[richman992]

I'm creating this thread as a way to keep track of progress in my builds, and have everything in one place. It will help me organize and see a timeline of things, and also opens things up for questions or suggestions.

With that out of the way, this is the current project:

If you've played the Nuka-World expansion of Fallout 4, you probably recognize this gun. I've flipped the images because in the game, the charging handle and selector switch are on the left side of the gun. Since I don't have the ability to make a new receiver/bolt, I'll have to get as close as possible with the E&L AKM receiver I have:

I was fortunate enough to have the handguard and suppressor on hand already. Thanks to Craigslist, I was able to score a beat up shovel to steal the handle from. Mounting the "stock" was very easy, once I cut it down I simply marked where the rear trunnion goes into the stock, and bored it out until it was a tight fit.

The next thing I'll be doing towards this build is a mag conversion. I managed to get my hands on a real steel slabside magazine, so I will be converting that into an airsoft magazine for this. I'll be practicing on a couple Chinese magazines before I cut into the slabside, though. I'll be taking pictures throughout the process for anyone curious about doing their own conversions.

I'm also currently working on an Aftermath Kraken for a teammate. The goal with this one is pretty simple, he just wants it to be a "sleeper" with better response and a higher ROF. It will get the basic HT motor, 13:1, reshim/aoe that I do with most of my personal guns. I managed to pull it all apart today to get started, and was greeted by yet another Cyma gearbox:

At least I'll have spare shims for the rebuild.

 

[richman992]

I was able to make some more progress on the Handmade Rifle build. I poached some internals from another E&L that is down for a external overhaul and got them installed. It's really nice to see this build starting to take shape.

Slabside conversion was also a success. I started getting low on time so I didn't get pictures this time, but I've still got more magazines to convert. Rather than use Cyma internals like I've seen others do, I opted for a D-day varicap. I think the feed better, and the variable capacity is just a nice bonus.

The receiver is also marked to drill for the side dovetail mount. For "authenticity" I'm going to rivet it on myself. It won't look factory, and that's what I want.

I also stumbled on someone selling more old farm tools, and found a pitchfork handle that looks EXACTLY like the one in the game. So it looks like I'll be pulling the current stock off and fitting this new one instead.

As it stands now, this is what is left:

-Attach dovetail mount
-Detail and attach wood pistol grip
-Redo shovel handle stock
-Make these E&L externals RUSTY
-Kill the Ghouls in Super-Duper Mart

 

[richman992]

Finally refinished the stock on my Cyma RPK-74. After a lot of thinking, I decided to do a Black Cherry/Ebony layered stain on the stock. I actually remembered to take pictures during the process this time for anyone interested in the process.

First steps are very easy. Sanded off the factory "terrible tan" stain. I then added a layer of Black Cherry stain. I personally apply my stain using a rag. After this layer dried, I sanded the whole piece again using 150/220 grit. I went heavier in some areas so the 2 stains would blend a little better.

http://imgur.com/760b3z6

I've now added a layer of the Ebony stain, and sanded once again. I wasn't anticipating how dark this particular stain was, so I knocked it down fairly heavily when I sanded again. I don't want pure black, but more of a dark plum color with notes of black.

http://imgur.com/sLXI4eL

Now here it is with the second layer of Black Cherry added. I think I actually overdid it on the previous sanding, so it turned out a little less black than I had hoped.

http://imgur.com/12b1fPC

After finishing it with a glossy urethane, the stock looks great. I'm very pleased with the results, although I think my layering technique could still use improvement. Stock was also shimmed to the receiver, so no more wobbly stock!

http://imgur.com/oalMakp

And here is the final product, with newly mounted Zenitco RPK handguards. Despite its size this one is slowly becoming one of the favorites in my collection. It is also the first RPK I've owned!

 

[Guges Mk3]

Did you know you can post images directly in message....like this:

 

[GrimWolf0770]

Dam your builds are cool rich.

 

[GrimWolf0770]

That shovel handles not the same.> ok I'm done being evil for now!

