If you're going for the FDE I would suggest going with the khaki coveralls as they will match the FDE color scheme and desert theme too. But I think that the dark navy might work well if you're looking for contrast. This could definitely use a second opinion though
Do you plan on making the vest or buying it?
I tried to use pleather from Joann's to make mine. Cheaper and looks really cool but it's weaker than duck cloth. I would suggest duck clothAnd holy sweet Mandalore, is it sweaty! My original vest out of marine vinyl was sturdy, but didn't breathe for anything. It made trooping in the desert sun a small nightmare.
And holy sweet Mandalore, is it sweaty! My original vest out of marine vinyl was sturdy, but didn't breathe for anything. It made trooping in the desert sun a small nightmare.
Not sure how all of those add up space wise but those pieces sound as if you won't have enough space for a generic back plate, which is pretty big. Those pieces seem to be either too thin or too short to make it. But I know that I was able to get 5 2' by 4' sheets from Amazon for $50 and that's way more than enough for a kit, including any mistakes. They also sell packs of 3 2' by 4' sheets for $30 which is still more than enough. You might want to crunch the numbers and see what works best for you.
I wasn't going to do a backplate right out of the gate since I'd be utilizing a full cape or cloak and my back will be covered. I know it sounds like a cop out, but I promise that it's not the case. I think I'll do another build with one. :)
First thing you need to do, join the Mando B.E.A.R.D.S society (http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=66489.0) ;D
I'd just trim about a 1/4" off the sides; otherwise, it looks spot on! I'm borrowing this idea for my next set. :D
Another suggestion I'd make is to put on your coveralls and, if you have it, your vest. That'll give us all a better idea of how the plates will sit.
Duck cloth is easy to dye so you don't have to be entirely committed to it. But I think that the colors definitely match Ryloth pretty well, especially the skin tones of a lot of Twi'leks. I'm also excitied to see how the arrows will look on the chest plate. Pretty sick color scheme
Your colours are looking good vod :D
Can typical shemaghs be worn? With the traditional checkered like pattern?
Size wise, it's looking pretty good, although in my opinion adding some more space between the plates would be a good idea, as it'd bring them closer to your navel, which is what you're shooting for on terms of the ab plate's lower alignment.
Can't wait to meet you at clan gatherings! What's your kit completion goal?
Spacing and size looks great! I'm looking forward to seeing some more progress.
Looking good vod!
Thank you! I just checked out your WIP too. Looking great!
In the meanwhile.... I'm working on some greebles for the backplate. ;)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a209/Riley_knows/Mando%20Mercs/Snapchat-2176280057564583911.jpg)
Very nice, it looks like it fits you perfectly!
Looks very well done, vod. Definitely fits you perfectly. Do you plan on sticking with that color or dying it?
Yeah, the Navy blue will work nicely with the khaki colors. :D
I'm going to second going with the navy. It'll look awesome, and you don't typically see many colored vests, which will make you stand out in a good way.
You're actually very right about the color choices. The navy will accent the desert colors perfectly. I don't think you'll have a problem with that on the application
Out of curiosity, how long did that take you to make?
Well... Haha... I started cutting my template out at 3 in the afternoon and I finished it by about 10 that night. So quite a while. But that was also me sitting down and having words with the sewing machine and then reading the manual to figure out what I was doing Haha.Just be glad you didn't have to sew leather. I like my vest, but I might move to duckcloth soon myself due to breathe ability and ease of maintenance.
Just be glad you didn't have to sew leather. I like my vest, but I might move to duckcloth soon myself due to breathe ability and ease of maintenance.
You're looking good vod! Only thing I can think of is to make sure to have a bit more space between your plates so everything lines up on the outside, it looks like you can afford it. From what I can see, you probably wouldn't have to cut your collar plate all the way to those lines you've drawn.
You're most definitely in the clear vod! Shake up those cans!
I'm pretty psyched for the paint vod!
Whereabouts in Ohio do you live? There's going to be an armor party at K'raam Xrati's place tomorrow in Central Ohio from 10am to 5pm. If you're interested, PM him and he'll get you the address.
I can't wait to see how the back plate's going to look with the parts you're putting on it!
