My Rocketeer Jetpack build progress thread
- Thread starter themanwoaname
- Start date
themanwoaname
Sr Member
alright, so here's an update on the helmet.
since im pepping this thing, i was expecting to do some work to it. mostly, totally redoing the eyes, getting a thicker fin, and gluing on the side tubes.
nope. it wasnt going to be THAT EASY. after all the dumb ive dealt with this week on this project? nah. not even strategic cutting would make this look right. its way too big for my head. so, my options as of now, are:
wasting paper scaling at 75%
wasting paper scaling at 65%
finagle what i have done, which is a 70% complete helmet (basically missing the top scoops, the fin, and the side tubes), to making workable patterns, then working on gluing that down to a plastic souvenir baseball helmet
one of these...
and cutting out the shapes i need cut out(eyes and mouth), which in itself is a gamble, because i may not get my eyes on there right, like i didnt do on the first helmet. then HACK HACK HACK. FILL FILL FILL. HACK HACK HACK. FILL HACK FILL. HACK FILL HACK. etc ad-nauseum.
some input before i go nuts tomorrow would be extremely appreciated.
since im pepping this thing, i was expecting to do some work to it. mostly, totally redoing the eyes, getting a thicker fin, and gluing on the side tubes.
nope. it wasnt going to be THAT EASY. after all the dumb ive dealt with this week on this project? nah. not even strategic cutting would make this look right. its way too big for my head. so, my options as of now, are:
wasting paper scaling at 75%
wasting paper scaling at 65%
finagle what i have done, which is a 70% complete helmet (basically missing the top scoops, the fin, and the side tubes), to making workable patterns, then working on gluing that down to a plastic souvenir baseball helmet
one of these...
and cutting out the shapes i need cut out(eyes and mouth), which in itself is a gamble, because i may not get my eyes on there right, like i didnt do on the first helmet. then HACK HACK HACK. FILL FILL FILL. HACK HACK HACK. FILL HACK FILL. HACK FILL HACK. etc ad-nauseum.
some input before i go nuts tomorrow would be extremely appreciated.
themanwoaname
Sr Member
im going with the eye pattern from my first helmet(i traced a lense from my aviator glasses, changed the shape a smidge and turned it upside down). i figured because im redrawing the face flat, i can get away with being able to make it symmetrical easier. as for the lenses themselves, i got a motorcycle visor at walmart for 5 bucks, im going to try that first.
worst case scenario, i just use some aviator glasses lenses upside down. id like to alternate some aviator lenses in it anyway because i think it might be cool.
what is the welding mask that fett helmet makers use? that may be option number 2.
as for progress, i did manage to make some today, i traced out the shape of the pep helmet flat and modified it until it looked right, and prepped what i have to do tomorrow to make a helmet. im not totally satisfied with the chin, so i might work that some more before i fiberglass it to the helmet. hopefully by sunday afternoon i'll have a helmet shaped up to work on next week while i visit a friend and help him prep stuff for dragoncon and we usually work better bouncing ideas off each other working on our own projects.
i cant go to dc because school starts the 1st. :/
i also learned that great stuff foam sticks to masking tape, which masking tape sticks to aluminum foil. it made a really quick mold, i'll find out if its reusable if fiberglass doesnt stick to aluminum foil.
worst case scenario, i just use some aviator glasses lenses upside down. id like to alternate some aviator lenses in it anyway because i think it might be cool.
what is the welding mask that fett helmet makers use? that may be option number 2.
as for progress, i did manage to make some today, i traced out the shape of the pep helmet flat and modified it until it looked right, and prepped what i have to do tomorrow to make a helmet. im not totally satisfied with the chin, so i might work that some more before i fiberglass it to the helmet. hopefully by sunday afternoon i'll have a helmet shaped up to work on next week while i visit a friend and help him prep stuff for dragoncon and we usually work better bouncing ideas off each other working on our own projects.
i cant go to dc because school starts the 1st. :/
i also learned that great stuff foam sticks to masking tape, which masking tape sticks to aluminum foil. it made a really quick mold, i'll find out if its reusable if fiberglass doesnt stick to aluminum foil.
patsmear
Sr Member
Here are some green shields. They seem cheap enough, if you need to order a couple to see the actual product.
