HALO 4 Replica Build: BR85HB-SR… Master Complete

So a couple of days ago, after two and a half months longer than originally anticipated, six months to the day since the original post here, the battle rifle master was complete! The master is the finished original build that doesn’t get used, but gets moulded so that the final strong, lightweight plastic resin versions can be cast from the moulds.

The delay was simply a lack of experience on my part- it turns out that if you want to finish something to a professionally high standard, all the layers of priming, sanding from 220 grit on up to 2000 grit and clearcoat applications take just as long as the build itself. Of course, I was entirely unaware of that going in.

If you’re interested in the details of that finishing work, I produced a video guide on it while working:

That was, admittedly, a not-insignificant portion of the delay in finishing, since 30-minute videos are non-trivial to put together even when conceptually simple, but since I hadn’t really seen any information on it prior to starting I thought it was important to share at least my initial experience with others in that position. My techniques may change over time, I don’t know. If they do I’ll probably do another updated video.

I think that’s about it, so let’s get to the photos!

The first mould is done, gotta go out and grab some more hot glue before I can continue.

I have another commission right now, but I’m hoping to get the first run of five kits turned out by the end of this month, maybe early May. Only one is currently reserved as I recall. First run will be $230+shipping. Pretty cheap, I know, but I gotta try to recoup those crazy silicone costs. If there’s demand, there may be more after that at a slightly higher price point.

~Rob