Hi guys, this is my first post here so I hope this is okay/in the right place... I've always been fascinated by the 501st and in particular the stormtrooper contingent, although I've never felt the urge to dip my foot in the pond until now... We have been working on a replica of the Episode 7 stormtrooper blaster (which we've lovingly dubbed the 'E7-11' for the time being) for the past couple months, and someone suggested that we go ahead and post about here on FISD in case anyone might be interested... Version 1.0
This first version was done for us by Michael Flanagan, who specializes in firearms modeling, but ultimately we were unsatisfied with it for various reasons (we're sorta sticklers for accuracy, plus it was an 100% static model i.e. no moving parts or hollow sections) so we decided to start from scratch with a different modeler (we do still have the files for this one and may release it to the public sometime in the future as we'd like to give back to the community if possible, but not sure yet, depends on if the modeler would rather regain the rights and sell the files himself). Version 2.0 This time we went for broke and hired another talented modeler, Lael Lee. This version was built with internal space throughout the model, including room in the Hengstler counter and magazine for red LEDs and power sources, as well as a hollow cavity in the front of the stock that allows for an LED flashlight and buttons to be installed. The scope knobs actually turn and the stock's 'foregrip' is capable of being deployed since we saw it in a certain BITS shot from SWCA. In addition, the back end of the blaster is modular so that the ATI "tactical stocks" used by Captain Phasma and some of her troopers can be added on at a later date. NOTE: Whenever possible we based our model off the blasters that were mounted on the TFA display mannequins at SWCA (or screencaps from the teaser trailers). We found that the ANOVOS blasters, while more than serviceable, were not super-accurate (even Got Maul on the RPF admitted they were a rush-job that was outsourced last minute), with lots of ugly seams, proportion issues, etc. So we only used the ANOVOS blasters to "fill in the blanks", so to speak, when there was some detail or angle that we couldn't see on the screen-used models.
Here is an exploded view of the model broken down into it's printable components and ready for printing. Ignore the tiny screws, and those will all be real hardware to maintain the greatest degree of accuracy/detail... Fabrication Here are the first round of raw prints. These still need wetsanding to really bring out that smooth, glossy shine seen on the screen-used blasters but hopefully you get a good idea of how they are coming along: The Plan Going Forward The remainder of the rifle should be done printing within the next week or two. Once we've gotten the entire weapon sanded to an acceptable finish, we'll be sourcing the hardware-- allen screws for the grip, allen bolts for the muzzle (would love input as to what size these need to be!), scope knobs, PETG for the scope lenses, etc). Then this "master" blaster (lol) will take a nice silicone bath so it can give birth to what will hopefully be the first of many beautiful brothers and sisters. We figured resin would be most durable while still retaining the highest degree of detail, but we were also thinking of offering a "solid" urethane rubber dummy version. Rubber casts have notoriously lower quality (I'm looking at you, Kylo Ren's stunt saber!) but might be preferable for "stuntwork" or high-risk trooping around the wee ones, just to make sure no one has to worry about their shiny, LED-filled blaster being KIA accidentally. We'd love to get feedback on whether such an alternative would be desired by the community! In Closing So there you have it... We've been putting off posting here, as the 501st has a reputation for being serious sticklers for accuracy so it's very intimidating to offer this up in front of the firing squad, so to speak! But I do hope the blaster looks accurate enough to work for trooping, at least until Disney/LFL/Hasbro is kind enough to grace us with a licensed version... Feel free to leave feedback or ask questions. The best way to follow our progress is at our page http://www.facebook.com/jjarmoryincbut we'll try to remember to update this post as the build progresses Thanks for reading! ~JJ