DIY: RT-97C Heavy Blaster Rifle Prop
SANDTROOPER WEAPONS
E-11
The E-11, is probably the most recognizable and popular Stormtrooper/Sandtrooper blaster. All of the Rebel heroes also get to test drive the E-11. While I didn’t scratch build an E-11, I did modify the Rubie’s costume accessory blaster to make it look a little more screen accurate. Click here for instructions on customizing the Rubie’s E-11 blaster.
T-21
This was the very first blaster that I scratch built. I used templates and instructions, provided by MEPD.net member: PandaTrooper. Details of this build can be found here.
DLT-19
The DLT-19 is also seen throughout the film. I recently completed this blaster as a scratch build, click here for instructions.
RT-97C
For just a few seconds, you can catch a glimpse of the 3rd Sandtrooper rifle: the RT-97C, based off of the German MG15 machine gun. The RT-97C gets a little more love in the Star Wars Battlefront first person shooter, and appears to be one of the most versatile weapons in the game.
I am pleased to announce that I have completed the 3rd and final Sandtrooper BFG. Here are a few photos of the finished product.
If you would like to have your own RT-97C prop, you are in luck! I have put together an instructional video on how to build one of these bad boys. All of the parts that were used were purchased from local hardware stores, and common hand tools were used to construct the blaster. Check out the video below to get started.
MATERIALS
PVC & WOOD TEMPLATES click here FREE
1” wood (¾” actual) for blaster handle click here $9
¼” wood for ammo drum mounting plate & handle grips click here $2
2” PVC pipe (2 feet) for body click here $5
2” -> 1.5” PVC reducer coupling click here $1
1.5” -> 1” PVC bushing click here $1
1” PVC pipe (2 feet) for barrel click here $3
½” EMT conduit click here $3
3” couplings x 2 for ammo drums click here $3
1” PVC coupling for muzzle click here 50 cents
Plastic sign for ammo drum covers click here $6
2” pvc cap fitting click here $2
1” Binding post screw to secure grips click here $1
Utility runner to cover ammo drum sides (2 feet to be safe) click here $5
½” diameter PVC sch 80 nipples (10”) for front scope click here $1
½” PVC coupling for front scope click here 50 cents
Shrub sprinkler head for front scope click here $2
#10 knob for scope greebly click here $3
1.5” corner braces to mount front scope click here $3
Rain bird 4” sprinkler for rear scope click here $4
½” to ⅜” hose barbs x 2 click here $7
½” x ½” x 12” braided supply hose line click here $5
90 degree corner angle plates for rear scope mount click here $2
#8-32 1” Oval head machine screws click here $2
#8 finishing washers click here $2
#8-32 nuts click here $1
#6-32 x ⅜” round head machine screws and nuts for ammo drum covers ~18 click here
#8-32 x ⅜” round head machine screws and nuts for both scope mounts click here $1
#8 1” wood screws to secure handle to 2” PVC pipe click here $1
#6 x ½” pan head sheet metal screws to secure 90 degree angle plate click here $1
¾” to 1-½” hose clamps x 3 for rear sight, and 2 on the 1” PVC pipe click here $4
7/16” to 29/32” hose clamp for top sight click here $2
TOOLS
Jigsaw
Hacksaw
Dremel or other rotary tool
Lexan scissors
Drill
Various drill bits
Screwdrivers
Center punch (optional)
Mitre box and/or vice
Clamps
Sandpaper (60, 120, 220, 400 grit)
Paintbrush
Star Wars Pencils
Ruler
Painters/Masking Tape
X-acto knife
Glass mat (optional)
FINISHING MATERIALS
E6000 adhesive
Rustoleum Painter’s Touch Flat Gray Primer
Rustoleum Painter’s Touch Flat Black Spray Paint
Varathane American Walnut stain
Varathane Polyurethane – Satin finish
Testors enamel: Brass
Testors enamel: Silver
Friction tape
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TK409 for the inspiration and ideas on the RT97c click here to visit his site
Bob Ross (Joy of Painting)…an inspiration to all
Opening “Blackboard” Apple Motion Template: available at Envato.com
Painting background image: available at 123rf.com
Tatooine background image: available at 123rf.com
Closing Tatooine background image: available at 123rf.com
Closing Song: Epic Hybrid Trailer by Simon Stevens available at Envato.com
i love your stuff…i build for IMPERIAL ARMORY,but i always to forget to record what i am doing..before i start any project on weapons i always check on your builds….great work ..more more john
Hello John, thank you for stopping by 🙂 I LOVE your stuff, I hope to be at your level one day. Keep up the great work. For those of you that need cool Star Wars props, be sure to check out John’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ImperialArmory/