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 Zophar Ptay - Late Crusader Engineer [Index in first post]

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Zophar Ptay


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    Overall Status
    Shoulders: Done
    Chest: Done
    Back: Done
    Gaunts: Done
    Legs: Done
    Blaster: Done
    Belt/Pouches: Done [partial upgrade already commissioned and in the mail, all remaining straps to be replaced in time]
    Gloves: Done
    Boots: Done
    Helmet: Done
    Abs: Done
    Loin cloth: Done


    What's left:
    Flight Suit:   Black one active, decided the grey one is going to go through a full customization.  It will include integrated elbow and groin soft armour among a few other enhancements.
    Neck Seal: I have a balaclava but want a loose-fitting helmet skirt


    Thread Index

    I really like that Seugtai and a couple others have an index on their WIP thread.  So at the risk of seeming pretentious, as this WIP is getting close on 10 pages long now, ((EDIT: almost three years and forty pages later: HAHAHAHAHAH ten pages.. I thought it was getting narcissistically long at ten?  How quaint. :P))  I thought I'd make it a bit easier for people new to my WIP to wade through all of my planing and thinking posts and get straight to the more interesting sections.  So I give you my thread index:


    That out of the way, we now return you to your regularly scheduled thread:


    I have been addicted to reading these boards for a week or two since I found them and, inspired by a few of your kits, I think I would like to try my hand at it.  I have already gotten tons of help from a couple of you over PM, and many thanks to them for putting up with me.

       I think a late crusader is along the lines of what I have in mind.  I am not very familiar with the source material, but I have read through the CRLs and perused the source images that have been posted in the respective child boards' threads.  I kinda have my heart set on a mask with an integrated breathing system, either based on a single canister style like the image below or something along the lines of [described for demonstration purposes only, not how it would actually be made] a 16oz CO2 canister running horizontally along one jaw. 



    I have found a few pictures showing canister style rebreathers/scrubbers in the Early Crusader reference pics but not in the Late Crusader pics. Is there a reason why they would lead to disqualification if used in a LC bucket?  Alternatively, if I must, a centered canister formed and moulded into the mandibles/chin below the visor would work, but I rather like the asymmetric look if I may.


    I am not much for sketching, but I will try to throw a few reference sketches together to show a few ideas that I have when I get time, and I look forward to input from those more well informed than I.


    Cheers![/list]

    « Last Edit: Jul 16, 2015, 02:15 AM by Zophar Ptay » Logged
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    seugtai


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #1 on: Sep 23, 2011, 06:28 AM »
    Personally, I'm not a fan of the rebreathers on helmets but, if I had to go with something I gotta say I really like the look of the asymmetrical one you have there in that picture. The Early and Late Crusaders kits were very customized so I would think it shouldn't be a problem, someone will correct me if I'm wrong tho. ;)

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #2 on: Sep 23, 2011, 12:40 PM »
    See, that was what I kept hearing.  Crusader era kits were essentially hand-made one-off pieces and therefore unique and you have a lot of room to play.  That is a big part of the reason I like the idea of a crusader era kit.  Also, your fem-mando early crusader with a WIP thread that rivals some novels in length was a huge inspiration to get me to jump in on this.  Thanks for sharing.

    I also agree that I typically like the slicker helms but there is a method to my madness.  I don't want to talk about it too much and raise expectations until I get a bit further in the production stages and decide if I can actually pull this off, but I have some background in electronics and if I can do what I have in mind, I'll need a little more room inside the helm than the average build.  I am leaning heavily towards using the cols casting technique that Talos Kot recently demonstrated.  Unfortunately aluminum powder is banned here, so I would either have t do it with one o the powders that are easily found which are copper, brass, bronze, or [much more expensive] nickel/silver or some blend of the above.   Talos mentioned that iron powder might be available and it might come out looking along the lines of a dark "gunmetal"  look so that is my current red herring.  If I can track some down I'll give it a try and see what's what.  I have to admit, the bronze sounds interesting too, I may have to do some bronze greebles just got the heck of it.  Or make a steampunk Mandalorian  :P

    [EDIT] squashed a couple typos [/EDIT]

    « Last Edit: Sep 23, 2011, 09:21 PM by miststlkr » Logged
    Late Crusader WIP

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #3 on: Sep 24, 2011, 06:48 AM »
    Looking through the brigades pages and I know it isn't required, but I figured an idea of his particular purpose would help decide on designs.  That said, I think I'm aiming for [or at least keeping in mind] the Mobile Engineers, specifically a Communications specialist I'm thinking. 

