HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread (helmet rebuild begins on p.19)
- Thread starter thorssoli
- Start date
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Finished the calf prototype:
I'm not entirely happy with the details or the symmetry, but it's going to be on the bottom, so I'm not as worried as I am about some of the other pieces:
Otherwise, last night I had someone to take pictures, so we spent some time test-fitting the parts that I have made up already.
The piece for the outside of the arm is a bit too long, but it's an easy fix:
I stuck a piece of foam inside the top of the helmet that was way too big, so the helmet sits too high and looks even more oversized than it is:
We also tried some of the arm pieces on a few different-sized folks:
Then we dressed up the guy who will play Sarge:
The gloves I found are called "Death Grip" gloves by a company called "Dead-On" tools. They sell all sorts of neat stuff with the tagline, "make the nails bleed." I had to have them.
Finished the calf prototype:
I'm not entirely happy with the details or the symmetry, but it's going to be on the bottom, so I'm not as worried as I am about some of the other pieces:
Otherwise, last night I had someone to take pictures, so we spent some time test-fitting the parts that I have made up already.
The piece for the outside of the arm is a bit too long, but it's an easy fix:
I stuck a piece of foam inside the top of the helmet that was way too big, so the helmet sits too high and looks even more oversized than it is:
We also tried some of the arm pieces on a few different-sized folks:
Then we dressed up the guy who will play Sarge:
The gloves I found are called "Death Grip" gloves by a company called "Dead-On" tools. They sell all sorts of neat stuff with the tagline, "make the nails bleed." I had to have them.
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Today saw somewhat limited progress. I got the calf prepped for molding last night:
Then brushed the detail coat of silicone on:
Then I added a bit more, including leftover shreds of lesser molds to add a bit more thickness:
Finally, I made the mothermold to cover those portions of the calf that already have rubber on them:
In other news, I pulled my first rubber undersuit part:
Once I've got it lined up properly under everything else, it should look pretty good:
I'm starting to think I won't be able to get this project done in time for Halloween this year. I'm down to six useful days to get it all done, and last night I ran out of casting resin again. Blast! Now I just need to finish the prototypes for the thighs and make molds of them, cast a couple copies of the calves, prime and paint everything, sew up a neckseal, and wire in some lights and fans and I'll be set.
Fingers crossed. Stay tuned...
Today saw somewhat limited progress. I got the calf prepped for molding last night:
Then brushed the detail coat of silicone on:
Then I added a bit more, including leftover shreds of lesser molds to add a bit more thickness:
Finally, I made the mothermold to cover those portions of the calf that already have rubber on them:
In other news, I pulled my first rubber undersuit part:
Once I've got it lined up properly under everything else, it should look pretty good:
I'm starting to think I won't be able to get this project done in time for Halloween this year. I'm down to six useful days to get it all done, and last night I ran out of casting resin again. Blast! Now I just need to finish the prototypes for the thighs and make molds of them, cast a couple copies of the calves, prime and paint everything, sew up a neckseal, and wire in some lights and fans and I'll be set.
Fingers crossed. Stay tuned...
tubachris85x
Master Member
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Looking awesome man! Doing a damn good job on it, keep it up!
Looking awesome man! Doing a damn good job on it, keep it up!
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
I've had a bit of useful help in the workshop over the past few days, so I've managed to get a bit done.
First up, the mold for the calf armor is now complete. Here's a shot of me pulling the jacket off of the front:
Next, I finished the prototypes for the back portion of the undersuit. Here's me pouring the silicone mold:
My buddy that was in the shop today is the guy who's going to be Grif when the project is completed. He's been helping here and there a bit, but his real kick in the motivator was a couple of days ago when his wife bought him a bunny suit for Halloween. Now he's amped up to help me make him something to wear other than the bunny suit. For those of you who've been waiting for me to make a larger sized torso armor, this is good news. He fits into all of my other armor parts, but he'll need the next size up for the torso armor. Since he was willing and able, I set him to work fairing and smoothing my larger torso prototype and molding an improved ab plate. I didn't take any pictures (since it doesn't look too much different yet) but the plan is to have a mold ready by the middle of next week.
That said, I ran out of casting resin last night and I'm about to run out of silicone. I've already ordered more and it's slated to arrive on Wednesday if all goes according to plan. That plan has me working like a madman to get the last few prototypes ready so that as soon as the UPS truck pulls up we can rip open the boxes, stir up some rubber, pour the molds, grab lunch while everything cures, then make castings, clean, prime, and paint them, and hope the paint dries in time for HALOween.
We're in pretty good shape to get it done. Tomorrow I'll be working on the prototype for the thighs. Right now they look like so:
Awesome.
