Phantom ESB Fett

Well now that the kids stuff is done maybe I can think about getting my ESB Fett underway...after I tidy up my TK for EIB.
Below is what I have for my ESB Fett. I bought it from one of the guys in our garrison. Hoping that the experts here might shed some light on a couple of things for me.
Helmet, don't know the maker and the RF looks a bit dodgy maybe needs a clean up etc but would like an alum stalk and nicer RF
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ettStuff01.jpg
A beautiful blaster I think Sidewinder
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ettStuff02.jpg
Jumpsuit, vest, neckseal, gloves, cape. The armour I think is fan built and I will probably look at upgrading as I need cod, butt and back plate. Shoes are nice and comfy again don't know the maker
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ettStuff03.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ettStuff04.jpg
I have the awesome MoW gaunts and jetpack, love this so detailed.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ettStuff05.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ettStuff06.jpg
Not sure about this I think there is a bit missing on the sling sidearm and not sure if I can mod the red nintendo gun to be a sidearm
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ettStuff07.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ettStuff08.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ettStuff09.jpg
I think its a pretty good starting point still a lot of work to be done and I will be asking HEAPS of questions. Any tips from you guys will be greatly appreciated. I think the biggest prob will be trying to source the right paints for the armour, I have got some good tips on paints for the helmet. My goal is to have this done and approved before May 2012 in time for our biggest troop.

not to bad a start...for the sidearm I can say Stormrides Pulce 40 is top notch I just got mine and have it all ready to go with minimal work, the sling gun is a preproduction piece not part of ESB at all, very cool though... pretty sure your right on the EE3 being a sidewinder kit, the RF topper and stalk do look like some lower grade stuff, maybe hit up asok for a new one and a metal stalk...hes a good guy dont know of anyone else selling RFs of the top of my head theres a kaiser grip you need for the sling gun if you want it to be finished all in all your gonna need a good bit of work, but your in the right place, there are alot of great guys here take your time with it a little less than a year and you have a good bit of the parts you need...might wanna get that flight suit dirty looks very clean to me

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fett 4 Real

...might wanna get that flight suit dirty looks very clean to me

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Thanks for the info...yeah it is a little tooooo clean :)

Oh and looking at the pics again the tube in the pics with the Webley below the scope...that looks to be what goes between the shoulder stock deal and the blaster for the sling gun :)

There was a handle for sale a week or so ago in the cargo hold for the gun btw

I think the only things outstanding are:
- sidearm holster (fettpride)
- better armour (thinking RKD)
- better RF & stalk (will hit Asok up)
If you guys can see anything else please let me know. I would like to have everything here so I can work on it in one go and not have to be waiting on bits and pieces. I know I have heaps to do already but I just like to have everything ready to go....I hate waiting.

Hey Phantom,

Looking pretty good so far. One small thing I noticed is that your toe spikes seem to be extremely long. I don't know if it's the camera angle or what, but I can't imagine those being comfortable to walk with. Mine are considerably shorter and I still scrape them occasionally on the floor when walking around. You might want to consider filing them down or picking up a new set.

Good luck with the rest of the build!
Markus.

P.S. - The cylindrical object you've got in the photo with the Nintendo zapper isn't part of the sidearm - that's the jetpack adjustment tool for one of your shin pockets. :thumbsup

Thanks for that Markus. I haven't walked too far in the boots yet just a little around the house but it seems ok...so far

I also need a jetpack harness for the ESB setup...any ideas on who I should hit up?

Booboo Fett, its not cheap, and its not cheaply made either, best you can get

BBF's harness will outlast everything else on your suit, probably all of us too :p. I haven't gotten to put it through its paces yet but it's very well built and solid.

OK. I have started, baby steps.

Have given the helmet a light sand to take out some small imperfections and ready it for the primer.

Couple of questions.
Should I cut the visor out before priming?
What is the best wat to attack MoW gaunts? Do I paint the parts first before assembly - flame thrower etc? Are ther any set colours for these additional parts on the gaunts?

I would cut the visor and clean it up before primer.

