General Boba Newbie questions

Hello all,

I have a few general questions for all you Boba pros.

I originally wanted to build an ESB Boba since I liked that movie the most. But after researching the costumes, I like the ROTJ more due to the more interesting paint scheme.

Since I am not up for trooping, my goal is to build a statue. And here's my first question:

Should I buy a male or female mannequin, since Boba seems a little on the short side?

As with my lifesize Terminator, I am heading for the actor's appearance. I have googled, but could not find Jeremy's heighth.

Would you go for fiberglass or vacformed ABS? I know that fiberglass is sharper in detail, but what is more movie accurate?

I am not capable of sewing, so I'll have to buy all the soft parts. Also, I would like to have all metal parts like the shin tools and jetpack beacon in real metal. A few electronic gimmicks like the chestplate lights and servo'ed rangefinder are also on my mind. What would you pros estimate the cost of a complete ROTJ costume? More expensive or cheaper than the sideshow figure? I can assemble and paint, but most parts will be bought.

Thank you for looking!

Thomas

Welcome to TDH! According to IMDb, Jeremy Bulloch is 5'10" Jeremy Bulloch - Biography - IMDb This seems accurate to me since I am 5'10" and I met him at the breakfast buffet at my hotel during CVI. We seemed to be the same height. I've seen other places list him as 6'0" but there is no way that is accurate.

Hi Thomas, nice to hear from you. I'll try to address your questions but I am sure others will have valid answers too.

I'd buy a male mannequin. I've met JB he was around the 5'10" 5'11" mark but obviously older now and most likely shrunk a bit. He was certainly thin back in the 70s and 80s but as most shop mannequins tend to have pretty elfin builds I don't think there'll be much of an issue there. Google searches lists JBs height as 1m83cm which is 6'00". I think this about right.

As for the cost of a build compared to the cost of a Sideshow I'd say that this a real 'how long is a piece of string question' and will depend on levels of desired accuracy, what equipment you have for your build and which you need to buy. Do you own an airbrush etc? Obviously you need to have access to those sorts of things for your build and they add to the cost. Even small things like sandpaper and steel wool add to the costs of course. Other materials need to be considered too such as paint etc. I've painted an ESB helmet using the Terminal Fettler humbrol paint list and once all the fine details are added there are something in the order of 30 colours and that all adds up too. Some colours will need more than one tin etc etc etc..

Then you might end up going down the route of trying to source as many found parts as possible which will add significantly to the cost. To be more succinct I think you could source some of the best replicas and items form some of the best makers out there and come in under the $7500 sideshow price tag (which is ESB isn't it?) but you could look for those same items plus as many known found parts as possible and exceed price that by some way. Of course you'll be able to spread that out over many years if you like. The advantage of your own build is that you'll have the journey and the connection to the item to enjoy as well. I started in earnest about three years ago and the end is not really in sight. I have done my best to source all found parts and would say that at this time I have exceeded the sideshow price already.

Good luck with your build.

Andy



(the length of a piece of string is twice the distance from the middle to the end).

Vac formed armor and guants were used on the real suit...so theres no reason to get FG anything except for the helmet.

and everything they said is correct

Thank you for your answers!

I am very familiar with prop and model building, I am not very familiar with Fett though But as with any project I'm tackling, I'll try to get my best references together and you guys here are the best.

The biggest SW projects I have completed so far are the four (!) liefesize SpeederBikes I have built with a friend as well as a Han in Carbonite. I have all the tools needed minus the sewing machine

If you are interested in looking up what I am talking about, see my (10 years no update lol) website: Hollywood Hardware Portal or my fb page with the most recent projects: https://www.facebook.com/propdoc

The problem with such a complex project is to find out what are the best items out there (since there are so many awesome replica guys) and can I shell out the money for them.

Cheers

Thomas

Some great props dudes

Thank you!

On another note: Is anyone familiar with the items from manofwarstudios on ebay? Is he a member here?

manofwarstudios on eBay

Here is the parts list I've come up with. Do you think that is all or did I forget something?

Materials needed:
Helmet
Helmet
Rangefinder
Circuit Board
Visor
Armor
Front Armor Plates (5 pieces)
Back Armor (under Jetpack)
Cod and Butt Armor
Shoulder Armor (2 pieces)
Knee Armor (2 pieces)
Gauntlets (2 pieces)
Soft Parts
Flightsuit
Flak Jacket with Neckseal
Gloves
Ankle Spats
Girth Belt
Black Belt
Sidepockets
Ammo Belt
Boots
Harness for Jetpack
Metal Parts
Rocket Dart for left Gauntlet
Beacon for Jetpack
Stabilizer for Jetpack
Dental Expander for left Gauntlet
Rangefinder Stalk (hollow)
Toe Spikes
Shin Tools
Knee Launchers
Electronics
Servos and Electronics for Rangefinder
Electronics for Display
Lights for Jetpack
Movement for Head (Sensor activated)
Random Sound file generator
Additional Items
Hyperfirm Blaster
Keypad for left Gauntlet
Hoses
Decals (lChest, Shoulder Armor, Jetpack)
Wookiee Braids

Man of War is bonafide and a great person to deal with - brought my girth belt, ammo belt, boots from him.

Since it's esb....side arm and holster.

Bah rotj change at the end...never mind that. Lol

The "black belt" Should be part of the harness rig for the jet pack btw it's not a separate piece

lol, yes it would be a ROTJ.

Thanks for your input!