A new Chewie in Germany

[Nostradamus]

So, today I tinkered a little more. A workshop without proper walls, ceilings and heating is clearly not suitable for lingering there. But it was enough for a little test.
Well, the glue held up better this time. And I put a few strips of duct tape on. Not at the top because I'm still puzzling over how to do that with my toes.

But I wanted to see how the basic feeling is. So I temporarily attached the boot. Getting dressed was easy, just slip in. They are very comfortable, even if I also think that the front part should be lifted slightly so as not to feel the pressure towards the front so much. Even standing on one leg is no problem, don't be afraid to tip over.

Taking off the boot was a bit more difficult. A second person would definitely be helpful. Or....

Option number 2. I put this bracket on it. Then putting on the shoes would be a lot easier. But what then raises the question: how to fasten?

Screwing is not possible, since there is only foam. I would have to put a plate on top.
Hmmm, that's enough material for more nights to ponder.

 

[Nostradamus]

So, apart from the fact that I have a little more free thanks to Corona, I was able to take care of my feet a little. Despite the cold in my workshop, I got a little further.
Problems were: 1. How to attach the toes and 2. How to attach the shoe or the bracket?
A tip from the Wookie builders on Facebook was to take a bottom layer and clip the toes onto it. And then fix it with glue, etc.
So first I cut out a new sole and stuck with it.

What do you think, keep the toes straight or around the foot? I can slowly forget the idea of saving weight.

After some back and forth, the result is not bad.

Well for the top. Actually the same principle. The template was done quickly. The question still remains, how to fix the bracket well? I also raised the front part a little - the feeling with the boots was that I was being pushed forward.

That's why I first have to fix everything in such a way that I can test it and also change something about it, if it is not as hoped.

 

[Nostradamus]

Has something of a never-ending story. OK, the feet. They haven't turned into a nightmare yet. So made a little more today. Somehow the result is good - tinkering for almost 5 hours. Crazy how fast time flies.

Today I cut a sheet of PVC and then softened it a bit with a heat gun. Just enough to bend it.

A crooked L should become the base for the toes. Actually looks like a good way. In case you're wondering why I chose a white PVC? I ask myself the same thing!!

But, through the question of painting, I came up with the saving idea for my toes.
Because I get them brown with PlastDip. It's also available in brown, and it also sticks to silicone. And is flexible.

Well, cut another sole out of XPS and leave it slightly larger. As a support for the toes.

Now that the rest of the foot has been bandaged, it doesn't look so bad after all. In the meantime, the second roll of duct tape has also gone on it.

Since it's really cold in my workshop, that's enough for today.
The toes have to go there now. Let's see what glue I use for this. Then I have to fill in the gaps between the toes and the foot. Might go with construction foam.
And attach the plate at the top where the boot jig goes.

 

[Nostradamus]

And on we go. Slightly wrap up the excess and tape the base for the toes. The toes should now be on it.

As already mentioned, these are made of silicone. So sticking with what?
I used my hot glue. But, I haven't even had a chance to put my toes on it. The glue had already cooled. Either I was too slow or it's too cold in my workshop (5 degrees).

Then just something else. The device for the snowboard boots. After a few tries, this is my final product. I screwed the binding directly onto the plate. The nuts now also press into the foam, which is there as a slight incline. So I hope to no longer have the pressure going forward.

Now I have to attach the plate including the device to the rest. Adhere? duct tape? Cable ties?
Oh yes, there are also the toes.
But, things are progressing.

 

[Nostradamus]

new idea. Cable ties. Up through the plate and once around. Then a decent layer of duct tape. That's how it's supposed to work, isn't it?

 

[Nostradamus]

Sooooo finally done. My wookie feet are ready. Today's test was, and I have to say, surprisingly good.
First, of course, I also finished the second foot. Fasten the device, attach cable ties and you're done. They're light, I'm not afraid of falling or tipping. I stand stable and can walk with it.
OK, having feet that big now takes some getting used to. But that's definitely going to happen.
Now add the toes and some hair and the project is finished.

 

[Nostradamus]

So, fixed some foam today. I've seen many. Should probably make the leg look more natural when the pants come over it. I will test it.

 

[Nostradamus]

My hands are ready too. Even though the Wookie hands don't need hair (my suit is long enough), I glued some hair to it. Trim a little and it looks good.

Mom helps again. The net for my feet is adjusted, then the knotting starts again. ugh
I still have to test how it works with the trousers and the foam material on the foot, or whether I have to change anything there.

new idea I had bought a pair of gorilla feet a while ago. Looked pretty good as a picture. Since I am thinking about the toes all the time, these came to my mind again. The gray ones are silicone, heavy and almost impossible to paint. However, I can change the color of these black ones. And if I throw in some brown Wookie hair, it should work.
What bothers me a bit is the typical gorilla foot. The "thumb". Actually, I would have to cut the short one off and reattach it further forward. But does it have to be? I looked at the guidelines at the Wookie. It says that the hair must cover the feet and some other things. But no word on what color the toes must or may be, or how many toes there are, whether they are straight or with a "thumb" that is shorter.
Or am I not seeing that?
So I could definitely use these (because they are also extremely light and easy to attach), and shouldn't get a negative point if I try to certify my Wookie.

how do you see it?

