Decimator Hybrid - Multi-Use Control System
Decimator Hybrid LARP Weapon System
Multi Use Control System
Control System Mark 1
Twin straps was the first system looked at. In all cases this needs to be at the centre balance point.
Control System Mark 2
Control is one of the most important features and this took several attempts to try and get right. A normal shield is just held in front, this weapon needed far more control.
Initially what was looked at first on the card prototype was a pair of straps, (Control System Mark 1) then something a bit more solid for the hand grip leaving something more adjustable for the upper arm, both in terms of arm length and thickness. The first option was a door handle that could be bolted on. The biggest I could find was still too close to the shield. An advantage here was it could be bolted through the first layers of the shield with a plastic plate on the inside layer to act as a large washer and hold it in place. However the Decimator had a fair amount of weight and size, combined with the twisting and violent motion the plastic handle very soon snapped.
Initially what was looked at first on the card prototype was a pair of straps, (Control System Mark 1) then something a bit more solid for the hand grip leaving something more adjustable for the upper arm, both in terms of arm length and thickness. The first option was a door handle that could be bolted on. The biggest I could find was still too close to the shield. An advantage here was it could be bolted through the first layers of the shield with a plastic plate on the inside layer to act as a large washer and hold it in place. However the Decimator had a fair amount of weight and size, combined with the twisting and violent motion the plastic handle very soon snapped.
Control System Mark 3
Having learned that the strapping system lacked control and the plastic door handle did not allow enough room for large hands and was too weak to handle the task a more solid customised system was required.
10mm glass reinforced plastic (GRP) extruded rods and tubes are very strong when short. Handles were to be made from this that was to be connected together and too the super structure with thinner GRP rods packed with fibres to prevent shear force snapping. These were effectively interwoven or cross bolted with each other in a directly into the internal structure.
Vertical shafts were glued to the two blade and shield length tubes. The bolts went in vertically and horizontally. The trick was to drill parallel holes for the GRF bolts. I made special labels for this. Cross bars added to create goal posts. These rod structures where then encased in foam to make handles and wide side walls.
10mm glass reinforced plastic (GRP) extruded rods and tubes are very strong when short. Handles were to be made from this that was to be connected together and too the super structure with thinner GRP rods packed with fibres to prevent shear force snapping. These were effectively interwoven or cross bolted with each other in a directly into the internal structure.
Vertical shafts were glued to the two blade and shield length tubes. The bolts went in vertically and horizontally. The trick was to drill parallel holes for the GRF bolts. I made special labels for this. Cross bars added to create goal posts. These rod structures where then encased in foam to make handles and wide side walls.
Control System Mark 4
You can see how this works with some of the testing here showing how the system is designed to be more than just a clumsy barrier, spinning under tight control of the user. One good move not shown is the ability to elbow straight backwards using the rear spikes, whilst never moving the front blades away from the frontal opponent, so you can immediately thrust into them, all the time being shielded on that side, then being able to back hand strike someone on the weapon side or elbow the rear hooks into them.
You can see several of the ways this system can trap opponents and their weapons, both in holes loops, hooks and twin blade features.
You can see several of the ways this system can trap opponents and their weapons, both in holes loops, hooks and twin blade features.
Full Design Process Report
Please click on the image for the full detailed design process development report for this project. The bottons cover the various elements that went into the design of the hybrid, the design decisions and project development
This was far more complex than any of the LARP weapons done before and many of the other projects here.
