Aurora (Helmet)***Update 3***

I'm usually a very quiet guy on the TDH and not a lurker. I have made some really great friends here and I hope I continue to do so.

About 4 months ago I was commissioned to complete a project for CK and ND (If they want to speak up I'll let them call out) to finish and complete a couple of Boba Fett helmets. I thought this would be a wonderful project to kick me in the rear and get mine going as well. I spent some time studying the colors and technique on the helmet and after a few phone calls to some good indusrty sources which helped me begin the research I was out of the chute and running. I sent a few test swatches to be checked out by ND and CK and they both picked the same color to use from a coded set of color swatches. I coded them so they could not compare colors and just give me an honest first best guess on color and they both picked the same one for the base color. It was some hard work.

I also decided to change a few parts of the helmet as well. These are going to have the proper key slot modifications I built and all metal ears and stalk (both are rebuilds and not recasts of others). The stalks are done and ears are in progress as well. I was assisited in redesigning a proper stalk as well and he's around here too.

It has been very hard keeping this whole project quiet but we felt it was time to come out with it. The helmet pictured(CK's) is nowhere near complete and there is still quite a bit of painting and weathering to go. I just started on the dent and it's a long ways away as you can see and the mandibles aren't even complete. The visor is just taped in since I'm waiting on more to arrive and this one is a beater with paint all over it. Chinstrap is a proto right now but I snapped it in anyway. Still need to install the little brass cheek piece too but I'll do that last I think or whenever it hits me LOL. Helmet presently is in like stage 3 of about a 10 stage process.

I have used my own paints/colors and techinique on this entire helmet. The helmet is darker in real life and is not a Pepto-green and the mandible color really does some wild stuff in different lighting it's actually more borwn than red.I wanted to share these with the TDH family and I'll be posting more in the future to keep everyone that is interested up to date.

Sorry the images aren't a little clearer but I just bought a new camera and I'm still going through learners curve.


Oh well here it is.



I added this in hopes of showing a better contrast of colors it was shot with my old camera used same colors as Uncle Joe.
Look at the real one it actually looks redder than mine in that pic but closer to what I have above. The pepto look comes from using a flash which is not used in my pic but is used on the real Fett on the right take care.

Hey Man awesome helmet. Got any info on dimensions. Is it the same size as the movie buckets? Looks great though.

Movie size.

WOW! The color and the paint job look right on! Are we going to be let in on this secret, or will it be qept quite too? It wouldn't come out of a spray can, would it? Your painting on the mandibles is FANTASTIC! I haven't seen anyone come so close! Good Job!

VERY, VERY nice! Can't wait to see the finished porduct.

I would love to be able to help out on the colors etc. but I am unable to disclose at this time. All colors are off the shelf no mixing/misting just straight paint.

Looking GREAT!!!

Helmet's off to ya!

Beautiful work!

I haven't yet been able to do any comparisons, but right now it looks pretty convincing to me. Stage 3 'eh? Nice work! I'll be looking forward to seeing more

Love the helmet. I hope you will be able to share those colors with us. Anyway here is a comparison shot.


Looks dead on to me. Keep up the great work.

Verrry nice! I hope mine will turn out half as good!

Thanks for all of the positive remarks it kind of keeps me going. If you guys want any more pics in different lighting let me know.

Very Nice work! I am impressed and look forward to more details and the paint color choices! I'm working on a Helmet right now and need some direction color wise!
Keep the great work!!
shunned

if you could get a pic with more light that would make the comparison pic a little better (color wise) but dang dude every freakin scratch matches up!!! Awesome work!!!

I would also love to hear which colors and how to get them (if/when they're made known).

Unless you want to paint mine too

I know I'm going to screw it up, can't find an exceptional painter who wants to paint it either

Phil

Hey Journeyman! I could paint your helmet if you dare send it
to Norway that is PM me if you're interested

That is a FABULOUS lookin' job dude. Hat's off to you.

I'm with JMP though . . . . so, umm .. . when WILL you be able to disclose the colours . . . ESPECIALLY if they're off the shelf . . . help a brother out?

Jer

Nice work. The secretive nature really adds to the intrigue. Kinda like a spy game, need-to-know basis thing.

This message will self destruct in eight seconds

I only have one thing to say, WOW. Keep the pictures coming.

Sorry I'm late!
C17LM - It looks FANTASTIC. I was not able to open the Photoshop photos that you sent so this is the first time I've seen the pics that you took with your new camera. It looks FABULOUS. It's been a real treat working with you on this. I feel like I've made true friends out of you and ND. I hope the frienship continues long after stage 10 of the paint job is complete. Already, this is without doubt the most accurately colored helmet that I've seen! Thanks so much for your amazing work on this!

Chris.