Eye & Face Shields - Shop For Eye & Face Shields
Eye & Face Shields - Shop For Eye & Face Shields
themanwoaname
Sr Member
awesome thank you!
themanwoaname
Sr Member
tomorrow if it isnt raining im going to great stuff some molds real quick, if that doesnt work, im going to cut the brim off one of the souvenir helmets i have and work from that. its coming down to the wire for this project and all these weather setbacks are killing me.
i figured out the gloves the other day so i got that going for me, which is nice.
i figured out the gloves the other day so i got that going for me, which is nice.
themanwoaname
Sr Member
lol, they're bowls i got at target for 1.49, near their plastic ware. they're like the brand that's a little more "upscale" than their regular solid colored opaque ware. i have a 4 pack of those bowls just itching to be made into single booster jetpacks at a later day.
those bowls i used had just the right curve i needed. thanks!
those bowls i used had just the right curve i needed. thanks!
themanwoaname
Sr Member
i managed to resin that center cosmetic plate, after i sand it and cut out the vent next week it'll be good to go. i hope to get it in good enough shape that i dont have to make another one and i can get to work taking the tape off the pack and back to smoothing it out and prepping for more cosmetic plating.
i also started and restarted the helmet twice this weekend, so im now on my 5th attempt for this damn thing. im very frustrated with it, and even moreso that i have to put it off for two days.
i also started and restarted the helmet twice this weekend, so im now on my 5th attempt for this damn thing. im very frustrated with it, and even moreso that i have to put it off for two days.
EvilRocketeer
Master Member
The South beach jacket feels like a regular jacket. It doesnt have the raincoat feel to it...
The jacket is pretty dark, but it looks light in the pictures...You can always request them to do a darker shade...They have different color options...
iF you plan on wearing it as a regular jacket, then i recommend changing the buttons on it. It has a toy soldier button look to it..
Keep up the great work...I love this thread
The jacket is pretty dark, but it looks light in the pictures...You can always request them to do a darker shade...They have different color options...
iF you plan on wearing it as a regular jacket, then i recommend changing the buttons on it. It has a toy soldier button look to it..
Keep up the great work...I love this thread
themanwoaname
Sr Member
you know you're really making me seriously consider getting one of these jackets after halloween.
here's what ive been working on:
this is the final go at the center cosmetic plate. i have alot more sanding to do to this before im content to glue it to the pack and start filling major pits and holes with bondo. the filling will come after i cut out that center vent...
which is what this is.
if measurements mean anything to you, i traced the circle from the inside, then i measured it, and came up with a circumference of 3 1/2" then every 3/16" i put a vent. on the acme pack there are 11 vents, mine has 9. im alright with that. ill be honest. this is about the third try, because the first time, i sprayed the inside of the pack black so i can find the hole. and figure the middle. then i tried to do that from the face. then i resorted to the way pictured. im going to tape it to the face, cut out what i cut out of the pattern. then i'll debate if i want to sand them to kind of a "point."
this is the plate on the pack
you can see where everything fits on it. also, ive resigned to keeping the original pattern of the plate on the pack and then filling in the sides smooth with bondo when i finally am happy with it to start filling and cutting out the vent and two holes at the top.
that ugly leather, those leather straps, and those ugly plastic parachute buckles are going to be my harness for the pack. imagine another three days working on this when im done with the pack. i drew a quick mock up of what i have in mind in paint brush, but its too ugly to share. this is actually the thing im the least worried about concerning this project. i am a little annoyed i couldnt find some cooler, metal parachute buckles, but since they cant be seen and im going to put some stuff to make them look less like what they are, i think i can be ok with that.
this is the face of the helmet.
alright, this is the 6th attempt at my rocketeer bucket. here's the story kids. im embarrassed that ive reached a point in my hobby im using pepakura. the reason why ive attempted this 3 more times, is the scaling is off by a ****dred percent. i mean, considering what i put into my original helmet, and how many times ive started and restarted the pep, pep is both quicker, and more frustrating. my first attempt at pepping this helmet it was scaled at 100 percent, and it took me three months(i wasnt entirely focused on it) and at the scale that works for me at 83% only a few days. after i get it together, there's still alot more work that needs to be done to it(like adding the tubes on the sides of the helmet and putting in the motorcycle helmet lens. :/)
this is the file:
Rocketeer Helmet.pdo - 4shared.com - online file sharing and storage - download
remember, im 5'10" 140 lbs it works for me at 83%
im not entirely knocking pep, mostly because im not really well versed in it yet to form a true opinion. but i will say, that this file is the best, because if id have to pep the side tubes, id probably go crazy, especially since i was nearly finished two other times before i learned they were not the proper scale for my head. i am alot happier this time around with the results of the helmet im working on at the moment.
