NEW ZAM HELMET ! ...More new pics!

OK, Friday I decide, "what the heck" I'm gonna make a Zam helmet this weekend. Saturday morning, at 10:30 a.m., I start by marking and cutting an old fiberglass army helmet liner.

http://img220.exs.cx/img220/3195/armyhelmet9ve.jpg

I taped the "openings" closed, and glassed the inside, using the liner as a mold. Well, with the help of bondo, black tooling gel-coat, fiberglass, and good old-fasion elbow grease, this is what I have as of 2:00 p.m. Sunday. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...ie_biggrin.gif
http://img152.exs.cx/img152/9233/zamhelmet16ab.jpg
http://img153.exs.cx/img153/5521/zamhelmet20sa.jpg
http://img153.exs.cx/img153/7173/zamhelmet39xj.jpg

I'm not gonna try to compete with DCB and his ultimate Zam helmet, but it's not a bad start for a day-and-a-half.
I used Wookie's method, and added the brim in fiberglass. It can have the leather glued over it after the helmet is painted. This way, it won't deform if it's packed in a trunk. Besides, I'm no expert at forming leather. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...smilie_lol.gif

That looks pretty darned good to me!

No... not bad for a day and a half's worth of work... not bad at all!

****! Way to go!:suprise


~Bobby

Thanks guys. :D

Now I just need to seal the surface with some automotive paint, add the two round details, and drop it into a bucket of silicone.

Once I get my first raw casting, I'll use it to construct the under-section and ear-pieces. :love

Looking good! :)

Very nice. I also like the Desert storm Bronco.

i don't quite understand why you made the brim in fiberglass. That is not how the real one was made. You don't really have to do any difficult steps to get a leather brim to work. The most difficult part is just cutting it right so it would fit nicely around the helmet - and you'd have to do that step anyway if just putting it on a glass brim.

There is not any problem w/ a leather brim getting distorted when putting the helmet away - the leather used is pretty thick... and unless you store it with piles of stuff on top, thus crushing it - i don't see how this is a problem.

I don't want to rip apart your hard work here... but you asked for critique - so I'm giving it :) So, I must know, how accurate do you want itÀ If you're going for 100% - here are some suggestions:

-brim is WAY too long and too horizontal - on the sides it should only angle out slightly from the angle of the helmet. (also - really needs to be leather as stated above). If you keep the brim as is - you will never get the armature for the binoculars to connect to the ears w/o looking silly and sticking out way too far.

-helmet is a bit too tall and round. Her helmet slants down more in the front and is almost flat from the top of her head to her forehead. (not totally flat - but flatter than in the back). It also fits tight on her head - with not a lot of space between her head and the top of the helmet - yours looks like it would have a lot of extra space there - try reducing that.

-I can't tell in your pix if you did this or not - but the side panels should not be perfectly straight back... they are closer to the head in the front - then angle out as they go towards the back.

- Overall - the whole thing looks disproportionately too big. I think it was because of the found helmet you used as a base - it was off from the beginning - thus throwing everything else off.

Again - not trying to rip your work apart... I just try to give honest opinions and suggestions... so, might I suggest you start over before you spend lots of money on silicone...(my mold cost me over $100 and many hours - so i made **** sure I was happy w/ the prototype before molding ;) )I don't think you'll get a good look out of this and you'll be much happier if you redo it - i know it's a pain in the *** - but trust me - it's worth it :)

I agree on many of your points. The brim is too large - done by design. I never stop the mold where the part ends. There's always exess for ease in removal. That way you can pry on a surface that will be cut away, rather than directly on the surface of the part. The helmet IS wider in the back, than the front, and as far as too big, it was molded from the INSIDE of the liner + some of that was ground off to shape it. If it were any smaller, It wouldn't fit on a head. The exess brim is decieving, but required for my mold. Once trimmed back, it won't look like a big sun bonnet. As I stated above, It may not match your perfect helmet, But there's a certian feeling you get when you do it yourself. I may go ahead and make a few of the changes you mentioned, but overall, I'm quite happy with the results so far. :)

And by the way, When I asked for your opinion, I DID say to go easy on me. :lol

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SEEKER wrote:
Very nice. I also like the Desert storm Bronco.