I've had a bit of useful help in the workshop over the past few days, so I've managed to get a bit done.
First up, the mold for the calf armor is now complete. Here's a shot of me pulling the jacket off of the front:
Next, I finished the prototypes for the back portion of the undersuit. Here's me pouring the silicone mold:
My buddy that was in the shop today is the guy who's going to be Grif when the project is completed. He's been helping here and there a bit, but his real kick in the motivator was a couple of days ago when his wife bought him a bunny suit for Halloween. Now he's amped up to help me make him something to wear other than the bunny suit. For those of you who've been waiting for me to make a larger sized torso armor, this is good news. He fits into all of my other armor parts, but he'll need the next size up for the torso armor. Since he was willing and able, I set him to work fairing and smoothing my larger torso prototype and molding an improved ab plate. I didn't take any pictures (since it doesn't look too much different yet) but the plan is to have a mold ready by the middle of next week.
That said, I ran out of casting resin last night and I'm about to run out of silicone. I've already ordered more and it's slated to arrive on Wednesday if all goes according to plan. That plan has me working like a madman to get the last few prototypes ready so that as soon as the UPS truck pulls up we can rip open the boxes, stir up some rubber, pour the molds, grab lunch while everything cures, then make castings, clean, prime, and paint them, and hope the paint dries in time for HALOween.
We're in pretty good shape to get it done. Tomorrow I'll be working on the prototype for the thighs. Right now they look like so:
Awesome.
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Got a few things done in the shop today.
First up, here's an old pistol prototype I've had on the shelf for a while.
I wet-sanded and primed and wet-sanded it and then dusted it with some silver paint. I'm toying with the idea of molding it up and casting copies.
I also made the first pull from the calf mold and primed it:
Then I started the paintjob on the rest of the armor:
On top of all that, I got back to tinkering with the visor again:
Still hoping to be done in time for Halloween...
Got a few things done in the shop today.
First up, here's an old pistol prototype I've had on the shelf for a while.
I wet-sanded and primed and wet-sanded it and then dusted it with some silver paint. I'm toying with the idea of molding it up and casting copies.
I also made the first pull from the calf mold and primed it:
Then I started the paintjob on the rest of the armor:
On top of all that, I got back to tinkering with the visor again:
Still hoping to be done in time for Halloween...
tubachris85x
Master Member
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
I'm digging the look of the visor. I notice it's more curved and appears much more accurate then using the standard motorcycle visors...is this a found item or did you fabricate it yourself?
I'm digging the look of the visor. I notice it's more curved and appears much more accurate then using the standard motorcycle visors...is this a found item or did you fabricate it yourself?
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
The visor I fabricated myself. It's vacuformed in 1/8th" amber-colored acrylic, and then I mist the inside with Mirrachrome paint for the metallic look.
To get the details I just doubled up two of them and cut out the recesses in the top one. Its getting there.
The visor I fabricated myself. It's vacuformed in 1/8th" amber-colored acrylic, and then I mist the inside with Mirrachrome paint for the metallic look.
To get the details I just doubled up two of them and cut out the recesses in the top one. Its getting there.
ROBOSTEVE 0671
Sr Member
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
This suit is gettin better by the day! Awesome work :thumbsup
This suit is gettin better by the day! Awesome work :thumbsup
tubachris85x
Master Member
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Just a thought for the visor while driving around earlier..do you prefer the look of the details being attached seperatly? I was thinking that it might be easier to vac-form the visor buck witht the details already attached. Think that would save on plastic and will look even sharper IMHO
Just a thought for the visor while driving around earlier..do you prefer the look of the details being attached seperatly? I was thinking that it might be easier to vac-form the visor buck witht the details already attached. Think that would save on plastic and will look even sharper IMHO
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
That's basically my next plan, I just need a bigger oven and then I need to upgrade my vacforming rig. In the meantime, I'm stuck with what I've got. I think it looks okay, but there's definitely room for improvement:
UPDATE: I'VE GOT GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
Good news: I've made a few castings of my kid-sized helmet. Here's the first one I started painting up:
In other good news, I decided on a color and started the paintjob on the rest of the armor:
The plan is to probably ebay the suit after I've gotten a bit of use out of it, so I decided to make a battle-scarred version of the standard green paintjob worn by the Master Chief in the game. To that end, I start with a black primer and then put on a solid metallic coat (DupliColor Chrome if it matters):
Then I use mustard to mask off all of the areas where I want to have scratches showing bare metal, spray the entire thing with Rustoleum "Army Green" gloss spraypaint, then dust it heavily with Krylon Camoflage Ultra-Flat something or other. It's the dark green from that color line-up. Once that starts to stiffen up, I go over the whole thing with a rag, wiping off all of the mustard masked portions to show the bare metal color underneath:
I think the effect is pretty good:
It does still need a bit more wear and grit, but that's later.
