Imperial Guard Helmet Skupilkinson's Pepakura

Looking Great T-Bone!!!

G-Fett

Looks sweet! Well done! I think you may be right about the print difference. I'm in the UK so used A4, I didn't get this problem. Sometimes it can be caused by not lining up the tabs properly but you wouldn't get a gap like that, so I think the A4-Letter problem raised its head with yours.

I'm just relieved that it worked to your benefit though and improved the fit. Can't wait to see it glassed with some filler over it! I haven't the time for mine lately but I'm eager to see how it will turn out.

Great work T-Bone... nice recovery too!
I'm half way thro mine and as I'm UK the whole A4 issue (wasn't an issue) Phew!

It's really great to see and hear of others building this. Thanks guys!

Very nicely done, and very nice work there skupil creating the template.

Out of curiosity skupil what formats will import into that program? Will max? I created a few things in max for a project last year, one was a trooper/mando mix helmet. Id be interested to see it split up.

Though its almost all tri's and polys, so its got a lot of extra pieces.

Thanks very much buddy, What formats will what read? The modelling software I use? Or the unfolding software?

If you're referring to the unfolding software, it doesn't read MAX. Though I never use MAX so it's cool for me. It does read 3DS, OBJ formats though.

Your project sounds cool.

I think that 3ds is the first version max used, and you can export to it. Ill see if the thread is anywhere around anymore.

Thanks

To try and show where the mods will be here are some pics of myself wearing it.

The red lines are where I think it would probably be the easiest to add to the length.


This one shows about how much length I'll need to add. (I know the skull is faded but It has been recolored three times already and every time I get a sunburn it gets a little bit lighter.)




For when I do the entire costume I think I'll try and leave the bottom of the back flared out like it is so I have room for a back plate. I plan on doing like a Crimson Empire style armor underneath the robes.

I agree, tat's probably the best place to add height to it. Nice build BTW.

I do have plans to model the CE armor the same way I did the helmet. Though I have no idea when it will happen.

Thanks again and I'll have to keep an eye out for that.

I made the horizontal cut around the helmet but I found that I'll need the help of my lovely assis... I mean wife to get it put back together. I'll post more pics when that's done.

No worries, I'll be looking forward to seeing how it goes.

dont forget to add enough height to account for the thickness of the material when strengthened and or padding.

Pretty kewll

Originally Posted by Stormrider

dont forget to add enough height to account for the thickness of the material when strengthened and or padding.

Pretty kewll

At this point I dont think I'll need to pad anything and I plan to do all strengthening from the outside.

I have started reassembling at the horizontal cut and am now trying to deal with allignment issues. I think I have it figured out but we'll just have to wait and see. I may have to print of and rebuild some areas if my brainstorm drizzles out.

You could always use the body filler(if you're using it) to resculpt that area to fix the allignment issues??

Originally Posted by Skupilkinson

You could always use the body filler(if you're using it) to resculpt that area to fix the allignment issues??

That crossed my mind. I'll definately have to do that in some areas but I am going to try and keep that to a minimum. although I do so love the smell of body filler as it is sanded/ground away.

LOL! So, what's your plan for smoothing it out if you're keeping the use of filler to a minimum? I'm curious if you're doing things differently than I have. It'd be good to learn other ways ya know?

Oh, I figure I'll use a lot of filler on the overall project. I just meant I was trying to avoid it for the purpose of realignment. Sorry to make you think I had some kind of secret or new method. Although, I wish I did know some other neat way to do it that I could share.

Ok, it's cool. Either way I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes for you.

Just a quick update... This thing is gonna look like Frankenstein before I get to FG.

I'd hate to say it, but what if you built another one about 10% larger? That might help if what you have now might have a little snug of a fit. The bucket is looking awesome though!

I was thinking the same thing. I hate it when I'be built something like this only for it not to fit just right. Though sometimes the easier fix is to start over but slghtly bigger. It could mean less of a headache for you?

