Mando Mercs Costume Club
Mandalorian Armor => Female Armor => Topic started by: Tenebris on Dec 07, 2015, 06:47 AM
-
Hi, Ive been putting off doing my WIP as I'm really bad with technology.
I'm from Brighton in the UK and I have two small people. One of whom has complex special needs/austism......one of my reasons for wanting to join the mercs is to raise awareness for children's charities and bring some joy to kids.
I starting costuming last year, but it's the first time I've done anything with thermoplastics on this scale, so its daunting, but I'm enjoying learning....I also have medical conditions so I've been designing my kit with this in mind, while (desperately trying) to keep to the CRL's.....So my design keeps changing/evolving as it's built. I'm hoping to eventually join brigades.
My conditions mean I cant always stand straight, my joints dislocate and I can faint if I overheat/can move so there may be small differences in my kit and helmet due to vision problems.
My other half is hawkwolf who has just become an OM.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpskiq0g0t0.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsggqdxsqo.jpg)
The main focus of my kit is the paint, I'm (hopefully) going for a fade effect. As I may not always be able to wear my helmet I'm creating an under helmet look. my character is half echani, which also ties in with the light armour.
-
Nice colour blend, can't wait to see how this turns out 8)
-
So I started off on the dummy, I'd already helped with my other halfs plates so started with the mens templates as I wanted a more sutble shape......I REALLY wanted a pauldren, but it just restricts my movement too much.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfaxshmej.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqszkm1f6.jpg)
So I darted the templates, then moved the collar up and adjusted the spacing. I still couldn't move enough (my shoulder could out or their sockets a little when I reach forwards and I struggle with breathing if im constricted).
So I widened the diamond and divided the chest into 3 for better movement.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsif5bbbai.jpg)
Its not the plates that are wonky its me ;)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3mqzpahf.jpg)
-
Ahh how the camera loves me!
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpst7725hin.jpg)
-
3 part backplate for movement (http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbw3u6ali.jpg)
But when I arched back it hurt the base of my back, so altered to 2 plates. Once painted the backplate will be cut straight down the outer lines into 3 pieces to allow more movement. so there will be a central spine and two shoulder sections.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpso6gsyve0.jpg)
-
I wanted to go for wide shoulders partly as I was morning my pauldron :( , but also it doesn't affect my shoulders so much
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpso5frvxce.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps4fzqs1bt.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsmdgwtpf4.jpg)
Then I had to trim front and back plates and re-heat the backplate to get them to fit and meet.
-
Loving the progress so far :) Reading this made it dawn on me that I haven't seen anything from your kit beyond the concept :)
Keep up the good work. That back plate is going to look very unique
-
Thanks Nip nip and ashen, I do really love my backplate Its my favourite bit of my kit so far.
Having made Hawkwolfs vest and deciding that flak vests are not my friend I made 3!!!!!!!!! before I was happy.
I realised that while I can move a dart, I had no idea how to create one out of nothing, so I did a FBA (that's a full bust adjustment) If you are really busty, look it up as a conversion from a male vest pattern that way may work for you.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsuuub5kjj.jpg)
I went with a further modification of this one, tapering off the darts to nothing, reducing the length and taking some out of the armhole (so I can move).
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsotg4fprs.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpskzujil6j.jpg)
I cant have pressure on my hips so couldn't wear an extra belt for my kama. My first attempt was to put leather straps on it to attatch to my ammo belt, but it didn't sit how I wanted it to. so I went with a Velcro wrap round.
I couldn't find a kama pattern so if anyone is interested...........
I measured the point round my hips from where I wanted it to start and finish. took this measurement and drew a straight horizontal line, then I measured how long I wanted it to be and added that measurement by drawing two vertical lines, then another horizontal to make a box, then I just folded it in half drew my shape, added seam allowance and wrap round tabs and cut it on the fold.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpscm9cqehk.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqfvwrqea.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2szlbkzm.jpg)
So I have nystagmous (shakey eyes, and I get double vision if I have objects too close to my eyes)....out of the millon different ways I thought up to combat this with the helmet...This was what I went with.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/0cb84b99-ac00-4c6c-9eae-484523ed61ab_zpsexzkyjup.jpg)
-
I'm REALLY loving your progress so far! Love the colors and the fading effect is insane!! All of your plates are super cool and unique. Sizing and spacing also look great. The mod to the visor of the helmet is great, very reminiscent of the Juggernaut helmet. I just can't say enough good things here... Keep up the good work!!
-
You're off to a great start! I love your shoulder and back plates! Can't wait to see more :)
-
Everything is looking great. I love the way you've been able to modify the plates to fit your medical issues.
