Blaster Builders Club • View topic

ToothTech · **Posted:** Dec 19, 2007

Storms are raging, the mosquitos are buzzing and gas prices are higher than Tommy Chong! That can only mean one thing...summer's around the corner and the Blaster Builders Club & Kapowwe are pleased to announce the 4th ANNUAL BBC/KAPOWWE CUSTOM BLASTER CONTEST!!

The entries just seem to keep getting better each time we run the contest, so with 3 years of blasters to look back on, this year ought to be amazing! Will the Nerfs rise again or will the trend of airsoft domination continue? Will the lowly watergun ever rise from underdog status? Will the entries be overrun with pasta or even *gasp* marinara sauce? Only time will tell......

Good luck to all of the entrants!

Since we generally follow the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy, the rules are pretty much the same as last year's. Still, it's always a good idea to read them again, just to make sure everyone's on the same page

RULES:
The entry has to be made using a toy gun as the base piece; this toy can't be a replica of an existing sci-fi prop design, such as the Battle Droid Blaster, a Star Trek Phaser, etc. Other than that, anything is allowed, as long as it's a "toy"--cap guns, water guns, Airsofts, etc.

The finished blaster also has to be a custom design, not a replica of a movie weapon. For example, an entry using a Broomhandle Mauser as the base piece is acceptable, provided it isn't converted into a DL-44/Merr Sonn type of blaster.

Finished entries need to be original, un-posted works.

Entries must be kept anonymous; posting which entry is yours--at the BBC, or any other forum board--will get you disqualified. Once the contest is over and winners are announced, you are free (and encouraged) to post as many pics as you want (wherever you want). A separate thread will be set up for questions, comments and discussion.

The competition will be open to BBC members only (including Staff). Since the BBC Administrators know the identity of the entrants, they are excluded from voting.

The contest will run from June 1, 2007 through September 3, 2007; this schedule is for the actual building, and entries must be submitted within this time frame. We will take as much time as needed to post and judge the entries, and then the winners will be announced. UPDATE 8/26 - the entry deadline has been extended to (roughly) 5pm Central time on Monday, Sep 3 due to the Labor Day holiday.

Finally, the most important rule to remember is to HAVE FUN!

HOW TO ENTER:
There is no entry fee; each member may submit up to two (2) entries, with only three (3) pics per entry, please. The competition staff has the freedom to clean up and/or resize the pictures as necessary.

A general parts list needs to be included with each entry, however a full tutorial on how to build the blaster is NOT necessary.

As part of the entry requirement, one (1) pic MUST be of the original (unmodified) toy gun as a comparison to the finished blaster. We would also request that "detail" shots be kept to an absolute minimum so that the pics aren't overloaded with multiple/layered images. Please do not add in Photoshopped special effects!

You must also include our contest's name "BBC/Kapowwe Custom Blaster Contest" in at least one pic of the entry submission photos---we'd prefer it in the "before" photo, but that's not set in stone. For example, get a 3 X 5 index card, write "BBC/Kapowwe Custom Blaster Contest" on it, put it next to your creation, and then take a picture of both. The contest name CANNOT be digitally added on the image after the picture is taken, it must be in the photograph.

Entries are accepted via email ONLY; send to bbccontest @ imperial-fleet.com (remove spaces on either side of the "@"

) with "BBC CONTEST ENTRY" in the subject line. Each entry should include the following: full name, mailing and email addresses, user/board name, a parts list, and entry pics in JPG format. All information will be kept confidential.

JUDGING/VOTING:
The entries will be judged by the entire BBC membership; all members are encouraged to vote for one (1) entry, whether they enter the contest or not.

As part of the entry requirement, all entrants must vote. (Remember, you can't vote for your own entry/entries; if someone does, they will be disqualified!)

Voting will not start until after the entry deadline has past, and all entries are posted.

Voting will be done using the BBC's poll system; this will only allow one vote per account.

In the event of a tie, a new poll will be set up between those entries.

If a member has 2 winning entries, only the highest "Place" prize will be awarded.

We usually use a couple of the pics of the winning blasters for the banners for the next year's contest. So, we'll go with the typical "all submitted photos become the property of the Blaster Builders Club", but if you would prefer that they weren't used, just let us know.

PRIZES:
Once again, we're going to use the Blanket Shoot system for handing out the prizes…the 1st place winner will get their choice of any of the prizes, then the 2nd place winner will get to choose from the remainder, then 3rd and so on until the prizes are gone.

Up for grabs this year....

$75 Gift Certificate from The Kapowwe Company

$40 Gift Card for the hardware store of your choice (Harbor Freight, Ace, Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears/Craftsman, etc). Once this prize is claimed, arrangements will be made so the winner can choose a store in their particular area.

Black & Decker RTX-B, 3 speed rotary tool (technical info can be found HERE)

"Builder's Pack" consisting of a 105 piece rotary tool accessory kit (1/8" mandrel), calipers, 1mm & 1.5mm styrene sheets, 3' tape measure and hobby knife – there are 2 of these packs available (ie--2 separate prizes—contents are identical)

Airsoft Broomhandle Mauser with long and short clips

A huge thanks goes out to Kapowwe for their continued sponsorship, as well as everyone else that has donated prizes. A big thank you also goes out to Fried Mon Calamari for letting us use his image hosting service for the contest.