 

[GrimWolf0770]

Did you know you can post images directly in message....like this:

Did you know seagulls don't fart? Now I'm done!

 

[richman992]

That shovel handles not the same.> ok I'm done being evil for now!

That shovel handle was bothering me too…

Did you know you can post images directly in message....like this:

I attempted to edit the post… I think I made it worse. I use the mobile app on iPhone, I'll have to fix it from my laptop later.

Edit: I'm severely technologically impaired, so I guess those 5 pictures will just remain a mystery. The iPhone app has been updated, and attempts via laptop were also unsuccessful.

 

[GrimWolf0770]

No no the one on fallout is a D shape 100% that has a small cut out and its not red, you need that bright red! Lol

 

[Squad144]

Sweet AKs. Always loved a "thrown together" design AK from SHTF video games. And I love an E&L! Definitely subbing to this thread.

 

[Squad144]

Did you know you can post images directly in message....like this:

What does that tag say in English?

 

[richman992]

What does that tag say in English?

It basically means "pull out/remove and die"

 

[richman992]

Another small update. I was unhappy with the original (and incorrect) palmswell handguard, so it has been replaced with a surplus vented handguard. Looks MUCH closer to what I wanted.

I've also opted to just buy a spare receiver with a side mount. I'll probably fit that one with a separate, semi-locked gearbox as well as the scope and mount. Then I can switch between a field legal full auto receiver, or a higher FPS marksman setup.

I've also began the process of weathering the rifle. I used 220 grit sandpaper around the edges and raised points, and then used a scotch-brite scouring pad to blend it in. I also attacked the rifle with a variety of files, keys and random tools to get some random scratch/gouge marks on it.

I'm only having one issue- the one time I want an E&L to rust, it isn't! I will likely resort to a hydrogen peroxide solution. Has anyone had any luck with this method, or have any other suggestions?

And Grim- the shovel handle IS red. Actually, more like WAS red. It's since rusted to more of a "worrisome bowel movement" color XD

 

[richman992]

I've had poor luck finding the other E&L receiver I want for the handmade build, so it is being put on hold while I focus on another one I've been wanting to do for a veeeeeery long time:

Yep, it's the RPK from COD Black Ops 1

 

[richman992]

Upon digging out the game, as well as scouring the internet for reference pictures, I realized that the front handguards are in fact NOT wood. They are actually modeled after a extraordinarily rare ribbed bakelite handguard set. Finding them, especially with current events, would be nearly impossible and prohibitively expensive. As a result I was forced to learn about a fun (and surprisingly easy) process called "fakelite". Since I can't find NPO mags either, I tried it out on some MAG RPK midcaps first:

Recreating an imperfect/random pattern was the most difficult part. These still need a coat of satin/matte clear coat but the finish is complete. Since the MAG midcaps are already a nice shade of brown, all I needed was a little stain and a lot of patience. I'm very pleased with the finish and will be proceeding to the handguards next.

I also spent a bit of time tracking down a Galil carry handle for this build. I'm still trying to brainstorm how I will attach it, but it will most definitely involve modifying both the handguard and the carry handle mount. Suggestions are welcome. I'm contemplating grinding it flat and reshaping it so it can sit in between the handguard and receiver. Or possibly cutting off the carry handle and welding or riveting it to the rear sight block. I won't be carrying it by the handle, it's purely for aesthetics.

 

[Squad144]

Anyone made a VZ. 58?

 

[richman992]

Anyone made a VZ. 58?

It looks like Ares makes one, it would be kinda cool to see one with the real "beaver barf" bakelite furniture. Something about the VZ 58 has always looked weird to me though

 

[Squad144]

I think thats why I like it! That and Papa Garand's video on it.

 

[dabigboy]

Was the shovel AK in that game inspired by the infamous shovel AK build by Boris?

 

[richman992]

Was the shovel AK in that game inspired by the infamous shovel AK build by Boris?

It has to be, they have the exact same heavy barrel available as an option in the game too. I really wanted to make the receiver on mine as well, but I don't currently have the facilities for that level of metal work. I'm holding on to the shovel head just in case…