    Some points that I am pondering at the moment:


    Name:
          Always my hardest part when making a character.  I'm horrible at coming up with names.  That said, my current line of thought is to slightly modify the name of an ancestor of mine and go with Zophar Hawkins, or some variant thereof if that is not swarzy enough.  I'm not too big on the canon outside what has been on the big screen so some help Mandalorianizing the name would be appreciated.

    Loadout:
        I am thinking lightly armed; perhaps a matched pair of light blaster pistols in thigh rides, a melee weapon [or five] plus some electronics/communications tools

    Helm:
        I am thinking late crusader era which I understand gives me quite a bit of leeway with the helm design.  I am thinking of incorporating an asymmetric canister design as mentioned above and an integrated helmet light.  No RF for me.  There is a pic in the early crusader reference image boards of a Mando riding some green beastie.  This Mando has breathing canisters integrated into a helmet which is very clearly based on a samurai's kabuto style helmet.  This goes rather well with some of the ideas that I have rolling around in my head, so I may design the bucket on the concept of making a sleeker kabuto deisgn.  Also toying with the idea of a horsehair braid or ribbon or something hanging loose from the top rear of the helmet if that is acceptable under late crusader CRLs.  I've noticed it in some early crusader images and one kit i particular but not sure it it follows into later era.

    Plates:
          I'd love to do a single-piece chest plate with separate kidney plates, two or three separated gut plates and a hard cod.  The initial concept was for an articulated armadillo down the spine and a cape off one shoulder but if I go with the comm pack mentioned below, I'll have to rework that idea.  I was thinking that I like the look/idea of a single high shoulder/back-of-the-neck piece to keep his head from getting whipped around, similar to a modern [American-]football lineman might wear but that strikes me more as a heavy fighter kind of thing than a comm guy so I'm not sure where I stand on that now.  Also, a friend mentioned that it was a very Space Marine concept and I can't get that out of my head now.

    Limbs:
          Left gaunt will be a comm system with a display.  I have high hopes for this part of the kit in particular.  Right gaunt I haven't decided; perhaps a bunch of circuit-board and electronic greebles to go with the comm motif, or a very small weapon like a dart gun I guess... maybe.  Lower body armour not required for this era, but I am thinking a simple shins/knee one-piece which hinges onto spats perhaps.  Who knows, maybe once I get in the swing of things I'll add some thigh pieces, or perhaps integrate the thigh holsters into plates rather than strapping them on directly over the flight suit.  We'll see.

    Soft goods:
          A thigh-ride on each side for a light pistol, as he is a light fighter at best I am liking the option for a sash rather than the ubiquitous ammo-out-the-shebs belt.  Maybe a waist sash and a part-ammo-part-tools-bandolier.  I don't know if they are legit in-universe items but I have a very nice leather day sporran I'd love to work into the kit in some way.  If I give up the cape I may go with a kama attached to the ankles as I have seen in a couple threads on here.

    Jetpack:
         NONE!  I'll be joining MAJIC as soon as they'll have me :P

    Back:
          I was planning to forgo the backpack in favour of a cape over one shoulder [gladiator style] with an articulated armadillo but with the comm specialist motif in mind, I may leave the cape/'dillo for a future build and go with a comm-pack based off vietnam-era GI radio packs but far slimmer and more swarzy, maybe basing the pack off a modern motorcycle hardshell backpack like the [Megalopolis Executive] but of my own fabrication; naturally I'm not paying that much for a pack to cut up.





    So [if anyone is still reading this] naturally any and all suggestions are not only welcome, they would be greatly appreciated.  I like to have a basic idea of what the goal is before I start really getting into the visual design of things, but so many great sources if inspiration on here have left me with tons of ideas floating about.  You know, a lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-you's. And, uh, lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder's head.  ;D

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    Adenn


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #4 on: Sep 24, 2011, 07:51 AM »
    Have you gone to your local hardware store and checked out the respirators in the paint section? I've seen some rather inexpensive ones you could pick up to play with once you get your buy'ce and then make your decision. I can see a lot of practical applications to having something like a respirator... more room for fans. Just take small steps and you'll get there with what you want the first time out.

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #5 on: Sep 24, 2011, 01:18 PM »
    Have you gone to your local hardware store and checked out the respirators in the paint section? I've seen some rather inexpensive ones you could pick up to play with once you get your buy'ce and then make your decision. I can see a lot of practical applications to having something like a respirator... more room for fans. Just take small steps and you'll get there with what you want the first time out.

