NEW MR FETT HELMET PICS

Well....Spidey I must say that it was a awesome experience to open up this bad boy with you and Philip!!!

Cant wait to see the FPH comparison shots!!

I have to give credit to MR...they did a great job!!! However I wish they had used the ESB Hero helmet instead of the prepro bucket. I really think they could have nailed the HERO bucket.

I must admit that I will be getting one of these for myself!!

Great pics! I'm really looking forward to the "how to fix the wonky t-visor" tutorial thread.

Darthmiller in the MR!!

ROMO FETT!!!!!

Originally Posted by DarthMiller

ROMO FETT!!!!!

What does this bad boy look like on the inside?

What is the image on the rangefinder?

Jason, seeing you with that helmet on, and the " ", the first thing that came to mind was that it almost looks like you're having a "Jar-Jar" moment there I could only imagine your numb tongue hanging out inside the helmet

Great shots of the MR !!!!! I'm very impressed with this helmet ! I can't wait to get mine now !!!!

Originally Posted by SoulAssassin

What is the image on the rangefinder?

I'm curious about this as well ?

FP

I am as well. Would really like to hear why MR purposely did that; they obviously could have corrected it.

Originally Posted by Count Dookie

'm really looking forward to the "how to fix the wonky t-visor" tutorial thread.

It should be a REAL easy fix. However, the visor that is shipped with the helmet would probably have to be replaced. As I understand it, the MR visor is paper thin anyway. so no big loss

I'd b happy to post "my" solution to this once I get mine.

FP

wow, those are some brilliant photos! what a photographer.

Originally Posted by volkerc

wow, those are some brilliant photos! what a photographer.

Agreed ! And I think the blue background was a PERFECT choice for this too !!

FP

Looks like I was beaten to the line with the 'how do you fix the wonky visor' question, is the taper inherent to the cast or has it been installed wonky? That make sense? Great photos bro!!

I noticed in one of the pictures (that I've been pouring over, THANKS!) the RF top is missing the bottom clear piece, is that how the batteries are replaced?

This is a real real amazing HELMET !!! My god, there is no doubt that this is the very BEST work that MR has done... and well, after all, the best farewell that they could have done... with their master piece...!!!

HATS OFF FOR YOU MR !!!

I was thinking (about 1 year ago), to get 1 to repaint it, but damned it, is so beautifull that makes me doubt !!! .

Originally Posted by fettpride

It should be a REAL easy fix. However, the visor that is shipped with the helmet would probably have to be replaced. As I understand it, the MR visor is paper thin anyway. so no big loss

I'd b happy to post "my" solution to this once I get mine.

FP

FP, about the mod, please post all the info you can (off course, when you can), I'm really interesting in seeing how it can be done !!! (without actually messing the helmet ).

Great pics and comparison, btw.

Cool

Looks really good so far. Can you please tell me the box dinemsions?

thanx in advance

Awesome pics! I'm really impressed with the MR. The taper didn't bother me too much at first, but seeing it side by side with FP's beauty in the other thread I think it's something I'll be looking at fixing as well. All and all a beautiful bucket!

Too bad no interior photos.

The interrior is nicely padded. Go to Starwarshelmets.com and click on the MR helmet link for an inside shot of the prototype.

Originally Posted by Spideyfett

Thanks bro:o...and yes the PP3 taper was scanned..

While all the real helmets have a certain degree of wonkiness on on the left mandible, I disgree that the visor pinch on the MR is directly from the PP3 scan.

Here is proof:




On the left, is a photo of Montagar's MR Fett helmet. On the right, is a photo of the actual ILM Prepro 3 helmet that MR scanned for its replica. One can clearly see that the MR helmet's visor assembly pinches the mandibles closer together than what they should be.

I haven't recieved mine yet, but that tapering thing is definately bugging me. I don't understand how they could let that pass quality control. After the first few were made, they should've realized the problem. On the other hand, it will make it distinct and immediately noticeable. Maybe since I haven't received mine yet, the defective ones were shipped out first and mine will be corrected. ha! I doubt it, but that would be funny.

hmmm..Interesting..

Maybe its a combination of both..?? no?..

