The Aliens Legacy
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M56 Smartgun 'Hero' Build / Vasquez Tribute
http://forum.alienslegacy.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=14382
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Author:  M56 Smart One [ Tue May 13, 2014 5:14 pm ]
Post subject:  M56 Smartgun 'Hero' Build / Vasquez Tribute

Hey everyone,

I'm new here, and that's really pretty lame being that I've been a huge Aliens fan since I was 10 (over 20 years). I've been so consumed with Ghostbusters props (you have no idea) and just couldn't afford to get into Aliens for the longest time. Well, I've finished medical school and my training, gotten a solid job with a solid income, and IT'S TIME TO BECOME AN ULTIMATE BADASS.

As for the base gun, I did purchase an airsoft MG42 but I'm not convinced this is going to cut it...

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Another company is coming out with a nicer MG42 airsoft replica that I'd prefer to use but as of now the ETA of that gun is up in the air and I'm getting sick of waiting for official word on its release. I was kicking the tires on a real MG42 for sale out in California and still may go for it but not until I get a better look at it (going to California in a week and a half to see my Ecto-1 replica in progress). On that note, if anyone reading this knows of a real MG42 anywhere in the USA that may be available please PM me.


Now, as for some of the other odds and ends, I have ordered my BDU's from Spat already (and I believe it's coming up on the time where they're being produced...VERY excited). As you all know, there are so many rare parts to complete the puzzle, but I have landed some.

GPZ 750 switch in very nice shape...
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What?! Two of them?! This can only mean one thing... ... ...


I also managed to find something else that was quite a pain in the rear:

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Kawasaki AR-125 footpegs.

The footpegs are brand-new old stock and I sourced them in Sweden. It's amazing - the seller stated they had two of the left sided pegs and that the right sided peg (which is more rare) has been out of stock for a very long time. So, I figured what the hell, and ordered both of the left sided pegs. Well, when the package arrived and I opened it up, I was SUPER PUMPED to see that one of the left sided peg packages mistakenly contained a right sided peg! YES!!!!

Not only that, but I have sourced another authentic set of these pegs in the UK. So yes, two sets of the footpegs and two of the GPZ750 switches can only mean one thing... ... ...

Alright, I'll post some more photos in a bit but right now I have to head out for a little. I've got LOTS of updates to come and can't wait to share some of the things I have discovered.

Author:  Craig Hallums [ Tue May 13, 2014 5:20 pm ]
Post subject: 

Looks like you're off to a really good start. That was a lucky break on getting both side foot pegs. I'll be following this one with interest.

Oh, and welcome!

Author:  M56 Smart One [ Tue May 13, 2014 6:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re:

Craig Hallums wrote:
Looks like you're off to a really good start. That was a lucky break on getting both side foot pegs. I'll be following this one with interest.

Oh, and welcome!


Thank you! And yes, the AR-125 footpegs were tough...I'm just happy that I got two authentic sets. I may have my friend cast them in resin if anyone is interested in due time. I know Matsuo offers an outstanding M56 kit, but I'm not sure if anyone offers individual parts.

Author:  577_ops [ Tue May 13, 2014 6:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Starting an M56 Smartgun Project

A great start. Good luck!

What type of SteadyCam (arm/vest) do you plan to use?
I’m running the same project let me know if you need help.

Author:  Craig Hallums [ Tue May 13, 2014 6:09 pm ]
Post subject: 

Well I can't speak for anyone else but sometime down the line I'd be interested in buying the parts to make my own.

Author:  bigbisont [ Tue May 13, 2014 6:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Starting an M56 Smartgun Project

I have been following this MG model's "airsoft section" thread and have been eagerly awaiting the first documented smart gun build thread of one.
Besides the fact the handle has to remain to maintain airsoft functionality, what else is it that you are not happy with?

Either way, I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Author:  M56 Smart One [ Tue May 13, 2014 6:21 pm ]
Post subject: 

Alright guys, here is another batch of photos that I want to post up.

The headset, as most have found, is quite a challenge as well. Fortunately, I managed to track down a Beyerdynamic HM560 headset in Canada:

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I will have to do some more research, but it seems as though some people suggest that this is part of the headset:

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The Olympus OM T28 was a bit easier to find as they're on Ebay. I've seen some reference photos of Vasquez's headset and I can see why some people are wondering if the pieces for this were truly used to make the screen-used headsets. If anyone has any info on this, please let me know. I'm aware it may be on this board somewhere, but I haven't had much time to dig around the older posts (yet).

Oh, and being that Vasquez is my favorite marine, I had to track down something else...