 

[Nostradamus]

Preparation for the toes. Today I cut off the toe and glued the first parts. Glue in a workshop with 1 degree Celsius is not really useful. So this will take time.

Today first test with shoes and pants. (Mom took the pictures - please bear with me.) Well, with the foam still on, I can't get the pants over it. So it has to be without. And then the pants cover the entire shoe but not the extra rise. So I have to add hair to my foot. Which is what I thought. It's actually relatively stable, but walking is a bit shaky, maybe too narrow? Should I maybe build new ones or try to widen something to get a better stand?

But, in any case, I'm huge.

 

[Cmdr.Kerner]

So we can see you in full glory at the next FedCon in Bonn in early June?

 

[Nostradamus]

It would be my pleasure and an honor to be at the next FedCon. As soon as I've managed to establish a secure footing and gait, the project is complete. And hopefully also a certification possible.

 

[Nostradamus]

OK, correction. Using the foam top was a good idea to protect the net/pants but it's too big. I can't get my pants over it. So something else has to come up, and I have to remove it again.

At first I also wanted to remove the lower foam plate to get better stability (the foam is actually a bit peculiar), but then I thought that another thin plate below could fix that. Another thin rubber sole and you're done.

So I cut a second wooden bed and also shortened my front tip at the same time. I hope not too much. Because attaching the toes is still not clear to me.

It would definitely be easier for the gorilla toes, which are very light. But of course they are a bit smaller than the Wookie toes. Nevertheless, I once reglued the little toe of the gorilla's foot. To see if the idea was good.

Can you turn a screw through the silicone toes?

It's slowly turning into stress

 

[Nostradamus]

So my current progress.
The tip of the foot was shortened and, after a hint, tested whether they were the same height. Level says yes.

Then the toes fastened with screws. Are actually solid. Then get a rubber mat. This has 3mm. I use Pattex Super Glue for the glue. But I'm not that enthusiastic about him. After 30 minutes, the sole can be removed relatively easily. Now in retrospect I have doubts whether 3mm was a good idea. Maybe I should have gone with 1mm.

So my plan to take a few steps today is gone. I guess I'll have to wait until Monday when I'm free again. Maybe the glue will have tightened by then

 

[Nostradamus]

So, today the 2nd walking test. Unfortunately got a bit dark.
After I shortened the tip of the feet and glued a rubber sole, the 2nd walking test with the attached toes came today.

These toes, made of silicone, have their weight, which you notice because when you lift your foot, your foot tilts forward. Not bad, but now one foot weighs a nice 4.2kg. Per foot, plus the boot. That's why it's not that easy to walk with it, apart from the fact that I'm 220cm tall.
Without the head that comes with it. The air up there really smells like dwarves.
Video: Wookie Walk

 

[Nostradamus]

So, the 2nd walking test was still a bit shaky. I wasn't afraid of falling over, but I didn't feel really good either.

The 3rd walking test went a little better. A little more confidence and I felt better. I noticed that I felt something like a pull when I lifted my foot.

 

[Nostradamus]

A check showed that the plate on which the binding was attached bowed slightly. Of course that wasn't good.
I fixed that with another load of zip ties and duct tape.

Walked 4. It's going much better now. I actually had to reinforce the bracket. Now I can walk almost normally, as if I didn't have the things on. I can also bend over to the side without feeling like I'm going to fall over.

Although the 4.2kg are not to be forgotten. In any case, I can't do a marathon with it.

So we can start. Now it's time for the last hairs. God, how did I miss knotting.
But the finish line is in sight

 

[Lt Washburn]

Look great. But I feel I must ask why that restaurant has a lady mannequin posed like it's creeping around in the corner?

 

[Nostradamus]

Look great. But I feel I must ask why that restaurant has a lady mannequin posed like it's creeping around in the corner?

That's called experience gastronomy

 

[Nostradamus]

So, now the first foot is finally finished. I really didn't miss the tie.
Now the second foot is tackled. Then trim the hair a bit and then i can start trying it on and fine-tuning it.

 

[Nostradamus]

The final sprint. The last hairs on the feet are tied and the scissors remove what is too much.

Finally. It started on April 12th, 2021. The build of my Wookie. Now the time has come. He's done. The bag is also in the works and if the hairdresser swings the scissors a bit then the project is finished and I'm happy. With all the trimmings I reach 223cm.
Getting dressed is easier with a little help. Needless to say, the part is really warm. But I walk and stand fairly stable on my feet. No fear of tipping or falling. Very nice.