from luuke and i wanted to make an accurate vader anh saber
thanks

 

[sskunky]

I know this is an old thread But I have an original MPP if any one needs reference shots.

just PM me.

Mark.

 

[Darklighter]

Mark, I took at look at your collection from your photo bucket link. I see your MPP has the extra "step" in the emitter.(I have the same one) I know its an authentic MPP part but it resembles the Heiland endcap and wasn’t used for Vader’s saber.

Any chance you could reveal the number beneath the endcap?
Maybe earlier...or later productions has this step?

....or maybe an RPF saber Genius can enlighten me....

 

[Darth Lars]

I'm all done, but Thanks!

 

[sskunky]

Mark, I took at look at your collection from your photo bucket link. I see your MPP has the extra "step" in the emitter.(I have the same one) I know its an authentic MPP part but it resembles the Heiland endcap and wasn’t used for Vader’s saber.

Any chance you could reveal the number beneath the endcap?
Maybe earlier...or later productions has this step?

....or maybe an RPF saber Genius can enlighten me....

The number I have is 237.

 

[Darklighter]

I will check mine tonight, but off the top of my head mine has 4 digits.
- Anyone have any clue about the production models of these MPP's?
(Figured this tid-bit didn’t deserve its own thread)

 

[lonepigeon]

How do we know if the screen-used endcaps had rings or not?

An old question that we can now at least partly answer.
The MPP used for the ANH2/ESB/ROTJ saber did have the endcap with the 3 rings like the Larbel replica.
This is the Hero saber currently privately owned on display.

My real MPP is number 1603. It has the correct large B port hole and also came with the stepped shroud.

 

[Darklighter]

Thanks for the information: Sskunky and Lonepigeon
I'm done hijacking this thread; I started a new one specific to my inquiry.