The two of the fundamental aspects that make the Dom Gross Beil unique is the fact that it carries a giant axe and that it stows on it's back. Particularly, the Gb axe can be deployed instantaneously in a slicing motion, from over the shoulder. When I created my version of the Dom Gb, I made an axe that I could actually build on a short timeline, without rotating parts for mounting. Since it was based on a design I found online, I hadn't designed a way to mount it to the Dom.
Even after adding the missile arm upgrade, the Dom still feels like it's missing a weapons rack or axe sheath. It doesn't make sense that this heavy unit would launch into battle, constantly carrying the axe.
As I mentioned above, the Gb axe I designed is simple and doesn't have any moving parts that can mount on a weapons rack.
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| Official Gb axe |
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| My Gb Axe (left), official Gb Axe (right) |
The official Gb axe has a round section that telescopes out. As you can see, my design (left) has no such feature, or any room for one. Basically, if I want to stow the Gb axe, the "magic" needs to happen on the sheath side.
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| Version 1 & 1.5 sheaths |
Version 1 is a simple design with solid sides, but a middle cavity with open top and bottom areas. In both versions, there is a cross bar that rotates over the axe handle to hold it in place. The problem with this design is that the cross bar would have to move FIRST before the weapon can be grabbed; the axe could fall out before being grabbed.
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| V2 (left) and V3 (right) |
Version 2 (left) focuses on a claw design, which grabbs the axe over the handle, but again I came across the same issue. Another barrier with finding the right design for this axe is the cross guard and top guard (rectangular sections on either side of the blade) are longer and thicker than the blade itself so they get in the way of easy stowage.
Version 3 (right) utilizes a clam shell method, with rotating doors. The problem here isn't so much the design, but my skill level in making this a reality. With no other options left, I decided to explore this option further.
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| Axe with part B only (left), both parts (right) |
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| Close up on part A (left) and part B (right) |
Version 3 would have two main parts (technically three, since part A comes in two halves), part A (doors) and part B (main cavity). Part A would need pin holes drilled in the top and bottom, where metal (copper, aluminum or brass) tubes would be inserted to form a hinge. Part B would have mirrored holes drilled in the adjoining sections, to complete the hinge.
To be perfectly honest, I've never drilled holes into plastic for the intent of making a hinge. I've read and studied many WIP examples of this, but have not tried it myself. Finally, I may get the chance to test my dremel and pin vice on something more than bullet holes.
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| Part A type I (right) and type II (left) |
Because my styrene is flat and I haven't found a great way to curve it (without risking the structural integrity of the plastic), I have two designs for Part A. Type I (right) is built in layers and uses magnets on the lip, allowing the door flaps to lay flat, and stay closed-- so the axe doesn't fall out! Type 2 is filed at an angle on the lips, giving the illusion of a slanted design. It uses less plastic, and also has inner pieces (grayed out area) that fit snug with the axe blade, providing extra fit.
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| Angled close up of part B (right), rotator (left) |
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| Stowed rack on backpack (left), rotator (right) |
Part B has a top profile like a horse shoe, with a rotator part that allows it to change height when deployed and allows the sheath to rotate up-and-over the shoulder, bringing the axe handle closer to reach. If the handle is closer, then the arm doesn't have to reach as far back to grab it.
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| Part A & B without axe |
Originally, Version 3 had rounded doors, but as mentioned, I don't currently have a good way to achieve this without risking breakage. Perhaps lots of heat (blow dryer or hot water) paired with patient and precise bending would work.
I'm very excited about this project, but I think I'm done trying to design this on paper. The next step is making it. Hopefully, the next post on this project will have photos of plastic!
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