Mando Mercs Costume Club

Mandalorian Armor => Equipment & Accessories => Jetpacks/Backpacks => Topic started by: Tier on Oct 14, 2014, 09:55 PM

Title: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Oct 14, 2014, 09:55 PM
Well, it's high time I posted a new thread so why not chronicle the fabrication of my backpack? Since, I'm an about the town kind of guy, I need a pack that will hold all my dets, rope, loot and other essentials to get me through my merc day and what better way than a surplus clone backpack? ... My thoughts exactly.

Let's start with a tried and true pep file, cut and prefolded:

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps800dfdc4.jpg?t=1413337975)

I used 110lb card stock, scored all of the folds and will be using elmer's glue sticks to bond.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Nat'rii Ramikad on Oct 14, 2014, 10:24 PM
Looking forward to this. Since I'll be making the same one.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: pyromastermuaddib on Oct 14, 2014, 11:21 PM
Can't wait to see how this turns out!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Oct 16, 2014, 09:59 AM
Tabs were glued, progress was made, all while watching the the It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown:
(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps134f3457.jpg?t=1413467712)

Let's see if I can finish pepping before the weekend...

Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Nat'rii Ramikad on Oct 16, 2014, 03:06 PM
That's coming together nicely.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Oct 19, 2014, 09:32 PM
Looks good to me! I am going to leave the bottom flat for now and accessorize it later. Now on to resin (sometime in November  :( )
(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1152_zps7eecee27.jpg?t=1413756905)
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Nat'rii Ramikad on Oct 20, 2014, 01:24 PM
Looks good to me! I am going to leave the bottom flat for now and accessorize it later. Now on to resin (sometime in November  :( )
(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1152_zps7eecee27.jpg?t=1413756905)


I'm at the same place.  8) I put the bottom on mine, but I'm considering removing it. Its just taped on so I can do that.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Harding29 on Oct 23, 2014, 04:17 PM
Looks great! I used a pep file as a foam template and then coated it with smooth on 65d but I think I scaled mine a little small. What did you scale yours too?
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Oct 27, 2014, 09:30 AM
I scaled my pack to fit my back plate, it is 10" wide by 14" (17" with the bottom part attached). I do not know the scale since I just measured and entered the mm conversion. Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kalska Nubu on Oct 27, 2014, 10:22 AM
Are you planning to use this as a load bearing backpack, and if so, do you have any ideas as to how to accomplish this!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Oct 27, 2014, 01:44 PM
Quote
Are you planning to use this as a load bearing backpack, and if so, do you have any ideas as to how to accomplish this!

Yes, it will bear a load. I am planning to incorporate a sound system, camel pack bladder and some internal to hold stuff.  I am still brainstorming a bit on the attachment mechanism... I may end up cutting my back plate similar to a jet pack setup and then use a harness that I would wear under my vest, but I am not keen on cutting it. I may end up using an external harness attached to my ammo belt... need to think on all this a bit more!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Nat'rii Ramikad on Oct 30, 2014, 10:30 PM
I decided that on mine I was going to go with shoulder straps. I'll make those out of nylon webbing and rivet to the pack.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Harding29 on Nov 29, 2014, 05:29 PM
Finally got around to comparing and I scaled mine a bit smaller. The sideshow figures that have these packs just have shoulder straps like so
(https://www.sideshowtoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1002063-product-feature-740x448.jpg)

Also any updates on this? Would love some motivation to finish mine lol
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kitala-Enby on Nov 30, 2014, 09:50 AM
If you make it nice and sturdy you could bolt it directly onto the back plate with removable bolts, then fix on some straps that go over the shoulders and attach to your belt (kinda like those old military braces (Americans call them suspenders) to give them some extra support.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Nov 30, 2014, 03:34 PM
I just finished putting resin on the outside last night. Today i am going to Rondo the inside... probably twice. I will post photos later.

Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Harding29 on Nov 30, 2014, 05:31 PM
Nice cant wait to see it. Idky but i love these backpacks lol
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: waystone on Dec 03, 2014, 05:24 PM
Looks Great! How big is it next to your backplate?
I know they normally have a cloth or soft top, but does the 3d file offer any hard top versions?
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Dec 05, 2014, 09:25 AM
Hooray! Progress was made, all be it small.  The outside is now resined and the inside it rondoed. Even with the rondo application, I still feel there is too much flex at the corners and joints. I am now going in and adding a layer of fiber glass mat. Unfortunately this may make it a bit heavy, especially with all the stuff I am planning to add (to be revealed later). I still have to find a pattern for the cover. I have some cow hides with the hair still attached for this, should look rustic.  ;D

I have been thinking about the attachment mechanism. I believe I will use hard driver magnets in tandem with some leather straps that will attach to either my back plate or vest. I'm not 100% on what I want to do. I would like to have the option to not wear the pack and no one be able to tell... and I would prefer not to build a harness, thought it would solve the problem.

Anyway, I'm going to finish up the inside this weekend (hopefully), add a final touch up resin coating on the outside and start priming it for modification.

