Re: Vader ESB helmet build-up: HELP and Progress
I posted this a few years back. It may help.
The correct dome positioning for ESB Vader is one that I have followed for a looong time now.
The majority of fanmade ESB dome's do not sit or angle correctly. I have seen this time and time again. The set up IMO anyway is vital. Hell, even the actual screen used helmet suffers from different positioning in a variety of shots that I have studied both on paper and on screen.
This brief guide may help reduce time and effort for those who seek that accuracy that has made me gain a few extra grey hairs and a whole lot of stress. This research is being documented as breif but the in-depth version has taken many many months and hours. I hope this is beneficial to some?
All explained brief
As you look at the picture the left and right are obviously reversed regarding Vader. Not to confuse I will go with Vader, for example. When I say left dome, that's VADER's left, our right as we look at it.
*Although the dome position and angles do change throughout the movie according to how they put the dome on and Vader's (Prowse's) movement this guide is consistant and features the same exact set up in the majority of TESB.
1) Vader's bottom right of the dome is angled so it appears longer than the other side.
2) The dome is not symmetrical at all. Vader's right hand side is positioned to give far less flare when compared to the otherside. Notice the angles are straighter in appearance than the other.
3) Above Vader's right eye the dome arch is slightly different to the other side. The arch and positioning that meet above the right eye shows a definate smaller gap between that and the other side. This is consitant throughout the movie.
4) The beginning of the peak or strip for a better word is mainly consistant with the first 1/4 of Vader's eye arch if you line this up width ways. The gap between the last nose slot and the beginning of the centre strip is under 1/2 inch apart.
5) The centre strip is not dead central. I know this is in the mould of the helmet etc.. but the right of the beginning of the strip is not in line with the faceplate frown lines nor should it be. It should be fractionally off centre. Although the brow arches are not symmetrical this is what additionally helps to create the difference in brow and arch size from left to right.
6) Throughout Vader's right eye brow and arch combo is considerably bigger.
7) A bigger gap all around the arch is obvious throughout, If you do not catch the angle dead central this will be more pronounced anyway. The bit highlighted is actually showing the same arch section on this side looks like it is marginally positioned higher. It is quite noticeable.
8) Again as the dome flares to Vader's left more this creates a bigger gap.
9) Once more the dome flares far more to Vader's left. A bigger gap is not only visually noticable on measurements taken there is a difference naturally.
10) Beginning of bottom edge of dome is higher than the other side.
11) Very noticeable difference on how the dome sits and the position it meets when compared to the other side.
12) The greatest indifference IMO comes from the gap beginning with where the arch meets Vader's right eye brow etc..
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The dome is not symmetrical at all. (Image courtesy of Thomas, but not the text)
You can see below.
Very Brief summary on ESB dome irregularity's
*As before, when I mention left, that is Vader's left, right as we see it*
The helmet always looks different off than on. The dome pulls into the faceplate and gives an inaccurate representation
1) Vader's right hand side brow arch is lower.
2) Again the arch nearer the centre srip where the eye nearly meets is closer than the other side.
3) The left front of the centre strip peak beginning is angled/trimmed fractionally upwards.
4) The centre strip is not central. It angles more to Vader's right fractionally.
*Note* This picture contains a strip that looks thinner than the actual screen used prop. I believe this may be lighting. If you compare the thickness to the ANH strip from a screen cap etc, ESB is fractionally wider. Same strip as ANH but they tried to straighten out the curve and made it wider in the process.
5) Vader's left arch brow is higher.
6) Again the arch is not symmetrical or in line to the other side.
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Going back to the positioning, there is angle upon angle to consider as previously stated.
Velcro does play a part, if you look at the velcro piece used on the Stunt ESB (fencing) you can see the velcro position that favoures one side more than the other (you have to really look for this) and the dome mounting puck is not central, these along with the tabs and ring mount all help to give the dome that positioning.
Another view. Same consistancies as before.
Very Basic Differences between ANH and ESB dome
Wider and marginally softer centre strip.
Widows peak trimmed
Larger dome cap
Thinner edge flanges than ANH.
Flange side curvature is longer on ANH In one particular section
ESB has been sanded down in this area.
Gloss appearance in paint finish without the dulling spray.
Some Marks, flaws etc have been carried over to a degree but there are many tell tell signs to determine the differences.
The ESB dome is a significantly re-tooled ANH dome and carries similarities naturally, however it's almost a new sculpt on top of the existing.