Mando Mercs Costume Club
Mandalorian Armor => Armor Construction => Topic started by: Dun'merkin on Dec 01, 2013, 03:06 PM
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Well it's about time I made an actual WIP thread seeing as the kit is about 80% finished....I think. :laugh:
I've made up a set of plates which were painted and weathered...just needed the belly and back plate...but since then have been offered a set of Boba plates press-studded to a flak vest - by a guy with a similar build to me- for a half decent price. He's also thrown in a kidney plate and cod piece made to fit a gnome and a back-plate that seems pretty tiny and made from some oddly shaped shoulders.
So now I've got 2 sets of plates...which means I can make 2 kits ;D
So the boba plates when I got them weren't in great condition...they'd been repainted and had vinyls slapped on badly. The paint work was very cracked and had a layer of lacquer over both the paint and the vinyls.
So vinyls ripped off and a quick sand down let me basecoat them with silver. I've only gone for a very light sanding so the cracks in the paint beneath leave a bit of texture behind as I want this to be picked up on when dry-brushed.
Today all the plates have been given a dose of latex and top coat then dry-brushed in aluminium and given a black wash.
The vest has been given a bit of dirt as has the collar and the whole lot has been put on the vest for a trial run.
The chest diamond looks too small for my liking so that will be replaced completely and the plates might need a few bits of velcro to help them sit better(especially the neck plate)....or I need to lose my growing belly.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3217.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3217.jpg.html)
Not the best pic in the world I admit...I've lost a tripod in the mess of my room somewhere lol
Comments and critique please.
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Well it's about time I made an actual WIP thread seeing as the kit is about 80% finished....I think. :laugh:
I've made up a set of plates which were painted and weathered...just needed the belly and back plate...but since then have been offered a set of Boba plates press-studded to a flak vest - by a guy with a similar build to me- for a half decent price. He's also thrown in a kidney plate and cod piece made to fit a gnome and a back-plate that seems pretty tiny and made from some oddly shaped shoulders.
So now I've got 2 sets of plates...which means I can make 2 kits ;D
So the boba plates when I got them weren't in great condition...they'd been repainted and had vinyls slapped on badly. The paint work was very cracked and had a layer of lacquer over both the paint and the vinyls.
So vinyls ripped off and a quick sand down let me basecoat them with silver. I've only gone for a very light sanding so the cracks in the paint beneath leave a bit of texture behind as I want this to be picked up on when dry-brushed.
Today all the plates have been given a dose of latex and top coat then dry-brushed in aluminium and given a black wash.
The vest has been given a bit of dirt as has the collar and the whole lot has been put on the vest for a trial run.
The chest diamond looks too small for my liking so that will be replaced completely and the plates might need a few bits of velcro to help them sit better(especially the neck plate)....or I need to lose my growing belly.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3217.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3217.jpg.html)
Not the best pic in the world I admit...I've lost a tripod in the mess of my room somewhere lol
Comments and critique please.
Chest plates and diamond need to come up and in half a hair or so. Maybe a nice black wash? Looks like a good start, otherwise.
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It defo needs another black wash...Used up the last of my black on it already but barely got a covering so more is on the cards :D
I'm giving serious thought to scrapping that diamond and replacing it completely....I'm not keen on it's size and it's about double the thickness of the rest of the plates.
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It defo needs another black wash...Used up the last of my black on it already but barely got a covering so more is on the cards :D
I'm giving serious thought to scrapping that diamond and replacing it completely....I'm not keen on it's size and it's about double the thickness of the rest of the plates.
Yeah, it could use to be a tiny bit bigger. A thick diamond does add some depth, though...
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What are those plates made out of?
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What are those plates made out of?
Plastic.
Best guess is ABS. They are too 'rigid' to be PVC.
Wht was being flagged up in your mind?
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chest plates need to be brought closer to the center as well. Which will most likely cause a need in trimming the lower vertical piece of them, the "tooth" of it. might need to curve them all a bit more too.
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Plastic.
Best guess is ABS. They are too 'rigid' to be PVC.
Wht was being flagged up in your mind?
They look flat and might need to be shaped more. Sometimes when plates are flat it's indicative of not approved materials being used. I just wanted to be sure :)
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Ok not a prob....I'll work a solution ;)
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yuuup they are looking very flat vod ;) you really want them shaped a bit to you body shape ;)
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Have you got any concept pictures/colour scheme, trying to visualise beyond just the plates?
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Have you got any concept pictures/colour scheme, trying to visualise beyond just the plates?