    Indeed, that was the plan :-D

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    Late Crusader WIP

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    Kel Toi


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #6 on: Sep 24, 2011, 05:52 PM »
    No offence, but most would like to see even a rough sketch of what your concept is about rather than a wall of text. You will get more help that way mate  ;)

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #7 on: Sep 24, 2011, 05:56 PM »
    No offence, but most would like to see even a rough sketch of what your concept is about rather than a wall of text. You will get more help that way mate  ;)

    I know, I completely understand.  I'm working on sketches but I can't draw for osik so I was hoping I might work through it "out loud."  I'll have something up in the near future.

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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #8 on: Sep 24, 2011, 06:30 PM »
    I cant draw either bud LOL but even a rough sketch or pics of each piece you find. Or as near as can help. Good luck on the build ner'vod ;)

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    Arashi


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #9 on: Sep 24, 2011, 06:51 PM »
    I've seen some rough sketches here that are little more than stick figures and outlines, anything will help.

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #10 on: Sep 24, 2011, 08:33 PM »
    Alright, I am admitting defeat on the rough sketching and cheating.  I went online and procured some blank face and body sketches, printed them out at 25% opacity and I'm sketching over them.. it is far easier to lay the helmet and plates out when you have a body/face in proper proportion to work with.

    I have also discovered that, while I had hoped to do a TT style visor, every time I start to draw it out I snicker and have an insatiable desire to listen to KISS.

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    Late Crusader WIP

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #11 on: Sep 25, 2011, 07:14 AM »
    Alright ori'vode.  A rough initial concept sketch of my Mk 0.001 late-era crusader buy'ce.


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #12 on: Sep 25, 2011, 07:28 AM »
    Nice, very original. See ye can draw, alot better than me at any rate  ;)

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Initial design sketches
    « Reply #13 on: Sep 25, 2011, 07:39 AM »
    Thanks Kel.

    A few other concepts I tossed around.  I'm not dead set on the previous sketches yet and I may still incorporate the brow/ridge from the first sketch into this one perhaps.   Do you suspect I might have a problem with the visor shaped like it is in the previous iso sketches?  Tomorrow I'll start scratching out a couple of other buy-ce concepts and see what comes of it.  You always see things a different way when you step away for a bit [or get some sleep...] and come back to it.



    As for being able to draw, it got a LOT easier once I thought about it a bit and took someone else's heads to draw the buy'ce over to help with the scale and perspective.

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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #14 on: Sep 25, 2011, 11:21 AM »
    Cool, but i would stick to as close to a T as possible. Like the pic above on the left.

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    seugtai


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #15 on: Sep 25, 2011, 02:05 PM »
    I actually like the second from the left. Personally I'd also add the smaller part from the previously posted mask on the other cheek but, that's just me. I say if your gonna go with a Late Crusader go with one of the modified visors that belongs to that era. I know most here are "T" and only "T" kinda people but, that's what's fun about this era-the customization. (No offense Kel ;))

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    Kel Toi


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #16 on: Sep 25, 2011, 02:28 PM »
    Non taken  ;) I quite like the David Bowie one  ;D

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #17 on: Sep 25, 2011, 04:33 PM »
    Personally I'd also add the smaller part from the previously posted mask on the other cheek but, that's just me.

    Sorry, not sure I follow.  You think I should swap the canister bit on the design with the pair of "fangs" over to the right cheek instead of the left?  Once I have a mockup I'll check that out.  One thought about that was that if I do ever decide to give him a rifle, having the canister sticking out of his right cheek could make that a bit difficult.  I think once I have a few more ideas sketched out I'm going to do a paper-and-cereal-box mockup to get a better idea of what the look and contours will be; I will tinker with exact canister placement and all at that point.  Once that is done I will have a nice full-scale working model to build from.

    I say if your gonna go with a Late Crusader go with one of the modified visors that belongs to that era. I know most here are "T" and only "T" kinda people but, that's what's fun about this era-the customization. (No offense Kel ;))

    You would say that.. the only completed early crusader, aren't you?  The Queen of Unique. :P  That was more or less my thought too... every other era has a T visor, this is the one chance to really do something different with it.  I definitely want to explore the TT more.  Maybe I'll sketch up an idea using that visor with the "fangs" style face plate of the originally posted sketch this afternoon.  My first few were TTs and came out like David Bowie above, I think I just needed to get into the feel of the lines and I'll go back to working on that after I get a couple more ideas down.

    Non taken  ;) I quite like the David Bowie one  ;D

     ;D :P   It may actually work for an early era one carved from bone  :rolleyes:

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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #18 on: Sep 25, 2011, 06:39 PM »
    Sorry, not sure I follow.