CKing. We could all read that last message. Better check the encryption program you guys are using. Wouldn't want anything like paint colors falling into the wrong hands(I hear those Trekkies would kill for this intel). We all remember the Crayola fiasco of '87. Burnt Sienna just hasn't been the same.

You were supposed to be able to read it.

Chris.

OH MY GOD!

That is the best helmet I have ever seen, even without the additions.

colorsssssssssssssss please especially the cheek please please pretty please

Guys,
Lee is not going to share the colors at this time. There is a lot of time and money invested in getting these just right and I know that Lee wants to show the fully finished helmet before he is prepared to share the colors. I understand why this is - it's so that someone doesn't beat him to it by posting photos of a helmet with truly authentic colors!
Please be patient and don't bombard him with emails about the colors!

Chris.

Guys it's a long story on the colors. I basically traded some color info for some stuff kind of a barter thing. And if I disclosed it I would violate an agreement I made and I want to honor my word with this person. However we are collaborating on the helmets now and we will work something out so that everyone is taken care of. Please be patient and ask all of the questions you want and I'll try to help. Thanks again for all of your kind words and thanks for understanding.

Lee

Chris King. Thanks for hanging in there you know I'm not a big delay guy but I appreciate your understanding and patience and I hope you like it when you get it.

Very very nice indeed. I say keep those paints a secret so we can see all these guys squirm a little longer and maybe they'll decide to go instead

You are just too cruel.

Nice job on the colors and superb painting. Hope you give up the secret to that also, it looks great. Cant paint for another 4 months anyway so Ill be watching.

Don't let the red color in the mandibles deceive you it's not that red it's the camera causing that it seems to exagerate hues and tones..but i'm learning how to use it..I'm actually reading the book.

Very precise weathering - must've taken many hours just to gather your reference images. It exactly matches the shapes and scars or the original prop.

It's probably just me, but your red looks a little more saturated and lighter than the original.

Your base green looks like a very good match - I hope you can spill the beans on that one.

I used Model Master's "rust" acrylic on a Marmit Fett I repainted and that looked pretty close to the original.


Steve

The red is not even red at all that is the funny part. It's kind of hard to explain but I used the exact color that was used on the original. Also there is a lot of weathering and sanding to be done this is still in an infantile stage. Thanks again for the positive feedback folks and I appreciate all of the comments too they help me improve it so keep it coming.

It just gets better and better! What do you mean the red is not even red. Why must you speak in riddles man. This Uncle Joe you speak of maybe that is how your helmet is so perfect Joe Johnston is your uncle. There it is I have figured it out.
TK-Fett Detective Extrordinair.

Nah I wish..it's just a funny acronym I used he's uncle too all of here LOL!

Would somebody PLEASE shoot me in the freaking head, PLEASE! I don't think even lil Orphan Annie could figure out what is going on here. BTW, Dick Cheney called, he wants the secret formula back. Something about National Security or something.

*shoots MMM in the head* you weren't supposed to tell him you work for Dick Cheney now how are we gonna get the secret formula back to Headquarters in time for Monday's review???????? why do you go and screw things up like this I'm gonna go down and pick up 300 different types of red thats actually brown and see what I can get

C17LM I was just wondering since you want to keep your paint secret would you be willing to paint helmets for a fee?

Yes I will be painting helmets. I just need to get these two off the bench and I have three others in the wings. After I get this one done and you like it make your choice then and let me know I talked to Brak's about pricing and we'll see what we can come up with that is economical but of equal high quality. I doubt I could ever charge for the time spent on these so I have to think of something else so everyone that wants a paint job can get one at reasonable price.

Just out of curiosity . . you said it was store bought paint right? So . . what's the secret?

It's not like they're missile launch codes . . . hell, it's not even the Colonel's 11 herbs and spices.

It's paint!

:p

Even Pavlov's dogs stopped salivating after a while.

I don't think CL17M is withholding the color information for any sort of personal gain or upper-crusty snobbines.

I think he made the reason quite clear:

Quote:Guys it's a long story on the colors. I basically traded some color info for some stuff kind of a barter thing. And if I disclosed it I would violate an agreement I made and I want to honor my word with this person. However we are collaborating on the helmets now and we will work something out so that everyone is taken care of. Please be patient and ask all of the questions you want and I'll try to help.

Just a little patience people.....

Bull sh*t he just wants to be the talk of the town. EVERYONE here share's, and is helpful IE: he either wants to be popular or he wants to make money painting helmets GO TO RPF AND PEDDLE YOUR PAINT JOB {{{{{{{{{{{{{ohh look at me {}}}}}}}}}}}}}} woopittdo What an ***

that was kinda uncalled for slave

to C17LM: I in no way meant to belittle you or degrade you. I would like to appologize for any grief I may have caused you. What I said was in no way meant to be malicious but just a light joke. Once again... Sorry.