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Ground transportation worthy of a Fett! :D

I know it's hard to hear critique w/o taking it as "critisism"... I was not intending to be harsh - just honest. I don't think we get anywhere by constantly being patted on our backs and told we're doing a great job ;)

I do totally commened you for even attempting this helmet... it is a HUGE pain to make. Mine took me over a year from begining to finished product (well, not a year working on it straight through - but a year calendar time).. and I'm still not 100% happy with it...:(

I just see some things on yours that can cause headaches if not addressed right now in the early stages - better to get them now before you go farther into the project... because I know from experience - the LAST thing you want to hear when you are 99% done is that such n' such is wrong.


edit:typo

Gotcha! Thanks for all the helpfull tips. :)

You know, Dustin Crops Boy, in reviewing his post, I didn't see him ask for a critique so maybe you could just give him a pat on the back for his really great effort. I think it looks great despite how much you say its off from what it should be. I also want mine to look accurate when I get my Zam helmet made eventually, but I can at least look at his work and commend it. I realize you're trying to be helpful but I think that long list of items was a bit much to start off with.

judz dwedd, Really great work. Really great start. Yah, costuming constructive critisism hurts. Unfortuneately, comming from DCB- someone who has worked on that specific item for over a year, pouring over every nook and cranny. Ya probably pm'ed him that question, didn't ya? IE...The one where ya ask DCB to critique your work? :lol Just look at my Zam comparison shots thread. Now that's harsher critism. It only took ya a week for the preliminary helm. I have spent over a year on my other parts, and they're still not 100%. And, I got the same type of critism. But! It's for the good of your accuracy, if that is what you are trying to achieve. If you are not, then so be it, it is really up to your discretion, no matter what anyone else says anyways. Remember, DCB only did it so that your question about accuracy could be answered. He is not trying to be mean spirited. In fact, it's meant to be helpful.
It is VERY TRUE, that if you don't fix certain things from the outset, you will have waisted TONS of money trying to recast the stinker, because it was shaped wrong in the first place. Just my 2 pence. He's right,molded brim isnt needed. If you wetform leather, it's hard enough for the brim to stay.

Great start, and happy zamming! It's a really tough and awesome road when you get to the next part. (notice I haven't gotten to the end of the tunnel yet)...

Quote:

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iycis wrote:
You know, Dustin Crops Boy, in reviewing his post, I didn't see him ask for a critique so maybe you could just give him a pat on the back for his really great effort.

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Actually - yes - he DID pm me and asked me to look at this thread and critique his work.

Sorry - i'm just not a 'back patter'... i don't feel it really contributes much - especially in a forum dedicated to über-accurate costumes and all - if i see something is off or could use an improvement - i WILL point it out... I feel this will help the creator much more and s/he will be much happier in the end.

all that being said - I DID say that I totally commend him for even attempting this project. :D

Agreed! :) I made a few changes in the shape, and did some work on the underside this week. I'll put some new pics up on sunday. Eight days into this project so far. :thumbsup.

Sorry I didn't post these yesterday, but I was going to see LOTR. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...ilie_smile.gif

Anyway, since last weekend, I reshaped the helmet a bit, sealed it with gunmetal automotive paint. I'm pretty happy with it at this point, although I know it's probably grossly inaccurate, and some are going to dive on me for it. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...smilie_lol.gif

Just after finishing the main helmet, it accidently got covered in this gooey blue silicone stuff, Fortunately, after drying, it just peeled right off. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...ie_biggrin.gif

I made the lower section to fall right into place with the upper. Here's a shot of the lower, at least where I'm at with it now.

http://img158.exs.cx/img158/4439/zamhelmet69ka.jpg

here are a couple pics of the upper on the lower. These are not attached, they just fit perfectly together. The alignment is built into the parts, to fit like pieces to a puzzle.

