View Full Version : Portal Gun: Work in Progress
Some people wanted me to start a thread showing my progression on my portal gun.
I was told I could create two threads on this, one of the progression, and one of the final product with a female modeling it (in aperture test subject suit of course!)
So once two threads are created on this, don't get crankies.
Anyways, here it is currently, obviously in the beggining stages.
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/1092/portalg4cm5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4169/portalg3wm6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5927/portalg1qv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7988/portalg2gt0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
It's made from various PVC fittings, and various rubber PVC coverings. The front piece however, is hand made with epoxy sculpt.
So far this project has been incredibly difficult, mainly because of the fact that the Portal Gun has a very clean industrial look to it. Organic things are always easier to make.
There's been a lot of resizing, measuring, cutting, and sanding to make it geometrically sound.
Had to hand make the inside piece of the portal gun you see with the little white pieces going around in the circle as well.
It's also been a pretty expensive project.
Suggestions and Critiques are welcome and appreciated.
Bad^Hat
21-01-2008, 09:48 PM
Do not look at the operational end of the device.
Too awesome, that's my critique. Keep us updated. :)
Rapstah
21-01-2008, 09:55 PM
Will it shoot real portals?
Actually, someone I talk to that was on this site shortly gave me an awesome idea that I could do to my room, but my parents would kill me if I did.
Take two large mirrors, and install both of them in the corner walls of my room, plaster over parts so it's an oval, then paint the signature orange around one, and blue around the other so it looks like you have the continous loop. :P
That would be pretty tough. maybe when I get my own place one day, and have my own special art working room I'll do that.
Krynn72
21-01-2008, 10:29 PM
Why would your parents kill you? Im sure you can do it without wrecking the walls.
Because my dad just recently built me a new room heh (for me to have another whopping 5 months... ). Of course I could always just not do the wall installation part and actually cut the mirror's to an oval, and then paint around the edges, and hang it up. Although the illusion wouldn't be quite as authentic.
Gormanmod
21-01-2008, 11:12 PM
koolz
I'm making my paintball gun into an ar2.
Druckles
21-01-2008, 11:48 PM
I love you ZT. That's just brilliant. Can't wait for the final product :D
theotherguy
22-01-2008, 12:23 AM
Try putting an LED or small lightbulb in the orange thing.
It looks like it'll turn out pretty hardcore.
Try putting an LED or small lightbulb in the orange thing.
It looks like it'll turn out pretty hardcore.
I actually already have two blue LED's for the top circle part and the cilinder that glows. Obviously haven't installed them yet.
Druckles
22-01-2008, 12:44 AM
Will it move? As in the claws?
No, it will not move.
I attempted to design something that would pull back the inside cylinder so it would look like the recoiling action the portal gun has, but without using a motor.
However, the portion of the gun is far to heavy to create something that complex, and there is no motor strong enough to fit inside it either.
I'd like to keep it simple, so two blue LED's for the top and the inside clear cylinder are quite enough work for me.
I'll probably end up also creating a stand for it similar to the one used in the game, or at least a aperture-esque stand.
Later, I'll end up buying an orange female jumpsuit, add logos, and have one of my female friends pose with the gun in the jumpsuit. Which reminds me... I have to make the shock absorbers -_-
Gormanmod
22-01-2008, 02:26 AM
make an orange/blue switch so it can be either one.
Also, try cracking a deal with valve to sell it an make monies
make an orange/blue switch so it can be either one.
Also, try cracking a deal with valve to sell it an make monies
Orange LED's are hard to find. Plus it means more complications with switches and stuff.
I e-mailed Gabe my headcrab/zombie once and he never even responded back
:(
lol, well I really didn't expect a response back.
But they couldn't make a profit from something like this, it's way too complicated to reproduce.
make an orange/blue switch so it can be either one.
Also, try cracking a deal with valve to sell it an make monies
Orange LED's are hard to find. Plus it means more complications with switches and stuff.
I e-mailed Gabe my headcrab/zombie once and he never even responded back
:(
lol, well I really didn't expect a response back. But they couldn't make a profit from something like this, it's way too complicated to reproduce.