Photos with back plate for size comparison:

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1351_zps6af776ac.jpg?t=1417781777)

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1350_zpsb195f1b4.jpg?t=1417781774)
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Jorad Werde on Dec 05, 2014, 09:56 AM
my suggestion would be to add one side of those 3 prong clip things that are on back packs (I have no idea what they're called) to the shoulders of your flight suit, perhaps just under the sweep backs of your collar plate, and then add a strap to the back of the backpack with the other side of the clip.  Size the strap so that it is long enough to let the back pack hang along your back....I'm really hoping I'm explaing this is a way that makes sense.  Look at Stargate Atlantis (It's on netflix), they use the same method on the military vests they wear.  You may have to browse a few episodes before you see one of them take a backpack off on screen, but I know it happens fairly often
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Dec 05, 2014, 10:45 AM
What about 4 adjustable straps at the four points of the pack that attach to the  four corners of the back plate? I have nice flat edges for a clip assembly.  I am fairly certain it will take the weight. I have marine grade snaps holding the plate to my vest.

similar to this:

(http://i21.geccdn.net/site/images/large/KC6_463021.jpg)
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Jorad Werde on Dec 05, 2014, 11:59 AM
That could work too, however taking it off would be a bit more difficult.  And as you said, your attachments will have to withstand the weight.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kalska Nubu on Dec 05, 2014, 05:38 PM
They're called parachute clips (or snaps).  My thoughts would be to have straps come from behind the back plate to clip onto the backpack.  The clips would be able to be tucked behind the back plate, but that depends on how you have your back plate attached and what it's made out of, which I believe you said or alluded to that it's metal.  Another thought is to do a similar thing, but have it come from under the front collar plate and have it able to tuck under the back plate.  I think that would probably be the better of the two.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Jan 12, 2015, 09:32 AM
Progress!

Well we're back at it again! Fiber glassed, filled and sanded. Now to cut the holes for the speakers...

 (http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1423_zps93e2ea61.jpg?t=1420986560)

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1425_zps2a20ea39.jpg?t=1420986637)
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: waystone on Jan 12, 2015, 09:53 AM
Can you put it up to your backplate for scale?
Looks Great!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Jan 12, 2015, 09:55 AM
(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1350_zpsb195f1b4.jpg?t=1417781774)

It's pretty big... should fit water, electronics and con stuff "comfortably".
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Wyn Starhawk on Jan 12, 2015, 10:35 AM
Looking cool man! That's a great idea to have for all the neat stuff you'll buy at C7! I would love to have something similar for that reason lol but the pack wouldn't fit the look of my kit.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Jan 19, 2015, 09:17 AM
Painting complete:

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1442_zpsfe714fbb.jpg?t=1421590316)

I was desperately trying to avoid being attacked by the dreaded three clawed monster but to get into beast hunters I had to do it.

Next up: Rigging and strapping.

Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Takisir on Jan 19, 2015, 09:46 PM
Here is what you could do. do a two claw hit, right on the edge. then have a Three clawed trophy hanging right next to it. It hit me but, type of thing. Kill that thing finally.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Harding29 on Jan 20, 2015, 12:14 AM
Oh man it's pretty! I think I'm gonna have to get mine back out and actually finish it!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Jan 28, 2015, 08:57 AM
Ok my Mando brothers and sisters I need your help with some ideas.  I have a 15 switch remote controlled relay controlling my sound effects board. 11/15 are currently taken for the board leaving me  4 open switches that need to do something cool. I was thinking of a retractable "long range" antenna for two of the spots. Any ideas?   
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Wyn Starhawk on Jan 28, 2015, 09:44 AM
Well like i said last night, you could do the antenna and maybe have a little battery next to it that you could wire in some LEDS. That'd be my guess.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Jan 28, 2015, 01:38 PM
I am definitely going to have a panel with indicator LEDs. That way I won't laeve it on all night once I take it off (hopefully).
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: skillet-the-creeper on Jan 30, 2015, 08:50 PM
This, is freaking awesome! solves my con merch problem and my grenade carrying problem! Can't wait to get the pep file and start on it!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Ferahgo on Jan 31, 2015, 12:24 AM
I LOVE that! wish there was a place to get building material like that here.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kalska Nubu on Jan 31, 2015, 01:43 AM
What building material, specifically?  I might be able to help you out on that.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Ferahgo on Jan 31, 2015, 01:45 AM
Sintra or any other sort of plastic board. Cant find it anywhere.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kalska Nubu on Jan 31, 2015, 02:15 AM
I found this:

http://www.signsnowspokane.com/

I don't know for sure if they sell Sintra or not, but there's a sign place similar to that one here in Norfolk that sells sintra too, presumably to make your own signs.  If they don't have it, these guys have PVC.  Sintra is PVC, but since they specifically said PVC and not Sintra, I'd ask.

http://www.lairdplastics.com/

Here's another sign maker that came up.  Again, I'd ask to see if they have any.

http://www.bpcolor.com/
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Jorad Werde on Jan 31, 2015, 09:25 AM
you can also get 'expanded cell PVC board' on Amazon.  make sure to search it as expanded cell PVC or you may not get what you're looking for.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kalska Nubu on Jan 31, 2015, 02:12 PM
Interesting.  I think I'll use that if I make a second kit.  Or third.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kitala-Enby on Feb 01, 2015, 09:19 AM
Interesting.  I think I'll use that if I make a second kit.  Or third.

