Flip This Fett.... the AB Upgrade Project (501st Certified)

Well folks, with a little help from my friends (thanks TDH, Nathan (Slave1Pilot), Chris (FettPride), Christian (MOW), Terry (BBF), Daz, Wes, Russ, Slave I)):thumbsup:thumbsup and enough hours spent in the garage to land me in divorce court by most marriages:doh, I completed my Boba Fett Dirty Version just in time for Halloween:D. The test run (a couple days before Halloween) revelaed some items that needed fixed, reinforced, etc, but after wearing for 5 hours on Halloween, I came up with a whole new list.:suprise Also, I decided to covert the Dirty Fett to a specific film version. I chose SE for a few reasons. First, I like the ESB helmet best, but had already gone with a grimy version of the ROTJ pack and ROTJ gaunts. Also, I am 6'3", 220 lbs, and have a 38" waist. The 12 pouch SE ammo belt just looks right and it wraps around my waist. The 8 pouch ESB and ROTJ end up looking like a change purse - like Boba the carny or meter maid. So with that being said, it's time to Flip the Fett.:skull

....and here we go!!!

The Ammo Belt - Prior to discovering TDH, I built my own ammo belt. A couple weeks before Halloween, I was able to get a Taco belt from the most recent run, ROTJ style. The Taco belt was movie accurate compared to the one I constructed which had wider pouches and no stitching. I liked the authenticity of the Taco belt, but the look of my belt. What to do?:?:? ....Enter BooBoo Fett. I got the third belt from Terry's initial run in SE style. 12 pouches, problem solved. Also, the Taco belt was real good, but the BBF belt was playing in the major leagues. Awesome stuff. Belt flipped Nov 28, 2009. See progression pics below.

AB Version - Original Build
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSC02975.jpg

Taco Version - Halloween Build
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSCN0715.jpg

BooBoo Fett Version - Flipped Build
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSCN1099.jpg

Wookie Braids - This is an area that I really got ahead of myself. Prior to TDH, I had a hard time even finding Wookie braid options. I bought the Evolution Props Wookie braids from E-Bay. Big mistake (Gabe does many things well, but braids is not one of them). Then I found Julie's braids on TDC, but too late to get into the queue and she was not taking new orders. Bummer. However, she did send me link to her photobucket for reference (thanks). I decided to procure my own horse hair and braid. First, I copied some of Julie's ROTJ Braids. Many months latter, I decides to go with the SE version, so I re-flipped. And for the record, if you have a chance to get horse hair braids for $140 or less, don't think about it, just buy them. I spent $120 on materials, not to mention the endless hours of cursing associated with making them.

Evolution Props Braids - Original Build
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSCN0388.jpg

Self-Braided Horse Hair - Flipped Build
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSCN0719.jpg
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSCN0721.jpg

Self-Braided Horse Hair (SE Version) - Re-Flipped Build
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1334.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1319.jpg


EE-3 Blaster - My starting position was an MR Blaster. I thought the factory paint looked very mass produced and did not have an authentic feel. I quickly shipped it off to Slave1Pilot for a complete repaint (thanks Nathan - awesome work as always). The MR has a nice heavy feel to it, but carrying an unbalanced 10 pound weight gets old quick (like in about 5 minutes). I hated to part with it (new home to Dsonik), but my choices were to join a gym :lol:lol or shed the weight:thumbsup. I decided to go with the Sidewinder EE-3 ROTJ Blaster to drop the weight while keeping the authenticity. Expect to receive in January.

MR Blaster - Original Build
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSC01278.jpg

Slave1Pilot Repaint of MR Blaster - Halloween Build
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...in%20034_2.jpg

Sidewinder ROTJ Blaster - Flipped Build (In Progress)
I wanted Simon to make it REAL grimy and REAL dirty. Looks like he hit a bulls-eye. As much as I loved the Slave1Pilot repaint of the MR Blaster, this one will shed 10 lbs of weight.
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...TJ%20dun_1.jpg

Fan Made E-Bay Armor - Original Build
This was the old tale of leaping before looking. I thought this armor was awesome when I received it, just too small. Then I got into TDH and saw some of the stuff that it's members created and I wanted more.
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSC02741.jpg

Self-Made Sintra Armor - Halloween Build
My opinion only, but I thought this looked pretty good, although way off base from the movie. This was the one part keeping me from 501st certification. Also, the BM stuff is just heartier than sintra and ultra clean lines. The sintra got me by until I could afford better.
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSCN0057.jpg

BobaMaker with Slave1Pilot Re-Paint - Flipped Build
Purchased from Kid Akira painted (awesome). But then decided to take it the extra mile, so Nathan worked his magic on my SE version of Fett.
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20196.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20186.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20209.jpg

97 Don Post Resin Re-Paint & MR Helmet - Original Build
Similar to the armor, I bought the first bucket from E-Bay. It was a 97 Don Post resin repaint. The paint was actually not bad, but had too much gloss. The size of the Don Post bucket was way too small for my melon and the plastic had a deformed shape (as was typical of these helmets). My first bucket lasted a whole week until I bought the Master Replicas (which fits just fine once removing to top cushion). Both are pictured in the photo.
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSC01272.jpg

MR Helmet with Slave1Pilot Repaint - Flipped Build
The compliant I had with the MR Helmet was that the placement of the dent paint was horrific and in general, it looked too clean and too mass produced. I wanted the damage to look real and not assembly line stenciled. So, I sent to Nathan and asked him to touch it up. Not a full repaint, just fix the dent and add some effects on top of what was already existing to get a better look. Can you tell why I am a fan on his work? Photos show the before and after.
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...tincompare.jpg

http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/.../justin078.jpg

Jet Pack Greeblies - Flipped Build
This is an area where I really didnt need much on an upgrade over the original build since my starting point was a MOW pack, Evo metal thruster caps, stabilizer, and beacon, and Slave1Pilot paint. Still, when Slave I (not to be confused with Slave1Pilot) posted JP greeblies in the Cargo Hold, I couldn't resist. Here's a picture of the JP with installed greeblies. I also modified the rocket of the MOW pack to a bolt-on attachment for ease of storage.

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1185.jpg

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1179.jpg

Evolution Gloves - Original Build
The Evo gloves were good enough to get started, but the course stitching on the white parts kept nagging at me. I imagine it would be the same sensation as driving a Porsche with vinyl seats. Also, the course stitching caused the gloves to bunch and sometime snag on the gauntlets when putting them on.
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSCN1268.jpg

Bobamaker Gloves - Flipped Build
Stitching is great, white material is heavier, greater wrist coverage, and the movie accurate button fastener. I added a little extra weathering to what Daz provided (by playing with a rusty can) and away we go.
http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/DSCN1272.jpg

Cucblack Flak Vest - Original Build
Technically, the original build was an Evolution Props vest, but it was a very shinny material and it didn't fit (too small in the chest and neck to high so that it choked me). Also it had some awkward dimensions for the shoulder sleeves (like they were meant to cover football shoulder pads). So right out of the box, I knew I was going to have to go another route. The Cucblack vest is the one I used to replace the Evo vest and the dimensions and shoulder were right. I really likes the neck seal too. It seemed a little too beige but it looks right outside and in pictures. Really the only reason I am changing is because I still have my Evolution flighsuit and I am upgrading to a Crazy4BobaFett suit which has the neck seal as part of the suit. So while I am at it, I figured why not do the matching vest.
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1293.jpg

Crazy4BobaFett Flak Vest - Flipped Build
Currently in fabrication....thanks Christi.

Also, changing chest display, looking to change Evo flight suit to Crazy4BobaFett, Evo Boots to JW Boots (ordered), Evo shoulder studs to Serenity (received - awesome), and does it ever end???

Added braids to post #1

looking good. i am in the same boat, time to upgrade some parts.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrbungle

looking good. i am in the same boat, time to upgrade some parts.

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Thanks Mr B. Added blaster upgrades to post #1. Final flip, the Sidewinder Blaster, is anticipated Janaury 2010.

Go Astro, go!!! Thanks, again, for th e EE 3. :)

The Booboo Fett belt is awesome, but that Taco one looks good too. Although I must admit the ebay braids are terrible. It looks like Boba Fett was scalping barbies! :lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hollowbomber

The Booboo Fett belt is awesome, but that Taco one looks good too. Although I must admit the ebay braids are terrible. It looks like Boba Fett was scalping barbies! :lol

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Lol, i agree... Bold Barbies are now on mass-sale throughout the world;)
Anyway the Booboo belt looks amazing indeed, great detail and colour.

You got some great stuff there!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hollowbomber

The Booboo Fett belt is awesome, but that Taco one looks good too. Although I must admit the ebay braids are terrible. It looks like Boba Fett was scalping barbies! :lol

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lmao....yeah, when I opened the Evo braids package, I remember thinking, "you've got to be kidding me." Love the Barbie scalping analogy, but then again, as advertised, "made with 100% real doll hair" :lol:lol

Dec 20, 2009 - Added comparative pics of armor and helmet to original post No. 1.

I had to post up this pic of AB's armor
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1...rthecritic.jpg

I was taking some progress shots of Justin's armor & Dexter would not stay out of the pics.
Isn't he cute?

Nathan...what can I say, you don't dissappoint. Like the dog. What kind is it? I'm considering getting a small dog for my son, but don't want one that looks foo foo. That looks like a dog that gets into the supply of beer.

If this is a progress pic, I can't even imagine what the final product looks like.

whoa whoa whoa.
that is a before pic.
I have only started painting it.
it's currently all silver.

The dog is a Jack Russell Terrier.
100 % pure adrenaline
JRTs will keep you busy, they need lots of attention.
we have 2
The male seen above (Dexter)
and the Female seen below ( Belle)
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/5835/picture367y.jpg

A "before" picture? Hummm. Guess I jumped the gun. Maybe I have a similar personality to your Jack Russell, lol. I remember the Kid Akira pictures looked phenomenal, but when you saw the armor up close, it just didn't have the same depth, look like it was made of metal, or as battle legit as I prefer, thus enter Slave1Pilot into the equation. If that is how your camera makes an indoor "before" picture of my armor look, then I seriously cannot wait to see what the "after" photos look like.

I'm still blown away by the helmet touch up and JP you did. Way too much talent bro, way too much. Thanks for the tip on the dog, I'll check into them more on-line to see how they are with kids.

Not exactly an Earth shattering upgrade, but I did weather and install some jetpack greeblies toda. Thanks Slave I. MOW pack with Slave1Pilot paint.

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1185.jpg

wow
That does make a huge difference.
I like it.

Updated post No. 1 with the Sidewinder Blaster. Thanks Simon - you definitely hooked me up on this one. Spectacular work mate.

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...TJ%20dun_1.jpg

Very cool man...Im just starting my stuff and trying to learn researching here. The one thing I learned from working on cars is buy the best first and dont buy stuff twice. Glad this place is here. Your sintra armor looks pretty legit if it was painted up just a little more screen accurate.

Awesome, just awesome!

The slave1pilot touch-ups and Terry's belt simply rock! And if I remember correctly, I might have supplied one of the jpack greeblies?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slave I

Awesome, just awesome!

The slave1pilot touch-ups and Terry's belt simply rock! And if I remember correctly, I might have supplied one of the jpack greeblies?

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Yep. You did. Funny how such a little thing made such a big difference. Thanks for your help in this whole process.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fett 4 Real

Very cool man...Im just starting my stuff and trying to learn researching here. The one thing I learned from working on cars is buy the best first and dont buy stuff twice. Glad this place is here. Your sintra armor looks pretty legit if it was painted up just a little more screen accurate.

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You should see what Slave1Pilot is cooking up for me now using BM armor. It's tight, real tight!

Here's a couple of WIP pictures from Slave1Pilot. He's handling the paint on my BM armor upgrade. I asked for a Cadillac (as if Nathan ever does anything less) and the thing that is really cool thing about these pictures is, in Nathan's own words, "there's still along way to go." Can you imagine?

Also updated post no. 1 with JP mods.

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20145.jpg

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20143.jpg

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb.../justin156.jpg

Really enjoying this thread. It's what TDH is all about... perfecting the art!

I was trying to wait for the completed Slave1Pilot armor photos, but I get excited. I guess patience is not a virtue I possess. So here are the latest WIP pix from Nathan. He's added more of the weathering effects and the SE splatter effects. Cool, huh? The man's got some sick talent.

Also, revised Post No. 1 to include flipped gloves.

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20176.jpg

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20178.jpg

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20179.jpg

Very nice armour ya got there bro...
Nathan does do wonders with paint! :thumbsup

nice work, I hope to start making stuff that nice when I get home from deployment.

Thanks for the compliments on the armor fellas. Here are the final completion photos from the master....Slave1Pilot. Oooooo! Ahhhh!

And thanks Nathan for the stellar work. (Updated on Post No. 1 as well)

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20196.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20218.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20186.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...stin%20209.jpg

That is absolutely great paint work.

When we gonna get a pic with everything on?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dsonik1

That is absolutely great paint work.

When we gonna get a pic with everything on?

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Thats what Im sayin! Lets see it!

LOL
the armor is still at my house.
I need to mail it out.
Justin said there's no rush. ;)

You need to send it to him for a photoshoot ASAP lol

Oh, Nathan.. Your words cut like the knives.... lol

Updated Thread No. 1 with Flak Vest information. Also, here are a few more SideWinder blaster pictures in case you are interested. I thought I would include a picture is artificial light and one in natural light. The stock is truly a work of art, especially for resin.

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1282.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1285.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1287.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1281.jpg
http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1291.jpg

Thats my next buy! Cant wait till next month to get one it looks awesome

This weekend (well really for the past several weekends), I reworked my ROTJ braids into an SE version. They are not quite there, but close enough to publish. I just have to do a little reshaping of the tails. Updated post no. 1 with these pictures.

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1334.jpg

http://web.mac.com/justinnewton/iWeb...s/DSCN1319.jpg

Well I have been MIA for a while. I am in the process of relocating with my company from South Carolina to Oregon. I am also moving into a different field so there is lot's of change. At the moment, I am flying back and forth every two weeks while trying to work 60 hours a week, get our house on the market, and search for a new house. The little bit of time I have at home, I spend with my son, but the good news (for me at least) is that April 2-12, I will be on vacation. Outside of the JW boots, I have all the parts to complete this project during my vacation. I recently received the crazy4bobafett flightsuit, vest, and pouches. Totally blown away. It cannot be beat. It's on par with the likes of BobaMaker, BBF, MOW, FP. Look for final update in the coming weeks.

I got al the pieces together this weekend at took the suit out for a test run at a 501st event at the Science Museum in Greenville, SC. I still have JW Boots to add and Russell Rep toe spikes. Also, I need to have the neck seal tailored to take out some of the slack. A could other minor adjustments for fit-up issues and I should be done (at least that's the theory). I'll post comparative pictures of the pieces in a few weeks when I am done traveling. What do you guys think? I used coffee grounds (thanks sonik), a rusty can, shoe polish paste, paint & stain overspray, and charcoal to get the weathering.

http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/100_6604.jpg

http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/100_6605.jpg

Love the weatherin, bruv. I'd go with a touch more of the Kiwi at the bottom of the legs and toes of the boots (and dirty up that vest and neckseal). But that is one impressive (and realistic lookin) Fett. Also, that sidewinder looks slick as it gets. :)
Huge thumbs up.

Sonik...thanks for the comments. When I get the JW Boots, I'll implement your thought. The vest is actually dirtier than it looks. I weathered it, but because of the slight sheen to the material, it doesn't seem to show up on photos (reflects the flash). Still, I might go a little heavier on the vest. The coffee method is real clutch. Thanks for the tip.

No problem, bruv. It really does look great. Try hand rubbing Kiwi lightly on the vest, it'll knock down some of the reflectivity.

Justin WOW!!! I am just now getting around to seeing this Thread, I've been really busy as of late.
But.... it looks great all together! Pretty amazing feeling huh? To have it together.
Congratulations very nice to see this done:cheering
Thank you for the praise and that's very flattering, really.
Christi

Wahooooo! I received my 501st acceptence - Carolina Garrison - BH8216. Looking atthe pictures for my 501st member page, I need to tackle fixing the pinch on my MR next. Thanks for your help people.

http://www.501st.com/members/display...5&costumeID=24

congredulations, bro, really nice looking boba out there !!!!!

Hunting in South Carolina....TDH style.

Thanks "z" for the props. It's taken 2 years to get to the 501 cert plus a lot of help from a lot of people here.

http://web.me.com/justinnewton/iWeb/...s/100_6641.jpg