The decomposing thread that started all this still exists. If you're interested in seeing the progression, as well as the input that Don Bies contributed, it is here ..
http://www.therpf.com/f9/rots-vader-mask-interior-2-a-66374/index2.html#post1636083
Thanks Don !
About 6 years in the making, on and off. I started with the outer shell back in 2005. I started the interior in 2009. Recently, I was motivated to complete this and get this project off the bench.
The outer mask is an MR cast as many may remember, modified properly for the purposes of the ROTS "Reveal". Unlike the hero helmet, the mask had to be split in half (which took more than one helmet to do properly), and recast to achieve the desired results. The original was made by Don Bies and a handful of assistants. When he made it, he attempted to adjust some of the details of the mask to better represent what was seen in the original movie trilogy. The most notable is rearranging the locations of the forehead vents. Very different from the hero mask. These details and many others have been incorporated. Details that distinguish this replica from so many others who have chosen not only to use original trilogy masks as their base, but have failed to incorporate any of the aforementioned detail. This is as accurate a replica I for one am capable.
Most of all the 117 pieces that comprise the external details of the upper portion of the mask are cast into the mask surface with the exception of the rear linkage mechanisms and the metallic dental/molex pieces. The result is the appearance of a mask that's been decorated with all of the appropriate individual details. It cannot be distinguished from a mask that would have separate bits and parts. The upper section of the mask, cleanly, and uniformly fits into the chin section of the mask perfectly. The chin section is near completion , so check back if you're interested.
The interior is comprised of 236 individual parts and components. It may not look like it. I've taken every consideration in recreating these pieces. I've managed to consolidate as many pieces as reasonably possible from a molding standpoint. The clusters of parts involved have been drastically reduced to 15 molds. Also installed is the actual "off the shelf" accurate tool drawer liner.
Almost every piece cut by hand. There are only 4 of real world found items involved here that were installed in the screen used mask. But castings of those items are what are shown here. Wether they look it or not. Even the hard drive reader arms. The vast majority of the original pieces were custom laser cut at ILM. Every care has been taken to proportionately size these replica pieces to their original counterparts, as well as every care taken to incorporate the finest detail that can often be missed in standard reference photos. It's all there. If it's not, I need better glasses, and I certainly don't want to hear about it as I'm so done with this thing you can stick a fork in me !
In summary ... a total of 353 individual parts and components went into the completion of the upper portion of this mask. Not too bad for a prop replica this size, wether you like "Revenge of the Sith" or not :lol
The pics aren't that great. It's more impressive in person. My talent for photography is minimal, at best.
The following full interior shot below was an experimentation of perspective and lighting. Folks are most likely to remember it looking similar to this, rather than the latter.
Thanks for looking
Best,
Chris
http://www.therpf.com/f9/rots-vader-mask-interior-2-a-66374/index2.html#post1636083
Thanks Don !
About 6 years in the making, on and off. I started with the outer shell back in 2005. I started the interior in 2009. Recently, I was motivated to complete this and get this project off the bench.
The outer mask is an MR cast as many may remember, modified properly for the purposes of the ROTS "Reveal". Unlike the hero helmet, the mask had to be split in half (which took more than one helmet to do properly), and recast to achieve the desired results. The original was made by Don Bies and a handful of assistants. When he made it, he attempted to adjust some of the details of the mask to better represent what was seen in the original movie trilogy. The most notable is rearranging the locations of the forehead vents. Very different from the hero mask. These details and many others have been incorporated. Details that distinguish this replica from so many others who have chosen not only to use original trilogy masks as their base, but have failed to incorporate any of the aforementioned detail. This is as accurate a replica I for one am capable.
Most of all the 117 pieces that comprise the external details of the upper portion of the mask are cast into the mask surface with the exception of the rear linkage mechanisms and the metallic dental/molex pieces. The result is the appearance of a mask that's been decorated with all of the appropriate individual details. It cannot be distinguished from a mask that would have separate bits and parts. The upper section of the mask, cleanly, and uniformly fits into the chin section of the mask perfectly. The chin section is near completion , so check back if you're interested.
The interior is comprised of 236 individual parts and components. It may not look like it. I've taken every consideration in recreating these pieces. I've managed to consolidate as many pieces as reasonably possible from a molding standpoint. The clusters of parts involved have been drastically reduced to 15 molds. Also installed is the actual "off the shelf" accurate tool drawer liner.
Almost every piece cut by hand. There are only 4 of real world found items involved here that were installed in the screen used mask. But castings of those items are what are shown here. Wether they look it or not. Even the hard drive reader arms. The vast majority of the original pieces were custom laser cut at ILM. Every care has been taken to proportionately size these replica pieces to their original counterparts, as well as every care taken to incorporate the finest detail that can often be missed in standard reference photos. It's all there. If it's not, I need better glasses, and I certainly don't want to hear about it as I'm so done with this thing you can stick a fork in me !
In summary ... a total of 353 individual parts and components went into the completion of the upper portion of this mask. Not too bad for a prop replica this size, wether you like "Revenge of the Sith" or not :lol
The pics aren't that great. It's more impressive in person. My talent for photography is minimal, at best.
The following full interior shot below was an experimentation of perspective and lighting. Folks are most likely to remember it looking similar to this, rather than the latter.
Thanks for looking
Best,
Chris
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