28mm Scale Weapons For MERCS, Part 2

This is part two of a short WIP series of blog posts of commission work done for Mercs Minis.

After the Sefadu Shotgun met with client approval, I moved on to the precision/sniper rifle, the second weapon down in this bitchin' example of source art.
The precision rifle offered a few unique challenges. Casting demands called for a thicker barrel than what the source art showed, so I had to balance reality versus a sleek and killer profile.


Also, the hooded optic, which reminds me of a futuristic Trijicon ACOG, presented a small problem. A true hood would create a thin-walled undercut which would rip out easily during molding ("moulding," for you Brit types). So, I brought the face of the lens out, to create the impression of a hood, while still retaining strength. We'll see how it turns out on the printout.
Besides a surface blend or two, the client was happy. I then moved on to fusing, and final detailing, the results of which can be seen below...

This build went quickly, and will make a handsome death-dealer for those of you who like sniper minis.

Tomorrow, the Sefadu Assault Rifle.

Best,
JBR