-Paul

C17LM wrote:
Yes I will be painting helmets. I just need to get these two off the bench and I have three others in the wings. After I get this one done and you like it make your choice then and let me know I talked to Brak's about pricing and we'll see what we can come up with that is economical but of equal high quality. I doubt I could ever charge for the time spent on these so I have to think of something else so everyone that wants a paint job can get one at reasonable price.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{see what i mean moneymoneymoney }}}}}}}}}} your in the wrong forum this is the help each other out forum . your looking for ebay EVERYBODY HERE CAN PAINT A HELMET !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dude, too many negative waves...

Hmmm....there seems to be more to this than a great painted helmet. Although this board has, in my opinion since I've been here, seemed very helpful and generous with the collected intel, it also tends to hold its secrets for obvious reasons. I don't think that a paint color would be copyrighted by LFL, so the obvious reason is mute.

I would like to think that the artist has very good reasons for withholding this info, and will be willing to spill and be a part of the gang as soon as he feels comfortable doing so. Until then, we will progressively lose interest in the entire subject. When the secret is made public, everything will start to jump again, I'm sure.

I have used the analogy of owning wrenches not making a mechanic. Just because the exact color would be known, does not ensure that the mastery of this skilled painter is at risk of being duplicated. You still have to know what to do with that paint.

Since his honor and word are at stake, I respect his decision to withhold his data. I also apologize if it seemed as though I were on the offensive earlier. You do great work. It's the secret paint that is available to the public that is the curious thing. Odd that none of the Fett Geeks(me included) have found it yet.

Easy fellas...

It Just upsets me... Look at my past posts if i am not one of the most helpful and generous guys on here then i am completely in the wrong but.. why post the picture of the perfect helmet paint job and then not let us in on it .if not for personal gain. EVERYONE i have asked a question of on this board has been more than helpful, except in this thread. It is just mind boogling to me. bottom line i wont post or look at this thread again

Whoa there trigger!
I have been working with Brak's on this through the whole process and to be honest I said I wasn't going to paint anything for anyone. I'm sure it looks like I have profit as a motive but I'm sure that other members here can vouch for my work and can testify that it's worth what I charged.
Brak's indicated that a few people may ask me to paint their helmet what am I supposed to do do it for free? I really don't need the extra money to be honest I just do it to help people out and I'm sorry if you feel I'm an attention monger but I worked this project for 4 months and never said a peep.
I have also made contributions to indentifying pieces on the suit that Brak's and I have also worked together on and the board will know these pieces very very soon as well so get ready.
I'm a person of my word and I will honor that to the person I gave it to but that doesn't mean I don't want to tell or will never tell. I ask for patience and resolve I'm not trying to play a game or fool with anyone's head if you notice if I was looking for edification don't you think I would have posted this on the RPF? No I shared it here where it belongs and yes the person I traded the info to traded me quite a bit in return and until I make that up to him I can't divluge because what is the value of the trade to him if I did?. It's a matter of time and when I return the compensation back to a friend. I appreciate this board and everyone on it we're all Fett obsessed here and eventually we'll all have the same stuff in the end.
My helmet is not the greatest it's just another helmet that hopefully will be on the list of the other great helmets on this board I am not an artist and there are improvements to be made and anything that helps get us closer to the real thing helps us all.

steveday72 wrote:
Very precise weathering - must've taken many hours just to gather your reference images.

Nope! He spent many hours finding the right colors and working out his technique but only a few min asking for a certain ref CD!

For those who are frustrated because Lee won't post the colors RIGHT THIS SECOND:

You may not know C17LM yet, but hopefully you all know me. And hopefully you know that I would never withhold information from you or condone someone else holding information from you without a very good reason. As C17LM pointed out and Tyler Durden reiterated, C17LM spent a lot of time discovering these colors and he made a trade for that color information to attain some pieces he wanted. The details of that trade are none of our business but C17LM has made it know that part of the deal entailed him not spilling the beans immediately. Whether you like it or not, they are as his colors to do with as he likes. He never has to share them if he doesn't want to so I would encourage you to rethink your negative attitude. From what I have seen this board IS different than the RPF! We DO share info. We ARE a closer knit group. However, do not let this familiarity make you think you are OWED information. No one here is in a position to demand anything from anyone else (unless you paid them ) so holster your blasters, put down the thermal detonator and have some respect and patience. These are very exciting times for us as we are getting closer and closer to the goal. Lets not ruin it by making wild accusations or throwing out negative posts on a whim.

EDIT: I have thought about this a bit more and I have a few more things to throw out.

I have been working with Lee through this entire process and I have witnessed the effort that has gone into his discoveries. He has an enormous amount invested in this in both time and money. Some of you feel he should hand the colors over this second but I disagree. Let me tell you what happen,from my own experiences, when someone puts a lot of effort into a project then turns the info over too quikly.

