The Expanse: Props & Found Parts

There appears to be enough in a sheet to make four holsters. After I'm done, any leftover material I have is fair game to anyone here.
I'd be happy to take you up on that, as long as you let me pay for it and shipping. :) And if you create a pattern to cut the sheet to its basic form, I'd be interested in that too...

I took a look at the hardware and it looks pretty minimal. Hopefully it just uses the hardware from the Blackhawk CQC belt loop, with the screw heads polished.
 
Initial pattern creation and first molding attempt I'd call a success! Two items of note. First, I have a lot of work to do yet to form, mold, etc. - this was just my first go with the material. Second, the setup doesn't look identical to the PropStore holsters as I've opted to create mine to accomodate the gray accessory on the front rail, where the PropStore ones are without that accessory. I'll keep at it and post updates, but overall the material was straight-forward to use and the effect is spot on.
 

Attachments

  • Holster_With.jpg
    Holster_With.jpg
    1.2 MB · Views: 62
  • Holster_Without.jpg
    Holster_Without.jpg
    918.2 KB · Views: 56
Keeping its shape enough that I was able to finish! Images attached, including 'as installed' in my display along with the Roci flight suit I won from PropStore and other show used items from Ebay. So, many items to document here for others:

1. The Aquaplast material is fairly easy to work with. I actually reheated it (hot water bath) three different times to make it just as wanted and each time was able to lay flat, re-form, etc. I made a few teaks with a heat gun.

2. The Aquaplast basically cools hard within 15 minutes after forming so you need to work pretty fast. That said, it continues to cool and shrink, just a little, over the next 12 hours. So, leave whatever form you're using in the material for that long. Fortunately I had a prior, but not great, build of the same 3D pistol print as my second build. I wrapped that first build in gaff tape to have the holster form just a little larger to allow for easy pull from the hoster and reinserting.

3. It was interestingly difficult to find the three bolts to attach the holster to the belt clip. Carriage bolts were my first thought, but those have a square shoulder under the curved top. Everything else I found had either a standard, Phillips or hex top. In the end I purchased bolts that had a Phillips top, filled the top with solder, sanded and then painted. Not perfect, but plenty close for me.

4. Image of the template I used, with some basic dimensions attached here as well. Note, as in my prior post, I wanted a holster to accommodate the gray accessory (my pistol fits with or without the accessory of course). If you don't care about that and want something closer to the show, you'll need to modify the template. Also, I don't know how closely the 3D print I purchased is to the actual XD prop pistol. So, as always, your mileage may vary.

5. Speaking of show reference, I was able to track down the Holden holster on PropStore and it's different than the others. First, it has the Tachi label in the center, which is how I went. Was just easier. Second, the Holden holster used the 5.11 Apex Gunners belt where others use the T-Rail belt. So, looks like either belt, as used by the Roci crew, is canon.

6. RandomMaker, I have enough AquaPlast material left to make two holsters (one sheet really only nets three, not the four I was thinking originally) and it's yours. I made an extra paper template I can include too. If you're still interested, all yours and great that you could cover shipping. I assume there's a PM option here where you can give me your address and then we can figure out payment method (Venmo, PayPal, etc.). All I ask is that you cut as carefully as possible so if you end up only needing material for one holster, let us know here and you could then send the last piece to someone else for their build.

Wow, never having done a build like this before it honestly feels a little odd to be done. Time for something new. Thinking of picking up the print from 3DREPLICAS of the MCRN assault rifle. Sanding on that alone will take a couple of months!

Let me know if there are any more questions or if anyone needs additional photos, etc. Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • Display.jpg
    Display.jpg
    497 KB · Views: 61
  • Template.jpg
    Template.jpg
    781.3 KB · Views: 65
  • Holdens.jpg
    Holdens.jpg
    131 KB · Views: 62
  • Full.jpg
    Full.jpg
    1.3 MB · Views: 57
  • Empty.jpg
    Empty.jpg
    1.3 MB · Views: 56
Oh dear...

While I have a very limited collection of Expanse props, it appears I have yet another long thread for inspiration to scan.

And, yes, someday I will post piccies...
 
That all looks great and there's some terrific additional information in there. I recognize and appreciate it!

I have a 3D-print of the MCRN pistol as well as the airsoft version. The dimensions definitely differ, in all ways I'd guess. My intention is to first build up the airsoft with the milled top piece once eethan completes those and mine arrives. Then I'll fit the holster to that, and see how the 3D print version fits, if it does at all. Come to think of it, I have different accessories on the accessory rail of each so they're unlikely to be compatible.

