Hello Mandos,
I'll apologize up front for the novel you are about to read. I have been doing quite a bit of homework as of late. Well, since SWCO. You guys inspired me to build a Mandalorian Cosplay Kit. I have introduced myself previously, but I will explain a little about myself here as well. I am a Native North Carolinian. Born in Charlotte, raised in Mooresville. I am a metal fabricator who once worked in the racing industry and now works in hybrid construction. I am also a painter of industrial works that my company creates.
I am new to the Mandalorian Mercs, but not new to cosplay. I have created several costumes in the past, however, none for any Clubs. My previous costumes have all been hybrid concepts, therefore, I didn't feel like I belonged into the constructs of the rules and regulations which come along with clubs. This is my first attempt to meet the guidelines of a club. I have not taken this lightly either. I have been in contact with several individual Russ'alors within the MMCC who have offered a great deal of guidance throughout my concept art and we have come to the below designs. These designs are in no way final as I haven't gotten you guys to approve of the designs as of yet. So without any further hogwash, these are my designs.
I am going for a Late Crusader. As you can[/img] see I like the asymmetrical look with the Shoulder Armor. Clone inspired clam shell. The Back Armor will be pretty plain as of right now. To Jet Pack Or Not To Jet Pack??? Perhaps later. Maybe not though as the Brigade I am shooting for, suggests there be no jet pack. I do however intend on incorporating some fans in the Back Plate to run some cool air to the back of my flight suit.
Flight Suit is inspired by Ralph McQuarrie's Boba Fett. The Flight suite will be made from Black 1000 Denier Polyester Cordura. It is a super heavy weave, similar to motocross pants. The Seam thread will be in a contrasting color of Charcoal Grey. I plan on incorporating some Charcoal grey Upholstery Grade Leather on the Abdominal Plate, Kidney Plate, Cod Plate, Left Thigh Pocket, and the Shoulder Area (Wings on the Flack Vest). I plan on not wearing a Flack Vest Per Se. The inside of the flights suit will be lined with satin as the fabric I plan on using is quite abrasive. With that said. The back of the suit will probably have a form of mesh to help with cooling me down during a troop. The Chest Armor is a clam shell which will fasten on the left or right side. I haven't yet decided. I will wear Thigh Armor on the right leg only. I have not yet decided on the Shin Armor, but there will be a SHNEE incorporated into the Shin Armor. I will most likely use some of the Stormtrooper type Boots.
So that I don't make the mistake of using Fett Gauntlets for Late Crusader Era, I used some reference photos for some Ideas. I bought some 3 inch PVC tubing and cut and shaped about 6 different pieces until was happy with my method. These will be connected with a piece of piano hinge and held closed with Earth Magnets. I will then use some other techniques with Sintra and other stuff to construct the remaining pieces. I think I may wish to use some Aluminum tubes with some custom ends, So if anyone knows someone with a Lathe, Mill, and some quality work, I welcome suggestions. Of all the tools that I have access to, a Lathe and a Mill isn't one of them. Do Flame-Throwers always require a hose coming from the backplate? Just a question...
So if anyone is looking for a Rifle which has, for the largest part been De-Nurfed, I would part with it. All of the Screw holes have been filled. I shaved off the battery box, filled in the magazine well with a broke piece of aluminum and bondoed to make the stock appear similar to a Verpine. I fabricated a forward hand hold, which hasn't been attached as I was wanting to paint the barrel prior to epoxying the heat shroud to it. I had intentions of purchasing a Nurf Scope and attaching, but I sent photos to those helping me out and, as I said, "I was No-Goed".
I have since purchased another base rifle. I purchased a UKARMS Spring Powered P2703B Airsoft Rifle. I haven't had an opportunity to work on yet. I am aware the Rifle can not fire, So, If any of you knows how to deactivate an Airsoft, I welcome any advice.
I have plans on purchasing a Shae Vizla pistol for a side arm. I just haven't had the opportunity to purchase it yet. I will also use a Han Solo type holster/belt which I will make using 8 ounce leather I purchased from Tandy Leather.
Now to top everything off. I have ordered this little baby.
Now when I start talking about the bucket, I know what all of you are going to say.... Just hear me out. I plan on opening up the Visor just a little bit in the up and down position. Not too much though. Just a tad... I wear glasses and I need some extra space in there. I plan on using a mirrored lens, which hasn't been ordered yet. I also plan on using some of those string lights on the outside rim of the visor. (RED) or possibly an (AMBER). I want to have an outside mic so I can hear what is going on around me and I plan on using a amplifier system of some sort as well. I'll probably incorporate some fans inside the bucket as well. I have an idea of whose system I want to use. It is just too far down the road for me to worry about at this point.
I am going to use this as my inspiration for my paint scheme. Just Inspiration. I do not intend on copying another universe. I just really like the Yen and Yang concept for the Paint Scheme. Good vs. Evil...
For my Mandalorian Name I have chosen (Shev'la Kyr'am). Silent Death...
I recently hosted an armor party at my shop where a few people showed up. I was very pleased with the tips I got from those who attended. They helped me make a Duct Tape dummy for my torso. I plan on using this to mock up the chest armor, however, I am waiting on your feedback to start this portion as the Chest armor is Clone inspired and I don't wish to go about making something that will not be accepted. I also would like suggestions on those String light things which people use to light their helmet. I need a resource for those. If anyone knows of someone who does aluminum darts and such for gauntlets, I would like that resource as well.
I welcome your feedback and look forward to this journey with you all. I hope you all like my concept.
Budd Terry