ENTRIES:

SECOND PLACE WINNER

entry #1 built by: Aestivalis
parts list:
Benelli airsoft shotgun
Benelli custom grip
machined aluminum components
led's and plastic switch button
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... entry1.jpg

FIFTH PLACE WINNER
entry #2 built by: Aestivalis
parts list:
Benelli airsoft shotgun (the rest of it...)
machined plastic components
pvc pipe
rubber plumbing parts
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... entry2.jpg

entry #3 built by: Guyver
parts list:
One plastic bubble gun
One tower part from a "Star Wars" board game
One metal ring washer
One gun from a transformer toy
One hand accessory for a "He-Man" Trap Jaw figure.
One round nub thing from a McFarlane action figure staff
One predator action figure shoulder pad
One small metal binder clip thing
Gorilla glue
Paint
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... entry3.jpg

entry #4 built by: Apelord
parts list:
Airsoft c96 mauser
1" thick T6 aluminumn plate
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... entry4.jpg

entry #5 built by: wolverine solo
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... entry5.jpg

FIRST PLACE WINNER
entry #6 built by : pulseriflefan
parts list :
S&W M645 BB pistol
Aluminium
wood
plastic tube
Perspex
arm of toy crane
LEDs
Battery
Switch
dummy rounds
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... entry6.jpg

entry #7 built by: jackdoud
parts list:
Vintage 1994 Larami Super Soaker XP55
PVC
Styrene Sheet
Empty Scotch tape spools
"high performance" windshield wiper
Greeblies
Putty
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... entry7.jpg

entry #8 built by: Noeland
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... entry8.jpg

entry #9 built by: Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-)
parts list:
One el-cheapo yellow water gun.
½ PVC
¾ PVC
½ CPVC
¾ CPVC
Metal Cap
Three Metal washers
Sprinkler Hose Part
Shampoo Bottle
Pill Bottle
Sheet plastic
Empty Tape Roll
Screws
Hot Glue
Lots of different paints
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... entry9.jpg

entry #10 built by: Halo_1
parts list:
Plastic Toy Pistol
Plastic M4 Bird Cage Muzzle & RIS
Acrylic Tubing
Acrylic Sheet
Bondo
Glue
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry10.jpg

FOURTH PLACE WINNER - tied
entry #11 built by: WEM
parts list:
Toy-revolver
Old laser pointer (runs with 2 x 9V)
Plastic-tubes
Aluminum and brass sheet
Small spray tins
Lead
Beech wood
Glue, screws and color
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry11.jpg

entry #12 built by: SpinWard
parts list:
Small Green Water Gun
Kids Harmonica for the ammo
Kids Party ring for the trigger
Deer whistle for the muzzle
Nebulizer T-piece.
Washer
Steel Wool
Oxygen Tubing
Red Wire
Red Christmas Light
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry12.jpg

entry #13 built by: Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-)
parts list:
Ink Cartridge
4 function car flashlight
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry13.jpg

entry #14 built by: TheSarge
parts list:
Super Soaker tidal force three (I think). It had 3 water tanks.
Super Soaker unknown model. (It had a sticker with “REMCO" on it)
A small torch (Flashlight)
Toy binoculars.
Oil bottle.
Plastic table tennis ball launcher.
PVC pipe.
Plastic card.
Some plumbing fittings.
Medium density fibreboard (MDF).
Plastic screw caps.
Various screws and pop rivets
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry14.jpg

entry #15 built by: Entity
parts list:
toy water gun
Misc. R/C parts, Handle, Circuit Board, Fuel Filter, Air Filter
Rubber Vacuum Hose, Rubber Grommet, Garden Sprayer Attachments
Misc. Cell phone Parts.
Flat black paint, Silver Chassis Paint
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry15.jpg

entry #16 built by: xardoz
parts list:
Imperial Dart Tech Rapid Fire Clip Load Dart Blaster
Styrene and aluminum sheet
Basswood sheet and strips
Elmers wood filler
Perforated metal shroud from a hair brush
3/4 inch PVC pipe
Rayovac flashlight
Aluminum plate (sight mount)
Door security peephole
Assorted greeblies and screws
Flat black BBQ paint
Krylon Fusion metalic black paint
Krylon "aluminum" paint
Rubberized automotive undercoating spray (grip coating)
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry16.jpg

FOURTH PLACE WINNER - tied
entry #17 built by: dudleywigley
parts list:
toy pirate pistols
self powered toy paintball guns
scope
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry17.jpg

THIRD PLACE WINNER
entry #18 built by: thedap
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry18.jpg

entry #19 built by: Sizzolo
parts list:
Potato Gun
Cleaning Spray Bottle
Cigarette Filters
German WW2 Scope
Walnut for handmade grips
Paint can tops
Heat sinks for PC
Paint and epoxy glue
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry19.jpg

entry #20 built by: Fettbat
parts list:
Airsoft shotgun
PVC
Wood
Screws
http://propaholics.wolfchasers.com/uplo ... ntry20.jpg

Here are the winning entries!
FIRST PLACE – entry #6 pulseriflefan
SECOND PLACE – entry #1 Aestivalis
THIRD PLACE – entry #18 thedap
FOURTH PLACE – tie – entry #11 WEM & entry #17 dudleywigley
FIFTH PLACE – entry #2 Aestivalis

HONORABLE MENTION – 3 way tie
entry #5 – wolverine solo
entry #9 – Zman
entry #19 - sizzolo

9/21 UPDATE: Ok, the names of the builders are posted, as well as the names of the actual winners. Great work was done by all

Now, let's hear all about those builds!

