Counterweight's Second ROTJ Cardboard Scratch Build

[Counterweight]

Time for helmet #2! For this one I used Rafalfett's V2 helmet templates on the advice of Le1120. This is what I have so far:

For my last build I used the WOF templates so this is a new experience but it seems to be working out alright so far.

More to come, stay tuned

 

[runFettBoyRun]

I build mine using WoF - how does it compare? Easier?

 

[Counterweight]

I build mine using WoF - how does it compare? Easier?

Rafalfett's are less symmetrical because they are more screen accurate so that adds a little difficulty in my opinion. Plus a little extra work making the inside support first. Aside from that not much difference difficulty wise. Rafalfett's seems like a sturdier build so far.

 

[ShortFuse]

At it again so soon, I see. I was contemplating using Rafalfett's templates for my second build also. I will be watching your progress.

 

[Counterweight]

At it again so soon, I see. I was contemplating using Rafalfett's templates for my second build also. I will be watching your progress.

What can I say... I've got the itch lol

Yeah it's definitely different so we will see how it goes

 

[Counterweight]

Aww... Damn

I got the outer layer cut out but for some reason it didn't line up. So I had to tear it off the inner layer and reprint the templates. Setbacks this early in the build are annoying

Bright side: I'm a full member now! Granted... That has nothing to do with this build, but I'm pretty stoked!

 

[RafalFett]

It was a printing or a line-up problem? It is important when you do the line-up to follow the lower contours of the inner and outer layers and not the top one (as some did by mistake). The build looks good so far and congrats for the full membership!

 

[Counterweight]

It was a printing or a line-up problem? It is important when you do the line-up to follow the lower contours of the inner and outer layers and not the top one (as some did by mistake). The build looks good so far and congrats for the full membership!

It was a line up problem. The first thing I lined up when gluing was the outline of the right ear. But by the time I got around to the left ear, it was too far forward.
When cutting out the outer layer I cut out the entire back, the cheeks, and most of the visor, so it may have lost its shape in the process. When I redo it I will keep the cheeks and visor intact for now and just cut them out later.

Thank you!

 

[RafalFett]

I understand. My recommendation is to use the center line in the t-visor to line up the layers.

 

[Counterweight]

I understand. My recommendation is to use the center line in the t-visor to line up the layers.

Okay thanks I'll do that

 

[Silverstalker]

Blimey someone has got the bug keep going fella, document everything you come across it's always good to iron out mistakes for future reference.. I am subscribed

 

[Counterweight]

Blimey someone has got the bug keep going fella, document everything you come across it's always good to iron out mistakes for future reference.. I am subscribed

Much appreciated! Will do
And you can bet I'll be picking your brain when I get to the RF lol

 

[ShortFuse]

Been quiet. Any progress?

 

[Counterweight]

Been quiet. Any progress?

No, unfortunately the whole family has been sick the last week or so.

But I'm finally feeling alright so I am going to put some work into it tonight hopefully.

 

[Counterweight]

Alright so short update. Between the wife and kid being sick and work and school it's been slow progress

But I was finally able to get the outer layer on.
Learning from previous mistakes I left the cheek and visor on the template when cutting the cardboard out

Made the decision to cut the cheeks and leave the visor

Sprayed the cardboard with water and curved it into shape. I taped the back to help it keep shape until it dried

Once the outer layer dried I hit it with some wood glue and put it on. Per Rafal's advice I lined it up according to the front center line of the t-visor as well as aligning the bottom edges of the inner and outer layers. I didn't quite get the red rim around the helmet perfect but it's close.

Up next I'll be removing the inner support and cutting out and putting in the upper and lower cheeks

 

[Counterweight]

One of my favorite parts is getting the cheeks in because to me that's when the helmet really starts to take shape. But holy hell was this a hassle. Let's get to it

First things first. I had to cut out the existing cheeks

Putting in the upper cheeks (particularly the right one) was a super pain in the ass to put in. I was finally able to get it in, and there are some small gaps in the fit, but nothing that can't be taken care of with a little bondo.

After letting those dry it was on to the lower cheeks, and these were even more difficult to fit than the uppers, but with some trimming and a "can do" attitude, I got those bad boys in there

After letting those dry I just had to fit in the inner lower cheek supports and the cheeks are good to go!

Here's the final result

So next time it's on to cutting out the dome base, putting in some dome supports and then finally the dome. I remember this step being a nightmare on my last build, so I'm hoping I fare better this time! We shall see

 

[jonbenm]

I wonder if these templates would work to make a bucket out of aluminum

the dark side

 

[Counterweight]

I wonder if these templates would work to make a bucket out of aluminum

the dark side

I'm not well versed in working with aluminum but I don't see why not

 

[jonbenm]

I'm not well versed in working with aluminum but I don't see why not

I just started working with metal armor the only thing you will need is a Palm sander (it's a hell of a lot easier than doing it by hand) and a dremmel to make the dents. And a drill with a bigger but to start the dents then use the sanding wheel of the dremmel to widen the dents it sounds kinda tough but it's not to bad

the dark side

 

[Counterweight]

I just started working with metal armor the only thing you will need is a Palm sander (it's a hell of a lot easier than doing it by hand) and a dremmel to make the dents. And a drill with a bigger but to start the dents then use the sanding wheel of the dremmel to widen the dents it sounds kinda tough but it's not to bad

the dark side

Wow that's pretty interesting. Maybe something I can experiment with in the future