Backplate looks nice vod! Have fun doing your homework ;D
Back plate looks spot on, vod!
I really like the asymmetry of the third one.
Late to the party I know, but I also like #3.
Also, you armor looks really good so far. Hard work pays off sometimes, huh? :)
According to the CRLs:
Full fingered or fingerless gloves are acceptable.
Labels and brand names must be removed or covered.
So as long as you get that brand off of there, you're good!
I think they'd look pretty good on your kit since it has a hint of a republic commando in other places such as the backpack.
A lot of people have used similar gloves, like ones for paintball. I think our Alor'ad has a set.
Now, hypothetically speaking; if I were on the Price is Right, and needed to guess the actual retail price of those gloves without going over, what would be a good bid?
I like the armored glove look if you repaint the plastic on the back. Probably easier then making armor for a set of gloves too!
Good luck with the shaping this weekend....so much fun...
That sounds good to me!
Whenever I picture kit colors like that, I kinda see a crazy stripe pattern going on, especially if it's for camouflage reasons.
Your weathering technique is pretty on point. The only other thing I'd suggest is to sand the edges of the plates to make them look a bit worn down. I think the yellow/orange will bring the whole scheme together pretty nicely.
It depends on where you'd put it. I'd use it sparingly, like how Boba uses yellow in two or three places on his kit, personally. As long as your primary colors are orange and oxide it should fit well.
lol nah, not metallic gold. Try oranges if you can't find a good yellow.
Have you looked at Walmart? Sometimes I've found that their selection of Krylon is better than the hardware/paint shops.
That raised piece is a good idea for sure. I endorse your pre-paint weathering!
Awesome. Haha. I figured it'll give a real 3D look to my damage. Not so sure I wanna try the "blaster damage" again though.
Nice blaster damage! And the damage you did for your shins looks like it happened naturally, great job! As for the orange/yellow paint, maybe a store could order it for you?
I like the idea of the raised strip continued on your shoulders, I think that will draw the whole kit together and make it look even more awesome. Love the weathering....the blast damage is very authentic looking! haha!
I'm having trouble finding the right yellow/gold color too, so maybe it's just a plot against mandos....but I was able to talk to a 'paint manager' person at menards the other day who told me they can order in a color for me, it'll just cost an arm and a leg. I don't know if that's something they do at all stores or just my local store, but you could check it out.
Yeah, that's definitely a pain to try and erase. As a fellow fan of pre-painted weathering... I'm liking what I'm seeing :)
Looking good! I like the square-ish look you've been doing to your armor - most kits I've seen are pretty rounded, so it stands out.
Paint color - mostly I'm trying to find something that matches my yellow/gold on my soft parts. I'm between the krylon yellow sunrise and their gold-ish color (forget what it's called) but neither one quite match, so I may have to special order in a color. Got to be perfect, you know!
Looks good so far. :D
Personally, I'd make those burns into lightsaber hits. 8)
DUDE!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!?! SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED! :o
Good luck with the kit!! Lots to do and little time, but you'll get there. :)
I dropped off the face of the earth for a while I feel like. You're an OM now?! That's so awesome! I'll have to check your threads and see how it all came to be! Congratulations on that awesome achievement by the way! I can't wait to take a look at everything!Thanks! It feels amazing to kit up for the first time as an OM!! :D I'm still so happy!
i like this... have you considered turning it around?
Don't worry, I'll grind off the raised "BOSS" logo there!No, you should totally leave the "BOSS" on there. It totally cannon. :P
Ooh, I like it! Repurposing found objects instantly makes anything feel more swarsy, haha.
No, you should totally leave the "BOSS" on there. It totally cannon. :P
Looks like a really cool idea. Gaunts are the hardest part, I think, deciding how to make them unique and keep them in universe. I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Also in case you didn't realize it you need to have at least 1/3 of the vertical part of the visor visible. It doesn't look like you have quite enough right now.
Glad to help! If you want you can cut bits out of the lower part similar to how the executioner helmet has it. The executioner is considered the minimum amount of visor visible that we allow.
The pic of your bucket isn't loading.... :(
Gaunts look cool....you gonna add some bondo to the sides to smooth them in a little bit?