ToothTech · **Posted:** Dec 19, 2007

ToothTech wrote:

If you have any questions or comments about the contest, feel free to post them here in this thread.

Good luck to all of the entrants!

Remember, all entries must be kept anonymous until after the contest is over and the winners have been announced.

wuher da brewer wrote:

I hope a great number of you feel the desire and have the time to compete this year. We've had some absolutely amazing entries through the past. I can't wait to see what we can come up with this year. Have fun building.

hapajedi wrote:

Question #1, if i am blending multiple guns, and have one that i have an orignal pic before modifying, ibut I dont have a pic of the other gun Im blending it with I dont have other pics of before i modded it. Is it ok, to submitt just one of the orignal gun in the build?
Question #2, are BB guns allowed?
Question #3, any size limits on guns? like "BFG" sizes?

ToothTech wrote:

#1 - We've had entries that used pieces of several guns before, and not all were pictured--as long as the one you have pics of is pretty much the main base piece, you should be all right.

#2 - BBs, airsofts, whatever, as long as it's a "toy"--grease/caulking guns, glue guns etc are NOT allowed.

#3 - No size limits (yet, anyway :lol

) Holdouts up to Auunuld-sized guns, we likes them all!

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

*goes to build a tank* :lol

So just so I am sure about things. Has the contest has already started or will it start June first?

ToothTech wrote:

June 1 is the offical start, but if you've already go an entry that fits the rules, feel free to send it in! I just won't post any until after the first week or so

BubbaFett wrote:

Yay! maybe I'll get one in this year.Missed out on last years.

wolverine solo wrote:

so a pistol with a rifle stock, and scope on the side with a tank barrel on a tripod is a ok for an entry. :eek

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

Humm that would be intresting. I want to see that one. :lol

ToothTech wrote:

wolverine solo wrote:

so a pistol with a rifle stock, and scope on the side with a tank barrel on a tripod is a ok for an entry. :eek

Guess we'll know which entry is yours now.....

ToothTech wrote:

And our first entry is up!

Halo_1 wrote:

Sweet! Think I'll come up with an entry this year....all the way from Sunny Singapore.

Tim.

ToothTech wrote:

The more the merrier!

Looks like we're off to a great start, and the bar's already been set pretty high...

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

:? I just need to find a grip I like and canablize it and I should be rolling. :lol

Viper1357 wrote:

I just found out about your/this Blaster Forum from a post on the RPF. After all the years of modding Paintball guns, Airsoft, even plastic and metal toy guns, now I find this great site. Very cool, and the info, talent, and creativity here looks great. I look forward to participating in the contest and future other modding discussions.

Thanks, Mark

wuher da brewer wrote:

Hey Mark. I've bought from you before. Welcome to the board. Have fun with the contest.

ToothTech wrote:

Welcome aboard Mark

Viper1357 wrote:

Hey wuher, I remember, and we've exchanged before on the RPF once in a while. Thanks for the welcome here.

Thanks for the welcome as well ToothTech, I appreciate being here, and look forward the contest and general participation.

I'm not as active in modding as I used to be (more family responsibilities and $$) but I still have a few ideas and tricks up the ole' sleeve.

Ares1994 wrote:

Is there an age limit? As you can see I'm only 13.

ToothTech wrote:

No age limit as such, but if you were to win a prize like the Kapowwe GC or the airsoft, we'd probably have to arrange something with your folks

ToothTech · **Posted:** Dec 19, 2007

Ares1994 wrote:

Oh, my parents will be fine with that. Airsoft Mauser!

ToothTech wrote:

And we have another entry up!

Halo_1 wrote:

Brian,

Once the entry is posted up, can we post pics of the entry build, from start to finish?

Please do LMK and thanks!

Stay safe,

Tim.

ToothTech wrote:

Nope, all of the entries have to remain anonymous until after the voting is done in September.

Once the voting is done and winners announced, WIP pics are not only welcome, but encouraged!

Halo_1 wrote:

Copy that Brian, and thanks!

Stay safe,

Tim.

ToothTech wrote:

Entry 3 is posted!

Steel_Shank_Steve wrote:

That 3rd entry is a very unique idea... wierd.

I like it though.

ToothTech wrote:

Well, well...whaddayaknow...another entry!

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

Mine is finaly shapeing up. Man why did I decide to go with such a complex idea again. :lol

I finaly have most of the main body attached. Now for the hard part. Greeblies and paint. :x Its going to take me a month to pick a color for this thing.

As to that last entry. Holy cow if that is real aluminum in that thing I am going to really wonder how they had time to cut it all. :eek

Construct wrote:

Ugh. That was fun. Vinyl paint was a little...aggressive and goopy in places. :fume

Looks like its going to putty up okay though, at least cosmetically. Hey, and now I'm no longer worried about stuffing up the functionality. Hehe! :lol

wolverine solo wrote:

I cant believe I have to have fun another year and make some cool thing and possibly have the chance at winning something. :lol

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

wolverine solo wrote:

I cant believe I have to have fun another year and make some cool thing and possibly have the chance at winning something. :lol

Oh man how will we ever be able to survive that. :cry

wolverine solo wrote:

by making one heck of a cool entry.