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I found two of these screen-accurate bandanas. You'd think it would be easy to find the right bandana but type in 'red bandana' in any search engine and you will get a TON of erroneous results. I found two of these and they're brand new. Obviously I'm not going to dress exactly like Vasquez because I'm a dude, but I am half Hispanic, so I figured I can pose as her long-lost brother...


As of right now I am getting ready for a trip to California to visit my Ecto, and the neat thing about this trip is that I'll likely end up having lunch or dinner with someone quite interesting...allow me to explain...

I realize that most people use a newer steadicam setup because it's much more cost-effective and most people who are blown away by the site of an M56 would never know it was the wrong steadicam (or even care for that matter). I, on the other hand, am going for as close to 100% screen accuracy as possible. I searched our wonderful worldwide web for a Cinema Products Model III steadicam and came across a classified from 2010 from a guy in the UK who had one for sale. Well, I knew he had likely sold it, but I messaged him anyway. This guy turned out to be a TERRIFIC guy. We talked on Skype about steadicams and even Aliens (he actually visited Pinewood Studios multiple times during the filming and was involved with filming Alien 3). He ultimately suggested that I refer to another source to find the steadicam I'm looking for and through that process I met another steadicam operator here in the USA.

I sent a bunch of screen-caps and photos of reference of the smartguns from the film to this gentleman and he looked at them and directed me to yet another person. I contacted this third individual and it turns out that he worked for Cinema Products back in the 80's, and he designed/engineered and built all of the model III arms (I have been able to confirm this). Turns out that this guy is one of the top few steadicam resources in the world - and he is REALLY cool. More importantly, as he built all of the model III arms, he built the screen-used arms! He has clarified that he did not know which of the arms he built were used in the film - but he definitely built all of them during that time period (that's good enough for me). Anyway, enough about that...long story short, I am going to be meeting him when I'm out in California most likely. He is going to be building my steadicam arms (again, 2 sets of footpegs and 2 GPZ750 switches can only mean one thing). I will say this: THE ARMS ARE EXPENSIVE ($8000 a piece) but he is building them from the correct authentic parts that were used in the movie.

Even more interestingly, and I'm not sure if it's posted anywhere on this forum (or if anyone cares), but Drake and Vasquez actually had different steadicam arms. Thankfully, with the help of this awesome guy, he has ID'd everything on each arm and can make me exact replicas of each. Due to the expense, I'm having him make a replica of Vasquez's first and in due time when my Ecto-1 is finished I'll have him make me a replica of Drake's.

OK...you're all bored, sorry!

Author:  577_ops [ Tue May 13, 2014 6:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Starting an M56 Smartgun Project

What I found as of today (2 prototypes done and caned):

a) The trigger (motor part) means you either lose screen accuracy or AirSoft functionality if you leave it as it is
b) It’s not as detailed as the original MG 42. It’ is a little bit smaller and the “metal” is thinner/ weaker, but what can you expect comparing 8kg AirSoft with 14kg Original.
c) There isn’t much space to add Electronics (if you want Sound and muzzle flash like me)
d) I’m still not sure if it is really solid enough to be put on a SteadyCam arm without bending or breaking. (Testing to be done once I have done the final assembly)
e) As other state some parts could have been done with let’s say better Quality in mind.
f) Getting the struts (AR-125 footpegs) mounted can be a challenge

There also some very nice things to say, but bigbisont was asking to start pointing out the not so good thinks.

The good news compared to same resin builds is that you can make disassembling quite easy and reduce the space it needs.
It would be great to hear from other M56 builds with there experience.

Author:  577_ops [ Tue May 13, 2014 6:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Starting an M56 Smartgun Project

What an update M56 Smart One! :)

I like your red Bandana. Great find.
$8000 for an arm build by an Expert is not that expensive.
I heard $20000 for the original type and around $4000 for a clone. It’s like having an Armour from TE.

Very interesting post.

Author:  M56 Smart One [ Tue May 13, 2014 7:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Starting an M56 Smartgun Project

Haha, no problem - I'm just glad some people are already checking out my thread! Oh, and call me Adam...I couldn't resist my username (figured it was appropriate since I am a doctor...trust me, I'm not bragging about my job though nor do I think I'm better than anyone else).

Author:  Ttaskmaster [ Tue May 13, 2014 8:56 pm ]
Post subject: 

Holy BALLS, you found an SA bandanna????!!!!!
Find more and stockpile them.... and sell me one! ;)

Author:  M56 Smart One [ Tue May 13, 2014 9:08 pm ]
Post subject: 

I thought I was missing some photos that I wanted to post...and I was.

