Re: Mass Effect Ashley Williams WIP
I felt I needed to accessorise my amour but none of my handbags went with it, so I had to build something. It's supposed to be an "M8 Avenger" rifle from Mass Effect 2&3, its made out of left over EVA foam from my armour project (several thicknesses) and various bits of plumbing supplies, pens and a torch from the pound shop formed the sight, so it should be con safe as it couldn't hurt someone even I I threw it at them. I started with that M8 Avenger template that's floating around the web, but modified it a bit to suit the foam I had
Unfortunately Its more than a bit rough and ready, certainly not a hero grade prop at all, more like a 10th row back uncredited extra's who only barely glimpsed on screen for 3 seconds one, I was pushed for time (am trying to get it ready for this Saturday) yeah that's my excuse, not because I'm crap at stuff like this, oh no
Paint work isn't finished yet, hopefully it will look a bit better with some dry brushing, detailing and lettering. Hopefully.
I made it 27" long (was limited by the size of the foam I had), which might be a bit on the small side, esp compared to me as I'm a rather gigantic 6' 1", but its sits nicely in my hand and the stock and grips feel about right and I don't think it looks that big in game anyway, its more sort of a compact carbine than a dirty great rifle.
The M8 is sort of the Mass Effect signature weapon and its fairly simple compared to the other rifles, but in game its a bit rubbish IMHO, high rate of fire, but low damage and accuracy. I much preferred the M96 Matlock in game, but that's more complicated to build. Maybe when I've got time I might try to make one, probably out of MDF or Styrofoam or something, I think EVA foam's a bit to soft for detailed weapons.
The rest of the costume is nearly there I think, I have to glue another zip on one of the shin pieces because I broke the first one and I have to rig some support for the thigh pieces, I have some thin webbing and clasps to do it with now. Am still worried about its durability/practically/quality though. Also after playing the last Mass Effect DLC I realise the its really should be a darker blue and the yellow bits less bright
And for the leg pieces, I did exactly that - anchored them to my waist. They still want to pull themselves down if I try to go up stairs, but a vertical strap that connects to some belt or something would help a lot.
You make a good point about the practicality of a really amazing costume amidst a crowd. Its a bit of a trade off, I think you look great in it and you should show off your hard work - but this is coming from someone who rarely goes to conventions out of fear for damaging costume parts in transit or on the floor. I might suggest finding a photographer, or bringing someone along with a nice camera and getting good pictures before running around too much, that way if things do break, at least you have documentation!
Thanks for the tips Freya, I should be able to do a photoshoot at home, as I have a DLSR, lights and a remote control and there's a big Mass Effect Cosplay gathering and photoshoot planned for Saturday 25th May at MCM Expo here in London I hope to attend also, so there will be no shortage of pictures
If it all holds together mindst. Am still following your build with awe.