so, really, im actually pretty content with what ive been able to do within the past few days. my next update should be the finished pep helmet if i bother to take a pic of that before i jump into resining, and the finished plate on the pack and the beginning of setting up the next few plates on the pack.
does anyone have any ideas in mind for some small faux rivets? i have some thumb tacks that i used as rivets for a computer case, but i think for this they may be a little too big.
here's what ive been working on:
this is the final go at the center cosmetic plate. i have alot more sanding to do to this before im content to glue it to the pack and start filling major pits and holes with bondo. the filling will come after i cut out that center vent...
which is what this is.
if measurements mean anything to you, i traced the circle from the inside, then i measured it, and came up with a circumference of 3 1/2" then every 3/16" i put a vent. on the acme pack there are 11 vents, mine has 9. im alright with that. ill be honest. this is about the third try, because the first time, i sprayed the inside of the pack black so i can find the hole. and figure the middle. then i tried to do that from the face. then i resorted to the way pictured. im going to tape it to the face, cut out what i cut out of the pattern. then i'll debate if i want to sand them to kind of a "point."
this is the plate on the pack
you can see where everything fits on it. also, ive resigned to keeping the original pattern of the plate on the pack and then filling in the sides smooth with bondo when i finally am happy with it to start filling and cutting out the vent and two holes at the top.
that ugly leather, those leather straps, and those ugly plastic parachute buckles are going to be my harness for the pack. imagine another three days working on this when im done with the pack. i drew a quick mock up of what i have in mind in paint brush, but its too ugly to share. this is actually the thing im the least worried about concerning this project. i am a little annoyed i couldnt find some cooler, metal parachute buckles, but since they cant be seen and im going to put some stuff to make them look less like what they are, i think i can be ok with that.
this is the face of the helmet.
alright, this is the 6th attempt at my rocketeer bucket. here's the story kids. im embarrassed that ive reached a point in my hobby im using pepakura. the reason why ive attempted this 3 more times, is the scaling is off by a ****dred percent. i mean, considering what i put into my original helmet, and how many times ive started and restarted the pep, pep is both quicker, and more frustrating. my first attempt at pepping this helmet it was scaled at 100 percent, and it took me three months(i wasnt entirely focused on it) and at the scale that works for me at 83% only a few days. after i get it together, there's still alot more work that needs to be done to it(like adding the tubes on the sides of the helmet and putting in the motorcycle helmet lens. :/)
this is the file:
Rocketeer Helmet.pdo - 4shared.com - online file sharing and storage - download
remember, im 5'10" 140 lbs it works for me at 83%
im not entirely knocking pep, mostly because im not really well versed in it yet to form a true opinion. but i will say, that this file is the best, because if id have to pep the side tubes, id probably go crazy, especially since i was nearly finished two other times before i learned they were not the proper scale for my head. i am alot happier this time around with the results of the helmet im working on at the moment.
so, really, im actually pretty content with what ive been able to do within the past few days. my next update should be the finished pep helmet if i bother to take a pic of that before i jump into resining, and the finished plate on the pack and the beginning of setting up the next few plates on the pack.
does anyone have any ideas in mind for some small faux rivets? i have some thumb tacks that i used as rivets for a computer case, but i think for this they may be a little too big.
themanwoaname
Sr Member
you know you're really making me seriously consider getting one of these jackets after halloween.
here's what ive been working on:
this is the final go at the center cosmetic plate. i have alot more sanding to do to this before im content to glue it to the pack and start filling major pits and holes with bondo. the filling will come after i cut out that center vent...
which is what this is.
