Update #1A and #2A - WA parts and CM901 beginnings

Well, I had a very productive Friday this past week, and it resulted in feeling really good about these projects.  I have decided on a numbering/letter system for my updates, The number is what the project number is.  So for example, #1 is the OD VLTOR WA M4 project, and #2 is the CM901 WE Tech M4.  The letter is the essentially the update number.  The higher the letter, the more recent the update.  "A" being the first, "B" the second, and so on.  Simple, but effective.

First off, I ended up having to reorder some of parts for the WA, since they disappeared from the retailers I had originally linked to.  They have been ordered and should be here in a few weeks.  That being said, the same shop had a bunch of steel parts floating around, so those will end up in my gun as well.  I just have to source a new spring set and the lower will be mostly complete.  I was actually shocked that I will have the lower done before the upper.

Secondly, I found a half built WE M4 which I got to take home for my purposes. 

I spent the next few hours looking it over to see what I needed.  So far, the pricing looks pretty good.  Because the WE Tech rifles are 1:1 real sizing, I can just go and snag the parts I am missing from the local gun shop or show for a really good price.  Just to make this even more authentic, I will see how many of those parts I can get from Colt.  (Maybe even find the charging handle with the logo on the back of it.)  Otherwise, here are the parts I am going to replace/need.  I have organized them into three lists:  Needed Real Steel Parts, Needed WE/Airsoft Parts, and Other Parts I Might Replace.

WE/Airsoft Parts Needed:
Anti-Rotation Pins
Gas Block
Folding Front Sight
Ambi-Selector Switch
Selector Detent and Spring
Vortex Flash Hider
Trigger Group Screw
Rail System Assembly
Custom Machined Aluminum 13 inch Outer Barrel

Real Steel Parts Needed:
Tan VLTOR IMOD Stock (Mil-Spec)
Tan A2 Pistol Grip
Full Length Gas Tube
Forward Assist
Trigger Guard

Parts That Might Be Replaced:
Magazine Release
Buffer Tube
Castle Nut
Stock Ring
Dust Cover
CAR Type Buffer

I know finding some of these real steel parts will be easy, and for a good price too.  I am expecting those to cost around $150.  The airsoft parts will just need locating.  Those will cost about $200, mostly because of the rail system.  Right now, the only thing on its way is an Open Bolt kit.  I will have to get the dimensions off of the barrel once I get an armor's wrench to remove that barrel nut.  At least now I will have a battle plan when I go shopping.  The only thing I am still in need of is a place to get my parts annodized/powder-coated and engraved.  I don't have to have the engraving, but adds so much to the individuality of the gun.  If you have any ideas, offer up!  I am always looking for suggestions.

That is it for now.  Progress is being made!  Hopefully I can start assembling one of these things into a working gun to sling some plastic at people.  Since it is winter time in the Northeast United States, I have to wait for some warmer weather.  Until then, Here are some more pictures of the start.