http://img158.exs.cx/img158/893/zamhelmet49oa.jpg

http://img158.exs.cx/img158/4418/zamhelmet51xc.jpg

It's a bit small for me, but it fits my wife perfectly, and that's what matters. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...ilie_smile.gif

I need to do the round and oval greeblies for the dome, and a few other details yet, but this is only eight days into this project. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...ilie_smile.gif

Now for the comment that will cause the most uproar. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...smilie_mad.gif I'm keeping the brim as is, and going to PAINT it to look leather. (duck)
This is called "creative liberty"

wow... that is actually starting to look dang sharp (pat pat ;) )...

interesting method for the two parts - (main helmet and back w/ ears) That's where I had the most trouble - getting the back brims to cast up - since I did them as part of the main helmet. Yer idea looks like it would solve that problem :D

I'm impressed (really)...

edit:

How are you going to attach the bolt for the armature¿ Looks like you'll need to remove some material on the inside of the ear - since it's so solid. You don't want to have a nut going right into wifey's ear... Any thought on that yet¿

The lower is just a model right now, and still needs some details.. When it's molded and cast, it'll only be about 1/8 - 3/16 inch thick. The ears will be hollow inside. :)

**** man! You 'da man!! :)

That's coming along nicely judz!!
and in such a short time....I am not familiar with that sort of time frame ;) WEll at least not yet. Hopefully as soon as I get my work area set up again and also get somewhat settled in our new house I can get back in gear :D

Again, good job so far on the helmet!

Actually, just occured to me.....if this is made as a kit, I'm sure that the trim can always be cut away, and a leather one added! Simple as that!
One heck of a beautiful helmet! And you're throwing this together much faster that it took for me to make my Sauron head! :lol Now I KNOW I don't have to worry about making my own....just get one of yours! :)

Wookie told me that the brim could be cut off and used to cut and form the leather. As for offering helmets to members of TDH, I might be willing to do a few raw fiberglass pulls, but I don't want to step on any toes. Another member here offers the finest completed helmets available. I'm not one to tread on another's turf, so don't ask for any finished helmets from me. You want one all finished up nice and ready to wear, you gotta beg DCB. :)

I gotta take a few days off from this project to recover from a cold. I'll update after I resume. :)

Damm!

And also dammm all the best prop makers in here are falling with the cold.

Hey that helmet looks pretty good! I do not think anyone will have any trouble recognizing it, and that's all I really ever strive for anyway :)

For quick and cheap- you can't beat that with a stick! And plus- you made it yourself which is always an ego boost when you get to wear the finished product.

-cris

HOLY CR@P!
Dwedd Stwikes again! Very nice, dont sand off the little pickers in the inside of the helmet for a nice surprise for da wife! :lol Dont forget once you start the helmet there is a buttload of other stuff to do for the whole costume. That will make a nice winter project.

WOW, I am really impressed with how your helmet is looking! When I was first studying the helmet I thought originally that the brim was fiberglass painted, but my brother-in-law mentioned that it looked like it was leather. Well, the idea for me to make one and have it leather didn't appeal to me too much knowing how flexible leather is, and loosing its original shape just slightly would make me cringe every time I would see it. So, I for one am for the fiberglass brim painted to look like leather. Personally it seems a knit-picky thing about weather you use vacuum form armor for fett to be more movie accurate or to use fiberglass for more strength. Seems like the same argument to me.
Once again, you are doing a great job.

Thanks for all the compliments guys, and sorry about the lack of updates. I had a few other things interupt this project for a bit, but rest assured, It's on it's way. :D

The leather brim is NOT hard to do at all... i don't understand the reason for NOT doing it in leather... in fact - i'd go so far to say -it's prolly easier in the long run to do it leather.

if you get thick leather (like LFL and I used) and wet form it to the shape - it will retain that shape forever. The only way that it would lose it's shape is if i stored it with stuff pushing against it and distorting it - but why would I do thatÀ Wetforming is a cinch... just submerse yer leather in water for a bit - til it's flexie... then put it on yer item and have some way to hold it's shape until dried... viol‡!

