chibi fett
Active Hunter
Can't really do anything but join the others and start looking for my jaw... I think it went under the sofa... GREAT work indeed.
-Ville
-Ville
JB project/ FP "NEW" ESB Gauntlets!!!!
- Thread starter DarthMiller
- Start date
fettpride
Well-Known Hunter
Wow ! Thanks for all the great comments 
A few notes about the gauntlets now that I'm home and have more time
I really wanted to post some gallery shots of these at the proper focal length to show off the refined design, but there was very little time before I left. Jason and Alex will post up some better pics soon. I have to wait about a week for my molds and masters to get here. I may do it too when they arrive.
I wanted to take a minute and tip my hat to two members in particular that deserve credit here. The original sculpts that made this possible, were a close collaboration with Brak's Buddy, and Tylerdurden back in the day. I'd really like to thank them for their involvement with these earlier on, as they would not be what they are today without them ! Thanks guys ! :cheers
A little insight -
They have been completely re-sculpted, and will now be movie specific instead of "unifett" The ROTJ are obviously quite different from these, as these are ESB specific.
Gauntlet shell attachment -
The method on these is VERY different from the previous version I made, as well as a first for any set of gauntlets. The idea was to make sure that they were as accurate as possible when assembled. Traditionally, the "accurate" method made for a bear of an assembly. This time around, the assembly can't be any easier, as there are platforms molded into the sculpt that align the bottom shell with the top shell perfectly. And, as a bonus, the section where the hook and loop fasteners are applied (velcro), there is a "track" or "channel" molded into this platform that allows the velcro to reside without popping the shell out outward, allowing for perfect alignment. As with traditional "accurate" assembly, one side of each gauntlet is permanently attached (glued), where is the opposite side of each gauntlet sports the new velcro track attachment. So it's still movie accurate in the "idea" of assembly, just updated so that you do not have to use extra strips of styrene to complete the assembly - because it's all molded in. Remember, you saw it here first
More pics will be posted to help visually clarify what I'm talking about. Some of you have PM'd asking about the attachment method, wanting to retrofit "other makers" gauntlets. This will not be possible, as the integral components for the method on these gauntlets are as I said above, molded into the sculpt.
Size -
Although the particular set pictured in this thread are indeed made for Mr. Bulloch, there are two sizes available This time around, I've made it a point to offer "Movie Sized" (accurate in size to the screen used prop) which are a little on the smaller side, perfect for most that are in the mid 5 ft range, all the way up to 6 ft, as well as a "Large" for those that are above 6 ft, and perhaps with a little more meat on their bones (for lack of a better term). This new size, is achieved through a larger bottom shell, so it does not affect the accuracy of the shape of the upper shell sculpts, allowing a more comfortable fit for the larger Fett, without sacrificing the proportionate look of the final assembly.
Strength -
There is no reason, that there should ever be a break, or a crack when wearing a set of these gauntlets. Although there have been no reports of anything of this nature in the past with my gauntlets, I wanted to make sure that it is understood, based on a couple of comments that have been made. With the upper shells being made of ultra thick cast reinforced fiberglass, and vacuum formed bottom shells (ABS), it affords just the right flex where needed for the closure method, without the need for hinges and epoxies. The bottom shell does all the flexing. When you open one of these, it can easily be opened to many times it's closed state, without jeopardizing the integrity of either shell or assembly. I have always made it a point, to make my items as accurate as possible. Although metal is way cool, it is simply not even close to accurate. What is accurate then?
It has been agreed upon, and accepted, that most all gauntlets used for Boba Fett in the original trilogy, were vacuum formed. Upper and lower shells. Pictures can be seen in the chronicles, of stark white plastic vac shells laying all over the place. With one exception, it is suspected that the ROTJ left upper shell may be fiberglass, but it is not 100% verified.
The method behind my madness -
Again, trying to balance accuracy, with practicality. Upper vacuum formed shells surely wash out detail. It is suspected that the original shells may have been reverse formed to achieve a sharper appearance. This is not really practical for the private prop maker, as it takes serious horse power to do this. And positive forming, simply washes out the detail to a point that is simply does not look like it's originally intended after forming. The next best alternative, is in fact casting. Be it in resin, or fiberglass (in this case it's fiberlgass) it ensures that the sculpt is accurate, while maintaing practical assembly and durability. So again, the best of both worlds. In short, the materials used are not entirely accurate, but when assembled, and painted, it is as close as reasonably possible. Hybrid if you will. This is the way I've always made them, so there is no epiphany there. But because I have not made them in years, I thought it best to clarify for our newer members.
What you have in the end, is a lightweight, durable component that is surely likely to stand the test of time and abuse of wearing. The original suit was not intended to last. With these, you have as accurate as reasonably possible, with the added benefit of longevity.
When the time comes here in about a week, I'l move all of this info to a *new thread* that will properly gallery the new version of these gauntlets. I just wanted to make sure the information is available now, since there have been a ton of questions.
And one final note, if the new "trooping" flamethrower doesn't trip you trigger, I've recently partnered with *Russrep* to provide a newly designed flamethrower in aluminum as an option There should be pics of that coming real soon. In answer to "why it was made in rubber" is very simple. Not so it won't poke an eye out, but more so it won't break/rip/tear apart if it is caught or snagged on something/someone. Durability. It's the next best option aside of aluminum/metal. Before, these were offered in "resin" or "metal rod reinforced resin", both of which were primarily for display purposes, not wearing or trooping because they WILL break. The rubber version, similar in nature to "hyperfirm", but with more rigidity, is guaranteed not to break, and accepts paint just as well as resin. A lower cost unbreakable alternative to aluminum for a cost effective complete kit. The flamethrower that Russrep will offer will be an *upgrade* alternative for your kit that he can provide you at a very reasonable cost considering they are aluminum, and a bit of a bear to make as well. But I wanted to make sure that what is included with the *kit* will last the lifetime of the kit.
Again, I've made it *HOME*, and am now available again. If there are any other questions, I will answer them as timely as I can. Again, thanks for all the great comments ! :cheers
And a special thanks to Darthmiller and Spideyfett for posting these up !!
FP
A few notes about the gauntlets now that I'm home and have more time
I really wanted to post some gallery shots of these at the proper focal length to show off the refined design, but there was very little time before I left. Jason and Alex will post up some better pics soon. I have to wait about a week for my molds and masters to get here. I may do it too when they arrive.
I wanted to take a minute and tip my hat to two members in particular that deserve credit here. The original sculpts that made this possible, were a close collaboration with Brak's Buddy, and Tylerdurden back in the day. I'd really like to thank them for their involvement with these earlier on, as they would not be what they are today without them ! Thanks guys !
:cheersA little insight -
They have been completely re-sculpted, and will now be movie specific instead of "unifett"
The ROTJ are obviously quite different from these, as these are ESB specific.Gauntlet shell attachment -
The method on these is VERY different from the previous version I made, as well as a first for any set of gauntlets. The idea was to make sure that they were as accurate as possible when assembled. Traditionally, the "accurate" method made for a bear of an assembly. This time around, the assembly can't be any easier, as there are platforms molded into the sculpt that align the bottom shell with the top shell perfectly. And, as a bonus, the section where the hook and loop fasteners are applied (velcro), there is a "track" or "channel" molded into this platform that allows the velcro to reside without popping the shell out outward, allowing for perfect alignment. As with traditional "accurate" assembly, one side of each gauntlet is permanently attached (glued), where is the opposite side of each gauntlet sports the new velcro track attachment. So it's still movie accurate in the "idea" of assembly, just updated so that you do not have to use extra strips of styrene to complete the assembly - because it's all molded in. Remember, you saw it here first
More pics will be posted to help visually clarify what I'm talking about. Some of you have PM'd asking about the attachment method, wanting to retrofit "other makers" gauntlets. This will not be possible, as the integral components for the method on these gauntlets are as I said above, molded into the sculpt.
Size -
Although the particular set pictured in this thread are indeed made for Mr. Bulloch, there are two sizes available
This time around, I've made it a point to offer "Movie Sized" (accurate in size to the screen used prop) which are a little on the smaller side, perfect for most that are in the mid 5 ft range, all the way up to 6 ft, as well as a "Large" for those that are above 6 ft, and perhaps with a little more meat on their bones (for lack of a better term). This new size, is achieved through a larger bottom shell, so it does not affect the accuracy of the shape of the upper shell sculpts, allowing a more comfortable fit for the larger Fett, without sacrificing the proportionate look of the final assembly.Strength -
There is no reason, that there should ever be a break, or a crack when wearing a set of these gauntlets. Although there have been no reports of anything of this nature in the past with my gauntlets, I wanted to make sure that it is understood, based on a couple of comments that have been made. With the upper shells being made of ultra thick cast reinforced fiberglass, and vacuum formed bottom shells (ABS), it affords just the right flex where needed for the closure method, without the need for hinges and epoxies. The bottom shell does all the flexing. When you open one of these, it can easily be opened to many times it's closed state, without jeopardizing the integrity of either shell or assembly. I have always made it a point, to make my items as accurate as possible. Although metal is way cool, it is simply not even close to accurate. What is accurate then?
It has been agreed upon, and accepted, that most all gauntlets used for Boba Fett in the original trilogy, were vacuum formed. Upper and lower shells. Pictures can be seen in the chronicles, of stark white plastic vac shells laying all over the place. With one exception, it is suspected that the ROTJ left upper shell may be fiberglass, but it is not 100% verified.
The method behind my madness -
Again, trying to balance accuracy, with practicality. Upper vacuum formed shells surely wash out detail. It is suspected that the original shells may have been reverse formed to achieve a sharper appearance. This is not really practical for the private prop maker, as it takes serious horse power to do this. And positive forming, simply washes out the detail to a point that is simply does not look like it's originally intended after forming. The next best alternative, is in fact casting. Be it in resin, or fiberglass (in this case it's fiberlgass) it ensures that the sculpt is accurate, while maintaing practical assembly and durability. So again, the best of both worlds. In short, the materials used are not entirely accurate, but when assembled, and painted, it is as close as reasonably possible. Hybrid if you will. This is the way I've always made them, so there is no epiphany there. But because I have not made them in years, I thought it best to clarify for our newer members.
What you have in the end, is a lightweight, durable component that is surely likely to stand the test of time and abuse of wearing. The original suit was not intended to last. With these, you have as accurate as reasonably possible, with the added benefit of longevity.
When the time comes here in about a week, I'l move all of this info to a *new thread* that will properly gallery the new version of these gauntlets. I just wanted to make sure the information is available now, since there have been a ton of questions.
And one final note, if the new "trooping" flamethrower doesn't trip you trigger, I've recently partnered with *Russrep* to provide a newly designed flamethrower in aluminum as an option
There should be pics of that coming real soon. In answer to "why it was made in rubber" is very simple. Not so it won't poke an eye out, but more so it won't break/rip/tear apart if it is caught or snagged on something/someone. Durability. It's the next best option aside of aluminum/metal. Before, these were offered in "resin" or "metal rod reinforced resin", both of which were primarily for display purposes, not wearing or trooping because they WILL break. The rubber version, similar in nature to "hyperfirm", but with more rigidity, is guaranteed not to break, and accepts paint just as well as resin. A lower cost unbreakable alternative to aluminum for a cost effective complete kit. The flamethrower that Russrep will offer will be an *upgrade* alternative for your kit that he can provide you at a very reasonable cost considering they are aluminum, and a bit of a bear to make as well. But I wanted to make sure that what is included with the *kit* will last the lifetime of the kit.Again, I've made it *HOME*, and am now available again. If there are any other questions, I will answer them as timely as I can. Again, thanks for all the great comments ! :cheers
And a special thanks to Darthmiller and Spideyfett for posting these up !!
FP
Last edited by a moderator:
Foxbatkllr
Well-Known Hunter
Wow, thanks for that long explanation Chris. Its good to see you got home nice and safe!
jedi paramedic
Active Hunter
Those are incredible. Can't wait for the "official" thread from Chris. Glad you made it safe to your new home.
SEEKER
Well-Known Hunter
Nice job man.
Glad to know your home and safe arlready. Hope the wife is doing good too.
I would say start building one for show and then when completed, send it to me.lol:
Isn't that tradition? why brake it?lol:
I'll send you all the alluminum parts you need to finish it off. :love
Turo
Glad to know your home and safe arlready. Hope the wife is doing good too.
I would say start building one for show and then when completed, send it to me.
lol:Isn't that tradition? why brake it?
lol:I'll send you all the alluminum parts you need to finish it off. :love
Turo
HeadlessHunter
Well-Known Hunter
Wow thanks for the info I cant wait to see these pieces up close (fingers crossed) They really do look fantastic and the attachment method is a great idea, good to see there are size options as well
GCNgamer128
Sr Hunter
Great detailed description! The thing I love most about the gauntlets is that you didn't choose to make a single shell and replace the flamethrower for ESB/ROTJ, instead you had created them specifically for ESB, something that is rarely ever done.
Sixxgunn13
Well-Known Hunter
Chris
Awesome, and when I thought my suit would be done with upgrades:angry
Do you know a price point for these?
tk
Awesome, and when I thought my suit would be done with upgrades:angry
Do you know a price point for these?
tk
MandalorFett
Well-Known Hunter
Any pics of these beauties painted up yet?
crazy4BobaFett
Active Hunter
Ok Heres my plea: I really think I should be first on the list or at least near the top somewhere. As I have gone round and round, talking to those close, making phone calls, sending pms here and there, aside from god himself, trying to get ahold of Chris for at least 2 years for a set of his gauntlets. I know for a fact I even went to the horses mouth first. Failure. All of whom I spoke to about them know who you are. Ahem...
I felt like I was trying to catch a greased pig...not that I ever have.
But really Chris, these are beautiful and I'm sure pictures don't do the details justice. I would finally after all my failed efforts, love to have a set.
Pretty please with sugar on top!!!
Now after all that when the time comes I won't have funds just to spite myself
This is the last of what armor I need to complete my 4 year (heck I've lost count) ESB Fett. All I know is I've seen more Fetts completed that were started long after me. Whining session over.
Christi
Last edited by a moderator:
HeadlessHunter
Well-Known Hunter
Hmm FP Gauntlets + RussRep aluminium flamethrower = Fett heaven, cant wait to see these great parts together :cheers
SharkForge
Well-Known Hunter
That is soooo cool!!!! Holy cow! Im afraid to try and make my Fett suit now haha...
haha...Spideyfett
Well-Known Hunter
Thought I would post a Teaser pic.....still some painting and weathering to add to help tone down the base color......so please be kind.... and EXCUSE my lighting, sitll learning how to use this camera.. it's making everything so saturated.:facepalm
and yes the rest is Jeremy's too...Top Secret..
and yes the rest is Jeremy's too.
..Top Secret..
Last edited by a moderator:
