Darktrooper Progress Thread 8MAR2011: Getting back to it

Well had an awesome time at Star Wars Weekends this past weekend. I randomly learned of one LFL author, Jason Fry, was to be doing a book signing. One of his latest books, "the essential guide to warfare" came out in April, and they had some for sale, which I promptly purchased. The reason being, is that because of his writing, the Phase 0 Darktrooper was retroconned, i.e., was NOT considered to be part of cannon, but was re-instated as cannon, therefore, making this project squared away for 501st approval.

So I did the only logical thing and had to meet this guy and thank him. He was a bit shocked considering how obscure it was for me to bring up. But he said that they wanted that little tid-bit to be short and very to the point, explaining that the clones that were turned into "more machine then man" was a major pshycological blow to the clones, having fought machines their whole lives, which drove them mad and even to suicide...

So I'm going to do the best I can to complete this project. I just aquired all my TK parts to fill out the base armor. I'll be posting up questions for assistence as well...thanks

-TC

- - - Updated - - -

I'm awaiting some measurements of existing OSCS clone armor, since the majority of my armor is already OSCS pieces, from the tall kit version. I'm going to *attempt* at matching the scaling of the chest armor with this.

I do have a question though-I have the TK style shins. While they match according to the game, I cannot decide if I should leave the angular detail (Where the knee plate would be attached) on or cut that off to give the piece a smoother look. While the detail is soft on the 3d model, I cannot decide if this is something I should do.

photo-21.jpg


- - - Updated - - -

Started to do some trimming today...however, got pretty rained out. I'm having to get another forarm set as I received two of the same side, and may have to return a bicep piece for some QA issues...

Anyways, just a mock up but cant wait to start cleaning these pieces up to get some paint on them...

forarmfit.jpg


-TC
 
Last edited by a moderator:
So I spent the better part of the day finishing up the trimming and sanding. I focused on cleaning up the (one) forarm that I'll use, a bicep and the shin armor. I've run into an issue with the calves, but as with my clone armor, I need to get some experienced members to help me with the construction, as they are a tight fit on me..

-TC
 
Posting to update that a lot has happened since I last worked on this project. It has been on hold due to numerous setbacks, mostly financial. In the time since I last posted, I went through a break-up and a move immediately following C6. So, the project has been kind of shelved. I left Tallahassee, forced to put a majority of my prop stuff and all my tools in storage. I've got the helmet with me, but that's it.

I can post now, that I just recently got hired for a government contract type position and will be starting this week. This will be the start of my desired career and money will be much better then I ever had. In the next few weeks, I'll be traveling up to retrieve the rest of my property and get back to work on this..

A local member is currently building his own Vaccuformer which he's agreed to allow me to use in the near future.

I'll keep this updated as I move along

-TC
 
Glad to see that you're finally able to get back at it, man. I've been anxious to see the end product since you started it. Good luck
 
Started sanding the helmet today. Haven't started the bondo work but I've got an industrial size thing of it waiting to be cracked open. It's going ok for now, focused on the face today, but it's gonna take time. Cut the eyes out but don't have all of my dremel bits to get the rest, so it looks kinda goofy at the moment. Gonna start bondo tomorrow...

image_zps515c4281.jpg


image_zps2f7ccee6.jpg


photo_zps90a9b4c2.jpg


-TC
 
Spent considerable time today, though the results for the day's work is minimal. I do miss my mouse sander. Got this far by hand, but it shows that it works so far, but is just going to take along time. I'm not a "bondo ranger" like I've seen others so I'm feeling the "pain" already lol

Anyways, focusing on the dome for now. I noticed that there is bump on the helmet that is the remnants of a particular expanding foam incident years ago when I first built the model. I'm going to need to correct this, but I'll require a power sander to make significant headway. Otherwise, I'm going to just keep building up and sanding till it gets there..

wKnMO64.jpg


8CcCRgf.jpg


Ls5PJRZ.jpg


vNtvR6q.jpg


Thanks..

-TC
 
Not posting as much since this phase is just bondo after bondo work. I was able to borrow a mouse sander and a dremel from a friend which helped out a lot! Before slathering more bondo on today, it was actually really looking good considering how it looked when I started. At this point, the majority of it is looking good, but I'm focusing on filling out and leveling/evening out particular areas as well as forming the dome's rim to make it more defined and get that "polygonal" look taken out and brought into a real world round look.

Also mad the eyes look less goofy. Still need to get my needle files though to get the remainder out. Thanks for your patience!

dABVKHq.jpg


8RVNpXh.jpg


-TC
 
So, dusting off this thread. I'm about ready to start looking into this. I did a bit of more thought and decided that I am going to complete the helmet first and foremost. I really want to be able to offer these to the community and those who may be interested.

The armor will follow. One thing I did realize that I didn't before was that the belt, with the exception of the boxes themselves, is a TK belt. So...the clone belt I had custom made is actually going to have to be replaced. Sucks, but oh well.
 
Decided that I am going to trade out using bondo for Magic Sculpt (Or smooth-on's equivalent) to complete the rest of the helmet sculpt. It's suppose to be significantly lighter and much easier to apply/sand than bondo.
 
This thread is more than 9 years old.

Your message may be considered spam for the following reasons:

  1. This thread hasn't been active in some time. A new post in this thread might not contribute constructively to this discussion after so long.
If you wish to reply despite these issues, check the box below before replying.
Be aware that malicious compliance may result in more severe penalties.
Back
Top