Weather's been fun up here for working on kits too. I've made a sanding nest out of a tarp and my living room for the past few days. :laugh:
I like the empty/full meter in the pack. The whole things looks sweet.
As far as the bucket, you might want to cut just a bit more off to be on the safe side. Are you going to put your visor behind the grill? That would be cool.
Thank you! And Yes ma'am! The visor will go behind the grill and I'll be cutting it down just a bit more to be safe.
And my vest came in from K'raam Xrati. When I him get a hand, I'll get my plates lined up and attached to the vest. I'm way more excited than my face shows by the way Haha.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a209/Riley_knows/Mando%20Mercs/IMG_20160125_203107.jpg)
Good looking vest! Take your time with the plates and remember the useful tip to lightly trace the plate shape onto the vest with pencil before attaching. It helps in the long run!! :laugh: Also if you need to don't be afraid to get a tape measure out to space the plates...I've done that a few times in the past months spacing plates for my clan mates.
Yeah....I always look "thrilled" in my pictures too. We mandos just don't show outward excitement well, I guess. Haha!
For the record, I'm extremely nervous to try to put my plates on. I'm really afraid I'll mess it up. I'd like another OM to help with the whole ordeal, but I'm pretty far from the entire clan. I'm basically in the outer rim. And that's warrior in us. You can't tell when we're going to buy you a soda or punch you in the face. We keep it interesting haha! :P ;DYeah, I hear ya. I was so nervous the first time...Everyone seems to be!! I've tried to help out the UM's up here when they need help plate spacing. I'm getting kinda good at it! :P
Looks like a ton of great progress. I like the layers on the lower plates.
What is your color scheme again? I think we talked colors once, but I have forgotten.
Should see some kits out there, so dirty, you can't tell what their main color is!By this he means my Ruus'alor. ;)
By this he means my Ruus'alor. ;)
I love the mythosur skull. That looks awesome. The rest of the damage looks pretty good...if I look at it a while it does look a little planned, but that's just my personal opinion. You could always take more off or put more on if you don't like it after you get OM.
Also, just a thought, but maybe think about navy on the red oxide, just to keep you from looking like a Christmas-themed mando? Of course, if you have heavy weathering planned you will probably look fine. :)
i really dig how much detail and thought you're putting into this build man, and you're attempting things i have been considering for my own build. nice one!
Hmmmm, I'm liking this thread.
Posting so I get updates. Good job, vod!
Those plates look good!
Did you plan on adding extra weathering effects or just the chips and bites you have now?
What other ideas were you thinking? I was planning on blackwashing and adding a burn mark or two, but I might be missing out on a cool idea.
Here's what I accomplished today. Major scuffs everywhere. As Ariarenee said, it may be excessive. But I plan on blackwashing the heck out of these plates too. I'm not sure if I should keep it, or fill some in! I'll see how the shoulders look and go from there.
Of course it is all based on personal preference though, do whatever makes you happiest with your kitThis. Mostly this. :)
This. Mostly this. :)+1
Repainting tip: when you go to repaint, don't bother sanding it down, just put the new stuff right on top of the old stuff. Free layering! ;D
Everything is looking good vod! Aside from the things you have mentioned, I would also recommend trimming the two "tabs" on the ab plate a little so they line up better with the edges of your chest plate. And I have a question as well: do you plan on adding "keyhole" slots on the back of you bucket? I find they can help a bit with hearing, and on windy days allow a space where a bit of cool air can get in.
Got it! Will the current "chips" in the paint show through and make the new paint look pitted? If so, that may be cool and give it even more effect. I was thinking doing silver, black, and then the red with either navy or pistachio accents.If it goes, that would look really cool with a good black wash, assuming you want your kit really weathered.
Only thing I can point out off the top of my head is that you may want to form the backplate shoulders a little more to you - they're popping up slightly right now. Might be fixed when you permanently attach them to the vest. I would double check when you do get it attached. We had a couple guys get hit with that in pre-app.
Otherwise, looking good! :)
Looking god vod! Nothing much to add that's already been said!
Ugh yes. The backplate is one of my toughest parts to shape. I definitely know that I'll be spending plenty of time reshaping that. I can't get it to contour to my back correctly. I have a wide back and more narrow towards the midsection. Shaping is a pain for that, but I'll get it hopefully.Backplates are tough. They're hard to get perfect, even if you have experience working with them. I'd definitely try to get someone from the clan to help you out with that if you can. I know you're a ways away from everyone, but it will be easier on you if you have an extra hand.
