My Scratch Built ROTJ Pack [pic intense]

Hey, i figured I finally got far enough into the construction that I could show some of my progress. It still looks like nothing, and sorta junky if you ask me, but since its more about getting there than being there I figured I'd take pictures of the early stages so I could look back at when something was nothing.

Most stuff isn't placed exactly how itwill end up, and nothign much is actually bonded, I just wanted to fit some it like puzzle pieces to show the basic shapes I have going.

Don't be too harsh, it is my first attempt. Any thoughts would be nice.

Looks like it's coming along rather nicely. It's better than I could do. :jet pack

Impressive... most impressive.

Excellent. I'll be sure to be keeping up with this thread. I too am going to build my own jet pack.

looks like a great start. are you using tube containers for any of that?

SWEET!!!!

Not bad! You know what though, if my wife ever caught me spray painting in the living room, I'd be a dead man!

great job man.

Originally Posted by Muad'Dib

Not bad! You know what though, if my wife ever caught me spray painting in the living room, I'd be a dead man!

Believe it or not, that's just an extra work room, I carpeted it because it's an addition and the floor used to get really cold.

A rumpus room if you will. (simpsons)


-=QuinN!

Originally Posted by digital509

looks like a great start. are you using tube containers for any of that?

Definately go with PVC! I'm assembling this as a prototype to make a positive from, but using PVC will give you a very sturdy construction for the tanks and it's cheap! You can get a 5 foot tube for no more than $4 at most hardware stores. I recommend Ace Hardware if you have one around you. 2 inch pipe should be the answer for the tanks. and for the other parts, these containers are perfect, a Quaker Oatmeal container for the main tank of the body, and a Bushes Baked Beans can for the top tank below the rocket and its base (yes the main tanks are definately different sizes)

Hope that answers any questions you have for the tank construction

-=QuinN!

keep going!!! looks freakin fantastic!!

Originally Posted by CombatBaby

Definately go with PVC! I'm assembling this as a prototype to make a positive from, but using PVC will give you a very sturdy construction for the tanks and it's cheap! You can get a 5 foot tube for no more than $4 at most hardware stores. I recommend Ace Hardware if you have one around you. 2 inch pipe should be the answer for the tanks. and for the other parts, these containers are perfect, a Quaker Oatmeal container for the main tank of the body, and a Bushes Baked Beans can for the top tank below the rocket and its base (yes the main tanks are definately different sizes)

Hope that answers any questions you have for the tank construction

-=QuinN!

And i used construction paper for the tubes. i'm making a paper mache jet pack ( i already made a stubby one, though it didn't look good). how heavy is the jp?

oh yea, forgot to say, nice jet pack! it's better than i could ever do. can't find any sintra at where i live, and i don't really know how to use fiberglass (so i can cover my jp with it). wish i had some skills like yours

your doing a great job, and keep up the work! i wonder how it'll look like when the jp is painted up!

i forgot to mention, u think i should make a new thread in the jet pack section of my cardboard/paper mache jet pack? i'm making a jango (classic) jp, so should i make it in the jet pack section or the jango section?

i also notice the housing detail. how did u glue them together? super glue, or plastic glue?

Originally Posted by Qman101

i forgot to mention, u think i should make a new thread in the jet pack section of my cardboard/paper mache jet pack? i'm making a jango (classic) jp, so should i make it in the jet pack section or the jango section?

i also notice the housing detail. how did u glue them together? super glue, or plastic glue?

If you're in the middle of construction you can probably post here because a lot more people will see it in the actual jet pack threads and be able to give you the feedback.

2-

Depending on what I am bonding to what i use different types of glue.
A lot of it i just start from the top and work down the list if stuff doesn't stick, best to use the cheapest glue first and if it doesn't work then try something else.

1. Hot Glue
2. E6000
3. Welder Glue (also very good if you want some give for the first 24hours at that is how long it takes before it is "hard") This stuff stinks when its setting but it is very strong.

Also for some of the PVC it works better to just use PVC glue as it can be spread thin and is made to bond PVC to PVC so you in turn don't need to use that much.


-=QuinN!

Originally Posted by CombatBaby

If you're in the middle of construction you can probably post here because a lot more people will see it in the actual jet pack threads and be able to give you the feedback.

2-

Depending on what I am bonding to what i use different types of glue.
A lot of it i just start from the top and work down the list if stuff doesn't stick, best to use the cheapest glue first and if it doesn't work then try something else.

1. Hot Glue
2. E6000
3. Welder Glue (also very good if you want some give for the first 24hours at that is how long it takes before it is "hard") This stuff stinks when its setting but it is very strong.

Also for some of the PVC it works better to just use PVC glue as it can be spread thin and is made to bond PVC to PVC so you in turn don't need to use that much.


-=QuinN!

in a new thread, or in your thread?

what kind of plastic? sintra? after looking on the back of my super glue, it said it bonds PVC plastic.

i'll make a new thread. so u used styrene, eh?