I still need to finish the prototypes for the thigh armor. They're still at the 75% point right now:
With a little bit more smoothing and the addition of some detail, I'll be ready to mold them up. I ran out of moldmaking rubber the other day and the new shipment arrives Wednesday. In order to make sure I'd have something to brandish threateningly, I also went ahead and ordered a new and improved, lightweight Assault Rifle cast which will arrive Wednesday. All of this is good news.
Now for the bad news. For those of you who don't know, my day job has me sailing as the Second Mate (ship's navigator) aboard big commercial cargo ships. After three months of stopping by the union hall to see if a ship has come in that needs someone with my qualifications, it wasn't until yesterday that I finally picked up a gig. I will be leaving for 70 days, circling the North Pacific on a containership, starting Friday.
I will be completing this project as soon as I get back. I'll be coming home to gallons and gallons of casting resin and silicone and a whole pile of lessons learned for how to do things. At that point you can count on all sorts of pictures and even video updates.
That's basically my next plan, I just need a bigger oven and then I need to upgrade my vacforming rig. In the meantime, I'm stuck with what I've got. I think it looks okay, but there's definitely room for improvement:
UPDATE: I'VE GOT GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
Good news: I've made a few castings of my kid-sized helmet. Here's the first one I started painting up:
In other good news, I decided on a color and started the paintjob on the rest of the armor:
The plan is to probably ebay the suit after I've gotten a bit of use out of it, so I decided to make a battle-scarred version of the standard green paintjob worn by the Master Chief in the game. To that end, I start with a black primer and then put on a solid metallic coat (DupliColor Chrome if it matters):
Then I use mustard to mask off all of the areas where I want to have scratches showing bare metal, spray the entire thing with Rustoleum "Army Green" gloss spraypaint, then dust it heavily with Krylon Camoflage Ultra-Flat something or other. It's the dark green from that color line-up. Once that starts to stiffen up, I go over the whole thing with a rag, wiping off all of the mustard masked portions to show the bare metal color underneath:
I think the effect is pretty good:
It does still need a bit more wear and grit, but that's later.
I still need to finish the prototypes for the thigh armor. They're still at the 75% point right now:
With a little bit more smoothing and the addition of some detail, I'll be ready to mold them up. I ran out of moldmaking rubber the other day and the new shipment arrives Wednesday. In order to make sure I'd have something to brandish threateningly, I also went ahead and ordered a new and improved, lightweight Assault Rifle cast which will arrive Wednesday. All of this is good news.
Now for the bad news. For those of you who don't know, my day job has me sailing as the Second Mate (ship's navigator) aboard big commercial cargo ships. After three months of stopping by the union hall to see if a ship has come in that needs someone with my qualifications, it wasn't until yesterday that I finally picked up a gig. I will be leaving for 70 days, circling the North Pacific on a containership, starting Friday.
I will be completing this project as soon as I get back. I'll be coming home to gallons and gallons of casting resin and silicone and a whole pile of lessons learned for how to do things. At that point you can count on all sorts of pictures and even video updates.
ROBOSTEVE 0671
Sr Member
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Take it easy while your away man, Lookin forward to your return. This project has really taken shape!
Best wishes :thumbsup
Take it easy while your away man, Lookin forward to your return. This project has really taken shape!
Best wishes :thumbsup
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Well, I was just activated as a member on the RPF and I wanted this thread to be the first I post in because I have been following this thread for a couple months now. This has actually inspired me to take a crack at the pepakura method of building and so probably in the near future, I'll post some progress on mine.
Anyway, keep up the good work man! Your work is beautiful and inspirational!
Well, I was just activated as a member on the RPF and I wanted this thread to be the first I post in because I have been following this thread for a couple months now. This has actually inspired me to take a crack at the pepakura method of building and so probably in the near future, I'll post some progress on mine.
Anyway, keep up the good work man! Your work is beautiful and inspirational!
Tomcmustang
New Member
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Been following the thread for a while as a non member and now as a member hope to be able to interact even more
Been following the thread for a while as a non member and now as a member hope to be able to interact even more
Vadersblade
New Member
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Ebaying it eh? Hmmmmm. Wonder how much my income tax will be...
Ebaying it eh? Hmmmmm. Wonder how much my income tax will be...
TECKNOVIKING
Active Member
Re: HALO Master Chief Costume Progress Thread
Outstanding stuff so far mate.
Well safe sailing & look forward to more photos opnce your home & back into it all
Jason
Outstanding stuff so far mate.
Well safe sailing & look forward to more photos opnce your home & back into it all
Jason
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