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[Varlo]

Well back in March of this year I became an official member of Clan Murraan. At the time, I kind of rushed into the process and ended up buying plates and a helmet before I really knew what I was doing (something I try to caution as many prospective members as possible against this mistake.) But the Murraans welcomed me with open arms and Spanner Murraan offered to help me get my kit together. So I spent just about every weekend for 2 months at his place... I would say helping get my kit finished but I did very little in the way of tangible contribution. However I tried to pay close attention to every step in the process (anyone who has ever seen Spanner work probably already knows you can learn a lot from that guy) so that the next time I had something to build I would be ready. So after many a weekend, essentially a whole new set of plates (again courtesy of Spanner), and countless mental notes taken I think I came away with a good start to my understanding.

The helmet I started off with was this nameless Vac Form. It's fairly light, a little on the brittle side and IMHO drops down too close to the shoulders. But after a couple days of Spannering it turned out looking amazing.


So recently I have managed to procure an original MDSB- Merc in my size so I'll be upgrading the helmet. I plan to keep the same design and patterns.




THe first step was to fill in those holes along the top with Bondo, (keep in mind this is really my first real SOLO build so getting this right was a massive accomplishment for me.) In the picture you can also  see that ive taped up the visor for painting. I would have removed the visor but the glue holding it in is one tough mother so I decided just to tape around it.


Next I put down the orange base coat. I know it looks really bright but the weathering really tones it down. (see picture of original helmet, it started off the same way)


After that I taped off the face section and put the brown paint down.




Thats where I am so far. I hope to have it all finished before next week is out. Ill post up more pictures as I progress.

UPDATE 9/18
Let the brown paint dry over night and Im very happy with the lines. The paint got a little splotchy in a spot or 2 (The brown was WAY more high pressure than i had expected.) But I just see that as the start of my weathering process.


UPDATE 9/19
I put on the cheek paint late last night and as you can see, the lines arent NEARLY as clean as I would have liked. Im hoping to fix some of it and use the weathering process to blend/fix the rest.



Put down the lines for the asymmetrical wing and claw patterns



Im still not happy with some of the lines so im going to go back and try to fix a few before weathering but all thats left now id the hand painted yellow designs and actual weathering!



9/21/2012

Well... I finished it up about 15 minutes ago. I am incredibly happy with how it all came out and all thats left now is to clean up the visor a bit (some residual paint sneaked in) and glue the interior padding. First solo helmet paint job: Check!

[IronMando]

I would say helping get my kit finished but I did very little in the way of tangible contribution. However I tried to pay close attention to every step in the process (anyone who has ever seen Spanner work probably already knows you can learn a lot from that guy.

Wow, sounds just like my experience!

But after a couple days of Spannering it turned out looking amazing.

Most things do...

Look forward to seeing this thing in person when it's done!

[Spanner Murraan]

Awww, you guys!

Varlo, I have faith in you.  As I said earlier "You have taken your first step into a larger world."

[Barbarossa Kad]

Nice, looking good vod.

[Adenn Kyram]

Looks good vod.can't wait to see whats next. Spanner is the YODA of weathering. I've read his fit and finish corner so many times it's awesome.

[Tracyn Ordo]

Looking good, and you've got to learn sometime so well done for jumping in and giving it a go!

[Ca'tal]

Looks good man. MDSB lids are awesome to work with.

[spectre312]

Oh man that looks like such a fun paint job. You know, if you keep painting like that people are going to be coming to YOU for advice.

[Varlo]

Nice, looking good vod.

Do I know you?... I kiiiiiid, I kiiiid! Thanks man! Cant wait to get to troop with you man!

well done for jumping in and giving it a go!

Thank you, thank you. it was considerably nerve wracking whe i started but it was like an exam you've spent a week stressing over..you actually start and realize you know the material and calm down.

Looks good man. MDSB lids are awesome to work with.

So I'm noticing, it was worth EVERY penny.

You know, if you keep painting like that people are going to be coming to YOU for advice.

Uh oh, this just got real! Thanks, vod. I appreciate that!

[Spanner Murraan]

Rise- my Apprentice. 



Seriously though, As i told you on FB, the lines are clean, and the paint laid down well.  You really cant ask for better than that.  I can feel your POWAH!

[Karvas Dral]

Looks really cool. I'll start painting on my helmet once its in so I'm interested in what you're going to do!

[Varlo]

Looks really cool. I'll start painting on my helmet once its in so I'm interested in what you're going to do!

Thanks vod! I look forward to seeing your WIP.

[Niabi]

Looks Good So far Vod keep it up

[Varlo]

Looks Good So far Vod  keep it up

Thank you!! Well as you can probably see, several of the lines didnt come out as cleanly as I was going for but I definitly am learning alot about what mistakes to avoid and what not. And im still very happy with how its turning out overall.

[Varlo]

Aaaaaaand done!

[Spanner Murraan]

EXCELLENT!

Remember, a painter can feel the acrylic flowing through him!

[Barbarossa Kad]

Looks great.