Krewkid82
Active Hunter
Thanks dude!!
General DrToothache's ESB Boba Fett
- Thread starter DrToothache
- Start date
DrToothache
Hunter
Jetpack repair from the "mannequin incident" is now complete! I also added the necessary decals. The repair isn't perfect, (I was able to color match the damage on the right side much better than the left) however it looks much better. I will probably dry brush some white onto the left repaired area to get a better color-match.
Before and After:
The wanted criminal has been acquitted of all charges by the way
I also worked on my helmet some more. Mostly added missing details in the visor, cheeks and around the kill stripes as well as adding paint splatter around the ears. Touched up the missing weathering that I added a few days ago. Afterwards, I realized that I got carried away and added a few details specific to the ROTJ SE version - but oh well...I am just going to keep them there for now!
Before and After:
The wanted criminal has been acquitted of all charges by the way
I also worked on my helmet some more. Mostly added missing details in the visor, cheeks and around the kill stripes as well as adding paint splatter around the ears. Touched up the missing weathering that I added a few days ago. Afterwards, I realized that I got carried away and added a few details specific to the ROTJ SE version - but oh well...I am just going to keep them there for now!
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DrToothache
Hunter
Some small updates tonight
- Finished/weathered the new girth belt that is a more accurate color. Opted to use black elastic straps instead of nylon so that I can slide the girth belt on as opposed to having to mess with the buckles each time. This belt looks much better and doesn't stand out in photographs like the other one did.
- Added the "boba thong" to my cod / kidney armor. Been putting this one off for as long as possible haha
- Added the hose attachment to finish up my MinuteFett gauntlets.
- Added blue and red wraps to the wookie scalps
- Hemmed the bottom of my flak vest so that it is shorter and has less excess below the torso armor. Looks much better and less bunched up.
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DrToothache
Hunter
Another small update - purchased some new wookie braids/scalps. I have been using the latest version of Katarra8's braids from eBay until now. They worked just fine but didn't quite look right with the acrylic fiber and wraps that were used, as well as them being too thin overall.
I am currently waiting on Woodman's braids, but in the meantime found a new option on eBay who goes by 2015mxbolla. I liked the pictures when reviewing the listing and they were only ~$50 so I figured that it was worth a shot....and I think it was! They are not 100% accurate but are really good for the price if you are waiting on woodman's braids.
Before and After:
Reference vs New Braids:
Reference vs Katarra Braids:
I am not sure the exact material but I confirmed that they are handmade by the seller himself, and they feel and lay so much better. They are much softer and the thickness of the blond and black braid appears more accurate. The only thing sticking out to me is that the gray braid is wayy too thick...however I really like how the end of it looks! It has that twirly action going on like the screen used gray braid.
I am going to use them for now. I think that I will substitute the gray Katarra braid from my old set for the new gray one, as long as I can get the end of it to twirl like the screen used one. Overall I am happy to have some options now.
I am currently waiting on Woodman's braids, but in the meantime found a new option on eBay who goes by 2015mxbolla. I liked the pictures when reviewing the listing and they were only ~$50 so I figured that it was worth a shot....and I think it was! They are not 100% accurate but are really good for the price if you are waiting on woodman's braids.
Before and After:
Reference vs New Braids:
Reference vs Katarra Braids:
I am not sure the exact material but I confirmed that they are handmade by the seller himself, and they feel and lay so much better. They are much softer and the thickness of the blond and black braid appears more accurate. The only thing sticking out to me is that the gray braid is wayy too thick...however I really like how the end of it looks! It has that twirly action going on like the screen used gray braid.
I am going to use them for now. I think that I will substitute the gray Katarra braid from my old set for the new gray one, as long as I can get the end of it to twirl like the screen used one. Overall I am happy to have some options now.
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DrToothache
Hunter
Yeah I’m thinking the same the more I am looking at them now, especially next to the reference photo. I think that the gray one has to go - it is way too thick. Not even close!I kinda like the first set of braids better to be honest.
Also, get yourself some black cable cord to put inside your hose!
The blonde and black braids have potential but they do look a little off in the photos. I kind of just threw them onto the mannequin for some quick photos. I am going to try messing with them tomorrow and swapping out the gray one to see how it looks.
And about the hose wire - I will get right to it! Thanks for the reminder.
DrToothache
Hunter
Some more updates tonight.
I put together a recently acquired EE-3 kit - mostly a sidewinder kit but I did add some components such as a real Milbro scope and a replica MPP flash from Roman Props. I painted all of the parts this morning, did the initial coats of paint in the afternoon and then applied weathering, painted/attached greebles this evening.