I'm going to need a few of these...

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I've got the belt tool as well...in the accurate brown resin. Fortunately my buddy Jack is into Aliens to some degree and has started making these (he offers them for excellent prices on Ebay too if any of you are looking).

Also, another really cool piece...

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My Seiko Pulsemeter. I know this isn't accurate in its current state, but I am not modifying it (I can live with an inaccurate watch). This is brand new, never worn, with the correct velcro wristband. I love it. I also have two of the Seiko M516 Voice Note watches as worn by the Ghostbusters...perhaps I'm becoming a watch nerd.

During this frantic dash to get a smartgun underway, I've taken up another expensive Aliens hobby too...

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Remember: short, controlled bursts.

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Game over man, game over!

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Alright sweathearts, so what are you waiting for, breakfast in bed?

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Look man, I only need to know one thing...where they are.

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Hey Hicks, man, you look just like I feel.

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I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit...it's the only way to be sure.

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Snarl (yes, I had to go there).

And the variant...
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These are all brand-new, never opened. I just need the power loader set and the collection will be complete. Yes, I have 3 Hicks...all flawless. I am not allowed to post things for sale (which they're not for sale anyway), but I would be open to trading one for a flawless/unopened Hudson, Vasquez or Apone if any of you have one.

Anyway, sorry, I know the Hot Toys figures aren't part of the actual build, but yeah, I love them, so I thought I'd share them!

Author:  88reaper88 [ Wed May 14, 2014 2:08 am ]
Post subject: 

I'm assuming your quite wealthy??? Or single? ;)

Kick ass gear buddy :)

Author:  M56 Smart One [ Wed May 14, 2014 2:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re:

88reaper88 wrote:
I'm assuming your quite wealthy??? Or single? ;)

Kick ass gear buddy :)


Haha, thanks. I do make a nice salary...and yes, I am single - there is no way I could afford this AND my Ecto-1 replica otherwise. If it wasn't for medical school loans I'd really be on a roll.


Also, I know I keep mentioning it, and you guys should all click the link in my signature to check out my baby! She's shaping up to what will be the most accurate Ecto-1 replica there is (using all true vintage parts just as used on the movie car...most who have attempted to replicate the car have cut corners and used newer items that "look" correct).

A teaser:
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Author:  CrashDown [ Wed May 14, 2014 10:55 am ]
Post subject: 

Hi Adam, i've been following your Ecto build on the RPF - that truly is a stunning amount of work, I cant wait to see it finished!

Author:  Outcry27 [ Wed May 14, 2014 4:59 pm ]
Post subject: 

Welcome to Infantry Support Division, Adam! ;) Looks like you've already tracked down most of the hard-to-find pieces. You're off to a great start! Keep this pace up and you'll be swingin' springs in no time. Speaking of which, I'm going to be super jealous of your arm when it's done.

There's a handful of us here on the AL who have managed to get their hands on the screen-accurate vest - off the top of my head I know Kevin Berges ("25-Serria") has one, and my scratchbuild was built using patterns from one belonging to an old Legacy member, for starters. Keep us posted on the build, and when it comes time for the vest I'm sure we can help you out. I would also recommend contacting Matsuo, our resident Resin God. He can provide you the additional from-scratch bits you'll need to finish your build. He's also the only source I know of for an accurate chest plate.

Oh, and before I forget: if you're planning on doing anything electronics-wise with the gun, there's an old wiring tutorial I put together for the GPZ-750 switchgear that might be of use to you. You can find it here.

Best of luck, and keep us posted!

Author:  M56 Smart One [ Wed May 14, 2014 6:32 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks buddy! I'll eventually have two arms...and two guns...a replica of each is in order! I would love to chat with you at some point. I hope that some of you guys posting in here are going to Dragon Con. I will be there with my Ghostbusters squad and also doing it up as Rick 'Wild Thing' Vaughn from Major League. I'd LOVE to bust out the USCM gear this year, but it won't all be ready as I refuse to rush the project because that will lead to mistakes.

Oh, and yes, I'm having a bit of a tough time tracking down a screen accurate steadicam vest...I really, really hope I can find one.

Author:  577_ops [ Wed May 14, 2014 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re:

M56 Smart One wrote:
Thanks buddy! I'll eventually have two arms...and two guns...a replica of each is in order! I would love to chat with you at some point. I hope that some of you guys posting in here are going to Dragon Con. I will be there with my Ghostbusters squad and also doing it up as Rick 'Wild Thing' Vaughn from Major League. I'd LOVE to bust out the USCM gear this year, but it won't all be ready as I refuse to rush the project because that will lead to mistakes.