Carriage bolts were my first thought for the attaching bolts too, before I realized that the Blackhawk belt loop came with screws. Hopefully those will work and be appropriate.

I have the Apex T-Rail belt so that would seem to be appropriate for the Amos theme I'm going for.

I'll look for a PM function here and let you know my address etc. PayPal would be fine with me. Again, it's appreciated.

Did I post my 3D print of the MCRN rifle here? It compares pretty well with the cast Roci background prop I have. I actually like it a lot, although there were some small challenges and minor mods and such that I did. I also printed all of the pieces with 100% infill for weight and strength. I think it used up three spools of filament because of that!

- Dave
 
Since I apparently didn't post these before, here are a couple of photos of the MCRN rifles. The one on the top & right is my 3D print. The one on the bottom and left is a cast prop from the show that was in the armory of the Roci throughout the series.

The 3D print was printed mostly with CosPLA with 100% infill for weight and strength. The red and the two large silver pieces were printed in color and I decided to just use those rather than paint them, mostly because they stand out more.

The two rifles are very similar but as with most 3D print replicas there are dimensional and other differences. For example on the rear cheekpiece, the border on the prop is textured. The 3D print is smooth so I faked the texture by masking it and dabbing with a darker paint on a sponge. But overall it's a very good replica.

The 3D print does have some details that are missing from the cast version, notably the cocking knob and the rear sling swivel, which I added and is an actual metal swivel.

Glue was challenging to make all the pieces fairly sturdy. I used IPS Weld-On 16 which seems to have worked pretty well, although the stuff doesn't like to stick to a painted surface. That caused me to have to re-glue several pieces although they seem solid now that I've provided a clean surface... Cyanoacrylate/superglue probably would have worked as well.

The 3D print actually feels better in my hands (and a bit lighter, but still of a good weight) than the cast version. The weathering isn't great but it was my first attempt at weathering something this large. :)

- Dave
IMG_3020.jpeg

IMG_3022.jpeg
 
Keeping its shape enough that I was able to finish! Images attached, including 'as installed' in my display along with the Roci flight suit I won from PropStore and other show used items from Ebay. So, many items to document here for others:

1. The Aquaplast material is fairly easy to work with. I actually reheated it (hot water bath) three different times to make it just as wanted and each time was able to lay flat, re-form, etc. I made a few teaks with a heat gun.

2. The Aquaplast basically cools hard within 15 minutes after forming so you need to work pretty fast. That said, it continues to cool and shrink, just a little, over the next 12 hours. So, leave whatever form you're using in the material for that long. Fortunately I had a prior, but not great, build of the same 3D pistol print as my second build. I wrapped that first build in gaff tape to have the holster form just a little larger to allow for easy pull from the hoster and reinserting.

3. It was interestingly difficult to find the three bolts to attach the holster to the belt clip. Carriage bolts were my first thought, but those have a square shoulder under the curved top. Everything else I found had either a standard, Phillips or hex top. In the end I purchased bolts that had a Phillips top, filled the top with solder, sanded and then painted. Not perfect, but plenty close for me.

4. Image of the template I used, with some basic dimensions attached here as well. Note, as in my prior post, I wanted a holster to accommodate the gray accessory (my pistol fits with or without the accessory of course). If you don't care about that and want something closer to the show, you'll need to modify the template. Also, I don't know how closely the 3D print I purchased is to the actual XD prop pistol. So, as always, your mileage may vary.

5. Speaking of show reference, I was able to track down the Holden holster on PropStore and it's different than the others. First, it has the Tachi label in the center, which is how I went. Was just easier. Second, the Holden holster used the 5.11 Apex Gunners belt where others use the T-Rail belt. So, looks like either belt, as used by the Roci crew, is canon.

6. RandomMaker, I have enough AquaPlast material left to make two holsters (one sheet really only nets three, not the four I was thinking originally) and it's yours. I made an extra paper template I can include too. If you're still interested, all yours and great that you could cover shipping. I assume there's a PM option here where you can give me your address and then we can figure out payment method (Venmo, PayPal, etc.). All I ask is that you cut as carefully as possible so if you end up only needing material for one holster, let us know here and you could then send the last piece to someone else for their build.

Wow, never having done a build like this before it honestly feels a little odd to be done. Time for something new. Thinking of picking up the print from 3DREPLICAS of the MCRN assault rifle. Sanding on that alone will take a couple of months!

Let me know if there are any more questions or if anyone needs additional photos, etc. Thanks!

Screw posts, binding posts, Chicago screws and sex bolts are some names for the connecting pieces.