ToothTech wrote:

Entry #5 posted

Butters wrote:

Hi guys, question here: exactly how much of the requisite 'toy' gun (or guns) must be used. I would imagine that recognizable parts of the donor gun(s) must be visable, but is there a required 'percentage' that must be used?

ToothTech wrote:

Nope--we've had entries in the past that were barely recognizable compared to the original base gun.

BubbaFett wrote:

Already 5 entries,they look pretty good.

ToothTech wrote:

Make that 6 entries!

ShadowSniper wrote:

Wow, entry five took my idea, I was gonna put a spas stock on my gun. Now I gotta think of something else.

Fettbat wrote:

mines coming along quite nicley!

ToothTech · **Posted:** Dec 19, 2007

Darth Lars wrote:

ShadowSniper wrote:

Wow, entry five took my idea, I was gonna put a spas stock on my gun.

So? Why not try to do it better, instead?

ToothTech wrote:

Entry #7 is up

ToothTech wrote:

Another entry posted--keep 'em coming guys

ToothTech wrote:

First entry of the month! :lol

thedap wrote:

wow! theyre all looking excellent so far!

I'm going to have to try harder! more elbow macaroni needed!

the airsoft shotguns were coming on strong but the squirtguns are hot on their heels.

looks like this is going to be a good year for blasters!

xardoz wrote:

The longer my build takes me, the higher the bar gets set. . . . I'd better get crackin'!

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

I really think I am going to use pasta on one just for the heck of it all. :lol

Hopefully this will be the year that the squirt guns finaly redeem them selfs.

xardoz wrote:

Don't forget the glitter glue!

ToothTech wrote:

Finally in the double digits! :lol

ToothTech wrote:

Another entry!

And just 2 more weeks to get your entry in!

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

That last one is most impressive.

On another note. Oh fudge I better get cracking on my entrie.

thedap wrote:

you and me both z-man.

I havent been able to do much at work, had a big fight with the boss after I got burned on a promotion....so its working on the back porch for me lately.

got a couple half started but the time has snuck by once again.....

besides, it's going to be hard to compete with the entries so far, theyre all looking fantastic! :x

maybe if I leave off a little more pasta.......

ToothTech wrote:

And we're at an even dozen now!

ToothTech wrote:

OK, one week left to get entries in! I'd forgot about it being Labor Day weekend when we planned out the time frame, so any entries that I get by 5ish (Central time) on Monday, Sep 3 will be accepted into the contest.

I notify every entrant once I've downloaded their entry, so if you enter and don't receive a reply (on roughly the same day

), please contact me ASAP so I can check into it!

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

*Yells back to the kitchen* "Hurry Tony we need more pasta."

Man I just ran out of time on three different guns I was working on and thinking of entering. Oh well.

The other two I got finished will have to sufice, even though I really didn't want to enter one of them.

ToothTech wrote:

Lucky #13 posted.... :lol

wuher da brewer wrote:

Time is running out. I'd love to see more entries.

Darth Lars wrote:

Last year, many entries were submitted on the last day. I don't expect this year to be any different.

Edit: I don't think I am going to finish my entry in time. It is still a mess.

ToothTech wrote:

You've got until tomorrow

And yeah, more entries are starting to come in now!

ToothTech wrote:

3 more just added

ToothTech · **Posted:** Dec 19, 2007

Fettbat wrote:

tommorow night?

ToothTech wrote:

Due to the Labor Day holiday, I'll accept entries until tomorrow (Monday) evening--5pmish Central (US) time.

ToothTech wrote:

Ok folks, I've got a few entries "on deck"--if we can get a couple more, we'll beat the 2005 record for number of entries!

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

Post them already I can hardly wait to see more.

Fettbat wrote:

woah entry 18 is awsome,

ToothTech wrote:

Well, we did it--20 entries beats the old record of 19! Thanks guys, and congrats on some really killer work

No macaroni though..... :cry

I'll get a mass email sent out as soon as I have the voting poll set up.

Good luck to all the entants, you folks deserve a round of applause and a pat on the back!

BubbaFett wrote:

Umm.....I can't vote. Am I the only one with the problem?

ToothTech wrote:

Oops--might help if I unlock the topic, sorry..... :oops

Aestivalis wrote:

OK, I gotta say, while I think that custom broomhandle mauser with the forward grip is an awesome piece of work, I somehow feel that it is out of place in a "blaster" contest. It seems like way too good of an idea for a real-world firearm, and doesn't quite fit the "over-the-top" theme of most sci-fi weapons (for that matter, I don't feel the Aliens pulse rifle fits the mold of a blaster either, as I could totally see making a real steel version of that gun as well). Not to take anything away from the concept or the craftmanship of that piece - it's fantastic!... it's just not sci-fi (in my opinion).

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

Just because its a Si-Fi blaster contest doesn't mean it can't be a realistic fire arm. One entry I never got done was very real-worldish. If were are going to pick on a gun because it is too real then the second place last year needs to be picked on. As does the aluminum mauser like gun from this year. If its supposed to be Si-Fi only it elemanates steampunk all together, and in theory any thing that shoots normal bullets. Just because it seems real, doesn't mean it should be in this kind of contest. The main reason its a "blaster" contest is because we are not in building real guns here.