Ok...here goes
Have cut the visor, key slot and sanded the helmet. I have also cleaned the seams and sanded down the main body of the jet pack. Just the accessories to tidy up. Then just a nice warm bath :) Then the gaunts.
I want to have everything preped before I paint. I don't have my armour upgrade yet, hopefully next week will be in a position to place an order with RKD...keep an eye on your inbox Will ;)
Couple of questions about the gaunts. I have the MoW gaunts. Wondering do I paint the parts prior to assembley especially the flame thrower? Also is there a right shade of red to paint it?
Sorry no pics of the jetpack :(
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...CutFront02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...etCutLHS02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...tCutBack01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...etCutRHS02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...etCUTLHS03.jpg

Ah one of my old helmets ,actually the first pull from my previous mold, over all shape is pretty much the same Ive just added a few extra details to get it more accurate ,,
good to see it getting done , once youve got the Ali stalk and new topper to you, that will be a nice set up,
Id also say hit up mojo fett and ask him for a borden , if he still has them they are the way to go,
LMK if you nweed a visor as well I can send one to you with the other stuff


Also see if you can thin down the cut out edge , just sand or dremal it out from the inside

Ive a resin handle that will fit that missing piece on you blaster to so ill send you that aswell , how ever ESB fett does not use that blaster , spend a lttle time familierisimng your self with which Fett has which wepons ,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BGHunter

Ah one of my old helmets ,actually the first pull from my previous mold, over all shape is pretty much the same Ive just added a few extra details to get it more accurate ,,
good to see it getting done , once youve got the Ali stalk and new topper to you, that will be a nice set up,
Id also say hit up mojo fett and ask him for a borden , if he still has them they are the way to go,
LMK if you nweed a visor as well I can send one to you with the other stuff


Also see if you can thin down the cut out edge , just sand or dremal it out from the inside

Ive a resin handle that will fit that missing piece on you blaster to so ill send you that aswell , how ever ESB fett does not use that blaster , spend a lttle time familierisimng your self with which Fett has which wepons ,

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Well there you go...know I know the maker how cool is that :) and he is another Aussie ;)

What do you mean about 'Also see if you can thin down the cut out edge , just sand or dremal it out from the inside'

Will talk to you about the other stuff...visor and handle.

I am pretty much down with all the ESB Fett stuff...been researching my butt off and have heaps of reference pics that I will be printing out at work on their good colour laser ;) I know the sling gun goes with the pre-pro would be nice to make it and have it though ;)

All the way round should be about this thin , being a resin helmet they tend to be thicker so dont need to make it this thin but take it back some whatAttachment 55932
and use some needle files to clean up the back slots

OK i see now mate...thank you...and yeah I have more work to do on the ket slots to tidy them up...might have to get some better files

This might be a dumb question but I'm going to ask it anyway.
I am looking at buying the spray paints shortly and just want to know how many cans I should be getting? Especially for the greens.
Thanks

one of each should be enough.


and it isn't a dumb question at all, you don't know until you ask.

I have got my updated armour from RKD.
Wow this stuff is great. Sturdy, nice sharp pull and pretty nicely trimmed too. Thanks again Will :cheering Would highly recommend his stuff to anyone. Not only is his product excellent it great but his service is top shelf :thumbsup
I have also got a DVH chest display I bought off TripleD, a great peice of electronic work there.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../RKDArmour.jpg
So now I can get full steam ahead.
I have a few other bits and pieces coming in from BGHuter for the helmet which I haven't done a lot to apart from tidy up the rear keyhole and general trimming and cleaning up around the visor area.
I have sanded and filled down the gaunts and if I get a chance at night I will make up the flame thrower.
So this weekend weather permitting will try and prime everything.

I have started to clean up the armour and I have a question.
I have tidied and trimmed it up a bit but not sure if I have to trim it some more. I have left a bit of a return on the shoulders of about 2-3mm and on the chest and rest of the armour of about 4-5mm.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...mourTrim01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...mourTrim02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...mourTrim03.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...mourTrim05.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...mourTrim04.jpg
My question is should I take it right back to the fold line from the mold, as shown by the white tape in a couple of the photos above? Or leave it with the small return edge. I want it as accurate as possible but me, I personally like the look of it with the small return edge.
Would really like the opinions of the experts here please.

No! Leave it as it is. Most of the armor parts has that edge. Here are some images for you:

Attachment 57252 Attachment 57253 Attachment 57254

Excellent thanks for that mate.

