Time to break out the lights.
I don't normally install lights as part of my commissions, but I do it upon request provided the light kit is sent along with the helmet.
This build will include the new JC27 light kit designed for the Terminalfettler RF topper that he built for the ESB-MCR helmets.
The kit includes everything you'll need except for a 9 volt battery. You get the controller board with 2 pre-wired red LEDs and 3 pre-wired white LEDs, a battery box with ON/OFF switch, and a microswitch to activate the lights when the RF stalk is lowered. He even includes 3 wire connectors. Groovy!
First two steps of the light kit installation:
1) controller board tacked in place in the RF body with CA glue.
2) microswitch attached to the inner ear cap with the two screws provided by Machinecraft.
Light test!
My camera is making the white lights appear a bit yellowish. They're not. They're a nice crisp white.
The red LEDs flash as they should. I happened to catch them in the split second they were both on.
I'm trying a new method to mount the MQ-1 circuit board. I think this will be pretty similar to how the original was done.
I started by using CA glue to secure two thin styrene tubes into the back of the helmet, one on either side of the keyslots. Then I measured and cut a rectangle of black styrene, adding a couple of bends to leave a gap so the circuit board will fit in.
In these pics, the black styrene isn't attached yet. It's held in place by the two thin tubes. Once I paint the outer face red, I'll attach the circuit board, glue the styrene in, and then use some Milliput to cover the tubes.
Thanks, guys.
I finished installing the MQ-1 circuit board as well as the Borden piece. Milliput or other epoxy putties are pretty easy to work with.
I'll paint the Milliput once it's dry.
Thanks!
Before I begin the weathering passes, I like to make sure everything fits nicely. I mounted the ears and RF assembly late last night and here's how things are looking.
Pretty sweet! I'll dismount the ears today and start working on things like the grease stains and other general grunginess.
The SE helmet is such a mess!
It's covered in muck, scratched up, and has stains all over the back of the dome. It's beautiful!
Here's the staining portion of the weathering.
Thanks!
The helmet is finished! The final steps included installing a set of Sidewinder visor clips and fitting the visor.
Here's a gallery of completed pics.