With your overheating issues check out this video of Adam Savage from Mythbusters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxRoK5LZa_A
Go to the 2:15 minute mark and see the coolant backpack he created. I don't know how much it weighs but the idea could help keeping you cool on the warm or hot days you troop.
-
Those plates are gonna look awesome with that paint work! ;D
As for the medical side of things, the Mercs do make allowances for medical reasons. You look like you've got a pretty good handle on the mods you need so you can troop comfortably, but if you ever run up against an issue you're not sure how to solve, send the App Team a pm and I'm sure they'll be able to work something out with you ;D
-
Thank you everyone for your kind words and encouragement.
Blackdugal, thanks for the info...I really wanted a jetpack but I think it will affect my vertigo too much because of the weight distribution :(. Also I'm wanting to (eventually) go for brigades and do acquisition specialist....so need to keep it quite streamlined (I think ). Also to fit in with the echani character, they had really light armour. I am now wondering if I could attatch a fan to a melee weapon......
Kavryn Thanks, I'll remember that.
I'm really hoping The paint fade works, originally I wanted metallic, but the paint reacting with the other paint just wont allow for that.....Its all a bit of trial and error.
Had a bit of a trim, please note : sash has no fastening yet, which it will to lie flat. Plates are straight its me its me! Ive not got loads of pouches as will need space for back gun holster and brigade pouches for lock picking etc. Oh and excuse joggers....I was doing a tgrial of top of kit.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/bc4dbe3a-5d14-4789-b39e-762f9ce61871_zps3tc7gyyt.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/b158acbb-bce8-4b8d-8ac3-166614f6350f_zps0ahlysjb.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/451f5aa6-f6b1-4b0a-98db-6331163420d5_zpsdwkxjzjw.jpg)
-
Wow this is some quality work vod. Look forward to seeing more. if you need any help feel free to ask xx
-
Looks good, can't wait to see it painted :D
-
Thank you everyone for your kind words and encouragement.
Blackdugal, thanks for the info...I really wanted a jetpack but I think it will affect my vertigo too much because of the weight distribution :(. Also I'm wanting to (eventually) go for brigades and do acquisition specialist....so need to keep it quite streamlined (I think ). Also to fit in with the echani character, they had really light armour. I am now wondering if I could attatch a fan to a melee weapon......
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Gunbai.JPG/1280px-Gunbai.JPG)
Unless you meant electric fans... but speaking of, helmet fans do not add much weight and keep the air moving.
Don't know if it's intentional or not; But the backplate plus shoulders give me an angel wing impression. Love it!
-
Thanks Kitala.
Ion you and me both, I primered and silvered last night....tomorrow is painting day so fingers crossed!
Itolia....I was actually thinking electric, but now you have given me an awesome idea for a hand fan. I looked at lots of winged swarsy creatures, some of the colurs and shapes are magpie inspired.
I slowed down a bit over xmas as had the smalls, but a bit more progress. My gauntlet are soooooo cheesy 70's future tech it hurts. It was really hard to find something that worked as I'm trying to keep the AS BRL's in mind as I build.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpshitw54pg.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsjh001xgb.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfkeszxtc.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsoh3c8uhn.jpg)
-
I love the way you did the gauntlets! This is coming along great!
-
Love the gauntlet toppers! Am I crazy or is the one gauntlet topped with a chunk from the top of the old Monogram kit of the 80s Galactica? That's what popped into my head as soons as I saw it. If so, well done! Kitbashing is always a great way to add detailing. Looks brilliant!
Great progress so far! Looking real good!!
-
Thanks guys....I have no idea what one bit is, but the other is a milenum falcon landing ramp. Ive sanded them back a bit further too.
After the false primer and black (i've got quite complicated paint layering) I decided that I quite like them dark and sinister so have altered the colour scheme slightly as otherwise it was going to be colour overload. I'm hoping to get the detail on the gauntlets later but I have paint fumes hangover :(
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsq34za1er.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbhwhr0bz.jpg)
-
They look beautiful that simple with just those two colours. They are going to be a great addition to the rest of the paint scheme :)
-
Thanks Nip Nip they remind me of teenage girl darth vader.....emo vader !!!!!!! ;)
-
So been busy with the help of Ashen, hawkwolf and my daughter.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsrzzpknu4.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsg1frmno0.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsazvnmq4h.jpg)
With my echani wig, makeup test to come.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsxczt6fxa.jpg)
-
I like it!
