Sweed’s Prop Rack

[SpartanSweed]

I’ve built quite a few props now in these past couple years, and I wanted to put together a little thread to both document what I’ve made and show them off a little.

Completed:
395 DMR
BR 85 HB
MK.50 Sidekick
BR 75
MA5B
Covenant Carbine
M99 Stanchion
VK 78 Commando
M 57 Pilum

In Progress:
M 739 SAW

Planned:
Arc-920 Railgun
MA5K
Promethean Weapon
MLS-2 Hydra

 

[SpartanSweed]

395 DMR
I’ve always appreciated Halo 4 and 5’s attempts at UNSC props, they give a nice variety when we’re all in a big group. I had messaged D3lta about a possible commission to design the H4 DMR, but he sent me an image showing he’d already been working on it!
Naturally I was the first one to order a kit.

Once it was together, I tried a new technique I’d seen in a YouTube video. I used graphite powder to get a semi realistic gunmetal finish, which was an interesting process. After painting the prop in a gloss black, I dipped a makeup sponge into the powder and used it to apply the graphite onto the prop.

Here’s what the effect looks like:

I didn’t use the right clear coat so the effect isn’t as strong as I would have liked, but it was a fun attempt!

I only ever took it out to one convention, it’s a full 1:1 prop making it very difficult to shoulder properly for photos.

While I don’t have this prop anymore, it’s still one of my favorite designs for the DMR.

 

[SpartanSweed]

M99 Stanchion
Let’s knock out the big one. The Stanchion, or Stanchy, has been the most ambitious build thus far, purely by it sheer size. I bought the files after Infinite released the Stanchion model for the S7, which I also bought.

Longsword had lost its Stanchion to 343’s museum after Worlds 2023, so there was a niche to fill. Everything was 3d printed and assembled by me, using Frosty’s thread as a reference.

(Receiver pieces laying out)

(Beginning assembly)

(Lower shroud wip)

(Upper shroud assembly)

Now the files are intended to be separable for easy transportation, unfortunately no one who has made has been able to make it as it’s supposedly designed to. There’s also not any gun cases that are long enough before you get to expensive custom jobs.

(So close yet so far)

So Stanchy is stuck as mostly one piece. The lower shroud is held in place by friction but it’s very very tight. Theoretically removable but I’d probably ruin the piece in the process.

The prop has steel rods for alignment and support connecting each piece together, with aluminum tubing used to mount/attach the shrouds themselves to the receiver.

(Lower shroud in paint, note the aluminum tube on the right)

End to end, Stanchy is as long as I am, a solid 5’9. It weighs a hefty 20 pounds, with most of that weight being in the shrouds unfortunately, so she’s incredibly difficult to wield.

(Nearing the end, ft long hair Sweed)

(Nearly there)

After at least a few months of printing and reprinting, much sanding and filling, the prop was finally done!

(Big Gun Energy)

Stanchions are certainly a commitment, the build is long and arduous, storing it can be difficult, shouldering the thing is near impossible in armor, and it’s so heavy you’re bound to sprain a wrist after prolong usage. However, there’s really no other gun that has quite the presence, it’s no wonder so many of us have made one!

So if you’re looking for a stand out prop that looks good with a suit, and at a booth, try out the Stanchion. You may just get a sticker for it.

 

[SpartanSweed]

M57 Pilum

The red headed stepchild of UNSC props, the Pilum from Halo 5. Compared to its counterpart, the Pilum really doesn’t hold up that well. But, far as I know, I’m the only one who’s made one, and variety is the spice of life after all.

I’m not sure if the model is available anymore or not, I really happened upon it by chance. This was the second prop I’ve printed myself, and up till I did Stanchy, my biggest.

I had to scale it up 40% to fit comfortably, and even then I could’ve gone bigger. It’s a tight fit with gloves.

But before long, the whole thing was epoxied together and I had sanding to do.

I decided to go with a simpler paint scheme, inspired by Wernissages redesign. using the dark green I had leftover from the Chief build that I like.

Throw on some decals and she was done

I made it as a Stanchy proxy, a build of similar ish size and quality that would draw people into our booth space. I brought the Pilum to GalaxyCon Columbus in December of 23, so far it’s only big con appearance.

I took it with me to get my photo taken with Steve and Jen, Steve said he liked it!

Unfortunately it didn’t survive the weekend, and has been in a perpetual state of repairs and breaks since then, but I’d love to bring it out again!