GMH - THE definitive Boba Fett Helmet - UPDATE Sept. 4th 2012

Originally Posted by dcarty

Thank you for the response, Chris. That's pretty much what I figured.

No Problem at all. I am very sorry that you feel this way. But I do feel it neccessary to clarify a little.

Foremost, in the original sales thread, I never guaranteed these pieces to be glass, or to be even clearer, that they would always be in glass. My original sales post never specified sales for glass. Throughout the early stages of the project, glass was discussed due to issues some members were having with sticky surfaces on some of the glass pieces that had already been produced. But there was still a mix, discussion of rotocast simply never came up because there were no issues. Perhaps my not having ever clarified either way is fault. But I never changed the conditions of the sale. There was a private "canned" price list response that I'd distributed very early on that stated glass, but has long since been edited. This is a case where I believe members may have expected glass by default because that is what I'm most known for. As I stated though, I've been transitioning, and have been since 2009 when I started releasing my first compression molded urethane gauntlets.

Myself, not unlike most pro manufacturers in real life, reserve the right to change processes without notice if necessary. But this is simply not the case here. If that's what you really believe, again I apologize. Though, from my perspective, after 100+ satisfied customers, there hasn't been any reason until now to justify anything.

I'm still delivering promised product, and have even taken measures to instill confidence in my machine roto products with warranties.


Thanks,
Chris

I do see how people could feel let down by their expectations, but if there has never been a written promise on how the product is made then all there is, is expectations and it's not Chris's fault for others to have those, nor his fault for breaking those.

I think it's pretty honorable that despite the developed sensitivity towards fibreglass Chris finds solutions instead of excuses. Some people could just use this as an excuse to get out of the business and quit instead. Working with toxic chemicals for so long is not childs-play and should not be treated as such.

Originally Posted by locitus

I think it's pretty honorable that despite the developed sensitivity towards fibreglass Chris finds solutions instead of excuses. Some people could just use this as an excuse to get out of the business and quit instead.

/like <3

That is very true, this could have gotten really ulgy and I certainly salute Chris for living up to his obligation. We've all seen way too many situations where people just disappear rather than see things through. Before I started my response I went back to the original thread to see if there were any conditions that were laid down and did not see them spelled out specifically either so from that standpoint and, as Chris points out, the manufacturers prerogative, he has met his obligation even if the road to that end was bumpier than any of us would have liked (Chris especially no doubt).

As his paying customer, however, I am well within my rights to be disappointed with what I received --even if that makes me the odd man out --and that I should explain the nature of my dissatisfaction as I felt that there might potentially be others who haven't received their orders that could feel the same.

Thank you again Chris for your reply.

That's an April fools joke right?

Personally I hope I get a roto one. I HATE fiberglass props! I don't like cutting it, I don't like sanding it... I'd much rather just have some plain old resin.

Originally Posted by stormtrooperguy

... I'd much rather just have some plain old resin.

Well? Not quite lol The machine rotocast pieces do have that familiar sweet smell, because
it's urethane after all. But very different formulation.

Months ago I took a video of my dropping one of the helmets made this way on it's dome from
a little more than 3 ft. on a concrete slab only to see it bounce. lol

I do want to point out to Dave though, that I never actually said that my machine roto was "better"
than glass. What I actually said was it's durability could be compared to any of my FG pieces. However,
I do suspect that if I did the same thing with an FG helmet, the result would be much like Deadland's
unfortunate mishap where he dropped his off off the table he was painting on and it ended up with
about 15 "spider cracks" in the gel coat. Even though Art has given me gruff about my FG pieces
being made for combat they're really not. lol Besides that , there just aren't any trade off's between
the two where durability is concerned. Both methods are formidable to the other. But the prevalence
of hatred for fiberglass has become MUCH more common within the community over recent years.

why would anybody want a helmet made of glass anyway? Wouldn't it not take paint? be super fragile? be super heavy? BE SEE THROUGH???

lol j/k

Originally Posted by deciusx

why would anybody want a helmet made of glass? Wouldn't it not take paint? be super fragile? be super heavy? BE SEE THROUGH???

LOL !!! Nice

Actually, it'a all a part of my diabolical "Anti Recast" campaign. Anyting made with glass, cannot be recast with a silicone mold.
The silicone will permabond with the model, forever

Guess what arrived today?!? Bwahaha!!!!

A mushroom?

Received no. 71 the other day and have to say it was well worth the wait.

Another mushroom? Awesome!

Yeah, a big white shroom! How'd you ever guess?

Finally arrived thursday #88.

I'm real happy to see how Chris has found his way back to his customers.
Nice to see him back on the board and to see those helmet's arrive to there vendees.
Excellent Chris keep it up .

