Starting Back Pack

[inthedark]

Having spent lots of time on here . I have attempted to create the back pack .
I'm using a clone back at present and decided to go with a frame to hold it on. I am not sure if there is a policy about using other peoples ideas . So please inform me if it is a no go.

Top is my back plate, left is the center box, Right the what i am classing as frame ?

Getting an idea of how it sits on Back plate

A mock up of the side Box.

Middle box with edging
I really have only just started this. My thoughts are to fiberglass the inside, Using Bondo to smooth and detail the out side. I'm using the heavy cardboard to create this.
Again i have tried to create this from ideas posted here and the pictures of Galactic Marines available. Still i am eager to read other peoples op pinions
Thank you

[Tango Fett]

Hi Ian!,

To begin with, IMO, when seen from the back, the shape of the backpack should have a more inverted triangular shape, with a little wider top than yours, and a less wide bottom. Not an actual inverted triangle, but more or less how it is now with more dramatic angle and less parallel sides.

Then, all the sides of the cover (can we call them flaps?) shouldn't be flat at a 90º angle from the cover, but open at about a 45º degree angle. This should apply for all the contour of the cover. They also should be a little larger than yours. I made mine of about 40mm.

I'm not sure if I'm making myself clear enough, but if you look at the movie or the stills available, you could easily see that.

Regarding the building method, I both work with fiberglass and bondo, but never used those materials over cardboard. I think it could work: fiberglass to reinforce the structure, and bondo for finishing and smoothing. The problem I see is that since the cardboard is very irregular, it may take too much bondo and make it heavy and increase the number of cycles of bondo-sanding to obtain a flat and smooth finish. In my case, since most of the parts of the backpack are somehow flat, I simply used sintra (I think many plastics will work the same) to already have the finished surfaces. I used some fiberglass to reinforce the structure, and bondo only as a filler in the angles were there were gaps left. But the main "panels", like the cover, the sides, the shell, etc. are all made in plastic sheets to try to reduce the work.

Please let me know if I'm not clear enough and I'd try to illustrate better.

And good luck!!

[inthedark]

Thank you tangofett you input is appreciated , Yes i understand what you mean the shape should be less square and resemble an Isosceles trapezium I should have paid more attention. Longer on the top thinner on the Bottom with a steeper incline
Also the information about the 'Flaps' is greatly received
Weight is an issue, and i am looking into different medias, Luckily i have access now to a vacum former
A reason for liking this forum is the support and the friendly critisim. Now i have some thing i can begin to improve. Thank you again .

[danrodjr]

Cool, another up and coming backpack, I cant wait to see your progress inthedark!!!