Making a low cost cardboard 1978 Cylon costume

[fortressauthor]

I will be showing my progress as I make a 1978 style Cylon costume out of cardboard. The thin cardboard from packaging, not corrugated cardboard.

 

[fortressauthor]

Ever since the Cylons appeared on television, I was hooked on the classic lines of the armor. The helmet has an iconic look and the chrome always looked cool! I've made various versions of the costume over the years with reference pictures wherever I could find them. Not until hearing of this forum a few months ago did I believe anyone else was actually trying to recreate the Cylon. I found some plans online that showed how to make one out of a shiny silver card, so I began my project. I did not spend any money on the card, since I used the dull brown kind at the bottom of shipping boxes. I'll post my pics as I progress. The picture shown was the sample of the shiny card that someone had posted. I am so grateful for the inspiration!

 

[fortressauthor]

It's crazy how long it takes to get back to the hobby. I made some progress on the helmet. I included a pic of the printed instructions in the background from Universal Studios 2014 Bazookajo.me.UK. Those instructions are how I started this build. Later I will show some chest plate, and gauntlets of the same design. Many parts built already, just not posted.

 

[fortressauthor]

So as I was able to let the hot glue cool, I glued both sides as seen. many of the paper patterns were traced onto poster board and then cut out for a stronger pattern to trace onto the chip board thin cardboard.

 

[Moviefreak]

Very cool. Looking forward to your progress.

 

[fortressauthor]

I had a plan to make this Cylon costume in two different ways. One is in cardboard that has been covered in 2mm craft foam, and the other is in cardboard and later has it filled with putty and eventually primed and painted. Here is a version that is covered in 2mm craft foam. It took longer to cover it in foam, but after installing a Larson Scanner, it makes a nice effect. Maybe I will chrome paint it later.

 

[fortressauthor]

Backpack and chest guard construction. Hot glue and cardboard.

 

[fortressauthor]

Belt boxes without the front panel. I am making a mod to show the electronics inside for a display I'm making.

 

[fortressauthor]

Two versions of the helmet. The first attempt was covered in thin foam. all the card is coated in Mod Podge.
Belt pieces show a side view. I added the lower card to allow it to slide onto a belt and stay in place.
A chest plate glued to the backpack makes it stronger. Easy to wear later with one connection. 2 views of the connection.

 

[fortressauthor]

Here are a few more in process pics. I have a few more changes to make to the neck-to-backpack connection. The plans from Universal had a few odd shapes connecting the neck to the backpack. I will add more cards eventually. The belt boxes are on the side. The Helmet will be cut away to show the Cylon brain for display, so the final panel will be detachable.

 

[fortressauthor]

My display figure coming together. The garage before I have to pack it up to relocate to the basement for winter. I build haunts for fun and each year I like to add another piece to the Halloween collection. I build mostly with cardboard, but recently I started using foam as I was inspired by Bill and his wife from Punished Props. Maybe a foam Cylon someday? As you can see, I work on every part at the same rate to get dry times to match up to the next step. Post a comment if you see the Galactica somewhere in my shop.

 

[Galactican]

Here are a few more in process pics. I have a few more changes to make to the neck-to-backpack connection. The plans from Universal had a few odd shapes connecting the neck to the backpack. I will add more cards eventually. The belt boxes are on the side. The Helmet will be cut away to show the Cylon brain for display, so the final panel will be detachable.

Great work and cool idea. I'm looking forward to seeing it.

I created the Cylon pistol and finalized the sword template which are available at BazookaJoe's site. I have a template for the rifle available but it is untested. I printed the parts a long time ago, they are on my desk right now, but I still haven't got the time to assemble them.

 

[Apollo]

My display figure coming together. The garage before I have to pack it up to relocate to the basement for winter. I build haunts for fun and each year I like to add another piece to the Halloween collection. I build mostly with cardboard, but recently I started using foam as I was inspired by Bill and his wife from Punished Props. Maybe a foam Cylon someday? As you can see, I work on every part at the same rate to get dry times to match up to the next step. Post a comment if you see the Galactica somewhere in my shop.

I see it but where are you?

 

[ultron1]

I had a plan to make this Cylon costume in two different ways. One is in cardboard that has been covered in 2mm craft foam, and the other is in cardboard and later has it filled with putty and eventually primed and painted. Here is a version that is covered in 2mm craft foam. It took longer to cover it in foam, but after installing a Larson Scanner, it makes a nice effect. Maybe I will chrome paint it later.

Can I get the templates to build my own?

 

[dkaniel]

Can I get the templates to build my own?

BazookaJo's - Free Cylon Paper Models - ByYourCommand.net