Also i can say his roto-casts are sharp as a knife and i relay like to work with that kind of stuff.

Awsome,
Just saw mine has a customs label ,
Looking forward to seeing this puppy in the flesh

Got mine today. Woo hoo!!

Thanks again, FP!

Chris, Its says my address not included with my paypal payment. It is, but i have sent it you again (5 days ago) via PM as you requested.

Keith.

Originally Posted by Keith

Chris, Its says my address not included with my paypal payment. It is, but i have sent it you again (5 days ago) via PM as you requested.

Keith.

Thanks for that Keith. My apologies for not responding sooner. I've just not updated the list with the final shipments as of yet.
But your address was noted.

Chris ,some PM´s sent.

Answer me,please.

Thanks.

No problem Chris.

Keith.

hey chris, PM sent.

Hey Chris- Pm sent regarding product interest.
Thanks
B

So my GMH just got here.. oh man, oh man.. what a great job! the detail on this guy is AMAZING. i can practical see brush strokes and sanding scratches.. awesome!

i will say though i haven't really been on the forums.. and i didn't know there had been a change in material.. that was a bit of a shock, but it appears to be highly durable.. I would definitely highly recommend this bucket for people looking to troop that are looking for accuracy.

JimmyC GMH #98

#98?!?!?! I think I'll receive #1138... See what I did there? It was an easy one, right?

Any new updates?

Not quite yet. Got slammed with the Flu last Wednesday and am scrambling to keep the flow going lol



Chris

Originally Posted by JimmyC

JimmyC GMH #98

#98... Wow.

Huge thanks. Received my GMH #77 (nice, my birth year ). There has been a bit of trouble in paradise so I haven't been able to snap any pics, but it's a great feeling to have a piece in this. Even I got a bit ansy over this but ultimately it was very worth the wait. I tend to get into these types of things for the artistic history as much as anything else and it's very fun to look over and touch little quirks and scratches and feel a piece of Star Wars history.

As far as the resin/glass thing goes....I have a resin one and I think it's great. Glass is cool and has that handmade feel, but the resin is top-notch as so nice and smooth inside. I've never had any FP glass stuff...I know it is well respected for craftsmanship and all, but this version is a truly solid piece. Zero complaints, only thanks.

Chris - PM sent

Hi Chris
Received mine today but no rangefinder arm
Mark

Originally Posted by mk1design

Hi Chris
Received mine today but no rangefinder arm
Mark

No sweat there. Some of the RF stalks were omitted to get the run completed and get customers
happy and fulfilled quicker. For those individuals they will be included with the *FREE* RF
topper in the other thread, yourself being one of those individuals included

Thanks Chris

Chris, has my helmet been shipped yet since you asked for me to confirm my shipping address 2 weeks ago?
I've been patiently waiting for over 15 months now.

Keith.

Hi Chris.What have I to do to receive info about my order?.Florence and you said that it was going to be shipped on January after 10 months waiting.

Thats another extra that is fantastic news. I was about to purchase another resin stalk for the incoming free topper but that definitely saves some time and money getting one. Thanks Chris!

Originally Posted by fettpride

No sweat there. Some of the RF stalks were omitted to get the run completed and get customers
happy and fulfilled quicker. For those individuals they will be included with the *FREE* RF
topper in the other thread, yourself being one of those individuals included

Pedro, customs slip inbound. Check your PM's in about 10 min.

Keith, next 5 helmets have been shipped. Numbers to post. Didn't get
a chance before having to get a personal day today. Numbers will be
available in the A.M.

Been trying to PM you Chris... please get back to me when you get the chance. Thanks!

Well, the offer stands my friend

Chis,

When you get a chance, please check your PM from me. I need an answer to my question quickly in case I need to seek alternative parts. I have events coming up that I do not want to miss out on.

Thanks,
Terrantula

PM sent brother

Originally Posted by Terrantula

Chis,

When you get a chance, please check your PM from me. I need an answer to my question quickly in case I need to seek alternative parts. I have events coming up that I do not want to miss out on.

Thanks,
Terrantula

How many left to finish the initial run, Chris?

Exactly 6 ahead of you my friend.
That's 6 left total to the finish line

Originally Posted by fettpride

Exactly 6 ahead of you my friend.
That's 6 left total to the finish line

Yeha!

Originally Posted by clonecollector

Been trying to PM you Chris... please get back to me when you get the chance. Thanks!

Been trying to PM you Chris... please get back to me when you get the chance. Thanks!

Received half of my order thank you so much for a nice cast
PM inbound sir

PM Sent Chris.

