My Custom Mandalorian SpecialOps/BountyHunter

I have finally given in to my Star Wars needs and started building my armor. I've been drawing and designing for about three years now (How the heck did I holdout for that long?!?!?!). I am Starting with the helmet. I want to enter it in the Western-Idaho Fair, but that means that I have to get it done in 5 or 6 days. (Reminds me of school projects ) I am using WoF templates for the helmet and some body armor. (He did a very nice job. Cudos!!!!) the rest will be compleated after the fair. I don't know where the heck my camera is and finding it is not on my schedual for today so the progress pics will have to be taken later tonight or tomorow.

I found my camera!!!

Progress pics:

Here is the face


Here is the left/rear


Right/rear


Cheeks

Wow, looks good so far. Good luck on completing it in six days!

I just relized that I had miscounted my days till the fair turnin date. I actually only have 4 days left. I stayed up till about three lastnight putting the templates together. I screwed up on the face and had to print off new templates and cut new cardboard. it turned out very nice compared to what I had.

More progress pics!!!!









and a view from the very back of my helmet

I'm Half-Way-There!!!!!

do you live in the boise/nampa area? there's a pretty decent sized group of timberline garrison members in that region. you should sign up on our forums, idaho501st.com

Yes, I do. I have been in contact with MasterShane and he said that my costume would not be accepted (due to the fact that it's a custom mandalorian.). He did refer me to the Mandalorian Mercs. I have also talked with Noval Tallon and he said that there isn't a clan or squad of the Mercs in Idaho. I have started thinking along the line that I could join you guys as a seperate party. I would talk to the timberline in the area and see what they think about it first. if they say yes, then thats whay I would do. If the answer is no, then I would have to figure out somthing else to do with my armor other than hang it on the wall. I plan on being at the midnight release of Star Wars on Blueray on the 15th to talk to the timberline garrison.

are you part of the timberline garrison?

Any ways. To join, I would have to be 18 or have my dad right there the entire time. (I turn 16 on September 29th)

Looking good so far, Aranar! I would advise putting the visor back in so the rest of the helmet doesn't get warped. After you're done fiberglassing and bondoing it's pretty easy to cut out again with a hand saw that has a small blade and small teeth. So when you fb and bondo just don't go all the way over the visor part, but enough to hold the shape. It's important to have that shape when you go to put in the visor after everything is done.

Nice skater helmet. Are you going to fill in the holes or keep them? What ever you do, try to make it look like it's from the Star Wars universe so we can't tell it used to be a skater helmet. Then when people ask you what did you make the bucket out of you can surprise them and say "It was a skater helmet!"

Keep up the good work!

Originally Posted by Ordeyn

Looking good so far, Aranar! I would advise putting the visor back in so the rest of the helmet doesn't get warped. After you're done fiberglassing and bondoing it's pretty easy to cut out again with a hand saw that has a small blade and small teeth. So when you fb and bondo just don't go all the way over the visor part, but enough to hold the shape. It's important to have that shape when you go to put in the visor after everything is done.

Nice skater helmet. Are you going to fill in the holes or keep them? What ever you do, try to make it look like it's from the Star Wars universe so we can't tell it used to be a skater helmet. Then when people ask you what did you make the bucket out of you can surprise them and say "It was a skater helmet!"

Keep up the good work!

I'm actually takin ga differant approach to the final helmet. Instead of glassing and then bondo-ing, I found a place this morning on my way home from Cross-Country practice that sells sheet metal. They have several small pieces that they can't use and said that they would give them to me. I'm going back over this afternoon with dad and the truck to pick them up because I couldn't take them home on my bike. I will use a metal blade on th band saw to cut them out tonight. tomorow wi will spot weld them into place, rivit them to the helmet, the smooth out the edges and seams with bondo. then I paint it and add a tinted visor.

I'm thinking about covering them up, but my dad suggested that I don't because I'll be wearing it for a while when I do. I DEFINATELY want it to look like it came from a Galaxy Far, Far Away!!!! I have compared it to several other helmets online and an original here at home. It looks like I nail the Mando look!

Also, if you look closley at the images, yo can see that I have a tape bar across the bottom holding it in perfect shape. I have no room for a mistake with only three days till the deadline, so I made sure that I had looked over several armor threads (including yours) to see what mistakes they made, how they fixed them, and what I would do otherwise. My nieghbor is also a professional metal worker, so he is going to help me weld the metal together.

Originally Posted by AranarNakk

Yes, I do. I have been in contact with MasterShane and he said that my costume would not be accepted (due to the fact that it's a custom mandalorian.). He did refer me to the Mandalorian Mercs. I have also talked with Noval Tallon and he said that there isn't a clan or squad of the Mercs in Idaho. I have started thinking along the line that I could join you guys as a seperate party. I would talk to the timberline in the area and see what they think about it first. if they say yes, then thats whay I would do. If the answer is no, then I would have to figure out somthing else to do with my armor other than hang it on the wall. I plan on being at the midnight release of Star Wars on Blueray on the 15th to talk to the timberline garrison.

are you part of the timberline garrison?

