Bulldog44

Finished the main scope body mold. Had a small setback but now ready to do a test cast. This scope will be a copy of my 1942 model #6 M38 scope. It looks almost exactly like the model #1 scope I have but with a smoother finish. After a few test castings and mock assemblies with all the new parts, I hope to have a new kit ready to offer soon. I am expecting a few hurdles as I learned there is always something that needs finer tuning. First test cast will be tonight along with some of the other smaller parts. Report back once I get the results.

You have the best toy shop! Amazing machinery. Like a dream seeing that bolt being milled.

Chris, those mounting screws look amazing! I had attempted to had some custom made but the cost was insane. They look spot on! <br> If you are making a large batch of these and the M19 hex ones, would you consider selling them in small orders? Interested in them for my resin scope kits. I have not found anything out there that come close to those screws.<br> Can't wait to see the hex screws.

You might want to consider doing a run of these. Might sell like hot cakes! <br> It would be cool to see this little guy make an appearance in the next Toy Story!

They should have used your doll in the movie! Looks great!

After reading your post on the super blue I found they sell it here in Japan but for $20 bucks or more. Going to get that stuff someday and the aluminum black too. Thanks for sharing that info. For now I have to go low tech and thrifty after spending ridiculous amounts on my pack parts.

For initial weathering of the cam buckles I just did an experiment with white vinegar to remove the protective coating on the metal. Left the buckle submerged in the vinegar for roughly 12 hours. this is without sanding any surface on the buckle. pretty decent results and eliminates the sanding process. Sorry cant post photos with my ipad, will try to upload later with another PC.<br><br> <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.dropbox.com/s/sv855l86nymaf3b/Photo%20Dec%2011%2C%2010%2058%2059.jpg?dl=0'>https://www.dropbox.com/s/sv855l86nymaf3b/Photo%20Dec%2011%2C%2010%2058%2059.jpg?dl=0</a>

Where do you find your newest M19? You have had really good luck getting scopes. Would love another M19 or M32 but no luck seeing them for a reasonable price when they rarely pop up. Your latest catch is in really nice condition.

Are these casted from a real MG34 ?

Just a quick update, poured the main scope silicone mold last night. Still two more stages to pour over the next few days. Also poured the silicone for some of the mounting plates I hope to use. These parts seem the most vulnerable to mold shrinkage due to the very thin circular walls. I made the mold walls much thicker so I hope this helps a more uniform shrinkage if it happens. Noticed lots of bubbles in the silicone mix but praying all the air has mostly moved to the surface. If not, another day back at square one. Going to start the M19 mold this weekend once I get the M38 finished. Sorry its taking long to get things rolling. Using the platinum silicone will hopefully solve all my initial problems and give me plenty of use to cast a large number of kits.

When I dyed my Alice pack I noticed the buckles turned a darker metal color from the dye but also from the vinegar that was added. It gave a similar appearance to that of the celebration pack cam buckles and didnt rub off easily at all. Might be another technique to test. That super blue stuff looks like it might do the same thing. Still waiting for my cam buckles to arrive. Will report test findings once I get them in hand. Thanks for posting about the buckles.

I have an ATA helmet kit. Great quality. Not sure what the wait time is on the armor these days though. Certain inquire about that.

If you have the funds I would go with RS. If you give them accurate measurements they will build a suit best for you for sure, maybe some small adjustments afterwards but nothing major. Wait time will be shorter to have them build it and they offer replacement parts if needed. I own and built an RS PVC armor set and it was fun. Lots of mistakes made but got it completed. I had them assemble the helmet, wasn't confident at the time to do that. No regrets for sure with their armor and service.

Thanks. Hope it won't take too long to get the mold done. Since it will be a new mold and new silicone, I need to test a few castings. Way I had more time in the day. Again thanks for your patience and understanding.

Hi Ted, Sorry been sidetracked with work and family stuff. I managed to get some of the pre molding prep done. I will pour the molds for the smaller end lens parts tomorrow night. I will begin the scope main body molds this weekend. I spent last week rethinking how to make the molds only to conclude my original idea is best. Sorry for the long wait. Tokyo comic con will be this weekend so I might be a bit busy but will get the molds started. It is a three stage mold so I need 3-4 days without incident. Fingers crossed.

Cool! These will surely be some really crisp and clean castings then by the looks of the mold just made. Hoping I can save up enough money for one these blasters when they are offered.

Clear E6000 works fine. Once you get the proper timing down to let it set a bit before joining the two surfaces together you are good to go. Let it set for a good 12-24 hours though, 24 better for sure, 72 for insurance. <br> Strangely though I have found the white E6000 to stick better and set quicker especially for smaller jobs. Have not tested it on larger joined parts. Think you will be fine with clear e6000 though. Good luck. Can't wait to see you finish this!

Outstanding work! So this blaster will be 100% metal ? I thought the grip would be the only part prodiced in plastic unless I am mistaken. It is a piece of art you got there!

Cool! Congrats! Best of luck on your journey to TK glory!

Great progress on your build Kev. Nice and clean. Can't wait to see it all painted up.

It definitely has the length and just round enough to look like the rolled canvas on the movie pack but getting the end seams to appear the same will be difficult. Both ends of the canvas roll on the movie pack appear to be sewn shut but maybe I am not seeing it correctly.

Hi Paul. Here is the description on their website: Size when laid flat is 150 x 25 cm's which gives a circumference of 50cm.

For the canvas roll on the ammo box I ordered a canvas bag used to store US military tent poles. Bought it from Soldier of Fortune,UK. <br> Sorry I am unable to post links posting from my ipad.<br> The product number and name is listed below.<br><br> AG1435 Canvas Storage Bag for US Army Small Wall Tent Poles<br><br> Received it yesterday. It is long enough and looks pretty good . Just need to pack it a bit with some foam to get the correct look and seal the open end up. I will post pics from another PC if possible. <br> Please have a look at the bag on their website and post your opinions. <br><br> Big thanks to Ian from Ireland who posted about this website in the celebration thread regarding another canvas bag. Would have not found it without his research. Thanks Ian!

Cheers Marc! Your son has a very talented and caring dad! Going to be a very mega Christmas for him when he gets that blaster.

Marc, that is completely awesome! Looks fantastic!thanks for posting this, showing there are some cool ways you can spice up these scopes. I really want to try adding lights to my next scope now!