Social Bacon
22-01-2008, 03:42 AM
Where do you find the time for all these projects? I wish I had your artistic skill. *grumble*
I can't wait to see it finished :D
Gormanmod
22-01-2008, 03:51 AM
well for the leds, I was thinking of something like a switch that, when moved, changes the circuit in between orange, blue, and off. I've done similar things myself to my computer as well as in my room. In my room, there is a wire system I put in. It's connected to a plug-in hole for my earphones. When I flip it one way, I here my computer across the other half of my room (I use my remote to turn music on and my laziness is fulfilled) I switch it another way, and I hear my tv. Very cool stuff. It involves 2 incomplete circuits. when the switch in moved, it completes one of the two and powers it.
toaster leigh
22-01-2008, 04:05 AM
This is so awesome. :O!! I wish I had the skill or patience to make one so then I could get myself an orange jumpsuit (omg orange is my favorite color too and I look good in it) and run around with my portal gun and pretend to be Chell ;_;
I am such a nerd/loser...! :>
Where do you find the time for all these projects? I wish I had your artistic skill. *grumble*
I can't wait to see it finished :D
Well that's what I do as relaxation time, instead of playing video games, or watching movies, I cut out that for project time. It's the only way someone can get good at a trade, they have to make time for it, even if it means cutting out fun stuff.
well for the leds, I was thinking of something like a switch that, when moved, changes the circuit in between orange, blue, and off. I've done similar things myself to my computer as well as in my room. In my room, there is a wire system I put in. It's connected to a plug-in hole for my earphones. When I flip it one way, I here my computer across the other half of my room (I use my remote to turn music on and my laziness is fulfilled) I switch it another way, and I hear my tv. Very cool stuff. It involves 2 incomplete circuits. when the switch in moved, it completes one of the two and powers it.
Thats awesome, I wish I was so mechanically/electric savy. I know nothing about it.
In fact just sodering this LED to some wire and connecting it to a power switch box is something I am a little worried about screwing up because I have never tried it.
Polaris
22-01-2008, 04:18 AM
Orange LED's are not hard to find here. Keep finding.
HINT: Use blue high-brightness LED for the operational end of the device and normal blue for portal indicator.
I don't really want to bother with the orange. Blue is quite enough. I already know how I am going to place them.
There is a clear tube running through the center chamber that is open (it's so clear you hardly notice it while holding the gun in the game, but you can see it before you pick up the gun) That's where the light source is going to be reflected. The actual LED will be placed in the back chamber, where it will not be seen.
I will probably even have to put a roughed up translucent cover over the LED because Blue LED's are supposed to reflect a lot of light.
Druckles
22-01-2008, 11:39 AM
I think while the actual item may not serve profitable, the general idea behind it might work. It's the same principle as a lightsaber. They'd have the money to invest in cheaper/lighter materials.
I think while the actual item may not serve profitable, the general idea behind it might work. It's the same principle as a lightsaber. They'd have the money to invest in cheaper/lighter materials.
true, but that involves valve reaching out to probably an entirely new company to reproduce it. That would also involve my original copy being sent in, taken apart, and copied for pieces. Which would escentially destroy it. Dunno how comfortable I am with that, and I doubt I'd make much profit.
plus there are going to be some innaccuracy's with my piece, thats what happens when you hand make something that is supposed to look like a machine stamped it out.
Watch, I'll get 75% way through this project and Valve will make one... And I'll just be like -_- hours upon hours of my life wasted
Druckles
22-01-2008, 01:01 PM
No it won't. You'll have done it yourself. There's extra satisfaction in that.
You could always copyright something...
soulslicer
22-01-2008, 03:56 PM
Kickass. Keep working on it..
Hey!!!
I need your guys help, I don't know how to get the skins of the portal gun from the game, and I really, really need a flat picture of the barcode that is on the Portal gun.
So if any of you have easy access to a picture of that barcode skin, could you please PM it to me? I am going to trace it on silkscreen so I can apply it to the gun when I finish.
Thanks.
McCoy
17-02-2008, 05:09 AM
Will it shoot real portals?
:upstare:
Well, portal is fiction...
Yes it will shoot real portals. :)
Cpt Tenacious
17-02-2008, 05:11 AM
Put in blue and orange LED lights and like a blue and orange light that comes out like an oval.
Pinkle
17-02-2008, 05:42 AM
Put in blue and orange LED lights and like a blue and orange light that comes out like an oval.
Now, THIS would be awesome. I can't wait to see the final product!
Cavalry
17-02-2008, 04:08 PM
Zombie, why are you so awesome?
Update, just the front has been added too in two places. Had to hand sculpt part of it D:
Not sure how I feel about the front shell. Imput?
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6192/pdshell3nj9.jpg
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/7456/pdshell1ro5.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/567/pdshell2vb9.jpg
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9176/pdshell6xd2.jpg
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/6067/pdshell5zw2.jpg
Druckles
18-02-2008, 11:48 AM
Holy shit, that's really coming on :D
I'm going to assume you're going to paint it and finish it up afterwards?