When I discovered the MQ-1 calc I immediately posted the info to the board but asked everyone NOT to rush the market as it would drive up the prices. Well, one guy did and unfortunately ended up making the calc that I got cost about twice as much as it should have! I worked my butt off to make that discovery but because I shared the info too soon, I feel like I hurt myself.

Although it isn't exactly the same situation, Lee DESERVES to get a little something for his efforts and he has arranged to do so while the paint colors still have value. To deny him such a small reward is very selfish on your part and is a good way to keep others from sharing their info in the future. If they can gain nothing by making discoveries why put out the effort at all?

An awesome looking helmet :colors,weathering,etc. Very exciting times indeed,but I can't help having a bittersweet feeling knowing my stuff is being custom-mixed painted right now,and that there is a few cans on a shelf waiting

One question with regard to ESB.Does the green for the helmet you're using apply to all components minus the knees/shoulders?

Great work,and great find

Steve

I remember reading that the Star Wars props guys used a lot of UK model paint - I think it was Humbrol.

Anyone interested should probably take a look there.

I can't help feeling that the person who traded props or valuable pieces of props for a list of paint colors was suckered. Just my humble opinion.

Steve

Just my .02 even though I am still making my way through TDH as a "newbie"!
Being an artist myself I know what it's like to commit many hours and weeks creating colors to fit a certain piece that I am working on!! Though this guy is pulling the colors right off the shelf, its still nearly the same thing research wise!!
I agree that I highly anticipate this information as well as most of my fellow TDH'rs, however its not to say that he is in the wrong not to reveal his sources!!
I don't think he is holding out to intentionally bother anyone as he did say he would clue us in down the road!!

Heck, I have a helmet ready to be painted right now, but I'm not gonna get upset about it because I can make the colors I need if I set my mind to it!!! It's all relative to the person's eye anyway!
From one artist to another ,though he claims not to be, I believe anyone that can do any kind of hand made or paint "replication" is an artist!
So anyway, what I'm getting at is sharing is one thing and since he was paid (basically) to keep the info on the down low for now, I can respect that!!
Can't wait to get more info ,but we have no choice!!

Good luck with your ART and hope to see more developments as they get closer to finish day!
sincerely, shunned

I just wanted to speak out on the person I have made an honor agreement with just so everyone will not think this is something they made me do etc. I approached them with the prospect of a trade and terms of the deal they actually wanted me to share the colors and not do a trade of info. Well after talking to Brak's on this I actually dug a hole for myself. I want everyone to know that I contacted this person tonight and we decided that I'll pay for my deal vs. an informational trade and this would release me of the personal lock I placed on myself. This indivudual was really happy that I'll be sharing this with the board now since that is what they wanted me to do in the first place.

So that being said I will work up something to let everyone know when I'll post it. I know it's not the Manhatten project and I'm sure I'll have people still making Negative feedback on me and how I'm greedy but trust me that is far from the truth. So everyone will know even the people that don't even like me for no good reason and it won't cost you a cent. But be patient I want to get this helmet a little further along.

And I wanted thank all of the folks who supported me and those that had negative things to say that's ok too.

I just would like the members here know that Slave1117a who
expressed his opinion earlier, helped me out. I live in
Canada and could not find colors for the ROTJ theme, Slave1117a who lives in the U.S. offered to sent me unused spray cans for FREE!!! I never knew or spoke to Slave1117a
prior to this gratious offer.


Once i recieve the paint, i will try to find Canadian brands and color numbers that match and share this info with other
Canadian TDH members. I have learned alot here by asking
questions and will pass on what i know. There is one thing
that Slave1117a has taught me, that a strangers generosity
is worth more than someone's word.

Cheers Slave1117a

__________________________________________________ ____
Slave1117a has taught me, that a strangers generosity
is worth more than someone's word.
__________________________________________________ ____




Funny how that good nature and generosity to strangers was not extended to me.

HEY, WHO CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SUPERBOWL? WOOHOO! WE'RE GETTING A BIG FAT SANDWICH! WATCHING ON THE NEW WIDESCREEN! WOOHOO!

I think the Superbowl is going to be good this year unfortunately my team didn't even make it to playoffs *sniff*.

C17LM wrote:
I think the Superbowl is going to be good this year unfortunately my team didn't even make it to playoffs *sniff*.

oh well... mine didn't either. But hey!! at least we can root for our least favorite team to lose!!!!!!!

Sure it was C17LM!
I think the majority of us appreciate your generosity in sharing the pics even! I think he just missunderstood ya!!
I can't speak for anyone but myself though, in saying I know why you said what you did and understood your circumstances!!
Can't wait to see the results though!!
I got a helmet ready to go and your guidance color wise will make it complete!
Good luck and hang in there!!, shunned

Looking forward to the games today very much!!

My team's still in it!!! Yaaay!!

