eFX Reveals Stormtrooper Hero Legend Edition Helmet!

[Juansith]

Cmon guys, there hasnt even been an official announcement and everybody wants to set the eFX on fire.

Lets chill out for a second.

Do we know the final price?
Do we know the final material the ST helmet will be created from?

You Know, this sort of things might be the reason why many companies dont share any pre production info to fans, because the first chance we the fans get, we suddenly become the overall judges and we think we have the right to run things they way we would like.

How many of you actually purchased the SW bluray set, even though many horrorific chages were made?, did they ask for our opinion?, NO.

Dont you forget, this is still a Licensed prop, its sad they might go a way we wouldnt like them to, but if you think that bashing around will solve things or change anything, then, go and watch any of your last three SW editions and tell me if they cared about what we think.

eFX is making a huge effort to change prop history, lets celebrate that and trust them and let it be until we finally have and official offer on their end. If we dont like it, then we dont buy it, and maybe that will lead them to realize we wont put up with props that have nothing new to offer...

...But i have the feeling this run will be sold out in less than four minutes.

 

[GINO]

Cmon guys, there hasnt even been an official announcement and everybody wants to set the eFX on fire.

Lets chill out for a second.

Do we know the final price?
Do we know the final material the ST helmet will be created from?

You Know, this sort of things might be the reason why many companies dont share any pre production info to fans, because the first chance we the fans get, we suddenly become the overall judges and we think we have the right to run things they way we would like.

eFX is making a huge effort to change prop history, lets celebrate that and trust them and let it be until we finally have and official offer on their end. If we dont like it, then we dont buy it, and maybe that will lead them to realize we wont put up with props that have nothing new to offer...

...But i have the feeling this run will be sold out in less than four minutes.

thumbsup:thumbsup




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[rebnah]

I have a Gino v2 Hero and a V2 stunt and i'm in the process of buying a V3 stunt.
I'm still looking forward to the Legend as i want something that i know has come from one of the original film used helmets!

 

[GINO]

For example, lets say hypothetically, EFX were to ever attempt to produce a Legend version working Yoda puppet (cast from original production pieces).

The original Yoda's were made in foam latex which very quickly dries out and crumbles over time.
We could probably find a way to make them that way, but the process for making foam latex pieces is incredibly temperamental and laborious (also translating into expensive to make), and these items would not last long in people's collections.

Certainly we would opt for using an alternative material that we felt was a better fit all things considered.


We realized early on that we could not have 'using the exact materials' be considered as one of the criteria for the Legend line without seriously boxing ourselves in a corner regarding potential future offerings.

Thus it is not part of the criteria:

The criteria for an EFX product to quality for Legend Edition status are that it must be primarily created by either :
1. directly molding a screen-used/production made original or...
2. utilizing original production molds from the LFL archives or ...
3. a combination of the two.

When it comes to finishing a Legend piece, prop accuracy will not always necessarily extend into areas that you cannot see from a display standpoint, such as the interiors of the pieces, (like for example under the dome or inside the face mask of the Vader helmet).

It also may not always apply to the original materials of the screen-used piece.
Every situation is unique and evaluated on a case by case basis.

Some of these aspects are mass-production prohibitive and some are just not practical when taking into consideration the product's durability, consistency from item to item, or any miscellaneous aspect that we feel would be counter productive to providing what we consider a quality collectible that would satisfy the greatest number of our customer's expectations.


I think some people have applied their own criteria of what they feel should constitute a Legend item, vs how EFX has officially defined it.

Our first inclination will always be to try to make our items out of the same materials when we can and it is feasible.
But when we can't, that doesn't mean the item still doesn't qualify for Legend status according to EFX.




.

 

[Zenwalker]

For example, lets say hypothetically, EFX were to ever attempt to produce a Legend version working Yoda puppet (cast from original production pieces).

The original Yoda's were made in foam latex which very quickly dries out and crumbles over time.
We could probably find a way to make them that way, but the process for making foam latex pieces is incredibly temperamental and laborious (also translating into expensive to make), and these items would not last long in people's collections.

Certainly we would opt for using an alternative material that we felt was a better fit all things considered.


