Mando Mercs Costume Club

Mandalorian Armor => Armor Construction => Topic started by: Jorbe Falco on Oct 30, 2015, 09:22 AM

Title: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jorbe Falco on Oct 30, 2015, 09:22 AM
Starting to plan my first build. I picked up this bucket at Target. It was the last one at Target, not in a box, and missing half the ear cap and RF stalk. I got them to sell it to me for 15 dollars. Not a bad deal. I just need to figure out the best way to reinforce it a bit and then sand and paint it. Also fabricate some kind of ear cap. I'm probably going to just rock an antenna instead of a rangefinder anyway.

(http://i.imgur.com/21jm7Mi.png)

This is a basic idea of my color scheme. I will probably throw in some more detail as it comes together, but at least I have an idea of where I want to go with this.

[UPDATE] Change of plans on the color scheme and bucket design.  [UPDATE]

(http://i.imgur.com/U2NALgL.png)  (http://i.imgur.com/Y460GxC.png)

Now all I need to do is find some Sintra/foam board to work with. Also having trouble finding brown coveralls/flight suit. My cousin says I can buy a tan one and dye it... however I have no experience in dying anything.

-Plasmid
Title: Re: Plasmid's First Kit - WIP
Post by: jett drexel on Oct 30, 2015, 09:32 AM
hello mate, don't be intimidated by the idea of dying stuff they make machine dye you just put it in your washing machine add salt and the machine does it for you. simple. good luck with your build.
Title: Re: Plasmid's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Kavryn Falco on Oct 30, 2015, 06:55 PM
Well it's a little more complicated than that - the material your fabric is made out of matters.  But still, the commercial dyes are designed to be easy-to-use, and as long as you follow the directions and do your research you should be fine.

The Target model's a good bucket. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Title: Re: Plasmid's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jorbe Falco on Oct 31, 2015, 09:20 AM
Some updates and questions:

Will this work for a flight suit? http://www.awawork.com/ct10bn.html (http://www.awawork.com/ct10bn.html)

Trying to get an idea of sizing. I am 5'11". I used the 6' WOF Jango templates and transferred them to poster-board.

I have broad shoulders and a larger chest (with some moob-age going on). I believe that once I bend the chest plates a bit it will fit better, but I've never done this before.

Also, try to ignore my gut. Beer and I are quite fond of one another.

Thoughts/Suggestions?

(http://i.imgur.com/p8SGFkll.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/7P23JTPl.jpg)
Title: Re: Plasmid's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jaspor on Nov 21, 2015, 06:16 PM
Looks good to me! And I like that color scheme!
Title: Re: Plasmid's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Rokeim Gekla on Nov 22, 2015, 06:14 PM
placement is a bit scrunched.

a good rule (but not the 'golden' rule) is for the bottom of the ab plate to be at your belly button, and for there to be a thumb space between all your plates (not always workable with how the angles of the fett plated work out). 

as for the moobs and beer gut... those are easily sorted out when you get a vest and girth belt on ;)  i have the same problems.

Armor does wonders for posture and such... i go from This...
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11168095_10153175387536668_48806564610990943_n.jpg?oh=73661901c823e5ea45e62365aefe88d6&oe=56F47F95)

to This... (on the right)
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11150529_918067268964_3332990074267026947_n.jpg?oh=a6be5484330015742aceeb1aa85b9065&oe=56E1A23F)
Title: Re: Plasmid's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jorbe Falco on Nov 22, 2015, 06:35 PM
Awesome! Thanks for the tips and the confidence boost! Your kit looks great. I was trying to stick everything together in a mirror and the painters tape wasn't sticking very well to thst under armor shirt. I'll work on the spacing. As far as the size of the plates go, they look to be the correct size?
Title: Re: Plasmid's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Zharatustra on Nov 23, 2015, 10:52 PM
i think a good rule is start with the collar and, allowing spacing, line up chest with the collar (on the outer edges) then as was said before the ab palte should be at about your navel.
Title: Re: Plasmid's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jorbe Falco on Nov 26, 2015, 08:58 AM
Brought my Target bucket to my brothers and worked on popping the dent out. Was successful in doing so. Will still need some bondo and sanding before it looks right, but it's a good start.

Before
(http://i.imgur.com/5V1uHQk.jpg)

After
(http://i.imgur.com/bWogg4T.jpg)

Still a little lumpy, but some bondo and sanding should take care of that.
(http://i.imgur.com/3GDkrjn.jpg)


UPDATE

After MUCH Bondo and sanding and Bondo and sanding and priming and sanding and priming....

(http://i.imgur.com/b8aF5dc.jpg)

I just need to get it a bit more smooth. Trying to find some glazing/spot putty and see if that will do the trick. They didn't have it at my big box hardware store. Walmart seems to have it on their site.
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jorbe Falco on Feb 08, 2016, 02:40 PM
Haven't update this thread in a while, but I have been working.

