1

Topic: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

Who says you can't print a gun on a SD2?

It ain't too great for a first test run (the fitting is a bit off), but it's a prime example of what can be done for some pieces, and it's totally LEGAL! smile

http://www.kenzden.com/download/ppg.jpg

There are 5 pieces:  The main body, the handle grip, and 3 body pieces that make this up.  I took a Lightwave model OBJ from someone's site (http://kuzey3d.blogspot.com/2010/02/babylon-5-ppg.html) as a base reference and re-built the pieces from the ground up using photos from here (http://jerrysrobots.com/scifiweapons/?p=24).  I broke the model down into pieces that would be easiest to print without support.  The grip does have to use support as I have no way to orient the model without it.  Took a little filing to remove the support and it still is a bit small for the fit (I'll be working on that).  The barrel, under-barrel, and power cap are not shown as this is only half a model for fit purposes.

I hot-glued the pieces together to see how it came together and it's pretty respectable.  I need to work on the bolts to make sure that they are visible, and I have to remove the hole in the handle as it's just getting in the way and serves no purpose other than looking right for the model.

2

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

Is that a "gun" or a plastic object that is shaped like part of a gun?

3

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

The latter, I'm afraid...

Just a test to see that I could model costume pieces if I had to.  The gun controversy just happened to be a suitable choice of modelling as some cosplayers tend to need accurate weapons and don't want to try to build them by themselves.

A nice possible revenue stream...

4

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

id love to see a fully assembled one. I saw someone with a solidoodle printed the improved imperial blaster on thingiverse.

5 (edited by ysb 2013-01-29 12:20:08)

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

nice try...

i  followed the same path for my cosmodragoon (12 pieces, 24 hours total print.. it's the cpt harlock gun)... you can do cosplay part without problem with a sd2..

Post's attachments

harlock2.jpg
harlock2.jpg 134.36 kb, 2 downloads since 2013-01-29 

IMG_20130129_054830.JPG
IMG_20130129_054830.JPG 180.04 kb, 2 downloads since 2013-01-29 

You don't have the permssions to download the attachments of this post.

6

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

Nicely done, ysb!

Did you use a silver/grey filament, or just paint it silver?  Did you finish it in acetone, or just sand down and paint?

12 pieces?  That's about what mine will end up being as getting the details on the body require they be printed separately, but yours is definitely larger.  Mine is about the size of a SW .38 snub nose.

The inset hex bolts are modeled into the pieces, but the protruding ones are modeled into their respective pieces to print better (now, as they were too small on the original print above).  I'll probably have to modify the handle to have more perimeters as it seems a bit light at 5.

7

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

no.. i use a white filament then a partial sanding, and i paint it with a "bronze" paint for plastic garden chair.

this model is "static" (no moving part), and i will try to do a "moving" one (one where you can open the gun, and remove the bullets cylinder, moving trigger ..etc... not a tru "double action" trugger system.. but something fun to use.. wink )

the model will be based on the real "dragoon" colt. i found a full version on grabcad that i will use as a base, then add the special part of the cosmodraggoon..

8

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

That does add to the flair for sure, but I think you're in for a world of testing to make sure that the fit is right, especially for the bullets in the cylinder.  Hope you have your calibrations right.  I have enough problems trying to get the grip to fit the body.  I had to manually move the vertices of the handle to make clearance for fitting the grip onto it.

As for action, you could probably rig up a rubber band in the main to flex the trigger giving you the action.  replacing it may be problematic, unless you make a compartment with a removable door that you'd just hot-glue into place so you can get at it at will.

9

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

use a spring from a pen

10

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

Doh!  that's what I'm using on a button for another project!  Silly what we forget from moment to moment

Heh, thanx Manx!

11

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

glad i could help

12

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

Wow. Those are both extremely impressive. I've been doing some conceptual sketches for a cosplay type sidearm of my own, but it'll be a while before it sees the light of day. You guys are far better at 3D modeling than me, I think. You've given me something to shoot for, though!

13

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

you can search on thingiverse... there is a rescent parametric armor gauntlet that you can use as a base.. i don't like to re imagine the wheel... i start always from a base... for the moment..

14 (edited by cckens 2013-09-04 04:34:22)

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

Mark 2 version.  This is now a learning experiment to teach me how to modularize a model for easy parts replacement.

http://www.kenzden.com/download/PPG-Mk2.jpg

Same basic specs as before, but now the hardware is being held on by actual socket cap screws.  Tiny, but effective and they look a lot better than the printed versions. 

