This thread started off at the PVC & Wood MG42 thread. HERE
I had a thought how you could make one out of steel see this video.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nPyrIfZS_Rw
I have been thinking of some other things we could adapt in steel.
A good portion of the barrel is 50mm box then it widens to 60mm nearer to the receiver.
So I have been thinking of 50mm wiring trunking or travelling ladder track both of which I can get hold of free 
However I would have to cut the holes out which was the big + with the unistrut idea but unistrut is only 42mm wide however with some thought on the cuts and clever welding you could get round that problem.
Here are some nice pictures.
http://brpguns.com/mg42semi.htm
Correction only one side of the barrel jacket widens to 60mm the other side stays at 50mm. I also think ladder track has a more curved corner to it like the real thing so will get some and put a photo up.
See here how the 50mm is more constant on one side.
OK here is a picture with some dimensions.
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Wow, looks like Oddball is making my Christmas present 
Steve.D
Well I'll be badgering Oddball with loads of questions, as I progress I expect. I was reading a thread on ASCUK about an airsoft MG42 but he started with a full steel replica. It does look awesome, and mine will never get near that standard but it will be fitting to my budget. He does say that he managed to cram the workings from an M4 C mag into the assault drum, so that looks promising. Really looking forward to getting stuck in to this, but as I'm contracting out the metalwork I'll have to be patient. Perhaps I'll have to fork out on Two bottles of JD and get him to make it a priority 
Video of todays work HERE
Ran out of CO2 gas though 
Pictures just taken from video so low res.
At about 15min I say the barrel will taper on the side elevation so cut it at 20mm not 25 that is wrong I should have left it at 25 as the side should be 50mm all the way along for this job.
I think the best way to do this would really be to get some thin wall 50mm box and just angle grind down the corners then close them in and weld it to get the taper then take the time and make the holes the right size and shape. However this version may look ok if I stick with it.
I think I may fit an AK gearbox into this and make my own grips etc or it could just be a design to slip an M4 inside.
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Well I'll be badgering Oddball with loads of questions, as I progress I expect. I was reading a thread on ASC UK about an airsoft MG42 but he started with a full steel replica. It does look awesome, and mine will never get near that standard but it will be fitting to my budget. He does say that he managed to cram the workings from an M4 C mag into the assault drum, so that looks promising. Really looking forward to getting stuck in to this, but as I'm contracting out the metalwork I'll have to be patient. Perhaps I'll have to fork out on Two bottles of JD and get him to make it a priority
I don't suppose you mean this one? download/file.php?id=1570&t=1 
It's been right under your nose on the Kampfgruppe SS sub forum for months dude. Just for your information, I made two of them.
When I want your opinion - I'll tell you what it is!
Yeah thats the one, it looks so good I was disheartened for a while, and then thought well I'll do what I can do and be happy with it. May I ask what internals did you use? I've got a kart EBR kicking round doing nothing but now I'm not so sure it'll be of any use.
Nice job Heide but if thats a full steel replica it must cost as much if not more than a de-ac, who makes them? 
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They cost £399 + P&P from here http://www.zib-militaria.de/epages/6143 ... llmetal%22
I see so it's like the Real Sword AK it's made out of a real one or at least the same presses and maybe the same factory but because it comes into Britain as a replica you can then modify it. 
So spending 6 weekends making one is a bit pointless when you can buy a real one for £399 and fit a £80 gun into it 
Even if China was to make a version of this they could not compete with that quality for the price.
It's not as though I need one anyway it was just a challenge so not sure if there is any point in finishing it.
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Oddball - the MG-42 replica's are definately that only - replica's.
I have spend much time comparing the Real Steel Versions, the US semi auto gun part kit remakes and the replica conversions that Pete and I created.
The Replica's LOOK like their real steel counterparts, but in no way could they or have they been the real thing.
It's not just a case of dropping a gearbox and barrel into them either - a lot of man hours have been spent.
Also parts like front/rear sights, Cocking handle etc on the replica's are crap. I managed to source and pay for the parts that we required to bring them up to a high standard that WE we're happy with.
I also wouldn't like to see too many Support weapons at a CiA/WW2 game - it's one reason I left the Modern open days - a squad all with SAW's - yawn boring.
A squad with rifles, an smg and a LMG - interesting
Because ignorance is bliss, I'm going to carry on with my project, I cant afford £400 for a replica, and the whole point is the construction of something different within a tight budget.
I agree that too many support guns is no fun, when the A&K minimi came out there were loads of people buying them and my regular site turned into a hose fest for a short while, but they soon filtered out. IMHO the support gunner is a job that not a lot of people want. There's no glory, all you're doing is keeping enemy heads down for the assault team to do its job. You go through more ammo than anyone else and have to lug the heaviest gun about. I also like the CiA rule about only being able to fire deployed, that makes a big difference too.
If my gun passes muster and works(I'd be happy with that alone 
) I'd bring it along to a game along side my MP40, rifle and pistol happy in the knowledge that as far as the game is concerned I can fill the role that my team needs, and if I dont use the support gun, at least I can pose in the safe zone looking cool, that is half the reason many of us do airsoft in the first place innit?
Please continue ZB with your project, I look forward to seeing the progress
OK I may finish it then
I presumed the rep was as I said because you can buy a deac for £350 so who would buy a di-cast unless it is to convert.
As ZB says no fear of these taking over the game as they are just to big and if made this way heavy, I don't even intend to fit an electric mag.
I think I will just order an AK gear box and make the grip.
Free speech is expensive these days!
Maybe not strictly in line with the thread but...
Yugo M53 (MG42/53)
http://www.saracenexports.co.uk/shop/sh ... ull&id=418
Show me a man who will jump out of an airplane, and I'll show you a man who will fight!
General James M. Gavin
CRY HAVOC AND LET LOOSE THE DOGS OF WAR
Maybe not strictly in line with the thread but...
Yugo M53 (MG42/53)
http://www.saracenexports.co.uk/shop/sh ... ull&id=418
Yes thats why I said you can get one for £350 deac so a diecast for £400 would not sell well unless you plan on changing it due to laws more lax.
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Well I got fed up waiting for my CO2 supplier to get gas in so had to go and buy an other bottle else where today so I could get on with it.
Anyway I got my AK gearbox today and it all looks like it should be ok.
How about this for a mag idea .jpg)
http://www.airsoftshop.com/product_info ... cts_id=609
They are full metal construction see here http://www.redwolfairsoft.com/redwolf/a ... rodID=9302
The winder is on the front so just about the right shape you can get one from Wolf for £39.
http://www.wolfarmouries.co.uk/airsoft/ ... d=M16DRUMT
But will it feed ammo if on it's side?
AK model here http://www.wolfarmouries.co.uk/airsoft/ ... =AK47DRUMT
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Here is the layout I am using for the CM02 gearbox in terms of location in the grip.
Videos here
SHORT YOUTUBE
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Still a lot more work to do just bare metal no blueing yet.
Grip is a bit chunky may change it later if I don't like it.
The butt looks like a great big lump of toffe here but looks better in real life. 
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Excellent work there Odball, I must say you set the standard bar very high
Thanks I got an other drum mag today like the one in the photo but in OD.
So I can start working out a side feed hop unit now.
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