The First World War was the war of the Lewis light machine gun.

The British adopted the Lewis gun as their standard light machine gun in 1915, thus beginning a "love affair" that was to last for several decades. The value of the weapon was gradually discovered by troops of other countries and was venerated by Australian, French, Norwegian, Russian, Canadian, and German troops who employed it.

This new parts set can be used to replicate the Aircraft or Infantry versions of the full-size Lewis Gun. Parts are vacuum formed from 0.060" thick ABS plastic. Simple materials like a 1/2" wooden dowel, ABS adhesive, expanding foam, paint, and other bits are used to build up the full-size replica. You can be as creative as you want with regards to detailing. Included in the formed parts set (as shown above) is the two receiver halves, 97 round ammo drum, and handle set. The 97 round ammo drum mold was created using an actual Lewis drum. Trim it in half to create the 47 round drum.

Due to the various different barrel and shroud versions of the Lewis these parts are supplied as a "short kit". The builder supplies necessary materials to complete the desired barrel & gas tube or cooling shroud.

Infantry version Lewis under construction

The full-scale parts set for the infantry version includes the receiver halves, feed tray, ammo drum, stock set, PVC barrel shroud (white PVC) with stand-offs and tip.

Here's a copy of the assembly instructions for the infantry version Lewis.

The original 7/8ths Scale Replica Lewis Gun Parts Set

Parts are vacuum formed from 0.060" thick ABS plastic. Included in the 7/8th scale set (as shown above) are vacuum formed parts including the two receiver halves, ammo drum, barrel / muzzle brake, feed tray, and handle base. You simply supply a 20" piece of 2" diameter ABS or PVC pipe to make the cooling shroud (available at any home supply store) adhesive, paint, and simple materials (wooden dowel, sheet metal, etc) to form a trigger, handle loop, handle, and mount to create a "stand-off" scale Lewis replica. Detailing is limited only by your imagination.

Don't let that Graham Lee, or other 7/8ths scale replica, go around unarmed!!!

I also offer 7/8ths ammo drum shells individually that can be built into displays. A couple of spare ammo drums in a "saddle bag" add a realistic touch to your gun, or use the drum to build up your own 7/8 scale Lewis gun.

Please note, NO actual parts to build a gas powered version are included in the kit, only the vacuum formed parts shown above to build a static display are included.

Some pictures of a beautiful example assembled by Richard Pullen and members of Friends of the Lincoln Tank in the UK. This is a Lewis mounted in a replica WWI Lincoln Tank sponson that the organization has built.

Finally, here's a 7/8ths replica Lewis being mounted to the wing of a WWI Nieuport 11 fighter N124TD located near Houston Texas -- and the finished bird.