MegalomaniacalMandalore wrote:
HEY, WHO CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SUPERBOWL? WOOHOO! WE'RE GETTING A BIG FAT SANDWICH! WATCHING ON THE NEW WIDESCREEN! WOOHOO!

Super bowl - is that something you eat a big breakfast out of?

Steve

Lee

What can i say, your work is oustanding as always.

The pics speak for themselves & i cant wait to get my hands on the finished item.

No only have i found the best person to paint my helmet but ive made good friend as well.

Nathan

Hey Lee the front of this helmet looks awesome as I and other members have already said but what about the back. Can you post any pics of the back so we can check out that too.

I have painted the back but I'm waiting on some more paint to arrive to confirm the color. I'll post pics of how it looks now but the color could be changing.

Lee

C17LM wrote:
I have painted the back but I'm waiting on some more paint to arrive to confirm the color. I'll post pics of how it looks now but the color could be changing.

Lee

the color on the back? post pics anyways this helmet just gets better and better and I can't wait to see the scratches on the back

I just wanted to chime in with my praise and awe. That's a great looking helmet, I can't wait to see it finished!

The secrecy is totally understandable. I'm under the impression that it was only a contractual obligation and also, as BB explained, designed to allow Lee a little pride when he is the first to debut a helmet with these colors.

As I understand it the colors will be shortly thereafter divulged and anyone can freely pursue them. Lee's consideration regarding his painting services will be just that, his services in applying these colors to your helmet. At that time, if I understand correctly, the colors will be public knowledge around here and if you think yourself capable of applying them better and/or more cheaply then you will be more than free to do so.

Personally, I know I can't give my new helmet the paint job it deserves. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread

(thanks for the offer micke, )

Phil

Thanks I appreciate the feedback. I want to post some pics of other stuff I'm working on for the helmets but I'm low on webspace. I'm going to talk to Brak's about hosting a few pics for me and we'll see what I can get going.

Lee

Lee,you never answered my question about the color corresponding to all the ESB peices.I didn't think this applied to the actual color,but just how/where it was used,so I didn't think the question was out of line.

Steve

Hey sorry about that I had to go back and re-read your post and I guess I forgot about you. To be honest I haven't researched the ESB gauntlets and jet pack they do appear to be a different color to me but that is a guess if you have any good pictures of either please send them to me and I'll get to work on it. Most of the information on the suit was provided to me in piece meal and I had to come up with the filler. I'm working out a response for the colors as well so hang in there everyone I'm getting to it.

Okay, let it be known that I am NOT attacking C17LM in any way, shape or form. However, I have to agree with Slave on this. It just seems silly to me that paint color should be such a big secret. Someone said earlier to allow him a chance to take pride in what he'd done (I'm assuming because as soon as he releases the color info, we're all gonna copy away ). But, I don't see how he's shorted. He's still the first to reveal the proper color scheme. Granted, I don't have a clue as to the terms of this "agreement" he made. But it just seems odd to me to post this while not being able to share. It just feels like a slap in the face to me - a sort of "ha, ha, look what I have and you don't." Why not wait until he could? I REALLY don't think we have to worry about paint prices skyrocketing because a few Fett nuts start buying it, especially if it's off the shelf.
I could NOT have made it as far as I have with my Jango without the help of this board. I mean, it's been one step forward, and three steps back with my costume making, simply because I keep seeing better ways to do things! When people start hording helpful info just so they can say "look at my cool stuff," and people give them kudos for it, it just bothers me. It's like the carrot on a string in front of the mule. It's just down right mean.
Your work is fantastic C17LM, and I praise your efforts. It's just too bad you can't share.
Okay folks ... flame away.

Heah guys take it easy.

The paint colours WILL be released once Lee has finished just as he as already said.

Look at it from his point of view.

He did all the background research on the paint & techniques used.

Spent a heck of a lot of cash on different shades of green, red etc just to find the exact match.

Then hes spent god alone knows how many hours practicing the technique he is now using to paint the helmets & the countless hours researching the paint scheme so that all of the colours go on in the correct order. Not all of them go on in the order you would expect.

If you had done all of that would you release the colours before youd finished. I dont think anyone here would, i know i wouldnt.

Look at this way we have all waited 20+ years to find out the real colours of Fetts helmet. A month or so more isnt going to kill us is it.

Even i dont know the colours yet, & one of the helmets being painted is mine.