Ok...now that I have had some time and all the Christmas stuff is over...thought I better do a quick update.
I have had a chance to silver up all of the armour and helmet. A few little cracks in the helmet, around the left ear, I thought I fixed up but paint seems to show up every little imperfection. I am not overly worried as I will upgrade the helmet down the track after I have got my 501st approval.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Silver01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Silver02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Silver03.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Silver04.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Silver05.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Silver08.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Silver09.jpg
I have also had a crack at marking out the silver part of the damage. I have also marked the areas on the helmet for scratches on the mandibles and little chips on the lower cheeks. Just need to get some more silver paint to touch them up before I mask those areas off. I forgot to print out the templates at work for the dome so will do that next week. I am using Rafs excelent templates for this...thanks so much mate. I have used liquid mask on the armour. Had a few probs where the mask wouldn't take obviously from where I have had my fingers, you can see that on the shoulder...loads of masking fluid :) I am going to use the layered painting technique using spray cans. Will be hitting the armour with yellow tomorrow.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...erMasked01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...erMasked02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...erMasked03.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...erMasked04.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...erMasked05.jpg
Thoughts...comments...love to hear back

Very cool, I can't wait to get my bucket to painting stage... it will be fun to say the least :)

How long have you spent on this so far Phantom?

So far so good! Can't wait to see more progress images!

Dude, this looks fantastic, did you hand draw that detail on the helmet, or is that some kind of transfer from the templates?

Attachment 57768

Thats all i can say

Looking good can't wait to see that second layer of paint put down!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TopHatWalrus

Very cool, I can't wait to get my bucket to painting stage... it will be fun to say the least :)
How long have you spent on this so far Phantom?

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Just the helmet was almost an hour and a half or so to mark it out, the armour was a bit longer trying to get the marks in the dents right was the hardest part and then about two hours masking only because the masking fluid didn't take well in places.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by grungie_42

Dude, this looks fantastic, did you hand draw that detail on the helmet, or is that some kind of transfer from the templates?

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Thanks mate. I used RafalFetts' templates. Printed them out and then scaled them up/down to suit the armour/helmet. I got some graphite paper (like carbon paper) from an art supply shop near where I work.

Ok. Got some colour on today not happy.
Ran out of the yellow, just as well not a great looking colour even with a couple of light coats. Went and got a couple of others to test out.
I am leaning towards the yellow on the strip on the bottom left, maybe I can use the one on the right for the kill stripes.
Please let me know what you think, I want to get the yellow down in the next day or two.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Yellow01.jpg
Taken outdoors in natural light
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Yellow02.jpg
Taken indoors under fluorescent light

The yellow looks good. Keep the excellent work coming!

I am pretty happy with how it all turned out so far. Had a couple of little issues with the paint. Went on ok in most places but it feels a little rough and I got some crazing on the cod piece. Not big problems some steel wool to smooth out the roughness and some sand paper to fix the crazing just to smooth it out as it will be green in that area, so as I said no big probs. Some knuckle head got so excited he sprayed the left shoulder all yellow then noticed the ref pics and templates have a dull grey on there 'doh. So after a lot of sanding I got it back to the base, re-primed and re silvered. Now I can put on the masking tonight and spray grey tomorrow morning then mask out and do the yellow then all the yellow is done.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...owArmour01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...owArmour02.jpg
Will do some test sprays of some greens tomorrow to hopefully get some feedback from you guys.

Looking awesome dude. Can't wait to see how it turns out!! What masking fluid are you using and where did you source it?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skiff

Looking awesome dude. Can't wait to see how it turns out!! What masking fluid are you using and where did you source it?

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Thanks mate. I am using Art Spectrum masking fluid. I got it from Oxlades in the Valley not far from where I work. Most good art shops or model shops should have some. If you can't find any let me know and I will see if I can pick some up for ya.