This contest is about craftsmanship ablities, and skill. Not wether or not its a Si-Fi gun. You can have you opinion any way you want, but don't decided not to vote just because something is not Si-Fi enough. Don't mean to sound all prickely but I just wanted to say some things about our hobby that bugs me from time to time.

Just throwing my 5 cents into the fray.

thedap wrote:

I'm having a hard time voting, too many good choices!

kudos to everyone who got an entry in.....and shame on everyone who didn't! :lol

(J/K)

I have a couple of "too late for the contest" blasters on the workbench, I even dragged out some older ones to work on my painting skills

they must be mad skills, every time I tried to repaint something, I ended up mad :rolleyes

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

I hear you on the to late ones. I have two... :rolleyes

We will have to compare them.

I have those same skills its amazing.

jonny5 wrote:

I'm a big time lurker and I wanna chime in (and make a lousy first impression) with my critques of all the entries. I have a few favorites but no one entry stands out from the rest. All are light years better than the mess I was cobbling together back in mid July but real world concerns got me off track. I haven't yet decided which entry to vote for. All my comments come from the perspective of 'If I were acquiring props for a movie' where would I use this?' A lot of my gripes are about paint. That may be a limitation of the photography. I'll wager most of these look better in person.

Entry #1 is a beautiful weapon. The paint is great. Straight out of a re-imagining of Logan’s Run. Now I can’t readily verify the source gun. The only thing left is the grip, which (call me nuts) doesn’t appear to exactly match the 'before' pic.

Entry #2 is a similarly beautiful job. Excellent work on the build and paint. Something about the design of the grip just doesn’t appeal to me. It feels showroom new, and would have to be dirtied up for use in a Mad Max movie which its design evokes. Strap some thong leather around that grip maybe.

Entry #3 has it over most of the others for pure concept with the ‘bio organic weapons’ Ad copy but the execution specifically the paint, could be better. It’d be a homerun if the mechanicals were as clean as entry #1 like to the point of sterile with the ‘bio’ parts looking kinda gangrenous and mucus covered, or like flesh that was bloody at the edges. Anything, instead of that shiny glitter paint. As it is it could be a weapon of the bad guys from Galaxy Quest.

Entry #4 A very nice design, Deckard meets Corbin Dallas, but no paint to accent what is essentially a CNC mill job. A lot of effort went into making this piece, but its unfinished. Looks like what it is, a cold slab of aluminum bar stock, it’d probably be more dangerous to throw it at someone than shoot it.

Entry #5 Is a well planned two gun kitbash. It all fits together nicely like parts are there for a purpose. Is the brown shroud part supposed to be wood? If so thats a nice touch. The folding stock is nifty but the rest of the gun lacks any sort of ‘wow factor’ Not as cool as the fabled sterling based stormtroper rifle it seeks to emulate.

Entry #6 Another gorgeous weapon. Well executed. I love the color. Really gives it a military ‘Govt Issue’ feel. The clear magazine window is a great touch. Problem is it’s source gun is so completely covered (by, I’m guessing styrene sheet) that it might just as well have been a ‘from scratch’ build up. I see the trigger and the safety switch, but the only other original part remaining, is the hole inside the end of the barrel.

Entry #7 is a nice effort not quite up to the quality of some of the other entries but an excellent use of the source gun. One look at this thing and you know you are gonna get hurt. Smoother paint application and some sort of ‘blinky lights’ electronics would have done much for this entry. Great ad copy.

Entry #8 A simple repaint with very few greeblies. Just not enough here to comment on. The gold paint reminds me of the 80’s Flash Gordon movie, but this isn’t close to even the cheesy production values of that show. Maybe it’d work as a non-hero stunt prop.

Entry #9 describes itself as ugly and its right! Very nice use of weathering here. I love the knife on the grip! The source gun is identifiable but just barely. Clearly a lot of work went into converting this water pistol into something that, I’m sad to say, in the end resembles a first rate NERF repaint.

Entry #10 Solid modeling. Great paint Good ad copy, but in the design comes off like a “been there done that” cross between Hellboy & Judge Dredd. Call it ‘Dirty Harry 2010’.

Entry #11 Again nice modeling solid paint job, but no new territory being explored here. All that effort to get the perfect picture, and it looks like something from ‘The Sharper Image’. OK 10 out of 10 because it actually shoots something, but minus 10 million because ‘that is what it shoots!’ If the beam had some girth it would look more menacing and less like Charlton Heston’s laser pointer.

Entry #12 Nice concept, good ad copy. The paint is a little weak and the trigger is puttied in place to the point of looking in-operable. Looks about like something I could have done which is by no means a ringing endorsement but it perhaps explains why it endears itself to me. I wish the clear tube coming out the side was better fitted to it the hole from which it protrudes. Over all it’s a bit toy like. Still, I think this would pass muster in the ‘looks good from 20 feet rule’ as a movie prop.

Entry #13 Nice design. Source gun is well utilized. Sadly, the paint kills it. Was the grip even painted at all? This would have looked better with in coat of grey primer.