Fiberglass painted like leather will still just be fiberglass painted like leather. And that's not screen accurate (and isn't that what TDH is all about ;) )

Wetformed leather becomes really really hard! Believe DCB and I about wetforming, don't waste your f-glass! For instance, my holster is wetformed and it's so hard, that if I wasn't careful, I could probably rip my resin blaster apart. If it's veg tanned leather, it gets really really hard when wetformed.

Now that you mention it DCB, I guess I have alot of stuff that's not "screen accurate" For example, all my trooper and scout armor is white gel-coated fiberglass, instead of "screen accurate" vac-formed plastic. My Judge Dredd helmets are molded in color, instead of "screen accurate" painting. My col. marine armor is a fiberglass copy pulled from a Terry English origional, instead of a "screen accurate" aluminum set. The list goes on. I guess I should just give up this hobby if I'm going to keep doing things my own way. That goes for everyone else out there that has a vinyl helmet. Those aren't "screen accurate". I'll stop wasting everyone's time here, and stop posting pics of all my failed attempts at costuming

One more thing, I sure am glad that the rest of the members here are nicer than some, or everyone who posts a less than accurate, scratchbuilt jet pack, would be shunned right off TDH. THAT'S NOT WHAT TDH IS ABOUT ! ! !

ooh... sorry dude.. i think you're taking this ALL the wrong way...

i just questioned why you or that other guy would not make it leather - when it's not only more accurate but also a LOT EASIER... That's all i wondered... why not make it right when you can¿ can you see my point¿

it's not meant to be a critisism or a slam against your work AT ALL... i just wondered the reason - that's all...

I just wanted to let you know that the leather IS easy to work with AND it does NOT lose it's shape at all...

Again - I really think you're taking this out of proportion... We're here to help each other with ideas and tips to make the best costume we can w/ the skills we have... and you obviously have a tremedious amount of skill - so i just wondered why you wouldn't go that extra step - especially when it's, like I said - not very hard to do at all and your fears of it distorting are unfounded.

I know you can do it - you have showed you have great talents and abilities.

sorry if you're reading this wrong... it's not my intent to be mean or critical at all....

I stated how I plan on doing it - I have my reasons. If that doesn't sit well with anyone here, I am sorry. :doh

that's fine... it's your helmet. i don't care how you do it - nor should you care if i care ;)... i just wondered the reason :)

edit: judz and I just talked over PM - all is cool. I explained to him that i wasn't critisizing his 'fiberglass brim' method - just wondered the method behind his madness :lol ...

and he explained that he likes to make things for durability over 100% screen accuracy - which is cool too - i can appreceate that...

so - in case any of you thought we were fighting - we're not... so there! :D

Yeah, shows over, nothing to see here. Move along. :lol

YAH, Me too Judz! Sorry if it seemed if I was being mean. That is not my intention at all. I actually LOVE the fiberglass idea for the inner helm. If I was to re-do a helm, I would do the same. Especially for durability. Just trying to help about the brim. :love we love ya man! (Stinks that we are the "tough love" kinda folks.. but hey we know where ya stand, so, we'll keep our mouths shut, and just watch your interpretations unfold and blossom into the Awesome Zam we know you're gonna have.:) Please do continue to share! Love your show babe!

Quote:

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judz dwedd wrote:
Yeah, shows over, nothing to see here. Move along. :lol

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Awwww man... I just got my popcorn!

:D :D :D


Keep showing us the progress on your costume... keeps us motivated! :)

Oh, very well. :rolleyes


























:lol

jd -

following this thread is the only reason i venture into zam territory - keep it up!