Though to contibue and work with what you've already done is commendable! Either way I think you're doing a great job!

I'd also agree...
Starting fresh would mean allot less heartache down the road if the lid does not fit? I'm going thro the same issues with a different lid...
Or you could complete it and offer them out as child size RG lids for halloween or something?

I think if I end up redoing it I'll try and get hold of some A4 card paper. But... being the stubborn, bull headed guy I am, I'm gonna keep fighting until there is no other option. I did something last night after the last post that seemed to help out a lot. We'll see where that goes.

All the best with it buddy. Good for you for sticking with it! I can't wait until your next photo update.

Made some headway last night. I'll try and get some pics up this evening.

You're more than welcome buddy. I'm only sorry that the size I chose to release this in didn't work out for you in the first place.

Upon saying that, it's been great to watch your progress so far. Top marks for sticking with it and seeing the mod through. As you know I was skeptical at first, knowing the kind of problems you'd hit along the way. It's always good to be proven wrong every now and then though. You did just that.

Looking forward now to seeing the rest of your progress.

I don't think the sizing you chose was the issue. I think what it all boils down to is the translation from A4 to letter. I played around with this in the pepakura designer program the other day, just to see, and I don't think that could be made to fit on letter sized paper. I undid the unfolding, reset the values for letter, re-unfolded, and it still wouldn't fit. I guess it could but it is beyond my skills. I would say that any problems are definately not with the design. The overall helmet is just too big for some things to be broken down fit on letter. It is crazy to see this thing sitting on the table. It just looks enormous even before my mods. I've never seen one, not being worn, in person. I guess I just did not realize how much helmet was actually there.

You're right there. Mine currently sits in my garage awaiting more fibreglass and filler. It does indeed look massive. Almost too big even!

Well widening the visor area became more of a task than it should have been. I remembered that all of the ones I had seen had a little rim that came down from the top of the visor area. I wanted to incorporate that into the mod and ended up with this.


Something just didn't look quite right about it, so I pulled up some reference pics I had saved and I was way off. The lens shouold be almost flush with the rest of the face so I started hacking. (Kind of puts me in mind of one of the Lizardmen from Flash Gordon.)


I started reattachment by reforming the top of the visor area to match the bottom and attached it to the "forehead" section. Then I began putting it back together.


Then I split the remaining upper portion of the forehead into tabs, and glued the upper and lower portions back together. I had to make some small pieces to fill in gaps at the back. Resulting in this.




I also noticed that the flare out on the back of mine seemed a little too big so I had to fix that too. That was easy though compared to the face. I just split the middle of the back ans overlapped the two sides until I thought it pulled in enough and reglued it.



I think I may be able to get this under some resin now. I figure I can cure any imperfections with the FG and Bondo.

Wow! You're really going to town with this eh? Nice job on the visor area buddy. It's looking really sweet.

Thanks. I finally got some time to throw some resin on it today. It's impressive just how much sturdier this is now.

I figured I'd save myself a little extra shaping with bondo so I cut out another small section and smoothed it out a bit.
Here it is after a couple coats of resin. Next chance I get I'll start hitting it with FG cloth.





Oh yeah... For anyone doing a project like this (this is mostly for any males reading this) Don't forget to wear a shirt.
CHEST HAIR AND FIBERGLASS RESIN DO NOT PLAY WELL TOGETHER!:o

Originally Posted by t_bone9600

Don't forget to wear a shirt.
CHEST HAIR AND FIBERGLASS RESIN DO NOT PLAY WELL TOGETHER!:o

Ouch! I think I'll remember that one!

Looks great my friend. Your time spent modding it and correcting the fit has been well spent! Makes me want to get into the garage and work on mine!

I started getting some FG cloth put in place this weekend. I did it on the front porch so I didn't get it in the carpet. Anyway... While working on it my postal carrier came and was like "What are you making?" So I told him first I'm a Star Wars geek and then showed him exactly what it was. Now he wants me to catch him so he can see it when its done. He was really impressed by the paper model design. So more cheers to you Skip.