Oh, and yes, I'm having a bit of a tough time tracking down a screen accurate steadicam vest...I really, really hope I can find one.


>Thanks buddy! I'll eventually have two arms...and two guns.
:roll: Two! Life is unfair! LoL

>I refuse to rush the project because that will lead to mistakes.
Wise decision. You will enjoy the DragonCon anyway especially if you don’t have your heavy Smart Gun with you at the parade.

>… tracking down a screen accurate steadicam vest...I really, really hope I can find one.
Perhaps Matsuo and Kevin could help you on this one.

PM me if you have questions.

Author:  Outcry27 [ Wed May 14, 2014 8:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Re:

577_ops wrote:
>I refuse to rush the project because that will lead to mistakes.
Wise decision. You will enjoy the DragonCon anyway especially if you don’t have your heavy Smart Gun with you at the parade.


Hey now. I enjoy the parade with my heavy smartgun just fine. ;)

With regards to the vest... the 3A is indeed an elusive beast. You sound like you can afford one pretty readily, so that takes care of hurdle #1 (the vest is far less expensive than the arm, anyway). The trick, of course, would be *finding* one. They occasionally pop up for sale on various camera operator forums, or even on EBay once in a blue moon; just like with the rest of these crazy parts, it really comes down to luck of the draw. That's why it's so fortunate that we still have a couple of members with genuine 3A vests in the group - like as not, it may turn out to be more feasible to have one built for you, so at least we have some originals around as a reference.

Author:  M56 Smart One [ Wed May 14, 2014 11:18 pm ]
Post subject: 

Haha, I will be in touch with all of you guys...trust me; I'm just busy at the moment with Ecto stuff (just found something I've been searching for for over 2 and a half years...I NEED to make it happen).

As for the weight of the gun, I'm used to weight. My proton pack weighs between 30-40 pounds and it's mounted on an LC-1 ALICE frame...no support whatsoever in other words. I'm sure the M56 will be worse, especially since I'm a small dude, but totally worth it. This past year's dragon con parade was brutal mainly because of the ridiculous 90-minute wait in the ridiculous nearly-100-degree temp. Hopefully this year's is better. But yeah, I'd love to get my M56 down there when it is finished for DCON.

I do have some other M56-related stuff on the way as we speak...I will post photos when the stuff arrives!

- Adam

Author:  MattRendar [ Thu May 15, 2014 4:07 am ]
Post subject: 

Simply wow ! Great build thread amazing stuff ! Your on way to join us smart gunners ;) the whole hobbies a lot of fun . It's like a crazy scavenger hunt . I remember when my eBay seller told me my Beyer dynamic headset was lost in the mail ! Only to find it in the mail weeks later ! Yay . Can't wait to see your build come along . Great collection of hot toys figs . I have Vasquez and drake go figure ;) we'll I look forward to your dive into the corp ! Welcome aboard

Author:  nickdaring [ Thu May 15, 2014 5:38 pm ]
Post subject: 

Great thread! Cool to find the original people would made the stuff back in the day. COngrats on that!

Author:  M56 Smart One [ Tue May 20, 2014 12:05 am ]
Post subject: 

Well, just a small update this time around (sort of). Well, I went ahead of purchased a Pentax lens in an impulse-buy because it was $7 with shipping but it turned out to be a 50mm Pentax 110 (darn). Fortunately, I found the correct 18mm one quite easily and it was only a few days before my baby arrived:

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During the past 2 weeks I also tracked down another set of Kawasaki AR-125 footpegs. So yes, I now have three sets of them (perhaps a set will be for sale at some point when I am allowed to sell on here). I also have been offered a set of Noble's awesome screen-printed patches and I am super psyched about that! The shoulder lamp process is also underway and I'll post photos when I really get going on this project (I'm still in the component-sourcing portion of the project as you can see).

Those of you who have posted here can expect me to eventually touch base - I've just been busy and am heading to California next week to see my Ecto-1. I'll definitely be in touch sometime after I get back.

Thanks!

-Adam

Author:  M56 Smart One [ Sat May 24, 2014 1:31 am ]
Post subject: 

Another quick post before my Ecto-1 California visit...

These arrived from New Zealand today:

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Three of the hard-to-find Neutrik NCLNEFC connectors for the smartcam plug...and no, I'm not building 3 smartcams...unless I can find 2 more Beyerdynamic HM560s perhaps.

Author:  septic [ Mon May 26, 2014 12:10 am ]
Post subject: 

New Zealand you say ... :D

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