Mando Mercs Costume Club
Mandalorian Armor => Armor Construction => Topic started by: Elekbah Dhagal on Jul 06, 2015, 02:19 AM
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Hello All...
Joined the forum 7/1/15, "officially" started my design and planning stage of my first build (for membership approval).
Of course I also choose a name by researching language info: Elek'bah Dha'gal (which I interpret as, "Yes To Dark Ale")
Here are pics from End of Day 1 of my build.
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/1-cutPVC.jpg)
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/2-shapePVC.jpg)
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/3-paintPVC.jpg)
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/4-paintPVC.jpg)
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I am digging that paint job
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Good start, vod!
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I was experimenting with the logo on chest.
Wanted to give it a field etched in look.
Thoughts???
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/5-logoEtch.jpg)
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I love to see carvings in the armor. cool look...
What did you use for the paint/weathering? That came out really well.
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This is way cool vod! Keep it up the top notch work :D
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This is way cool vod! Keep it up the top notch work :D
Seconded!
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Those are some beautiful plates, vod! Love the etched-in mythosaur skull. Very cool!
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I love to see carvings in the armor. cool look...
What did you use for the paint/weathering? That came out really well.
I used two different types of paint - an oil-based Aluminum paint and spray paint Black.
- Then I use a dry brush technique and a putty knife (scraping) for texture.
- Then as the paint is just getting dry and spray clear coat over the paint which creates a reaction of lights and darks in the Aluminum paint.
- Then I dry brush a little of the thinned down Aluminum as a glaze effect.
and sometimes I repeat this with other highlighting colors.
This reads a little crazy but it is done fast and not much thinking about it as I am doing it.
Hope this a good enough answer.
Although I have not done a lot of costuming builds, I have been doing themed/scenic construction and fabrication for a long time professionally (not in film).
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(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/4-paintPVC.jpg)
I really like the weather and paint. Great job!
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Start of the girth belt.
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/7-grithbelt_1.jpg)
See finished girth belt @ Soft Goods WIP (http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=96265.0)
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That armor is awesome, can't wait to see how that girth turns out.
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Colored the girth belt
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/7-grithbelt_2.jpg)
See finished girth belt @ Soft Goods WIP (http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=96265.0)
Added Helmet WIP... http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=95405.0
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Start of the girth belt.
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/7-grithbelt_1.jpg)
I always get jealous of those who can use hot glue in their kits. Down here in C.Florida, it's not an option. Just loses it's tackiness with the slightest exposure to the sun. :/
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Actually, I would bet here in Phoenix it's worse.
But I am counting on that fact I am using the "Yellow" glue sticks for plastic and the higher heat gun which melts into plastic better,
The baling twine I am using is actually plastic. In addition, once the belt is fully together even if the cords start to separate it still will be functional.
I have had plenty of hot glue failures but I still like the speed of which I can set up parts and then reinforce it with something else like epoxy putty.
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Color on that girth is niiice
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Armor update...
1 - Shoulders finished
2- Cod and Shins formed
3 - Shoe plate are cut (need to form)
Left to do: Gauntlets, Knees, Thighs and Back
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/8-shoulder_1.jpg)
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/8-shin_1.jpg)
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Stang vod...your weathering skills are top notch! Can't wait to see this all done!
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Here is the latest armor elements and paint.
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/4-paintPVC_2.jpg)
I am planning on putting a 3D Scorpion on the "Cod" piece to match my bucket.
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Here is the progress on my gauntlets.
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/9-guantlets_1.jpg)
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/9-guantlets_2.jpg)
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For only starting on the 6th, this kit is coming along quickly, and beautifully! :D
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For only starting on the 6th, this kit is coming along quickly, and beautifully! :D
Thank you
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Finally got to sewing the vest.
Here is the pic of the "taped" armor pieces.
I need to do some modifications some of the shaping.
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/vest-armor_1.jpg)
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I like the weathering/painting, especially that right side chest piece.
Methinks you're right that you need to do a bit of shaping/spacing. I had to do a lot when I finally mounted in the vest.
Hopefully that paint doesn't get buggered up when you do it.
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Fortunately, the paint does chip when I cut it.
I have made several trim cuts already with no issues.
Thanks
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Color on that girth is niiice
Moved the finished girth belt WIP (http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=96265.msg1400550#msg1400550)
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Armor adjustments and Velco fit attachments.
I feel pretty good on the fit now, so I can finish the center piece and finish sewing the vest sides and bottom.
I also feel like I made a good progress this weekend; I knew when I got into the fitting it would suck up some time.
I agrees with others when they said they would or should work on the soft parts first (NEXT TIME!).
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/1-vest-armor-fit_1.jpg)
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The sides of the chest plates look awfully pointy. Hopefully they're high enough so you don't draw blood if you move too suddenly...
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Mere flesh wound!
No but really, they move and float right over my biceps.
If I were to be making a sniper shot they act as a cross brace for stability.
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Armor adjustments and Velco fit attachments.
I feel pretty good on the fit now, so I can finish the center piece and finish sewing the vest sides and bottom.
I also feel like I made a good progress this weekend; I knew when I got into the fitting it would suck up some time.
I agrees with others when they said they would or should work on the soft parts first (NEXT TIME!).