if measurements mean anything to you, i traced the circle from the inside, then i measured it, and came up with a circumference of 3 1/2" then every 3/16" i put a vent. on the acme pack there are 11 vents, mine has 9. im alright with that. ill be honest. this is about the third try, because the first time, i sprayed the inside of the pack black so i can find the hole. and figure the middle. then i tried to do that from the face. then i resorted to the way pictured. im going to tape it to the face, cut out what i cut out of the pattern. then i'll debate if i want to sand them to kind of a "point."
this is the plate on the pack
you can see where everything fits on it. also, ive resigned to keeping the original pattern of the plate on the pack and then filling in the sides smooth with bondo when i finally am happy with it to start filling and cutting out the vent and two holes at the top.
that ugly leather, those leather straps, and those ugly plastic parachute buckles are going to be my harness for the pack. imagine another three days working on this when im done with the pack. i drew a quick mock up of what i have in mind in paint brush, but its too ugly to share. this is actually the thing im the least worried about concerning this project. i am a little annoyed i couldnt find some cooler, metal parachute buckles, but since they cant be seen and im going to put some stuff to make them look less like what they are, i think i can be ok with that.
this is the face of the helmet.
alright, this is the 6th attempt at my rocketeer bucket. here's the story kids. im embarrassed that ive reached a point in my hobby im using pepakura. the reason why ive attempted this 3 more times, is the scaling is off by a ****dred percent. i mean, considering what i put into my original helmet, and how many times ive started and restarted the pep, pep is both quicker, and more frustrating. my first attempt at pepping this helmet it was scaled at 100 percent, and it took me three months(i wasnt entirely focused on it) and at the scale that works for me at 83% only a few days. after i get it together, there's still alot more work that needs to be done to it(like adding the tubes on the sides of the helmet and putting in the motorcycle helmet lens. :/) that was taken yesterday, im a lot closer to a completed bucket, then the scoops and fin
this is the file:
Rocketeer Helmet.pdo - 4shared.com - online file sharing and storage - download
remember, im 5'10" 140 lbs it works for me at 83%
im not entirely knocking pep, mostly because im not really well versed in it yet to form a true opinion. but i will say, that this file is the best, because if id have to pep the side tubes, id probably go crazy, especially since i was nearly finished two other times before i learned they were not the proper scale for my head. i am alot happier this time around with the results of the helmet im working on at the moment.
so, really, im actually pretty content with what ive been able to do within the past few days. my next update should be the finished pep helmet if i bother to take a pic of that before i jump into resining, and the finished plate on the pack and the beginning of setting up the next few plates on the pack.
does anyone have any ideas in mind for some small faux rivets? i have some thumb tacks that i used as rivets for a computer case, but i think for this they may be a little too big.
here's what ive been working on:
this is the final go at the center cosmetic plate. i have alot more sanding to do to this before im content to glue it to the pack and start filling major pits and holes with bondo. the filling will come after i cut out that center vent...
which is what this is.
if measurements mean anything to you, i traced the circle from the inside, then i measured it, and came up with a circumference of 3 1/2" then every 3/16" i put a vent. on the acme pack there are 11 vents, mine has 9. im alright with that. ill be honest. this is about the third try, because the first time, i sprayed the inside of the pack black so i can find the hole. and figure the middle. then i tried to do that from the face. then i resorted to the way pictured. im going to tape it to the face, cut out what i cut out of the pattern. then i'll debate if i want to sand them to kind of a "point."
this is the plate on the pack
you can see where everything fits on it. also, ive resigned to keeping the original pattern of the plate on the pack and then filling in the sides smooth with bondo when i finally am happy with it to start filling and cutting out the vent and two holes at the top.
that ugly leather, those leather straps, and those ugly plastic parachute buckles are going to be my harness for the pack. imagine another three days working on this when im done with the pack. i drew a quick mock up of what i have in mind in paint brush, but its too ugly to share. this is actually the thing im the least worried about concerning this project. i am a little annoyed i couldnt find some cooler, metal parachute buckles, but since they cant be seen and im going to put some stuff to make them look less like what they are, i think i can be ok with that.
this is the face of the helmet.