We realized early on that we could not have 'using the exact materials' be considered as one of the criteria for the Legend line without seriously boxing ourselves in a corner regarding potential future offerings.

Thus it is not part of the criteria:

The criteria for an EFX product to quality for Legend Edition status are that it must be primarily created by either :
1. directly molding a screen-used/production made original or...
2. utilizing original production molds from the LFL archives or ...
3. a combination of the two.

When it comes to finishing a Legend piece, prop accuracy will not always necessarily extend into areas that you cannot see from a display standpoint, such as the interiors of the pieces, (like for example under the dome or inside the face mask of the Vader helmet).

It also may not always apply to the original materials of the screen-used piece.
Every situation is unique and evaluated on a case by case basis.

Some of these aspects are mass-production prohibitive and some are just not practical when taking into consideration the product's durability, consistency from item to item, or any miscellaneous aspect that we feel would be counter productive to providing what we consider a quality collectible that would satisfy the greatest number of our customer's expectations.


I think some people have applied their own criteria of what they feel should constitute a Legend item, vs how EFX has officially defined it.

Our first inclination will always be to try to make our items out of the same materials when we can and it is feasible.
But when we can't, that doesn't mean the item still doesn't qualify for Legend status according to EFX.




.

Gino, with all due respect these were not the criteria given when eFx first announced the 'Legend' line.
Hence, the frustration with a lot of people that the criteria have been changed.
I think that is what is creating the backlash.
In the future I think it would be prudent for EFx to do their research and define their products accurately when they are first announced rather than changing the criteria later. That just leads to disappointment for some people including myself.

 

[GINO]

Sorry Zen, I promise the last thing we ever wanted to do was disappoint anyone.

The outcome of the trooper is uncertain, and the scout is definitely going to be in fiberglass.
We realize that factor will make this item a pass for some.
Can't please everyone.
But in the end the one thing I can promise is that regardless of the material selection, both the hero trooper and scout will turn out absolutely gorgeous and I have no doubt they will be among the most prized items in the collections of those who buy them.



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[Zenwalker]

Hey Gino, I am sure that you will do your best to make the ABS helmet happen.
And if not, well I think it will still do well and be nice replica for some.
Good luck with the project.:thumbsup

And so far the Vader 'Legend' is looking good.

 

[GINO]

Thanks man. :thumbsup

 

[defstartrooper]

........

 

[Turrican]

You hit the nail.
10 of 10 points:thumbsup

 

[Nairod]

Hard to satisfy everybody.

Even if I'm a little bit disappointed if finally those helmets will be made out of fiberglass (actually we don't have the final answer), we have to admit that EFX manage to offer new helmets, unseen before (especially a Hero and a Biker Scout helmet).

For the hardcore collectors (I'm in), I guess that we will still do what we did before....wait and see if a fan made appaears on the market.

It happened with RSprop and their original ANH suit, why not for a Hero helmet or a Biker Scout. Who knows?

 

[forcesensitive]

I think all the problems wouldn't happen if company makes the product and then put it out for sale..
all this "teasing" before even know what is possible to do:facepalm

that way all becomes a big disappointment to many

 

[madphisto]

As the scout helmet is going to be fiberglas I wonder if EFX is still trying to put the original 3M liners into these or just padding of some sort? fiberglas due to the material strength might pose a problem but as the original bucket is bigger than those DP/Altmann licensed products and their descents I have hope this is a feature that can be preserved. I tried with a fiberglas product (MLC) but it wasn't possible without cutting the liner (not the screen original cuts but the liner itself). Industrial fiberglas might be thinner though and some techniques might also look just like the textured interior of the original. I'm very interested in this product and hope there will be official details soon. Is there any information about targeted release dates like End of next year or something? I have to plan my fund savings as this is probably gonna get pricey :/.

 

[Mr Walker]

I remember Gino arguing (on rebelscum?) a few years back against the use of "non-original" materials in high price point props, and that they would sell in original materials like ABS. I thought at the time he was a little... optimistic.

No offense meant Gino. Commercial reality is what it is.