Hey thanks buddy. I keep getting weird looks when people walk by my garage too. LOL! They like,"What the hell is he doing in there?!" It's really funny to see their faces.

Looking forward (as always) to seeing more buddy.

Been really busy lately but, I finally got some FG cloth laid on and some preliminary shaping done. I've got almost 12 sq feet of cloth on it so far, and thats only one layer. It is quite rigid though so I think I'll leave it as such and start hitting it with some FG Resin Jelly. Hopefully I can show some more progress soon.

I was thinking about this build yesterday. Good to hear you're still on it buddy.

I got a little more done on this beast over the past couple weeks and mostly the last few days. Man this thing is ugly right now! I guess Halloween coming up has got me into the costuming spirit. The first four pics here are after the FG mat and some preliminary shaping with the dremel. In the last four I have begun the addition of Resin Jelly. I've heard some folks call it bondoglass. I've had to lay it on fairly thick in some areas due to uneven spots from the mods. The red arrow in the right profile pics shows one of the issues. I'm starting to get a bit giddy because this is the part I like. Believe it or not I love working with bondo. Its almost like sculpting to me.














The red arrow in this one just shows where it appears to be wider, although it's not. I guess its just the angle and the lighting.

Great stuff "T"! Nice to see it coming along buddy, though you're right. It IS ugly! That inbetween part when bondo-ing is the worst. You know it'll look better when you're done but it's hard to see it when it's still rough.

This one I think is going to be sweet!

It's finally starting to look like it's supposed to again. I got some more bondo put on and started sanding away with the mouse sander. It still looks ugly but not as ugly as before and not for much longer. I may have to shave a bit more off the raised protion above the face but I'm not sure at the moment.

Wow!! Looks amazing T. You're really doing this justice, thank you. It's been great to see this puppy come together.

Thanks! I found a bit more tweaking that needs done here and there but its nothing big. Just a few low and high spots to fill and sand.

Upon further review I have decided to scrap this project and start over... Naahhhh! Just kidding.







I decided that the raised area between the "forehead" and dome was too thick. Rather than grind off I decided it would be easier to built up the forehead and dome. The photo angles are slightly different but you get the idea.



After a little more shaping and nit picking I finally decided it was time for some finishing putty. It's starting to be not quite so ugly. All I have to do now is sand and prime to see what else needs fixed if anything. I'm sure there will be something though.













I'm thinking about putting a coat of liquid resin on the inside to "seal" the paper I can't get out for good, and to make it smooth. I can't wait to get this under primer.

Beautiful! I know I'm biased but you've done a super job on this bro. Yours is turning out better than I could have hoped.

Very nice! :thumbup I've always quite liked the Imp Guards. Their look is simple, elegant, yet somehow quite dangerous.

Pity Yoda kinda spoiled that idea.

Thanks! I'm almost ready for primer. Although... I'm a little scared to see how much is wrong. I've been being really anal about it while doing the finishing. I keep finding little things here and there that just don't seem right so I keep adding and resanding.

its looking amazing bro! Keep it up!

I know what you mean there T_bone. I was the same with my Mando lid! I looked fine while it ws just bare filler, though I knew tons of little uneven areas and small problems would show up after it got a coat of primer.

You're doing a fantastic job on it though bro, this is gonna look super when it's done.

That looks incredible! Makes me want to push this helmet towards the top of the build list.
Can't wait to see how it ends up, you've done a great job so far.

Another costume Ruze?? You'll never be bored my friend!!

wow, I am always amazed at those who can use the pepkura stuff - let alone find the files for them... but this build looks amazing. Well done, have you had a chance to compare measurements the current Guard buckets out there? - or even side by side shots?

