Greetings all!!
I've posted various pictures in different sections, but it's probably best for me to begin my WIP thread. Much better to be told "that won't pass CRLs" while it's still in the developmental stages. So
PLEASE feel free to speak your mind, offer suggestions, or whatever. I have thick skin. LOL
NOTE: After originally posting this in a different section, I'm copying and pasting it here. I'll delete the old thread.
There's a rough idea on how I want things to look, but many details haven't been hammered out yet. As most of my projects tend to do, I suspect there will be several instances of either screwing something up, it not working the way I envisioned or the need to go a different direction. I'm happy to have everyone able to "come along for the ride" of seeing this through. Looking forward to getting my first Mando all together.
So........ here's my concept drawing. Or more accurately, the drawing that evolved as I acquired different parts. I'm sure it'll continue to evolve. I'm not sure what color I want the trauma plates yet. If I can lighten or darken the Icon boots, that will probably play a major factor in my decision. I'm a bit of a leathersmith (amatuer), so I have some ideas. My original intention was to do an arctic Mando, but I could go desert instead. Anyway, please feel free to say which color combo you like best.
Yes, those are Snowtrooper shoulders on the arctic versions. I'm a Snowtrooper in the 501st, so I have extra parts here and there. Not 100% sold on using them with the Mando kit, but we'll see. I already have cold cast aluminum Boba style shoulders that I was considering using as something else, like bicep armor or something similar. Not sure yet. And I realize there aren't any knees drawn (or arms for that matter). Haven't decided on second waist belt either yet, so it's not drawn. Trying to focus on what I HAVE so far, but I'll need to figure out that stuff too, eventually.
For the torso, I'm starting with Jango cold cast aluminum parts (fiberglass reinforced).
I'll add some removable trauma plates later, to give it some color.
So far, I have cold cast:
- shoulders
- collar
- L & R chest, with diamond
- abdomen
- cod piece
Not the best picture, but I'll replace it with a better one soon.
I'm having a flak vest made in off white cotton duck cloth. Endelose (on Etsy) is making it for me. She comes highly recommended. It'll have a short covered zipper on the back, as well as a covered zipper down the left side. Hidden elastic sides, double layered front (for reinforcement), and Boba style shoulders.
Back zipper cover idea was mine. Basically, there's a short strip of fabric that acts as a zipper pull. There's loop velcro on it, so it's comfortable to hold. After zipping it up, you lay it down over the zipper, which has hook velcro sewn to either side. Should hide the zipper pretty well.....I hope.
Before cutting anything, I asked a question in Mandalorian Q&A about segmenting the collar piece, and having a trauma plate cover the gap, but allow the underplates (the CC alum) to slide under it, when needed, to allow for better range of motion and prevent binding. I got the OK to proceed. Here's a rough drawing of what I'm talking about. Plates weren't sanded or steel wooled at this point. Note: that's not a vest I'm using for the armor. It was just convenient.
I'm also wanting to have a similar trauma plate for the chest sections.
The CC diamond will be on the trauma plate (recessed). I'm wondering,
if I'm going to attach a pilot's chest box, would I still need the diamond?
There will be matching trauma plates on the abdomen and codpiece.
Came across some really "Swarzy" brown boots. At least I think so:
I'm currently playing around with methods to cover back zipper. Thinking a leather or aluminum plate like this:
Maybe I'll add some rockets, like Cad Bane, just my own style.
A couple days ago, I bought some gloves like these, off Ebay. I thought they'd go well with the boots.
One cool thing I just saw on ep 4 of the Mandalorian the Kubaz was wearing these exact same gloves.
Now...... the helmet is from Albatross Customs (our own Makris Brik). I designed a custom, liftable visor,
that Makris was kind enough to build for me. I have lots of plans for adding electronics to this helm
(wireless mic to voice amp, LEDs, possibly a HUD, if I can get it to work right, and a Velleman MK126),
but they'll have their own threads.
Teaser HUD w / animated "radar"
:
Here's some pants I found that I liked. I know I'll need to sew pockets shut. I purchased and extra pair,
in small, so I can use them to make matching sleeves. Not sure if I'll have sleeves attach inside flak vest
or make them into a separate layer. I liked the ribbed knee (and elbow) sections. They're 95% cotton, so
they should be able to either be dyed or made lighter, as needed.
Thanks!!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.