Well down to the greens....
As I am using spray cans and the little cans of Tamiya are a bit expensive I have done a test run using some colours suggested to me by Jayvee.
From left to right
Colorbond 'Wilderness' - helmet, armour, gaunts, jetpack
Colorbond 'Cottage Green' - misting armour
Fiddly Bits 'Heritage Green' - misting armour
Tamiya 'Field Gray' TS-78 - helmet, armour, gaunts, Jetpack
Taniya 'Olive Green' AS-14 - left ear
Tamiya 'Dull Red' TS-33 - for sienna on right shoulder
Squirts 'Clay Stone' - for sienna on right shoulder
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...Swatches01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...Swatches02.jpg
The Wilderness colour and Field Gray are so very close its not funny. Wilderness is probably a little glossier but matt sealer over the top should be ok. I could use the Tamiya for the helmet as there isn't much there.
Not sure if Wilderness is ok for the rest of the armour as the rest of the armour looks darker. Would I use it as a base and build up the colour misting with the other darker green and then with weathering?
The Cottage Green and Heritage Green are pretty close the Heritage Green being a bit darker. Both are a little glossy. Would either one of these be ok for misting on the armour to darken it up?
The Tamiya Olive Green looks a bit dull, should I look for a more greener green for the left ear?
Thoughts or suggestions please :)

The colors looks OK to me. I have a few images tweaked a little by me to adjust the colors that might help you:

Attachment 57829 Attachment 57830 Attachment 57831

Thanks Raf, that does help. I will use the Wilderness colour darken it up with a mist of a darker green and weathering in places.
Another little problem has popped up. While re-masking the left shoulder I noticed that the decal I have is way too small. The templates from Raf on RKDs armour fit perfectly and the skull emblem on that is much larger. What is the size supposed to be for the skull and the chest emblem? The decals I got when I bought the kit just look way to small, I could have used them on my sons armour.
The Fenixprops decal is roughly just under 3 x 1.5 inches and Rafs template one is roughly 4 x 2 inches.
I was thinking of hitting Lucksy31 up for some of his.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...derDecal01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...derDecal02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...derDecal03.jpg

Why don't you paint it yourself? You can find all my chest and shoulder decals in the Armor sticky thread.
I saw that you drawn the Medium Gray to the left shoulder. I assume that you know that this is a misted color (like the Sienna) and you should draw only a preliminary contour, then mist the color using the stencils (or any reference material you have) as a guidance.

It has been a while a few paint issues but solved.
I have all the yellow done and masked ready for the green.
I have done the green on the back part of the belt to see how it looked. I think it looks ok for spray paints. It will need a bit of weathering on it but I would like to know what you guys think. Is the green ok? I know indoor photography makes it a bit tough with paint colours. I wanted to do a small part before I painted all the armour. Once I get some feed back will be painting the rest.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Armour01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Armour02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/Armour03.jpg
I have also cut up the cape and I have had it hanging outside on my sons basket ball hoop for a week or so. We have a front loader so it is a bit tougher to get the fraying effect so I am rubbing it on the concrete outside to fray it up and rough it up a bit before I weather it.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ett/Cape01.jpg
Thoughts and comments are always welcome.

I have some difficulties with replying to others, but sometimes I manage to do it and I hope this will be fixed shortly.

I think you should mix a little blue (not too much) in that base green to kill the 'green' (if you know what I mean).

Keep the good work coming!

Thanks Raf.
That green is a couple of light misting layers and then hit with some fine steel wool.
I think I know what you mean, but I am using spray paint cans.
I could possibly lightly mist one layer of a blue under the last mist of the green and hopefully it will sort of dull the green back a bit when I hit it with some steel wool. Do you think this would work or help with the too green? What type of blue?
Or as I haven't weathered it yet either should I stick with the green as it stands? I will mist some areas with some flat black and will be using either an acrylic wash or some pastels (blacks and browns). I used the pastels on my sons RC and it worked well.
Sorry about all the questions.

Misting a blue layer before the final green might be a good choice, but you might try more variations to achieve the best result(s). I am no paint expert, so I can't help you too much in this. You might use the Pre-Pro #1 left chest plate as a template for painting:

Attachment 58126

I took on the advice from Raf.
Here are some green alternatives. Wasn't a great day for painting, overcast and some drizzle but I wanted to keep going with the armour colours.
All have 2 light misting layers of the Colorbond 'Cottage Green' from post 36.
From left to right:
Mist of blue grey then while drying mist of the green
Mist of pale grey then while drying mist of the green
Mist of primer then while drying mist of the green
Wash of blue acrylic and mist of the green when dry
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ourGreen02.jpg
All have been rubbed back with fine steel wool. Probably rubbed it back a bit harder than with the armour piece I did the other day.
I am leaning towards the one on the left...thoughts??

I like too the left green, is the closest from all. But looking at the back belt in the background, I noticed that the yellow is a bit too strong, and might be a good idea to mist a light (very light) coat of orange(ish).