alright, this is the 6th attempt at my rocketeer bucket. here's the story kids. im embarrassed that ive reached a point in my hobby im using pepakura. the reason why ive attempted this 3 more times, is the scaling is off by a ****dred percent. i mean, considering what i put into my original helmet, and how many times ive started and restarted the pep, pep is both quicker, and more frustrating. my first attempt at pepping this helmet it was scaled at 100 percent, and it took me three months(i wasnt entirely focused on it) and at the scale that works for me at 83% only a few days. after i get it together, there's still alot more work that needs to be done to it(like adding the tubes on the sides of the helmet and putting in the motorcycle helmet lens. :/) that was taken yesterday, im a lot closer to a completed bucket, then the scoops and fin
this is the file:
Rocketeer Helmet.pdo - 4shared.com - online file sharing and storage - download
remember, im 5'10" 140 lbs it works for me at 83%
im not entirely knocking pep, mostly because im not really well versed in it yet to form a true opinion. but i will say, that this file is the best, because if id have to pep the side tubes, id probably go crazy, especially since i was nearly finished two other times before i learned they were not the proper scale for my head. i am alot happier this time around with the results of the helmet im working on at the moment.
so, really, im actually pretty content with what ive been able to do within the past few days. my next update should be the finished pep helmet if i bother to take a pic of that before i jump into resining, and the finished plate on the pack and the beginning of setting up the next few plates on the pack.
does anyone have any ideas in mind for some small faux rivets? i have some thumb tacks that i used as rivets for a computer case, but i think for this they may be a little too big.
WarPig
Master Member
Hope hurricane Earl misses you!
You're an inspiration! I've been so busy planning on how I'm going to do my Iron Man that I forgot about the sheer joy of "fabricating on the fly" (that's a compliment, BTW)!
The "nutcase thread" got me looking at these rocket packs; seeing how great your build is going (plus it's not costing a mint!), I think I may add one to my to-do list!
BTW, for "rivets", check a craft store (A.C. Moore, Michael's) and see what they may have. I'm pretty sure I saw some plastic half-beads that might work as rivet heads. Or you could get a dowel, put it in a drill, round the end and cut it (repeat 1,000 times). Pretty time-consuming, but cheap
You're an inspiration! I've been so busy planning on how I'm going to do my Iron Man that I forgot about the sheer joy of "fabricating on the fly" (that's a compliment, BTW)!
The "nutcase thread" got me looking at these rocket packs; seeing how great your build is going (plus it's not costing a mint!), I think I may add one to my to-do list!
BTW, for "rivets", check a craft store (A.C. Moore, Michael's) and see what they may have. I'm pretty sure I saw some plastic half-beads that might work as rivet heads. Or you could get a dowel, put it in a drill, round the end and cut it (repeat 1,000 times). Pretty time-consuming, but cheap
themanwoaname
Sr Member
lol, ive been so preoccupied lately with this pack and other things going on i had no idea there was a hurricane coming. im really excited, whichever way it goes.
thank you for the compliment! i know when its all said and done, im going to be really proud of this pack. i also may go ahead and make another one in the future, because ive had so much fun making this one! ive been trying to keep track of what ive used for the pack, so at the end of it all, i'll be writing up a shopping list for someone interested in making their own like this could get some ideas from(and help me when i do inevitably make another one).
i will most definitely look into plastic half beads this week, because that is a fantastic idea.
thank you for the compliment! i know when its all said and done, im going to be really proud of this pack. i also may go ahead and make another one in the future, because ive had so much fun making this one! ive been trying to keep track of what ive used for the pack, so at the end of it all, i'll be writing up a shopping list for someone interested in making their own like this could get some ideas from(and help me when i do inevitably make another one).
i will most definitely look into plastic half beads this week, because that is a fantastic idea.
themanwoaname
Sr Member
is that the pep I send you on the ghostbusters forms ?
looking good
that was you!? holy crap man! thank you! i know i sound a little down about pep as a whole now(mostly because im freaking out about the short timeline i have now), but ive looked into it for other projects and its still something im very interested in.
yeah thats totally the file. with you sending me that, and me looking into the pep community, you saved me a ton of work.
I just stumbled onto a site with straps and buckles.
Custom Straps, Nylon & Polypro Webbings, Metal & Plastic Buckles at Strapworks.com
They're not the right ones but they have some unusual looking buckles that would be better than a standard backpack type.
Custom Straps, Nylon & Polypro Webbings, Metal & Plastic Buckles at Strapworks.com
They're not the right ones but they have some unusual looking buckles that would be better than a standard backpack type.