Also, the power cap and socket on the back was modified to print a bayonet connection so that the piece could  be removed and added for effect. 

The trigger is now a modeled piece that fits into a cavity in the body.  With a spring, there is a little action for the trigger pull; just giving a little feedback to the user.

The handle is now 3 pieces.  Two sides of the grip and the main handle piece which is glued into the main body.  The two handle pieces can be glued onto the handle or you can drill out the circles on the grips and use a couple of mating bolts to lock it onto the handle piece.

The sign is only necessary if you bring it out in public... smile
I brought this to the Strategicon Gateway Convention (www.Strategicon.net) and was just showing it around.  Too many people asked if it was 3D printed and if it actually worked... Really?!?  Seriously?!?  So the sign was mostly necessary.

EDIT:
And because sex sells... have a cosplayer (Kryssie) posing with the gun
http://www.kenzden.com/download/Mk2-PPG-a.png

15

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

The work you guys have in these is amazing. Here I am contemplating 'maybe' building some props and parts, a few robots and I find here that I have a lot to live up to!

So ... finish my girlfriend's robot then start work on the props, see if I can make this thing work for me.

16

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

Nice.  Look forward to when it's ready to be shared so I can make mine!

17 (edited by cckens 2013-09-09 04:24:10)

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

OK, I've decided to post the STL's of the pistol.  I don't normally do this as I take pride in the time and work that I've put into this and believe me, this took a long time to get it to where it is.  If you print it, please give me some credit as to the design.

This is the original Mark2 design with printed socket caps and screw heads.  If you want to add real hardware you'll need to find what fits and then drill into the parts to fit them.  I used these socket screws from www.boltdepot.com.  YMMV

4986    Socket cap, Alloy steel black oil finish, #4-40 x 1/2"   
12646    Socket flat head, Alloy steel black oil finish, #3-48 x 3/8"


A few points to ponder...

  • The STL attached to this post is the same one that appears in the zipfile, so you don't have to download it.  It's just there to show you what one of the parts looks like.

  • These parts DO NOT NEED SUPPORT!  The only pieces that would need support have it modeled into the part and the curved structures that don't need it, don't have it.

  • The original size is inaccurate!  Print it at 40% scale rotated so the beauty-side is up.  20% infill is more than enough to ensure rigidity, but I've been able to print it with 10%.

  • This model was designed with a .3 mm layer height in mind.  If you choose to go finer, feel free, but it will still look good at .3 mm;  it will just take a lot longer to print.

  • All parts are either [name] or [name]-r.  The "r" denotes a reversed part.

  • There are a lot of parts, but the Guide, Clip, Panel and Safety only need to be printed once.  Unless you want both sides to look the same, the print the "r" versions as well.

  • The trigger will accomodate a small spring behind it to give it some feedback.  It isn't required, but it does make it feel a little better.

  • The back end of the main body is a bayonet connection.  It WILL print weird but that's how it works. When the 2 halves are joined it allows the power cell to slide in and twist lock into place.

  • If you have trouble with print curling, do not attempt this model until you feel you've got it licked.  If the 2 halves curl they will not join correctly and you will have to take means to get them to mate together.  I've tried acetone vapor and heat softening and they do not work as well as getting properly printed pieces.  If you have any curling in the first 2 layers, abort the print unless you can secure it back to the bed properly.  Trust me, you spend less time in finishing with properly printed, un-warped parts.

As a last... I'm releasing this only here... not on Thingiverse or anywhere else for that matter.  I would appreciate it if it didn't make it out there.  I know that I cannot stop it once it hits the web, but from a community standpoint, I would ask that you respect this and do not just pass it on.  I could sell the design easily, but I'd much rather that it be more open than that as it was a learning experience for me.  If someone really wants it, tell em to find it and download it, don't make it easy for 'em.

Post's attachments

MainBody-b.stl 295.2 kb, 25 downloads since 2013-09-09 

PulsePistol.zip 814.52 kb, 21 downloads since 2013-09-09 

You don't have the permssions to download the attachments of this post.

18

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

Wow. Thankyou.

My next major design project was going to be some form of prop gun, I haven't figured out what yet. But having this to look at will really help me avoid some mistakes and give me a bit of a starting point.

I wont share it, and of course will credit where it's due if I print it or base anything on it.

(and of course I'll share mine too)

19

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

ok, that's just awesome.

thanks for sharing the files on this one.

20

Re: Cosplay test piece - Babylon5 PPG

This is fantastic work....

I have been learning sketch up to try my hand at a few prop pieces I have always wanted, and your work her is inspiring! smile

-Skyler101