Shipping info received.I ´ll let you know as soon as the package arrives.

Thanks Chris.

Any word on my updated tracking number? The one in the first post still says that the expected delivery date is 1/23.

Indeed there is an update. Post #1

Originally Posted by clonecollector

Been trying to PM you Chris... please get back to me when you get the chance. Thanks!

Hello?

So mine is being sent this Friday? Cool! I waited over three years for a paid-in-full Gobler's Idol over at Club Obi-Wan, so 18 months isn't such a long period of time by comparison! I hope I get a lower edition number than those stated above, as it seems that almost everyone who paid after I did has already received their helmets.

Awesome! Can't wait to see this thing in person!

Originally Posted by clonecollector

Hello?

Still trying to get in touch! Thank you!

Hey Chris, Sorry to hear about the flu. Hope you are felling better. With that said, any update on my helmet kind sir?

i scoured this thread but couldnt see any notices is chris still taking orders ?

Originally Posted by clonecollector

Still trying to get in touch! Thank you!

Thank you Chris!

Hi Guys,

A small update. The last 6 due to ship today, didn't go out. It looks as if though the
latest set of ear molds are officially burned out. I will need to refresh the molds over
the weekend and complete the shipping on those on Monday, or Tuesday if all goes
well. It's not a real big deal, just frustrating at the end of a run and a couple of extra
days delay for those that anticipate tracking today or tomorrow. It happens guys.
But we're finally almost done.

Also, I noticed a few of those last shipped are not showing as moving through the system,
so I checked with the post and there were weather related delays again throughout our region.
Hang tight, they'll move soon. Sunny day today and through the weekend

A note about private messages. My inbox went "tilt" today (full) and I had to clear some old
out for the new. I'm getting to them as quickly as possible. If you've already sent one recently
I'd ask that you not resend another while I do some sorting. With only so much space allotted,
I have make sure I'm not dumping anything important. Thanks for your patience !

Chris

chris, PM sent

thanks
rid

Clark, that's awesome brother. Glad you approve


Small Update :

A little bad news. Ear molds refreshed, however my materials shipment expected
last Saturday didn't show until today, and it was damaged. The box, wrapped up
in a nice plastic bag to contain all of the leaking casting material
There's even an apology letter taped to the front from the Postmaster himself




I hate to have to post this at the very end, but it was out of my control. My own
frustration over this is off the charts considering that we were only 6 to the finish
line. But, I've re-ordered to replace this shipment and should be about Thursday.
This will throw the projected shipping estimates in Post #1 off a bit more, but there
is little else that can be done. Just keeping you folks in the loop



Chris

Hey Chris - PM sent.

No problem Chris,
Looks like you local postman likes to play basketball or something with his deliveries,
silly postman.

I don't really ever use USPS, so this is a general question for anyone who might know: for those tracking numbers stuck in limbo... any idea if the expected delivery date will get updated by the post office? My tracking number has an expected delivery date of 2 days ago, so I'm curious how I'll know when to expect it. Since my first helmet was stuck in that postal void since January I want to make sure this doesn't happen again.

Have you tried calling your postal office and asking them? They have more info than the one shown on the web, always.

Hello sir,have you received my PM? It was sent before you said going to clear your inbox,it's about stalk and ear on the first helmet and about my second helmet,not receive any shipping details

Chris...sent you a PM please hit me back when you get a chance =)

Talk soon
Lewis

Originally Posted by stormtrooperguy

I don't really ever use USPS....

As stated in an earlier update, there had been severe weather delays in the region.
I'm not sure how bad for how long, but there are a number of those last parcels that
appeared active in the washington hub this morning according to tracking. So I'm
assuming they're moving through the system again. Yours being one of them

Slave5 - Got ya my friend

TeeVee8 and Pappy, getting there guys. Slowly but surely. hang in there

Excellent! That answers that. Hopefully they'll update the expected delivery date so that I know when to watch for the box. With 3 other costumers here, I don't trust my office-mates

G'Day Chris, Just a quick question, You have me down as number #43 (In The last 6 of the Original Run) and You were offering a topper to all those in the original run, does that mean I qualify for one of those bad boys? *fingers crossed*

Dave.

Shot ya a PM, Chris

Hi mate, I had a look at the sale thread if this item but it is closed.
So I am wondering if the run is finished or am I able to still get one by order through here.
Thanks again for any info regarding this helmet.
Marcel

Just received my helmet today. It looks amazing. However no scope.

Originally Posted by jclayman99

Just received my helmet today. It looks amazing. However no scope.

If by scope you mean the rangefinder, I think it was never included in the first place.

Scope?

