project
notes by Arnie
and DolphiN#1
So
what is it ? The MORITA was the rifle from the Paul Verhoven
film ‘StarShip
Troopers’, and featured heavily throughout the film. Some of the site
members here (DolphiN#1
and Arnie) are
going to construct several of these props from scratch, to create fully functional
airsoft replicas. The airsoft M41 PulseRifle,
and the MORITA project are going to be run consecutively, so expect
this page, and the PulseRifle page to be updated at roughly the same time.
What
is it really? The actual props were built from two individual
firearms, and the actual design and ideas, may remind you of the PulseRifle,
from ‘Aliens’. The actual film, StarshipTroopers, was heavily slated upon
it’s release for heavily ‘borrowing’ from other films. In this respect, the
MORITA is unfortunatley, not particularly original in it’s design. To quote
ChrisW’s page
on StarShip Troopers (which I’d highly recommend reading).
“…if Paul Verhoeven et Tactics consist A supposedly |
have put it better myself. =)
Anyway, back to The rifle in the Shown below you’ll |
The Ruger Mini-14 automatic rifle
The Ithaca 37 ‘Stakeout’ pump-action shotgun
Stefan
Otto sent
in these couple of updates about the specifics of the MORITA build (thanks
Otto):
– The back
half of the morita shell is actually based on a Muzzelite Bullpup Stock
Kit. You can find these at: http://www.muzzelite.com/products/Muzzelite/MZ-14.htm
– The full-auto
versions of the moritas used a Ruger AC556. You can see the selector
switch at the end of the receiver in some of the close-ups. See the following
link for a picture/stats: http://www.duffysguns.com/Ruger%20AC556.htm
The
Project: We
intend to build a functional airsoft replica of the MORITA, constriction details
will be worked out, as we build the first few. At this time.. there is no
‘solution’. This page will be updated with information and data as the first
prototypes are designed and built.
The basic
theory, is that the shell will be built from sheet 5mm metal, that has been
cut, welded and folded to shape. The AEG gut’s will most likely be that of
a FAMAS (with is already a bullpup airsoft product), and the lower shotgun,
will most likely be constructed from a cheap Dong-Sang Ithaca springer. Again,
a lot of this is likely to change, as the project is started.
1.
The cheap solution: TBA
2.
The professional solution:
TBA
CAD
Images We
have a few CAD diagrams in our possesion, which have been downloaded off the
net. These will be placed here if and when we get the original author’s permission.
Phil
of USMC
Blackwatch has kindly given us permission to host copies of his plans
for the MORITA and PulseRifle project (Thanks
Phil). You
can download them by clicking here.
Update
– January 13, 2002: Are you looking for that perfect shell
to build your MORITA around? Well you can get the resin casts used in the
film here
from ReelClothes.
The cost the MORITA shell is about 500USD, which isn’t that bad, but it is
a tad pricey for a casual project. Thanks go out to Sean
Dey of NEASG for
this update.
One of the MORITA props up for sale at ReelClothes
(image from and copyright ReelClothes)
Photos:
Below you’ll find a load of images that I have yet
to sort. Screengrabbed from the UK DVD release of the movie, theses images
will be used for both detail and functional reference.
External
Links:
‘The |
A site with a few images and some usefull information covering various sci-fi props |
LazerTag E-Zine May 2001 |
The LazerTag e-zine, with informaion and a picture of their Tag-MORITA |
TrooperPX.com | TrooperPX: The Worlds Most Complete Starship Troopers Reference Collection |
Starship Troopers Props for sale |
A site with various props and equipment for sale from the film |
GoldenArmour | GoldenArmour’s page for the MORITA |
Ithaca Gun Company |
The real-steel makers of the Ithaca 37 shotgun |
Ruger Firearms |
The real-steel makers of the Ruger Mini-14 rifle |
The Ruger Mini-14 page |
A small page of links to information, parts, and other resources for owners and fans of the Ruger Mini-14 Rifle. |
ReelClothes | ReelClothes have several props and the like for sale, including original and 2nd gen MORITA shells |
Sci-Firearms | The indespensible reference for scifi weaponry, props, and sci-fi airsoft replicas |
Images
on this page from the ‘StarShip Troopers‘ DVD are ©2000 Warner
Home Video
The rest is
copyright 2001ArniesAirsoft
No
arachnids, infantrymen or bugs were harmed in the production of this page.
( My my, we do read the small print don’t we ? )