It's been a while since I posted any build threads so I figured it was time to update with some of the things I've been up to lately. With The Last Jedi around the corner and Boyega showing off his updated Glie 44 blaster, I wanted to update my kit pattern to the new version since I think it looks MUCH improved over the one in Ep 7. It has less detail, but the overall shape feels more sleek.
I'll be using the Sig Sauer airsoft I've had for a couple years in this build. To make the grips accurate, I will eventually mask off and fill in some of the textures. The grips will not be perfectly accurate, but "close enough" I reckon and that's OK with me in this case.
My intent is to retain trigger functionality and somehow wire it up to interior lighting and maybe SFX.
Here are some photos of the build so far.
First, here's a look at the old version.
And a comparison of the 3d models (new one on top):
Notable changes on the Ep8 version include:
All the final parts collected, with support material removed but not completely cleaned up:
A first test-fitting of all the parts:
A view from the interior. The shell has a guide for the weaver rail modeled into it, so that positioning the airsoft is easier. (It will be affixed more permanently with 2-part modeling epoxy, such as "green stuff".) The hammer has been filed down to give clearance to the shell. There's plenty of room for electronics. One challenge was making the shell so that the mid-barrel can be inserted AFTER the two halves of the shell have been joined and painted. In the Ep7 version, the mid-barrel could simply be pressed into place but in the one Boyega showed, the center barrel clearly goes into the body of the blaster and I wanted to retain that for accuracy.
This is actually one of the more problematic hollow shells to print, as it requires a lot of interior support. It's easily removed with small pliers... and to be honest it's a little like snapping bubble-wrap in that you kinda get addicted to hearing the snap-and-crackle as it comes off! To get a better result, I actually modeled a lot of supports manually instead of letting the printer automatically place everything. Some of the outer edges will still need some cleanup and trimming though because the machine is essentially printing in mid-air.
To make replacing batteries possible, I modeled a locking ring into the end cap. I had to go through about 3-4 complete revisions to get it right.
Random image of the blue translucent parts...
Here they are just held up against a work lamp. It'll look much better with LEDS behind each one. (I mustn't forget to paint the inside of the blaster black to soak up the excess light.)
My final test assembly to verify all the parts.
Next I will be looking into making the little hinge for the trigger and start painting. I'll update when I can!
I'll be using the Sig Sauer airsoft I've had for a couple years in this build. To make the grips accurate, I will eventually mask off and fill in some of the textures. The grips will not be perfectly accurate, but "close enough" I reckon and that's OK with me in this case.
My intent is to retain trigger functionality and somehow wire it up to interior lighting and maybe SFX.
Here are some photos of the build so far.
First, here's a look at the old version.
And a comparison of the 3d models (new one on top):
Notable changes on the Ep8 version include:
- Longer, sleeker muzzle and "mid barrel"
- Small "nub" details removed
- Power box is now smooth, with no "mesh"
- Upper grip is now a 90 hard angle instead of a curve
- End cap (not visible) has been remade completely
- Shape of blue cutout areas is different
All the final parts collected, with support material removed but not completely cleaned up:
A first test-fitting of all the parts:
A view from the interior. The shell has a guide for the weaver rail modeled into it, so that positioning the airsoft is easier. (It will be affixed more permanently with 2-part modeling epoxy, such as "green stuff".) The hammer has been filed down to give clearance to the shell. There's plenty of room for electronics. One challenge was making the shell so that the mid-barrel can be inserted AFTER the two halves of the shell have been joined and painted. In the Ep7 version, the mid-barrel could simply be pressed into place but in the one Boyega showed, the center barrel clearly goes into the body of the blaster and I wanted to retain that for accuracy.
This is actually one of the more problematic hollow shells to print, as it requires a lot of interior support. It's easily removed with small pliers... and to be honest it's a little like snapping bubble-wrap in that you kinda get addicted to hearing the snap-and-crackle as it comes off! To get a better result, I actually modeled a lot of supports manually instead of letting the printer automatically place everything. Some of the outer edges will still need some cleanup and trimming though because the machine is essentially printing in mid-air.
To make replacing batteries possible, I modeled a locking ring into the end cap. I had to go through about 3-4 complete revisions to get it right.
Random image of the blue translucent parts...
Here they are just held up against a work lamp. It'll look much better with LEDS behind each one. (I mustn't forget to paint the inside of the blaster black to soak up the excess light.)
My final test assembly to verify all the parts.
Next I will be looking into making the little hinge for the trigger and start painting. I'll update when I can!