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/1-vest-armor-fit_1.jpg)
Hey, I have those same pants! :laugh: I wonder how many other of the Mercs have them? :)
On topic, though, this is looking nice. Although I don't know how the App team is going to respond to the "floating" appearance of the chest pieces. You might want to PM a member and ask them to weigh in.
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Finished tailoring the jumpsuit and vest.
Here is the fitting of the armor pieces.
My thought is the belly plate was too big and needs trimmed - I have included a image of my edit plan.
(Also will be adding the diamond in center - but was waiting until I finished fitting/trimming)
Additionally, due to the movement of the spacing of the chest plates; ex., When I take the photo.
1) I plan on adding small support plates on the inside of vest to lock them together with the collar plate so that all three move as one.
2) And the space between the collar plate and chest plates is actually larger than it appears - It a combination of the angle of the photo and the thickness of the chest plates that create the illusion of being close. (In other words, the objects in the mirror are NOT closer than they appear - Sorry I couldn't pass that one up)
Feedback welcome, as always.
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/1-AlmostFinished.jpg)
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1) I plan on adding small support plates on the inside of vest to lock them together with the collar plate so that all three move as one.
I did the same thing with all of my front plates, and it works well. Keeps the spacing right to the mm, and wont shift as you move around.
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I think trimming down the ab plate would make you kit even better. Overall, I think your spacing is good, and placement of your plates is good, as well. And your plan to attach your chest and collar plates behind the flak vest is awesome.
If you can get someone to get a picture of you in kit, so you're not having to take a selfie, so we can just make absolutely sure everything's spot on, that'd be great.
You're almost there, vod. Just need a neck seal of some kind. I envision you being able to apply for OM soon. :)
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Thanks... My plan is to get as much of the finalizing things done today and have my teenager take a photo (hopefully it will be for OM app).
UPDATE ... Well decided to build the back armor rather than sew a cape, so waiting for paint to dry so photos delayed.
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Cool. Looking forward to it.
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Back plate - PVC with complex curves (Free hand shaping craziness)
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/1-back_1.jpg)
(http://itbcreative.com/cosplay/1-back_2.jpg)
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Nicely done. The bit at the top of your right shoulder that sticks up just a bit could probably stand to come down a tiny amount. But this is really impressive, vod. Good work.
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I am pretty sure when I get the Velco attached with the vest, everything will tighten up.
Thanks.
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Cool
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It looks good, hard to say for 100% 'cause of the angle of the shot...and the fact that you're the one taking the shot (almost as impressive as doing the backplate yourself :P)
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My first fitting of all my components - Up for review and feedback.
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/1full-front.jpg)
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/1full-back.jpg)
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/1full-sides.jpg)
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Looks good!
There's some sort of weird shadow from your helmet across the backplate making it look all wonky.
Took me a few looks to figure out why it didn't look right.
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Looking awesome!
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Nice, vod. It looks like the spacing on the left side of your torso is a tiny bit tighter than on the right. That might just be how you're standing, though, so I can't say for sure. However, everything's looking very kandosii! Nice work.
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Yeah, the lighting is a bit hard to get past. Is your helmet not on level? That's what I noticed.
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It looks like his helmet is tilting (could just be how it's sitting on his head) , It looks like his armor is pushed off to the right (or his collar plate is pushed off to the left) The shoulder plates look a bit weird, in the front picture the right looks like it's got a bigger gap from the armor, but on the back his left one has the larger gap (could be just an issue with how the armor/backplate is sitting in these). It's all stuff that should be easily adjusted, his right chest plate does look like it's sitting lower than his left, and his ab plate might be a bit crooked. But for a first fitting this is pretty good.
(Note: Right/Left are his Right/Left not the photo's)
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Right on. Despite the niggling little details we're pointing out, this kit is coming together really nicely. Keep up the good work, vod.
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Here was my response to a clan Ruus'alor on the posting on clan pre-app section:
Since posting pic:
- Shaved the diamond to fit better as well as back mount chest to diamond to lock in spacing.
- Shaved the lower portion of knees and cut down the shins to make the spacing and clearance fit better.
- Worked on the backplate (did not cut the width but I fits better - need to see it in photo)
- Planning on darker neck (I agree with you) and cutting some of the arm material so does bunch up under gauntlets.
- Glued in more foam to fit the helmet - I was to loose for movement.
I saw a the same things after seeing the photo - all good - and most of it is fixed already.
Hopefully I will get the rest finished tonight and new photos by tomorrow or so.
Thanks
http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=28595.msg1409405#msg1409405 (http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=28595.msg1409405#msg1409405)
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OK... Here are the latest updates to my kit.
Note: Something to keep in mind... The pictures are taken from a slightly elevated position (from steps).
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/1full-front_2.jpg)
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/1full-sides_2.jpg)
(http://www.itbcreative.com/cosplay/1full-back_2.jpg)
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Note: Something to keep in mind... The pictures are taken from a slightly elevated position (from steps).
LOL! Itty bitty legs and a huge head... :)
Looks good in every picture from every angle.
I just noticed the light strips on the legs and inner arms. Were those there before?
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The lighter material was there before. They run all the way up to my wrist. Although I am planning on adding some coloring or "leather-ing" to them.