Blaster ESB EE3. Search for barrel mounts found parts discussion.

[RafalFett]

Great research here!

Here's what I found so far:



Although the 'legs' looks a bit chubby and short, it is pretty close in form to the ones used on the EE-3 blaster. Here's the link to this part ==> PVC Pipe Clamp.

And another one:



And the link to this part ==> Another PVC Pipe Clamp

Looking at the front clamp, it looks like the inner diameter is smaller than the MPP tube's outer diameter, this is why the clamp legs are forced a bit outward and this might be the source of the gap between the clamp and the MPP tube:



And the front clamp is hold in place with some kind of threaded bolt or a headless screw:



I'm not sure about the rear attachment method...

 

[intwenothor]

Right, got some clips through. Here are some pictures. The Maclow clip is grey and chunkier than the swimming pool clip (white). Unfortunately the vendor of the Maclow has decided to send me the two sizes in seperate packets so I don't have them both. Even less fortunately the swimming pool clip does not seem to come in a size smaller than 1.5 inches that I have managed to find. Both clips shown are 1.5".

Maclow

Swimming pool clip. I had thought that these might have had the quarter circles in the apex but alas not this model.

Comparison

Mounted

Mounted 2

I think they're pretty nice. Not perfect but pretty nice.

Andy

 

[lonepigeon]

Looking at the front clamp, it looks like the inner diameter is smaller than the MPP tube's outer diameter, this is why the clamp legs are forced a bit outward and this might be the source of the gap between the clamp and the MPP tube:

I had this thought too which is why I had ordered the smaller Maclow clip. It doesn't work that way though. These clips do not bend like that. The front clip is definitely the larger 1 1/4" size (approx 1 5/8" ID). Since the clip is so large, when it's pushed upward it leaves that gap exactly as pictured.

And the front clamp is hold in place with some kind of threaded bolt or a headless screw:

There are actually two bolts. If they have heads, they're inside the MPP tube.
There's also a thin silver bit visible at the base of the black bolts. I think there might be a metal plate that both bolts pass through.
Here's an illustration of what I mean:
FRONT CLIP ATTACHMENT

MPP and clamp opening to scale. Other elements are approximate.
Dark pipe clip shows actually width between "arms". Lighter areas of "arm" extension are the approximately length they should be for the bolts to go through them.

Above illustration is based on the Maclow clips which I think are a bit too thick. The correct clips might have some flex to them so the bolts would squeeze them together for a tighter fit (and the arms would not have to be as long).

 

[intwenothor]

I think there might be a metal plate that both bolts pass through.

I think they're just steel washers.

 

[lonepigeon]

I think they're just steel washers.

In this photo it looks to me like a metal strip/plate or possibly wire wrapped between the two bolts to squeeze them together.
There's definitely something going straight across.

 

[intwenothor]

Hmmm, I don't know dude:

Boba Fett Empire Strikes Back Costume - Executor Bridge - The Dented Helmet Gallery

Send the thing on Monday.

Andy

 

[OdiWan72]

I love this discussion

LIke most of you guys, I also did some research, trying to find the correct, or even a "close" representation of the PVC clips the prop dept. used on the ESB EE-3.
As Chris already mentioned, the design was obviously changed over the years, but there are still some clips out there, that feature the tapered sides and the quarter circles...

Could also be an option to look for gutter pipe clips!?




Markus

 

[FettFanatic]

Did anyone ever find a closer clip? These are some pretty close looking ones but not perfect. This would be a really cool piece to nail down.

 

[Sidewinder]

Funny you should mention that.







SAS

 

[Magoo]

PM sent for Sidewinder


Sent from my iPhone 2

 

[intwenothor]

Front clip looks great.

 

[RafalFett]

Indeed those clips looks great. Are those found parts, partially modified found parts or scratch build?

 

[Sidewinder]

Made from the incorrect Maclow clips spliced together and a modified metal aircraft clamp and are double sided (unlike my old ones). Top 'U's are scratch built.

They're made using a bit of guestimation in some areas, but I'm pleased with how they turned out and think they look quite close given the ref I have (SCaps).

I've left off the mystery detail on the front one that goes around the threads as there is no firm evidence either way (plate/wire/washers/nothing).

SAS

 

[RafalFett]

Well, you did an amazing job, because for me it looks pretty accurate! That mystery detail looks like a (square or round) metal washer, but who knows...

 

[Sidewinder]

Personally I discount the flat strip theory as in some pics there's just no evidence of it showing up. Also doubt it's a washer cos there's not 'enough' of it. It could be wire wrapped round once on the thread (like paperclip type) to pull em together. I do wonder whether the shiny bit you see is just a bit of clean thread where it's bee tightened up?

SAS

 

[RafalFett]

Personally I discount the flat strip theory as in some pics there's just no evidence of it showing up. Also doubt it's a washer cos there's not 'enough' of it. It could be wire wrapped round once on the thread (like paperclip type) to pull em together. I do wonder whether the shiny bit you see is just a bit of clean thread where it's bee tightened up?

SAS

You might be right with the metal wire, but one thing is for sure: definitely there is something metal around those threaded bolts.

 

[intwenothor]

Did you use maclow or another clip? The corners of the hollowed out section of the maclow (by the screw channel) are rounded on mine, is that one of your mods?

Does the scrattchbuilt 'u' section refer to the smaller bit that sits atop?

 

[Sidewinder]

Front is a Maclow off of Ebay, rear is a 'swimming pool clip' as I recall. The recessed area on both of mine are largely unmodded, though the front one has been reduced in height and the screw channel replaced with a slightly smaller 'tube'.

The Maclow has rounded corners as bought, but the Pool clip does not.

Yeah the upside down U part is the bit on top that the Scope Ring clamps to.

SAS

 

[intwenothor]

The look great. Clearly a lot of work went into them. Is the front based on a 1 1/4"and the rear 1 1/2" ( or the front a one inch)? Still not sold on the rear fastening idea but appreciate the artistry and work a great deal. I think you did a great job and I'm guessing your pm inbox will soon be rising. Great work!

 

[Sidewinder]

It took ages of fiddly faffing to get em to this point. Front is a 1", rear a 1.5"(50mm). I'm not 100% on the rear either but having constructed it thus, I can see how mating the two types of clamp would give a secure fixing to the barrel without using glue etc.

SAS