Looking for "Bubble" style space helmet

[BRRogers]

Trying to help a friend with a Sci-Fi space film.
Looking for either a "bubble helmet". Or, A similar item that can be used to make one.
We're trying to stay on the cheaper side of this... Preferrably under $400.

Any tips, advice, and leads are appreciated

Examples:

This is the look we'll be working around.

 

[WilliamsSkeletor]

Strangely enough, interested in this also. Bump to the top. Any ideas for scratch building a helmet like this?

Cheers!
-Roger

 

[steveo]

My friend has always wanted to do an astronaut suit, but can't seem to find the clear dome. Any pointers will definitely be appreciated.

 

[Tiki]

Back in my LA days while researching fabrication methods for the big Godzilla eggs (the US one) I got to tour a huge vacuuform/blowmolding facility in California. They made all the acrylic domes for the apollo space program - all were blow-molded. I've always wanted to try and make a simple rig to blow up a space helmet "balloon" for myself!

 

[thorssoli]

These may be helpful:

acrylic domes:
http://www.cleardomes.com/domes.htm

glass domes:
http://www.bymydesign.net/cases-domes/index.php?page=1&act=viewCat&catId=1

Or you could get some clear acrylic and make your own once you build one of these:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-good,-cheap,-upgradeable-sheet-plastic-vacu/

 

[Raffles]

Wow thanks Thorssoli, I'm really thinking of finally doing a Batman TAS Mr. Freeze costume after seeing these -

for this-

 

[lmgill]

Back in my LA days while researching fabrication methods for the big Godzilla eggs (the US one) I got to tour a huge vacuuform/blowmolding facility in California. They made all the acrylic domes for the apollo space program - all were blow-molded. I've always wanted to try and make a simple rig to blow up a space helmet "balloon" for myself!

They were pulling your leg, or it was some other "domes" they made, because all of the Apollo helmet bubbles where made by a company in Ct. who still make them for the Shuttle EMU. They are made from polycarbonate in a fairly difficult and complex copyrighted process.

 

[phase pistol]

I am a fan of space helmets myself. A few years back I made myself this helmet from a plastic dome and the dome top of a "umbra" garbage can.

I hinged the plastic dome at the sides so it could swing open.

THe neckring is the top from a contractor's bucket. I cut it out with tabs to bolt to the garbage can lid.

 

[Tiki]

They were pulling your leg, or it was some other "domes" they made, because all of the Apollo helmet bubbles where made by a company in Ct. who still make them for the Shuttle EMU. They are made from polycarbonate in a fairly difficult and complex copyrighted process.

You are correct - it was one of the fellows who ran the CT company that set up shop in LA. He had several examples to show me, as well as some amazingly HUGE domes for submersibles.

 

[RICHIES ARMOR]

I can get domes and bubbles in a large variety of sizes priced pretty reasonable.

PM or e-mail me your specs and Ill get you a quote.

(Diameter, Height and neck size. Also a general shape)

Richie

 

[BRRogers]

We went ahead and ordered one of the domes off of one of thorssoli's links.

Tonight we went out looking for a "blaster" and found this fantastic item.
A blow dyer, which will become a Sci-Fi blaster!

 

[OB10]

(I know this is an "old" thread...) But would it be possible to get some clear dome for lights/lamps/commercial lighting? I've seen some big stuff. Probably mostly frosted white, but I think there should be some clear available.

 

[pennywise]

I am a fan of space helmets myself. A few years back I made myself this helmet from a plastic dome and the dome top of a "umbra" garbage can.

I hinged the plastic dome at the sides so it could swing open.

THe neckring is the top from a contractor's bucket. I cut it out with tabs to bolt to the garbage can lid.

That's a really cool idea, and looks really good too. I may have to try that:love

 

[phase pistol]

If only I would have known I woulda sold you mine for Halloween! :lol

 

[DarthMarmalade]

I met a fellow who made a helmet using plastic hemispheres from these folks:

http://www.barnardltd.com/

I've been keeping them in mind for possible astromech droid heads as well.

 

[Brianpettit]

I am a fan of space helmets myself. A few years back I made myself this helmet from a plastic dome and the dome top of a "umbra" garbage can.

I hinged the plastic dome at the sides so it could swing open.

THe neckring is the top from a contractor's bucket. I cut it out with tabs to bolt to the garbage can lid.

That is pretty darn slick. I like it. I have been thinking about doing a 50's era space costume for a while. I like the one you did.

Probably not quite the shape you are looking for Tsuyosa but I liked what this guy did even if it is steampunk ...
http://brassgoggles.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7803.0

 

[knightoftheroc]

I met a fellow who made a helmet using plastic hemispheres from these folks:

http://www.barnardltd.com/

I've been keeping them in mind for possible astromech droid heads as well.

I bought a pair of the Barnard clear domes in 18" diameter for an astromech dome. I found the company excellent to do business with, and the item great, but not well suited to an astromech dome- the material is just too thin to handle the wear and tear. Kids tend to paw the R2's up pretty badly, and the domes had too much flex in them. Parts would pop right off these.

 

[OB10]

I've heard that people have used 18" bird feeder things for the dome. I don't know where the heck they get 'em, tho. Anyone know?

I've wanted to build one of these space suits and helmets for a long time.
http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/04/05/junior-cadet-space-helmet/ Since they're designed for a kid, it might be a bit tight. The top of the helmet is an old style Army helmet liner. Might make it snug for an adult.

 

[Smitty]

 

[phase pistol]

Welcome aboard with a memorable first post. :lol

k