No comparisons yet. I am guessing that it is just a little bigger than the other ones out there though, since I did the mods to fit my big ol' noggin. It sets ever so slightly against my cheeks, but not enough to be uncomfortable. I would guess it is a little taller overall, and wider from front to back. Especially over the shoulders, I'm pretty thick. I put a little more finishing putty on today. Hopefully I'll get to primer before the end of the week. Keeping my fingers crossed anyway. The only thing that I can think of that may slow me down is getting my Fettoo coloerd, and thats a pretty big maybe.

Thats looking amazing man. Just a thought here tho Skip - that template you made, it looks amazingly like a neo-crusader mando. Anyone else thinking that such a template would be fairly simple to turn into a neo-crusader?

Oh, I have so many I'd like to get around to and make templates for. Only so little time though.

Lol good point. That always seems to be the problem for all of us :P

Too true.

Originally Posted by Runtman

Thats looking amazing man. Just a thought here tho Skip - that template you made, it looks amazingly like a neo-crusader mando. Anyone else thinking that such a template would be fairly simple to turn into a neo-crusader?

Thanks! I've been rolling the neo-crusader idea around in my head too. Don't know if I'm quite up for it yet, but I have been pondering it, and would really like to attempt it at some point. I know I could do the mods. I gotta get this one done first, though. My wife would kill me if I started another one right now.

Originally Posted by t_bone9600

Thanks! I've been rolling the neo-crusader idea around in my head too. Don't know if I'm quite up for it yet, but I have been pondering it, and would really like to attempt it at some point. I know I could do the mods. I gotta get this one done first, though. My wife would kill me if I started another one right now.

I know what that's like my friend. There are loads of builds I'd like to start but can't. Suppose it's a good thing though, keeps me focused on one build.

Originally Posted by t_bone9600

Thanks! I've been rolling the neo-crusader idea around in my head too. Don't know if I'm quite up for it yet, but I have been pondering it, and would really like to attempt it at some point. I know I could do the mods. I gotta get this one done first, though. My wife would kill me if I started another one right now.

Haha yeah, finish this! Looks amazing.

man all that paper would drive me nuts... great build so far

that's looking really great!

i may have to try this pepakura stuff some time. looks like fun!

Looking really nice T_Bone! I said it before but this is turning out so much better than I expected! Not because I thought you couldn't pull it off, just it looks better than I thought the design/templates would allow.

Well done buddy, I love it!

Just a quick teaser.



I got a little froggy yesterday morning before work and threw a quick, thin coat of paint on. I should have used a lighter gray primer. Being too cold to do any real paintwork it ran a little but you get the idea of how it's gonna look. I also found a couple spots that need a little minor work.

WOAH!!!

That! Is! Beautiful!!!

Outstanding work my friend!! And it's not even finished yet. You've done a remarkable job on this so far. I'd never have expected the templates to work so well. Your time in modding them to work better for you has truly paid off!

Well done! :thumbup

IMG! That is amazing work. Awesome job!

sorry to bring up a thread that's a couple weeks no replies...but this came along so far...i'm amazed at the care that you took getting that thing cut out and smooth.

and then hardening it up with bondo/glassing.

well done.

and it looks to be quite a custom fit

I found a few spots that needed a little work after i got the initial glossy coat on. So I've sanded, rebondoed, and sanded smooth again. I'm just waiting to get a warm place to do some real painting. I'm not allowed to paint in the house anymore. My dad is taking a break from remodeling a home a couple block away, but when he gets back to work on it and has a fire going, I'm gonna run over there and throw some on. I can hardly wait.

Looking forward to it buddy.

Realy a great job, all that folding line, WOW!!, WHAT A JOB!!!

Can't wait to see it in it's final paint..

excellent work !

Hey all. We had an unusually warm day here a few days ago and since I had done a little sanding I decided to throw another coat of primer on. I used light grey this time so the red should cover better this time. Still waiting on a warmer place to do the actual paint though. Here are some new pics.











I think it's nice to see it just one color again. Until I have something else noteworthy take care and most of all have fun.