I have an Andy Meyer's EE-3 that I am waiting on, but acquired this kit for a great price and was itching to do more prop work, so I figured that this would be a nice stand-in for trooping until Andy's blaster arrives.
I took a few pictures throughout the process.
Test fitting parts after painting:
Stained the wooden stock with a walnut wood stain and attached greebles. I had to make the disk greeble that goes under the connecting rod as it was missing from the kit that I acquired. Luckily it was a pretty easy part to make out of sintra!
Comparison to my other 3D printed EE-3's prior to weathering:
For the final finish I used acrylic paints to add rust and silver damage. I also dry brushed with black and burnt sienna to try and get the patina finish from some of the reference photographs. Lastly, I used some steel wool to polish the cold casted handgrip.
Here is the "final" product after weathering. I still have to do a few things such as add the front scope mount wire, attach the sling and also attach the disk/Revel V8 connecting rod greebles on the one side of the blaster (ordered on a second connecting rod since the kit was missing 1). I also ordered a bunch properly sized screws for all of the area's that are missing them.
Final vs old 3D print:
Overall I am pretty happy with how it turned out. I will be selling this once Andy's blaster arrives, but it was fun to put together. The only thing that I don't like is that the hammer that came with my kit attaches in the open position, whereas the hammer seems to always be closed on the actual prop. I will probably remove it and sand it down so that I can re-attach it in the closed position.
I also messed with my braids again...I ended up swapping out the new gray braid from 2015mxbolla with my old katarra braid. I kept the black and blonde 2015mxbolla braids though. I think that it looks better, as the gray braid was way too thick! I will probably try this setup for a while.
And lastly...I added a black wire to my right gauntlet. (This one was for you BudaFett !).
I put together a recently acquired EE-3 kit - mostly a sidewinder kit but I did add some components such as a real Milbro scope and a replica MPP flash from Roman Props. I painted all of the parts this morning, did the initial coats of paint in the afternoon and then applied weathering, painted/attached greebles this evening.
I have an Andy Meyer's EE-3 that I am waiting on, but acquired this kit for a great price and was itching to do more prop work, so I figured that this would be a nice stand-in for trooping until Andy's blaster arrives.
I took a few pictures throughout the process.
Test fitting parts after painting:
Stained the wooden stock with a walnut wood stain and attached greebles. I had to make the disk greeble that goes under the connecting rod as it was missing from the kit that I acquired. Luckily it was a pretty easy part to make out of sintra!
Comparison to my other 3D printed EE-3's prior to weathering:
For the final finish I used acrylic paints to add rust and silver damage. I also dry brushed with black and burnt sienna to try and get the patina finish from some of the reference photographs. Lastly, I used some steel wool to polish the cold casted handgrip.
Here is the "final" product after weathering. I still have to do a few things such as add the front scope mount wire, attach the sling and also attach the disk/Revel V8 connecting rod greebles on the one side of the blaster (ordered on a second connecting rod since the kit was missing 1). I also ordered a bunch properly sized screws for all of the area's that are missing them.
Final vs old 3D print:
Overall I am pretty happy with how it turned out. I will be selling this once Andy's blaster arrives, but it was fun to put together. The only thing that I don't like is that the hammer that came with my kit attaches in the open position, whereas the hammer seems to always be closed on the actual prop. I will probably remove it and sand it down so that I can re-attach it in the closed position.
I also messed with my braids again...I ended up swapping out the new gray braid from 2015mxbolla with my old katarra braid. I kept the black and blonde 2015mxbolla braids though. I think that it looks better, as the gray braid was way too thick! I will probably try this setup for a while.
And lastly...I added a black wire to my right gauntlet. (This one was for you BudaFett !).
Attachments
DrToothache
Hunter
Some more updates on the new EE-3.
- Attached the sling
- Adjusted the weathering
- Added some phillips head screws until the correct screws arrive.
- Added wire under front scope mount
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DrToothache
Hunter
Did some weathering on the stock today and adjusted the red color on the center greeble. Sanded back the walnut finish to better match the screen used prop.
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DrToothache
Hunter
Did a suit up by myself today to see how things are looking after altering the flak vest / cape, swapping the girth belt and to see how the new blaster looks with everything. The cape is still a little too long but I am much happier with everything else.
I didn't have a helper today so no jetpack / harness / backplate in these photos, which caused the collar armor to be a little floppy...and some of the photos to be a little blurry.
