Another ma37 - wood prop

[thorn696]

Looking great, All the parts seem to be falling into place now.

[S1l3nt V1p3r]

Slow, careful work ensures a good product. Take your time, my friend. This will look great in the end!

[juliet76]

Juliet76 on my thread, I'm a little star struck now! You're blueprint is a tremendous help.

Don't be too star struck ARCsaber, I just trace some pictures in CAD, you guys are the ones that make something out of them that's what really impresses me.

In other news I've come across a scenario thats a bit of a mine field. I intended to carry this rifle once finished with a new suit of I have time to multiple events this year, but Victorian weapon laws now look to be a problem...

...I sent them an email instead, turns out they have a system for this sort of thing which is good, doubt they'll be a halo fan but you never know.

Sounds like you're on the right track there now. You'd be surprised the amount of questions like this the weapons licencing division gets asked and they are a lot more understanding about it than an officer at a station from my experience. Be honest with whatever officer you deal with and that includes the origins of the prop- it's from a computer game and is not specifically based of any real world weapon in it's design, hell it doesn't even have any form of sighting! Most if not all of the people you'll deal with there know their weapons and should consider the MA37 no problems as a replica prop. Just make sure you don't take it out anywhere other than the con or event location and I really don't think you'll have any problems.

[ARCsaber987]

Got a message back a while back from the police saying as long as I use the red tip I should be allright (though there's a large disclaimer for those reading this for their own builds)

Sounds like you're on the right track there now. You'd be surprised the amount of questions like this the weapons licencing division gets asked and they are a lot more understanding about it than an officer at a station from my experience. Be honest with whatever officer you deal with and that includes the origins of the prop- it's from a computer game and is not specifically based of any real world weapon in it's design, hell it doesn't even have any form of sighting! Most if not all of the people you'll deal with there know their weapons and should consider the MA37 no problems as a replica prop. Just make sure you don't take it out anywhere other than the con or event location and I really don't think you'll have any problems.

Wisewords, and very true about the lack of sights. Lucky I don't need to take public transport around! Thanks for your help.


So I'm about to dive back into this project, it can't just sit around ignored its been almost 2 months! Plucking up the courage to try a barrel, heres just some small details:
Sides for the clip

The grip. I've used a foam sheet and some mesh material with glue coats, gives a nice feel


Thanks for reading again everyone

[Black Underdog5]

Damn ive missed alot, last time I saw your rifle you had only started. It is looking great. It makes mine look cr@p compared to yours, keep up the good work. I guess I better make some improvements on mine :P (though between you and me, your better at making game props, whereas i'm better at playing them). I think when I get some spare time i'll start building a rocket launcher or something... Keep up the good work.

[ARCsaber987]

Damn ive missed alot, last time I saw your rifle you had only started. It is looking great. It makes mine look cr@p compared to yours, keep up the good work. I guess I better make some improvements on mine :P (though between you and me, your better at making game props, whereas i'm better at playing them). I think when I get some spare time i'll start building a rocket launcher or something... Keep up the good work.

Thanks, but I also win the occasional game against you!

So, real quick update: ....she's ready to paint!

The business end:

Had to make my own torch as I couldn't find one the right shape AND length (the lower grip/chamber is hollow so I didn't want to drill right into it) The downside to this is that battery better last forever because I can't get it out. By the time it dies the novelty will of worn off anyway...
HUD looks pretty good in low light but, alas, it is hard to photograph lighting effects:


This time I have an excuse for not having done much, I've started an ODST suit to try and outdo my spartan (maybe I'll be able to bend down in this one), so feel free to check that's thread out. Next update maybe, just maybe, the rifle will be painted and decaled!

[JBetts97]

Nice man! Do you plan on molding this ? (you may have said it in a prior reply , but I JUST found this thread)

[ARCsaber987]

Nice man! Do you plan on molding this ? (you may have said it in a prior reply , but I JUST found this thread)

I'm flattered. But I have no experience molding, so I doubt it. But you never know, one day....

[Kwameninja]

woahhh i wish my AR came out this good!

[ARCsaber987]

woahhh i wish my AR came out this good!

Thanks, but even without considering your use of (argueably) harder materials and length of time yours is still mighty impressive!


So, I'm looking for that perfect paint to set this off. Normally I'd buy a small sample pot from bunnings but they aren't very metalic for this, so does anyone have any suggestions on specific paints I should use (looking for acrylic non-spray paint on the cheaper side) remembering I'm in australia?