Nathan

Um ... yeah, I WOULD, in fact, share the information regardless of how much work I had put into it. If someone asked, I would be happy to let them know, whether I was finished or not.
Your logic makes no sense to me. I thought this place was here to ask for and offer help.
I'm not saying he's not going to tell us. I'm just saying it makes NO sense whatsoever not to do so when people ask.
This whole "he's put so much work into it, I agree he shouldn't tell" stuff is garbage IMO. It's just selfish.
Whatever, I'm going to paint (or have someone paint) my helmet with, or without his colors. I just don't think it's right. I don't think I'm OWED anything, I just think posting your stuff, then not telling how you did it is a lousy thing to do. This is the first time I have EVER argued something on this board. One of my favorite things about this place was that people didn't come in with holier-than-thou attitudes. They were ALWAYS helpful and had kind words of encouragement for others - even if their stuff really didn't look all that great. That's why this bugs me so much. It's not that I really want his color scheme. I'm a Jango for Pete's sake. My wife's the Boba. I just think it's not cool at all to pull **** like this.
Again, I don't know what this arrangement of his was, but I wouldn't have made a deal like that. Sounds to me like the guy who had these colors originally is just plain selfish.
Okay, I guess I've ranted enough this time. I just don't understand how you people can defend this guy's actions. It boggles the mind.

Hi Soju

I really dont see anyone here with hoolier than though attitudes. We leave to the RPF.
Everyone ive had dealings with here have always been as helpful as they can.
Thats why i love this place, none of the politics that plague the RPF.

Lee is just protecting his work till hes finished.
Remember, this is a fun hobby. Its nice to work on a secret project & do something thats never been done before.
He has stated more than once he wil release the info once hes done, but he wants to finish what he started before releaseing it, whats wrong with that.
Patience you must learn patience.

Lee isnt saying "ive got the colours & i aint telling Nah nah!!"

Hes saying " look guys ive discovered the right colours, im testing them out to make sure they are all correct then ill post the finidings for everyone to use."

Does that make sence now?

Nathan

I was going to post something very similar to what natty just posted. His was much nicer than mine so I'll let his speak for what I wanted to say. Patience please people.

Soju, I would disagree with you. And I think in due time, you will find Lee to be quite the opposite. You want see "holier-than-thou," there are some prime examples of that attitude on the RPF. And boy does it get my goat when people can't share for trivial or egomaniacal reasons. If I thought there was some high-falooting elitism here, I would be the first to call it. I really do not think that is the situation here.

Now I guess the source of most of the disgreement would be "why post when you can't share..." Well I am sure you can make arguments both ways, but I think the point of the post was get some excitement going. Sure, he could have waited until he completed the agreement and the helmets were completed to make the post, so that the colors could be revealed. However, I would much rather know the colors exisit earlier, so I could plan them into the painting of my helmet. I could have bought a bunch of paints, had it painted, blah blah, and suddenly I see a post showing me some very promising colors and it is back to square one.

I also think it is a moot point to debate the merit of the "arrangement." Yeah it is "bad" for us. We don't get the colors immediatly, and Buddah forbid, there is no instant gratification. But the deal was made, and we will still have the colors anyway.

I wasn't going to chime in on this thread but, I've been watching it and have had my opinion on it as well.

In my opinion anyway, it seems as though everything's gotten quite heated and perhaps blown a little bit out of proportion.

Patience . . . I think we all have patience, and we can wait. That's not necessarily the point though.

Whether it was intentional or not, and I'll choose to believe that it wasn't intentional, Lee's first posts came off to a lot of people with a holier than thou attitude. Some may not have read it that way, but there were a lot of people that did read it that way. Like I say, with a week's distance away from it all, I'll choose to believe that it wasn't intentional, but, that's how it came off. Then to top it all off, it seemed as though the people "defending" his posts were the ones getting their bucket's painted him. Whether the case or not, it gives off the impression of an elitist air. Which is something I don't think anyone wants.

But now, everyone's backs are up and it's going nowhere. Lee feels like he's being attacked, and a lot of the board is feeling like the spirit of the board isn't being followed.

I agree with Soju . . . this board is a great place to hang out with like minded people. We share our ideas, and everybody chimes in to try to make everybody's costume better. And, I think that TDH has done a fabulous job with that. That's why I think a lot of people here got really frustrated when someone seemed to be saying "I found the perfect paint, anyone can buy it in a store, and I'm not telling you what it is". It just seemed to go against everything TDH was here for. If we wanted to look at people's helmet's without sharing ideas, we can just go look through the member database at 501st.com.

And, I agree with Natty, TDH has almost always come through on being a helpful place to come. I specificially avoid RPF for the same reasons that Natty said.

My own opinions . . . well, I, like Soju, know myself that I've answered any question when asked, and almost everyone else I've ever asked for help, they've helped as well. I even put blueprints of my work up before I even had the first one off the line! I think that a lot of people have had that great experience here. And that's another reason that people's noses might have got a bit out of joint. It's not something we're used to here. Someone saying they have the answer, yet seemingly (at the time, that's how it seemed), unwilling to share. So, patience, that's fine, we can exercise patience. If for no other reason than we have no choice. Myself, I'm still going the custom mixed route so . . . take your time! hehehe

And the argument about paint being the same as the calc pad . . . I don't buy that for a second. You're talking about an object that's 25 years old and not readily available compared to a paint that's been said can be bought right off the shelf. But, that's my take on it, take it for what you will.

