To augment my life-size ESB Vader display that I am currently accumulating what I need for that project I decided I also wanted an ANH helmet to be displayed separately as a standalone piece. Since a life-size Vader is already an expensive venture even on a budget I have decided to use the Jazwares helmet as a basis and modify accordingly. I am not targeting uber accuracy but definitely want to obtain the "look" of ANH through minor modifications and paintwork. Was able to get the Jazwares off Amazon for $78 dollars so wasn't expecting much but had seen/heard positive reviews and it was cheaper than any Rubies before or since. I am trying to keep this at the $200 investment mark max so I didn't justify just waiting or getting an EFX. When I received the Jazwares I was pleasantly surprised at the shape of both the dome and facemask. The dome is still the horrible Rubies type plastic (notorious for being hard to work with and nothing wants to permanently adhere to) but has a much better ESB/ROTJ look if inclined to use for that unmodified. The mask though is a harder plastic (probably ABS) that seems to be able to cut, grind, sand and modify much easier. Below are the before and current status of where I am with the mods. Ground down the center strip on the dome and sanded the interior of the dome to accept fiberglass reinforcement to both strengthen the flimsy plastic and start thickening the edge. I compressed and heated the original flares of the dome to straighten the edges somewhat prior to fiberglass to emulate better the straighter front edges I relate to ANH photos and reference. Widows peak will need to be added and brow/y-crease defined better as well. Most of the facemask molding is soft but since the plastic is harder can be sharpened by minimal sanding. The lower sides of the tubes will need to be defined to replicate the original which will require additional material (fiberglass) on the inside of mask first prior to grinding/sanding. Most of the other mods (eye socket depth, chin vent, etc. will entail sanding and filler here and there to make them more accurate but should not be near the hassle of modifying a Rubies Supreme as I attempted that over a decade ago. I hope this one will go smoothly and end up something relatively close to what I see on screen or perceive on screen. Before and after current mods.
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