(and hey - you can always cover your fg brim with a THIN leather...

sean

I think Dwedd is a afraid his dog will think the helmet is a Chew Toy if he puts leather on it. A month from now he would find peices of it in a snow drift in the back yard.:lol

Seriously, knowing Dwedd, when he's done you'll have to touch the helmet to tell if it's leather or not.;)

Thanks Flan, It's good to know SOMEONE has confidence in me. :lol

BTW, I have a german shepherd named Jango, that loves to eat things. :lol

Hey man, we have confidence in your stuff! Just read my book long pm it will explain everything :D

And, keep up the good work and the pics :thumbsup -it's always exciting to see other people's work in progress.

The other armor you've made, can you give us a quik linky? I clicked on your "posts by Judz Dwedd" and too many to sift through.

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Zam I Am wrote:

The other armor you've made, can you give us a quik linky? I clicked on your "posts by Judz Dwedd" and too many to sift through.

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Not all my stuff is posted, but I'll give you a list of armor I've done:

Stormtroopers(fiberglass/my own sculpts)
Biker Scouts(fiberglass/Fyberdyne version)
Vader(fiberglass/restored ANH 4th gen copy)
Jango(fiberglass/my own work)
Female Mandalorian(fiberglass/ my own work)
White Mandalorian(fiberglass/my own work)
Medeival Spawn(fiberglass/my own work)
Judge Dredd(fiberglass+rubber/molded from origional)
Starship Troopers(fiberglass+rubber/molded from origional
Aliens Marines(fiberglass/molded from origional)
Space Above And Beyond(fiberglass/molded from origional)
Cardassian(fiberglass+rubber/my own work)

Costumes not armored:

Catwoman-for wife(rubber+PVC)
Batgirl-" " (rubber,PVC+leather)
Harley Quinn- " " (rubber+PVC)

In progress:

Zam
Clone Troopers
Batman
Batman Beyond
Predator
Cyber Cat
Dr. Doom
Iron Man

That's about it. I may have missed a couple in there, but you get the idea. :)

OK, update time again. Here's a few new pics.

First, the overall side view. Sorry, it kinda looks a bit washed-out because the silver is so reflective.

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/6665/pai...metside3mv.jpg

A shot at an angle turned out a bit better.

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/3282/pai...etfront2xf.jpg

Here's a close-up of how I painted the brim to look like weathered leather.

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/7770/closeup5sa.jpg

Now to finish assembling the armature for the binocs. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...ilie_smile.gif

awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quite an impressive list! You have any pics of that stuff? PM if you want to share. ;)

Wish I could comment...but I can't see the pics :)

I'll throw out a "good job" cause I have faith in your abilities! ;)

Nice! keep the progress pics coming!!!

-Bamatrooper
Tk-152

Nice to see the details put in your helmet. It is really coming along. Do you have any shots of the back emblem of the helmet? What are your plans for the veil and armature attachment?

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seventhz777z wrote:
Nice to see the details put in your helmet. It is really coming along. Do you have any shots of the back emblem of the helmet? What are your plans for the veil and armature attachment?

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Hopefully the pics I take after this weekend will give you a better idea of it's final outcome. :D

See I knew it would look like leather!!:suprise Sweet Keep us posted.:zam

Flan

You know, I was thinking of casting my helmet in liquid plastic, (Smooth-on,) Task 2, but after seeing just how well your work turns out I will follow your guidance to the lettre.

By the by, I know this forum is filled to the brim--leather or otherwise--of very gifted and helpful people. I am glad to have this community. It is a trully incredible resource.

Thanks for sharing.
Forsooth.

Good Grief ! You don't rest man ... :lol

Another great piece man ... mighty fine !

FP

To me, the word "rest" means all the stuff I still need to do. :lol

This thing rocks! Good thing I'm not trying to dress as Zam, I nearly ripped my ears off, when I tried to remove it! :lol

http://www.sithcamaro.com/zam/zam3.jpg

:lol

It might help if you trim it first. :lol

I can only hope I'll look at least half as pretty as you in it when I finally take that helmet off your hands, SC. :p
Hehehe

Quote:

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iycis wrote:
I can only hope I'll look at least half as pretty as you in it when I finally take that helmet off your hands, SC. :p
Hehehe

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That's gonna be tough, he looks mighty pretty. :lol You'll have to show us a comparison pic with it on, and let us be the judge. :D

*shakes head*

Okaaayy... ;)

Though... he does have a certain appeal... in a sick sort of way.... :lol :D

Seriously... the helmet is looking pretty good! Can't wait to see the pics as you finish it up! :)

I was like...
What is Sith doing now? :)

naaa,
it's lookin cool though judz!