Originally Posted by jclayman99

Sorry rangefinder. My understanding is it came with a solidcast rangefinder.

Nope... from the first post in the initial sale thread:

This helmet will NOT be offered as a "Premium Kit" at this time. This will be a very basic kit, like the old days; a helmet shell and resin cast ears.

You are on your own for a rangefinder. I believe Terminal Fettler has some for sale at the moment.

Originally Posted by stormtrooperguy

Nope... from the first post in the initial sale thread:



You are on your own for a rangefinder. I believe Terminal Fettler has some for sale at the moment.

my misunderstanding. thank you kind sir.

2nd PM sent today Chris.

In case you miss my PM...

Thank you!!!!!!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Pm returned Chris

Chris -
Much to my pleasure, I can announce that GMH #15 has arrived at it's final destination!

It was almost another delay though - you totally forgot to put my name and address on it You only had the city and state. No worries though - I had the post office email me updates, so I caught it in time before they tried to send it back to you!

I must say - this is some fine craftsmanship my friend! Pictures do not do these helmets justice! The size is wonderful - I have to squeeze my huge, size 7-5/8 head a bit past the cheeks, but it fits like a dream once I do!

Hats off to you brother! I am truly one happy customer!!!!

Semper Fi!
Steve

I'm only takin the **** out of you, as the irish say! Seriously, not mad in the least!
My condolences regarding someone passing away, however.

Chris, sorry to hear that you've suffered a loss. Hope you're well.

My condolences Chris. Sorry to hear of your loss.

My helmet is stuck in the sarlacc pit called the post office! Help!

So you called your PO?

I tried calling the USPS 800 number and after being put on hold for over 30 min I hung up. On Sunday I made a claim via their email response system on the website and this is the response I got today:

Dear Mr. Schultz,
I regret learning of the inconvenience you have experienced.
The Postal Service is aware of the frustration and disappointment caused when we do not live up to our commitment of safe and reliable mail service.
Unfortunately, an occasional piece of mail may fail to reach its destination. When mail items are found during our processing operations, they are collected in the "loose-in-the-mail" section of the Post Office. The item(s) are held for 7 days pending a match with a sender or an addressee. However, at times no match occurs. Sometimes an item will find its way to the Mail Recover Center (MRC) in Atlanta, GA. Items of value will be held at the MRC for 90 days. The information you have provided will be shared with management as they continue their efforts to improve service performance in your area.
Reports of mail loss greatly concern us. Regrettably, when such instances are brought to our attention, there is no sure way of determining what may have happened. With the large volume of mail moving through our network each day, it is literally impossible to trace a single piece of regular First-Class Mail. Only Registered Mail, which is accounted for during its entire journey, can be accurately traced.

According to our records the item was mailed 4/16/2012 Parcel Post. This item is in within the time frame of deliver but you should contact the sender that this item has not arrived in California yet. The sender should contact their Consumer Affairs Office for help.
An apology is no substitute for good service, but I want to offer one on behalf of the Postal Service. We appreciate your reporting this matter to us. It helps to know the kinds of difficulties our customers have so we can work toward improvements. The loss of any piece of mail is as disappointing to us as it is to you.
Please accept our sincere apology for any inconvenience this matter may have caused you.
Gladys Grimaldo
Customer Service Supervisor
Moreno Valley Post Office
951-656-****

These guys are worse than the hutts.

Don't feel bad... mine made it all the way to Waltham MA before they noticed that the address was invalid and sent it back to OR. So now the whole process begins anew.

Hi Guys,

deciusx - sorry I missed your post. I'll check with my local PO first thing in the a.m., it's a little late in the day for me to make it over there now. But rest assured, you're not going to be out. The parcel is insured if it's lost. If I have to dispatch you a second kit, that's what will be done. But you will not be out a thing

stormtrooperguy - Brian, I apologized to you for the mishap. As soon as I receive it, I will be placing it in a brand new box
and dispatching it again priority to try to ease the blow. There really isn't anything more I can do than that.

I'm still not quite up to speed guys and gals. Dealing with everything as best I can, and getting the last of this tied up for you folks. It is a difficult time, please consider this. Nothing is stagnating, and will be finalized very soon. Just trying to get my land legs back.

Thank you,

Chris

I've still not received mine yet. It was shipped by airmail wasn't it?

Keith.

Stormtrooperguy,
For some reason immediately after reading your post, I imagined the overnight mail sorters opening up our packages and running around with our helmets on shooting each other with rifle props from the rpf! lol

Chris,
Thanks for the quick reply brotha. No apologies necessary, not your fault. These USPS guys are just frustrating the heck out of me! lol no worries!

My empty fett shelf eagerly waits your arrival GMH!