    This is what I was trying to explain. It just seemed a little visually heavy with only the one filter, which is rather large. I like the asymmetrical look, I just think it needed some balance.



    the only completed early crusader, aren't you? 

    Not completed, not approved, and not official...yet. ;)

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #19 on: Sep 25, 2011, 06:50 PM »
    Ahhh.  Gotcha.   I had thought about that too.  I was debating between that or leaving it polished and clean.  I was tossing around the idea that leaving it clean on one side almost implies that the canister was a later modification to the helm and deciding it I liked that or not.  On the practical side, there really should be an exhaust vent since the canister generally works as in intake vent and presumably the helmets are sealed otherwise a filter canister is somewhat pointless. 

    Also, I was planning to avoid the ubiquitous hoses running everywhere but is I am going with a comm pack maybe there should be a hose through which he would run cables and such?  Or do we assume/know that something akin to bluetooth exitsts in-universe to allow the comm system in his helmet to connect to the kit in his pack?

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    Late Crusader WIP

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #20 on: Sep 25, 2011, 06:58 PM »
    Double post..

    Not completed, not approved, and not official...yet. ;)


    Ah, not yet.  Sorry :P


    Another thought, that helm was the only one I posted which didn't have an integrated head lamp and all oft he others had the lamp at top dead center.  What is perhaps I "counter-balanced" the canister with a light source?  I'm on my way out for a bit, but I'll sketch that idea out later perhaps.  As for size, I'm thinking the canister is roughly tuna-can-sized.  I'll have to play with the full-scale model when it's done and play with that though, that might end up being HUGE in perspective.

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    Late Crusader WIP

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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #21 on: Sep 25, 2011, 11:10 PM »
    another thought, I was planning to avoid hoses, but one running to the helmet could conceal a hose running from a cameblack hidden in the communications backpack...

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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #22 on: Sep 26, 2011, 11:21 PM »


    Alright, I did a few more TT sketches but I can't help thinking they either look like some wrestler or a super-villain.  Helmet C is the one I posted the turn-about for above and I am rather liking the way [A], [C] and [E] come down in the front for the "fangs".  I haven't given up on the canster, I just got tired of trying to draw them in every sketch.  Seugtai commented that she liked helmet (B) so I tinkered with it a bit more and came up with [F], which I think I like the shape of more.  I picture [F] as being similar in shape to an ATV helmet from the side but haven't had time to sketch it out from that view yet.  I'm afraid it may not come far enough down the neck if I do it like that.  Perhaps an ATV/motocross style helmet that is high in the back with specially-designed segmented neck armour in the back might do it?

    As of right now, I think I am bouncing back and forth between [C] and [F].

    As always, comments and suggestions are appreciated. 

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    Mav Nexu


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #23 on: Sep 27, 2011, 09:52 AM »
    My lack of crusader knowledge not withstanding, based off what you told me in PM and this thread, you've got a really solid idea here. It's a hell of a daunting task, creating a crusader, but once you're approved you'll be one of the few who've actually done it. (we're all waiting on seugtai to be the first)

    As for your helmet design, I like A the best but if you're leaning towards C or F more my opinion is bring the dome of A and put it on C. F does look a little too streamlined to be a crusader.


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    Zophar Ptay


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    Re: Newcomer; Late Crusader in planning
    « Reply #24 on: Sep 27, 2011, 03:22 PM »
    My lack of crusader knowledge not withstanding, based off what you told me in PM and this thread, you've got a really solid idea here. It's a hell of a daunting task, creating a crusader, but once you're approved you'll be one of the few who've actually done it. (we're all waiting on seugtai to be the first)

    Yes, the seugtai armour is incredible.  She is early crusader, I'm going for a late crusader.  Not so "primative" looking but still before the kits were more or less standardized.

    Quote
    As for your helmet design, I like A the best but if you're leaning towards C or F more my opinion is bring the dome of A and put it on C. F does look a little too streamlined to be a crusader.

    That can certainly be arranged.  Or perhaps a combination of the two.  Take the mohawk from [C] and the brow ridges from [A].  I am debating the hoses.  If I run hose(s), I can use one to hide a camelback hose from the "communications" backpack, and a friend last night suggested that I could use the other for airflow.  If I put a fairly high CFM fan in the pack and funnel it directly into the hose, I might get a decent airflow without having the noise of the fan in the helm itself.  Maybe for the time being I will leave it smooth but plan a spot to add a hose nipple or two at a later time.

    [edit] cleaned up errant tag [/edit]

    « Last Edit: Sep 27, 2011, 05:47 PM by miststlkr » Logged
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