Re-arming the Imperial Japanese Army: Type38 rifle (VSR10)

The gear is accessible now, http://www.hikishop.com/ has plenty of equipment, I've recently purchased a Italian uniform from him. A few guys on the forum have the gear, but as of yet there hasn't been a successful game to my knowledge, there was one planned in 2010 but alas got cancelled. I like your thoughts though, I love seeing and creating custom builds, looking forward to your updates

I actually noticed that Hikishop had massively expanded it's range myself recently. It's always good to see something different being tried and while the weather in this country might not be the best for the Pacific theater (Monsoon rains excluded) I've always loved the Japanese rifles and pistols.

if u want i have a complete equip IJA army for sell

Try to announce it on ww2aa, the US forum. Things are stirring, there seems to be a growing interest for Japanese gear. Then again, they've got the weather for tropical games, don't they...

A few of us at Foy were interested in a Pacific game, particularly Burma. It's the lack of Japanese guns that's the problem. If there was a decent springer Arisaka, I'd be on it like Sonic.

Well, things take time. But I have in fact tooled up, cleaned out the work shop and made drawings (more or less) for a Arasaki Type38 (much fewer parts than the Type99) and the Nambu Type96 light machine gun.

Now, how precise should they be? Take the Type96, would it be alright to use AK47 mags? Would it be allright to build the LMGs using heavy duty 2 and 4mm black plastic sheets, alu inforcements and wood furniture? Otherwise it'll be really heavy to carry around.

I would also prefer not to use real steel parts; sometimes they are not available. Rather some creativity and well carried out illusions to make them look right at the right price.

But I need someone to cast a few rifle bolts from a master, anyone know someone?

Recognize this little one? Check the photobucket album...

Now, how precise should they be? Take the Type96, would it be alright to use AK47 mags? Would it be allright to build the LMGs using heavy duty 2 and 4mm black plastic sheets, alu inforcements and wood furniture? Otherwise it'll be really heavy to carry around.

They can be as accurate as you want to make them. I would not worry on weight it is a machine gun it is supposed to be heavy. If you are intending to make them for sale it will be quality of finish and reliability that will be key. If you think about the very successful airsoft STEN it is reasonably well made but not completey accurate and uses the wrong magazine (MP40) but because it functions well and is one of the few choices around it has been widely adopted.
I am not so sure that a plastic sheet manufactured item will be as reliable or repeatable. My old TM MC51 with a moulded body will flex enough to stop the magazine feeding. That has plastic parts with designed reinforcements. You will also need to accept that anything you design that is good enough will be stolen by a low cost manufacturer and made by them.

My intentions are to develop a replica that is sturdy, reasonably good looking (accurate but not hysterical) and easy to duplicate. Parts will be cheap, strong and accessible - and most certainly improvable. Any suggestions will be welcomed and incorporated, and released to 'subscribers'.

A bit like open source, perhaps with some small e-book fees, or fees for putting an example together for someone who hasn't got the time or the aptitude. But anyone of you could do that for someone in your group, as long as you share practical experience and such with me if you use my 5$-drawings; that would be considerate and nice.

Anyone who wishes to 'manufacture' are welcome to do so - it won't hurt the airsoft hobby, only move the Chinese to make stuff that is on our wish-lists, like springer loaded Kar98K and such. If I make enough money on e-books and guides-for-curious-onlookers to buy an occasional softair gun I would like to own and investigate, I'm good. I don't expect to be paid for my time, I'd do it anyway. What I like, is writing the books.

I'll be doing it with our American cousins, and if something good comes out of it, you guys are welcome, too. Right now on the agenda is Type38 rifle and Type96 LMG for Burma games.