Cause by looking at the pics what we are really saying is MR could have fixed it?? and didn't?
Cause the PP3 does show a tapper..and not completely parallel mandibles from top to bottom...

MR makes a great helmet but I still cannot stand the misted dirt they spray over the whole thing. It just looks like a bad paint job if you get close enough to it. For screen purposes it's great, but for up close and personal it looks a little too intentional.

Originally Posted by Spideyfett

hmmm..Interesting..

Maybe its a combination of both..?? no?..

Cause by looking at the pics what we are really saying is MR could have fixed it?? and didn't?
Cause the PP3 does show a tapper..and not completely parallel mandibles from top to bottom...

Either way, I'm still going to display it proudly. I have no intention of trying to "fix" it. By altering it, you ruin take away from what gives a MR helmet it's individuality. I would hate to spend that much for a licensed replica, only to alter it. Like I said before, I hope to get a helmet from a board member and make it how I like. Just my 2 cents.

Originally Posted by suspect86

MR makes a great helmet but I still cannot stand the misted dirt they spray over the whole thing. It just looks like a bad paint job if you get close enough to it. For screen purposes it's great, but for up close and personal it looks a little too intentional.

I have to say the earlier shots of the MR that were released did have a heavy amount of weathering with the "Rust splatter", As seen on STARWARSHELMETS.COM...but on this one we looked at they really toned it down with less of all that.....for the better I think

Perhaps they had made the molds, but due to the fact that their licensing with LFL was ending shortly, they didnt have the time to fix them all? Thats probably the only reason I could think of. But on the other hand, this should have been fixed immediatly

Originally Posted by tubachris85x

But on the other hand, this should have been fixed immediatly

I totally agree..

Originally Posted by Benkenove

Hey Spidey, just one question...

What are the ears made off ??? what material... ?? resin, coldcast ? real metal ??

That's something I've been wondering a loooooooooooong time !!!

P.S. the more I look it, the more I like it... it's really perfect (ok, not counting the mandibles, I know, I think I will mod it, once I know how could I do it... FP..??xDDD ).

Ben.

Well, I have to give Lee (rogue studios) credit for telling me early on what they were going to be....then Phillip Wise confirmed it for me...But the EARS are Die-cast.....and extremely cold to the touch.

and the same for me too, the more time I spent with it the more I like it...and now I want one...it kinda grows on ya.

Oh and one other thing, it's got some sold wieght to it!! for sure.

And the stalk.. the same ? or real alum ??

P.S. (what is exactly die-cast ... something like coldcast or what ?? excuse my ignorance, but sometimes my english is a little limited)

I don't feel that the "pinch" visor look will ruin it's distinctiveness as an MR. The pinch to me actually distracts. In my eye the PP3 and Hero appear "almost" identical. I have no issues with a repair, however, the concern is how much stress that could cause a crack around the edge of the eye slit. Ummm, like the Hero.... that might just be something.
Mike

Originally Posted by Benkenove

And the stalk.. the same ? or real alum ??

P.S. (what is exactly die-cast ... something like coldcast or what ?? excuse my ignorance, but sometimes my english is a little limited)

Die-cast is actual metal. If you remember all those hot wheel cars, it says "die-cast metal." Its basically like liquid metal as the casting material in a mold (from what i understand, could be wrong about the casting processes, but it is metal) Cold casting is the use of an aluminum powder mixed into fiberglass resin, so that once casted, it gives the appearence of real metal

Originally Posted by Desloc

I don't feel that the "pinch" visor look will ruin it's distinctiveness as an MR. The pinch to me actually distracts. In my eye the PP3 and Hero appear "almost" identical.

Absolutely. They all came from the same place. Any differences could be attributed to trimming, assembling, and warping, which are minor variations.

hey spideyfett, the helmet looks like it could fit a few differnt size heads,would it be good for us big headed felloews or is it kinda snug under that beautiful helmet?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated ,thanks.

I dont have that big of a head and I felt like it was tight on my head....

the have so much padding on the inside it makes it feel much tighter than it actual is.

