Death Star Trooper Helmet - AA/SDS Version

[Ogibendogy]

Has anyone taken a good look at the Death Star/Imperial Navy Trooper helmet that AA/SDS is selling? While it looks right at first glance, I don't believe this version of the helmet was screen used. Too many of the details are off, the most notable being the ear pieces. See pics of SDS helmet here:

http://www.sdsprops.com/gallerycmd.htm

A B&W photo that has been posted here that suggests that this helmet was made at some point during production. So the question is not about the providence of the molds, but more about whether the right molds are being used.

I can't post pics now, but will add some to this thread later this evening to show what I mean.

Marc

 

[SithLord]

Here are the photos I had in my FS thread again...just for reference. I have screen caps as well I might post later. Keep in mind the ROTJ helmets were NOT made by SDS and different from the ANH ones in the flaring. So it's good to stick with ANH as reference.

 

[Ogibendogy]

Thanks for posting those pics SithLord. Good sized pics that will definitely help with comparisons.

As a starter, here's the B&W photo I mentioned. The guy is too dorky looking not to be from the '70s, so I take this as the real deal

And here are some various archive pics from LFL sources:

Thanks to those that have posted these pics in the past (not sure of the sources). I'll work on getting some ANH screen captures. The bumps on the lower part of the ear piece seem to be the most telling. The question is whether or not they were both used, or just the latter. I haven't seen any compelling caps that indicate that the SDS version was used on screen. Help convince me one way or the other!

Marc

 

[Art Andrews]

IT'S DARK HELMET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!lol:lol

 

[Ogibendogy]

And here are some screen caps from ANH. The first cap is the clearest and look at just how different the ear pieces are. Also notice the difference in the shape of rear scoop.

This is my holy grail prop, and I've studied it at great length. I really don't think the SDS version was screen used.

 

[Vader1]

Yes, an accurate Imperial trooper helmet has been on my "Want" list for a long time. When I saw the SDS helmet it just didn't look right to me even without looking at comparison pics. Your posts comfirm that feeling. I would mind paying the price if it were more ANH accurate.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Not one of these helmets look similar. :confused

 

[Trooper_trent]

I've gone over this helmet many times since it seems to be one that hasn't been done well. The SDS helmet looks fantastic for what it is, but I can definitely tell it was based on that prototype picture. The back scoop comes down a lot farther, and the ear pieces, like Ogi said, are completely different. I just went through ANH again and didn't see one frame that showed an elongated scoop like that or those type of ear pieces.

 

[robstyle]

Has anyone thought it possible the production took hold of the helmets then cut the rear "scoop" or whetever its being called, themselves? It could be the old pictures but to my eye, the cut on the rear looks wonky as opposed to something that would have been cut then put together. It just has the look of being cut after being assembled in the old pictures.

 

[Lord Abaddon]

I agree with Robstyle. I love that helmet and always thought it was one of the coolest worn by the Imps. Looking at the movie and archive pics as compared to the prototype and SDS one the movie used ones have a much smaller back shield than the SDS/proto. You can tell by just looking at where the shield is mounted to the ear and how far down it hangs.

Also, as Rob pointed out, the edges on the movie ones are all uneven and look very much like they were cut. Probably because the shield came so far down in the bank the actors couldn't move their heads as it hanged so badly over their shoulders!

 

[AnsonJames]

Gosh!
This is real shocker - SDS is selling something inaccurate while claiming it's perfect...

 

[Ogibendogy]

I would say that's possible, but it doesn't explain the change in the ear pieces. The movie ear pieces are COMPLETELY different than the SDS version. They would have had to refabricate and vac these to get those changes. Not to say it couldn't be done though, but would that happen if they were already in production? I'd sure like to get the story behind this one.

 

[AnsonJames]

I'd say AA didn't have the moulds for certain parts anymore and decided to rebuild them
or the buck he's using could be from a prototype,
I've go no problem with this unless statements are being made about using original moulds - this is commonly known as lying.

 

[Ogibendogy]

I'd say AA didn't have the moulds for certain parts anymore and decided to rebuild them
or the buck he's using could be from a prototype,
I've go no problem with this unless statements are being made about using original moulds - this is commonly known as lying.

I hear you and feel the same. Karma will take care of AA if he's deliberately lying. Enough about him, my motivation here is finding a movie accurate helmet. When I finally buy or make this helmet, I want it spot on. Like I said, it's my holy grail prop.

I wonder if I can build one in time for C4? Hmm....<runs to workshop!>

Marc

 

[Trooper_trent]

Can I help? :love

I wonder if I can build one in time for C4? Hmm....<runs to workshop!>

Marc

 

[Hedjii72]

Very happy to see others interested in this awesome helmet. I'd love to see someone offer something more accurate and better priced than SDS.

 

[vaderr2]

Yes, I would love one of these! I had an Altmann's but sold it because of how bad it looked to me.

 

[Star Wars Helmets]

The DS Trooper helmet is one there doesnt seem to be much info about - certainly I've not been able to get my hands on one of the originals - despite the fact that 24 were made for ANH. I have this horrible feeling that most were scrapped post filming, or that kids in the South East of England used them as "Chopper" bike helmets in the late seventies :lol

I think a whole load of them were re-made for RotJ, but again have not seen any clear pics to back this up. It is frustrating that for a helmet thats featured so much in the OT there's very little info and/or quality photos.

The version SDS do seems to be based around the one in the photo at the top of this page, which could well have been a prototype. The ears do not look the same, and although theyre based on what looks like the correct part (the TIE ears), however the detailing inconsistent.

I've managed to find a couple of other pics but there's nothing that really shows off what the ANH originals were like

Cheers

Jez

 

[dcarty]

I'd be all over one of these helmets if we can get the details thrashed out. I bought a Navy talker helmet about 16 months ago just for the chance to make one of these helmets but, due to time and financial constraints, I sold it in the junkyard about a month ago.

Dave C

 

[Bradleyfett]

I'd love one of these as well if anyone can figure it out. I'd even be willing to lend vacuforming services to the project.

Has anyone looked at (brace yourselves...) The Holiday Special for reference on these? A moustasch-wearing, badly-voice-dubbed DS trooper is featured heavily.

Mark