What Paint Colors? RESOLVED -Now BKBT Build Log

[bigkidbiggertoys]

That is the whole reason I am doing this build log, to try and document what has worked for me (or what hasn't). I did a partial suit up last night and the leg armor is working out great. I like the fact that everything is glued together and nothing is shifting when I walk.

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

I worked on the soft parts this weekend and did most of a suit up. I will be working on the cape and gun belt in the coming weeks. The belt is just a stand in for the time being.

 

[hvacdon]

Very Nice, Great Work!!

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

Nothing big to report but I wanted to show how I am attaching the armor and modifying the suit. I added velcro for the leg armor, 2 strips to hold it firmly in place.

I added stirrups to the pant legs to keep the pants in the boot and from riding up when I am slipping on my shin armor.

I also added darts to the back of the waist so the pants fit better, although I will still be using a webbed belt with this.

Lastly, I added a velcro strip to keep the cumberbund in place so it doesn't slip down.

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

I haven’t updated in a while but have been busy with the leather belts. I started by taking some measurements with armor on and crafting a belt from heavy paper to get my pattern. Once I was happy I transferred to leather, gluing and stitching everything in place. Since the leather I am using is very lightweight, I added a veg tan layer to the inside to keep the shape and dyed this.

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

I made all of the pouches functional and stuffed them with foam to keep their shape. The flat bandolier pouch keeps closed with a hidden magnetic clasp.

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

The front D pouch I 3D printed a form and glued and wrapped in leather. I have seen many people use a tube shape but it is definitely a D shape

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

I printed the base for the grav charges and made a card stock template for the aluminum plate. The plate was cut out and screwed to the base from behind with some M3 screws that I countersunk. I have since wrapped in leather and the grav charges fit nice and snug. I will be gluing these in with some silicone as I don’t plan on making them functional.

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

I forgot to post pics of the cape. I used a Melton wool as that was what was available to me and it has the texture of felt. I cut a u shape for the neck and the two tails I folded over and sewed closed so this will just slip over my head.
I put a couple of blind stitches in the neck area so the material would stay folded over and not show a raw edge.

 

[cbrant]

Hey! Great job so far! Just wanted to say I utilized your paracord method for lacing the right shin and so far it seems to work very well!

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

I’m happy with the way that works too. It takes just a bit of lining up but is rock solid once it is in place.

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

The gun belt is pretty much done! It seemed like a fairly easy outing at first, just a few belts, but there is layer upon layer and lots of details. Having made many Jango rigs, I would say this was more work. I lined the holster with some veg tan and dyed it brown so it will hold it's shape once I have wet formed it to the pistol. This is all on the inside so not visible. I had to figure out how I was going to construct and in what order as there are just some details that can't be put in after. Last was closing up the holster.

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

Final fit. I just have to figure out how to attach the grav charges. I am thinking I'll print up a couple of belt clips as I don't really want to screw this to the belt, but that may end up being the way I go with it.

Keep in mind everything is loose fitting as the armor will fill out a few inches

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

I attached the grav plate tonight and ended up using some chicago screws for an easy method. Since I didn't want functional charges I glued these in with E6000 so they are removable if needed. If I decide I want a functional charge then I can remove the middle one and no screw will be seen. I also weathered the belt lightly tonight so I am calling this done!

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

Lastly, I added a missing detail to the right gauntlet. I originally printed the flamethrower but wasn't happy with the final print so I managed to convince my machinist buddy to model and make one for me. I also added the small silver detail by texturing some foil tape. A little weathering and DONE!

I'll post up a link to the Etsy store he is setting up.

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

ThinkboxMfg - Etsy Canada

Shop Thinkbox Manufacturing by ThinkboxMfg located in Parksville, British Columbia. Rave reviews! Average review rating is 4.8 or higher

www.etsy.com

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

Gauntlet darts installed!

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

I’m one of those guys that always keeps tinkering. I couldn’t find the proper closure studs online so used snaps originally. I didn’t like the domed look and they were slightly too large, so I made my own studs. I think they look closer now.

 

[SolarFett]

Hey, do you have any tips on weathering the leather of the leg wrap? If it's a bit too tight, is there a way to stretch it?

 

[bigkidbiggertoys]

You can stretch the leather by getting it wet and wearing it. How are you wanting to weather it? Dirty or worn?