Props Another ma37 - wood prop
- Thread starter ARCsaber987
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S1l3nt V1p3r
Sr Member
Slow, careful work ensures a good product. Take your time, my friend. This will look great in the end! 
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.
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
Jr Member
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)
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
Wisewords, and very true about the lack of sights. Lucky I don't need to take public transport around! Thanks for your help.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.
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
Zoogami Snowfox
Active Member
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 (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.
(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
Jr Member
Thanks, but I also win the occasional game against you!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
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!
ARCsaber987
Jr Member
I'm flattered. But I have no experience molding, so I doubt it. But you never know, one day....
Kwameninja
Member
woahhh i wish my AR came out this good!
ARCsaber987
Jr Member
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?
ARCsaber987
Jr Member
I gotta finish this thing, I've drawn it out WAY to long:
^Had to wire torch to HUD's battery as the smaller battery for the torch died (might of shorted but really it was never meant for high current).Shouldn't be to noticable once painted
^First coat. The "raw metal" that appears when the darker layers are scratched away (the in game models pretty scratched up!)
If anyones reading this and thinking of giving it a go a) do it b) it can be very relaxing if done slowly, so have fun with it!
^Had to wire torch to HUD's battery as the smaller battery for the torch died (might of shorted but really it was never meant for high current).Shouldn't be to noticable once painted
^First coat. The "raw metal" that appears when the darker layers are scratched away (the in game models pretty scratched up!)
If anyones reading this and thinking of giving it a go a) do it b) it can be very relaxing if done slowly, so have fun with it!
Kwameninja
Member
This is insanely good! i cant wait to see it painted!
ARCsaber987
Jr Member
Thanks again, I'm loving the encouragement. Heres the basic paint job (no stripes, decals etc yet which together may contrast to make this look darker (there's my artsy talk again (look, brackets in brackets!))):
This just from mixing colours I had. What do you think? The lighting in the photo makes it a little lighter, but do you think it's accurate? I've gone for a rough damaged look to cover up the fact I'm not great at smooth painting. If you really hate it do tell me, this is the make or break stage!
philwade91
New Member
Looks fantasic mate really great job !
ARCsaber987
Jr Member
Thanks again everyone!
Well, you were the deciding vote! As for the paintlines I actually decided to leave in the roughness (they're not to obvious anyway) to continue the rough/used look I've gone for.
Yesterday I painted the other side, edges base etc, and today the yellow highlights, details and touchups.
So, from end of nov to end of feb I've (very) casually worked on this but with uni literally starting up in days it was time to finish, so here's the finished paintjob:
I've left out the small text on the side because for the effort no-ones going to notice. It will be nice and sunny tommorow so I'll go get some high quality well lit shots for everyone (thus finishing this once and for all!!!!) Enjoy!
P.S. Special mention to bungie's art team, look at the pictures with and without the yellow highlights, doesn't it make such a big difference for such little colour. Contrast ftw!
Looks awesome. As for the paint looks great. And after you clear coat it in flat it will hide any paint lines any ways
Well, you were the deciding vote! As for the paintlines I actually decided to leave in the roughness (they're not to obvious anyway) to continue the rough/used look I've gone for.
Yesterday I painted the other side, edges base etc, and today the yellow highlights, details and touchups.
So, from end of nov to end of feb I've (very) casually worked on this but with uni literally starting up in days it was time to finish, so here's the finished paintjob:
I've left out the small text on the side because for the effort no-ones going to notice. It will be nice and sunny tommorow so I'll go get some high quality well lit shots for everyone (thus finishing this once and for all!!!!) Enjoy!
P.S. Special mention to bungie's art team, look at the pictures with and without the yellow highlights, doesn't it make such a big difference for such little colour. Contrast ftw!
ARCsaber987
Jr Member
With patients and a clear mind it isn't that difficult no, thanks for the kind wordsWow man this looks really good.
The counter is just word art on normal printing paper, the plastic your average thin acetate used in binders etc, just simple stuff I had lying around!
Sadly I didn't get to the photos today, wanted to do a nice set up but I was out a bit and it was a cosey 38 (that's centigrate), do it tommorow I promise just not in suit and give my thanks to everyone who commented/helped.
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