I also have a new MinuteFett helmet in the works to finally replace my EFX. I really like the EFX, don't get me wrong...but it is time!
I didn't have a helper today so no jetpack / harness / backplate in these photos, which caused the collar armor to be a little floppy...and some of the photos to be a little blurry.
I also have a new MinuteFett helmet in the works to finally replace my EFX. I really like the EFX, don't get me wrong...but it is time!
Attachments
DrToothache
Hunter
Catching up with some updates here.
Wookie Braids - I am finally happy with my wookie braids! At least I think that I am. I did a lot of work on these, and went back and forth on what braids to use. I ended up using Katarra braids but cut the frizzy ends off and added braid ends from the MxBolla ones (this was necessary to get the proper curl on the gray braid). I then added my own wraps using red, blue and black embroidery thread. For the connection point of all of the braids - I first used twist ties to hold them in place. I then used black embroidery thread to tighten them together. Once I was done with that I removed the twist ties and wrapped them with the loose end of an extra black braid that I had. It's hard to see exactly how the braids are all connected together in reference pictures, but I used what was available as well at the 501st reference image.
In the reference images it appears that loose braid ends were wrapped around the connection point. You can see the thicker wrap in the first photo before filming. Then in the screen cap from ESB (2nd image) you can see the loose end is on top and no longer tightly wrapped. (at least this is what I think that I am seeing here..)
The finished braids:
They aren't perfect, but after 3 iterations and too many hours of messing with these, this is what I am going with (at least for now lol).
I also received my EE-3 from Andy Meyers (both ROTJ and ESB versions). I now have 5 EE3's.....I don't know how this happened.
Anyways, this thing is phenominal! The only thing I changed was I dry brushed some bronze onto the grip as it was silver when it arrived. Not a big deal and an easy fix.
Here are all 4 EE-3 blasters, ordered from time of construction. The first 3 were put together / painted by me. The bottom one is the new blaster from Andy.
Andy Meyers (top) and my Sidewinder/mixed parts build (bottom):
I also received the new MOW boots from the most recent run. I originally bought these as a backup pair / ROTJ build boots. I know that there is a lot of disappointment in the air about these boots. I agree that the proportions are off and it would've been nice if they arrived white or light gray, but I decided to work on them to see how they look after painting/weathering.
I get it, they aren't perfect, but after working on them they really are not bad. I will definitely be using my 2020 MOW boots until they are worn beyond repair but these make a decent enough boot, especially when compared to many of the "boba boots" that are out there, even if they aren't up to usual standards. They look worse without the flightsuit, as the ankles are very wide (the ankle ties help pull them in). The main issues when wearing them is how wide and tall they are...
New vs Old:
After painting / starting weathering:
New vs old:
I think that is all of the updates for now! I have some more updated parts arriving this week, including my commissioned MF helmet!
Wookie Braids - I am finally happy with my wookie braids! At least I think that I am. I did a lot of work on these, and went back and forth on what braids to use. I ended up using Katarra braids but cut the frizzy ends off and added braid ends from the MxBolla ones (this was necessary to get the proper curl on the gray braid). I then added my own wraps using red, blue and black embroidery thread. For the connection point of all of the braids - I first used twist ties to hold them in place. I then used black embroidery thread to tighten them together. Once I was done with that I removed the twist ties and wrapped them with the loose end of an extra black braid that I had. It's hard to see exactly how the braids are all connected together in reference pictures, but I used what was available as well at the 501st reference image.
In the reference images it appears that loose braid ends were wrapped around the connection point. You can see the thicker wrap in the first photo before filming. Then in the screen cap from ESB (2nd image) you can see the loose end is on top and no longer tightly wrapped. (at least this is what I think that I am seeing here..)
The finished braids:
They aren't perfect, but after 3 iterations and too many hours of messing with these, this is what I am going with (at least for now lol).
I also received my EE-3 from Andy Meyers (both ROTJ and ESB versions). I now have 5 EE3's.....I don't know how this happened.
Anyways, this thing is phenominal! The only thing I changed was I dry brushed some bronze onto the grip as it was silver when it arrived. Not a big deal and an easy fix.
Here are all 4 EE-3 blasters, ordered from time of construction. The first 3 were put together / painted by me. The bottom one is the new blaster from Andy.