Raziaar
18-02-2008, 12:37 PM
Tip: Remodel your house with anti portal material for future safety.
Holy shit, that's really coming on :D
I'm going to assume you're going to paint it and finish it up afterwards?
Of course, but I won't show the finished product in this thread, I'll probably stop posting pictures once it's about 90% done.
Then a few months later I'll post a thread with the finished product and female modeling.
Update: I am becomming increasingly more pissed off with how it's turning out. There are some curves that the portal gun shells have that are near impossible to get, which only means I will have to hand sculpt portions of it if I want it to be more accurate, which is very risky. None the less I still have a lot to modify.
This means that this project will be extended into many more months than I intended.
Anyways, been working on the back shell (ignore the glue and scratches, they will be sanded out)-
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/3933/pg1pr5.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/1263/dsc06199bi9.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2016/dsc06202lm5.jpg
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/6629/dsc06200zq1.jpg
Cavalry
24-02-2008, 07:11 PM
It looks very awesome so far ZT!
Thank you, but I disagree, I have A LOT to work on, and it isn't going to be easy, I'm not even sure how to modify parts of it.
As you can see from this render that someone did, the front bottom shell needs more of a bow to it, which I will attempt with apoxie sculpt I suppose.
And the Back Top (larger) shell has a slope near the front of it. The back shell will by far be the hardest to fix, not even sure how I am going to do it.
The back shell was actually made from modified garbage can plastic, so it's thin. I've considered sculpting the larger shell with apoxie sculpt right ontop of the garbage can ones, then just breaking away the garbage can plastic once it has hardened.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5287/ashpdclearsmallzk3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I would be working on the gun more if it wasn't so damn f*cking cold, I work out in my dad's shop, which is in the garage, freezing. F*ck you winter, f*ck you.
Cavalry
24-02-2008, 07:27 PM
Thank you, but I disagree, I have A LOT to work on, and it isn't going to be easy, I'm not even sure how to modify parts of it.
As you can see from this render that someone did, the front bottom shell needs more of a bow to it, which I will attempt with apoxie sculpt I suppose.
And the Back Top (larger) shell has a slope near the front of it. The back shell will by far be the hardest to fix, not even sure how I am going to do it.
The back shell was actually made from modified garbage can plastic, so it's thin. I've considered sculpting the larger shell with apoxie sculpt right ontop of the garbage can ones, then just breaking away the garbage can plastic once it has hardened.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5287/ashpdclearsmallzk3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I would be working on the gun more if it wasn't so damn f*cking cold, I work out in my dad's shop, which is in the garage, freezing. F*ck you winter, f*ck you.
So right now the only real problem is the shell in the back. A piece of sandpaper and some patience can solve that.
Cpt Tenacious
24-02-2008, 07:44 PM
Lookin' good!!!
So right now the only real problem is the shell in the back. A piece of sandpaper and some patience can solve that.
Unfortunately not. Trust me, I do know the beauties of sanding, I've been using a sanding belt and hand sander for most of this project.
The shell is made of thin plastic, it is not thick and solid enough to sand to actually have an effect. I fear that I may just have to hand sculpt the entire back shell.
Qonfused
25-02-2008, 01:03 AM
No matter what you say, don't get down about it. It looks awesome so far.
Dekstar
25-02-2008, 01:18 AM
Agreed with Qonf. I just came here to congratulate you on your work so far, and hope you keep going. Strap some hot water bottles to your chest if you have to!
wildride50
25-02-2008, 08:58 PM
nice...very nice...too nice!..unbelievable! perfect!
Wanted Bob
27-02-2008, 12:34 AM
Its getting there for sure, you have our support! :D
prestidigitation
11-03-2008, 12:53 AM
looks really good man
you could put some LEDs in there or somthing
like one of those toy light sabers.
maybe a little recording of the funny noise the portal gun makes when it shoots?
would be hard but awsome
joule
12-03-2008, 04:15 PM
Hehe, this reminded me of what you are working on..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2361/2322627107_58104bc01f.jpg?v=1205262710
prestidigitation
12-03-2008, 11:43 PM
plus she got her some cake!
French Ninja
13-03-2008, 04:09 AM
And a Spartan bodyguard! :O
But zombie's looks like it will be closer to the original...
Well, not to be cocky, but there are a lot of innacuracies with hers. (Mine will have it's share of flaws as well) Also looks like it was made from cheaper foam or something.
They were just doing it for fun though I'm sure, not accuracy. So I am not trying to act snobby. The suit is very good though, suit will probably end up being a lot better than mine. Although it's a bit too strong of an orange. The shock absorbers look very nice as well from what I can see.
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