Nice work on the pattern too. I've got my belt and belt clip ready to go. Airsoft still needs some work.

Do you still have any material left? I'll definitely pay for a piece if you've got it to spare.


IMG_6659.jpg
 
Update on bolts to attach the holster to belt loop. Additional searches netted exactly what I thought needed from, of all places, a GM classic car parts outfit. This is for a Nova, but works great for what we need (photo attached of the bolts installed and what one looks like separately):


FPLeatherCo, your setup's looking great and thanks for the kind words! I just sent the material I had left to RandomMaker. Perhaps he could cut in half and send part your way to finish your holster build.
 

Attachments

  • Updated_Holster.jpg
    Updated_Holster.jpg
    1,003.1 KB · Views: 55
Additional quick note. I just picked up the following book (others may already be aware of this) and damn. Every Expanse fan should own this. Has some great detail on costumes and even a couple of pages dedicated to firearms.

 
Additional quick note. I just picked up the following book (others may already be aware of this) and damn. Every Expanse fan should own this. Has some great detail on costumes and even a couple of pages dedicated to firearms.

That's a great book and a super cool resource for props etc... I actually have an extra copy, that I got with the season 4 crew gift.
 
Update on bolts to attach the holster to belt loop. Additional searches netted exactly what I thought needed from, of all places, a GM classic car parts outfit. This is for a Nova, but works great for what we need (photo attached of the bolts installed and what one looks like separately):


FPLeatherCo, your setup's looking great and thanks for the kind words! I just sent the material I had left to RandomMaker. Perhaps he could cut in half and send part your way to finish your holster build.

The material arrived yesterday and I've started working on a pattern that will fit my airsoft with the attached laser/light like Alex had. I'll try to cut out a minimal amount of material so I can pass along the rest!

paulf, how did you attach the folded-over material where it met on the left side? Looking at the one show prop holster I have good photos of, it looks like it might have been glued and/or melted together. Then there appear to be a couple of small cable ties, which I'd guess were an added repair later, but that's just a guess. Overall it looks pretty ugly, while your holster looks tidy there. :)

- Dave
 
The material arrived yesterday and I've started working on a pattern that will fit my airsoft with the attached laser/light like Alex had. I'll try to cut out a minimal amount of material so I can pass along the rest!

paulf, how did you attach the folded-over material where it met on the left side? Looking at the one show prop holster I have good photos of, it looks like it might have been glued and/or melted together. Then there appear to be a couple of small cable ties, which I'd guess were an added repair later, but that's just a guess. Overall it looks pretty ugly, while your holster looks tidy there. :)

- Dave
Another wonderful property of the material - it'll actually stick to itself with no need for glue or anything else. I saw those zip ties as well and have no idea why they used them. And, best part here, the material will 'unstick' if you put it back in the hot water bath so you can adjust. Took me three tries to orient all as desired. Also, if you can, I recommend cutting (scissors works) when the material is plyable.
 
Last edited:
The material arrived yesterday and I've started working on a pattern that will fit my airsoft with the attached laser/light like Alex had. I'll try to cut out a minimal amount of material so I can pass along the rest!

paulf, how did you attach the folded-over material where it met on the left side? Looking at the one show prop holster I have good photos of, it looks like it might have been glued and/or melted together. Then there appear to be a couple of small cable ties, which I'd guess were an added repair later, but that's just a guess. Overall it looks pretty ugly, while your holster looks tidy there. :)

- Dave
 
Last edited:
Screw posts, binding posts, Chicago screws and sex bolts are some names for the connecting pieces.

Nice work on the pattern too. I've got my belt and belt clip ready to go. Airsoft still needs some work.

Do you still have any material left? I'll definitely pay for a piece if you've got it to spare.

I finally finished my mockup of my pistol's final form (very roughly) and cut my holster piece for the Aquaplast sheet. Not the easiest thing to cut but happily my heavy duty Fiskars shears did the trick... So now I'm ready to pass on the remaining material to you if you still want it.

Message me with your full mailing address and I'll put the package together and then we can figure out payment of the shipping cost and I'll send it out!

- Dave
 
I finally finished my mockup of my pistol's final form (very roughly) and cut my holster piece for the Aquaplast sheet. Not the easiest thing to cut but happily my heavy duty Fiskars shears did the trick... So now I'm ready to pass on the remaining material to you if you still want it.

Message me with your full mailing address and I'll put the package together and then we can figure out payment of the shipping cost and I'll send it out!

- Dave
Amazing! I'll message you.
 
Back
Top