Hows this for a visual aid ;)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/IMGP3222.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/IMGP3222.jpg.html)
Really needed this shot so I can see it all together myself.
Ok...now what I'm not happy with...
A couple of press studs on the plates gave way...need stronger glue on them to hold them in place...hence the belly plate not sitting well at all. Standing straighter to the camera might help a bit too :laugh:
Neck plate needs velcro on the vest at the top. The plate has velcro on but not had a chance to get some on the vest yet.
Boots look too new.
Gloves I'm just not happy with...the yellow leather needs to come off and be replaced...probably with cotton twill same as the boiler suit.
Bucket needs finishing...only had a coat of primer from Saz, a rub down, one layer of white and another rub down so far...I need some calmer weather as I'm spraying outside. (visor isn't fixed yet...just slots in nicely atm)
Back plate is going to be replaced by a cloak...I DO own a backplate but it's so damn uncomfortable to wear. I've got fabric samples on their way.
Knees are on order from K'raam Xrati.
Gauntlets are coming from Talos Kot.
One last major point that bugs me. Belly. I need a sash or girth of something...oh and to lose some flab. :laugh:
Over to you folks...What obvious glaring error have I missed?
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Here we go bud ;)
Shoulders could do with moving up a bit ;)
your plates are still looking a bit flat and are sticking out from your body a bit.
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Try wearing your belt higher. It will help you look taller and thinner.
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Try wearing your belt higher. It will help you look taller and thinner.
Lol..I'm 6'2 :laugh: I'll give it a go though ;)
Here we go bud ;)
Shoulders could do with moving up a bit ;)
your plates are still looking a bit flat and are sticking out from your body a bit.
Not a problem with the shoulder...I can reposition the studs on the back of the plate.
The plate studs are currently mounted on card that is mounted to the plate...I can lose that to pull them in a couple of mm.
Think more studs might help as well...the studs on the outside edges of the plates are miles away from the edge itself...I think that's why they are standing so far out...the centres are close in to the vest.
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Niabi got it, shaping would be a major one for me, they stick out al lot, shoulder bells bring up as they won't protect your shoulders very well there.
Also don't worry too much about gloves, gauntlets will hopefully cover them, if not bleach them white like the rest.
If you want a sash, make it a colour you don't have and can introduce more as your a blitz of red on white, maybe brown leather like your waist satchel?
Boots run over a but with high grit sand paper and/or armour them, shins will help bring in the baggy bottom of flight suit.
Have you thought of a cod piece instead of loin cloth? pending on how you make it they are not as restrictive as you may think, especially Jango style ones.
And PAINT THAT LID :laugh:!
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I'm looking at a dark green for the cloak and sash...mainly to break up the red and white lol
Gloves have now lost the yellow bit and I'm planning to re cuff them with cloak material.
I thought bout a cod but don't fancy it...for the brigade I'm planning for I want to keep as much movement as I can.
I'll get a better pic of the satchel...you aren't the first person to guess its colour :P its actually green canvas...its a refurbished Czech army bag that is going to be used for brigade stuff in the long term.
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Well dark green might make you look a bit Christmassy... Unless you're going for that on this fine holiday. ;)
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I'd leave that belt where it is, holding the kama/loincloth and then add a sash over that and then a second belt with your pouch and such on it.
Moving the snaps might solve the armour sticking out, if not, you might have to look into bending it a little further.
A bright/dark green I'd recommend against, but the same brown/green as the bag, alongside a brown leather should go nicely
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:laugh: I'm the biggest scrooge you'll ever find.
The dark green idea is really to break up the red. I considered burgundy...but thats red still :P
Here's the current plan...
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/bucket.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/bucket.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/mando2.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/mando2.jpg.html)
And the satchel...
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/WP_000398.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/WP_000398.jpg.html)
The phials are labelled 'blood' and 'coagulant' transcribed in Mando aplhabet from Galactic basic.
Yup the long term idea is medic lol
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Ok...Bucket has been hit with weather powders...Rust (orange), Iron oxide (red( and Chrome Oxide(green) and another dose of charcoal. Visor is fitted, just need to finish padding it inside.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3223.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3223.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3224.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3224.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3225.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3224.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3226.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3224.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3231.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3231.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3235.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3235.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3236.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3236.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3239.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3239.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3240.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3240.jpg.html)
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I love seeing finished lids, they always finish/start a kit off well and this is of no exception.
Simple and effective, nice 8)
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I love seeing finished lids, they always finish/start a kit off well and this is of no exception.
