Props My Scratch W.i.p.: The M90 Shotgun

[mustang2500]

Photobucket isn't really working right now, so the images are a little messed in size. I'll fix it later.

Hey guys! Just like Akademee, I'm doing a scratch M90 out of foam core boards. Here's my progress so far:

Here's 3 layers, plus the semi-Bondoed stock. It now has a total of 8 layers.

The started pump.

Here's the top part, made out of wood. I also plan on using those Lego lightsaber pieces to use as Fiber-optic sights. I've done it on a paintball gun, it looks damn cool.

Here it is now, Everything is temporarily fastened on. I will try and Bondo each big piece separately, and assemble it after it is done. The pump is pulled back in this picture.



The pump will slide, and when pulled back will push the bolt assembly back. (And by bolt assembly, I mean a piece of foam) It looks cool so far. I am also thinking of a way to get a flashlight mounted on, but it will be easy to do I'll keep you guys updated!



EDIT: Does anyone know of any good spray paints for the gray area? I'm not sure what to use for when I get there. Help is appreciated!

 

[Potshot]

Great idea with the lightsaber pieces. I can't wait to steal it



I have a bunch of those things lying around from when I was a kid.

 

[mustang2500]

lol Have fun! I've found that green and orange/red works the best. Blue would be cool, but it doesn't glow as much. This is probably common sense, but oh well.

 

[Adam Anderson]

that looks pretty cool, just get that thing painted.(when finished, of course)

 

[mustang2500]

that looks pretty cool, just get that thing painted.(when finished, of course)

For sure! I can't wait! I'd work on it all night if it wasn't for my stupid homework... which I haven't attempted yet...

 

[Akademee]

wow, this is significantly more detailed and functional than mine!



I used bronze as the gray area, but that wasn't as much as a touch of accuracy as it was me avoiding another trip to the hardware store, it was a little too dark.

 

[SPARTAN II]

[...]



EDIT: Does anyone know of any good spray paints for the gray area? I'm not sure what to use for when I get there. Help is appreciated!

Given my experience in prop building (been at it for about eight years), personally I'd recommend using automotive spray paints for the finished build. Many of the major film studios' prop departments regularly use automotive paint as it's very durable against wear and tear, which is a necessity for screen-used props that get handled a lot.



As for a choice of colour, I'd suggest going with Gunmetal Grey. A lot of modern-day weapons are mainly comprised of that colour, sometimes with differently-coloured accent pieces (ie. grips), but have that as the base colour. There's a reason why it's called Gunmetal Grey after all, lol.



Hope that helps, dude :cool

 

[mustang2500]

Given my experience in prop building (been at it for about eight years), personally I'd recommend using automotive spray paints for the finished build. Many of the major film studios' prop departments regularly use automotive paint as it's very durable against wear and tear, which is a necessity for screen-used props that get handled a lot.



As for a choice of colour, I'd suggest going with Gunmetal Grey. A lot of modern-day weapons are mainly comprised of that colour, sometimes with differently-coloured accent pieces (ie. grips), but have that as the base colour. There's a reason why it's called Gunmetal Grey after all, lol.



Hope that helps, dude :cool

Seeing as your in Ontario, do you know if any stores like Crappy Tire have anything like that?

 

[SPARTAN II]

As a matter of fact, yes. Canadian Tire is really the only place I've ever gone to to procure whatever automotive paints I've needed, and they surprisingly have a wide array of paints available.



They come in the smaller size of spray cans, usually coded based on different manufacturers (GM, Ford, etc.). I can't recall exactly what different metallic grey paints they typically have in stock, but I'm sure you'd be able to find something suitable for this.

 

[mustang2500]

As a matter of fact, yes. Canadian Tire is really the only place I've ever gone to to procure whatever automotive paints I've needed, and they surprisingly have a wide array of paints available.



They come in the smaller size of spray cans, usually coded based on different manufacturers (GM, Ford, etc.). I can't recall exactly what different metallic grey paints they typically have in stock, but I'm sure you'd be able to find something suitable for this.

Nice, I've seen the Automotive paint section, but never really looked for any colours there. Thanks man!

 

[SPARTAN II]

No problem, dude. Always glad to help out a fellow Canadian SPARTAN



Btw, that Shotty scratch-build is coming along really nice. It's kewl you'll have some working features in it *thumbs up*



Can't wait to see the finished product

 

[mustang2500]

Here's some detailed pics of some updates.

 

[Potshot]

I've got to try this foam core thing. Seems like a much better way for building weapons than pep.

 

[mustang2500]

Defiantly try it. You get a lot more stability and detail when layering. Plus, these boards were from the dollar store, so price it obviously no problem. I'd even say cheaper than Pepakura.

 

[SPARTAN II]

I've got to try this foam core thing. Seems like a much better way for building weapons than pep.

Defiantly try it. You get a lot more stability and detail when layering. Plus, these boards were from the dollar store, so price it obviously no problem. I'd even say cheaper than Pepakura.

I would agree it's a far easier (and cheaper) way to scratch-build props. It's easy to trim and shape, and when layered is very solid. Another benefit is that even built up/layered it's extremely light, so you wouldn't have to worry about it weighing you down if you had to carry it around for long periods.



As this particular type of foam -- I believe it's referred to as PVC foam board -- isn't porous in nature, it's easy to putty or bondo over, and you don't have to worry about glue or paint eating through it. A very versatile material, aside from sheet styrene (my preferred choice for scratch-builds).

 

[mustang2500]

Another benefit is that even built up/layered it's extremely light, so you wouldn't have to worry about it weighing you down if you had to carry it around for long periods.

I'm actually going to put some big fishing weights to make it heavier . That's just how I roll.

 

[SPARTAN II]

Well, yeah... of course. I understand wanting to have some weight to it. More realistic that way. But, my point is that even with added weight, as it's not resin-cast or some other heavier casting material, it'll still be a lot lighter and therefore easier to carry around with you

 

[mustang2500]

Yeah, I know what you meant, but I'm guessing most people don't really know what "realistic" feels like. That's why I'm making it heavier than realistic.



...Just cuz I can.



EDIT: Oh, plus the wood on the front already makes it pretty heavy, so it's not as light as plain foam. But enough about weight.

 

[SPARTAN II]

Just as a kind word of advice, don't make it too heavy, though. I've heard of folks here attending conventions and being in their Mk VI or ODST armour all day, lugging a fairly weighty weapon around the whole time, and just how tired they are from having to carry such dead weight around.



I'd suggest you add a couple more pounds of weight to it, just to give it a good "heft", but if ever you are wearing your armour and carrying this around all day, you'll be a little more comfortable if your weapon's not weighing you down too much.



One thing you do also want to consider is personal comfort. Not trying to tell you how to do your build (you've clearly got a good handle on how to do it already). Like I said, just a kind word of advice, buddy :cool



EDIT: Posted this before I saw you added your edit saying "enough about weight", lol. Didn't think about the wood would already add some weight to it, as well. Good point.

 

[S1l3nt V1p3r]

Oh, I like it!



Scratch that, I LOVE it!