It's basically sintra. The only difference is sintra is a brand name. and expended cell PVC foam board is the name of the material.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kalska Nubu on Feb 01, 2015, 01:29 PM
Yeah, I kinda figured when I looked it up on Amazon.  In fact, I think Sintra was one of the hits. 
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Feb 06, 2015, 05:25 PM
An update:

Leather straps are installed and connected from the pack to my girth belt (awesome mando suspenders engage!). I went with a V cross in the back so the straps will curve around my body and hug the armor (rather than falling off my collar plate). The sound system is operational with all of the audio files optimized and the controller has been integrated into a nifty fore grip for my carbine. Good progress in my book!


(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/IMG_2791JPG_zps1bef1733.jpg?t=1423174259[)
(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/IMG_2795JPG_zps55c1fdf4.jpg?t=1423174265)

Remaining items:
-Pack cover (design, cut and sewn)
-Speaker covers (weather and install)
-Volume knob integration (3d print housing, paint, weather and install)
-False bottom (cut and supports install)
-Pack geeblies (straps, tools, lights etc.)
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Wyn Starhawk on Feb 06, 2015, 06:00 PM
Nice work man. Almost didn't recognize you without the beard  :P
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Feb 16, 2015, 01:45 PM
Aaaaand we're finished... for now. I want to add some loops for items and such but that will come later. The camp roll really balanced out the pack and i like the way the fur turned out.

(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1514_zps3b3246fb.jpg?t=1424011051)

For while I have been struggling with what to do with my knives (disregard righty, he's being repaired). I had been sticking them in my boots but they get uncomfortable after a while so I decided to mount them under the pack for a "quick draw" effect. Thanks to the curved blade, the leather loops hold them snug enough that they don't fall out but can be drawn when needed. 
(http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad144/textileian/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1512_zps590b98d1.jpg?t=1424011049)

 I know I promised a video of the trigger effects but I want to kit up to do it soooo March 22nd it is!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kalska Nubu on Feb 16, 2015, 02:11 PM
It's.  So.  Beautiful.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Wyn Starhawk on Feb 16, 2015, 02:33 PM
Nice work man! You did a good job with it!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Zechs on Feb 17, 2015, 11:07 PM
(http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m330/zechs36/Clapping_zpsec292826.gif)
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Dynas on Mar 09, 2015, 03:05 PM
Very nice.

How did you do you weathering ? I really like the muddy grunge look.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Mar 09, 2015, 08:58 PM
Very nice.

How did you do you weathering ? I really like the muddy grunge look.

Thanks!

To attain this level of filth, I do not recommend using washes...

I used latex masking fluid for the base layers of spray paint and then weathered it with black and brown acrylic paint in a plate... and my fingers. I apply liberally and then rub away what I don't want. For the nooks and  crannies, I use a cotton swab. The more texture you have left over, the more patina the result.  I tied to plan the mud, more along the creases and the bottom of the pack so it would look like it had be set in the mud often.  For 3D mud I have used wood filler in the past for other costumes... works well (and it's essentially permanent).

Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Kalska Nubu on Mar 09, 2015, 09:21 PM
Duuude!  Way more than what I would think to put into something like that!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Mar 09, 2015, 09:55 PM
Duuude!  Way more than what I would think to put into something like that!

Thanks?

My philosophy is if it looks good at 12" it will look great at 12'.
 
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Dynas on Mar 10, 2015, 12:43 PM
Thats basically what I do. I never thought about using wood filler as mud. Ill have to try that.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: lockon13 on Mar 17, 2015, 04:29 PM
I've been up for god only knows how long, so I'll apologize if someone already asked this but where did you get that file?
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Jackaar Rabor on Mar 22, 2015, 11:42 AM
absolutly amazing im looking at doing something similiar, great job!!
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: civvik on Mar 24, 2015, 12:50 PM
Holy moses that's awesome. I'd love to make something like this myself, but I'd have no idea where to start.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: lockon13 on Mar 24, 2015, 05:33 PM
Holy moses that's awesome. I'd love to make something like this myself, but I'd have no idea where to start.
I'm going to use the pepekura to cut chloroplast sheets and hot glue them together for my build and probably gut a goodwill pack for the straps.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Tier on Mar 25, 2015, 09:06 AM
Thanks all for the complements! I'm happy to help in any way I can... just PM me.
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Ronin Tavic on Mar 26, 2015, 11:18 AM
I like it! Where's mine?
Title: Re: Clone Backpack
Post by: Skullsfactor on Apr 09, 2015, 05:39 PM
Where can I get that clone backpack templates? I'm trying to make one.