Ok - I don't now about the rest of you - but I have always been plagued with the delicate nature and characteristics of Resin Plastic cast props. I am interested in finding a plastic cast mixture that can stand up to a little "trooping." The Rubber cast props tend to degrade over they years in a very rapid decay. The molding and detail becomes warped and the end product is distororted. Resin cast holds the detail - but shatters if dropped.

I am going to approach a manufacturer who produces Gun simulators for Police Departments and military training. Two manufacturers come to mind:
Here are the links:

http://www.blueguns.com/

http://www.copquest.com/21-2100.htm

These training guns can be run over by a tank and not break. The problem is that a mainstream manufacture will not produce even a short run on a popular design prop weapon like the Star Wars Blasters, Star Trek, ALIENS or other popular sci fi themes for fear of copyright trouble. The down side is that no one seems to recognize the market for tough well made acurate props for costuming and display.

The only answer seems to be - find out what material they use and produce a limited small scale run on props to supply those who want them.

The question is WHAT props are the most wanted - needed with that kind of material strength?

I am going to try and design a BladeRunner type prop - with enough differences not mess with copyright issues, but still recognizable as a NOIR Sci Fi weapon tobe used for costuming. I will build the prototype and approach the manufacturer for the cost of a short run - say 100 units. I am working on a design. If there is not any real interest in this type of prop - I will get them to make one for me - and use the prototype for a garage resin kit run to cover the cost.

Attached is an idea - but the the design is only a concept:

http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab169/H...ImageHarada.jpg