Below is the basic concept …
* One M1 Garand pieced together from worn out parts
* One helmet with an LED rope light zip tied in place
* One bayonet with some bicycle inner tube zip tied on the point to conform/grip the helmet
* One plate of 12 x12 aluminum with 2 holes precisely drilled so that the dowel rods screwed in mate up to the holes in the Garand’s butt stock. You want the dowels just shy of the max depth of the holes in the stock so the weight is born by the plate for added stability. With this set up, you can grab the top of the rifle, tilt it, and the plate will tilt with it as a single unit. Standard dowel rod from hardware store (1/2 inch”) fit perfectly. Clearly John Garand had a lamp in mind when he designed the stock, as the dowel rods fit with perfect snugginess. Use a drill press to get the hole into the dowel rod straight, and long wood deck screws to secure from the other side of the aluminum plate, and a washer to distribute the pressure more widely.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRiVWdXYm84aUZCM0E/edit?usp=sharingSimple cord routing / hiding of the LED strip power cord, the switch tucked into the sling. Can def do some wire cutting / re-splice to move the switch and send the cord down the barrel and out the action.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRieWlvN2pzS3BYVlU/edit?usp=sharing Dremel to outline the star, the “flag waves” type background kinda’ happened in the moment. Outer edge of wave was done with a dremel wire brush. It was a bit too harsh so softened with fine emery sand paper. I will be inscribing a nice message in honor of my Dad’s service on the reverse side of the plate.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRiWXFfOVYyUG1lYzA/edit?usp=sharing Light on ... just the right amount of light to me, bounces off the base well and hightlights the rifle
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRiX25CN2NtOTVJNFk/edit?usp=sharingLight off
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRicjNLMHNRcGlHM3M/edit?usp=sharing