You're gonna wind up with helmet hair in that wig, though. Mando buckets are not kind to hair :P
-
Thanks for the heads up...I was more thinking under helmet look for days when I really cant manage to be in a helmet....both and I might melt :o
-
That should be fine, then. ;D
-
The wig looks awesome! :)
-
I love your gaunts and your paint scheme is super cool and original. Keep up the great work!
-
Wow that paint job looks good. I've said this before and I'll say it again, anyone working with Ashen is in good hands.
-
Thanks everyone :D
I'm really proud of the fade paint scheme idea, originally I wanted it to be metallic, but those paints are a mahooooosive pain.
Ashen is great and his help and teaching has been appreciated....particularly re-learning how to spray, From running with a graffiti crew (artwork on wasteground, not writing names on peoples walls) my spraying muscle memory was all wrong for painting armour.
Learning the skills required for this build has been hard for me, but I'm a believer in learning so you have a skill set, to be able to do things again, rather than people doing things for you. (but not fibre-glassing, I think that may actually land me in hospital :o )
-
You've learned really fast, pretty impressive work :D
-
Fantastic build, I HAD to comment so I can get updates. Creative side really shows, digging the Echani touch.
-
We shall see when it comes to my canon and lily's kit, if I can do the helmets half as well as you Ashen, I'll be happy.
-
This is looking really nice, vod. Great work.
-
Aaaah, someone else from Brighton! I love your gradient paint work so much, it's going to look stunning across a whole kit!
Edit: Okay, I missed the latest picture :P It looks awesome!
-
absolutely stunning work.
-
Loving where you're going with this kit. Tagging for future updates.
-
Thanks everyone :)
Jupiter I have two nightmare lovely children, which means I don't have loads of time, but feel free if you want to give me a shout about anything. My other half is OM and knows more than me.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpse28xgpjf.jpg)
Just needs a bit of wire wooling. Ive kept it simple and small for BRL's, when I upgrade for brigades I'll have echani vibro daggers as my 'showy' weapon.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfmm4gx3g.jpg)
I was going with the idea of bits of colour a bit like vaders chest box thingy.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps93zxe84k.jpg)
-
I like that gauntlet and those buttons, definitely feels Swarsy. Nice work!
-
gotta say i love the use of the Falcon ramp on the one gauntlet. and of course the rest is looking great also...
-
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsih0i80qe.jpg)
Amendments done.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsgvqez6fd.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsyc15paje.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsr3kheayk.jpg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsltdihy39.jpg)
-
Looks great!
-
Wow! Just awesome :)
-
Looking fierce! Fantastic work!!!
Them stripes can't be far off now!
-
Your kit looks great! I'm especially liking the gradient paint and the backplate
-
That gradiant looks great!! I really like how it looks with the black flightsuit
-
Fantastic kit! Love the paint job. Very well done!
Oya vod!
-
I really like the design. Does that neck piece rub together when you move your head around?
-
Nope, doesn't rub at all, its all designed to be comfortable. :D
-
Thanks everyone :)
Jupiter I have two nightmare lovely children, which means I don't have loads of time, but feel free if you want to give me a shout about anything. My other half is OM and knows more than me.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpse28xgpjf.jpg)
Just needs a bit of wire wooling. Ive kept it simple and small for BRL's, when I upgrade for brigades I'll have echani vibro daggers as my 'showy' weapon.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfmm4gx3g.jpg)
I was going with the idea of bits of colour a bit like vaders chest box thingy.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps93zxe84k.jpg)
Be sure to fill the screw holes on the opposite side of the TFA pistol if you haven't already :)
-
Yes I filled the holes before i overhauled and filled the central body and upto the rail.
I got OM, thanks for the words of advice support and encouragement everyone :D
-
I got OM, thanks for the words of advice support and encouragement everyone :D
Congratulations!!!!!
-
Congrats!
-
Congrats!
-
Congrats :)
I think all the work you have put in has shown and really come together for a killer kit :D
-
Congratulations !!! :)
-
Congrats!! :)
-
Woo-hoo!! Congrats! :D
-
Well done, vod!
-
Congrats vod!
-
Congrats vod! Well deserved! Oya!
-
Congratulations!
-
Very cool!
-
Congrats on OM! great looking kit - the ombre beskar'gam dye job, wings on back, greeblie filled gaunts and tools. Now I have to finish my build as AS too.
-
excuse the wrapping....hawk can finish that later (he can leather wrap a toilet roll and make it look great).
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsrhbdkqcp.jpeg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqtutqoyp.jpeg)
-
So I think ive settled on an under helmet look.....dathmirian
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpst3kzbnoi.jpeg)
More weapons as im thinking of moving towards gun slinger or pistoleer??? Knive casts came from Helix.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsgtnyzicw.jpeg)
Finally assembled my DX-13'S.....well one of them.
