The Man from UNCLE

THANKS! My only problem was that I had no choice but to attempt repairing the grips as they are made specifically for this model and no other grips could be substituted. Keep fingers crossed for me. -Ed

Amazing detailed work. You're a talented guy, Thanks for posting.

That is stunning work, Ed! Great to see the step to step review of your restoration process.
I only can marvel at what some skilled people can do to repair, restore or improve modelguns.

In the show, the pistol was able to be outfitted with a longer, extended barrel fitted with a suppressor. Here is a photo of an Airsoft version of this firearm showing the full configuration.

I was always disappointed that they made the 'Birdcage' wrong (Too big, Too long, incorrect number of slots, rounded end) but the part I hated most was that they didn't offer the suppressor at the end of the extended barrel. Many years later, I found out that MGC DID offer an incorrect version of it. RMI refused to carry it in their catalog. Here is the complete MGC UNCLE 'Secret Agent' replica as offered in Japan. --Ed

Years later, a good friend and stop-motion animator, Ted Patrick used his machining skills to make a more accurate extended barrel, grip and suppressor to fit over the barrel of my replica. I also re-shaped the end shoulder buttstock and fitted the accurate Remington buttplate. Eventually, I replaced the fake scope with an accurate real Bushnell Phantom scope. --Ed

Here is a catalog page from RMI/COLLECTOR'S ARMOURY advertising the MGC replica.
Some years ago, I put together a 230 page reference book on the UNCLE pistol / Carbine.
This page from my booklet shows the rising costs of the UNCLE replica throughout the years it was offered.

This is to show you thumbnails of the various pages of the booklet I put together. I was lucky enough to get to know the people who actually owned the original guns, as well as other props, from the show.
--Ed

Little more work on the grips. Thought I would try using 'Mr. Surfacer' to give a uniform look to the grip. It fills in a lot of the cracks. Will need to do a bit of sanding to get it uniform.

Another thing I'm trying out is to rub Graphite over the paint job. It really gives it a metallic sheen similar to gun metal. I'll need to clear coat it afterwards and hope that doesn't bring down the shine. --Ed

Amazing. Do you sell the booklet?

oozlum wrote:

Amazing. Do you sell the booklet?

Yes, email me at: thefudds@aol.com for more info. --Ed

That is an impressive amount of info you have gathered, well done on that. The graphite looks good, never even occured to me that.
One thing was this a firing or none firing model?

The UNCLE guns you see on this thread are all replica, non-firing, versions of the modified Walther P-38 that was used on the TV show. The real prop was a blanked, real Walther P-38 that was modified to accept all the accessories. --Ed

First grip finished. 3 more to go.

I should of been clearer when i asked if it was a firing or non firing model, i did mean was it PFC firing or just dummy and i take it its just a dummy.

Completely non-fire version. The most you can do with this version is to insert a small powdered cap into the recess of the brass bullets. Pulling the trigger causes a lever inside and under the right hand side of the grip to move the slide back and eject the shell. Once it passes a certain point, the slide moves back into battery and inserts a new cartridge. --Ed

Little more work on the grips.
I had to build up the rear inside part to build up the section to hold the brass screw grip escutcheon.
A quick spray shows up areas that need a bit more sanding so...more filling and sanding until they start looking better.

Looks like you'll have hours of fun ahead.

Actually, a bit more to go as you can see in the top photo of my last posting, the grip on the left is missing a chunk on the upper left side at the top. Need to build that up and then...MORE sanding. --Ed

One of the grips has a portion missing. I filled in that section with Milliput, which is a two-part epoxy. After it dries, a LOT of sanding will get it back into shape.  --Ed

Amazing work and an impressive amount of patience. What paint do you use on the guns? I've had zero success with spays and lacquers to get a finish that doesnt chip straight off.

THANKS!!!
I use Krylon paint. After a few coats, I'll rub graphite powder over the entire gun and seal it with a clear coat. --Ed

Just wanted to say I am REALLY impressed on your skills and patience! Wonderful work!

Thank you!!! I really appreciate that!!!

Today, with the Mulliput now set, I covered the areas with Mr. Surfacer and started sanding to shape the contours. --Ed