DLT19 Happy Trooper Build with Mods

[Aradun]

Greenyone posted an excellent build here of HappyTrooper's DLT19 DIY project.  I did this build about two years ago using Happy's tutorial and actual blueprints from an MG34 making some modifications to the build in light of the blueprints.  I don't recall from where I obtained the blueprints online, but I have a copy as a jpg and pdf.  The image is pretty large 89.5" x 46" and included top, bottom, left and right full views of the MG as well as several blowouts of other parts such as the site, etc.  I broke the image down into something that was printable on 8 1/2 x 11 paper and pieced the blueprint together.  I have those image files as well.  If anyone is interested just PM me and I'll email them to you.  

A few words on this build.  1) This was my first ever prop build and I wasn't really thinking about posting a build thread at the time so I didn't take too many photos.  2) Bondo was my best friend on this project.  I used a lot of Bondo to shape and blend various portions of the body that I added.  3) This entire body was sanded and shaped using a Dremel 4000 with 1/2" sanding bands.  And if you're thinking to yourself, that must have taken forever, the answer is not really.  The Dremel really allowed me to fine tune the shape of the body and with it running at full tilt on pine wood it made quick work over sanding by hand.

As for modifications, the first  I made was reducing the width of the body.  Happy uses three pieces of 3/4" wood to build the body.  I found that when comparing it to the blueprint that it was about 1/4" too wide.  I had two 1" stair treads left over from the remodeling of our basement and they were the exact length I needed for the main body and buttstock.  The overall width was reduced to 2" which matched up better to the blueprints.  

Here you can see the sanded buttstock lined up against the MG34 blueprint.   (Happy's templates are in the bottom left of the photo)

 Here you can see the body assembled, shaped, and nearly finished sanding.  That side flare (don't know what it's called on the actual MG) was an additional piece of wood glued to the main body and then Bondo was applied to build it up and shape it.  It was then sanded with the Dremel to obtain the curved shape.

Photos of my son holding the main body after the grip assembly had been attached.  I think I used two 1/2" pieces of plywood glued together to create the assembly.  The assembly has no greeblies.  The grip itself was created by sanding away the wood around it.  You can see it a little better in the second photo.  Still more sanding and shaping needed.

Here is a photo of the barrel against the blueprints.  I made some major mods to the choice of fittings to better match up against the blueprint.  Sadly I don't think I kept a record of the exact parts I used, but I did bring the blueprint with me to Lowe's so that I could layout the various pieces against the blueprint to see how best to piece it all together.  Got some interesting looks and sparked a few cool conversations too.  The major changes involved the muzzle, the tripod attachment and how the barrel connected to the main body. 

I also modified the barrel where it attached to the body so that it was removable for transportation if needed.  You can see it broken down in the photo below.  I forget the specific name of the compression fitting that is mounted to the body but it creates a super snug fit when inserted into the barrel.  It doesn't shift or move about and it's just a matter of lining up the holes on both pieces and you're good to go.  You'll also notice that I added the cooling fins onto the barrel.  You can see the full effect in the finished photos below.  They were created using plastic sheeting .80 thick for the base and .60 thick for the fin.  Then bonded with Plastruct Plastic Weld and sanded to give it a rounded edge. 

In the photo below, you can see how I added a none functional site and shaped the body just below it to match up  with the original MG body.  I also didn't use the conduit box that Happy used, choosing instead to use scrap wood and then shape it to match up with the blueprint.  The cocking rod is made from pvc pipe because the rod on the original MG was open and hollow so I bagged the dowel option.  I filled the pipe with Bondo about half way and inserted a screw to mount it to the main body. 

Here's the finished product which measures 48" which is the actual length of the MG-34.

[Aradun]

I'd love to add a scope to this to make it a DLT19x.  If any Pathfinders know where I might be able to pick one up, I'd be grateful for any recommendations. 

[Eagleskull]

Amazing work!!! Been thinking of making my own and this is great inspiration. 

[Aradun]

Thanks! Go for it! It’s definitely doable. I used a jigsaw to cut it out and a dremel to sand and shape it. You’ll also need access to a drill press and spade bit to cut the holes in the barrel. If you have that stuff you should be ready to rock.

If you’re interested in the original blueprints for the MG just PM me and I send them to you.


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[FO3Winger]

On 1/25/2020 at 3:57 PM, AradunFF said:

I'd love to add a scope to this to make it a DLT19x.  If any Pathfinders know where I might be able to pick one up, I'd be grateful for any recommendations. 

https://etsy.me/2QHjprv I came across this kit from 3DPropsNL on Etsy. $50.56 basic and $89.88 with the scope attachment. I’ve just got a typical BB gun scope on mine currently but I’d like to upgrade to something better eventually. 

[Aradun]

Thanks for this link! That’s a pretty reasonable price point and it looks like a great 3D print.


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