Originally Posted by the_ hunter_of_bounties

hey spideyfett, the helmet looks like it could fit a few differnt size heads,would it be good for us big headed felloews or is it kinda snug under that beautiful helmet?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated ,thanks.

What would be a good helmet for me to buy to wear then, I bought one of the ebay and when i got it I couldn't even see out the slot through the visor,figured i mess with it some to see what i could do with it since it was very cheep to purchase.

What are the box dimensions?

Originally Posted by Wolfi

What are the box dimensions?

Ditto. And possibly the shipping weight that was on the label?

I emailed the guy at www.t-visor.com about selling a corrected visor especially for the MR helmet (hopefully it's an easy swap). He's into it, and I offered to send him a template once I receive my helmet, unless someone wants to send it to him first.

Originally Posted by Count Dookie

I emailed the guy at www.t-visor.com about selling a corrected visor especially for the MR helmet (hopefully it's an easy swap). He's into it, and I offered to send him a template once I receive my helmet, unless someone wants to send it to him first.

That would be cool... a replacement visor? I expect that a few members here may just want one?

I received my MR "Signature Edition" Boba Fett Helmet today and it's also happens to be a very low number to boot, 64 out 750!

Honestly guys, I'm very picky and I hate to admit it, but I have to say, this helmet is extremely nice, the weight, the finish and overall appearance are top notch! Again, as stated before, it's just a shame they didn't take that one additional step or go that extra 10% and correct the tapering of the mandibles.

I'm not quite sure if simply installing a new visor will do it or if some additional light heat applied to the inside of that mandible will be required. I will keep a close look out for the first member to come up with a way of correcting this flaw.

In any regard, if this was "MASTER REPLICA'S" ride off into the Star Wars prop sunset, it was a pretty good one to go out on!

THX

Heres a silly question, how is the circuit board secured into the helmet?

It almost looks like its cast into it, though thats not possible as it has crevices.

Originally Posted by Desloc

In my eye the PP3 and Hero appear "almost" identical.

Not sure how you can say that?? pictures show otherwise....IMO
The Archives Exhibit at C4 100% confirmed that the hero, albeit through repairs etc etc, and the PP3 now have two completely different over all shapes, especially on the mandibles....
Not saying they didn't come from the same mold, or are the same base helmet...just saying they're not Identical now.

I agree 100%

I know they all came from the same mold...however after seeing the HERO in person at C4 they look like different helmets.

Basically what I am saying is when I look at the MR from about 3 feet which is the distance I was from the HERO they look NOTHING alike....its crazy to say that but its true.

Originally Posted by Spideyfett

Not sure how you can say that?? pictures show otherwise....IMO
The Archives Exhibit at C4 100% confirmed that the hero, albeit through repairs etc etc, and the PP3 now have two completely different over all shapes, especially on the mandibles....
Not saying they didn't come from the same mold, or are the same base helmet...just saying they're not Identical now.

Original trooper helmets were two piece vac-formed, and although from the same molds they all appear slightly different after assembly. I know its no basis for a comparison but hey

I can spot the crack in the dark upper cheek on the Borden side in a production photo. The whole ESB seems to be made of extremely thin fiberglass. That thing has hairline cracks everywhere and as Lee said, the cracked back and eyeslot crack. It should have been thrown in the dumpster.

I think a book deal with LFL would def help lay to rest and clear up all the lose ends when it comes to the Mystery of Fett....

awesome...

Originally Posted by Spideyfett

I think a book deal with LFL would def help lay to rest and clear up all the lose ends when it comes to the Mystery of Fett....

awesome...

Maybe the guy who stole the original helmet should step forward....

I hope so but to be honest some things may be tough to answer. So much has been forgotten etc. even at times damage used to show up possibly from the visitor to the archive trying on a helmet setting it down and oops this stick thingy just snapped off I'll just stick it on there and no one will notice. Also, several folks directly involved with the suit itself have passed away. I want to report what I find and if nothing can be based on facts it'll be readers choice. Anyway we'll see the book deal initally offered to me was not even close to break even.

