BurnedRaven - nice job on the muscle painting! You haven't posted in this thread in many months, I'm wondering if you're still working on this project?
I'm also planning to cosplay as Legion this year. Figured it is best that I post progress of my build in this thread so all info on Legion is together.
Installed a hi-res texture mod for more detailed screenshots of Legion (from
this page).
For the armor and hose add-ons I've bought several large packs of 12mm eva floor mats (hardware store), a couple of packs of A3 2mm craft foam (craft store), smaller 1.5mm packs (Ebay) and two 7mm yoga mats (discount variety store). If I don't end up using some of the foam for this project then it can be used for a future project.
These are approx. hose sizes I measured from an image of Legion standing next to Shepard (scaled it up in PS until her head was the same as mine): 16mm for under neck and inside chest, 32mm for majority of body hoses and 54mm for the 2 big hoses on the back.
I couldn't find any hose that had the same spaced ribbing as Legions' so here is a simple solution: glue on craft foam strips. I did some quick experimenting with
this hose + 1.5mm foam strips (25mm x 110mm) + hot glue. Results:
Had trouble lining up each strip with the spiral properly so instead ignored it and made sure the spacing between each strip was the same (held the hose straight whilst gluing).
Ideally I'd like to find another hose which is smooth on the outside yet light and flexible. Bought a metre of
clear, wire reinforced suction hose which had the smoothness and flexibility I was after but it is heavier than the other hose and very expensive. Currently looking into rubber insulation tubing and polypropylene hose.
This is what I have in mind for the different aspects of the costume:
- Scaling reference screenshots as accurately as I can, tracing his profile in Illustrator then printing that out. I can then cut out the shapes from thick card to use as guides.
- Sculpting the forms of the armour with oil-based clay onto a mannequin of myself (had a full body life cast done which is not finished yet, there were a few complications, really hoping I can attach my head which was done separately) then coat that in a thin layer of Apoxie Sculpt which can be sanded and will provide a harder surface onto which I will shape eva foam with a heat gun. Most of the clay underneath can then be re-used. For sealing the foam I'm going to try a brush latex and PVA glue mix. For blending seams I will use a flexible filler. Haven't decided how I will do the main painting. Either Pros-Aide mixed with acrylic paint or a latex primer then acrylic. Lastly seal that paint with a semi-gloss clear coat.
- For his muscles I'll use the same approach as BurnedRaven. Have ordered a custom-sized zentai suit which I will either airbrush (if I have the time to learn) or use traditional brushes, sponges, etc. Aiming to recreate the shading and texture as closely as possible, including the speckles.
- For his 3 fingered hands I'll mold mine (middle & ring fingers folded against palm) with alginate then cast with plaster. Then I'll extend the 3 fingers with more plaster or Apoxie Sculpt and fill in the grooves between the folded down fingers. After that I'll sponge on many layers of brush latex to make gloves. I may have to fold down my pinky finger too if the other way becomes uncomfortable.
- Sakara's idea of padding to over-emphasise areas of the leg.
- Wearing wedge boots to give myself a necessary height boost + they would work with the shape of his feet. These will be covered in foam and need to blend in with the body suit.
- Dung0beetle's hose attachment idea of strapping plastic underneath the body suit with chicago screws (or could use heavy-duty snaps) to connect the hoses.
- For the hoses inside his chest and the large ones attached to his neck & back I am planning to drill holes so the LED lights shine through.
- I did try to work out how mirrors could be used for the gaping hole effect but I am convinced that two tablets (possibly Galaxy Tabs instead of Ipad 2's, or some other cheaper brand) will create a much better illusion.
- After doing a test with some paper I've realised I can see quite well out of a very thin slit, so I will line up one of the dividing lines of the inner neck tube with my eyes and wear tinted sun glasses underneath to conceal my eyes.
- As for a voice modulator, I've seen kits online but they sound limited. It would be great if I could use software on the tablet that works during the video chat. Plug in a mic and if possible also connect an external speaker.
- I discussed this project with a friend who is experienced with electronics and he had a few ideas and is willing to assist.
I have a very different body shape/size to BurnedRaven - am female, 160cm in height, 56.5kg in weight. My head is fairly small, am hoping it will fit inside the neck area without making it look too bulky. Am fairly confident that I can achieve enough depth inside the chest.