Backplates are tough. They're hard to get perfect, even if you have experience working with them. I'd definitely try to get someone from the clan to help you out with that if you can. I know you're a ways away from everyone, but it will be easier on you if you have an extra hand.
Did you use a template form or custom one?
Looking real good!
Everything is looking good vod! I'm excited to see how your new weathering turns out :)
Took advantage of our usually nice weather to paint? :) Looking good. You're getting there! You'll be OM soon!
Avoid the cod - if you've been scratching your cod like that then you may have some explaining to do :P
Oh my gosh hahahaha. I laughed out loud when I read that! But I definitely see what you're doing with the scuff marks. Thank you for that! I'm trying to think of what would actually cause that mark and why it is where it is. I want to keep the weathering as believeable as possible. Not just scuffing and scratching it up for the heck of it. I thought about that after doing my cod, but oh well, no big deal!
I wonder why more people don't think of that everytime I see a loin cloth with holes in that are right up the top or a cod plate with huge amounts blaster marks and all my mind says is - dude, you really annoyed somebody...Have you ever done a Blast-a-Trooper with preteens? :o
Cod damage lols perfect way to start a Friday! Thanks Vode! HahahaIt's either that, or getting deafened by the sound of a Nerf dart bouncing off your bucket... I think Id take the cod shots, the armor is thicker there. ;)
It's either that, or getting deafened by the sound of a Nerf dart bouncing off your bucket... I think Id take the cod shots, the armor is thicker there. ;)
Randomly not matching bits on kits are sometimes the best. As my Alor'ad is fond of telling us, he has a lime green stripe on his bucket (other wise gray) and one red knee. One shoulder bell is orange. It works.
So I'd say see how you like it, it might turn out pretty cool. :)
Also, for a minuet I was confused about why you'd painted newspaper on your shin.... :P
Haha, love the newspaper touch, for sure. :P
And the rest of the armor looks pretty nice too! That shoulder bell is killer. Good job.
It's soon pretty!!!! I love the new weathering. You're going to look amazing! I can't wait to see it in May. :D
Outstanding progress!! :D
Looks amazing.
The right knee did look a little over weathered, I like how it looks now though. LOVE your gaunt!! That's amazing. Someday I will have to get you to help me upgrade mine. :P
Your bucket looks really good for a scratch build. I am still afraid to attempt one! :laugh:
Looks good. ;D
As for the back plate and collar, it might help to see a picture of the difference between them.
I actually had to cut the tabs off the top of the standard Jango back plate, was the only way the back would keep from having a gap big enough to stuff a forearm in...
It's preferred to stick closer to the gap that Jango Fett has if you're going for that option and if you have to trim to have a larger gap, do so on the backplate rather than having a tiny collar on the front.
As for the back plate and collar, it might help to see a picture of the difference between them.^^This ;)
^^This ;)
But if you want to have a plate connecting them, my Ruus'alor, staprider, made little 'bridge' pieces to span the gap between his back plate and collar plate. It's actually started to catch on in our clan and a couple guys have them now. I'll see if I can find his WIP thread and maybe it'll give you ideas.
Impressed with your work vod. Nice job, hope we'll see some pre-apps soon!
Everything's looking great, Vod. Nice work!
Wow! That's a ton of great progress!
The shoes look ok to me, but I know one of our guys who just went through had a problem with his low cut shoes looking too much like slippers, so you might want to see what they look like kitted up.
I like the mytho skull....plate spacing also looks really good. :laugh:
Dha's kits are the best. It looks awesome! I love the fact you've got old Xbox controller buttons on there...
Helmet looks good so far!
No, that shouldn't hold you up at all, I don't think. They'll probably look at it like a belt or added accessory but it shouldn't be a problem. Even if it is, as long as you let them know that you're required to wear the tzitzit and you should be fine. It might even be a really cool touch to the kit, you never know. :)
Gotta say, the kit has really grown on my, especially the colors! Can't wait to see the helmet all done!
