Well, I tested a couple of spots with a couple of different things to make sure that the resin coating wouldn't be eaten alive. Lacquer thinner and Acetone are your best bets. Neither damaged the outer coating, nor softened it, nor rubbed it off. I would recommend the lacquer thinner, as it doesn't evaporate as fast as acetone, you'll use less of it. But between the lacquer thinner fumes, and the STENCH of this MR bucket ... you'll be flying in no time. Do it in a ventilated space, because you're going to be there a while with as much paint as they glopped on this thing :facepalm It took me over an hour straight once I got started ! And I was moving FAST!
Another small note .. you will undoubtedly see a few areas that they used some body filler on. They are zinc chromate yellow. There were only 3 spots on mine. There may be more, or less on others. Luckily, they were just in areas that there was a possible air bubble or something. Very tiny spots. If you notice any large areas of this stuff, there may have been a warp or something, and when they apply the body filler and sand it, there is no telling how much of the original shape they altered. One of the many pitfalls that you may run into if you do this. So just an FYI so that you're all reasonably informed. When I wipe the primer off, I'll show you what I mean.
I want to make sure people see that although it's a very nasty casting (probably because it's mass produced), there were no inherent issues underneath the paint on my copy, and want to also illustrate that I'm not making any alterations that will affect the integrity of the original intended shape. In fact, when I make a mold of it, I'm going to do it as I did my FPH, so there will be no distortion or alteration at that stage either. When I'm done with this, I should have a copy that will be reasonably close to the proto. I would never say as good, or better. Because, it is still a recast in terms, of a helmet that saw some modifications after our brothers involvement. However, if it is done right, by someone who cares, and not some smo that's loking to produce them and make a buck, it should be the cat's meow for now
I guess my question is...
What did you strip it with? And what did you have to do to the liner to get the ears off
FP, you're totally and utterly... chronic
I KNOW !!!
The lining is glued in with some sort of toxic adhesive. When you remove it, the foam padding will most definitely rip to shreds unfortunately. You can save most of it, and chances are, if you want to put it back in there afterward, it won't be too noticeable. Otherwise, one could use it as a pattern to make another (which is what I'll probably do. I think, that what we are all smelling inside this thing is the adhesive. I wouldn't be surprised if we all get sick from this thing. I mean, it came from CHINA ! Isn't that where they just recalled a bunch of toys from because they were putting asbestos in there products ?!?!?! :angry I'd swear I smell formaldehyde in this thing !!!!
Mojo - just refresh it. Something weird is happening on my server right now. They are changing platforms, and I've been having this happen since they moved me to the new platform. But refreshing should take care of it.
FP
