Decommisioned Sterling blaster

*NOTE: please check regulations in your area, as replica weapons (even deactivated) may be illegal to purchase, own or sell.

The E-11 blaster is based off the actual British Sterling machine gun.  Seeing as the actual props in the movie were actually created using real and deactivated Sterlings, many troopers have sought the ultimate collectible - recreating the original E-11 blaster using as many original parts as possible.

Some of the original components may inc lude:

- Original deactivated Sterling (often the internals may have been removed or welded shut, inner barrel may be missing, etc.)

- cut down magazine (the ammunition magazine used in the films were shortened, to make them less "recognizable" as a modern firearm)

- tank scope (there were several varieties of tank scopes used, see the scope section for more details)

- scope rail (this was simply a strip of flat steel, bent and notched / drilled in order to be mounted onto the top of the receiver

- T racks (the original T racks were thought to be plastic drawer sliders or rubber windshield wiper blades)

- Hengstler counter (this was an industrial machine counter, mounted on the side of the blaster)

- Magazine tubes (it's believed these are electrical components)

It goes without saying that this will be a heavy blaster.  And while some users have trooped with them, they aren't very practical but the detail and accuracy is unbeatable.  There are various sellers and dealers that can source and supply original deactivated Sterlings in varying conditions. Understand however that laws and regulations are different in every area, so it's up to you to find and source suppliers and if it's legal to own a deactivated Sterling.

Sterling conversion tutorial / blog

http://sterlingblasterconversion.blogspot.com/

Sterling discussions on FISD

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=10810

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=11348

Replacement parts for Sterlings

https://www.apexgunparts.com/product_info.php/cPath/83/products_id/876

Resin Cast blaster

A resin cast blaster is usually a one piece or multi piece solid cast blaster.

Casting a blaster usually involves using a real or deactivated Sterling to create a silicone mold, in one or several pieces.  Usually, the body or receiver is all cast in one piece, with barrel vent holes plugged up, etc.  Sometimes, the folding stock is integrated into the body by means of "plugging" gaps with clay / plasticine, before casting the mold to create a solid 1 piece blaster.

Other times, the folding stock, scope, rail and other small components may be glued or attached separately allowing for additional detail to be captured.

Detail is often fairly sharp, as silicone molds capture a lot of detail - even down to engravings and scratches from the donor Sterling.  Depending on the maker, some molds or castings may have holes, bubbles or "pinholes" during the casting process.  These need to be filled / sanded before painting.  While some find it realistic, solid cast resin blasters can be heavy and may be more suited as a displayed collectible rather than for trooping.

Casting resin also usually comes in white or cream colored plastic, so they need painting and weathering to resemble a real blaster.  Resin plastic also tends to be slightly brittle, and if dropped could result in damage.  Consider the use of your blaster and balance the properties of detail versus troop-ability.

Preparing resin blasters for painting:

It's best to prepare resin for painting and use appropriate paints.  A common process is:

- fill pin holes with model putty / Bondo, sand them smooth

- some people may wish to sand the blaster slightly, to remove sheen and provide more "tooth" for paint

- wash the resin blaster with dish detergent, rinse and dry

- prime the blaster with a couple light coats of primer paint (Krylon and Rustoleum are popular brands)

- top coat the blaster with a few light coats of black (some have used satin or matt black finishes)

- weather the blaster using dry brushing or sponging with silver / gold / bronze paints

Where to buy a resin cast blaster:

Doopydoos sells solid resin blasters

http://www.doopydoos.com/ultimate-stormtrooper-anh-e-11-blaster-mk3-1742-p.asp

There are resin cast blasters frequently offered on Ebay.  Check the FISD forums for reviews on various blasters to buy from reputable dealers / quality blaster makers.

Sci-fire blaster / Hyperfirm

Sci Fire produces a replica blaster that is very popular for trooping.  Their blaster is available in several configurations, based on the original trilogy films. The blaster itself is cast from a deactivated Sterling, and the detail is well captured.

The most unique aspects of the Hyperfirm are it's durability and weight.  From the outside, the blaster feels very "solid", but the actual material is a hard rubber like outer shell.  The inside of the blaster is filled with a solid foam, thus making the blaster very light weight yet durable.  The core often contains a solid fiberglass / carbon rod running the length of the blaster, to give it further rigidity.

The outer finish has a textured finish, replicating the details of the original Sterling.  Due to these qualities, the Hyperfirm is very popular for trooping.

Some troopers will modify certain versions of the Hyperfirm, replacing the scope rail and adding additional details.  Since these details are integrated and cast into the blaster in one piece, some small details are sacrificed (like a separate scope and rail, etc).  These can be modified and added.

*Note that Hyperfirm will only ship blasters within the USA

How to modify a Hyperfirm blaster

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=11159&view=findpost&p=139222

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=5870&view=findpost&p=74927

Where to buy a Hyperfirm blaster

Check the FISD and MEPD forums as runs of Hyperfirm E-11 blasters are for sale by FISD member / Sci Fire contact "Slavefive".

