The details on this blaster make it stand out. Even the panels for the LED gauges have been repainted with aluminium that really make them stand out. I've also reworked a few aesthetic parts of the blaster, taking away some of it's "Random Steampunk" look to a more refined and streamlined design. The trigger grip and shotblast pump-handle both have been smoothed out as well. I've sanded off most of the logos and details to further emphasize a more militaristic look to it.
So why do this blaster in OD Green and Black? Well, truth be told this is kind of one of my favorite color schemes, as it resembles that of the Pulse Rifle seen in the classic Sci-Fi movie Aliens. It was actually Mike Yate's work on his M41BP for ESS laser tag system that inspired me to want to make one of my own. I would probably not have built my M41A Pulse Rifle were it not for seeing his work to rekindle my love for this blaster. So I thought it was fitting to do a Pulse Rifle-esque paintjob on this blaster with Combo Mount #4 on it.
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| Looks a little funny without the Shotblast attachment |
This CTDYNE Phoenix LTX is the 20th blaster in our LTX armory. There are 18 stock blasters available to loan out for games, my LTX DMR and this blaster. LTXs will serve as the backbone of our armory from now on, so it was really great to get this rare piece of hardware to further support our use of this equipment. The Midwest Laser Tag Association (formerly OLCA) will be using these all summer long and I expect to be switching between my LTX DMR and this fella depending on the situation. My DMR is better suited for long-range combat while this guy works much better for mid-to-close range engagements. I may enhance this blaster or change it's accessories, but I doubt that beautiful Combo Mount will ever be taken off of this blaster!
Awesome work! This paint job turned out real great!
ReplyDeleteExcellent detail work on the paint job. Movie prop quality - specially with the Combo Mount.
ReplyDelete- Duncan
that paintjob looks really clean and has a nice finish. I've got a question: Do laser tag blasters take mags/clips, and if so how many rounds do you have in them?
ReplyDeleteLaser Tag does not use projectile rounds like Nerf blasters. The fire Infrared Beams of light through an LED that is magnified by a lens, so they don't require a physical magazine or clip to reload. They're completely electronically-based. The LTX, for instance, is programmed to have a 10-shot magazine before the user is required to "reload". To do this, there's a lever above the trigger that, when pressed, ejects the "Ammo Core" out of the handle of the blaster. The user then has to pop that ammo core back in to complete the sequence and they get 10 more shots.
DeleteBecause it's still entirely electronically based, you could design a blaster to have a limited supply of reloads, or to have a larger capacity of shots, or to never have to reload. It's all in the programming.
I am new to this whole laser tag thing, and you have me interested in this, so, what would you say is the best laser tag blaster out there that you buy.
ReplyDeleteHands down, the Phoenix LTX. You can still buy them at Toys R Us (though they're overpriced there) and at Amazon.com (much better price). These are also directly compatible with the NEXT great laser tag system coming out in August 2012: Lazer Tag Augmented Reality, or "LTAR". The LTXs are easy to operate, have neat functions, get great ranges (far better than Light Strike), can be used indoors and outdoors in any lighting conditions, and are durable and reliable. If you think they're pricey (a set of two on Amazon is ~60 bucks), it's the same price as buying two 30 dollar Nerf Blasters.
DeleteThanks man, that is very helpful.
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