First order pep build

[TopSecret]

So i made this account inhopes of finding a RC pep file, since i finally i did i figured i would post up my current WIP. this is my first real pep build. So forgive me if my skills are not up to par for most
https://mega.nz/#!toAHkZTb!BBSKtZTVucw-IjyH6w5A0ymJFGsz4MqqCuUPw1TmQAM
Out of all the files I found this seemed to be the most accurate. All besides this one seemed to be to narrow and just never looked right because most were done pre-release of the movie. I used the 2nd helmet because it was much more detailed. Anyways. Started this roughly one week ago and here's some pictures of the progress so far. I'm sure some or most of you will think I'm quite heavy with the bondo and I'm totally OK with it
I found a couple really good reference pictures that did point out a couple differences to the pep file (details around the eyes) which I just started working on today. Not sure how well this is all going to turn out... But stay tuned and I'll keep everyone updated on the progress
And tips are very much appreciated since I'm getting my know-how from YouTube or trial and error

 

[Pacman117]

Looks great! You've got a pretty good looking pep file there and well done with the pepping and bondo work. Can't wait to see more! Check out my stormtrooper build thread if you need a break from sanding

 

[TopSecret]

Looks great! You've got a pretty good looking pep file there and well done with the pepping and bondo work. Can't wait to see more! Check out my stormtrooper build thread if you need a break from sanding

thanks man, really appreciate it. your build is looking pretty awesome also, to bad you missed the release date

just put in my couple hours before the misses came home. one piece that every pep file is missing is this raised part around the eye as seen in the ref picture below. so started filling and sanding that down.



if you ever come up with a method for the hex mesh in the mouth piece i would LOVE if you shared it with me because i am also not 100% sure what to do about that.
i know one build i saw, which turned out really well was 3D printed mesh. but as i do not have access to one of those i am SOL

 

[Pacman117]

thanks man, really appreciate it. your build is looking pretty awesome also, to bad you missed the release date

just put in my couple hours before the misses came home. one piece that every pep file is missing is this raised part around the eye as seen in the ref picture below. so started filling and sanding that down.

View attachment 575359View attachment 575358

if you ever come up with a method for the hex mesh in the mouth piece i would LOVE if you shared it with me because i am also not 100% sure what to do about that.
i know one build i saw, which turned out really well was 3D printed mesh. but as i do not have access to one of those i am SOL

Yeah it's kinda hard sometimes too choose the pep file that is most accurate. I've noticed that too about the raised part around the eyes. Your build is already looking 10X better than mine did.

Also, for the mesh mouth piece I had a couple of ideas. I was thinking I could use some milliput to spread a nice even and thin layer over the mouth area and then before it hardens, use the appropriate size hex tool to make hexagonal imprints in the putty. The only problem with this would be trying to get the hexagons to line up perfectly and be uniformly spaced. What I would really like to find would be an aluminum or rubber hexagon mesh that I can just cut to the right size and bend into place, but I can't find anything that is screen accurate.

This is the closest thing I have found to a hexagon mesh. Drywall screens at walmart/lowe's. Not even close to being screen accurate.

I think the only thing that will be screen accurate is going to be something I have to order online, in which case I won't know if it will work until after I order it and receive it in the mail. I will keep you updated on what I find! Keep up the great work.

 

[TopSecret]

So, havent been able to work on it as much as iv wanted to. but the wifey doesnt let me do bondo work in anyway while shes home, limiting my working hours. So during the week iv been putting together my second project which is a republic commando helmet. if this happens to come up in some random google search like i spent weeks looking for
i do still have a link to a working RC pep file somewhere. (needs a bit of unfolding work) and i do have my unfolded version saved but i do not know how to share stuff on 4shared. This is my current progress on that
i messed up the orientation of the light mount but pep designer was closed so i guess (very wrongly)

as for my First order build. here is my current progress



i spent most of today reworking the black gap that goes around the base. once i get that finished up all thats left is the detail line that goes around the entire thing. i will have to free hand that so hopefully it works out..

Yeah it's kinda hard sometimes too choose the pep file that is most accurate. I've noticed that too about the raised part around the eyes. Your build is already looking 10X better than mine did.

Also, for the mesh mouth piece I had a couple of ideas. I was thinking I could use some milliput to spread a nice even and thin layer over the mouth area and then before it hardens, use the appropriate size hex tool to make hexagonal imprints in the putty. The only problem with this would be trying to get the hexagons to line up perfectly and be uniformly spaced. What I would really like to find would be an aluminum or rubber hexagon mesh that I can just cut to the right size and bend into place, but I can't find anything that is screen accurate.

This is the closest thing I have found to a hexagon mesh. Drywall screens at walmart/lowe's. Not even close to being screen accurate.
View attachment 576402
I think the only thing that will be screen accurate is going to be something I have to order online, in which case I won't know if it will work until after I order it and receive it in the mail. I will keep you updated on what I find! Keep up the great work.

i still havent found anything im very happy with so i really do hope you get to this phase before i do so i can work off what you do. BUT if thats not the case then my plan right now its to use a special type of modeling clay and freehand it... shouldnt be to hard right?

 

[daz]

Fwiw when I was modding the crappy Rubies FO helm for my son I also spent hours scouting round Home Depot etc for a hexagonal mesh for the mouth but found nothing. I ended up gluing a hexagonal mesh laundry bag onto card and painting it. Pretty crude but honestly it turned out surprisingly well I thought.
Pic here:http://www.therpf.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=547943&d=1446183150
and on the helm at right here: http://www.therpf.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=547942&d=1446183115

 

[TopSecret]

Fwiw when I was modding the crappy Rubies FO helm for my son I also spent hours scouting round Home Depot etc for a hexagonal mesh for the mouth but found nothing. I ended up gluing a hexagonal mesh laundry bag onto card and painting it. Pretty crude but honestly it turned out surprisingly well I thought.
Pic here:http://www.therpf.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=547943&d=1446183150
and on the helm at right here: http://www.therpf.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=547942&d=1446183115

When I was first reading this I didn't think there was any way this could look good, but it actually looks like it could be one of the better options. Thanks man. Looks good

 

[TopSecret]

so i did manage to get a little bit more work done over the weekend. because the black strip (is there a technical name for that?) was all messed up during the pep build i had cut it all out while i was doing the bondo work, not really the best idea but i was committed. to fix this i had to pile in as much bondo as i could and slowly sand away. because the gap had now finished it came out very uneven and messy. but it was a start.
i then cut up one of the bondo spreaders to the correct size, filled the entire gap with bondo and used my new magical spreader to make a perfect gap with nice sharp edges.



After i was finished with that, it was time to move onto the grooved line around the entire thing. because this was something i actually look out of the pep build because it was nothing but a pain in the ***** this was another part that i had to free hand. so with a couple good reference pics i went to work
i used a clear ruler which aloud me to make all the turns as even as similar as possible. I only thought of using the ruler once i realized how off one of the corners looked.
once i has all that matched up an good to go i through some more bondo on to fix the couple spots that i really messed up

after a quick 100 grit sand down i decided to throw some primer on and see where i was at for missing spots. turns out i have still missed quite a bit
BUT! everyday is one step closer. even though the closer i get to finishing the less progress i seem to be making. its all in the details now

 

[TopSecret]