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[Cora Kav'lya]

I suppose I should get one of these started...

I did it, brethren...
« on: Feb 27, 2013, 07:29 AM »

Last night, I took my first major step and purchased a resin-cast bucket blank from another forum member. I should have my first ever bucket by next week! I can't even begin to describe how excited I am. Trying to sleep last night was ridiculous- I was like a kid on Christmas only instead of sugarplums, I had visions of soft parts dancing through my head.

Mwahaha, at last, my creation is born!

Also, can't wait to show it to you guys. :-)

Bucket was purchased from this thread:

http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=59645.0

Unexpected progress!
« on: May 10, 2013, 08:10 AM »

My husband and I went on an impromptu date last night and I scored a rather unexpected and unusual item that means leaps and bounds in the progress of my kit!

We were strolling through the mall, the first time in years, after a movie... and happened past a store that was tossing out a female half mennequin. :O Granted, it is a "standard" sized one and I will likely need a larger one to accommodate my... er... huge tracts of land, however, I have the means and materials to practice on now, and I have spare bits for my actual kit! I'm stoked!

Hooray for unexpected gifts.

I then attended an awesome clan armor party on July 13, 2013. Thanks to the local mercs, we were able to get plates cut, and I got a large portion of the rest of the armor donated to me by OMs and my Clan Alor'ad.


Here's my current progress:

Armor/Bucket



Boots

I got these in the mail today. Knee-high. No laces or zipper. Thoughts?

Need to shape, paint, and fit it, as well as purchase/acquire a flight suit and vest!



Update Feb 12, 2014:

Everything is shaped, flight suit is acquired- needs dyed, and vest is a go! I'm all set to prime/paint and attach!


Update Feb 20, 2014:

All pieces except abs and shins are primed. Abs need a little more love. I need to build gaunt(s) and figure out a back plate!

[Keyaroscuro]

I really like those boots.

Looks like you're off to a good start! Do you have an overall concept design?

[Niabi]

Looks like a great start vod

[Linora Void]

Those boots are so beautiful... 

Good start, vod!

[Thaxos]

You're off to a good start, keep it up!

[Cora Kav'lya]

Thanks for all the boot love!
I bought them on Amazon. They are "Naughty Monkey" brand, "Desperado" style in black. They were about $50 for my size. Price varies depending on retailer. They are a little stiff at first, but once the sole starts to break down (took about 2-3 days of 4-6 hours wear each day), they are wonderful!

[Cora Kav'lya]

UPDATE!

I made immense progress under the pressure of realizing that my self-imposed deadline is 12 days away!

Everything is cut, shaped, and I rounded the edges off most of the plates because I think it looks "softer" and less abrasive. I'm off to prime it all in a while, but here's the main armor laid out! Thighs, shins, shoulders, and helmet not pictured.



I need to get a gaunt and finish my belts/pouches and I'll be ready!



Here's a closer shot of the rounded edges.

[Niabi]

Looks good Vod I'd recommend taping the plates to you so we can check the size / fit

[Cora Kav'lya]

I've done that... however it's hard to take a selfie of that. LOL

[Cora Kav'lya]

Scored some AMAZING pouches last night for SUPER cheap. I'm going to replace the corner leathers with black, but I believe I am leaving hte rusty brown/orange/darker tan main straps as is.

[Prudii Kyramud]

Scored some AMAZING pouches last night for SUPER cheap. I'm going to replace the corner leathers with black, but I believe I am leaving hte rusty brown/orange/darker tan main straps as is.

Those pouches are pretty sick looking. Can't wait to see the edits to them you're talking about.

[Cora Kav'lya]

I made some awesome progress today!









All the plates I have are primed. I have fabric for my cloak, which I intend on finishing tonight, and tomorrow I am picking up some rough gauntlet blanks.

[Cora Kav'lya]

How's my suit and vest and neck seal fit? I've heard some OMs say they were critiqued on the flight suit legs being too baggy. Does it look like I should take these in?

[Cora Kav'lya]

I sanded the primer down to a smooth surface using 1500 grit sandpaper to get the surface smooth and even before I added color. It ended up revealing some pretty awesome areas of weathering and damage opportunity that I will likely use... because using the natural imperfections in the plastic and paint can only make the overall appearance more natural, right?

Here's a pic:



Notice the scuffing there already? I love it.



Today's primary focus was starting my weathering! Since my main color is going to be a dark gunmetal gray to simulate Ultrachrome, I wanted the weathering and damages to resemble rust.

Here's the first layer, a color called "Red Oxide" and is made by Ace Hardware.



Then I added some toothpaste as a masking agent, (as seen here: http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=70055.msg1066914#msg1066914_



I added some "leather brown" matte paint over that, but my phone was dying so no pics of that until tomorrow.

[Svik Katora]

suit looks a little baggy, also can we get some pics of the armor taped to you for sizing?