Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82) *Painted and lit on pg2*

Electronic Lids

Sr Member
RPF PREMIUM MEMBER
Tron is my favourite flick. This is something I've been planning on doing for a long time, subsequently it was straight from my heart which made it as exciting as it gets to work on.

I began with the cooper sk2000 M, built around the lower back of the head / neck area with some fun foam, cut it to the reasonably accurate shape and length and molded it. I melted my sulphur free chavant and poured ..
A fairly raw clay pour :facepalm
raw3.jpg

raw2.jpg

raw.jpg

but I was determined to make it work, so I set to sculpting. My best friends ended up being exacto blades, a few metal sculpting tools and of course 99% alcohol.

I wanted to circuits to be "set in", and as a result make production a little less harrowing. I had originally intended to simply mask off the areas,and then thought about going completely mental doing it over and over, nevermind continuity. "Scribing" the circuits made so much more sense.
IMG_7835.jpg

and continued over a period of months on the circuits, using millimeters for measurement, incredible how the slightest difference can throw the look of the circuits, so I often revised each circuit until it was a close as I could humanly get it.
001.jpg

075.jpg

052.jpg


I began in January and finished the main sculpt a few weeks ago.
154.jpg

155.jpg

158.jpg

157.jpg

160.jpg


I then molded it and created the stone master, seenhere before final finishing to get that "Made by a computer" look, or as close to it as I can get.!
flynnstone4.jpg

flynnstone3.jpg

flynnstone1.jpg


I have 2 productions molds ready and the prototype is curing. The helmets wil be cast in liquid tinted plastic, super strong and completely wearable. Blue or red being the options.
To finally see something I love take form like this is a thrill to say the least, I cannot wait to light up the proto.
As I said this started out purely as a very personal project as something I have ALWAYS wanted. I have since had a baby, moved and am starting a ridiculously expensive program in February, so I'm doing a run of 20 of the Flynn helmets. Ill be offering a fully illuminated version and a non lit budget version for those who wish to light it up themselves. It's a one size helmet as per the film, the large Cooper and Medium cooper have the exact same shell with different padding for sizing. I'm using this method for sizes, hence the helmet will fit any old noggin. The "deluxe" helmets will be lit via EL tape. The budget ones will be the finished helmet minus lighting and padding. Ill be posting up images of the prototype this week with prices etc.

Thanks programs for looking and keep an eye out in the junkyard. (If you want):popcorn

Col-EL
 
Last edited:
Re: Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82)

Amazing work, I get so frustrated working with clay, I lack the patience. These helmets are going to rock !
 
Re: Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82)

Wonderful. Yet another prop I didn't know I wanted until someone went and did a fine job of creating one. :)

Looks great!
 
Re: Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82)

Very nice, those circuit lines are almost mechanically straight. Were they all freehand or did you use something to help steady your hand?

Also how do you play to light them? By placing the EL inside the helmet and have it shine through or by laying it into the circuit lines on the helmet?
 
Re: Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82)

Thanks a million for the kind words guys, this is close to my heart and thus means a ton.
Fett, in answer to your questions, I used a flexible ruler, and several self customized sculpting tools, for the various thicknesses of circuit. My dremel was a good chum.
some angles were a challenge to say the least. Every circuit was pretty much redone about 5 times, followed by spot fixes. I started the circuit work (and general clean up around them) in July and finished last week :eek: Lighting wise Ill be applying matte paint on the non circuit areas, lit from with via el tape, hence the circuits should glow beautifully.
 
Last edited:
Re: Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82)

Argh, almost forgot, I would like to give a huge thanks to MrSinistar for helping me with visual reference images.
Thanks Max!
 
Re: Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82)

I am loving the lines!!
Amazing detail on this one.....
 
Re: Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82)

Great work!

Always wanted to do a tron helmet this way. Pouring it in clay to lay in the circuits was an interesting choice! I was planning just taping everything off and then blasting the whole thing with a ton of high build primer before peeling off the masking tape.

This is much more dimensional and cool.
 
Last edited:
Re: Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82)

Thanks Guys, Nick, didn't you do a cooper up a while ago? Your name is ringing electronic bells.!
 
Last edited:
Re: Flynn Helmet build (Tron 82)

Not yet.

I've got several Cooper helmets laying around waiting for conversion though.

Nick
 
Back
Top