Darth Vader full build (currently working on armor)

Marvinator

New Member
I recently finished building a Vader helmet and decided that I would like to make all of the armor pieces to eventually assemble a life sized display. I plan on sculpting the shin guards and shoulder pieces out of clay to mold/cast. To keep the cost down I plan on making the chest armor from foam or something similar. What I need to get started are the general dimensions of all the armor pieces. Pictures of the armor pieces with a tape measure next to them would be a great place to start and get me close to the actual size. I sculpted the helmet after the one in ANH but I might go for a more ROTJ or ESB look for the armor since my helmet is obviously not 100% accurate so I might take some "artistic liberties" in regards to that. If anyone can help me out with the dimensions it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for looking.
 
Armor for all three movies is the same. Only that the ANH was rough and painted roughly. There are two styles. The bells hanging under the armor, or the bells sitting level with - being attached to the - armor. You going full Prowse size or a size that fits you?

I'll try and see if I can find some good reference for you. I don't have a set of armor, so can't measure anything for you, sadly.

But good luck on creating a nice piece. :)

Bells under the armor - ANH and ESB:
ANH - Death Star - 14087008_1_x.jpgMeditationRoom-006-torso2.jpg

Bells level with the armor - ESB and RotJ:
Bespin-Capture-3001.jpg
 
Awesome that you're gonna sculpt your own, can't wait to see what you come up with!

I always wanted to get the mantle/shoulder armor to go with my helmet, just don't have the budget for it.

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Armor for all three movies is the same. Only that the ANH was rough and painted roughly. There are two styles. The bells hanging under the armor, or the bells sitting level with - being attached to the - armor. You going full Prowse size or a size that fits you?

I'll try and see if I can find some good reference for you. I don't have a set of armor, so can't measure anything for you, sadly.

But good luck on creating a nice piece. :)

Bells under the armor - ANH and ESB:
View attachment 841917View attachment 841919

Bells level with the armor - ESB and RotJ:
View attachment 841920

In that case maybe I will just build it and see which style I like better in regards to the shoulder bells. I definitely like the more polished look. I plan on going full Prowse and building a mannequin to his measurements. Would I be correct in assuming that both shoulder bells could be made from a single mold? Thanks!
 
Screen Shot 2018-09-26 at 5.27.49 PM.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-26 at 5.28.00 PM.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-26 at 5.28.27 PM.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-26 at 5.28.42 PM.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-26 at 5.28.09 PM.pngScreen Shot 2018-09-26 at 5.28.17 PM.png
I got the general shape of the shoulder bell roughed out, wanted to make sure I was on the right track with scale and over all shape before I added any details. I plan on making it more symmetrical than the original piece, just my personal preference. After I have sculpted the shoulder bell I plan on doing the shin guards next since the molding/casting materials have a shelf life so any dimensions on the shin guards would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking!
 
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I'm back with some major progress! I just pulled some casts of the shoulders and shins. They still need to be cleaned up, and a few minor adjustments made with some bondo but overall I am pleased with the results. I didn't get too accurate with these parts but I'm starting in on the main chest piece which I want to dial in a little better so it fits well with the helmet I made. I'll be posting more progress shots for feedback as I work on that.
 

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I started in on the chest piece yesterday. Throwing some clay around and getting the main shape roughed in, just the front for now. I'm confused about the contour of the front since I'm having a hard time finding any pictures from directly above or below. Is it flat all the way across the bottom? Does it jut out in the middle or does it gradually bulge out? Any input on this would be much appreciated!
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Starting to add some of the details. I plan on getting one side finished then mirroring the other side using some good old calipers and paper templates. If my assumptions are correct the original piece was somewhat asymmetrical, for my sculpt I'm going to shoot for something a little more symmetrical.
50254831_10157153034374048_2793338620696592384_n.jpg
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Nice. Wondering if you might purchase even a low end one and then look to it to sculpt the accurate version. A thought?
It did cross mind, I think I can get the degree of accuracy I'm shooting for through reference photos though. Plus I've already gotten some very helpful feedback here, it's already turning out better than I expected. Thanks for looking!
 
great sculpting skills!
Couldn't help but notice the stewmac cardboard you use as a a base for your sculpt, building musical instruments also? (y)
 
Armor of ANH and ESB are slightly different in shape (and of course in color):

ANH: ridge's end at the bottom looks like a triangle and there is a gap between ridge's end and the edge of the armor.

ESB: ridge's end at the bottom looks like a rectangle (ridge looks more flat than the ANH-one), end of the ridge and edge of the armor are flush.
armor_anh_esb_zpsoa5wdmir.jpg
 
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