CombatBaby.

This is an inspiration to others who do not have the means or funds to obtain a jet pack. Thanks for Posting buddy! Best of luck too!

Originally Posted by The Sniffer

CombatBaby.

This is an inspiration to others who do not have the means or funds to obtain a jet pack. Thanks for Posting buddy! Best of luck too!

Thank you Sniffer for the kind comments. Searching for materials has been trial and error and to tell you the truth I'd have been completely lost without Alan's (Wizard of Flight's) blueprints he has been gracious enough to release.
The blueprints were essential and saved me from a lot of wasted time and materials. I recommend anyone that is thinking about scratchbuilds to study the blue prints and take time to search out found materials that can be perfect for parts of the jet pack. I'll be sure to release a list upon completion of my pack of things I used that can be helpful in it's construction.

-=QuinN!

As promised...be kind and constructive.



-=QuinN!

Looking great.. Thanks for posting progress pics too. It's nice to see how it's done.
Excellent work...

***!! I'm speechless!!! nice work man! better than i could ever do...

agn, how much does it weigh?

Originally Posted by CombatBaby

Searching for materials has been trial and error and to tell you the truth I'd have been completely lost without Alan's (Wizard of Flight's) blueprints he has been gracious enough to release.

you weren't the only one confused with WoF's templates

Hey Quinn

that jet pack is looking realy good, if mine turns out half as good i will be really happy.

well done buddy, you have real talent.

Well, i was confused at first.

Yowser!!! Thats amazing...kind a makes me feel cheated paying a couple hundred for a fiberglass that weighs 15 pounds. Great work.

anything new? just wondering.

i also noticed u for got the strip where the piano keys are placed.are u gonna put that after u find some good piano keys?

Originally Posted by Qman101

anything new? just wondering.

i also noticed u for got the strip where the piano keys are placed.are u gonna put that after u find some good piano keys?

a few things, but i didn't post any of the pictures yet.

your question is covered in my post on the 7th of january above,
just didn't add them yet

-=QuinN!

Wow, this looks really good. I know you answered a very similar question above, ( i read the whole thing) , but you used Styrene plastic for the entire thing? (minus the pvc pipes and oatmeal can). Thanks, and BTW, it looks GREAT so far, i am looking forward toseeing the final product.

I agree the JP looks great! You're inspiring me to try it too.

Originally Posted by cookiemongoloid

Wow, this looks really good. I know you answered a very similar question above, ( i read the whole thing) , but you used Styrene plastic for the entire thing? (minus the pvc pipes and oatmeal can). Thanks, and BTW, it looks GREAT so far, i am looking forward toseeing the final product.

When I finish this prototype I will be making a revised Mark II from which I plan to make a mold. I will also be providing an extensive list of found parts and materials used list, along with where the materials can be store bought or ordered online. I'm not into the whole "hide" information from newbies garbage that certain members on this board are holding ideals towards. I myself would lost without this place, and it'd be a real kick in the face to people like Alan who are providing free blueprints or others that have compiled extensive paint lists and tutorials.

To answer your concerns above it breaks down like this.

Base skeleton (backplate, bottom, top flat) of the pack are all 1/4 inch foamboard. I did this to provide a strong basic structure to build onto.

The main tank is as you noticed above an oatmeal container and another chunk of an oatmeal container bonded together.

I traced a circle onto the top of that container and cut a hole in the TOP FLAT foamboard piece with the rocket base tank containers circumference. I then used a bushes baked beans aluminum container as the second tank and adjusted it to be the correct height with the excess length just being hidden inside the lower tank.

From here on i started to fill the gaps between the backplate and the main tank with foam, you can use any light weight filler, whether it be insulation or gardening block foam.

Once you get stuff built up enough to not have any flimsy feel you can start cutting the styrene and constructing what will be the outer shell.

So most things lined up correctly I scored most of the edges of the styrene on any part where the plating bends, such as around the jet pack side tank housings. I also found I was using a lot less filler since the pieces of styrene were still barely connected.


I dunno how well you follow all that, but it will all make sense when I do a Mark II and take pictures at every single step.

But like i said, once I got a basic structure, it was mostly styrene from there on.

Along the way I have learned quite a bit from trial and error on what won't work and what will, so I will be using a few different materials the second time around. Plus I will be constructing the Mark II with the plan of having a mostly hollow inside so that any gizmos that I want to rig up will have space and be easily accessible. If I end up molding it, it will be hollow anyway, i'm just talking about the prototypes right now.


If you have more questions just post.

thanks for the kind words

-=QuinN!

Originally Posted by CombatBaby

When I finish this prototype I will be making a revised Mark II from which I plan to make a mold. I will also be providing an extensive list of found parts and materials used list, along with where the materials can be store bought or ordered online. I'm not into the whole "hide" information from newbies garbage that certain members on this board are holding ideals towards. I myself would lost without this place, and it'd be a real kick in the face to people like Alan who are providing free blueprints or others that have compiled extensive paint lists and tutorials.

