Creating accurate Vader shin guards with straps

[BuildaVader]

In an effort to make an accurate set of Vader shin guards...in my case (ESB), I'm wondering if there are any photos available, depicting how the back calf side of Vader's shin guards actually looked to the audience. I don't recall ever seeing a clear photo of Vader's calves, as they are mostly hidden by his cape etc.

For example... Rubies does the zipper up the back design (which I doubt would be how the audience would have seen it. Many others use nylon style straps with velcro or click together style buckles...similar to modern police "swat" style leg armor.

My thoughts were to use something like thin leather belts with "belt buckle" style straps, to try to create a believable style to the shin guards and give them a convincing appearance.

I couldn't really find any discussion of this, so thought some of you must have some interesting ideas.

 

[Ghost Host]

If memory serves, I believe the original ESB grieves just had 4 elastic straps to wrap around the calves, which 'closed' with velcro.

In an effort to make an accurate set of Vader shin guards...in my case (ESB), I'm wondering if there are any photos available, depicting how the back calf side of Vader's shin guards actually looked to the audience. I don't recall ever seeing a clear photo of Vader's calves, as they are mostly hidden by his cape etc.

For example... Rubies does the zipper up the back design (which I doubt would be how the audience would have seen it. Many others use nylon style straps with velcro or click together style buckles...similar to modern police "swat" style leg armor.

My thoughts were to use something like thin leather belts with "belt buckle" style straps, to try to create a believable style to the shin guards and give them a convincing appearance.

I couldn't really find any discussion of this, so thought some of you must have some interesting ideas.

 

[BuildaVader]

The movie versions almost look as if they are part of or attached to the boots themselves.

 

[Darth Mobius]

Many people just use industrial velcro to attach the back of the shins and the front of the boots. It certainly makes it a bit easier...

However for the sake of movie accuracy GH is correct. 4 elastic straps connected with velcro. Though I don't think there are any screen grabs in existence

 

[Too Much Garlic]

The movie versions almost look as if they are part of or attached to the boots themselves.

They may look that way, but they were not done like that. Listen to GH.

 

[Qui-Gonzalez]

Indeed, listen to GH. There are no backs to the shins. The RotS shins are whole, but the OT shins fasten much like GH said. I believe there is an ESB photo with Vader in his meditation chamber where he is missing a shin.

 

[KevVader]

 

[Qui-Gonzalez]

Thanks Kev!