Looking good Phantom !

When I painted my armor I used a gloss Sun Yellow for the undercoat and it was bright like yours but after I finished the green layer I went over the whole thing with steel wool and it dulled everything up, blending some of the green into the yellow and de-intensifying it.

Thanks guys.
I will hit the piece again with some steel wool still looks a bit shiney and hope it will dull down the yellow. If not maybe I can spot touch it up with a diluted orangey coloured paint because I really don't want to have to strip it all back again just for a couple of little bits of yellow :) plus when I weather it up it will dull it down some.

You could also get satin or matt clear in a rattle can from your car spares shop if you want a non shiney finish ..

I have got a matt spray that I am planning on using once I have all the weathering on. I also used it over the silver because I found that when I did my sons Boba the silver didn't take to the masking fluid very well.

I got a bit done this weekend. I have finished painting the armour only had one mishap when I was painting one of the shoulder bells the back plate slipped off the place where I was painting it I grabbed it and it was still wet so a bit of rectification work on one part of the paint job. I weathered all the armour and the cape today. Just got to get around to ordering some decals to finish it. I will do a bit more weathering when I have the decals a light mist of black and some black flick of paint on the abb and lower part of the right chest piece.
My main issue is I think it might have a bit too much yellow :( Might need a bit of touch up but not really looking forward to it if I can get away with it I will leave it.
I reckon they look pretty good considering that we don't have the right spray paint colours here in Australia. But I would love to know your thoughts please.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered03.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered04.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered06.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered08.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered07.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered01.jpg

Nice weathering job dude. Looking sick!

Thanks mate...not really happy with all the yellow though.
When I peeled away the masking fluid it pulled more green off with it :(

would demasking before it's dry make any difference do you think?

I did leave it to dry for a few hours maybe I should have left it over night.

You might reduce the yellow with some base green (if you still have the original mix/colors) using a brush.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RafalFett

You might reduce the yellow with some base green (if you still have the original mix/colors) using a brush.

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My wife said I should just paint brush the green on, but I am using spray paint cans and colour mixing/matching isn't an exact science :) I could try spraying into a container and then brushing on, might try that on a little part of the cod as most of that is covered by belts.
I was going to brush on a little orange to dull down the yellow a bit as well after I had resprayed the green over the top to reduce the amount of yellow.

looking good buddy, nice paint work so far m'man, some little misting with some differrent greys ect migt be worthwile to tone some areas back, but a top start so far!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jayvee

looking good buddy, nice paint work so far m'man, some little misting with some differrent greys ect migt be worthwile to tone some areas back, but a top start so far!

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Thanks mate, I will be hitting it with some black and grey spray paint as a very light misting in parts.

Ok. I have done a bit of a test run to see how the spray paint would go being brushed on. It seemed to work ok. I tested it out on the cod as most of it will be hidden with belts. I have yet to hit it with some steel wool and any minor weathering yet.
Please let me know of you think I am on the right track have I taken off enough yellow or should I take off more? I want to get it pretty right before I attack the chest and abb plates. I don't really relish the thought of having to mask and re-spray paint the chest and abb plate.
Original
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered08.jpg
New
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...Fett/Cod01.jpg

It looks promising. Just mist some black paint on the repainted areas and you're good to go. You might even consider to apply some silver paint from the inside, but this won't reduce the scratch size. I say, stick to the green and then a light mist of black.

Thanks Raf...you have been a great help so far.

It's looking awesome mate, can't wait for my armor to arrive, I think I'll be waiting a while though, this thread will help me a lot when I start it up though! nice work!

Well I have touched up the armour with the paint brush and it does look a hundred times better. I haven't weathered it at all yet so some areas will still look a bit too green too yellow but this will be fixed once I hit it with some pastels and a misting of flat black and grey in some areas.
Thoughts comments?
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eathered09.jpg

It's not perfect, but it looks much better then before. Can't wait too see the armor with all the color adjustment. The yellow is still too strong and you might try to apply a light layer of orange with a brush.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RafalFett

It's not perfect, but it looks much better then before. Can't wait too see the armor with all the color adjustment. The yellow is still too strong and you might try to apply a light layer of orange with a brush.