On the stolen helmet I would let that one lie. It is owned privately now and that owner did not steal it. I mean in all of this research I even found out about some X-wings given to a guys kids to play with and they are forever gone. I think LFL has finally got a grasp on taking care of this stuff for the most part compared to the old days when you could step on trooper armor laying on the floor.

I'm interested to see if eFX picks up production on the Fett helmet at some point, and whether they're open to making the changes that MR wasn't able/willing to make.

Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

I hope so but to be honest some things may be tough to answer. So much has been forgotten etc. even at times damage used to show up possibly from the visitor to the archive trying on a helmet setting it down and oops this stick thingy just snapped off I'll just stick it on there and no one will notice. Also, several folks directly involved with the suit itself have passed away. I want to report what I find and if nothing can be based on facts it'll be readers choice. Anyway we'll see the book deal initally offered to me was not even close to break even.

On the stolen helmet I would let that one lie. It is owned privately now and that owner did not steal it. I mean in all of this research I even found out about some X-wings given to a guys kids to play with and they are forever gone. I think LFL has finally got a grasp on taking care of this stuff for the most part compared to the old days when you could step on trooper armor laying on the floor.

Im just saying, that in a way, not the guy who own's it now, but the theif, sorta screwd over people, such as, not being able to be used as the main reference for MR and making this helmet. While they probably would have used the hero, they were stuck with the stunt. I just feel that just cheats the company from making their products as accurate as possible. Its truly a shame.

I know there are more accurate fan-made helmets, and Im not trying to say that MR's products are 'the most accurate,' but this had the potential to be one of the best ones, and massed produced at the same time. No other company has made such quality SW replicas. Its probably just me, I dont even own one of these, but I just feel that it being stolen, cheated alot of people out from getting the best of the best, and accurate.

However, the issue with the mandibles is IMO something MR could have fixed outright.

Hi guys,
Just wanted to ask about something concerning the left mandible. I saw a pic on another board that was at an angle close to Spidey's 16th picture. There seemed to be an extra "layer" inside the mandible, slightly inset. It didn't seem to be on the right mandible.
What do you suppose the reason would be to build it that way? Might it have something to do with structural integrity somehow? Could it affect the way the left mandible "toes in" at the bottom?
Just seems like a weird feature to include.

Originally Posted by superjedi

Hi guys,
Just wanted to ask about something concerning the left mandible. I saw a pic on another board that was at an angle close to Spidey's 16th picture. There seemed to be an extra "layer" inside the mandible, slightly inset. It didn't seem to be on the right mandible.
What do you suppose the reason would be to build it that way? Might it have something to do with structural integrity somehow? Could it affect the way the left mandible "toes in" at the bottom?
Just seems like a weird feature to include.

I see what your saying, I think it was their way of making the visor appear even, and some what sealed in a weird way..

Oh yes, the inset layer is on both sides, I can see it in the pics..

Originally Posted by tubachris85x

'the most accurate,' but this had the potential to be one of the best ones, and massed produced at the same time. No other company has made such quality SW replicas.

I completely agree, MR had the potential to use the right helmet to begin with...and normally I wouldn't think too much about this whole MR thing, cause once I found out it wasn't the Hero, I was out...early.
BUT...after seeing the work they did on this helmet, WHICH is REALLY MILES better than what I thought they were going to do, they really had an oppertunity here......and could have made the "end all be all" helmet........oh well.

Originally Posted by tubachris85x

I see what your saying, I think it was their way of making the visor appear even, and some what sealed in a weird way..

Oh yes, the inset layer is on both sides, I can see it in the pics..

I have more pictures, I'll post them tonight...
Its just something THEY added to make the visor flush... wasn't needed, but doesn't hender it either...if that makes sense.

In the end I would guess it was LFL licensing that told them what to do. Based on my interactions.

Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

In the end I would guess it was LFL licensing that told them what to do. Based on my interactions.

I wouldnt doubt that they had to listen to them, I mean, afterall, they were still under LFL's contract

WOW....great info Lee...I never knew all this stuff

you are the man!!:thumbup:thumbup:thumbup

I am SO glad to see you posting

hope to see you in Dallas for the Bulloch project!!

Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

Hey, in the scheme of all this don't let your brain confuse the eyes (what I mean is your eyes aren't lying). The ESB was damaged and repaired so it is definitely although very slightly different. The backend cracked out and was repaired this repair caused the 1/8" or so increased flare out. It was repaired with epoxy putty and you can see it in some photos. Two out of 6 helmets produced were also vacuformed possibly for stunt use and those could actually appear larger as well. Also, the eyeslot cracks near the outward edge of each eye was caused by too much pressure exerted by the chinstrap and that is why they were removed.

I guess the easiest litmus test for actually determing the flare out is the more you flare it out the more stalk angle it creates if that makes sense. So if you are happy with the flare you create and not ok with the stalk angling inward then you have too much flare. Hope this makes sense and may put to rest how much flare is needed.

Back to the cave.

Lee

Received my SE as well, #191. Kudos to MR for doing a very nice job on an assembly line bucket.

Originally Posted by Spideyfett

Not sure how you can say that?? pictures show otherwise.......just saying they're not Identical now.

Spideyfett,
Not mincing words however, I used the term "almost" identical, not identical. When putting the two side by side they can be confused by all but the most anally retentive..... well all but those on this web site...

Can someone post a comparison of MR, PP3 and ESH?

Originally Posted by Desloc

Spideyfett,
Not mincing words however, I used the term "almost" identical, not identical. When putting the two side by side they can be confused by all but the most anally retentive..... well all but those on this web site...

Can someone post a comparison of MR, PP3 and ESH?

Sorry if that came across harsh..my bad....but I get what you're saying...

and I don't think that there are any good shots of the PP3???, at least any that have been shared......I asked for some, but nothing yet...

good Idea though

Originally Posted by Spideyfett

Sorry if that came across harsh..my bad...

Spidey,
Dude, my skin is so thick I didn't even notice.. Off subject, but I miss Texas, stationed there for a few years.

I did get my MR yesterday and absolutely love it. Wife says I need to part with the Don Post Deluxe, any takers all paperwork
$600 w/shipping OBO?
Mike

Funny that this has come up as Tyler and I were talking today about the perceptions people have and the misperceptions perhaps we helped create. I used to be of the opinion that all the helmets were quite unique with the ESB being the most different of the group. However, over the years I have come to see that the helmets have a LOT more in common than they have differences. I think for so long there has been this deep seated myth that the ESB is so much wider and has so much more (I cringe to use the word) flair that we have begun to see things or more accurately exaggerate things that ARE there but aren't there nearly to the degree that we perceive in our heads. I think in a desire to do what we do, hash out the most trivial details, we have gotten to a point where we blow very very very small details out of proportion. For me and my beliefs, I think ALL of the known real Fett helmets were cast at the same time, probably from a single mold. I think, as with any cast piece that there were minor variations in the cast that may have become more prevalent when the center visor was cut out. However, I truly think that sculpting a helmet specifically to be ONE of the helmets is something of a mistake. I believe with the slightest mods, any good helmet could be made to represent any of the original helmets... but... that is just me.

Below is a comparison of the ESB hero at taken at AOSW and the PP3 helmet scanned by MR.

No photos two will look exactly the same due to focal length and camera differences, but the comparison shows there is very little structural difference between the two helmets. Note: the ESB helmet is at a slight downward angle compared to the PP3

Also, the colors look slightly different because the ESB helmet was under dim yellow lighting while the the PP3 was under brighter less harsh lighting; the colors are probably identical in person.

It's so wild that the ESB helmet's paintjob was obviously copied very closely from the PP3.
If they did that, it seems that the PP3 was the one that was "approved" for use in the movie. So why would they have gone to the considerable trouble of painting another one in a nearly identical manner? Maybe the PP3 wasn't built to "hero" specifications materials-wise?

Actually, the PP3's construction is a little cleaner compared to the ESB hero.

It has all the internals of a production helmet: chin strap, working leds, ect... so I don't know of any physical reasons why one helmet was chosen over another. Perhaps it was just a blind choice.

Originally Posted by superjedi

It's so wild that the ESB helmet's paintjob was obviously copied very closely from the PP3.

