Hello vode! Well, since I've got a pretty good start on my Protector, I figured I should probably post a WIP up in here
So, first of all, I used this pattern for my flightsuit (no pictures as of now - I'll fix that later)
Going this route was a new experience for me, since I'm very much the "use knock-off Under Armour for my flightsuit" type. My clanmate Rayne sewed it for me and it looks amazing. Since I'm a fairly small person, she had to do a LOT of modifications to the pattern (for example, the thigh pocket pieces literally covered the entire front of my leg
), so I wanted to make sure I gave her some props for her work
I also bought the small version of the NME Merrcenary for my bucket:
This bucket is beautiful and is the only bucket I've purchased so far that legitimately feels like it's sized correctly. I foresee more of these buckets for future builds.
And I used the WOF templates for my armor:
I'm also using the WOF templates for the knees, but since they're going to take a lot of work, I honestly haven't started on them yet
I also have 3D-printed pre-production gaunts, which I have yet to finish:
There's a small concern that they might not be big enough to fit over my flightsuit, but I haven't had a chance to test this yet.
My jetpack is also a 3D print (no pictures yet) which I also haven't tackled at this point.
I typically do all of my own painting (sans weathering), but on this kit, I wanted to make sure it was done right, so my resident paint expert (and very good friend) Mi'ix did all my paint for me...I owe him a LOT for this:
Primer:
Base Paint:
And the finished product:
Oh, and we can't forget the bucket!
I made my gloves over quarantine - these are just white cotton gloves that I dyed a dark brown. I then used the same tackle twill that I'll be using for my flak vest and neck seal for the finger pads:
They're not perfect by any means, but I'm pretty happy with them. I will most likely forego any patches on them for now - everything that I've found so far would cover the entire back of my hand. If I find something smaller that will work, I may change my mind.
I have some black Chelsea boots that I bought on Amazon, and I bought some machined-aluminum toe spikes on Etsy. Fair warning, these things are pretty sharp - I accidentally stabbed myself in the leg while carrying the boots in from my car once
I'm also working on my pouches. These are Jango-style. These were my first foray into leather-working, and I may actually redo them now that I have more experience under my belt. Speaking of belts, I haven't gotten around to making that yet, but belts are easy so I'm not too worried about that.
Lastly, I just bought some of my shin tools:
And this is what I meant by my being a small person - the squeegee basically covers my entire shin lol
So, here's what's left to do:
- Gaunts
- Jetpack
- Jetpack harness
- Flak vest
- Neck seal
- Shin tools
- Belt (and any holsters)
- Spats
- Boba-thong (yippee)
- Knees
- Attachments (will likely be going with magnets for this)
I almost forgot that I have my girth belt 98% done as well. I dyed it with wood stain and now just have to figure out my straps. I also need to figure out a blaster. I have a DLT-19X already for a different kit, but the thing is huge and I'd rather NOT lug it around all the time at events. So yes, still a lot of work to do but we're well on the way!
