menschie

Okay, here we go... Very very close to done. This was a very quick build-time...going for maximum effect with minimal time and effort. Got it done in about 3 weeks, even out of town for business for some of that. I went a bit more minimal on weathering (wanted the look of a newish gun). Every mod I did do was with items sourced or made myself. I think this will be a good trooping gun and I'm not as afraid to break something if something goes horribly wrong. Thanks to Dan/Cable-guy for the Hengslter counter image. It's perfect! The one mod that I have left to do is the reset button. I'll do that in the next couple of days. Just did brass weathering on the brass parts, of course, but the screw in the Hengstler top cap is also brass, so a little weathering highlight on that sucker for realism. I didn't do the solder pins. Not all E11's have them, and I don't want those sharp pokey bits on my trooping gun. I used Rustoleum primer, flat black and gloss black. I didn't go for any texture, because I want to be completely true to the 60's Sterlings that were used. Also, I dry brush weathered, because I definitely like the look and control of that method the best and I'm thinking the overall paint finish may ultimately prove more durable. The Rustoleum flat black isn't quite perfect (as satin would have been), but I will be rubbing a light coat of bees wax on all the flat black bits. I've tested this and it creates a perfect satin paint over metal look, creates good depth and realism and just makes the detail pop a bit more. I'll do that when the weathering highlights are cured. Getting the lenses in is tricky, as others have noted. One of the more critical moments of the build. I went with E6000, placed in the cavity, right at the point that the lens would stop. I used a tweezer type of tool, positioned it best I could over the cavity, and quickly pushed the lens down with my finger into position. Worked well. I put the reticle right behind the lens, held in place by 2 tiny fragments of scotch tape...so that it's not visible at all. In stead of paying $50 for a pack of printable overhead sheets, I just had a single transparent page printed through Staples Copy and Print with the reticules on them. Cost me 3 bucks. Can't wait for my first troop! I'll put in my EIB and Centurion apps pretty soon too...I want them to be with leather boots though, so I'm waiting on my Imperial Boots order to arrive!

Heyya Dan! Actually, it should be done today or tomorrow. I'll post some pics as soon as it's done. It doesn't quite have all the mods of yours, but I didn't want the build time to take too long...excited to get out to my first troop! Thanks again bud, for your help! Greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much for this. Really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

I've searched these forums and teh nets for two hours, looking for a file to make realistic printable numbers for the Hengstler. Anyone have a PSD, or something editable that they can share please? Thanks heaps, in advance!

Yeah, that's good feedback. I'm going to stay away. Unfortunately TK boots is done ... just selling their dwindled remaining stock and no boots in my size. I'm just doing the wait for Imperial Boots. Was hoping for something a little quicker as I'm dying to start trooping, but it's worth the wait to get it done right.

Armour is done, and I want proper boots for EIB and Centurion applications. The boots are the last thing. Just excited to get going and would rather not have to wait another month, minimum. Anyway, if you could comment on the boots in my question above, that would be helpful and I'd be really appreciative.

So, tkboots aren't making boots anymore, Imperial Boots aren't taking orders until next month ... oy! I'm dying to get a pair of leather TK boots and I'm not seeing any options. Anyone know anything about "GRB Men's Stormtrooper Ankle Boots" on Amazon?

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