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpszzzcljbb.jpeg)
-
yesssssss, awesome look, and more gunslingers!
-
I'm not the only alien in the clan? Awesome!!!
-
I'm not the only alien in the clan? Awesome!!!
Yeay :D...... Small one is going to be a mirialan I think. Do you have all the face paint on under your lid, or is it a lid on look?
-
Yeay :D...... Small one is going to be a mirialan I think. Do you have all the face paint on under your lid, or is it a lid on look?
Under the lid so I'm still in char when I take the helmet off. I'm a Twi'lek so not having the makeup would pretty much sentence me to not removing the helmet for any reason.
-
Looks awesome! How does your wig hold up under the bucket, though??
-
Under the lid so I'm still in char when I take the helmet off. I'm a Twi'lek so not having the makeup would pretty much sentence me to not removing the helmet for any reason.
How does the makeup hold? and what are you using? Ive heard using hairspray mixed in with the paint helps?
Looks awesome! How does your wig hold up under the bucket, though??
Thank you :) The wig is fine as its just straight and the helmet holds it down, as long as I sweep it over one shoulder and keep my hand on it as I lift the first bit of the helmet off.
Its the makeup.......mainly where the padding sits on the helmet on the forehead. I was going to do echani but couldn't find a pale enough foundation....as normal was looking to orange with the wig.(but someone has just suggested a company that does a white base foundation.)
I'm just trying to find a way to look swarsy when I can't wear the lid when my POTS or vertigo is bad.
-
Its the makeup.......mainly where the padding sits on the helmet on the forehead.
How about doing some form of sweatband type thing. Match it to your kit or add a mythosaur etc and it'll fit right in and you'll have something for your padding to rest on when you do put your helmet on. My Twi'lek headdress is matched to the padding in my helmet so that it all rests on the leather and not on my face for that exact reason - blue makeup everywhere.
-
How about doing some form of sweatband type thing. Match it to your kit or add a mythosaur etc and it'll fit right in and you'll have something for your padding to rest on when you do put your helmet on. My Twi'lek headdress is matched to the padding in my helmet so that it all rests on the leather and not on my face for that exact reason - blue makeup everywhere.
I made a ridged one out of worlba but cant get it all on together. I'll look at making a Twi'lek style headdress, I'm just not sure I'll cope with the heat of it all. I can but try, thanks for the idea :D
-
Yeah, can get hot, though to be fair I was more thinking along the lines of having it set so that the helmet could be put on for pictures and such, not for leaving it on for longer periods for you. If that makes sense?
-
Great build! And love the under helmet look. You guys just saved me on my own makeup issue though with sweating under the helmet. All the time I get my black and blue makeup all over my face because of it to the point that by the end of the day I'm just this blue face alien looking thing (and I'm human lol).
-
Yeah, can get hot, though to be fair I was more thinking along the lines of having it set so that the helmet could be put on for pictures and such, not for leaving it on for longer periods for you. If that makes sense?
Ahh I get you, you don't happen to know if there are any good twilek headdress patterns knocking about in cyberspace? Did you use leather is faux leather for yours?
Thanks Ara, what race are you?
My first bit of leatherwork for my stabby stabbies :D
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqsmaybkp.jpeg)
(http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a473/makin-tea/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsv6udxlgn.jpeg)
-
Love the kit! And congrats on those stripes!
-
Ahh I get you, you don't happen to know if there are any good twilek headdress patterns knocking about in cyberspace? Did you use leather is faux leather for yours?
I drafted a pattern with some spare fabric offcuts then transferred to leather. Pretty much went on a google search to get an idea of styles most in use. The leather is a midgrade flexible hide, it's solid enough to keep the lekku in place despite their weight yet also light enough that my skin can kind of breathe beneath it, so it's only under the latex of the lekku which gets hot.
-
For what it's worth, I used a belt pattern for the base of my headpiece and then just added larger and larger circles for the ear coverings and a chin strap. It was a lot simpler then I thought it would be.
-
Thanks kris and aria, Im going to build the headband for this to see if I can get my lid on, over the top.......once I've finished this kit (yes I know mando is never really finished) I'm going to make a start on my twi'lek mando so may have to pick your brains about the helmet.
At the moment im having problems visualising the shape of the holsters for my dx-13's they need to sit where my little pistols are now, or just on the side a bit more, (the little ones are going up into a shoulder rig). Ive got all the leather to do it, I just need some ideas?