Thanks guys!
Tract I did try that but the nozzles are too beefy to be up top. I tried several different configurations and these two seemed to be the best fit.
I've opted to use the flame nozzles because...well....flamethrower!
I also worked out a way to mount the vibro blade.
Using two magnets and two small bits of metal up front, the blade stays in place very well when extended. Then using a magnet at the base of the blade and another mounted to the top box the blade stays nice and secure when it's retracted.
The only "problem" I had was with the magnets that hold the blade in the retracted position. The idea was to flick my wrist and the blade would pop out. The problem was I underestimated the power of the magnets. A simple flick of the wrist won't budge the blade at all. The only way for me to get the blade to come out is to do a full on Wolverine "snkit" motion....bring my forearm up to my chest then throw it back revealing the blade. I figure I can put a thin bit of plastic between the magnets to soften the bond up a bit. But to be honest.....it's kind of fun doing to Wolive thing

On to the pics!!!


Here you can see the interior of the top box. To the left is the magnet that will hold the blade in place when retracted. Up front you can see how the blade sits when extended.

Here you can see the bits of metal up top and the magnets on the blade. The blade magnets are held in place with CA glue as well as 2 part epoxy. The reason for this is because of the stress the magnets will have to endure when ejecting the blade. Also, to ensure the magnets don't shatter, as they are prone to do, I recessed them a bit and added a shim to the top of the "cross beam". In this way the magnets never actually come into contact with the metal and the shims take the brunt of the force.

In order for the blade to return to the retracted position I just raise my forearm and tap the tip of the blade and the wonders of gravity and magnetism do the rest. GO SCIENCE!

This image shows the box mounted to the gauntlet. I cut an access panel into the gauntlet so I can add electronics, change batteries, and/or change/remove the blade. Because of the way the access panel is cut it actually acts as "rails" for the blade to slide back and forth. I've got some extra t-visor material that i'm going to velcro over the access panel. I'm doing that so the wrinkles in the arm of the flight suit don't interfere with the action of the blade.

I'll be using this part as my 'fuel pump" for the flame thrower. I'll notch out a little recessed area on the pump assembly so the magnet can slip inside and the assembly will sit flush against the top box.






Obviously we're still in the rough stages and there's still alot left to do. If I can stop playing X-Wing Miniatures I might be able to get the gaunts done in about a week. Not including electronics.
Thanks for watching and please feel free to give any advice and/or criticisim. I need all the help I can get