Andy Meyers (top) and my Sidewinder/mixed parts build (bottom):
I also received the new MOW boots from the most recent run. I originally bought these as a backup pair / ROTJ build boots. I know that there is a lot of disappointment in the air about these boots. I agree that the proportions are off and it would've been nice if they arrived white or light gray, but I decided to work on them to see how they look after painting/weathering.
I get it, they aren't perfect, but after working on them they really are not bad. I will definitely be using my 2020 MOW boots until they are worn beyond repair but these make a decent enough boot, especially when compared to many of the "boba boots" that are out there, even if they aren't up to usual standards. They look worse without the flightsuit, as the ankles are very wide (the ankle ties help pull them in). The main issues when wearing them is how wide and tall they are...
New vs Old:
After painting / starting weathering:
New vs old:
I think that is all of the updates for now! I have some more updated parts arriving this week, including my commissioned MF helmet!
DrToothache
Hunter
Received my MF fiberglass helmet yesterday (commissioned by NixFxProps) with MCR metal ears. I'm really happy with the paintjob and attention to detail on this thing! Nick was awesome to work with and completed the helmet in only a few weeks.
The last step before 501st submission is fixing the left shoulder and both knees (the knee's were painted a little too dark and are undergoing a repaint, and the left shoulder was missing some damage details that are being added). Once that is done I will upload some new photos here!
The last step before 501st submission is fixing the left shoulder and both knees (the knee's were painted a little too dark and are undergoing a repaint, and the left shoulder was missing some damage details that are being added). Once that is done I will upload some new photos here!
Thebountyhunter
Jr Hunter
Goodluck. As long as you have no kit up issues, your golden. Fantastic job.
DrToothache
Hunter
Thank you man! Appreciate the feedback. I will probably post my application photographs here first.
DrToothache
Hunter
Just a few updates to share. I took some photographs of the new MF helmet on the mannequin. I am really happy with this thing compared to the EFX! The cheek flare! It's odd that the EFX kept some of the helmet deformities but omitted others...seems like an odd choice? They should've went all in with it and it would've been near-perfect (outside of the seam lines lol).
Also, the knee/shoulder armor repaint is almost completed! The original paint was a little bit too dark and was just missing a few details...the new paint job is looking fantastic so far (thank you MinuteFett!)
Old:
New:
I also switched from 1" elastic straps to 3/4" elastic straps for the knee/cod armor. While waiting on the knee armor, I dyed the right knee strap to match the flightsuit better.
And finally, I weathered my BobaMaker gloves to a darker shade of gray as they were too light before and resembled more of an ROTJ set of gloves.
Before and after:
That is everything for now. Once I receive the knees/shoulders I will be doing a full suit-up for my 501st application...assuming that I don't notice any other small things that I need to fix..
Also, the knee/shoulder armor repaint is almost completed! The original paint was a little bit too dark and was just missing a few details...the new paint job is looking fantastic so far (thank you MinuteFett!)
Old:
New:
I also switched from 1" elastic straps to 3/4" elastic straps for the knee/cod armor. While waiting on the knee armor, I dyed the right knee strap to match the flightsuit better.
And finally, I weathered my BobaMaker gloves to a darker shade of gray as they were too light before and resembled more of an ROTJ set of gloves.
Before and after:
That is everything for now. Once I receive the knees/shoulders I will be doing a full suit-up for my 501st application...assuming that I don't notice any other small things that I need to fix..
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DrToothache
Hunter
Thank you sir!
Man...I ended up using so many dyes. I will list all of the products and the steps that I took. The elastic straps are synthetic material, so I stuck with the Rit DyeMore series, stovetop method.
- I started with Kentucky Sky which is a very light blue. They came out brighter than my flightsuit (this was expected).
- To fix the brightness I first tried a 1 minute dye bath with Frost Gray. This helped dull it some but not enough.
- I then did a quick bath (~5 seconds) with Charcoal Gray. This was effective getting the strap duller but the shade of blue was still off, it needed a little red or purple to get the correct shade of blue.
- The final bath was with 3/4 bottle of Navy Blue and 1/6 bottle of Royal Purple. At this point I had several straps all dyed to a similar color from my prior attempts so I placed them in this dye bath 1 by 1 for different amounts of time. The one that came out perfect was in the bath for about 10 seconds and at about ~180 degrees.
I am sure that there is an easier way but it worked
. 3 days and 4 dye baths for a measly knee strap. The problem was that I didn't dye my ESB flightsuit so I wasn't sure the exact shade/dye that I needed. I dyed my cod/kidney strap at the same time - but purposely left it a little longer in the darker dye baths.
