BaseZero
Active Member
I just checked the package and it's called "Best Step". Website on the back refers to www.venture-products.com I picked mine up at the local Sears store.
BZP-IRONMAN Build
- Thread starter BaseZero
- Start date
I just checked the package and it's called "Best Step". Website on the back refers to www.venture-products.com I picked mine up at the local Sears store.
GrumpyStud
New Member
It's looking really nice keep it up!!! I still haven't made up my mind, if I should start with a foam build or fiberglass build.
BaseZero
Active Member
Thanks for the feedback! With this being my first build, getting this far is exciting and has provided the momentum to keep going. We'll see what happens when I get to the legs… lol.
I was on the fence at first too between foam or fiberglass, and I may eventually go the route of using a foam suit to create molds for fiberglass (ala the "xrobots" project). I have to say though, that after creating the test pieces to get the hang of the glue gun and learning to cut the foam properly to get tight seams, foam is really the way to go. What really seals the deal is that you can get a very respectable result in a fraction of the time. Employing some of the finishing options I've seen on the forum also really heightens the the look of the final product. Personally, I'm either going the Smooth On 65D or Rondo route for finishing. Will have to do some testing to see which I like better.
Stay tuned.
TKSteve
Well-Known Member
I have some friends observing this build. For them I'm going to be showing some of the steps while building the suit. These two photos are the raw pieces and the next photo is the right bicep under way.
Wow...amazing work. I'm thinking of starting a foam build, but am super-intimidated.
BaseZero
Active Member
Thanks TK! Nah, don't be intimidated, just jump right in and start cutting and gluing. I guarantee you won't like your first efforts and will do them over. So far, I've tossed two helmets, two biceps, a chest plate and a forearm. But the good news is with each piece you build, your skills will improve and soon enough you'll be cranking out pieces that you're proud of. Just pick a simpler piece (bicep) be patient and you'll do fine. Additionally, alot of peeps on the forums are very willing to help out with advice and critique to keep you on the right track and motivated to finish.
On that note, learned a good lesson yesterday: Enroute to taking a completed arm to show a friend, the hot sun on the convertible seat caused the hot glue to… well, "unglue" itself! LOL. Easy enough to fix, but won't be taking any more pieces out into the sun until it's sealed, painted and ready for prime-time!
Just finished prepping the templates for the shins… wow, talk about alot of pieces! More updates coming soon!
BaseZero
Active Member
Thanks! If it's any encouragement to you, this is my first one, so even a beginner can have good results if you take your time and hopefully learn from your mistakes! (I didn't post pics of my half-finished helm that is now in the trash!)
Started gluing the chest together last night. Should have that and hopefully the back done this weekend. Will post updates when done.
BaseZero
Active Member
Since we're on the subject of the Shin… I cut all the pieces out for the shin and piled them up. Now that's a lot of pieces! Surprisingly, the shin is going together more quickly than I anticipated. Is it possible that I've reached a certain confidence with the foam and glue-gun? Maybe it's time to re-do that helmet!
More updates coming soon!
More updates coming soon!
BaseZero
Active Member
Hey Stealth! Considering you're one of the sources of my inspiration and information for this venture, that means alot, thanks! Any input as we go along is always appreciated.
On the information front, I do have a question pertaining to the brace. Is it needed? I see alot of people don't use it, but at the same time, I see how it could "fill" the space and make the chest and back sit where they should. On the fence about it. Maybe you could weigh in?
BaseZero
Active Member
Thanks! If you saw my first test pieces, you wouldn't have said that! A little patience and some extra foam makes all the difference!
STEALTH
Sr Member
I didn't use the brace but I wish I at least used the top section that completes the upper rear back of the armor. Kinda looks like the top of the spine from what I remember.
BaseZero
Active Member
Yeah… I was looking it over and you're right about the top piece, might have to incorporate it in my build. Speaking of spine, it looks like there should be an "articulated spine" running up the middle of the back, but I don't see any templates for that piece. I have seen it on some reference models for IM, but not sure if I should run with it. Thoughts?
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