First off: I realize that we have a very robust 'airsoft arena' forum on this board. However, this idea involves several components and input that I feel should not be limited to that forum. It involves utilizing an airsoft Thompson M1A1, an OEM SPAS 12 handguard, and an assortment of additional components to make the final project come together like it should.

It has been some time since my last production run of these adapters. Since that time, the G&P kit seems to have overtaken the market as a quick solution for a semi-functional replica. The approach I took is a little more challenging but, it is arguable that the payoff is well worth the toil.

Case in point:



Reference Bapty image against my prototype PR. This is based on a Tokyo Marui Thompson M1A1. Since the time of this photograph, I have made several adjustments to the adapter. This next production run will include several more subtle details that I have found to be noticeable improvements.

After enhancements and additional alignment, you can expect it to look something like this:



Currently, I am working out some additional details on materials quotes, and specifications to fit the A.C.M. Thompson M1A1. Sorry, the project is still on the level of baby steps at this point.

I am involved with an assortment of replica prop forums so this may go to email if it ever comes to fruition. In any event, if you would be interested in becoming a part of this active project, please don't hesitate to post up or email me.

There is some additional information about how this adapter actually works here: m41a.com. It is one of the most current articles at the moment.

Thanks for your time.

_________________
Tom

Here's a poor photo (but fast loading! ) of another one made by Tom...





Russ

_________________
"A writer needs a pen, a painter a brush, and a filmmaker an army." - Orson Wells.

http://www.rookscastle.com
http://www.alchemyarms.com

Hey Tom. Weld free Spas cage fixage? Im in for one.

If I get hold of a SPAS cage, I certainly be in for one for my hero build

_________________
A11/TQ1.0.32150E1 Murphy, J - Covert recording headcam. There is no flashing red light when you are on Kona-Cam
Weyland-Yutani: Their projects are intentionally full of bugs. Avoid!

Tentatively interested.

_________________
Jay Pennington

Most defenitely interested, although I think Tom is already aware of this.

The photos looks great to me. Glad to see that you are going to build up another one. I'm still undecided on the GL part for yours. It is my ultimate goal to install a deac 870 in mine.



Yessir. No welding required. It was my initial goal to develop a way to build up an airsoft PR with the appropriate found parts and still be able to return the Thompson back to it's original condition. That is, if anyone would every dream of doing such a thing.



I've been working on an order for a few of those but, Simon may still have some. Hopefully, he will see this thread and chime in about them.



Tentative is better than none. Thanks!!



Yessir but, thanks for the reminder.

_________________
Tom

Yep, i would be up for one.

Any idea where i can get a metal front block from?

Jon

Phil. S.

http://props.steinschneider.com/index.html

Highly recommended

_________________
My stuff :- http://www.yourprops.com/view_items.php ... onedog7563

Yup. That is where I have purchased mine in the past.

Polishing up the list and trying to make sure I have everyone's correct contact info. This is what I am seeing...

Email contact confirmed (THANK YOU):

"Mike"
"Guy"
"Mark"
"Richie
"Steve"
"Harry"
"Thee Yeti"
"Thomas"
"Tom"
"Roman"
"IRONMAN"
"Chris"
"BurtKona"
"Jon"
"JediFraz"
"Ripstick"
"Stephane"
"Treadwell"
"Tim"


EDIT: Cleaning up the list.

_________________
Tom

email sent

_________________
A11/TQ1.0.32150E1 Murphy, J - Covert recording headcam. There is no flashing red light when you are on Kona-Cam
Weyland-Yutani: Their projects are intentionally full of bugs. Avoid!

Excellent. Thanks!!

Jon/28injection your compuserve.com addy appears to be down.

_________________
Tom

PM'd

Hi Tom,

Have replied to your email a couple of times but no response... Just wanted to check they were getting through as I don't want to miss out again!!!

Put me down for 2 or 3! Depending on price.

Hey Tom!

Sorry for the delayed reply -- been uber busy as of late.

Cross me off the MIA list and count me in for a handful of these babies -- three... possibly four.

