WIP ANH Darth Vader - Photo Update Post #51

A little update:

It's been a while since my last update so I thought I'd show you all where my progress is at. I'm still working on the inner faceplace setup. The overall shape is pretty good; I've got some slight mods to do before I cover it in fabric and line the inside with foam. I was thinking about bolting a helmet liner to the inside of 'Inner Helmet #2' but I think I'll just fill it with foam padding. I don't want to wreck it then have to start Inner Helmet #3

After I finish my inner helmet I want to attach the shoulder bells to the chest armor.

On a side note, I'm really excited to see Episode 1 in 3D in the next 24 hours. Even though the movie isn't my favorite, I'm still excited. Darth Maul was one of the best things to come out of the prequels!!!!

Thanks for reading,
Cameron

This is incredible! I look forward to seeing it completed!

Thanks Thoth
Its slowly coming together. I plan to hopefully have it finished before July, it all just depends on when I order my soft goods.

nice job

Thanks Lost21stJedi

I'm still fiddling with my inner helmet setup at the moment; still sanding, cutting, drilling, etc. Just thought I'd share a picture of me testing the setup. It sits on my head pretty well, and gives with a little more height as well. i think I'm heading in the right direction, plus it hides my ugly mug, but I'm sure you'll see that in the future

Hopefully I'll have it finished in a few days.

Hi there,

That looks absolutely stunning, mate!



-Chaim

Looking really sharp friend!Really sharp!

Nice. Looking forward to seeing you suited up mate

Best
TAZ

Your costume looks great and that helmet mod is very cool. Have you ever done an Anakin costume with the prosthetic arm? That would be such a cool costume.

Thanks everyone I'm very happy with how everything is turning out

Jedifyfe, an Anakin costume is something I plan to do in the future, and having a robotic arm would make it extra cool!!!

I'm pretty much finished the shape of the inner helmet, and I'm now working on padding the helmet and armor so that it sits nice on my body. I hopefully will have some pics up of me messing around with the padding

Looking good so far ! I love the inventive way you solved the positioning, very cool. Looking forward to seeing more from you !

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lack of updates but I've been really busy with a new job, plus I've been waiting for some parts to come in.

I've recently started working on the templates for my padded suit, and the foam I needed recently came in at one of my local stores, so hopefully that will take shape very soon. I've done some test fits and my ideas look like they'll work, but we'll just have to see.

I'm also waiting on a few parts for my chest box, and once I get them I'll be able to put it all together and get the layout of the pieces right. I'm using as much aluminium pieces as I can, which is a bit stytlistic, but thats what I like. I need to buy some leather aswell for the chest box straps. Does anyone know the width of the straps? Any help would be muchly appreciated I've already made a test strap system, which is very similar in design to what was used on the original, and I'm very happy with how it all fits and sits.

I've also got a robeset being made by an awesome member here on RPF, so my Vader should take more shape in the next coming weeks/months

Thanks for reading
Cameron

The helmet's looking great so far and the bowl is a creative solution for your inner helmet. I have the ESB version of this helmet and I could never get a hard hat liner to work either.

Your chest box straps should be 1" in width. If you haven't already picked up your material, Tandy Leather is a great source for your straps, buckles, dyes, etc.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks Papa Darth for the strap width
And yes, the inner helmet works great, though if the helmet lining method had worked I would have used it. I'm kinda glad that it didn't work

great work man, esp. considering the fact that you are working with only half the "tools" we others use.

Respect

Markus

Thanks Markus

To be honest, I don't find it too hard working with only one hand. Sure, there are a few things that I've stuggled with and needed a helping hand, but I try my best to do it all on my own. I think it'll make it a bigger accomplishment in the end

Thanks for your kind words,

Cameron

Quick update:

I received my awaited chestbox parts, which were some new rocker switches and some aluminium coin slots. I still need to find some accurate red and green squares then I'll have all of my chest box parts

The pic attached shows the planned layout of my chest box. The switches and coin slots are held on with bluetack for the moment. My chest box lighting (I know its not accurate, but I wanted my Vader to have flashing lights ) also fits nicely behind the coin slots

Let me know what you all think

Thanks for reading,
Cameron

Quick update:

Its been a few months now since I posted anything because there hasn't been anything to post. I moved out of home, so my Vader got packed away and moved, and its only now that I've been able to start working on my project again.

Not long ago I received my capeset, which is absolutely amazing!!! You can feel the quality in the weight of it. I'm looking forward to seeing it on my Vader. I need to work on my mannequins padding before I can start putting everything on, which hopefully will happen in the next few months. Padding out my mannequin has so far been the most challenging part of the project....

Thanks for reading,
Cameron

Hi all,

Just thought I'd share something with you. For ****s and giggles one night, I put my helmet and chest armor on one of my mates, who is a bigger bloke then I.

I couldn't believe how well if fitted on him. He's a bit bigger than the usual Vader, but trying the pieces on him solidified in my mind that my "inner helmet system" was going to work. The helmet sat well on his head, and in my opinion, the gap between the neckline of the faceplate and the top of the armour was spot on.

Now I just have to get my ass into gear, spend a bit more money, and get my Vader finished!!!!

Thanks for reading,
Cam

Looking good! You've got to practice your Vader posing...

I find it almost impossible not to go around force choking people when I'm in costume.

You're right, that fits him rather well. How about paying him to be your full-time mannequin?

Great progress!

Holy cow, this is fantastic!!!

Thanks everyone.
Hopefully it'll be finished in the next few months.
I've been working on it since may last year so hopefully its not too long from completion.