T

***!!!!!! It looks so smooth now! Beautifully done T!! Be proud my friend, be proud.

Thanks! I have the day off Friday, woohoo, so hopefully my pops will be working on his house and have the heat cranked up. Once I get the paint on, I just need a visor to slap in. I think I even have a piece left that will fit. Keeping my fingers crossed that nothing happens that I have to take care of between now and then.

WooHoo! Looking forward to it mate.

Wow......terrific!

you got a good point adonian, how is your mando coming,hmmmm???? lmao

on subject: wow T this build is amazing seeing this in rl id never in a million yrs believe it started as paper,great work my friend!

and skip your templatesare amazing as always,nuff said

Hey all.

The good news is that I haven't forgotten about this project and it's getting warmer here. I never got a chance to get over to my Dad's place, seems like he wasn't there every time I had a day off. The bad news is that I now have two jobs and I'm working seven days a week so... finding time to do anything is quite a task. As soon as I get something done, though, I'll post pics.
Sorry to keep everyone hanging.

Troy

No sweat bro. Life always has a way of getting in the way.

Just saw this thread, and this helmet is completely amazing! Wow thats probably one of the best red guard helmets I've ever seen.

I just saw this thread too Novall... I am so impressed! The patience and attention to detail is great!!! I wanna try something like this so bad but I'd be afraid of messing it up haha! I can't wait to see it in it's red glory! Great job!

El1te

Wow! I've been following this for a while, and it is looking great! I love pep builds! How much time do you have in the initial paper build not including glassing or bondo.

Keep it up!
Kody

Kody, I never really kept track of time but I think I started working on it around the 3rd or 4th of July, 2008. The last mod pic I uploaded to my pc was August 17, 2008. It was all done in spare time. If you add it all together maybe a week of solid, non-stop work.


I've had some time and warm weather over the past couple of days and I finally got to do something. Hooray! It is now under paint and clear coat. Here are some pics. Enjoy.









I'm working on installing the visor this afternoon. When my wife gets back with the camera I'll try to get some pics of the final product up.

Wow man! That is absolutely beautiful! Nice work!

AMAZING! Sell it to me!!!!!! LOL! Seriously mate, you've done an astounding job on this build, you should be proud, very proud!

Well folks... I think I can finally say it's done. Now I just gotta finish the rest of the costume. Any tips on where to look? All the sites I've found on searches so far, are either gone or dead. Anyway without further delay here it is.





Here it is over my melon.





And for grins on my 15 month old son and then my wife.



Again a huge thanks to Skip for the templates, and to all of you for the compliments and having the patience to wait on my lack of progress.

I never saw that until just now. But that is awesome, ner vod. Awesome job on that!

-Naas

I will be doing armor templates at some point buddy though I'm not sure when if that helps any?? You never replied to my cry to "Sell it to me!!!" LOL!

Will do mate. Not sure long it'll be though.

Thanks guys. I have some more of Skip's templates, and with my success on this I'm looking forward to building the others. Just as soon as I get more time. LOL

Ooh! What you gonna build next?

its so BEAUTIFUL... i have always thought that this was one of the best looking helmets and you definitely did a great job on re-creating it.

I've been thinking about folding this helmet for a little while now, got any tips or tricks you learned from your build?

Originally Posted by Skupilkinson

Ooh! What you gonna build next?

I haven't decided yet. Probably the Revan mask since I already have it printed and sitting in front of me. I need to finish the build of the Nihilus mask first. I started on it when I got that mess figured out just to see how it would look.

Originally Posted by Dreadmullet

I've been thinking about folding this helmet for a little while now, got any tips or tricks you learned from your build?

All I can say to this one is "PATIENCE." That's what will get this one done.

Sounds great! I've just finished a set of templates for a Cylon head from the new BSG series(can you still call it new when it's just ended???). I'm happy with it but I can tell that's another one that would require alot of patience.

T-bone, which Revan mask are you gonna make? The one from Skip or did you find another pep file?

That's one prrrreeeettttyyy helmet you got there. Real inspiration.