_________________
Rick "Ripstick"
A03/TQ3.0.12142E1

Sorry for the delay, treeboar. Message returned... and thanks for getting back to me on this.

Not a problem, Rick. I had figured you were busy. Current list has been updated.

_________________
Tom

There have been some very good questions to come up about a few things that I either forgot, or didn't even think to mention in the original interest post.

Some have asked about the amount of modification needed for this to fit inside a MIM resin PR shroud package. IMHO, very little. There is a small 'L' shaped piece of material located in the forward section of the shroud halves that need to be removed. That area is depicted in this image.



This is pretty easy to remove with a rotary tool and a little patients. You won't have to be too incredibly neat here because it is hidden on the outside. There is plenty of bulk in this area and the shroud halves do an excellent job at hugging the rest of the airsoft Thompson receiver, anyway.

If you are using a set of Matts vac-formed shrouds ....(ahem... or hand forged alumunim ones... *nudge* *nudge*), no extra modification will be necessary.

A few others have asked about the Bapty 'hero' and the use of an actual Thompson barrel. After searching through some more reference pics, I found this close up of one of the last remaining Bapty PRs.



I'm not sure if this one is THE GL firing unit or a demilled Thompson blank firing unit. But, it is clear that there is no stock Thompson barrel installed on this one. I welcome any and all input from anyone that might have a better idea on these guns.

BTW, Russ: I was looking at some reference images on Phil's site earlier this morning. One of your pics above could almost pass for a spot on replica to one of those pics over there. I was kind of proud to see that.

In any event, it looks like there may be enough interest to actually do this again. Currently, I am still waiting to hear back from a few folks that had asked to be on the update list as well as another materials quote. Unfortunately, I can not make any promises on pricing, yet.

...but I will do what I can to make you fellas proud of me.

_________________
Tom

Tom,

PM query sent.

Thanks!

Stay safe,

Tim.

_________________
"There's no problem that can't be solved with enough C4 and the right paperwork. "

"AKA Halo_Predator."

Damn... You know, depending on cost, I may have to break my "Only one more" rule. Curses on the company making $120 electric airsoft Thompsons! Where were you guys years ago when I started building these?

Russ

_________________
"A writer needs a pen, a painter a brush, and a filmmaker an army." - Orson Wells.

http://www.rookscastle.com
http://www.alchemyarms.com

*Bump*

Look what arrived in the post today:





So that's the first part of my new 'Hero' PR attained, with a couple more bits coming from friendlyskies soon.

_________________
Steve
Corporal in 69th Regt. 1st Batt. Homer’s Heroes.

"I'd like to die at the age of 80 in my own bed, with a belly full of wine and a girl's mouth around my c**k."

Mine too!

Thanks Tom...

Mine arrived at work this morning.

_________________
A11/TQ1.0.32150E1 Murphy, J - Covert recording headcam. There is no flashing red light when you are on Kona-Cam
Weyland-Yutani: Their projects are intentionally full of bugs. Avoid!

Tom,
your spas cage adapter is fantastic.
I received it this morning. Now, I'm back home and I just instaled it on my Chinese Thompson. It took me 5 minutes to install it. It fits amazingly.
I'm just not sure about the two extra bolts and nuts. I guess it is to attach the vents to the spas cage but I'm not sure.
Now, I have to find a Maruzen 870 or a cheap Tanaka m870...
I will now be able to work again on my alluminium shrouds now I have all the main parts puted together.

Thanks again Tom for your outstanding work.

Take care.

Stephane

Looking at my picture above, if you mean the two in the little bag, then I thought they were for attaching the adapter to the Thompson.

_________________
Steve
Corporal in 69th Regt. 1st Batt. Homer’s Heroes.

"I'd like to die at the age of 80 in my own bed, with a belly full of wine and a girl's mouth around my c**k."

Hi PVB.
Here the answer from tom about this two bolts and nuts in the separate little bag: "BTW, those two small screws are for attaching the barrel heat sink to the forward end of the SPAS12 handguard".
You can see it in the tutorial called "how it works"on Tom's site.


Stephane