MP40 in film location shots

Folks
Hope this is the right place to post these - if not then sorry!
Anyway, a couple of photos from the last location recce for the new feature film "The Fort".

Thought you might like to see them.
Cheers
Doug



And one guard:



Actual shot taken from the first test footage:

Looks good, thank you for posting these photos :-)

...concerning the last photo, I think you might like to paint the metal insert inside the barrel in black for more realism...

jim wrote:

...concerning the last photo, I think you might like to paint the metal insert inside the barrel in black for more realism...

Thanks for this - and you have prompted a burning question! How do I age/weather the PFCs? At the moment, even in a B/W shot the 'shiny' plastic-ness can be seen. I just want to take off that shiny look to them. I will definitely paint the metal insert - is there any particular paint I should use or just a pot of airfix!?
Cheers
Doug

Hello Slugster,

Thank you very much for your photos, it's great to see Modelguns being used like this. I don't know quite how I missed your post , I've only just found it now.

As for painting the barrel insert, Humbrol Matt Black or something similar would be fine. All you're doing is hiding it so that should work fine.

Weathering ABS modelguns is possible with care. It depends really how far you want to go. If all you need is to take away the high gloss sheen of plastic, then a careful rub-down with fine grade emery paper, steel wool even, would do that.
There are modelling paints out here, Humbrol have a Gun Metal that would tone it down some.

Grips and Sidepanels were Bakelite, they wouldn't wear like steel so best leave them alone

One tip I've picked up though... don't make the mistake of weathering the gun till it looks 60yrs old. These MP40s were relatively new when used during the War so Blued steel wouldn't wear away too much. There'll be handling marks, light scuffs here and there but nothing too drastic.
Also additinal magazines were often issued seperately from the gun so, being fresh, wouldn't have been handled as much.
Once you reach the point "that's enough" ... stop there or you'll over do it

Thanks again for your photos

Cerwyn wrote:

Hello Slugster,

Thank you very much for your photos, it's great to see Modelguns being used like this. I don't know quite how I missed your post , I've only just found it now.
.....

Many thanks Cerwyn for your post - useful info there! I have a couple of ABS PFC MP40s and a P38 so will sand down one of them as you recommend, and use some Humbrol paint - test on one before the other I think!

Another location shot:

(ignore the trousers!!)
Casting is almost complete for the feature - when it is then there will be quite a few shots coming and there will be some snippets of video (as teasers) aswell. I will notify you of the URL when its ready.
cheers all!
Doug

My pleasure Doug,

There are some areas of the lower receiver hidden beneath the sideplates. You could always try gently rubbing down and painting those parts first. If you didn't like the finish it'd be hidden by the sidepanels once you put them back.

Have a look at Marushin MP40s supplied by www.Modelguncollector.co.uk for an idea how much better they look with matt black surfaces

I simply use black CD markers for the metal inserts as well as airsoft's brass inner barrel - and they works (most of the time) ...

Gents
One thing I would like to have in the film is a quick shot of one of the characters emptying a couple of cardboard ammo boxes into his cap and then loading one of the MP40 mags with those rounds. Anyone know if I can get repro-boxes or even originals if necessary? The rounds themselves would just be the PFC carts I have.
Even a picture would be good as then I can get someone to create a couple for me.
Thanks
Doug

Hello Doug,

Here's one link to a seller of suitable boxes...

http://www.oldammo.com/boxes.htm