Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt – FINISHED!

Valor

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I've been considering a proper Utility Belt for a while. I decided to begin a scratch build of a non-functional belt today. I tend to like the more mechanical belts vs. the pouch look. I gathered a ton of reference of the belts from Arkham City, The Dark Knight, and Batman v Superman. In the end I decided to build a custom belt that takes a bit from all of these. Something a bit original, but familiar.

Here's the start. I built the first compartment today from styrene. The finished belt with have several of these. This one will be molded and cast to create the multiples I'll need. It will be solid resin and non-functional. For the design I really just started building and let the design emerge. I'm pretty pleased with what I arrived at.

I also built a cylinder. The finished belt with have a couple of these as well. This is just modified PVC parts.

I thought a lot about whether to have a linked belt (with little pins and spacers) like the dark knight belt. In the end I arrived at a solution that I think will give the look of a linked belt without dealing with all the pins needed to link everything. For my belt I created a small spacer piece that will go in between all the belt compartments. All pieces will attach to a web underbelt. From the front it will look like a linked belt.

I photoshopped these components into a series to see how the finished belt might look.

Now, on to the buckle.

IMG_2879.jpgIMG_2880.jpgbelt_mock-up.jpgbeltcompartments1.jpg
 
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Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Thanks! So I drew up the design so far in Adobe Illustrator to figure out a buckle design. This is a bit inspired by the Arkham City. Might try a few more things before I build it.

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Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

I'm glad I'm kicking around the buckle digitally. Here's a couple more ideas. Tried one that has more of a Bat silhouette.
 

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Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

I really like the buckle in the top one in post #4. I love the compartment and cylinder. I think this is going to be an awesome belt!!
 
Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Yup, pretty set on that buckle. I'll try to knock it out tomorrow. For now, let's obsess about something else. I printed out a full belt mockup to gauge how many of the compartments I'll need. I noticed that with the spacers in between each compartment, you really only get 4 compartments on the belt and really only see a coupe from a front view. If I remove the spacers and butt the compartments up next to each other you get a more FULL looking belt. Honestly, that's something that bugged me about the Dark Knight/Begins belt. There were only a few compartments on the belt. I gotta decide which way I want to go with this.

arrangement.jpgwithdivider.jpgwithoutdivider.jpg
 
Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Some of the sketches that precipitated this build. Been doodling for weeks :)

sketches.jpg
 
Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

What about the first design, but with one space every two pouch/pod ? So you have buckle-space-pouch-pod-space-pouch-pouch and so on ? This way it breathes a bit, but it doesn't feel too empty ? Awesome design by the way, but when you're done, you have to design the rest of the suit now ;)
 
Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Spent today building out buckle I designed out of sheet styrene and Sintra. The scale feels about right.
IMG_2894.jpgIMG_2898.JPG
I also found a solution for the "too much space in between the compartments" issue: Thinner spacers :) ... I'll still use the wider one on each side of the buckle to give it some variety.

So here's the base components that will comprise the majority of my belt. I'll be casting multiples of several of these pieces.
IMG_2896.jpgIMG_2899.jpgIMG_2900.JPG

I still need to think about how the belt will close. I'm aware people tend to use a velcro closure in the back, but seeing as my belt will be more of a display piece, I think I want a solution that looks more intentional. The buckle I made is non-functional so something at the back makes the most sense.
 
Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

For the closing mechanism, maybe you can look into the TDK design, it did close at the back with some kind of interlocking mechanism. I can't find a decent picture of it though.
 
Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Molding the three main components using Smooth-on Oomoo :)

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Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Casting Day!

I pulled casts of all the parts necessary for my finished belt using Smoothcast 300. The molds did well.

The bright white parts don't photograph very well, but this gives an idea of the finished belt. I also created a new component, a thinner capsule. A gas canister perhaps.


More soon.
 

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Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Black primer makes everything better :)
 

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Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Paint test. I tried a number of gold metallics. I wanted something dark and not too glossy. And something I can apply light enough to not obscure details. The answer was this great Rustoleum Satin Metallic Classic Bronze. I also hit the screws with an aluminum silver for a little interest.

I also found a great tool belt at Menards. It's heavy duty webbing and a buckle that looks like it was designed to go with my belt. This will be the underbelt everything will attach to.
 

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Re: Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Beautiful work! really enjoyed seeing your process. The printing out the 'drawing' of the belt was very clever to get a good visual of it. So you said you cut it out of styrene and 'layered up' the pieces? or was any of that 3d printed? it just looks so clean and nice :)
Awesome work
 
Scratch-built Batman Utility Belt

Finished! I used JB Kwik Weld to attach the belt parts to the underbelt. Everything seems to be holding strong. I may use some small screws in the back if pieces start loosening up. But she's really SOLID.

I was worried about weight. Turns out it's not that heavy. It's actually quite comfortable to wear. I forget I have it on sometimes:).

Fantasy. Fulfilled.
 

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