@Thistlecorn  
The Vickers design is based on the Maxim but simplified and improved. Supposedly it is more inherently reliable than the Maxim–which is a pretty reliable design itself, though about a hundred years out of date–with fewer moving parts, lighter, and less prone to parts breakage.
 
In the 21st Century, of course, any water-cooled crew-served rifle-caliber HMG is a Victorian Era curiosity. This is not to say that the well-trained professional British military didn’t accomplish amazing things with them, through sheer stubbornness and not knowing that it should have been impossible.
 
They even did indirect fire with them. They could set up a battery of four or six guns a couple of miles away from the target, with perhaps a low rise between blocking direct line of sight, and a forward observer watching the target would call in the fire mission. The whole battery would dial in their best guess at a firing solution that would put metal on target. Then the best gun crew of the battery would begin firing, and the forward observer would give them information to correct their aim until they were on target. Then the full battery would “fire for effect” and make it rain down angry metal on a target they couldn’t even see. Modern armies don’t even teach this any more, in large part because indirect fire support is something we now do with mortars and artillery. They were doing this before radio. Forward observers used semaphore flags to send signals (a good way to get the attention of a sniper) and carrier pigeons. I am in awe.
 
…and yeah, that actually looks a lot like a real Vickers. The proportions are a bit wonky but it’s recognizable.

Come on Starlight, can’t you see that Twilight is experiencing emu-tional turmoil over there?

@Background Pony #2D50  
They are very similar, which is why I have trouble telling between the two.

@Thistlecorn
 
Weren’t the Vickers or Maxim nearly identical weapons?

This ride will never ever end.

@GenericArchangel  
@Antonyourknee  
It’s also funny if you interpret that this is just a bit Starlight is doing, and Twilight’s sick of it.

@GenericArchangel  
everyone is Australian.

The Emu war proved to be very traumatic for Twilight.

It is nothing short of miraculous that this is somehow the first image tagged emu war but it’s perfect. What is Twilight referring to? When did Starlight become Australian? How is she supposed to use the gun with hooves?
 
So many questions, so many mysteries!

“It’s been years.”

I forget: is that a Vickers or a Maxim?