Scratch build McQuarrie concept Vader helmet.

OnnoHeesbeen

New Hunter
After finishing my concept Boba Fett helmet (see thread: http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f23/scratch-building-ralph-mcquarrie-concept-helmet-48586/) I got the hang of it and want to build some more McQuarrie concept helmets. Now I’m doing the research for my next project which will be the concept version of Darth Vader’s helmet. I found several similar projects by other people which is encouraging. Also looked at the mini busts and statues. First I have to choose which style of the several concepts I want to render. I went for the above picture, this epic scene on the front on “The STAR WARS” portfolio was also the first time I got acquainted with MqQuarrie’s work.

I wasn’t sure yet how to start up the project, then I got the idea to use the “Talking Vader” helmet released in 2007 as a template to work over and to get the rough dimension. (I’m not going to destroy the actual toy helmet, it’s only for sizing) The toy helmet is incorrect compared to the real Vader helmet especially the bucket shape, but for the concept it works fine.

I just took a couple detailed photos of the toy helmet which I will use to project the sketches on and to draw my own line plan on.

Updates will follow.

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First progress report…started making an X frame over the existing helmet which reflects the contours of the concept helmet.

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Yea really pumped to see this lid. I've always loved this version of vaders helmet.
 
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Today I added the rim of the upper dome, now that the “borders of the upper dome are defined , I can roughly fill in the blank parts. After that I can work on the lower part of the helmet shell.

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Making steady progress. Created a “basket” shape for the dome, this way I can control the symmetry of the dome, later I will also close the open spaces.

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Just closed the dome. Now I’m working on the rim of the helmet. Once that is finished the dome is ready for fiber glass and filler.

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Creating the rim of the helmet was a bit tougher than expected. Literally took me 20 templates to cut before I ended up with something that fits. Also figured out that the only way to get the eyebrow part to look the way it does, was to make it from a separate piece. I try to give it that “Samurai” look initially intended by McQuarrie. I think I got it. Now It’s ready for a layer of fiber glass.
But first I will start on the mask, this part is a bit daunting, there is a lot going on shape wise, and I’m not yet sure how to start as a base.

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Well…started crafting the mask, it’s only a cardboard test model to figure out the way I will construct it.

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It's great to see the samurai influences McQuarrie used , back in your work also the face part is remarkable, great job so far, and much of luck with the final result!
 
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You must have been doing this a long time, I feel like TDH has this great new builder that came out of nowhere! Great looking stuff, love the concept Vader.
 
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You must have been doing this a long time, I feel like TDH has this great new builder that came out of nowhere! Great looking stuff, love the concept Vader.

Hey thanks all, glad people enjoy the build.

Though I’m a Star Wars fan and collector ever since I was a kid, I actually never build 1:1 helmets before a couple of months ago. But I am a model builder not only SciFi. I’m also a professional graphic designer/visualizer, so that’s probably why shaping these things come more natural to me.

Stumbled on the TDH website via Facebook and love it, very encouraging to see how other people tackle the same problems with great results. That’s why I decided to join and post my build.
 
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After the rough buildup of the “face” I began crafting it in more detail, actually I build 3 version, the last one looking the most like the artwork.

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