Simple and effective, nice 8)
Thank you, thank you. :)
Definately look into powders...I used humbrol ones. They are basically like chalk. Get a bit on a brush...I used my tired old dry-brushing brush (which I think was originally a cheap make-up brush) and blow it on. Anything you want a bit thick just brish it on and rub it in a bit and for bolt marks just a single hard puff with a lot of powder on the brush.
Total time for the powders was about 15mins :laugh:
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Your paint job is great ! I really like the weathering ...
Want to see the armor complete. :D
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;D
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Nice stuff vod ;)
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Well minor update....I'm miffed beyond belief at my kit >:(
I've knocked up a cloak that has the unfortunate affect of pulling the neck plate up so it looks terrible. The studs are coming off the plates all over the place despite being cleaned up, roughed up for purchase then given a large dose of stupid strength glue.
I appear to be expanding make the vest and plates just sit wrongly.
Giving serious thought to starting over with my MOW vest and thin plates and scrapping the clothears vest and thick plates then going down the velcro route and reworking the cloak to weigh much less.
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What is the cloak made of to weigh so much?
what type is it?
Do you think you can modify the back plate to be more comfortable?
If so: do you really need a cloak then?
Pretty sure the plates are fine, will just need regigging in someway........... Pictures would help us assess how to advise you, don't give up m8, its just a bump in the road
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What is the cloak made of to weigh so much?
what type is it?
Do you think you can modify the back plate to be more comfortable?
If so: do you really need a cloak then?
Pretty sure the plates are fine, will just need regigging in someway........... Pictures would help us assess how to advise you, don't give up m8, its just a bump in the road
It's double layered felt...currently attached by eyelts and bolts with cap nuts ontop of the neck plate.
It's a full cloak down to pretty much knees...my stitch wizard (mum) thinks maybe stripping it down to single layer might help but I'm not so sure.
What backplate? lol That's why I have the cloak....I can't see me having a backplate due to me being hunched over :(
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It's double layered felt...currently attached by eyelts and bolts with cap nuts ontop of the neck plate.
It's a full cloak down to pretty much knees...my stitch wizard (mum) thinks maybe stripping it down to single layer might help but I'm not so sure.
What backplate? lol That's why I have the cloak....I can't see me having a backplate due to me being hunched over :(
You mentioned you had a back plate but was uncomfortable, was wondering if it could be modified, possibly layered like mine to follow your back?
Felt is pretty heavy stuff, have you thought of cotton and maybe attach to vest not a plate, vest should balance things more without effecting plate alignment?
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Attach it to the vest, it will be much easier, and easy to remove to wash etc.
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Ok...current state is I've seriously lost my temper with the press studs. So I've ripped off the studs that haven't fallen off, removed anything on the back of the plates and will reattach them with epoxy.
Saving that for an armour party though.
Other than that updates are slow...crazy pills don't seem to be doing much atm so I'm on a bit of a downer after the cloak failure. Also just realised that I have an incredible about of dried blood stains...which will apparently be a problem with the whole 'gore' thing :-[ So it may be a case of scrapping the flightsuit and kama :'(
Everything is pretty much on hold till further notice until my general mood improves.
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you could switch to industrial velcro for the plates, will give you far more adjustment room?
Cloak is another story, need something solid to anchor to :'(
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you could switch to industrial velcro for the plates, will give you far more adjustment room?
Cloak is another story, need something solid to anchor to :'(
Yeah my second set of plates and vest uses velcro so I might progress with a hybrid of kit 1 and 2.
Read somewhere that blood and gore isn't an acceptable idea. I have an excessive amount of dried blood on damn near everything...going to have to try and wash or bleach flight suit, vest, kama and loin....or scrap and start over.
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Ok....New flightsuit is here and has had the necessary alterations (a few logos and bits removed and legs shortened) so that's all funky-dory.
K'raam Xrati knees are painted to about 75%.....ran out of black wash and not had time to go get some more. then need to varnish them.
Had some advice from Kyp with regards to fixing the buggers on and here's the result....with a pic of the girth belt too for good measure.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3250.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3250.jpg.html)
Next weekend I have my bestie coming over to me a second set of hands and eyes and we're gonna get plates velcro'd into place on my MOW vest.
On the downside though I faffed about trying to find the neck plate I have with velcro on...turns out it was sat down near the radiator. And the paint has bubbled and flaked off. Not sure if I want to repaint and use my thin plates or stick with the thicker plates that look flatter.
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I really like that Kama/loin cloth.
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You've got a lot of your weathering on the kama foucused right down the middle, don't forget the edges as well. Try to think of how it would naturally acquire the stains and grime.
