Hasbro clone trooper to Ep2 trooper conversion WIP UPDATE

[Nataku]

I know theres been a couple threads on this but I thought I'd share my experience.

This isn't really a show off thread so much as helpful thread.

First off, excuse me because I'm pretty drunk. Thats how I like to relax, make a couple drinks and work on some props.

Now, down to business. I'd like to say that it was a little more work than I anticipated but when your a prop budgeter like myself you take what you get.

Normally I like to use the spot/glazing putty tubes but forget that stuff on this thing, it just didn't stick, nor was it strong enough. You have to go for the 2 part bondo for this thing. Its a pain to sand but u don't have a choice.
Its so flimsy that anything less just cracks.

Don't take it apart and gut it like I did. If you just want a show piece then just cut whatever you need to cut. One of the worst parts was trying to get it back together correctly. The crown just isn't matching up right and is gonna need a lot more bondo.

I haven't worked on it in a couple months and just put a few hours in tonite. Been laid off, decided to get drunk.

Here's some pics

Its worth a $30 Ep2 helmet. but you will put the work in.

 

[Jack Knight1979]

Re: Hasbro clone trooper to Ep2 trooper conversion WIP

Looking good. I really enjoy projects like this.
sorry you've been laid off. Been there many times.

 

[Sporak]

Re: Hasbro clone trooper to Ep2 trooper conversion WIP

I think I want to do one of those too...I'll be watching your progress...
Looks great so far.

 

[Nataku]

Re: Hasbro clone trooper to Ep2 trooper conversion WIP

Thanx. Now that its back together I've regained some interest in finishing it. I'm gonna try to put a first coat of bondo on the remaining seams this weekend. I'll post some pics.

As for the lay off, I'm in construction, it happens. Despite whats happening with the economy, there is a lot of big construction going on in the Burgh. It won't be long.

 

[ouizel]

Re: Hasbro clone trooper to Ep2 trooper conversion WIP

Does the Bondo 'bite' into the smooth plastic sufficiently for a good hold? Or are you having to seriously score the plastic underneath it?

 

[Nataku]

Re: Hasbro clone trooper to Ep2 trooper conversion WIP

Don't really know. Since I started using the spot glazing putty first, it didn't stick and cracked easily with the flexibility of the helmet. Next I tried the 2 part bondo which held well but the helmet was pretty scratched up from sanding. In short, I don't know if it would hold on the smooth surface.

I might try on one area just to see but I'm going to pre-scuff the rest.

 

[Nataku]

Re: Hasbro clone trooper to Ep2 trooper conversion WIP

I still get an occasional PM about this so I thought I'd post an update. I haven't touched in a couple months since I've been devoting what little free time to the guitar.

There's not too much left to do- cleaning out the nooks and crannys, fill some small holes, straighten a couple lines, etc... Maybe I'll jump back on it.

Anyway here are some updated pics.

Sorry about the size. different camera.

 

[Nataku]

I started working on this again, just something to do. It'll never be screen accurate. I eyed up the the visor and I'm still not sure what to for the circles on the ears but hey, it only cost me 30 bucks.

It still need a lot of work.

 

[Junk Pilot]

Any recent updates on this at all?