Sci-Fire TDH Clone Trooper WIP

Replicant Shadow

Active Hunter
All right folks, jumping on my third Clone Trooper build-out (film not animated). This kit is by the good guys at Sci-Fire. My first complete clone was a Clonesix suit (built to be Commander Bacara specific) which I sold to whistle8mp recently (July 2008). I miss that suit terribly but due to significant weight loss, it was time to build out a new suit of armor to reflect my new physique.

The intent behind this build-out is to create a final, multi-functional clone, wherein I will be able to simply switch out accouterments between various Commanders (primarily with my custom snow clone, Commander Voltaire) and of course, preserve the ability suit-up as a simple Phase One AOTC Clone Trooper.

To start this build-out, I will be kicking off with the belt, boxes and thermal detonator, as I have those items in possession now. As of this initial post, I have not purchased the armor as of yet, and will very shortly.


 
Last edited by a moderator:
Something about the floating ammo boxes is just cracking me up... but I'll bet anyone with resin ammo boxes is eying those with envy!
 
Last edited:
Something about the floating ammo boxes is just cracking me up... but I'll bet anyone with resin ammo boxes is eying those with envy!

Rubber Belt Box, you're the one,
You make bath time lots of fun!
Rubber belt box, I'm awfully fond of you...
Bo-Bo-Bodie-oh! :D


-C
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Very nice James! Did the belt boxes come already contoured for the belt? You didn't have to cut them to make them flush with belt did you? Looking good dude! Can't wait to see the whole Sci-Fire clone armor completed! (y):)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Something about the floating ammo boxes is just cracking me up... but I'll bet anyone with resin ammo boxes is eying those with envy!


Ha! Yeah, it was bizarre to come back to the sink to shut the water off to see them floating around. This belt will be fairly light when finished. I am diggin' the fact that there was no sanding involved in the clean up of the boxes. (y)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It was all that was available initially, many, many months ago. I won't do any final trimming of the length until I am finished assembling the entire armor, for a final, optimum look and fit.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Like this?;) Rock on RS! Good to see you back on track dude!
This was my first test fit a couple weeks ago working out the bugs and strap lengths. The suit is AWESOME! I love my rig!
moto_0043.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Looking good Morgue! Yep, I realized last night it has been exactly two years since I started on my Clonesix armor project. Time sure flies!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Last night, after talking up a storm on the phone with Slavefive (armor is shipping overnight today!) :cheers I proceeded to add additional detail to the belt. The belt itself is awesome, and the imbedded fabric on the unseen backside not only adds flexibility, but addtional durability.

In the images below, you will see where I added this extra detail. With the center rectangular portions of the belt, I added solid, pre-cut 1/4 round solid tube styreene to the sides of the rectangles, as per reference. The porous nature of the material used to make the belt (for optimum paint adhession) made it easy for the super glue gel to properly interact (I used Loctite brand Super Glue Gel) with the tube styreene, for permanent placement. I used the gel as opposed to regular formula super glue, as the belt material would have soaked it up immediatly.

I addition to the side detailing, I also added super thin, sheet styreene to the surfaces of the exposed center belt recantangles, and also in the smaller areas in between, effectively plating these exterior areas (again using Loctite super glue gel, brushed on evenly). The intent is to airbrush these areas with traditionally formulated, non-water based paint, for a smoother finish and weathering foundation. These areas will be masked off prior to applying the appropiate flex-agent based paint to the rest of the belt:


100_2145.gif



100_2146.gif


100_2147.gif


100_2148.gif


100_2149.gif


100_2150.gif


100_2152.gif


100_2158.gif


100_2160.gif


100_2161.gif


100_2162.gif


100_2163.gif


100_2165.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Looks like your tile could use some regrouting James :lol:

Nice work so far, will this be done in time for Wondercon??
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Wont be ready for Wondercon. Though I will probably not attend this years any way. I have to many out of town things already planned and plus a huge wedding to attend in Hawaii in May. The dollar and time can only go so far, especially in this fierce economic climate.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
After studying and re-reviewing countless reference images, I identified what I believe to be the correct placement of the two main, front ammunition boxes. With that in mind, I was required to move the boxes further inward toward one another, which then required me to add additional detail to the belt, to compensate for the movement of the boxes. I used styreene strips, cut to the appropiate size, to replicate the appropiate look. Again, I used Loctite Super Glue Gel, and once this stuff sets, it ain't coming off (see images below)

Of course, I do not intend to permanately install any of the utility boxes onto the belt, until the armor is fully completed, as I may need to sacrifice detail over practicality. As it stands now though, I am 100% greenlighted on placement of the front main boxes, based on my current physique and curvature when the belt is worn.

As you will also see in the images, I have painted the main front boxes. I decided to use Tamiya Fine White Primer and Tamiya Pure White, for all the belt boxes and added plastic detail. I washed the boxes again, in warm water, with a minute drop of dish soap, to remove any remaining mold release that might have been on the parts. Once I thoroughly dried the parts, I took a blow dryer to mildly heat the surfaces of the parts (mildly warm to touch only!!) and then I procedded to apply two light coats of primer. An hour later, I came back an applied two light coats of the Tamiya white paint. So far, so good! The boxes look amazing!



100_2168.gif


100_2169.gif



100_2171.gif


100_2172.gif


100_2173.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
This thread is more than 14 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