Not much of an update, as I need to get some supplies. However, I wanted to show everyone this kit in detail for those who aren't familiar with it, and also to illustrate what I'll be doing to it.
First off, judgedredd, this is a
BEAUTIFUL kit. Seriously. Amazing. I want one of these so bad, so if you do decide to have another run made, let me know. Here's a beauty shot of the main body that I've primered to I can start finding flaws to fix:
And boy did I find some. As beautiful as this kit is, this particular casting is a bit messy (probably made toward the end of the molds life). It's certainly not hopless, far from it in fact, but I realize I gave Funky Jedi a much lower price than I should have for the work. lol Enjoy the deal, buddy!
One flaw I'm not going to be able to make 100% invisible is the seam line running right up the back of the textured stock:
I have something cool planned for the finish on that stock though that will make the seam repair almost unnoticable. Rest assured, though, there will be much grumbling and cursing while I file away at it. I'd be happy to have the girfriend take video of me acting like an a** if it'll amuse you.
Next up, pin holes and seam lines galore. Lots of rough stuff here, but nothing a little putty and a lot of sanding/filing will take care of. Most of the time I'll spend on this kit will be these, so updates will be slow coming for a little bot while I work on them. Though, once done, this thing will fly. By the way, if anyone happens to have a metal post they could spare to replace the molded in one in the second pic(where the sling attaches), I'd be most greatful:
Here are two shots of the power box. The first is just the box, and the second has the sliding cover on it, and the clear cast power cell inside. Since this wont be lit, I suppose I'll just zap the cell with a coat of clear red:
This is...well...I don't know. Part of the aiming mechanisms maybe? It goes right above where the flashlight get secured. I think it housed a laser sight in the original:
A shot of the rear of that piece. The clear cast window is utterly useless. It has so many bubbles and imperfections, it'd be a cruel joke to actually use it. I'll just cut out a piece of a CD case or use some slide glass:
Here are some side panels. The black textured ones are purely cosmetic. The other ones make up the side of the housing for the "laser sight." I've notice that in pics of screen used rifles, these panels are just flat and undetailed and covered with a strip of chrome mylar tape. However, the kit pieces are ribbed like the back of an auto pistol's slide. I'm not exactly sure why that is. I know judgedredd cast a screen used gun, and chopped it down into kit form. Was this part a creative fabrication on his part, or did the rifle he cast actually have this detail on it?? Unfortunately, my photo is too washed out for you to see what I'm talking about, but you all have imaginations:
Trigger. Self explanetory, though I will be constructing a spring mechanism that will allow Funky to press the trigger with delight while he makes "Peww Peww" noises:
Optical targeting scope? Sounds like a good name. I don't know what any of this stuff is, but I do know how it goes together.
The clear piece, though not perfect, will look quite nice after it's been dipped in Future:
Power setting plate. The holes for the buttons are way too bog and really uneven. That's going to be a fun puttying night. Also, the buttons are completelyflat across the top. Shouldn't they be smooth and curved, or are they correct as they are? The window for the illuminated power bars is nicely cast, however, I have no idea what I should put underneath it. Perhaps some dark grey ribbed styrene so it looks like a powered down power bar?
Seatbelt/sling roll cover plate. Not a single flaw on it that I can see. Beautifully cast. Just need to file out the slot:
And does any one know what these nipple-like things are and where they go?? I cannot figure it out for the life of me. I'm pretty possitive those clear pieces are just scraps, but the twonubs look like they should go somewhere. Help:
That's all for now. Putty work starts tomorrow, and yet another trip to the auto store to start choosing colors for the body. Comments, questions, and critisisms are greatly appreciated.
