Accurate ANH Vader Chest Armor Question

[scattrap]

I have been researching the various Vader ANH chest armor versions out there but am at a loss for what is most accurate. Word round the camp fire is that the chest armor in ANH comes from the same molds as ESB and ROTJ but I wasnt sure if that was infact true or not. Since there are MANY fantastic vaders that lurk here in the RPF, perhaps you guys can shed light on this and your opinion of the best ANH armor out there.

Thanks in advance...

 

[CTF]

The word has always been (and is currently still the same) that the ANH armour is the same as the ESB/ROTJ versions in size and shape (stunt versions excluded). The only difference is the paint... But considering how much the lids changed over the course of the OT who knows 'bout the armour (but from the looks of it it didn't).

But I guess I should say that the ESB and ROTJ armour came from the ANH molds (obviously)... Not the other way 'round. Mind you, they would be 2nd gen (at least) so they could be slightly smaller - unless they still had the original mold from England. Who knows?

 

[scattrap]

Thanks for the info CTF. Thats what I figured, but since the helmet changed I wasnt sure if the armor did too.

And on people who make it... I know or at least think that JB makes a one off from the origonal but is he the only one?

 

[SithLord]

The ESB/ROTJ armor are likely from production molds taken of the ANH armor, but not from the original ANH armor molds. So ya they would be at least 2nd or 3rd generation from the ANH. The only screen-accurate ANH armor I know of is Ghosthost armor, and Gino also has a set he states is cast from the original. GH armor is either cast from screen ANH armor or from a copy of screen ANH armor so 1st or 2nd generation. Sorry to have to mention this yet again, but the JB armor is not cast off the original but rather cast (recast) from Ghosthost armor. But, JB I believe is the only producer of that kind of armor since GH and Gino do not sell armor. As is usual, deal with JB at your own risk as per the links below...

http://www.rpf.invisionzone.com/index.php?...7&#entry1071207

http://www.rpf.invisionzone.com/index.php?...4&#entry1132544

ROTJ armor has a bit of curvature outward in the center area toward the bottom compared to ESB/ROTJ.

The center ridge of the middle section is flatter on ESB/ROTJ than on ANH, where it forms a peak in cross section.

 

[yakcam]

That was well put and informative, thanks SL.

I saw the question and started running from the computer in fear of it exploding :lol

Hey Scattrap

I take it you're a Vader fan too? Welcome to the turbulent world of all things Vader, it can get rough, but if you hold on tight and absorb the bumps, lots of info can be had.

Enjoy the ride

Cheers,

Kraig

 

[scattrap]

SL, that was a big help. Thanks for sharing all that info. I think alot of the issues that stem from dealing with JB seem to be due to his "Middle" men. From some of my friends experences, if you deal with the man himself (and good luck finding that man without some diggin) you will have no issues.

Thats interesting the GH was never in production for fans like the JB stuff sometimes is. At least its available in some form or fasion, even if it is REALY hard to get.

What are considered good "Fan" sculpted origonal peices? I have yet to see one I like.

Yakcam, yeah, this prop stuff is like a sickness. There is so much to learn on each costume. I am just trying to get a running start.

 

[SithLord]

There was a very small number of GH armor sets produced but never offered on the board or Ebay. On the rare occassion, one will show up in the Junkyard and get snatched immediately so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the junkyard. But those sets don't go cheap. Look at around $650 for a raw unfinished version, maybe another $150-200 more if it's painted. I remember when I first bought GT stuff for my first ESB Vader it all cost about that much :eek .

The JB armor, and I think the Gino armor as well (Gino can correct me on that) has the rear sections going over the back of the shoulders positioned further inward toward the center than the GH set. Whether one or the other configuration is more accurate is up to debate.... .

EDIT: I saw a fan sculpt recently posted either here or on RPB that made me take a second look...it was very nice....maybe that member will chime in....he showed it in the raw state from front view...nice proportions...I can dig it up later if he doesn't appear

 

[scattrap]

Sweet bro, you guys are definitly giving me a much needed crash corse in the prop history of this armor. Thanks so much for sharing the info.

 

[KevVader]

On the left is my old GT set, on the right is my accurate size/shape set. The differences are obvious...especially when observed/handled in person.

That said, if the armor is primarily for costuming, get the GT set. Far less expensive and far more plentiful...and the new GT 2006 armor is actually much more accurately shaped/sized than the older GT as shown here.

And most won't know the difference anyway...except us.

 

[DRAGONFLY]

Hey Scattrap,

I've seen two sets for sale on e-bay this year. Keep an eye out they normally go for around $700 finished. Just make sure you get them to send you the measurments first.


Good luck.


DRAGONFLY

 

[The Manlet]

<div class='quotetop'>(KevVader @ Aug 7 2006, 04:05 PM) [snapback]1295678[/snapback]</div>

On the left is my old GT set, on the right is my accurate size/shape set. The differences are obvious...especially when observed/handled in person.

That said, if the armor is primarily for costuming, get the GT set. Far less expensive and far more plentiful...and the new GT 2006 armor is actually much more accurately shaped/sized than the older GT as shown here.

And most won't know the difference anyway...except us.
[/b]

And there happens to be a set in the junkyard for now befor i deicide to take it down witch will be soon.

 

[Darth Kahnt]

<div class='quotetop'>(SithLord @ Aug 7 2006, 11:28 AM) [snapback]1295533[/snapback]</div>

The JB armor, and I think the Gino armor as well (Gino can correct me on that) has the rear sections going over the back of the shoulders positioned further inward toward the center than the GH set. Whether one or the other configuration is more accurate is up to debate.... .
[/b]

This is true of the earlier Gino armor for sure Thomas. I own a set of Gino and it is positioned further inward towards the center than the JB /GH armor. Ill post pics when I get a chance.

 

[GINO]

Chris, the armor you have is the earlier armor that I sculpted from scratch. The stuff I have now is cast from original and have never made it available.

 

[SithLord]

Ya sorry, Chris, I was referring to the new armor set....thanks for the clarification, Gino.

 

[Darth Kahnt]

Yes, thanks Gino.

I made it a point to make sure I stated it was the older Gino armor, looking back I wish I had specifically said scratch built instead of "earlier".

 

[Boba Frett]

<div class='quotetop'></div>

EDIT: I saw a fan sculpt recently posted either here or on RPB that made me take a second look...it was very nice....maybe that member will chime in....he showed it in the raw state from front view...nice proportions...I can dig it up later if he doesn't appear [/b]

Was this the Gino armor?
Is it possible to get pics?

 

[Thrawn]

GundamZeppelin, are you sure your armor is GT2006? My armor was marketed to me as GT2006 armor, but it doesnt look like yours. Anyone know what mine is? Heres some pics of it (these are from the original seller, if you dont want me to post these pics please PM me and ill take them down).

 

[yakcam]

Ummmmm, well I THINK I know what the original source was, but I'm really no expert and would like to leave it for the experts.

Cheers,

Kraig

 

[The Manlet]

To tell the truth i have no idea what my armor is, It's way to big to be the old GT armor but it is not screen accurate the maker is from another country, So my best guess is it must be a new GT. :confused
It is one of the better fan made armors and yours looks pretty good too :thumbsup

 

[Thrawn]

Ive gotten a lot of PM's about this, im quite scared now that its a recast or something. Yakcam, if you have suspicions could you PM me with them please
Thanks