You're definately on the right track, doing great Vod!
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Glad they work ;) like others have said, get an all over weathering mate ;)
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Ok...after a fairly long session with my best mate today(she's so tolerant of my weird hobbies)...we've got to the follow state...
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/WP_000430.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/WP_000430.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/WP_000429.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/WP_000429.jpg.html)
I thick a shave of 1/2 inch off each side might be a good idea....opinions?
Diamond needs cutting...going to have a top and bottom tooth on it to fill the gap between plates.
Whole set needs repainting...this is the neck plate that flaked off so going to switch to a different paint in hopes of it sticking better.
Also given this bad boy a coat of plastic primer and a coat of the new red I'm going with...
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/WP_000425.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/WP_000425.jpg.html)
Other gaunt is built but needs a sanding down on edges and greeblies on it.
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Yuuup a trim and tighten bud ;)
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Well the bulb just blew where I work nad it's the only bulb we don't have a spare for in the house....so no more work tonight.
Time is getting tight for kitting up at MCM midlands on saturday :-X
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First gauntlet is pretty much finished except for a spray of varnish.
Other gauntlet is built and greeblied...but the wind isn't letting up so primer of that is on hold. Also need to primer and pint the neck plate...and might repaint the other plates cos I'm far from happy with the paintwork on them.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3259.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3259.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3260.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3260.jpg.html)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3255.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3255.jpg.html)
There it is...first gauntlet. Only a temporary gaunt until I get some made up and built to suit a role.
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Looking good. Is that using the jango shins like Kyp suggested?
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Love it, great greeblie rig! 8)
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Looking good. Is that using the jango shins like Kyp suggested?
Not quite....it's in the spirit Kyp's method just I substituted the plastic shins for square guttering lol
The guttering just has a couple of holes each end with rivets holding it together.
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Nice work bruv ;)
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Nice work Vod ;) Looks cool
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Well here ya go then Vode...
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3397.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/IMGP3397.jpg.html)
Just missing the shoulders and gauntlets atm...Shoulders I haven't got round to attaching yet and gaunts need replacing as the ones I made didn't take things like moving into account.
I've got a pair of fibreglass boba gaunts coming as the base for my mk2 version and will be going to Talos Kot for my mk3 once I'm OM.
From that shot I'm going to say the knees need tweaking as one looks lower than the other, need a bit more velcro holding down the plates on corners and I need to lose some flab from my belly.
I do have a girth belt but want to try to avoid using it so might sort out a gunbelt to hang the drop holster from.
Suit, vest and kama/loin need the weathering sorting out.
Oh yeah....need to tidy up my room a bit too :laugh:
Anybody spot anything I've missed?
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Boots :P
But otherwise..... PROGRESS......AWESOME....
getting to OM status one step at a time, keep the good work up
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Boots :P
But otherwise..... PROGRESS......AWESOME....
getting to OM status one step at a time, keep the good work up
If you put on x-ray specs and look at the yellow lidded toolbox on the left.....
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If you put on x-ray specs and look at the yellow lidded toolbox on the left.....
Oh, yes I can totally see that now ???
Also, did you wash your flight suit?
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Oh, yes I can totally see that now ???
Also, did you wash your flight suit?
Bought another flight suit :P
Saving the bloodied up one for scaring the locals when I wash my car...
(http://i.imgur.com/TRWt5.gif)
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Hmmmm, shoulders and gaunts are covered you say and you spotted the uneven knees...
Flightsuit legs may need a little tailoring depending what style of boots you go for. Boba style and you'll likely need boot spats or something similar to keep the pant legs in. Higher boots though should deal with that, if they still try and get out of the boots, just add a stirrup to the bottom of the legs.
I'd wear the girth and then have a separate gun belt and leave the belt you have at the moment to just hold the kama and loin cloth. I don't know what colour your girth belt that you have is, but if you don't feel like wearing that a simple sash would do, I'd use either red or a light grey to bring the two halves of the kit together.
The gun holster also looks like it's slipping forwards, I can't tell from the pic how it's attached, but it might need a second point to attach to the belt to help distribute the weight a little more evenly.
Apart from that :P Looking damned good. I'm expecting to see stripes on you whenever we meet ;)
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Hmmmm, shoulders and gaunts are covered you say and you spotted the uneven knees...
Flightsuit legs may need a little tailoring depending what style of boots you go for. Boba style and you'll likely need boot spats or something similar to keep the pant legs in. Higher boots though should deal with that, if they still try and get out of the boots, just add a stirrup to the bottom of the legs.
