Thanks for the kind words guys!
I finally took my time and laid out the kit:
Wow!!!!!!!!!&# 33;
I so need this armor!!
I know... this is insane.... nothing else to say....... but to give you an idea of the extreme level of self criticism I go through when creating something I've made a collage of reference pics that I have used to create my kit. They show details that most other makers out there overlook. This is also in response to several questions asked as to why I've done things the way I have. This kit has pretty much all of this included and then some. If it doesn't, it makes a mention of it.
How in the world did you get THAT close to the LFL Snowtrooper!?!
Please tell me you touched the duster!!!! That's the one thing I must do when that exhibit rolls into Philadelphia next year!!!
Those are some mighty fine pics! I have some new ones that I will be posting.
MonCal you ARE insane!! Keep in mind most geniuses are a bit insaneYou get 15 'atta boys for this..
When I was apprenticing for make up my mentor told me it takes 10 'atta boys to erase 1 dumb @#$%!e B)
Cheers,
Jeff
Ok, let me start by saying this is a great set of armor, easily one of the top 3 sets available. That said, here are the issues I have with it, these are my opinion and no challenge is intended.
-The shoulder bells seem to flare too wide, this may be the camera angle though.
-The forearms seem short in relation to the rest of the suit.
-The 2 raised bumps on the right side of the chest plate seem undersized/misplaced. Hard to tell without straight-on shots but I think they're not long enough and/or need to come out from the armor farther. If they are the right size then them seem to be mis-placed in relation to the other details on the chest. Again, hard to tell without straight on pictures.
-The 2 raised portions on the cod seem undersized/misplaced. Same problem as the chest, they look too short and/or need to come out from the armor more.
-The edges of the "bags" under the eyes are too crisp, they should be softer in detail.
-Same issue with the trim around the rectangular insert on the chest plate, the edges should be softer and the corners should be more rounded.
-The inset section on the bottom of the backpack looks too deep.
-The circular part on the upper right of the backpack looks slightly the wrong shape and is lacking the groove around its base.
-The inset detail on the sides of the backpack look too shallow, hard to tell without close-up pics.
A lot of these are quibbles and most people won't know the difference. I've become a bit A-R when it comes to the costume as I've seen so many poor versions. I will say the cod is the best over-all shaped one I've seen and the helmet minus the faceplate is the best one out there currently IMO. The shoulder bells, assuming the flare is due to the camera angle, are some of the most accurate as well. Most people don't usually get the tear-drop cross section they're supposed to have. Again, this is not intended as an attack, just an opinion of the armor. So many people often post something like "Awesome job!" or "Best one I've ever seen!" when someone releases a new suit yet don't really know the costume. This is a very good suit but Laws's suit still has top spot IMO. 2 cents
Thanks guys!
It is tough to tell especially from these pics. I will get some better ones up as soon as I can.
Let me mention that I use .090 glossy white ABS plastic first off so take into account it's more durable than styrene, doesn't have to be painted .... but since it's thicker it doesn't quite capture the sharp details but that's a good sacrificeAs for some of those details I will disagree with you. The sides of the pack are much deeper and sharper than the Laws kit. There are a dozen things with the laws kit that I've seen that aren't quite "right" either. Then there's ABS vs. styrene issues .... but that's not the point here :P Don't get me wrong. I think Dan's work is stellar!!! His molds are smooth and crisp. If they weren't his styrene pulls would show every little bump. He has a great reputation from what I've heard and seen so I am in no way trying to talk down to or about him and his work!!!
Please be patient if you guys / gals want more detailed shots. As soon as I can meet up with my photographer I'll get some up
MonCal said:
Please be patient if you guys / gals want more detailed shots. As soon as I can meet up with my photographer I'll get some up
any news here?
Sorry gang. With CIV breathing down my neck I haven't had time to meet up with my photographer buddy. After CIV I'll get some good shots though.... course now I'll have to run up to the Glacier if I want some snow in the pictures
Also, thanks for the compliments guys / gals!! I appreciate it!
Especially now because I suddenly have to defend myself against some people who insist I recast itEven though there is a ton of proof here and on the 501st boards. Word of the wise: If you want to make things in this hobby keep your eye open because there is a recast witch hunter around every corner and as soon as someone says the dreaded "r" word there will be a dozen people grabbing pitchforks even though it's none of their business and they have no facts to stand on. This is why I have progress threads
Last edited by MonCal; May 10, 2007 at 3:27 PM.
Great work Calvin,
I guess somebody has to be second best ; ) I actually use ABS now:
Looking great..................Moncal.
ABS rules
Cal, that is the best looking snowtrooper I have ever seen!
Cant wait to get a set.
MonCal, you've outdone yourself again. Fan-freaking-tastic. Your work is impressive. Keep it up.
I've never been a fan of the snowtrooper - always my least fav stormtrooper - but the more I look at your armor, the more i'm becoming a fan. any plans for selling the helmets?
Last edited by steveo; Jun 20, 2007 at 6:36 PM.
man I like that a lot! I've got some hard to find r2 parts if you want to trade
womo
As always, top notch work sir. Thanks for sharing with this community.
I finally got a snow setup from Moncal. Man, this thing is nice!! Hands down this is the best SW armor/costume I have to date.
Fantastic job! Now I just have to wait until the temp drops a bit before sporting that accurate duster. 100 degrees outside with a snow trooper outfit is not for the faint hearted. Hopefully the next gig is inside w/ air conditioning!
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