You can also try and contact SlaveFive directly at:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Master Replicas

The Master Replicas E-11 is considered a collectible / display blaster.  It is a solid and heavy blaster, based off the Sterling machine gun, modified to resemble the screen used prop.  It's fairly accurate in terms of detail, and captures the look and feel of the base ANH blaster (minus the Hengstler counter)

The components are made of steel, die cast metals and plastic which captures a lot of the original detail in the original Sterling used to create it. However, due to the use of these materials, the result is a heavy weight blaster prop which makes it somewhat impractical for trooping use.

The blaster comes with an elaborate display stand and name plate.

Master Replicas are still available on Ebay and some hobby resellers.

PVC pipe blasters (using resin kit parts)

A PVC pipe blaster uses PVC or ABS plumbing pipe (normally 1.25” or 1.5” in diameter) as a base, with parts added on to replicate the look of an E-11 blaster.  Many troopers will pur chase a resin modification kit that comes with the pieces to create a base E-11 blaster.  The pieces are screwed and glued into place, and the entire blaster is then painted.  Some troopers will use PVC, ABS or aluminum pipe depending on their needs.

Some of the advantages to a PVC pipe blaster are:

- Low cost (since you supply the pipe and work to assemble it)

- fairly light weight

- very accurate in terms of size, proportions and details

- they are hollow due the pipe and can have electronics such as sound a lights installed

The only disadvantage is that PVC blasters can be somewhat brittle since most parts are glued on.  However, they have been successfully trooped with and only require some attention during handling to ensure a long life.

Troopers can use a template to cut and drill the appropriate holes and shapes into their PVC pipe, before attaching the various parts.

PVC pipe blaster kit tutorial

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=11326&view=findpost&p=141115

Discussion on sources for aluminum pipe

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=9495&view=findpost&p=120044

Tips on drilling holes

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=10450&view=findpost&p=131852

Template for 1.25” pipe

Templates

Template for 1.5” pipe

Templates

Where to buy PVC pipe blaster kit:

http://www.doopydoos.com/stormtrooper-e-11-pipe-blaster-base-detailing-kit-2068-p.asp

PVC pipe blaster assembled

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/forums/showthread.php/26772-Building-an-E-11

Scratchbuilt blasters

Some troopers prefer to build their E-11 from scratch, using a combination of scratch built components (wood, metal, plastic, aluminum etc.) and found items.  Most builders will start by using a common template (see below) as a plan / blueprint for their scratch build.

Most begin with a PVC or metal pipe / tube for the main receiver, then make the other parts using templates transferred to various materials such as sheet metal, aluminum, plastic, etc.  Builders can use tools that range from basic hand tools /  power tools to lathes / CNC machines.

Building a blaster from scratch allows you modify the design to suit your needs, and you end up with a very "personalized" blaster design.  Some are very realistic and non functional, while others have folding and locking stocks, scopes that work, and electronics such as sequentially firing LEDS and sound FX.  Many troopers will incorporate hollow pipe and hollow Hengstlers and magazines, to allow room for electronics, batteries, speakers, lights, etc.

There are templates online for various scratch builds.

http://www.imperial-fleet.com/BBC/community/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2

Here are some examples of scratch built blasters

TKDueno’s scratch built E-11

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=3475&view=findpost&p=44683

Werstrooper’s scratch built E-11

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=6363&view=findpost&p=81369

Dark Sith lord’s scratch built E-11

http://www.darksidesithlord.com/my-costumes/stormtrooper/e-11-blaster-rifle/creation-01.html

John Hickson scratch built E-11

http://forum.whitearmor.net/index.php?showtopic=4628&view=findpost&p=59355

Base Hasbro Blasters

Hasbro (long time toy manufacturer and Star wars licensee) has created a toy version of the E-11 blaster.  Hasbro has used the same molds for their “Stormtrooper blaster” for many years.  It’s gone through many paint and package variations, but many users have used them with their Stormtrooper costumes and trooped with them successfully.

An unmodified Hasbro blaster is acceptable for Legion use (most people paint the blaster black for trooping) but many considerate very inaccurate in terms of size and proportions.

- The overall length is slightly shorter than a real Sterling / E-11

- The height is also slightly shorter than a real Sterling / E11

- The grip is very small (made for kids hands) and is not quite the right shape

- Much of the detail on the left side has been "compressed" to make it easier to play with, but again inaccurate.

- Several components are missing including the folding stock, some T-rack, D ring, etc.

- the scope is exaggerated in shape

- the trigger and trigger guard are a bit small and not the right shape

- The muzzle has a "blaze orange tip" for safety

One advantage of using a Hasbro is that it's light weight, fairly durable and it has light and sound FX included.

Legion CRL for blasters

http://www.whitearmor.net/home/crl-overview/crl-anh-stunt.html

Hasbro blasters are still commonly available at most toy and hobby stores at retail and online.

Modified Hasbro Blasters

Many troopers prefer to modify their Hasbro’s with an optional resin kit, that more closely resembles the original screen used blasters.  The kits generally include: