MLC Jet Pack retired...New one on way...

Well, it finally happened. The venerable :jet pack mold needs to be retired. It has served many Boba's and Jango's well over these past 3 years.

A moment of silence...


Okay, now that's over with-

MLC Jet Pack is going to be a new design. Elements that have been requested, or had to be acquired from others will be incorporated into the new design. (what, you think we've been asleep??) 8)

If you're a accuracy detailed Fett Fanatic (like we are...) You'll be happy!

We left off the Beacon and Stablizer off the original :jet pack due to TDH customizers providing working aluminum ones, but no more...not this time.

For prior :jet pack users, contact me for an upcoming Upgrade Kit if interested. Not sure exactly what will be in the kit, just that upgrades will be in it.

Come January 1st, all JP's will be the newer design model.

and now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

Wow!!!! Thats some pretty great news. Do you know Rex if the upgrade kit will include a more accurate rocket???? Can't wait to see the new design.
D

Oh man, I know what to ask for, for my Birthday now! I can't wait!

Keep us posted Rex!

doh - I am waiting for my jet pack I ordered near the end of Oct - I guess my pack is the final nail in the coffin. Sorry everyone

Great news Rex - and here I thought I was done spending money on my pack

Loranar

ooohhhh.... good news for me!

I'm sorry Loranar- This is exactly what I had feared. Jazz some people and upset others. It's such a double edged sword.


-Rex

I am definitely interested in the new design. Rex, put me on the list for one of these, as well as another ROTJ rifle. Expect a PM sometime on January.

I knew I was holding out for a reason. Thanks for the info Rex

You got it BatNinja! And, I guess so Laan!!




take care guys,

-Rex

Cool. I could put a list of things the i think need to be fixed. hopefully he hasnt started the reworking yet.

I think this pack is the best thing to have as far as costuming. if it gets better I think we're all set.
Awesome news!

Man the option for an upgrade kit is great for all of us current MLC jet pack owners. I am excited to see what comes out.!

I think there is only one big problem with it. That is the main tank above the keys should be of smaller diameter than the main tank below the keys. Look at this example (MLC on left, real thing on right).

How much will they cost?

I'm in the same boat as Loranar_Fett. My pack has been on order for a while now. Has it already been made using the old mold? If so, will it be shipped with an upgrade kit? Or has it already shipped and I just had really bad timing? If it hasn't shipped I'd be more than willing to wait a bit longer for an upgrade. Bounties Hunted, you can PM me with details, and no, I won't be upset if I'm getting an older model.

Sweet!

I can't wait until Christmas is over so I can place an order too!

Okay...now where to start??


Seeker- your help would be invaluable. We want to get as many reference pics/sizes as possible to re-make the :jet pack

The most current JP order is finishing up the final run of the JP Version 2.

No pricing yet on the Upgrade Kit.

As to what's in it, nothing is firmed up yet. But, if you can keep a secret, a Rocket and Thrusters would be items 1 and 2...8)

All :jet pack orders taken as of this month will be Version 2. However, I do not have a timetable for delivery as we are working on the Revisions/Modifications.

The Current run of JPs is close to finishing up. The Halloween Crunch this year left Mardon just doggone whipped tired. He worked looonnnnggggg days for weeks to try and make everyone happy for Halloween.

The redesigned JP will cost about $30-more.

Please have patience, and help us make the "TDH-Approved" :jet pack a reality!

Thanx alot for that update Rex!!! I'm really jazzed about this, and look forward to seeing pics!!
Damain

is he making the modifications I sent him ?

alright, I made things easier. I have talked to MLC redoing his pack in the past and it was in passing that we might consider doing another one. Its great to hear that a new pack is on the way and what I did was compile all MINE and SEEKER'S alterations we would make to UPDATE the older pack based on our previous discussions with MLC.

if you or anyone follows this link :

http://www.gotmaulkreations.com/gall...C-REVISIONS-05

you can see what we were proposing- in fact, I have also instituted a voting system where the viewer could rate excellent, very good, good, etc. More or less, what we could do is use this rating system as to what changes are MOST important to viewers versus what is minor...I could definitely post the results afterward, but its a great way to find out what people are thinking.

btw- if I haven't said it before, count me in for one !!

Why vote for changes, shouldn't they all be done rather than choosing which are most important?

Here's the thing...we're re-doing the :jet pack . The Rocket, Thrusters, Stabililzer and Beacon are for sure. Wanna tweak things to make it just flat-out awesome? 8)


Let's get this rollin'! Got orders awaiting!!

Got Maul, you're intense dude!

Originally Posted by Jango_Fett_Jr

Why vote for changes, shouldn't they all be done rather than choosing which are most important?

well, the truth is, whenever I ask anyone to upgrade anything, I always list things by priority as to what is most important to me. To ask for everything sometimes could a be a little much because of all the work involved- also, its a way of being considerate of your artisan's effort.

If MLC could get everything, that would be great and all the more unbelievable on his part...but truth is, I think he will be able to get to a few things and I just want to be sure they are things that people all agree on so he could take that into consideration when making the upgrades.

Got Maul, you're still intense dude! Your avatar belies your deep addiction to making some of the most accurate costumes known in the galaxy!
(You're one of the people that makes this site so great man)!

Originally Posted by MandalorFett

Got Maul, you're still intense dude! Your avatar belies your deep addiction to making some of the most accurate costumes known in the galaxy!
(You're one of the people that makes this site so great man)!

dang bud, thanks ! From the OC no less, that's my backyard where I grew up...

Originally Posted by Got Maul

if you or anyone follows this link :

http://www.gotmaulkreations.com/gall...C-REVISIONS-05

Got Maul,

Nice idea. Thanks for putting it together.

However, I did not see a vote for the vents on the bottom of the center tank. The vents on the current MLC run front to back, while the vents on the real pack run side to side. Can you add this comparison to you voting site?

Gator

If I could chime in here... I don't own an MLC pack but from what I've seen about them the details are lacking on the thrusters... even on the proposed revisions. If anyone has seen the MB2 pack I think his resin parts are a HUGE upgrade to the MLC ones. If Mardon could come closer to MBs detail pieces I think he'd have the absolute perfect jet pack!

BTW Rex this is the last piece I need to complete my Fett.....SO count me in too bro...

Rex, will the beacon be hollow, for lighting purposes? Fiberglass or aluminum? I still haven't seen an accurate aluminum one since DeanO.

ESB..MLC ...JP ..Will be great as well

Originally Posted by Jango's kid

Thats a great bunch of comparison shots you put together there GM. One thing that always bothered me about the MLC, (other than the rocket & thrusters) is the overall shape of the backside of the pack, meaning... the side that has the attachment hooks with the big "hump". I dunno if this is being adressed yet or not, but don't see that particular area mentioned in GMs page. Anyway, the old MLC pack is very flat. You can see by some of GMs pics, that the whole backside of the original pack is kinda dish shaped...so it kinda conforms to your back a bit. Also, I'd like to see the "hump" be larger & thicker like the original. You can really see the difference in the side by side profile pics of the pack that GM has posted. Am I nuts, or has anyone else noticed this????

You are ON the money bro. I tried capturing that in some of my shots but I guess fell short, but I do know what HUMP you are talking about for sure !!

SEEKER is going to be taking some other shots in the next couple of days guys...probably get exactly what you are guys are talking about and post them to the site. Thanks for the great feedback ! Hopefully MLC will consider some of these changes

Awesome! There are some excellent revision proposals!! MLC has his work cut out for him! 8)

The thruster detail is excellent, good job! Rocket accuracy is another area we are striving for.

Overall bodyshape...MLC is wrestling with that now.

As for the Beacon...Batninja, excellent thought on that. Making it possible to light it...would it need to be hollow, part clearish resin, part hollow fiberglass, etc? Hmmmm....

We're trying to get this :jet pack revisions done soon, so we can gear up for the new year...with a :jet pack that will satisfy the most die-hard accuracy Fett Fan!!

Man, it's going to be awesome. I can't wait.

8)

take care,

-Rex

I'm glad your accepting request. Hopefully everything could be possible. we could finally have the best jet pack around. it is now, but we're always looking for accuracy.

Turo

Originally Posted by SEEKER

I'm glad your accepting request. Hopefully everything could be possible. we could finally have the best jet pack around. it is now, but we're always looking for accuracy.

Turo

hey, its the tdh-

I found a good pic of the beacon; I know a few aluminum-workers make a 3-tier design, but the 'real deal' has four.

Thanks to Brak's Buddy for the reference shot.

You could paint my new when i get it.

Originally Posted by SEEKER

You could paint my new when i get it.

If it would make you happy, sure.
Now, if i "accidentally" ship my pack to you instead, you wouldn't hold it against me would you?

Originally Posted by slave1pilot

If it would make you happy, sure.
Now, if i "accidentally" ship my pack to you instead, you wouldn't hold it against me would you?

That would be the best Christmas anyone could have.

Originally Posted by SEEKER

That would be the best Christmas anyone could have.

Then you could give me the best christmas ever with YOUR pack !!

So, we are having a big Jet Pack trade-off for Christmas?

Hey guys!
My apologies for not visiting TDH lately as I'm involved with a lot of projects that its hard to go online to hang-out.
Anyway, yes the old molds are showing its age & we're about to remold anew. Unfortunately, I only have a small window of opportunity to work on this, thus I would be electing Rex to gather some info, pics & other references to aid me in this endeavor in just 1 week. Due to the time constraints, if you have close-up pics of the actual jet pack - kindly send them to either me or Rex so I could expedite the work on it asap. I'm sorry for the rush, but its all the time I could invest on it before we mold it.
My email: mlcallanta@yahoo.com

Also, I would be trading off the first version 2 prototype - so check out the "Cargo Bay" in the next few weeks

As always, thank you all for your kind consideration in helping us achieve a better product!

Mardon (MLC)

Originally Posted by slave1pilot

So, we are having a big Jet Pack trade-off for Christmas?

Amen to that !

Originally Posted by mlcallanta

Hey guys!
My apologies for not visiting TDH lately as I'm involved with a lot of projects that its hard to go online to hang-out.
Anyway, yes the old molds are showing its age & we're about to remold anew. Unfortunately, I only have a small window of opportunity to work on this, thus I would be electing Rex to gather some info, pics & other references to aid me in this endeavor in just 1 week. Due to the time constraints, if you have close-up pics of the actual jet pack - kindly send them to either me or Rex so I could expedite the work on it asap. I'm sorry for the rush, but its all the time I could invest on it before we mold it.
My email: mlcallanta@yahoo.com

Also, I would be trading off the first version 2 prototype - so check out the "Cargo Bay" in the next few weeks

As always, thank you all for your kind consideration in helping us achieve a better product!

Mardon (MLC)

folllow the link...great pics here: http://www.gotmaulkreations.com/gall...C-REVISIONS-05

and more coming from SEEKER in the next couple of days...

Also, please take your time with the revisions. I am not going to assume to speak for everyone here, but given your track record of dedication and service, I believe allowing time for you to TRULY accurize this thing is well worth waiting for- especially given the competitive circumstances , where accuracy has become a benchmark factor to even be in the game.

In sum, please take your time, get it right and put out the most accurate pack out there.

Originally Posted by Got Maul

folllow the link...great pics here: http://www.gotmaulkreations.com/gall...C-REVISIONS-05

and more coming from SEEKER in the next couple of days...

Also, please take your time with the revisions. I am not going to assume to speak for everyone here, but given your track record of dedication and service, I believe allowing time for you to TRULY accurize this thing is well worth waiting for- especially given the competitive circumstances , where accuracy has become a benchmark factor to even be in the game.

In sum, please take your time, get it right and put out the most accurate pack out there.

hehe, im asuming you mean the most acurite ROTJ pack out there ,right?
cause it would be great to make a truely acurite ESB version to. especialy sence theres not alot of good pics of the ESB one. sept for that promo one where it shows a great shot of the pack from the back. i wish i knew where that one was.

AH HA! i found it!. ok i was wrong again. the rocket base it the same. (i wonder why it looked different in that other shot? but w/e) the packs are the same aparently sept for the round tip of the rocket. heres a great pic you can use MLC http://www.tk409.com/images/fett/ref/esb/3.jpg
http://www.tk409.com/images/fett/ref/esb/1.jpg

Originally Posted by Gator Fett

However, I did not see a vote for the vents on the bottom of the center tank. The vents on the current MLC run front to back, while the vents on the real pack run side to side. Can you add this comparison to you voting site?

Gator

Has anyone discussed this already? :o From what I can see, it depends on the pack you're making. The pre-pros go one way and some other packs go the other way. The front-back vents have a differently shaped vent form with a small lip around it while some side-side examples are simply a flat looking plate with vent lines. Take your pick.

Looking forward to seeing the new pack!!!!

Here's a list of things the stand out to me. Some of these I took from Gotmauls pics.

Let me know if there's anything else you guys could think about. Let's try to get this out to MLC and Bounty Haunted ASAP.

MLC and REX if you guys need this images full rez let me know. I'll be out of town Friday-Tuesday of Christmas weekend.

Turo

http://www.r2ro.com/mlcrev.htm

hope we could get them all.

with all this resource there is no question that this will be the MOST ACCURATE pack !! great job Turo !

i circled afew more differences in one of seekers pics. here ya go. this is gunna look great i bet

Rex...PM sent...

Here is my drawing for the beacon if it will be of any help.

http://home.comcast.net/~wizardoffli...ack_Beacon.gif


Alan

Originally Posted by wizardofflight

Here is my drawing for the beacon if it will be of any help.

http://home.comcast.net/~wizardoffli...ack_Beacon.gif


Alan

Alan...once again...WOW!!!:thumbup

Heya everybody!

I'd like to thank each and everyone for all your help. Mardon is hard at work already (I'll be posting a WIP pic soon) and he's got all of Seeker / GotMaul's info as well.

Sorry I haven't been around the last few days, I've had a deal at work that needed to get done, and it's been all-consuming. A tremendous amount of effort nearly was down the tubes (4 months worth), it took all my resources and diplomacy to get it accompished.

But, it's done.

So, I'll be able to get to all my PM's... There's alot of them, so please be patient.

take care all, and

Merry Christmas!

-Rex

PM sent. :jet pack

Greetings everyone. I hope everybody had a good Christmas!

I've been away for awhile, my wife's been in the hospital, she had to have a hysterectomy. She's had some fibroids growing in her uterus that can leave her dehibilitated w/ pain. She's much stronger now, and I'll be able to take her home today, where I'll be taking care of her. She'll be off work for 4-6 weeks.

So, that's what I've been up to, here's what Mardon's been doing...


"I'm sure the rocket & both side thrusters will be the main upgrade parts, but we could also include the beacon & tool since we havent provided those before.

Also, if previous MLC jet pack buyers wouldnt mind cutting up their JPs
a bit - we could also provide the 4 end caps for the 2 side canisters.
2 end caps will just be glued under, while the other 2 end caps would have to be cut above & replaced.

Infact, I could also provide the nose cone on the main/center tank -
but they have to cut the whole top section of their JP & replace with a new one. Should it be desired...


We want to have one "Upgrade Kit". It will include the Rocket and Thrusters, no doubt the beacon and stabilzer should be included as well.

As to the rest of the work that Mardon mentioned, what is the collective desire of TDH?

Let the dialog begin...

take care all,

-Rex

By the way, those of you who have been waiting on the current last run of the :jet pack , they are on the way from Mardon. Should be here within two weeks or less. My apologies for the lengthy wait. The Halloween Crunch just nailed Mardon.

take care,

-Rex

first off, I just wanted to wish you and your wife a blessed new year and I pray things go well with getting her back to her feet.

secondly, with all the work MLC is pouring into "upgrading" the JP, why doesn't he just redo the whole thing ? God knows, he builds fast and he would have a great deal more customers and as exampled by this thread alone, REPEAT customers too ! I mean for what it sounds like, it seems as though the "upgrade" kit is something that accuracy truests have already done -
e.g. new rocket, new thrusters, new main rocket head- we've had our outlets through BM, bradleyfett, etc, - and as far as the beacon goes- this may be my opinion alone- but the only forseable worthy upgrade would be metal- and every now and then we have a few good dealers for that.

So, I do not represent the whole or collective whatsoever. I don't dare speak on anyone's behalf except my own...but I feel as though I, Seeker, and the rest of the crew in this thread have gone through head over heels to provide upgrade pics, graphic representation and even voting priorities for what we would like to see in a new JP for MLC....but I can't help but feel like it was all for wasted effort if all thats going to be done are upgrades true purists have already done or at best something we are going to have to butcher our original jet packs for...again, with all this effort - why not just remake it...there's enough reference for sure.

Please don't see this as abrasive, I was just hoping for more and the final jet pack to be much like FP is to armor, the final piece to end all further purchases - if that's it, then I am going to pass on this one -

Originally Posted by Got Maul

first off, I just wanted to wish you and your wife a blessed new year and I pray things go well with getting her back to her feet.

secondly, with all the work MLC is pouring into "upgrading" the JP, why doesn't he just redo the whole thing ? God knows, he builds fast and he would have a great deal more customers and as exampled by this thread alone, REPEAT customers too ! I mean for what it sounds like, it seems as though the "upgrade" kit is something that accuracy truests have already done -
e.g. new rocket, new thrusters, new main rocket head- we've had our outlets through BM, bradleyfett, etc, - and as far as the beacon goes- this may be my opinion alone- but the only forseable worthy upgrade would be metal- and every now and then we have a few good dealers for that.

So, I do not represent the whole or collective whatsoever. I don't dare speak on anyone's behalf except my own...but I feel as though I, Seeker, and the rest of the crew in this thread have gone through head over heels to provide upgrade pics, graphic representation and even voting priorities for what we would like to see in a new JP for MLC....but I can't help but feel like it was all for wasted effort if all thats going to be done are upgrades true purists have already done or at best something we are going to have to butcher our original jet packs for...again, with all this effort - why not just remake it...there's enough reference for sure.

Please don't see this as abrasive, I was just hoping for more and the final jet pack to be much like FP is to armor, the final piece to end all further purchases - if that's it, then I am going to pass on this one -

I hear ya GM, i was like wait this was all for an upgrade kit & not a spanking new JP? what up? twas all those differences we pointed out sorta a waste of time? i was really hoping for a new JP in total my self.

Hey Guys!

First off, let me start by greeting everyone a Happy New Year!!
May you all have a prosperous & healthy one for you & your family!

I'm sure Rex is very busy taking care of his wife and we all wish her the best in recovering, that said I guess its best for me to answer the concerns of those who recently posted to eliminate any doubts or speculations that we have been taking your suggestions for granted. Not at all, actually.

Like Rex has mentioned above, we trully thank each & everyone who have contributed their comments & suggestions to each & all our projects. We appreciate all of those & rest assured that no small detail have been dismissed - everything were studied and all were considered in our capacity. So again, thank you!

What Rex has posted above is a private email I sent to him in regards to an "upgrade kit" - this discussion pertains to only those who have already bought our previous version1 jet pack.
As you know, we are currently tackling 2 projects here - a new JP design and a (separate) "upgrade kit" - as you can see in the earlier threads, some have suggested this option.
Rex & i have been happy with all our loyal customers in the past, thus we are not forgetting them & this proposed project has spawned another - which we call the "upgrade kit". Both Rex & I feel that this "kit" is important, thus we are implementing it along with the new JP design.
In short, we dont want to leave out anybody

Maybe Rex should have written it in a separate thread or have explained it better, however with everything that has happened lately, I guess we cant blame him, right?
I also apologize for the lack of updates towards this project - but as you can see, this project started right before the Holiday Season - so our family responsibilities have to come in first. I'm sure most of you could understand that.

Anyhow, we havent presented the new JP yet - heck, its not even finished. So before that time, Rex & I beg for your understanding & give us the proper time we need to sort things out much better. Guys, pls give us the benefit of the doubt

Lastly, I dont wanna start on the wrong foot this first of the year - so here's wishing everyone a Happy Fett year!!

Mardon (MLC)

Originally Posted by mlcallanta

Hey Guys!


Maybe Rex should have written it in a separate thread or have explained it better, however with everything that has happened lately, I guess we cant blame him, right?


Mardon (MLC)

Mardon, I think there's been a real problem in communication here because I never understood that there were TWO projects going on. Please forgive me and you know my faith in your artistry is unrelenting.

Now knowing that you ARE remaking the jet pack AND making an upgrade kit, I think even more highly of you and your dedication to us. Thank you and have a great new year !

Kewl! . thanks for the clearification. i cant wait!

Hi everyone!

Yeah, my bad...

There are two :jet pack projects running concurrently...

1) All new Version 2 :jet pack

2) Upgrade Kit for Version 1 :jet pack

8) 8) 8)

Mardon is working hard on the new JP, GM & Seeker have provided a wealth of info for him. Thanks guys!!

As have the rest of TDH!! Wow, what help!!!

Now, as for the Ver.1 Upgrade Kit-
New Rocket-
New Thrusters-
Beacon-
Stabilizer-


Is that a:
1) Pretty Kewl Upgrade?
2) Decent?
3) Sux? Needs?


And, I appreciate your guys understanding with my home situation. My wife's recovery from a hysterectomy, she's improving much now. The staples have been removed, she can now sit up, get up and sit down without help, and can slowly move up the stairs.

But, it's been a long haul, and I have been devoting 24/7 my time and energy. As such, my time on the internet has been sporadic at best, and when on, I'm typing fast, so sometimes I may accidently omit stuff.

She's getting a bit fussy, and my "honey-do" list is moving swiftly, so I guess those are good signs!

take care all,

-Rex

Thank you for the update Rex!

Take the time you need to take care of your wife!

hope things get better soon Rex. Tell her to take it easy.

glad to hear the "to do" list is getting longer....usually the first sign that everything is going back to normal with a wife !!

Seriously though, very glad she is doing well and it was only a slight miscommunication, nothing big at all. Glad to see all the good things coming down the wire !!!

sign me up for version 2 !

Originally Posted by Got Maul

sign me up for version 2 !

Me 2..

Thanks for the update Rex - glad to hear that the wife is doing better. Nothing like the better half keeping you on your toes

Loranar

I am in for the upgrade kit too!

Originally Posted by Got Maul

sign me up for version 2 !

Me 3!

Originally Posted by Ripcode

Me 3!

Me 4!

upgrad kit is a great idea, Think I could be down for one.

Hi Bros! Thanks for the support! Really appreciate it. My wife is getting better, starting to drive me crazy with "honey-do's"!!

We should have pics soon of the JP. I've already taken two orders for the January run. If you want to get on the list, even before pics, you're welcome to!

8)

take care all,

-Rex

And, get this! I may actually have my own personal Fett done soon!
Wooo-Hoooo! Can't wait to start putting it together. Been helping people w/ Fett Props, for what, 3+ years now, and I'll finally be able to do my own Fett soon!! Can't wait!!

8) 8)

take care,

-Rex

gah. now i gotta deside weather to get on the list now or wait till pics come so i can compair it to BM's Jet Pack. no doubt this gunna be interesting. with my luck ill see the picks, want one & the list will be full.

Don't worry about the list being full bro. We will always make room, we have never turned anyone away! 8)

And finally, it's done!!! Ready for it's unveiling!!



Dagnabbit!! I was trying to snag the pics from Mardon's photo site, but couldn't grab the darn things...

Have to do it the old fashioned way...

http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbum.a...lbum_id=205974

Some pretty darn nice detailing, check out dose thrusters, 'eh?!

take care all,

-Rex

Could you PM me with pricing info please?

Originally Posted by mulrich

Could you PM me with pricing info please?

PM sent!8)

Well now... I just bought a MS3 so when will be the next run?

Could you also send me pricing info as well, that is just fantastic!!!

Looks great BH!

PM SENT....

Thanks REX.

rex, can you PM me price info and when the next run will be? i just got a MS3, so i too will have to wait a little bit.

thanks!

Oh yeah Rex, pm sent.

I'm down for an upgrade kit.

I've got to get in on this!

Please PM me with information!

PM sent.

Originally Posted by Bountys Hunted

PM sent!8)

Could you please let me know pricing details also...

Could you PM me some info as well?

Very nice JP!!!!

Just wanted to say that if costuming is a determining factor for you, I have been through a bradley pack and an MLC ...let me say that in WEIGHT ALONE I chose MLC because your back will love you for it. Its five pounds now, unbelievable ! Great job Mardon !

Bump = still need a PM please!?

wow those pics look amazing.

Nice work! This new JP is even more wonderful. If the weight is anything like my MLC stubby I'm in! 2 thumbs way up Mardon!

Originally Posted by MARROW SUN

Nice work! This new JP is even more wonderful. If the weight is anything like my MLC stubby I'm in! 2 thumbs way up Mardon!

5 lbs ! not bad at all.