Entry #14 A magnificently designed build. I think the Space Marines would be proud to carry a hefty weapon like this sucker into battle. What is the deal with that checkerboard cammo? Are we fighting a race of colorblind people from the planet Plaid? Semper Fi!

Entry #15 Somebody cut up a Futaba R/C transmitter for this? I hope it still functions so they can control a Mouse Droid while trooping dressed as an EU Bounty Hunter.

Entry #16 is a beautiful gun. Like the paint. Like the design. Real metal is always nice to see as an accent. Small complaint in the support for the sight and its fasteners could be cleaner, but at least they look functional.

Entry #17 High concept. Great modeling. Took for ever to spot the water pistol. Alas, the paint isn’t quite there. These still look like the plastic toys they started out as, when they should look like kick-ass steampunk artifacts. Needs a subtle wash of India ink in the crevices and some antique copper drybrushed on the high points.

Entry #18 Great gun, with a great backstory. Flawless modeling.
I just wish more had been done with the second hand grip. Needs one of those big 'tommy gun' ammo wheels.

Entry #19 A stunning design! This modeler has a real eye for the look of kick-ass weaponry. The weak links are the flat potato gun grip, and the fact that the scope could have been painted to match the rest of this awesome gun. Even if it only threw light I bet it’d kick like a mother.

Entry #20 This is another rifle that could easily pass as a Hollywood movie prop. The whole of the conversion seems to be some dry brush metal weathering and a few bits of wood and bar stock tacked on with drywall screws. I’m guessing the sight is old telescope parts.

Well those are my impressions. I hope I managed to say something positive about each entry but I realize most of it bordered on scathing, If you didn't like what I said about your entry, sorry nothing personal, I'm just telling you what I see.

Good luck to all the entrants

Jonny5

thedap wrote:

good honest reporting jonny5

you put the critic in critique :lol

maybe a bit harsh but you do encourage with the same penstroke.

I like something about every gun entered. It's all about us having fun and encouraging each other to push our own personal envelopes and share in the little victories.

unlike other boards, I think the community here is very supportive. no flaming wars to get toasted in here!

not everyone has a dad whos a tv repairman and has an awesome set of tools.(name that movie!) some of us make do with flint and clay tablets.

heck , i got a massive ammount of equipment at my disposal and I usually end up grabbing a hacksaw and a file because I feel like I 'm cheating when I fire up the lathe. Even so I'm amazed at what people manage to come up with, it blows away most of my ideas almost consistantly.

my only dissappointment is there's only 20 entries! next year I want to see twice as many entries.

even if its bailing wire and ductape on a dimestore squirtgun and some tru value primer. it's the concept that grabs the imagination. fit and finish, we all improve on with repetition.

I always learn something on every build I make, even if it's what NOT to do next time :lol

*no macaroni were harmed during the writing of this posting. (I don't know nothin' about no riggatoni, talk to my lawyer.)

lovemunkey187 wrote:

Outstanding work guys. A big well done to all of the entrants.

jonny5 wrote:

Entry #14 A magnificently designed build. I think the Space Marines would be proud to carry a hefty weapon like this sucker into battle. What is the deal with that checkerboard cammo? Are we fighting a race of colorblind people from the planet Plaid? Semper Fi!

I have to agree with Jonny5 here, outstanding build and would've been a six(I'm English, so I'll use cricket rather than baseball for my metaphors :p ) with a different paint scheme.

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

Quote:

even if its bailing wire and ductape on a dimestore squirtgun and some tru value primer. it's the concept that grabs the imagination.

Heheh I think we have a new "pasta joke" out of that one. Now how am I going to build somehting with that......

jonny5 wrote:

Yeah I was a bit harsh on some of em.
Maybe I'll upload an avatar of
Jon Lovitz's movie critic saying:
"IT STINKS!"

thedap wrote:

good honest reporting jonny5
you put the critic in critique :lol

maybe a bit harsh but you do encourage with the same penstroke.

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

You better be able to back up your critic's opinion with some first rate work. Or I for one am going to have some fun with your opinions....

jonny5 wrote:

Hey I can take it. I know how bad my stuff sucks.

I said up front these are all better that anything I could do. :whine

Someday you will look on in horror at the unenviable crap of which I'm capable. Not having my own entry to hold up against the others frees me of that 'mines better than that' ego thinking.

Here I get to pretend that I'm George Lucas telling others how I would utilize their designs, and what I would tweak if I was the guy writing the checks.

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

You better be able to back up your critic's opinion with some first rate work. Or I for one am going to have some fun with your opinions....

ToothTech · **Posted:** Dec 19, 2007

jackdoud wrote:

I really wish there was a way to pick a top three. That way some of the other good ones would at least get a vote and be eligible for a prize as opposed to only going with my favorite. As it is I would vote for one of the three that have the highest scores already but I think I might just vote for who I think should get 4th or 5th place just to see that they get on the spread.

ToothTech wrote:

Sadly, this software only allows us one vote each--I'm lucky, I don't have to vote! :lol

gunnerk19 wrote:

Argh................!

'Member way back when I said I was still shopping for my base gun? well, never happened to it's entirety, so betwixt mucho hours at work (116 hours the last 2 weeks) und der lackensie of disposable income, I had to sit this year out; And on top of that, I couldn't even spare time enough to vote :oops

Guess I'll try again next year, since it'll probably be that long before Kapowwe's military version Thompson SMG will be back in stock, and I'm thinking pulse rifle...

xardoz wrote:

ToothTech wrote:

Sadly, this software only allows us one vote each--I'm lucky, I don't have to vote! :lol

You could do it in three or four rounds of voting - this first poll would be for first place, then have another poll with the first place winner removed to determine second place, then another poll with the second place winner removed, and so on, until the prizes are all claimed.

Kind of a PITA, but workable.

ToothTech wrote:

We tried something similar on another forum, and it didn't work out very well

Rebel Merc wrote:

I just want to say you guys have made awasome spread of weapons and the back stories are great too. I went back to work in July and had no more free time so I am looking foward to next year to build what I wanted to do this year. I really wanted to show off a little but I've got a whole nother year to find parts. :lol

Captain Needa wrote:

Hopefully next year I won't be spending a month in florida and'll have time to make an entry.

thedap wrote:

yeah it seemed like I had all the time in the world until I read the "only a few days left!" message. :lol

now what the heck do I do with all this macaroni?

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

Save it tell next year.

Or make pasta and eat it all. :lol

thedap wrote:

every time I go back and look at all the entries, I second guess my vote!

kudos to everyone who got one (or two?) done for the contest.

can't wait to hear all the gory details :lol

tommin wrote:

Quote:

...more elbow macaroni needed!

Quote:

maybe if I leave off a little more pasta.......

Quote:

*Yells back to the kitchen* "Hurry Tony we need more pasta."

Quote:

*no macaroni were harmed during the writing of this posting. (I

don't know nothin' about no riggatoni, talk to my lawyer.)

Quote:

even if its bailing wire and ductape on a dimestore squirtgun

and some tru value primer. it's the concept that grabs the

imagination.

Heheh I think we have a new "pasta joke" out of that one.

Quote:

now what the heck do I do with all this macaroni?

Quote:

Save it tell next year.

Or make pasta and eat it all.

:lol

Wow!! I was doing a "keyword" google search for some Italian recipes this morning and fwAAAPPP!!! Here I am!! What's with all the macaroni references?

:p

ToothTech wrote:

Here are the winning entries!
FIRST PLACE – entry #6
SECOND PLACE – entry #1
THIRD PLACE – entry #18
FOURTH PLACE – tie – entry #11 & entry #17
FIFTH PLACE – entry #2

The voting is over, and this looks to be our biggest year yeat--thanks to everyone who participated.

OK, we have 6 prizes "on the blanket", and a tie for FOURTH PLACE....so what I'm planning to do is go ahead and "officially" announce the winners, but I'm going to hold off on listing the builders' names (so please do not announce which entry is yours

).

I'll contact First through Third to get their prize requests--after seeing what's left, I'll see what the tied builders for Fourth would like from the remaining prizes. If they each want the same thing, we'll have a tie breaker vote; if they want something different, no problem!

Congratulations to all of the entrants--you folks did a great job on all of these!

xardoz wrote:

While my entry was not amongst the winners, I'm proud to have put it up against such great entries.

So, when's the next contest? I'm ready!

Captain Needa wrote:

Alright everyone, how about some how I made it threads? :devil

ToothTech wrote:

I'm waiting to hear back from the First Place winner so I can get the tie for Fourth worked out

Once I get that sorted out, I'll post the builders' names and we'll hopefully get some WIP pics!

ToothTech wrote:

Here are the winning entries!

FIRST PLACE: entry #6 pulseriflefan
SECOND PLACE: entry #1 Aestivalis
THIRD PLACE: entry #18 thedap
FOURTH PLACE: tie - entry #11 WEM & entry #17 dudleywigley
FIFTH PLACE: entry #2 Aestivalis

HONORABLE MENTION: 3 way tie
entry #5: wolverine solo
entry #9: Zman
entry #19: sizzolo

OK, let's hear about those builds!

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

Well I finaly got some votes this year. :lol

Not enough to win but I am happy that I got a vote or two.

Good job to evey one else who entered.

xardoz wrote:

Mine was Entry #16. Other than my WIP Zoe Mare's Leg, this was my first blaster build ever, and I'm damn proud of my single vote!

Jonny5 didn't care for my scope mount, and I don't blame him. I had bigger plans for it, but time wouldn't let me finish it right and on time, so I chose "on time."

Thanks to everyone involved.

thedap wrote:

that barrel shroud looks really cool, what was it?

the finish on my gun was just graphite powder rubbed into the primer.

it looked better in the pictures than in real life, and you couldnt handle it much.

I clear coated it and now it look ALOT worse :lol

the mag is just an old squirt gun mag but the gun still shoots if you use the original mags.

ToothTech · **Posted:** Dec 19, 2007

xardoz wrote:

Thanks - It's from one of those cylindrical hair brushes chicks use. The perforations are where the bristles stick through. This particular one ($9 at Walgreens, IIRC) had a "quick release button which would retract the bristles into the shroud in the likely event of a tangle.

My wife goes through these things regularly. Would make for a cool suppressor/silencer shell, too.

jackdoud wrote:

I'm responsible for entry #7 "The Dungbeetle". That name came about due to humidity completely screwing up the paintjob. :rolleyes

I put a buildup on my website: http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/jdoud2/BBC2007.html

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

I actualy read about your entry the other day. I was reading on you site and saw it.