Absolutely! Except, I don't think we know for sure if the PP3 came before the ESB. For the longest time, we thought the ROTJ helmet was made after the ESB, and now know that is not the case. The chronology of the ESB and PP3 helmets could change as well.

Originally Posted by superjedi

If they did that, it seems that the PP3 was the one that was "approved" for use in the movie. So why would they have gone to the considerable trouble of painting another one in a nearly identical manner?

I don't have any facts to back this up, but reason implies that they would have made a backup in case the production used helmet broke, got lost/stolen ect... Most FX crews aren't going to risk stopping production because they had only one "film-ready" helmet.

Well, I don't know a lot about the production chronology, but it stands to reason that once one was approved (either the PP3 or ESB Hero) the other was painted up immediately afterwards.
It must have been like some of us do, except instead of copying the details from pictures, they were copying from another helmet!

These were posted by BanditJedi at the MR forums... Hope he doesn't mind me rehosting them, but these 2 would come in handy for those of us that haven't received ours yet.

DP95 and MR



RF pic

Ahahahaha!

Check this pic and you can see my contribution to the MR helmet. Take a close look at the top of the large chip on the MQ-1 board. See those two little upright scratches on the top righthand side?? Remind you of anything?

I etched those into my MQ-1 before sending it to MR to be cast for the helmet. I'll have to dig it out and take a pic to show the matching marks. While it is a small thing, I am pretty tickled to see a piece I found is also a piece I supplied for a helmet that is being enjoyed by so many. OK, enough ego stroking.

Originally Posted by superjedi

Well, I don't know a lot about the production chronology, but it stands to reason that once one was approved (either the PP3 or ESB Hero) the other was painted up immediately afterwards.
It must have been like some of us do, except instead of copying the details from pictures, they were copying from another helmet!

No they actually painted the changes in China from photos.

Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

No they actually painted the changes in China from photos.

Lee, I think superjedi was refering to the original production chronology of the PP3 and ESB helmets, not the MR.

Or are you saying that the original helmets were painted in China?

Originally Posted by Devilstar2k2

RF pic

Hmmmmmmmm.......I wonder what its a pic of...if it is...?

It is a film frame from an old unknown film. It is a bunch of soldiers with swords running through a village with bodies lying on the ground. This cel was in the PP3. Looks like MR only used the best part of the cel for their replica.

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

It is a film frame from an old unknown film. It is a bunch of soldiers with swords running through a village with bodies lying on the ground. This cel was in the PP3. Looks like MR only used the best part of the cel for their replica.

Huh...thats pretty, um..interesting..? Would have never thought they'd put that on the RF...

MAN!! I knew I went to bed too soon last night ....good stuff guys.

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

Ahahahaha!

Check this pic and you can see my contribution to the MR helmet. Take a close look at the top of the large chip on the MQ-1 board. See those two little upright scratches on the top righthand side?? Remind you of anything?

I etched those into my MQ-1 before sending it to MR to be cast for the helmet. I'll have to dig it out and take a pic to show the matching marks. While it is a small thing, I am pretty tickled to see a piece I found is also a piece I supplied for a helmet that is being enjoyed by so many. OK, enough ego stroking.

So what your saying Art, is that you intentionally altered the accurate look of the MQ1 for your own personal pleasure

j/k bud

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

It is a film frame from an old unknown film. It is a bunch of soldiers with swords running through a village with bodies lying on the ground. This cel was in the PP3. Looks like MR only used the best part of the cel for their replica.

That's a riot! Its like the Playboy poster hanging in the cockpit of the Tantive IV in ANH.

Originally Posted by Delta75

So what your saying Art, is that you intentionally altered the accurate look of the MQ1 for your own personal pleasure

j/k bud

Pretty much!

Originally Posted by Brak's Buddy

Ahahahaha!

Check this pic and you can see my contribution to the MR helmet. Take a close look at the top of the large chip on the MQ-1 board. See those two little upright scratches on the top righthand side?? Remind you of anything?

I etched those into my MQ-1 before sending it to MR to be cast for the helmet. I'll have to dig it out and take a pic to show the matching marks. While it is a small thing, I am pretty tickled to see a piece I found is also a piece I supplied for a helmet that is being enjoyed by so many. OK, enough ego stroking.

