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[theisaac]

Hey all.
I'm starting on my Mando journey. I don't really know what I'm doing so feel free to comment and point out issues.

The helmet:

started with base of primer and then metallic sliver.


sprayed some hammered black and dusted with hammered bronze for texture.


White is the primary color I'll use.




Finished weathering on the helmet. Used toothpaste to mask and sanded down some areas for wear & tear. Then did some dry brushing with the aluminum color and then again dry brushed some black to make it look more used.

Belt.
I got some 2 inch white webbing and made a belt and added these pouches to it. Got them from a guy selling them here. Love these things!


Kama.
While I was getting the webbing, I found 2 yards of this fake leather they were selling for $2 because it had a scratch in it. So I spent a couple of dollars and made a kama just in case



I'll be using the same flight suit I use on my 501st tie fighter since the vest covers the imperial patches on the shoulders.

I made a vest using the template for the no sewing vest (only I sewed it).

Can I use stormtrooper shins and forearm parts on this? I was thinking about cutting up some old Stormtrooper thighs into the mando shaped thighs as well. I know it needs to be 80% mando armor but does that mean I cant take and cut TK parts into the mando shaped armor?

I appreciate any feedback, thoughts, time/money saving tips...

Isaac

[theisaac]

Just ordered a dark gray coverall online. So gray coverall, black vest, white plates is the color scheme.

[Echo Darklighter]

Looking good so far.  The weathering on your helmet needs to be a little more edge-focused, but your technique is on-point.

[theisaac]

I agree, I think it looks too leopard print and blotchy in places. I took some sandpaper to most of the edges but there is always room for more. I'm worried it looks too busy and not necessarily broke-in-worn.

[Echo Darklighter]

I agree, I think it looks too leopard print and blotchy in places. I took some sandpaper to most of the edges but there is always room for more. I'm worried it looks too busy and not necessarily broke-in-worn.

Work with it a bit.  Worst-case scenario, you're looking at a re-paint.  Honestly, though, it looks bloody good as is.

[Ashen Kelborn]

distressing with sand paper will do the job, break up the black circles, looking like you've done your research so far so good

[Epyon Ca'tra]

Another cool technique is dry-brushing...hit the high-raised area with some silver and that worn look comes popping out.

I dig the skull design on the bucket!

[theisaac]

I have a spare set of TK armor that I could use to cut the shins, thighs, and shoulders from. Would that fly for approval?


thighs with jango thigh template drawn on it.


shoulder bell with shoulder template drawn on it.

[Carid Vhett]

Better to just get some Sintra and make your armour from that. Leave the TK alone.

[Ashen Kelborn]

Better to just get some Sintra and make your armour from that. Leave the TK alone.

^^ this, all you need is sintra shape with a ridge down the middle from what your marking and then use the TK bits for a mopre heavy armoured kit

[Dar'manda]

To answer your question...yes it would fly.  Especially since you are cutting a shape out of the armor.  If that's how you want to do it, go for it!  The only issue would be if you used the pieces un-modded.

[Jaing]

Moving this to Armor Components since this is a build thread not a planning thread with concept art.

[Echo Darklighter]

Actually, the idea of chopping up the TX for plates is kinda nifty...  If you do elect to go ahead with this idea, I'm very eager to see the end results.

[theisaac]

Cut out the thighs and shoulders from some Stormtrooper armor I had laying around.




One shoulder has the last coat of paint on it before wiping it down to see how the chipping looks. The other three parts are just starting out with the weathering process.

[Thaxos]

Liking how this is turning out so far. Keep up the good work!

[Niabi]

Really Liking the Chopped TK plates as well

[theisaac]

Got home from work and finished up the weathering on one of the shoulder bells.

I took the feedback from the helmet you all shared and did more sanding on the high spots and dry brushing with the silver painting a few spots.

The shape in this picture looks pretty oval but I assure you they are octagon shaped.

[theisaac]

I also wanted to thank you guys for all of your suggestions and help on my build. The advice, tips, and encouragement are much appreciated.

[theisaac]

Could I use full Stormtrooper shins with the knee plates on them and get away with not having knee plates as well?



I could chop them up and make them wrap half way around if it's required. I'm more curious about the double knee plates.

[Wak'Rust Atin]

I don't have words to tell how badass will be your armor. Does the word badass exist in mando'a ? 

Great choice of plates and helmet, keep it going.

[Kelan Ord]

If you have shin/knee combo (shnee), no need for knee plates. But, even though you chopped the TK plates up, be careful not to fall in the TK-cross over area.

Everything DOES look awesome though.

[theisaac]

I agree the shnees would be too much. I think the Stormtrooper shins moving up to Mando knees and then the thighs will be a better look. I'm ordering some IOA chest/ab/back/kindney/cod/and knee plates this weekend.

Am I missing anything?
shoulders - done
thighs - done
shins - TK
gauntlets - TK
then IOA
chest parts
collar
back
kidney
cod

I have a belt with pouches and made a sash to go above that. I'll use my boots that I troop my Tie Fighter in (mid calf/no laces).


I got my flightsuit today in the mail and it's gonna need some alterations. It fits perfect in the shoulders and chest and then puffs out all over the legs/butt/belly. I never realized how much I skipped "leg day" until trying on that flightsuit.

[theisaac]

Armor ordered from IOA today. Stoked.

[theisaac]

Our local 501st and Mandos trooped at the Phoenix Suns Basketball Star Wars night and I was checking out everyone's vests. I liked the leather or leather-looking vests a lot. So I ran down and got some material and talked the wifey into sewing it for me since she's better at it than I am.




I don't know if linking to other websites is allowed but if you google "Phoneix Suns Star Wars Night" you can find pics. Some rad pics of both the 501st and the Mandos up there.

[theisaac]

Quick update:

The flightsuit still needs alterations to make it tighter in the lower body and the arms. I was anxious to check out the new vest with it though. I suited up and did a little visual fitting to see if what I have in my mind is indeed how it's turning out. Armor is taped on, shoulders are not added yet.

Sash, belt, vest, and taped on armor that I have on hand.



I don't own a cat and the neighbor's cat is way too fast to catch so I just added one in Photoshop.