Mark VII (leisurely paced) cardboard build

[synistergiggles]

A little more progress, lots of work ahead but test fitting some stuff for fun

 

[synistergiggles]

Hey guys so here's a small update,ive got the sides of the lower torso laid out. Still debating on how to assemble these pieces once I attach them to the spine and front abs. I'm wondering if splitting it at the spine and join it using buckles for easy assembly? Any advice or pics of your folks' builds would be appreciated!

 

[mikemakesmovies]

So I know you changed this build to a foam build but can you please go over how you do your cardboard builds? Kind of like a mini tutorial of transferring the templates to the cardboard and other tips and tricks.

 

[synistergiggles]

So I know you changed this build to a foam build but can you please go over how you do your cardboard builds? Kind of like a mini tutorial of transferring the templates to the cardboard and other tips and tricks.

sure thing! I use the exact same templates that I do for foam,i use hot glue to connect the pieces using hot glue like most foam builds.
when cutting each template for the cardboard I make sure that if the piece needs to have the right curvature so I align it to the corrugation so that it bends correctly
basically I follow the same process as the foam construction...once I reach the finishing stage, I coat the cardboard with liquid fiberglass resin, I apply about two coats to each side(surface and interior) once hardened I use a rough grit sandpaper to give the resin a slightly rough surface which helps the bondo putty stick to it.

I use anywhere from 2-5 coats of bondo,sanding between each layer,smoothing out any rough or low spots.
its a pretty long,drawn out process but it'll be worth it in the end
let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[mikemakesmovies]

sure thing! I use the exact same templates that I do for foam,i use hot glue to connect the pieces using hot glue like most foam builds.
when cutting each template for the cardboard I make sure that if the piece needs to have the right curvature so I align it to the corrugation so that it bends correctly
basically I follow the same process as the foam construction...once I reach the finishing stage, I coat the cardboard with liquid fiberglass resin, I apply about two coats to each side(surface and interior) once hardened I use a rough grit sandpaper to give the resin a slightly rough surface which helps the bondo putty stick to it.

I use anywhere from 2-5 coats of bondo,sanding between each layer,smoothing out any rough or low spots.
its a pretty long,drawn out process but it'll be worth it in the end
let me know if you have any other questions!

:thumbsupThat was pretty much perfect, thanks!

 

[synistergiggles]

some progress on the mid section, one of my least favorite pieces to work on honestly but glad most of the work is finished. it fans out a bit too much on the top when I wear it so may have to trim it down or heat gun the thing to set in place better. I'm a bigger fella so I had to add extra spacing for my belly while maintaining the overall scale

 

[ClintKent]

Great work on the cardboard and foam pieces.

 

[synistergiggles]

Great work on the cardboard and foam pieces.

Thanks very much!

 

[synistergiggles]

Doing a quick test fit at work,We're moving into our new house this weekend so there will be uchmore room for my suits and more room to build so I should be posting more test fit pics.

 

[synistergiggles]

Setting some pieces up to see how he's looking,pretty pumped with how it's turning out,foam construction is complete on everything except the boots and a few pieces on the back.

 

[synistergiggles]

Trying the full torso on for the first time,there's a small gap between the bottom of the chest and top of the abs so I'll be adding a few inches to that part to fill in the gaps,otherwise it fits like a glove.

 

[Thefaz13]

Looks really nice good work!

 

[synistergiggles]

Laying down a few coats of plasti-dip(i went with plasti dip instead of a hard coat due to the ability to stretch just a bit as I put the helmet on) its a tight fit but the proportions look pretty well spot on compared to the body. Ive noticed really amazing builds with a sort of big head look, probably to allow for electronics and such but I'm trying to maintain proportions above all else.

 

[synistergiggles]

playing around with the fit of the suit, minor adjustments here and there needed, probably going to work on some helmet painting tonight after I get the kid to bed, just got some gold Duplicolor in the mail so I'm pumped to start that process

 

[synistergiggles]

Excited to start putting on gold!

 

[synistergiggles]

Finally got some red on this guy,going to clean up some spots that bled but otherwise pretty happy

 

[synistergiggles]

Trying it on, got the legs connected just working on mobility for future outings