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Thanks Raf. I know its not 100% accurate and it does bother me a little bit but I will see how I go, spray paint is a cruel and harsh mistress :). I will also add a little orange to tone down the yellow a bit.
I am aiming for 501st approval by April/May.
I did some work on a holster this afternoon. Did some drawings using the templates for the sidearm as a guide. I traced them in Autocad and did a design for a holster around that. It is only pretty rough at the moment and held together with tape. I plan on glueing, bondoing, sanding during the week now I have the armour done.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Holster01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Holster02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Holster03.jpg

interesting to watch, your doing well nice work so far.

I have been a bit slack and Mr Fett has had to take the back seat for a little while but I am back onto it.
The holster is almost finished, just need so thin leather to make the belt loop and the strap to hold the blaster in.
Got the jetpack sorted, well in my mind at least. It is all sanded and ready for painting just got to wait for a fine weekend and I can get it pretty much finished.
I have started on the dreaded gaunts. I have temporarily got the flame thrower together just got to get some more glue and put it all together then paint it up. Need to source some tube and tube connectors for the right gauntlet. I can't find the correct switches for the right one locally so I will leave them off until I can source them. Also looking at using rare earth magnets to hold them closed once they are hinged, will need a bit more investigation. Painting will be pretty straight forward except for the missile and the flame thrower.
Things to finish apart from the above stuff :
Weathering the jumpsuit and boots
Applying decals and weathering the armour
Paint the helmet...this is the big one hope I can pull it off

hey phantom, if you're in the woollongabba area, reverse garbage sells leather off cuts cheap (like $4-7 /kg)
20 burke st woollongabba. You may even find some hose for your flamethrower.

Hey Skiff...thanks for that. I work in the Valley so the Gabba is just down the road.
Haven't forgotten about having you over for an AP (armour party), just been flat out with other stuff.

Had some time on the weekend and some good weather to do some painting.
I got the primer on the gaunts and part of the jetpack till I ran out on Sunday night. Off to bunnings to get some more primer and silver...ran out of that too.
I got the flame thrower pretty much done, just need to paint the metal parts and fit them together and then to the plate that joins onto the gauntlet. I have to get some copper paint for the head of the rocket and paint that up. The paint job for the gauntlets looks pretty straight forward just a lot of weathering. I have to attach the hinges and I will be using rectangular rare earth magnets to close the gauntlets.
The jet pack, I ran out of primer and silver so will get some during the week and set up in the garage I want to have it all primed and silver by the weekend. I have been chatting with our local Jango (Crypto) and I have got his tips on how to attach the rocket and the thrusters...might need to get some of those rubber bands off you postman pat :) I still have to pay Darkside for a metal light up beacon but I have just painted the one that came with the jetpack silver just in case it doesn't arrive on time.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...tsPrimed01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...tsPrimed02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eThrower01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...eThrower02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ckPrimed01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ckPrimed02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ckPrimed03.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ckPrimed04.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ckPrimed05.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ckPrimed06.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...ckPrimed07.jpg

all looking schmick m'man, you are putting in an outstanding effort bud, keep it up! :)

Looks great do far. Painting everything up is definitely one of the most fun (And rewarding) parts of the whole process, especially when painting the professional grade equipment MOW offers.

Also, I'm going to steal your idea of using a Zapper as a placeholder for the sidearm. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Buffbeefbroth

Also, I'm going to steal your idea of using a Zapper as a placeholder for the sidearm. :D

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It's not my idea but go for it :) I still have to mod mine, but that will be one of the last things I do because I don't need the sidearm or any weapon for that matter for 501st approval. I have also cleaned up my sidewinder blaster and will be putting that together soonish :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ThePhantom

It's not my idea but go for it :) I still have to mod mine, but that will be one of the last things I do because I don't need the sidearm or any weapon for that matter for 501st approval. I have also cleaned up my sidewinder blaster and will be putting that together soonish :)

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Huh, that I did not know. Still fairly new to the craft, myself. I'm pretty sure i saw one down at the Video Game Exchange for about $5, so it couldn't hurt to try.

Good luck with the sidewinder kit!

Well gaunts and jetpack painted. Just got to add the bits to the gaunts, hose, flame thrower, the other bit on the right gaunt (don't know what it is called), paint the missile then magnetic closures and weathering.

Need help with the flame thrower. How is it best to fix it and the other bit to the right gaunt? I am thinking screw fixing them and glueing to be safe.