Whilst it will be hated here in Fibreglass, at this price point, Fibreglass makes for a very nice display piece, and it works... as a display piece. For the price, I would think a lot of "non-proppy" people would be very disappointed in an ABS Legend helmet.

FWIW, I'm not interested in a debate regarding how it's not accurate in FG. I know that, and don't argue the point. Or whether they should or shouldn't, for that matter.

 

[jkno]

What are you talking about ?

There was an announcement thread on this forum you just posted in it, let me point you to the opening post.



And it's on the official site and others and their newsletter all of which stated that the helmet would be an exact copy of the original including construction, finish and materials.

Nobody asked eFX to make those announcements they chose to do it themselves.

Could they have made a simple announcement saying they were making a Hero trooper lid ? yes.

Did they choose to do that ? no

Instead they chose to publish a whole list of things they said it was going to be before they even figured out if they could even make it or not.

They're supposed to be a professional business, what kind of company makes grand announcements about products before they even know if they can produce it ?

As for changing prop history, not happening.
I have no doubt it will sell out either, because it's gonna be just another mass market appeal sanatized pretty shelf filler, but not anything new.

Excellent post! :thumbsup

For the hardcore collectors (I'm in), I guess that we will still do what we did before....wait and see if a fan made appaears on the market.

It happened with RSprop and their original ANH suit, why not for a Hero helmet or a Biker Scout. Who knows?

That would be great! and would satiosfy accuracy nuts like me and others too.

 

[Nairod]

How many biker scout helmets were made for ROTJ?? Twenty??? (a little bit more or less).

And each are so different (quality of the pulls, the trimming, the assembly).... EFX do not plan to only produce "twenty" helmets.... Same thing for the Hero bucket (and only 6 were made).
It's easy to imagine a customer disappointed by his helmet regarding the others: "hey, why this guy received this helmet where mine have the lens area too much trimmed? I would prefer what he received"

I guess that produce quality vacuum formed parts isn't the real problem (lots of industries do that....and as wrote before, SDS do this too oO).
The real problem is mainly for the final design of the finished helmet (except if EFX create a kind of "pattern" for the trimming, etc).

And I guess that we can forget the "helmet kit" solution.

Cruel is this world of the collection and the search for the absolute props ^^

 

[madphisto]

For the hardcore collectors (I'm in), I guess that we will still do what we did before....wait and see if a fan made appaears on the market.

It happened with RSprop and their original ANH suit, why not for a Hero helmet or a Biker Scout. Who knows?

Just a side note and nothing to elaborate further in this thread to stay on topic: If there is no thread already here in the RPF; visit the bikerscout.net for details on the LW bucket. It is a quite promising project though hard to aquire atm.

 

[Davy Jones]

I think just the opposite Nairod.
I think the trimming of the parts is less of the issue than consistancy of pulls.
Fiberglass or ABS the parts will still have to be trimmed and assembled. This shouldn't pose a problem since all the original screw holes and trim lines are present in the molds. They can even exaggerate them to make sure they aren't missed. Even china should be able to stick drill bits into round depressions and put a screw through. So as far as I'm concerned assembly would be very consistant. May be some slight variation in the trimming but I don't think anyone would notice a big difference.

But soft pulls and the quality control to recognize them as such could a problem with ABS. It would be much faster and consistant with fiberglass. So as many have already pointed out, its a smart business move.

But obviously there is an amount of people including me who want to see this in vacuum formed ABS. Big Limited edition run, Small Legend edition run?

 

[Nairod]

EFX used the original molds to create their own vacuum forming molds. Thus they are able to produce similar raw parts like those created by ILM crew for ROTJ. Finally the pedigree is just the same.

What you wrote is true for the Hero stormtrooper (since it's a cast of a finished helmet), but not really for the biker scout (no offense).

ABS or fiberglass, I'm just in hurry to see how it will looks (but I would prefer ABS ^^)

 

[MClass]

ABS or fiberglass, I'm just in hurry to see how it will looks (but I would prefer ABS ^^)

I feel the same way. I want this helmet made either way. I would LOVE if they used ABS instead of Fiberglass but if they can't, I'd still like one of these.