Nice site you have there by the way.

Fettbat wrote:

good job everyone you guys never cease to amaze. I am responsible for entry #20, not my best work but at least someone liked it, thank you whover voted mine! once again awsome job everyone

Apelord wrote:

Howdy folks,

I made #4. I don't have a lot of time for this stuff around this time of year, but I wanted to do something shiny this time. Thanks go out to whomever voted for me.

This was all done by hand, took about a week to do. I worked on it as much as time would allow. I loosley based it's shape on a "Derringer", hence the odd shape to it. Despite it's wierd appearance it is quite comfy to wield, and someday when I can finish it the way intended I will show y'all some pics.

The competitors this year ROCKED! You should all be proud of your work, and pay no never-mind to the armchair Quarterbacks. Keep it fun, keep it friendly, and most of all keep biulding groovy things!

---Ape

PS: Oh if only I HAD a CNC milling machine.......well it probly would've actually been finished :lol

dudleywigley wrote:

Hi all!

Congratulations to all who entered - some very nifty weapons out there!
I'm responsible for entry No.17 - the duelling pistols.

This was the first "custom" job I've done, all my other stuff has been replicas so I was extra pleased with the way the blasters turned out.

The build was very straightforward - just a couple of minor trims on the paintball guns, attaching the cut down sides of the pirate pistols and filling the grips with body filler. Scopes had the mounts ground down and screwed on and then it was finished off with brass rods and domes on the "business end" (ornate grip caps came from another pair of broken pirate pistols)

The screws on the grips have since been replaced by brass medallions which is much more in keeping.

I metallised all the bits that should be metal and gave it a grimy coat of wood-stain - the stock I kept satin black to give it an ABS/rubber look.

The missus and I have just returned from a holiday (or "vacation" if you are in the colonies) in Cornwall - great pirate and smuggling country here in the UK!

We startled the locals by having many cliff-top duels high above the crashing waves - brilliant fun! (although for some reason I managed to lose every time - chivalry is not dead!)

My portfolio can be seen at:

stentorindustries.com

This comp has inspired me to attempt a scratch-built maritime themed sail-punk ray-gun as my next project - will take a while as I've a few orders for the "Armstrong Siddeley Vibro-beamer" from The Adventures Of Luther Arkwright to complete.........

thedap wrote:

those dueling pistols rock!
love the back story, very faffish :lol

the fact they still work makes them all the more better! KUDOS!

hey Z-man I really liked your gun with the talon on the grip and you should maybe paint the other gun some. the green is too bright or something. the style of it is really good. maybe if you found a bottle like thesarge used on his gun, you could make a front grip sorta.

I would love to see thesarges gun in a colonial marine paint job.

the Q-ship dazzle paint gives me a migrain

I pretty much liked all the guns, they all had some nifty ideas I'm planning to steal next year

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

The main reason I didn't paint it was that I ran out of time. I built that thing in 2 days... I may make a front grip thats not a bad idea, seeing as a I need some where to stuff one more part of the electronics.

thedap wrote:

whats the base gun? a double dart gun?

looks pretty good for two days work...kinda like cramming for finals?

Z-Man12 (-)I love JK(-) wrote:

Its a tiger tek lazer gun. It should still will work when I get it all back together.
Yes I was cramming, thats for sure.

sizzolo wrote:

I was responsible for #19. Took one evening to make and the night for the glue to dry. Did a bit of weathering on the sunday morning and hey presto - potato cleaning bottle blaster thingie.

The idea for it took quite some time. I was thinking of making something larger more elaborate but then time ran out, there was a deadline extension and I went for my quick+easy plan. Once the idea for what parts to use was firm, just cutting and glueing it together was a breeze. The only annoying part was cutting out the walnut grips and sanding them down. Didnt have the right tools for it so it was a hasstle.

Didnt paint the scope with the same shade of black as it's a fully working decent scope. Painting it would make it a permanent write-off and didnt fit in with the minimalist budget plan.

Had to use the 'Easy off Bam' bottle as it just had the perfect name.

Also forgot to add my 'back story' when submitting. It was supposed to be a graviton gun, originally designed for use in the construction industry and later modified for military use. It's a 'Point+Click' weapon which locks on to your target and moves it wherever you point the gun - hence no recoil. Builders used it for scaffolding but soldiers used it for throwing tanks at each other etc. Can also be switched into 'user movement' mode which is useful for jumping large buildings or hooking on to starships when spacewalking.

thedap wrote:

loved the spud gun, nice alien feel to it.

how did you deal with the seams between the bottle and the spray caps and such?

sizzolo wrote:

...The seams - mostly sanded glue but sometimes I use putty (in this project I think it was only glue actually). The brand of putty I use is MMD Fast Drying White Putty. It drys fast and it's white.

You can get by without a lot of putty on something like this by using a two-part epoxy glue, splodging it out a bit and then sanding the glue down with needle files when its dry (grinds down like plastic). Goes without saying, the more accurate you make your measurements, the less putty/glue you need.

thedap wrote:

I always have trouble getting anything to stick to the slicker polyethylene types of plastic.

just when you think you got it...pop....

ToothTech wrote:

Archived 10/28/2007

2007 BBC/KAPOWEE CUSTOM BLASTER CONTEST

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