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets03.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets04.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets05.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets06.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets07.jpg

Jet pack needs the beacon installed, waiting on Dark Sides brilliant piece of work ;), slots cut in for the straps, decals, paint the darker parts the blue/green colour that Spidey recommended, the red paint which I am picking up tomorrow and weathering. Just got to put in the mechanism to hold in the thrusters have a Jango helping me out with that.

I have got a way to fix the top part of the rocket in, but want to see what you other guys do it. Magnets etc

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack03.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack04.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack05.jpg
I know everyone says it about the colours in photos. But the yellow isnt that yellow it is UP Armour Yellow

Comments are always welcome.

Just an idea with your colour Phantom how about using ink wash like the warcraft figure painters , inks come in various colours and mix with water for how deep you want your wash .

Thanks Jake.
When I weather I will probably use a mix of a wash and pastels dusted on in certain areas.

Well I did a bit on the weekend, weathering jumpsuit and boots mainly. Jumpsuit might need to get a bit dirtier. I also finished the gauntlets only one little part needed to be painted and I had to buy a whole new can for on tiny part much to my wifes dismay. I got all the final bits and pieces I needed hose for the gaunlet, some clips for the jetpack and a few other little bits so hopefully no need to run off to bunnings anymore. Had time this arvo to do a quick test fit and check the placement of the armour on the vest. I have just got all the paints for the helmet which is my next biggest hurdle as I want to have it done in two weeks for approval, just in case I need to change something that needs to be changed. I have a beacon that a friend is soldering up for me for the jetpack and I am just waiting on the decals for the armour etc so I can do the final weathering. I will do the final weathering on everything at the same time so I use all the same colours etc
I know I have to do something about the shin tools, the knees are just held on with tape as I have wrecked my wifes sewing machine, the pouches off the belt need to be weathered, the armour is temporarily held in place but I think the armour spacing is pretty good which was the aim of the test fit. and the vest has slipped down a bit. I need to get my wifes sewing machine fixed so I can get her to do some sewing of straps etc...
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...tTestFit03.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...tTestFit04.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...tTestFit05.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack07.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack08.jpg

The general look is OK, but what bothers me is the knee pad's shape and color. You got the armor from RKD, and you could get some accurate knees too from him.

Yeah I was thinking of that Raf, I should have just bit the bullet and got the knees when I got his armour. I just thought the knees I had would be ok. It didn't help not having to be able to secure them properly either.

Question on the shin tools. How do I stop the sag from the weight of them? Looks pretty ordinary at the moment and I am stumped on how to fix it. I know I probably have them in the wrong pockets we took the pics quickly I just wanted most of the stuff on.

How is the placement of the armour on the vest?

You could attach the chest armor plates closer to each other, because the gap between them is too big. The vest and the jumpsuit looks too big on you, and this is the main issue for the shin tools not staying straight in the pockets. If I read correctly you bought the soft parts from somebody else and wasn't made to your sizes. I think it would be better to fix it in a way or other to accomodate it to your body then do another test fit.

Thanks Raf.
How tight fitting should the jumpsuit be? Because it fits pretty well although the legs might be a bit largish around the calves.
What sort of spacing should I aim for between the armour pieces? I have just over a finger width at the moment.

The best fit of the vest and the jumpsuit is when these are almost a perfect fit on your body without very loose parts.

Attachment 59994

This image should help you in judging the armor plate's position and distances between them, and also the soft parts fitting on the body.

Awesome thanks very much for that Raf, that is a great help.

ya doin well man, bloody awsome work!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RobaFett

ya doin well man, bloody awsome work!

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Thanks mate....appreciate it...almost there :)

After getting some feedback from various sources and sitting down and having a good hard look at myself http://forum.thebhg.net/style_emotic...lt/biggrin.gif there are a few things that I need to rectify.
I only threw it on quickly late in the afternoon to see how it is all looking.
The flight suit and the vest are too big. I am working on getting the flight suit taken in so that it doesn't look so baggy around the legs and arms, it fits ok around my chest so I am getting it so that it fits a bit tighter especially the legs and arms. Same with the vest just a simple matter of repositioning the zip on the back to get a tighter fit.
The shin tools are aluminium and and with the suit being too big makes it sag a LOT.
I am looking at re-adjusting the armour on the vest and pulling it all a bit closer together. It will all come up a bit and the gaps getting reduced by about half at least.