Hello All,
I have just got back from Loren's this Sat. And I must say...
Loren's talent's with creating something like this helmet
from virtually nothing but RAW talent is un-fwacking-believable!!!
I have been away for sometime and it was a great joy to catch up with Loren and get back into the groove of things o0nce again...
In the short time that I have last seen Loren, I simply can not believe the amount of work this guy has put out!!!
His mini-Jango helmet is outstanding!!
The Zam helmet here is 1000 times cooler in your hands!!!
Not to mention his partner in crime...Mike(weaselflinger)
His talents with sculting comic character's to life is amazing!!
The predator head,Doom helmet,(too many to mention)...WOW!!
As well as the Guyver project we will be undertaking as well!!
I will be starting on the hands for the Guyver tonite
and possibly a whole new arm design.Shooting for the Guyver head to be done by next Sat. visit!!
This is a man Lucas films was stupid never to discover...his vision on things is dead on and sometimes hilarious!!
I have new found inspiration to create again!!
Thatnks Loren!!

My first time in the Zam-well and I must say that this thread put a big ol' smile on my face. :)

As for back pats....

I give JD super-kudos for all his help and advice when I was
but a lowly novice with only three posts. I still don't have tons of posts but I pm and talk f2f with many folks and they agree.

Helping out the newby (I never forget a favor). THX bro.

The helmet looks good.

'm/

Now THAT is what TDH is all about ! ! !

...Not screen accuracy, but a comunity that helps each other. :)

Speaking of helping each other...I got a present from JD today! It arrived in good condition and the wife is VERY pleased!
Now to figure out the new dual action airbrush i got for my B'day and dress this item up!
I'll take progress pics too.

Thanks JD! Awsome work!

-Bamatrooper

I was able to see this baby in person this past Saturday and I have to say it kicks butt! It was also nice to meet JD and his wife. Very cool folks.

Pic here
<image src=http://www.r2ro.com/images/zamhelmet.jpg>

oh my god.

lol !

We see you peeking behind there!!! ;)

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judz dwedd wrote:
Now THAT is what TDH is all about ! ! !
...Not screen accuracy, but a comunity that helps each other. :)

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I think we can have a lot of both-screen accuracy and comradery. They aren't opposing scenarios. ;) Let's not bash those that have worked so hard at researching costume accuracy together but rather praise the different methods by which we come to the same costume. Frankly, I think that your fiberglass work is really astonishing :) I wish I had more experiences with fiberglass work yet not the foibles of inhaling it's toxic properties :D

Looking good JD!!! :D

btw, I'm still waiting for that blasted leather :doh I'll let you know as soon as I can ;)

Ok, here it is with "the stuff" added to it. It's not perfectly screen accurate, but I don't think the general public will notice the minor differences.


http://img240.exs.cx/img240/9644/zamhelmet6ug.jpg

Nice work, JD !!! :)

Good job man!!!

I think it looks great.

:)

JD you never fail to impress :cheers

Great work on that helmet, JD!

Absolutly amazing job! I think you pulled off the weathered leather look quite convincingly.

Thanks for the compliments guys. http://www.forums.thedentedhelmet.co...e_embarass.gif

Very nice. is that R&B on it?

IM not a big Zam fan (yeah I said it) but I must say thats one fine helmet you made there.

Beautiful work! :)

Do you have these for sale?

You know that this thread is 8 years old?

PM MonCal. He has all the parts you need ;)

I know.... I was hoping that maybe I would have some luck asking. It never hurts. Thanks for the info. Trying to put together a Zam for my daughter.