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[Neeglik]

Has anyone tried using a man pack radio for their mando?  I picked up a PRC-28 recently and am thinking about using it. I cat remember if they ever got any use on screen.

Here's mine:

[Darth_Vemon]

Wow, nice find.  I'm jealous. 

As far as I know, the radio was not screen used, but it's on an Alice frames, which was.

With some paint and greeblies, that would make an excellent communication pack.  But I'm not sure I could bring myself to alter it.

[Neeglik]

And that is the rub. I am hoping to add greeblies and pouches in a manner that's not too permanent. When it's not being used for a costume, I plan on displaying it in my man cave.

[Darth_Vemon]

The Endor hard packs were actually covered in fabric.  If you went that route, you'd keep the integrity of the radio, but still be able to use it in a costume.

[Neeglik]

I'm toying with the idea of covering it with fabric or sintra. I don't want to paint it. It also has raised English writing  on top by the knobs. I know I could sand it down, but I think I may just cover it with something.

Leaning toward adhesive Velcro for now. I don't think it would do much to damage the paint and patina it currently has.

[Khorkhe Ori'tor]

Has anyone tried using a man pack radio for their mando?  I picked up a PRC-28 recently and am thinking about using it. I cat remember if they ever got any use on screen.

Here's mine:

Hi Vod... Your comm pack is amazing... You can used with some changes...

Regards,

[Straka Zulu]

Just to keep the integrity of the piece, I'd mock up a fake one to use instead.  The original is just too cool to possibly damage.

Would also be lighter, for those long troops.

[Neeglik]

Heavy is an understatement.

[Neeglik]

I stripped off the handset. Cord was literally shredded and it really doesn't make sense to have my guy talking into a handset. I also gutted the internals. It darn near dropped the weight in half and I don't see me every having this running again anyway.  I have a lot more neat looking parts for greeblies now too.

So then I started to lay some greeblies (antennas, old torch, buttons, bread canister, etc) on it to test the concept look. This first one would be for if I stick with the genuine harness made for this model. I'm thinking I could add a a crystal on top with some backlighting, then a large tube on one side and another added box with maybe a 3.5" digital photo frame.






Gonna try to lose the battery box at the bottom and see how it works in a bag. Also going to try some other frame/harness setups.

[Naritir Ka'ra]

What an amazing find!!!  I know I'm going to have to start haunting thrift shops and salvation army to start coming up with some of my trophies and greeblies.

That pack is going to look amazing!

[Neeglik]

I found the right suspension system for the radio. It integrates with a GI pistol belt. The kit is 1950s era.



Here are some concepts for greeblies and pouches. Any thoughts?





Side view of last one...

[Darth_Vemon]

I like the first pic better.

[Neeglik]

Did my first full (mostly) dress rehearsal last night. I think the pack will do well, despite my son commenting on how it's not a jetpack. The harness works too, I may redo the buckles though to make it easier to take in and off.

[Darth_Vemon]

That looks awesome!

[Straka Zulu]

That looks awesome, vod!

[Neeglik]

Got a couple more greeblies that I've been fooling with (bread tube and Altoids mint can auxiliary control panel) added on. Also threw a snap link and a an old game cartridge on.

Started testing some fastex/parachute/side-release (whatever you wanna call them) buckles. I think they'll work just fine!

Here's how she sits currently...

 

[Naritir Ka'ra]

Vod... that is amazing looking. Great build!