To answer your concerns above it breaks down like this.

Base skeleton (backplate, bottom, top flat) of the pack are all 1/4 inch foamboard. I did this to provide a strong basic structure to build onto.

The main tank is as you noticed above an oatmeal container and another chunk of an oatmeal container bonded together.

I traced a circle onto the top of that container and cut a hole in the TOP FLAT foamboard piece with the rocket base tank containers circumference. I then used a bushes baked beans aluminum container as the second tank and adjusted it to be the correct height with the excess length just being hidden inside the lower tank.

From here on i started to fill the gaps between the backplate and the main tank with foam, you can use any light weight filler, whether it be insulation or gardening block foam.

Once you get stuff built up enough to not have any flimsy feel you can start cutting the styrene and constructing what will be the outer shell.

So most things lined up correctly I scored most of the edges of the styrene on any part where the plating bends, such as around the jet pack side tank housings. I also found I was using a lot less filler since the pieces of styrene were still barely connected.


I dunno how well you follow all that, but it will all make sense when I do a Mark II and take pictures at every single step.

But like i said, once I got a basic structure, it was mostly styrene from there on.

Along the way I have learned quite a bit from trial and error on what won't work and what will, so I will be using a few different materials the second time around. Plus I will be constructing the Mark II with the plan of having a mostly hollow inside so that any gizmos that I want to rig up will have space and be easily accessible. If I end up molding it, it will be hollow anyway, i'm just talking about the prototypes right now.


If you have more questions just post.

thanks for the kind words

-=QuinN!

i have several questions.

1. is styrene like the "for sale" signs? not the cheap ones where u can simply rip them in 2.

2. Can u give me info for some good light filler? and is epoxy filler (sorry, forgot what it was spelled) a light filler?

and thats all. maybe i don't have several questions.

qman

wow !!!

anything new? just wondering

Anything new yet? sorry for being impatient, i just want to see how your jet pack will come out

not enough to need to take pictures

just strengthening the structure.

-=QuinN!

ok, i can wait

what are u using to strengthen the structure?

Thats an awsome pack man, great job!

wow!that looks really good.

Geez... that is coming along super nice!
Good job!

Can't wait to see what it looks like when you are all finished!

I am about to start my jet pack and found this thread again. *** that jet pack is out of this world.

Quinn - have you got any finished pics of this baby?

sort of, i actually just need a rocket to finish it, using the templates to make one isn't working out for me, i want it to look cool. i can get some pictures of the pack body on here soon. I plan to redo it down the road, learned a lot on the first try, sort of like everything.

tips:

measure twice, cut once.
make use of pvc whenever possible
sheet styrene is your friend.
attempt to make it hollow, or hollow enough (main reason i want a version 2.0 of my pack)


-=QuinN!

Hello CombatBaby,

Are they any changes that you would like to see done to the templates to help out with version 2?

I am always looking to improve the templates and any help would be great. Please post some pics, I'd love to see what you have come up with

Thanks,

Alan

Now that you mention it, I want to redo the thruster nozzels and it'd be awesome to have a template for the detailing. basically the things that look like plus signs on the thruster balls and the circumference of the indent would be nice.

all the templates for the pack body i have found to be extremely helpful and accurate, but it's just hard for me getting the rocket pieces to come out smooth, round, and proportionate once i start putting them together.

on the template for the nose cone of the rocket, it'd be good for the template cutout to feed from the top down so that when you cut it out you fold the pieces to the bottom of the cone, i suppose i could do that myself really in photoshop because its just different orientation but when i was cutting it out before it was a hassle to try to cut it out even and then get all the points to match up to the top and still be round around the edges.

kind of hard to explain outside of picture form.

-=QuinN!

thank you, I see what I can do about the thruster ball detail. As for the nose cone that make perfect sence, I should be able to rearrange it with out a problem.

The rocket is the most difficult part it took me two trys before I got the mock-up to look right. what I am planning on doing for the final version is to take a dowel and use it as the center support, drilling holes through the top and bottom disks for each section and gluing them to the dowel first. Then wrapping the outer skin around the whole mess. this should help keep everything straight.

Like you said kinda hard with out pictures to show.

Alan

Originally Posted by wizardofflight

thank you, I see what I can do about the thruster ball detail. As for the nose cone that make perfect sence, I should be able to rearrange it with out a problem.

The rocket is the most difficult part it took me two trys before I got the mock-up to look right. what I am planning on doing for the final version is to take a dowel and use it as the center support, drilling holes through the top and bottom disks for each section and gluing them to the dowel first. Then wrapping the outer skin around the whole mess. this should help keep everything straight.

Like you said kinda hard with out pictures to show.

Alan

, that is a really good idea, one i never considered. you could basically put all the disks on a dowel and then wrap whatever around them to form the cones.

i'll have to try it. also interested in seeing how you update these further

thanks Alan

-=QuinN!