The end is within sight.

Since I was homebound after a *%$#)* car malfunction I got a bit done....the car is going to cost almost as much as my Fett to get fixed

I have had a lot of help with adjusting the flightsuit and vest I am trying to get the armour placement right at the moment and will get some pics done tonight hopefully

I worked on the blaster. I left it to the last as it worried me because I thought I wouldn't have the skills to do it justice. It feels a little flimsy near the grip where it joins the webley. All it needs is a prime and hit it with some flat black, dry brush some brass around the scope and maybe a bit of silver on the body, put on the greebs then glue in the end muzzle.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Blaster01.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Blaster02.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Blaster03.jpg

Got the jetpack and gauntlets final weathering done. Just need the magnets for the closures they stuffed my order up hoping they will be in the mail box today. Then I can have the gaunts closing and the rocket secure.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets08.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets09.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets10.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets11.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...auntlets12.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack15.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack16.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack17.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Jetpack18.jpg

I will try fix the brass hose connector on my gaunts to be black and a bit longer.

Well hope to have the approval pics done by Saturday at the latest so that our GML can approve it ready for a big event happening here in May. I have already had his feedback and I have incorporated all his comments into the costume.

On your blaster try and wrap some tape around the flash tube to get it to sit better in the flare gun...its looking all limp

Thanks for that F4R it is a bit limp :) I was wondering how I was going to get it to sit in there properly, apart from sitting there holding it till the glue goes off. Do you guys permantly fix the flashtube?

Yeh, i have not yet permanently attached it man, BUT that is just because mine is in a tub back in the US with my wife and such, when Im ready to display and troop. Electrical tape would probably work best as it wont slip and slide if you get some that isnt to hard. But hot glue works wonders for things, quick set and not super permanent.

Oh and I found a weather brass or something paint that works REALLY well for the webley...as far as the flimsyness of the plastic D braket with the wood stock its gonna do that, gotta live with it, not much you can do except be careful stormrider will replace it if it was his if it breaks. Id love to have a cast metal one.

Thanks again F4R. Love to see some pics of your blaster.

How do you get the scorch marks on the chrome flashtube? Just work it over a flame?

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f23/s...99/index2.html

here is a link

Very good painting job on the JP

Thanks Strum

Well this is it....I think and I hope...sent off for approval

Thanks to all the help, tips and encouragement from all you here on TDH, and for all the good bits and pieces I have bought along the way.

Like most costumes I have already seen upgrade areas nothing too major.....but don't tell my wife.
- Better wookie braids
- Correct holster and sidearm
- Better knees
- Ammo belt
- New vest and neckseal
- Gloves

I think it came out ok a few things in the pics that not happy with but they are so simple to fix it's not really an issue.
- Weather the cape a bit more towards the top
- Weather gloves
- Pad out pockets on jumpsuit
- Figure out how to stop the shin tools from tilting forward
- Still need to look at the positioning of the chest armour a little

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/DSCF4859.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/DSCF4856.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/DSCF4831.jpg

For some reason the photos make me look shorter....weird

The suit looks good! I really like the color of the gauntlets and the jetpack, it's spot on, but looking at the whole costume, the armor plates, the shoulder bells and the knee pads' color is off; more exactly the armor color is too dark and the shoulders/knees color is too light. I repeat, the gauntlet and jetpack color is perfect and the helmet is excellent. You already listed the parts you want to change and weather, but you might consider to buy a jumpsuit (too) made to your measurements, because this is why the shin tools don't stay in place. Just keep up the excellent job!

Way to go mate, the whole thing looks awsome, an the helmet looks great,

Congrats man, it's looking really, really good, the paint job is insane, you should be really proud, again, well done ;)

Still waiting on 501st approval....hoping soon.
I did have the jumpsuit altered again to stop the shintools falling forward and to make some adjustments to the arms so I can get the gaunts on easier. I need to source a better set of gloves the ones I have are too big and I have to double wrap it around my wrist to get it to grab with velcro which makes it harder to get the gaunts on and keep them on. I have seen white dress gloves, can these be dyed grey and have the white applied to them on the fingers and the back of the hands?
A couple more pics.....
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/DSCF4897.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/DSCF4898.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/DSCF4902.jpg