Any ways. To join, I would have to be 18 or have my dad right there the entire time. (I turn 16 on September 29th)

yes, to join the legion you have to be 18 and have an approved costume. custom mando's aren't approved costumes for the 501st, however, the mandalorian mercs are a recognized star wars costume club by LA; and the fact that there is no merc presence in your area shouldn't stop you from building a really good custom and joining when you turn 18. mercs troop with 501st and rebel legion members pretty regularly in areas where all three clubs have representation. there shouldn't be too many events in that area that wouldn't allow mercs, only lucas official events, as long as you're accompanied by a parent or guardian.

so yeah, go for joining the mercs. it's always fun to be the first in your area, it's like being a pioneer. everyone else that comes after will be following in your footsteps.

Originally Posted by AranarNakk

Any ways. To join, I would have to be 18 or have my dad right there the entire time. (I turn 16 on September 29th)

Haha, it's nice to know I'm not the only one who can't join because of their age. I plan on joining when I'm 18 also... (I'm 16 right now...)

Originally Posted by saint_nasty

yes, to join the legion you have to be 18 and have an approved costume. custom mando's aren't approved costumes for the 501st, however, the mandalorian mercs are a recognized star wars costume club by LA; and the fact that there is no merc presence in your area shouldn't stop you from building a really good custom and joining when you turn 18. mercs troop with 501st and rebel legion members pretty regularly in areas where all three clubs have representation. there shouldn't be too many events in that area that wouldn't allow mercs, only lucas official events, as long as you're accompanied by a parent or guardian.

so yeah, go for joining the mercs. it's always fun to be the first in your area, it's like being a pioneer. everyone else that comes after will be following in your footsteps.

Thanks!

I think that I will join the mercs! Are you part of the Timberline Garrison?

Back to my armor:

I am getting the metal mentioned above in about 15 mins. It feels good to be almost done with the helmet, gives me an oportunity to start looking for the other materials I need for the body section. does anyone know where I can get a plastic trash can for the body armor?

Originally Posted by AranarNakk

Thanks!

I think that I will join the mercs! Are you part of the Timberline Garrison?

yep, i'm a garrison officer located in montana.

Awesome news, Aranar! You are off to a great start. I can't wait to see it!

Plastic trash can = Wal-Mart. Or Meijer, or Target, I suppose. But mostly Wal-Mart.

Thanks, Ordeyn!

I got the sheet metal and I cut it out today. It looks AWSOME!!!! Tomorow, I go to XC practice, get my sister a new phone, upgrade mine, then i have to decide to either sand the galvinization off of the metal or get a galvinize friendly primer. Everyone is always talking about how thier battle dammage looks. Some good damage is on Ordeyns armor (see her thread) and Novall Talons. Well, i fugured out how to get laser burns. First, ground a car batterie with a jumper cable. Second, use the other cable to grasp a nail. Three, drag the nail across the helmet for a short ways.

I also cant wait to show you guys what it looks like painted! I will post the rest of my pictures when I'm done woth it tomorow.

Originally Posted by saint_nasty

yep, i'm a garrison officer located in montana.

Cool, I'l be talking to your men in boise at the star wars on blueray.

Originally Posted by Aeronnz

Haha, it's nice to know I'm not the only one who can't join because of their age. I plan on joining when I'm 18 also... (I'm 16 right now...)

Heh heh! Sucks doesn't it.

dude progress is promising. I'll get you a sketch done this weekend (hopefully) but I'm on call so... I'll do my best! lol

Originally Posted by AranarNakk

Heh heh! Sucks doesn't it.

I feel your pain guys. My kit is done and I'm only like a few months too young before I can become an official Merc...

Originally Posted by Ordeyn

I feel your pain guys. My kit is done and I'm only like a few months too young before I can become an official Merc...

Yeah. I bet the wait is worth it though!

Originally Posted by kal'ika

dude progress is promising. I'll get you a sketch done this weekend (hopefully) but I'm on call so... I'll do my best! lol

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Aeronnz

Yeah. I bet the wait is worth it though!

Dude...we have t wait another 4 years. This is going to drive me freaking insane!!!!!!!!


Well, the helmet is at the battle dameage stage. Paint is on and it looks great! I can't wait till i find my camera! (I lost it while working...)

Find that camera! I want to see the helmet, LoL.

Originally Posted by Ordeyn

Find that camera! I want to see the helmet, LoL.

I will! Just put the laser whip away!

ha ha I think your safe there... haven't heard from Adonian in a while.