Okay so I read back a few updates ago (Apr-12) and it looks like everything is on track.
The blackwash is great, really hard to screw it up since all you do is dirty everything.
Shoes should be ok but if not try and find spats, half chaps, or gaiters.
Both gauntlets look good but the screen needs the branding covered.
The keyslot area looks great, nice find on the greeblies. Looking closely at the controller trigger buttons I think I see the R1 and L1 still, if so that needs to be smoothed out.
The tzitzit should be no problem. Like Aria said they look like another accessory.
Ah! It looks so good!! ;D I can't wait to see it!!
(also, isn't is great that it's FINALLY nice enough outside to not have to wear shoes all the time? :laugh: )
The buckets looks amazing...I love the triggers. :) I can't wait to see it all painted up!
The gaunts looks fantastic. And those pouches are great...a couple of the guys up here have those same ones, and I rely on them heavily for carrying things. :laugh: They're very nice to have and they look good with the kit.
well done as always!
I think they looks great! I can't wait to see the blackwash on them and all done. :) I like that short barrel above the darts. Looks good!
And yeah...I'm barefoot as soon as the snow melts. :laugh:
Well done vod! that's a sick kit!
You won me with the Boss effect pedal on the gauntlet lol :laugh:
I think they looks great! I can't wait to see the blackwash on them and all done. :) I like that short barrel above the darts. Looks good!
And yeah...I'm barefoot as soon as the snow melts. :laugh:
Well done vod! that's a sick kit!Hahahaha. I couldn't just throw it away. I had plans to fix it but that never happened. Now it's stuck to my arm.
You won me with the Boss effect pedal on the gauntlet lol :laugh:
So. Close!!
I was wondering if that ab plate was going to be silver... :P
Collar plate looks a little off, like you noted, but other then that it looks good. Shoulder bells do sit crooked, but if that's from an old injury, there's not too much you can do about it. Just maybe let the app team know that's why they sit that way. I can't wait to see some paint on that bucket!! :D
Shoulders look to sit at about the same angle mine do :P (Partial dislocation a year or so) Make sure you check the spacing round that ab, otherwise, looking good.
Wow! That looks excellent! 8)
It's so pretty. :D
Solid work. I'm impressed!
Can't see it on the pics - might want to give it a few scuffs with some sandpaper too before blackwashing. Gives a better variety of damage than just chipping. Also the blackwash settles in scratches really nicely.
okay, I like it. I like it a lot :o
The pics don't do it justice, this kit is excellent!
It looked great today, Vod. :) I'm so glad you made it up here!!!
Congrats! It looks awesome. Must feel so good to be ready for app!
The only thing I see is that reflective strip on your gloves. You may want to dirty it up or cover it up somehow. Jalon Fesk got tagged on having a reflective strip on his gloves. And sometimes they light up in photographs and look weird. :P
Other then that, looking good!
Good luck!!
Ready to be nervous for the next couple weeks?? ;)
Your kit looks amazing! Was glad I got to see it in person at Mortor City Comic Con! Good luck with your app!
Solid kit, solid work. Well done!
Now on to upgrades and fix any issues the app team spots. It seems like a never ending thing, upgrades and repairs Haha!
Thank you, Vod! I was glad to be there and hang out with everyone! Were you the one who won the bucket in the raffle?
I wish! I was there with my friend, and we got a bounty put on our heads :laugh:
(http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u427/soccerstoryteller2899/E801FE49-D792-4C68-BA4D-A107D20D7D93_zpsgzcdlphf.jpg)
Looking great Kurshi, it's awesome that you're doing upgrades now! I really like your new shoes, they look tough and stylish at the same time :D
Is there a lot you have to do for hazardous environment?
Really like the additions to the kit, vod!
And I think I might change to privateer. That just sounds a little more exciting. With that I'll need to add some more pistachio for intimidation, add a knife, and maybe a few small things and I'll be good to go!
I likes. :) I can't wait to see it in person at Makerfaire!!
Kit is looking so sweet! Great work, thanks for updating with those juicy upgrades.......Damn back to work on my kit now.
The Pistachio Privateer! It is definitely the most intimidating colour ever ;)
It works, Vod. The combo of pistachio and maroon/burgundy is intimidating. ;D