Test fit, part 2. Didn't change anything but what I was wearing and the method of taping to me. Also, the bathroom mirror does a better job than my 8 year old holding the camera.
(http://i.imgur.com/dCYMYNk.jpg?1)

Armor plates are ready to be cut out!!
(http://i.imgur.com/PbCJejE.jpg)

The only part I had problems with was the cod... the Jango cod was way too small. I found another online before I realized that the Boba cod was perfect. So I went with that.
(http://i.imgur.com/cGoE9pg.jpg?1)

I got my paint! While the colors weren't an exact match to my vision, I am confident that with some blackwash and dirtying up they will be perfect.
(http://i.imgur.com/7rlKRbk.jpg)

I fiberglassed the inside of my bucket! Totally not as scary as it was in my head.
(http://i.imgur.com/bdMJwgW.jpg)  (http://i.imgur.com/laoVtM5.jpg)

Just about finished with the sanding and priming.
(http://i.imgur.com/pYNhHi8.jpg)  (http://i.imgur.com/yNiPTbK.jpg)

The one spot over the earcap is still a bit wonky, but it's going to be covered with a light, so I'm not worried.
(http://i.imgur.com/E9jFn49.jpg)  (http://i.imgur.com/GlrYn7K.jpg)

Trying to get the light positioned correctly was a pain... so I found an old piece of paracord and used that to find the center of the bucket.
(http://i.imgur.com/rnX12CG.jpg)  (http://i.imgur.com/5apN6Uf.jpg)

Waiting for glue to dry.
Put down painters tape, glued the light in the correct position. Will remove the light and then go to work with Bondo and/or Apoxie Sculpt to fill in the voids and build up a platform.
(http://i.imgur.com/2cXJFGi.jpg)

Once I had a center line, I was able to position the light so it pointed forward.
(http://i.imgur.com/EK6EbBX.jpg)

I also fabricated this to go over the light so it looked less like a modern tactical flashlight. Will most likely greeble it up as well.
(http://i.imgur.com/SZifmKB.jpg)

The mirror tint for my visor should arrive tomorrow. I also have the spray paint I need for my kit. Hoping to have the bucket at least display ready by the end of the week.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Questions?
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Pulse on Feb 10, 2016, 02:05 AM
It's looking great! Nice job! Keep it up
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Mavik on Feb 10, 2016, 05:26 AM
You're doing great so far  8)
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jorbe Falco on Mar 04, 2016, 12:30 AM
Got my plates cut out today!

(http://i.imgur.com/W5a3Wz0.jpg)
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Man_doh on Apr 24, 2016, 12:46 PM
Where did you score a whole sheet of Sinatra?! I haven't had any luck.
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jorbe Falco on Apr 24, 2016, 06:21 PM
Amazon. I'm using 6mm, but they have 3mm too. This is what I picked up. It's eligible for Prime shipping, too.

Celtec Expanded PVC Sheet, Satin Smooth Finish, 6mm Thick, 48" Length x 48" Width, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K2QKU66/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_BruhxbH8AH63F
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Man_doh on Apr 26, 2016, 12:03 AM
Amazon. I'm using 6mm, but they have 3mm too. This is what I picked up. It's eligible for Prime shipping, too.

Celtec Expanded PVC Sheet, Satin Smooth Finish, 6mm Thick, 48" Length x 48" Width, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K2QKU66/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_BruhxbH8AH63F

Thanks! I can't believe that price. Doesn't say Sinatra but, it's expanded PVC, so... Have you tried heat forming it yet? Say, were you able to get all your plates out of one sheet? And for scale, how tall are you? If you don't mind my asking...
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jorbe Falco on Apr 26, 2016, 08:45 AM
No worries, I'm 5'11". So Sintra is just a brand name for expanded PVC board, this is the exact same thing. 6mm is a lot harder to form due to the thickness, but that's what I chose to work with. I wanted the plates to have a more substantial look and feel to them. I was able to get all of my plates onto one sheet and I even have some left over. You can see it in the picture in this thread. The only armor that it doesn't account for are the gauntlets, as I'm not sure exactly the direction I want to go with them yet. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Mojo Khuriso on May 10, 2016, 09:39 PM
No worries, I'm 5'11". So Sintra is just a brand name for expanded PVC board, this is the exact same thing. 6mm is a lot harder to form due to the thickness, but that's what I chose to work with. I wanted the plates to have a more substantial look and feel to them. I was able to get all of my plates onto one sheet and I even have some left over. You can see it in the picture in this thread. The only armor that it doesn't account for are the gauntlets, as I'm not sure exactly the direction I want to go with them yet. Hope this helps.

I happened to be in Target and found some toilet bowl brush holders...that may be an idea for a gauntlet base. they're about as thick as 6mm sintra.
Title: Re: Jorbe Falco's First Kit - WIP
Post by: Jorbe Falco on May 10, 2016, 11:26 PM
I happened to be in Target and found some toilet bowl brush holders...that may be an idea for a gauntlet base. they're about as thick as 6mm sintra.

Interesting. I'll have to take a look. Thanks.

[UPDATE]

3D printed a set of knees.

(http://i.imgur.com/An5gMil.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/KzD23vH.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/xnQQFf6.jpg)

I just need to clean them up a bit. I may sand them and then hit them with some fiberglass to reinforce them. I'd like to be able to actually kneel on them.

(http://i.imgur.com/kSLxjtl.jpg)