I guess all I'm trying to say is, is that it some really bad and cryptic wording has led to this, and both "sides" (for lack of a better word), have had their feelings hurt by this.

Lee, your paintjob is fantastic . . I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Simply stunning.

Let's leave the arguing to RPF!

Jer

Okay, well, thanks for trying to explain natty and tyler, but I still don't see it. I don't see any cockyness in his attitude. He seems like a really nice guy. I just don't understand this black project. It's blindingly obvious he has the colors right. Why not give others the opportunity to test this stuff themselves? Maybe they could even improve upon it.
I can't count how many times I've re-done something because someone found a better way. Who knows, maybe after you do buy all this guys paint, someone will come out with something better. Everyone here has agreed that a costume is never really finished. Why wait on this guy? He said he has been working on this thing for four months and he's only on step three out of ten! How long are you going to wait?
I'm obviously only making enemies here, so I too will not post again. I don't see it; I don't agree with it. 'Nough said.

Oh, and Ego ... well said.

Points well noted, Soju. And you do have a right to disagree. All I am saying is let's give the guy some time and patience to come through. I agree, hopefully it is not going to be an excessive amount of time.

Not making any enemies, Soju. People seem to have read the thread two different ways with different impressions. Let's just relax a bit and see how it all develops.

I would like to remind ourselves, and not lose sight of the fact, that we are ALL on the same "team" here. We revel in each others accomplishments, and empathize for other's failures. It is what sets this little community apart. Inasmuch, I don't feel as though either point of view to this subject is necessarily wrong. It is painfully obvious that our only source for deciding how we stand on the matter is our personal interpretation of the subject's presentation, and our even more personal interpretation of how we would react if the situations were reversed.

Being raised on John Wayne and Errol Flynn movies, I am very motivated by my personal code of honor. I have the utmost respect for anyone who could convince me of that same quality belonging to them. I will defend Lee's promise to the mystery agent with full determination.

What I do feel as far as the negative side to this, however, is the way the presentation came off. I, for one, would have been immeasurably excited if a post had been made to the nature of; "Hey, guys. I think I'm real close to figuring out the REAL color to the helmet. I'm still testing, so don't want to get too many hopes up. As soon as I can do so without looking stupid, I'll post pics. I'd really like to think that this is another step closer to fulfilling this board's goal in acheiving the best Fett possible." ...Done. That would have been a more agreeable delivery, in my humble opinion.

I will use myself as one example here, and also(hopefully he'll understand) HS.
HS ran an imressive running commentary on the manufacture of his helmet. He didn't seem to me to withhold anything. Took us into the bowels of the foundry itself. Showed step-by-step how he produces one of these treasures. He seems to me to have done the same with his weapon casts.
As for myself, and believe me, my stuff is junk as far as accuracy, I have explained and illustrated in pictures, the steps in making all I have of my costume so far. I have done so to hopefully disspell any myths as to the difficulty involved in the sewing or other techniques involved. Hopefully someone can see what I've done and make an even BETTER one than I did (wouldn't be hard). I have even run a tutorial showing how to shape metal. I've held nothing back.

Now, having said this, I would like to see anyone use their own home-foundry to cast themselves a decent helmet or weapon base. Or take my twenty years of experience and do what I have done with my vast collection of tools at my disposal.

My point here is this; Even if I KNEW the "secret-color-that-is-actually-no-secret", and applied it to my helmet in the best way I am capable of, it would still look like a lump of chicken poop that the white part has been carved away from leaving only the green. I don't have the talents necessary for painting well.

Lee is an accomplished and talented painter. He needn't fear anyone muscling-in on his action by equaling his talent. I think that divulging this paint thing would appease everyone concerned here. If not, I am convinced, I'm already seeing it, that many will lose interest and simply ignore or resent his awesome work farther down the road.

That's how my stick floats.

"Guys it's a long story on the colors. I basically traded some color info for some stuff kind of a barter thing. And if I disclosed it I would violate an agreement I made and I want to honor my word with this person. However we are collaborating on the helmets now and we will work something out so that everyone is taken care of. Please be patient and ask all of the questions you want and I'll try to help. Thanks again for all of your kind words and thanks for understanding."

I thought this pretty much summed it up. I really don't understand why this has been such a rucass. He did say in a later post that they colors will be revealed. Personally, if it were me and this was my reception on TDH I would take my toys and go home, so to speak. Of course I guess the honorable thing to do would be to break his word with someone and tell the colors, just to please the masses. Or even better never share it with anyone, ever. Personally, I'd rather wait and know that when I get the colors they will be the right ones.