I'm back! sorry I haven't been on for a while. the XC (Cross-Country) season has started and I am about to go to my second race tonight. I am REALLY HAPPY about my progress as a runner because I just found out that I get to run at Soda Springs on saterday! this race consists of the top 14 boys and 14 girls of the team(our team is ranked with in the top 20 in the nation! makes me happy that i am in the top 14 of such a high ranking team!)[not meaning to brag here...] and the track acts like it was created by an acient sith lord (the relentless kind). There is a hill up there called Heart Attack Hill that absolutly kills our varsity runners. a very long, high hill. (I don't plan on having a heart attack soon either. )

anyway. I went to the fair last week and my buice got second place over all of the youth! the only thing that beat me was a pirate ship 4 feet tall and made out of popcicle sticks and canvas. neat project. i'll kick it in the shebs next year with a fully built Beskar'gam!

I found my camera and the SD card was deleated so i lost all of my progress pics! i do have a few pictures of it finished that i took after the fair though!

i will post them right after mom gets it from the car. she wont let me get it. i think that there's something in there that she is hiding from me. mabey its a birthday present. (my b-day is less than a month. 09/29)

Sounds awesome! Can't wait to see pics!

hey dude ur sketch is done, just haven't been able to upload it... maybe able over the extended weekend.

Hey guy's! i'm sorry for keeping you on the edge of things here. I've been working on keeping my grades up in school. so far I still have a 4.0 GPA. I have also been working on restoring my 1968 109 WB Series IIA Land Rover. Been a bit of a hastle so far due to the fact that they are SUPER rare in states. even f you go to england where they were made you would have trouble finding them.

Anyway, i found some time where i can finally post the pictures i told you about above. here they are:

Looks great! When are you going to install a visor? (Or is it already installed and you only have progress pictures?)

No, the visor isn't installed yet. The best visor i could think up is a tinted motorcycle helmet visor. the problem is that the visor leangth is 7.25 inches and the closest that i have found is 6 iches. i'm going to start looking online for a good visor. you can help if you want, i'm looking for a blue tinted visor. if any of you find one, please post.

The helmet looks great! (It makes me feel like I haven't seen the color yellow in a while...) However, you might want to think about getting some masking tape and retouching the edges of the non-black paint to make the edges straight. It'll sharpen up the whole look of the bucket. Other than that, I love it.

I can't help you with a tinted visor but here's where I got mine:

heargear for faceshields,Boba Fett Faceshield,Dark Green Faceshields,clear face shields,polycarbonate faceshields,hard hat sunshieldHard Hat Liner
scroll down for "Polycarbonate Faceshield -Clear" Get the Dark Green one.

Here's a simple solution for tinting your visor just about any color you wish: GamColor has lighting gels (thin, plastic films) in dozens of colors. The smallest size you can order is a 20" x 24", which is plenty big for what you need, and they're only $7.55 a sheet. For an appearance of depth, layer it on the inside of a clear polycarbonate face shield and you're good to go!

If you need a longer transparent polymer faceguard to cut down, check with any place locally that sells tools/construction equipment. The safety shields used by some construction worker should be long enough for you.

Thanks you guys! And yes, I do need to go back over the paint, but I will do that another day because I have a Cros-Country race in Twin Falls tomorow. need to get rest. Also, I'm still working on the armor, but school is in full punch and I'm still trying to find time to finish working on my Eagle Scout, so I probobly wont post anything about progress for a while.

Have you guys been watching the new Star Wars season? There is going to be a terrible accident because they are bringing back the DEATH WATCH! We should all go to war...

hello agian!

i am haveing troble finding the trash can that i needed. i looked at walmart, fredmyer, pauls, target, ect.

i am going to ask for your help on comeing up with some ideas for more materials. i want something that is strong, hold paint well, and will look nice. cutting the parts will not be a problem.

also, if any of you reading my thread are part of the Mandalorian Mercs. Please ask them aswell.

thanks!

Aranar

Originally Posted by AranarNakk

hello agian!

i am haveing troble finding the trash can that i needed. i looked at walmart, fredmyer, pauls, target, ect.

i am going to ask for your help on comeing up with some ideas for more materials. i want something that is strong, hold paint well, and will look nice. cutting the parts will not be a problem.

also, if any of you reading my thread are part of the Mandalorian Mercs. Please ask them aswell.

thanks!

Aranar

You can sign up at the Mercs too, if you want to. There's a lot of helpful information there -- and people!

Materials off the top of my head...
1) Sintra
2) Cardboard covered in resin or bondo
3) Metal

Thanks Ordeyn! I will end up joining the mercs later. The registration rules say that i have to be 18 or older unless i have an adult sign up with me. I am not 18 yetand my dad is on a buisness trip right now.

What I mean by sign up is you can join the forums before you are 18. However, you are right about actually becoming an official Merc -- then you have to be over 18.

ah. wold you explain to me how to join the forums? all i can find is the registration for the official costume.

This, I believe: http://mercs.firespray.net/forum/ind...ction=register

That's signing up for the forums. The official membership is for when you send in an application to become official. Still read the rules and what not, though.