My Lifesize Han Solo in Carbonite Project - 1st Attempt * Picture Intensive *

[azheat]

Thanks guys, and I agree Solochaser, when I saw the bins, I had a vision, but I was not sure if it would turn out like I thought. I did a test with the LEDs and it looks awesome, I cant' wait to get it all together. Once I add the extra pieces and get it painted, I think I will be happy with how they turn out.

I may make some changes as I go.

 

[thefetth]

Ok I just thumbed thru this thread and that was all I needed to know ... well... WOW!!!! That's all there is to say.... WOW!!!!

 

[Alcfalath]

Have you thought of putting it the green square oscilloscope screen, from a fiece of dark transparent green plastic (like a welding shield, but a lighter gradient) set it up like an Car Indicator/Blinker system, with the same mirrored backing/housing and light bulb, to get the full panel light effect, not just the glow in the middle that a small globe would reflect.

Would make it even closer and enjoyable especially if ya feel like a lighted display at night

 

[TD2253]

Hey Azheat01,

The panels are looking great! Awesome work man!

-Gene

 

[Alcfalath]

Either that, or someone break into the exhibit its staying at, and cast molds of the side panels...

Or ask Unkie George if we can.... through 501st Channels of course.. Im sure he wouldnt mind as long as the original isnt damaged in any way

 

[azheat]

Thanks for the comments guys! Alcfalath, I like your ideas about the illumination. I am still trying to figure that out. I thought about some green tinted transparency and backlighting, but you have given me food for thought.

The probem is I am not electonically inclined, so I am trying to keep the electronics at a minimum. I went to Radio Shack and bought some LEDs, power soruces, and switches, and I am happy to say that after blasting through 3 or 4 lights, I finally got it down.

The panel shown above is going to have 2 steady yellow and 1 blinking red. I also have some other colors I am thinking about using.

I will get some more pictures up as soon as possible.

Thanks again.

 

[SEEKER]

awesome work man!!!

a tribute to you

 

[Jimmy BufFETT]

Once again, very impressive work!

 

[webchief]

Looking great man!

 

[azheat]

Ok, the base finally finished drying and I was able to start the texture. As mentioned before I used some basic tissue paper. It worked out nice, but you have to be real careful as the paper tears easy when you start to set it.

I like the overal effect and think it will look really good when painted. I am going to give it a single coat tomorrow just to seal everything. I used about 10 large sheets of paper. One of the things I did notice though is I did not account for the border around the box, but oh well, this is my first attempt!

You can really see the detail in the second picture.

By the way, any thoughts on some good spray paing colors. I would like to paint the sides one color, maybe a gunmetal, and Han and the carbonite a gloss silver.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[azheat]

Well, I got lucky a week or so ago and was contacted by a member of another forum who had some panels to sell. And to my surprise, they arrived today! He sold me these for $100.00 (and that included shipping). I couldn't pass on the deal given it seems these are hard to come by. They are in good shape and will look great with a little work.

The only thing I want to do is add some handles, add a green screen to one or two, and add a few small swtiches to activiate the LEDs.

Although you can't tell in the picture, they are thick and have the same angle as seen in most pictures. They are also heavy, they are cast in resin.

This does increase my project budget a little, but I am still shooting to come in under $300.00.

Once I get more progress I will post some pictures of these.

Also, fell free to chime in about the colors I inquired about in the last thread.

Thanks.

 

[azheat]

I thought about the paint and was thinking "gunmetal" for the carbonite and body, gloss, and "steel" or "silver" for the cabinet and panels. Any suggestions?

 

[hunterofbounties]

you should cast them in case anyone else would be interested in making one as well,never know when a member might get the urge to make on too......gears spinning in head

 

[azheat]

I thought about that, but I have zero casting abilities and no experience working wth resin. I also need to find the origins of these panels as to avoid recasting without permission. Maybe I can find a good tutorial online or someone can send me instructions.


If someone wants to PM me regarding casting, that is fine, I don't want this thread to be hijacked.

Thanks!

 

[TD2253]

Awesome deal on the panels Azheat! Can't wait to see it all come together!

 

[azheat]

Did a little work on the panels today. They needed to be sanded a bit and then I added handles. I also drilled the holes for the LEDs. I need to add the on/off switch to this one. Once I finish the other ones I want to get these mounted so I can start painting. I will have 4 with handles and 4 without.

Sorry for the crappy pictures, the lighting was bad.

 

[tazrob]

Looks Really good
guess I know what I am doing with my Tax rebate when it comes in May lol

 

[azheat]

Here is a quick picture of the side panels I worked on. I added a push button switch and the LEDs. I have 1 blinking red, 1 steady red, and 1 steady yellow. The other panels have a combination of steady green, blinking red, and steady yellow.

I was also able to mount the panels. I screwed them to the box and used a little liquid nails. I also used the liquid nails to trim around where the panels meet the box and to fill in some nail holes.

I would like to sand these and the box tomorrow, prime, and start painting. I decided on silver for the carbonite and pewter or gun metal for the box. I am also going to hand paint some details on the panels.

I'm thinking about buying a blue LED or making some sort of confguration where a soft blue light shines down from the top of the cabinet and illuminates HIC.

What do you think?

 

[SinisterFett]

That's looking excellent! If you don't mind me asking what have you used to seal the wood so the paint doesn't sink in and reveal the wood grain beneath?

 

[azheat]

Thanks SinisterFett. For the wood I am just using a two coat primer.

I should have the base coat on tonight.