That's awesome, Brak's! But I have to say I'm amazed that you got those paint scratches in the bottom right corner past the folks at MR:

Is that that dude from Space ghost?

heh heh...

Hahahaha! I am blind as a bat! The first time I looked, I was looking in the keyslots and going "what paint scratches?!?" Very nicely done!

Originally Posted by Count Dookie

That's awesome, Brak's! But I have to say I'm amazed that you got those paint scratches in the bottom right corner past the folks at MR:

Nice Dookie

All sorts of stuff slipped through when they made this!

funny stuff - my turn

Funny you should do that Turo... In the first painting of the prototype "TDH" was included.... then when Lee was offered to repaint the prototype he had to go all "screen accurate" on us and stuff...

That's awesome !





FP

I put my sons and daughters initials on it..just have to look.

Wow, just got mine and I have to say I am VERY impressed. I forgot how good these looked. The pinch bugs me a little and I would like to fix it, but it does not seem as bad in real life as the pictures, or maybe mine is not as pinched?

I would like to get rid of that second layer of plastic around the mandible if possible.

Originally Posted by Bubba Fett

The pinch bugs me a little and I would like to fix it, but it does not seem as bad in real life as the pictures, or maybe mine is not as pinched?

Pic? What number is it also?

In case anybody's interested, here are my impressions of my MR LE helmet, #0578/1500, which just arrived this afternoon.

Packing, packaging, and presentation: I was impressed by the relatively size of the shipping box. After buying and selling plenty of Fett parts through TDH, I somehow expected the box to be a lot bigger. The product box is really well constructed, and the packing materials inside were quite similar to a retail box for a computer. Nice paper, smart molded styrofoam, really classy. Sparse but pretty looking documentation, certificate, plaque for the stand, instructions for installing the batteries. All in all, I felt like I was opening something expensive (and I was!).

The helmet: This thing is really heavy. The earpieces are cold (literally), and the overall heft makes it feel like I was unwrapping a new home stereo component. The visor is unexpectedly cheap and flimsy. The fit and finish on the earpieces is tight, and the RF stalk movement is smooth. The pinched visor doesn't initially bother me nearly as much as I expected, but it may eventually annoy me enough to change it. I may need to let the "new" wear off it before I rip out the interior and visor, and take a dremel to the mandibles. The vertical section of the visor is 47mm wide at the top and 39mm at the bottom. And what's up with that extra lip on the inside of the mandibles? I'm guessing it had to be on the PP3, as I can't imagine why else they would add it.

The paint job: I was really interested to see whether MR would be able to execute the tampo printing process successfully, managing the complexity of the paint job along with the overall budget. I guess we know how it affected the schedule. Overall, it's the best mass-produced Pre-pro 3 helmet we will ever see. I was surprised at how dark the colors are, compared to all of the pictures I've seen (and compared to my fan-painted ROTJ bucket). The mandibles are really dark and desaturated. The printing is really precise. I guess I don't have a problem with the rust overspray, since it appears to be present on the PP3 bucket, and that's really what this helmet replicates. My takeaway is that if eFX picks up the molds from MR, fixes the mandibles, and retools the printing to replicate the actual ESB hero, they could charge $700+ and I'd probably buy it.

The interior: It stinks! No, really, it does. I was so thrilled with this helmet that I started feeling light-headed, but then I realized it was the offgassing of whatever toxic carpet glue they're using the fuse the padding to the inside of the helmet. The padding looks nice, but makes the inside of the bucket a lot smaller. Also, since there's no hard hat liner, it's not really wearable without resting your nose on the visor. Still, really nice fit and finish for a display piece.

Overall, I have zero regrets about spending the money on this, or about waiting the extra few months. It looks a lot better in reality than in the marketing photos. It's not the ESB hero, which is cool in its own way, it's a mass-produced tribute to a never-used movie prop prototype. MR's presentation is great, the helmet is solid, and I'll be keeping this for a while.

Pictured: MR helmet next to a SgtFang Mystery helmet done up in ROTJ colors