Hi all, ages since I have posted on here but I do pop by whenever I can. Hope you're all well.
A few years ago I got the HCG Pulse Rifle which now hangs on my wall - It's such a great piece. I've been out of the loop for a while and discovered recently that HCG also released the M240! I've always loved the idea of having the 2 strapped together on display and so I recently ordered the M240 - It's due any day!
So to complete the ensemble I want a Tracker/locator tube - ironically I used to own the SD Studios version but sold it on here in Base PX a few years ago!!! So yesterday I went out to my garage and decided to attempt to make a locator tube. I actually work as a prop maker, mostly for BBC Children's shows here in Manchester. I keep fairly busy and don't get much free time to do things like this. Anyway, this is where I'm at so far. It's def NOT screen accurate in it's dimensions or appearance but I just see it as a nice little touch to add to the set up once I tie them together. You'll see from the pics that I have used a clear plastic tube that I cut down, then I have taken a screen grab of the readout and laminated it, I'll simply tape this inside the tube. I decided to use some kids 'funky' foam for the outer case. We use it quite a lot for makes in Kid's TV. I cut a piece to size and scored it with soldering iron. Then I got out my acryllics and attempted to mix up a colour as close as I could get to brown bess, it's not perfect but I also plan to weather and distress, plus there's going to be a strip of duct tape across a good chunk of it.
It's a bit ski whiff (wonky) but I think I can live with it. I'll post pics of it as I progress later today.

i love that, Im stealing that idea. you could also add electronics really easily or at least an LED.

Steal away! ha - here's some pics of the finished result - definitely NOT my best work, very wonky and a bit slap dash (especially compared to some of the incredible work that some of you guys produce on here) but I'm happy enough with it. I'll add some pics of some sci fi props I made for 'SOLIS' - small budget feature that was on Netflix recently, starring Steven Ogg of The Walking Dead/ Westworld - I was left very much to my own devices with the props and the Alien Films/Isolation were definitely an inspiration!
Anyway, back to the Locator Tube - For the ends of the tube I just used some hose connections that I had lying around, they were a perfect fit! Then I added a little screw and weathered the whole thing slightly. Look what arrived yesterday too! Very pleased with the HCG M240 - it's a great piece, it looks a little pristine so I do want to scuff it up a little, along with the Pulse Rifle, and then I plan to make a themed Display Stand (wall hanging) to hang them both on together - they're VERY heavy so I'll have to think that through carefully.

that looks great. nice work

Here are a few progress pics. I've had my PR for a fair few years now and it's been on display for that time in my home. I like the finish on it but have always been tempted to add some weathering and distressing. Now that I have the M240, which looked just that bit too pristine and clean I have decided to just go for it and weather both. I think that the rule with weathering is 'less is more' very easy to get carried away though, then there's no going back so I'm approaching it very carefully. I'm quite pleased with the results so far and am using various techniques. I think I may have slightly overdone it in places but it's coming along nicely, still a way to go though on the PR black parts.