Master Valon's ESB Graflex Build (Static Hilt...as of now)

[Master Valon]

Hey TCSS forums! Loooong time no see! To quote "Fanboys", it's been parsecs (I know, not a measurement of time, but....whatevs!) Anywhoo, I finally have a nice, doable saber build in mind, and I have already taken my first step into it. I got a vintage Graflex off of eBay, and I plan on getting the TCSS graflex blade adaptor, short style electrical pins, Mylar tape, and red knob thumbscrew. I (hopefully) will be getting an ESB conversion kit from TFX studios, as I think its the last place that a Kobold D ring is available other than Parks (and I really don't wanna wait that long, haha). Anyway, this will definitely be a WIP thread, although I already predict the progress will be slow, as I will slowly get parts together, find time to go to my uncle's work to drill/tap the rivet holes, etc. Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated, as this is my very first Graflex build. I have already read the partsofsw.com entry for the ESB Graflex multiple, multiple times, already have those templates saved on my computer, have read all the threads on FX on conversion, etc. But I know that its a lot different actually having a Graflex in your hands as opposed to just reading about it. So anyway, onto the pics!


























So far, I have gutted the bulb internals, so the top part is totally gutted (sorry, no pics of that yet.)

[scottjua]

Just don't remove the slide switch! You'll need it and once its off... very difficult to get back on.

[Master Valon]

Aw, shoot!! I already did......how difficult is "difficult"? Did I make a bad boo-boo?

[jedipwn27]

Awesome! I love me some vintage Graflex. I have a guy about to start on a loaded out Luke ESB made out of a vintage Graflex for me. You rock Scott

@Master Valon. Yeah, about that. It ain't gonna be easy to get back on. But as Han Solo would say: "Never tell me the odds!"

[Jedi Mynock]

LOVE THIS!
i am about to pull the trigger on a graflex flash handle myself! only reason im hesitant is i am waiting for a cheaper one to pop up. im even willing to accept a replica.
i will most likely do the same way you are doing and just build the hilt first, then get it wired up once it looks like a saber. btw im going for the ANH look.

what kind of innards are you thinking of going with when yours is ready? CF? PC? other? going to do a crystal chamber? i dont think i will do a chamber in mine to keep cost and complexity to a minimum.

cant wait to see whats next for your ESB!

[Master Valon]

Thanks for the interest! As far as the internals, well.....I DID just manage to score a CF v6.1 this morning, so that IS a possibility! However, most likely I will use the v6.1 in my custom saber that Jay built me (BS-26), but perhaps I can use the CF v5.6 from that one in this Graflex when I do. And I do yearn for a Master Yoda crystal chassis eventually, but....all in due time, of course! I just don't see a Graflex as a color changing saber, seeing as its a replica of a movie prop. But I think a v5.6 would do nicely.

[DarkarNights]

What Dark Sith Lord did you sell your soul to to get a CF6.1 LOL? This is the first I'm hearing about them being available and they are already sold out?

[Master Valon]

hahaha yeah, thanks to a restless night, I was up very late (or early, depending on your point of view), and I saw the threads for the v6 blow up over at FX, and I was lucky enough to have the batch last long enough for me to run to Vons to get a Visa gift card in order to pay for it! Most tense 6 hours of my life, from when I saw them go on sale at around midnight to 6am when that Vons opened, lol.

[Xanatos1986]

great so far I got a ESB graflex, and I will Have it wired up most likely Tuesday night so ill post a new topic then good luck man.

[brett]

That looks a fine Graflex, and great to hear you have a V6 as well. Even though you say the Graflex is not really a colour changing saber (and I agree) the v6 also has faster swing sensors now, another consideration maybe? Regardless, happy building, and thanks for the great images. Always nice to see a thorough view of some ones original.