I'd wear the girth and then have a separate gun belt and leave the belt you have at the moment to just hold the kama and loin cloth. I don't know what colour your girth belt that you have is, but if you don't feel like wearing that a simple sash would do, I'd use either red or a light grey to bring the two halves of the kit together.
The gun holster also looks like it's slipping forwards, I can't tell from the pic how it's attached, but it might need a second point to attach to the belt to help distribute the weight a little more evenly.
Apart from that :P Looking damned good. I'm expecting to see stripes on you whenever we meet ;)
I've got dealer boots...so the suits might just need the legs taken in a bit.
The girth I have is a massive black felt and cord effort mum knocked up in about 15mins
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/WP_000408.jpg) (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/crabbo_1/media/MMCC/WP_000408.jpg.html)
Not sure I'm too happy with it cos it is HUGE but I'm yet to find a discreet way to replace it without upsetting her :-[
The holster is hanging on a single loop...that's the only way I could fit it on and still be able to get the gun comfortably out...I'll need to figure out a solution to that....ot have a second loop and not holster the gun too often :laugh: It's a bit of a bugger to get into the holster anyway due to the size of it :P
I'll have to put off meeting you until I get stripes then ;) Which is a kindness to you :laugh:
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Wear the girth belt over the other belt like Kris said and if you don't like it or we can't advise amendments then it will have to get "lost" simple as, answer to holster draw is holster string that cowboys have, simple but effective
(https://www.heritagecostumes.com/secure/images/products/4559.jpg)
If you are not using the girth belt you have then a thicker belt is gonna have to be found as I wouldn't want to run into combat with only that holding my gagillion weapons :laugh:
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Niabi pic time :P
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/10253857_10152487358692780_7939375025226774882_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/10346642_10152487358262780_8765040357708581147_n.jpg)
Ok...aside from a wonky shoulder plate and a bit of bendy needed on the chest only real issues my Vode spotted on the day were ankles maybe needing spats to pull them in and need something across the girth.
To that end I've got a set of boba pouches on their way...need to work out what I want to do with the ankles.
Anything else we've not noticed?
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Well this is an overdue update.
Just to bring everyone up to speed I was made official in october 2014 and since then have been looking towards upgrades...
I've had a lot on IRL so costuming has slowed right down plus I've been sick over the whole holiday period so have made pretty much zero progress in the last few weeks (I'm not gonna even consider sanding stuff with bronchitis :laugh: )
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/IMGP3551.jpg)
That was the stage I was at when the app was approved.
Since then I've dug out a back-plate that I got hold of cheap...that was apparently formed around Gollum. That's going to hopefully reshape to fit my equally abnormal frame once I'm fit enough to sort it so the cloak can be scrapped.
Yeah it got me through the app and yeah it's a nice weight and cool to have flowing behind me as I walk but it's really not a good material and so impractical for kitting up/down and keeping it looking right. The entire cloak has to be scraped over with a lice comb before each outing and its really not a fun task.
In terms of other upgrades, new gaunts are on the cards when I have a bit more free cash (hours and therefore wages drop heavily in winter...yay horticulture). The plan for the new gaunts is to build them with the medic brigade in mind. I have a bit of a design for them but that's ultra-hush-hush top secret atm.
The chest plates are going to be replaced totally. I'm not happy with how they sit so they're going to be replaced with......a modded stormtrooper chest.
With a fair bit of help from my Ver'alor the chest plate is now 2 plates with a diamond cut out, all of which I have been smoothing when I can.
Still need to trim the top line to match my collar and shape the bottom a little to match my ab plate.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/WP_20141014_21_35_42_Pro.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/WP_20141101_19_42_13_Pro.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/crabbo_1/MMCC/WP_20150103_14_19_20_Pro.jpg)
Got some wiring planned for behind the chest plates. Nothing too spectacular.
Also I may be change the exact tone of red a little as I'm struggling to get a new supplier for the colour I've used before and don't have any unweathered pieces to colour match :'(
Of course changing shades will throw my bucket out but I'm toying with the idea of a new bucket sometime this year...something a little larger as it's a bit cosy in there with a choice atm of either wearing my glasses and being able to see....or having fans and being cool.
That's it for the moment...more to come when I can finish the smoothing and cutting on the chest and get the back shaped. I'm looking to joining the front and back with webbing to make them easier to wear and keep in position - mounting them on a harness rather than have each plate individually attached.
Comments, critique and questions welcome as always.
****Kit and character are now retired until further notice. I no longer have the time or inclination to work on a mando. ****