"Hey, guys. I think I'm real close to figuring out the REAL color to the helmet. I'm still testing, so don't want to get too many hopes up. As soon as I can do so without looking stupid, I'll post pics. I'd really like to think that this is another step closer to fulfilling this board's goal in acheiving the best Fett possible." ...Done.


...And I never have had a problem with waiting.

Dean O wrote:
I thought this pretty much summed it up. I really don't understand why this has been such a rucass. He did say in a later post that they colors will be revealed. Personally, if it were me and this was my reception on TDH I would take my toys and go home, so to speak. Of course I guess the honorable thing to do would be to break his word with someone and tell the colors, just to please the masses. Or even better never share it with anyone, ever. Personally, I'd rather wait and know that when I get the colors they will be the right ones.

Actually, if you read past, with the exception of Slave's, um, enthusiastic comments , no one has really asked for him to reveal the colours. I'm with MMM, a man's only as good as his word. He made a promise, he should keep it. I can only speak for myself, the comment I made afterwards was more to find out how something that's in plain sight can be a secret, not a plea to find out the colours. My apologies if it was taken as anything more.

I still hold with what I think is true from everyone that's talked to me about it . . . the presentation and the attitude in the original posts really rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. A lot of which has been edited out now as well, it's worth noting. Nothing against Lee, I've never talked to him, but I'm sure he's a great guy. He's on TDH, so, he's gotta be cool! I'll chalk it up to words on the internet being misformed, and misinterpreted. Lord knows it's happened to me more times than I can shake a stick at.

No one wants him to pick up his toys and go home. TDH is a better place because of EVERYONE's contributions here.

I think the only point people were trying to make earlier regarding the waiting now is . . how long? If he's going to be telling in two weeks, people will wait. If it's going to be two years . . they might as well go another route. I think that's the only reason that that keeps coming up.

Just my 1.31 cents (CDN Dollar Conversion)

Well put Ego I wholeheartedly concur. (is that a word?)

Thank you, and, yes it is! (they don't call me Captain Dictionary for nothing)

Appolo_50 wrote:
Well put Ego I wholeheartedly concur. (is that a word?)

C17LM : Your helmet looks excellent! I'm sure it will turn out as good as Fettpride and Motorfish's buckets. The scratches and battle damages allready looks great!

I checked mine and compared them next to eachother:



The green is pretty darn close i think (YAY!)
Mine is a custom mix and i did them by studying shots with not too much flash in it. Actually I find the darker green(on the back) the hardest to do. Mine is really off at the moment along with the red which is not really right, but when i get my Movie sized helmet i'll try my best at setting things straight.

Keep us updated!

-Mikael

Say, I just looked at the chin strap again...is that a Rebel pilot's helmet chin cup? I could be mistaken, but isn't that a little raised rounded rectangle towards the top center? Yay or nay, it still looks cool

Oh, and Mikael, your helmet looks GREAT too!

Wow really nice helmet!! very good job on the paint and weathering top notch I must say I hope I can get both of these to look that good I'm miles away right now.

The chincup was from one my Starship Troopers helmets I have a few laying around and they look cool. Just a hard to find item. I'm trying to find one to match original.

Lee

C17LM wrote:
Wow really nice helmet!! very good job on the paint and weathering top notch I must say I hope I can get both of these to look that good I'm miles away right now.

The chincup was from one my Starship Troopers helmets I have a few laying around and they look cool. Just a hard to find item. I'm trying to find one to match original.

Lee

The original had a chin strap?? wow i guess ya learn something every day. i had no clue

One helmet did I believe see page 133 of chronicles. jsut thought it was cool and it helps control head movement.

Thanks
I've studied your pics closer and i was just wondering what technique you used for the scratches. Sponge? Brush?
Anyway looks great! Cant wait to see it finished..

-Mikael

I used brush the sponge has a great effect but it's too hard to control when trying to make accurate scratches.

Lee

Once I get these two done I'll post the colors it shouldn't be too much longer folks and I appologize for the delay I hate waiting myself.

C17LM wrote:
I used brush the sponge has a great effect but it's too hard to control when trying to make accurate scratches.

Lee

Once I get these two done I'll post the colors it shouldn't be too much longer folks and I appologize for the delay I hate waiting myself.

hey no problem take ur time.... we all understand now

Hey, hows them helmets coming along??
shunned

I'll take a picture and have braks host it for me I'll have it up tomorrow right after work (**** real world I hate it).

Lee

NEW PICS! NEW PICS! NEW PICS! NEW PICS!

Nathan

Great to see how these are coming along.

May take a little bit more I got in late tonight so it will be around lunch time tomorrow.

Yaaaaaaaaaaay!!!

. . . oops, uh, I mean. . . Go ROTJ!

Can't wait! So far it looks incredibly accurate! I know two Britts who's not going to be able to leave there houses any more before they update there home protection systems! You are truly going to be the envy of all Fett fans! I just wished I could afford to come over and see them in person.

Steve.