Let's see how this goes WIP

[icehelix16]

So I've done a looooot of research and come to the conclusion that the best/ most interesting way for me to attempt my gear is the try to work with Pepakura. I've seen several people having problems with it, but I think its worth a try.

So after work, I'm going to see what kind of trouble I can get into!

Pics to come.

[icehelix16]

So, not sure if I'm even posting in the proper area but...

First box of the chest ammo belt box group has been printed, cut out, folded and glued.

Took roughly 2 hours to get it assembled, but I like it so far.

Going to attempt to fold another one or two ammo boxes before turning in for the night.
Maybe spend my one day off finishing the group and taking a few pics... Maybe.

[Tango Fett]

Hello. What is your approach to the costume?. You plan to start with pepakura as a base and then you continue with fiberglass and/or bondo?. I suggest you post your advances, since the pepakura models I've seen are not totally accurate.

Good luck!

[icehelix16]

Yes, I was my exact plan; start with the pepakura files I found, go on to use fiberglass/bondo.

I haven't really gotten far in my endeavors, so I'd much rather have someone look it over before I get too far and completely screw it up.

[icehelix16]

So, the files that I downloaded were from 4shared.
Created by Tbone9600?
I looked at the different files and the forum about his build, and assumed that the files were the amended ones that fit the required specifications.

Though I should have asked about it first off.

[icehelix16]

First attempt to upload/archive a picture of the first step for the bucket.

[Tango Fett]

I like your enthusiasm!!!.

Yes, my suggestion is you post images when you build your parts with paper so we can make suggestions about the shapes before you start with the fiberglass and specially the bondo. Even if you start with a non very accurate shape in paper, you will probably have the chance to correct it with the fiberglass and specially with bondo, if inaccuracies are not very big.

My advice is to always see the reference images while you work with your Pepakura. The number one reference is the movie. Freeze and stop and rewind the few frames in which the GMs are on screen and scrutinize every detail of them. Then you have the Sith Snapshot or Official Pix #SW-1540, then the 360 turnaround image, and many others you may find. But my suggestion is to try to avoid using other builds as references since inaccuracies are like a snowball and tend to increase from build to build.

Are you planning to go extremely accurate?, or accurate enough to join the 501st?, or just to build a costume to have fun?.

Good luck and keep us updated!.

[icehelix16]

I started the helmet last night (picture up top of the chin segment)

I'm going for accurate enough for the 501st as the starting standard and maybe go from there.

Thanks for the references! I'll look at them very closely while I build.

More pictures to come later today!

[icehelix16]

Started with the ammo boxes before working on the belt pouches and beginning on the bucket.

Went with 95+ lbs card stock and some school glue.

After my first ammo box and the smaller box that are strapped on the chest, I ran into a few issues: Glue not drying well, sloppy looking folds, warped paper, etc...

So I changed a few tactics:
Changed to hot glue to help with dry time and strength.
Using pens to score the paper (blue for Mountain folds, red for Valley), using a ruler to guide my pens for crisp, straight lines to help with the folds.

I'll take pictures of the boxes and pouches once I get home from work, if I remember to. Otherwise I'll keep at the helmet.

[icehelix16]

Image of one of the mask plates with blue ink traced onto Mountain fold lines.

[icehelix16]

Same plate with red lines on the Valley fold lines.

[icehelix16]

Mask plate glued onto the chin area.

[icehelix16]

Ammunition box and smaller box. (First attempt of folding and whatnot. Not great)


Smaller Belt Pouches:


Larger Belt Pouches:

[Tango Fett]

Dear Ice, the quality of your work looks awesome!!!

I have some doubts though. First, these shapes you have achieved, are the "outer" side of each part?. Do you plan to bondo and fiber from inside?, or you are using these as bases to fiber and bondo from outside your parts?

And the other doubt is about accuracy. For example in your ammo box, your work is awesome because you have reached the perfect shape of what most marines are usually using, but there have been some images that surfaced lately that show that the ammo boxes are a little different. They top of the ammo cartridge itself is recessed, it is hollow where you put the little square on the top. And the bottom of the cartridge is rounded, not square (but that is a little more subtle).

Regarding the pouches, I see them a little small, but that may be only my perspective since I can't be sure about their size. Try to see the 360 turnaround and see the size of them and compare it to the ones you are making and how would they suit in your costume and body. And the bottom of the big front pouches is angled, not a flat bottom.

Sorry for all these remarks. They make sense if you are pursuing extreme accuracy, but what you have achieved already is excellent and is what most marines use these days.

Either way, brillant work Ice!!!

[icehelix16]

Hey Tango,

Thanks for the remarks and observations. I'll work on the alterations once I'm done with the bucket.

I've spent about 9 hours so far on it and have most of the mask done. And have started on the neck ring.
(Pictures will be up shortly!)

As for the question of what I was planning on accomplishing with these, I'm not too sure.
I may use the Pep assemblies as base for my armor and slap bondo or whatever on it. After alterations and scaling of course.

For the belt pouches, I'm pretty sure I'm going to coat the inside and out with resin since they seem kind of rickety or fragile if I were to just coat the inside.

The ammo boxes are pretty sturdy, so I may just coat the outside.

Fear not. For I'm willing to do what I need to get this kit right and get into the 501st! I'm still pretty optimistic about the project so far.