Royal Guard Helmet

[KnightAsylum]

I know that this is nothing special in general, but I felt the need to show it finished.
I bought this in the Junkyard for the cost of shipping ($10) it was broken in a couple of places and one of chucks of plastic had broken out (but was included.) All the damage was around the visor so I had to make some adjustment when fixing it up. But will a little bondo putty, some glue, paint and a visor from another board member (another $10 bucks) I managed to put together an alright helmet. It is a Don Post so it doesn't fit on my big head, but I don't wear costumes anyway so that is alright.
Still I wanted to show it for 2 reason, one it is probably my best $20 dolllar prop investment - and second because without the folks on the board I would not have it at all - I guess one man's garbage can be another man's prop. I am just glad this one got another chance. I like the RG helmet but they tend to be a little expensive for me - so this was a perfect option.

Sorry the picture is a bit dark, but the sucker is shiny so I had to cut down on the light to get the picture to come out.:rolleyes

Thanks for hosting the pic WC.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

That's looking great. Any pictures of the broken helmet? - didn't see the JY add

 

[KnightAsylum]

It was stupid of me not to take some "before" pics. I have never tried to do anything like this so I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I believe it had broken in some previos shipping (I think the lens was missing at that point as well -which may have added in the damage) on the right side it was broken from the right corner of the visor up across the dome with a 7 inch or so crack that would open like and evil grin if you pushed up on the inside of the helmet. And on the left part of the visor there was a broken off peice about a inch long and an 1 inch wide that went up into the "forehead".
I was suprised that the broken off chunk was easier to fix then the crack. The crack proved resistant to glue, and then required more sanding to get the patched work from showing. I think the long crack was harder to hide becase it was over such a great distance and right over the smooth parts of the forehead peices.

 

[takevin]

:thumbsup looks great now.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

It was stupid of me not to take some "before" pics. I have never tried to do anything like this so I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I believe it had broken in some previos shipping (I think the lens was missing at that point as well -which may have added in the damage) on the right side it was broken from the right corner of the visor up across the dome with a 7 inch or so crack that would open like and evil grin if you pushed up on the inside of the helmet. And on the left part of the visor there was a broken off peice about a inch long and an 1 inch wide that went up into the "forehead".
I was suprised that the broken off chunk was easier to fix then the crack. The crack proved resistant to glue, and then required more sanding to get the patched work from showing. I think the long crack was harder to hide becase it was over such a great distance and right over the smooth parts of the forehead peices.

Well, I think the description explains the damage well. Vinyl needs to be glued with cyanoacrylate glue, not regular glue and even super glue may not glue it together. In order to remove the look of a crack, you need to trim the edges on both sides of the crack, so when glued together it forms a pit, which you then fill with filler or putty. :thumbsup

Just a suggestion for next time you encounter such a crack in vinyl.

What did you use to repair the broken chunk?

Really turned out great!

 

[KnightAsylum]

Thanks, Takevin -
NoHumorMan -Thanks as well - I never considered removing some so I would have a pit to fill along the crack, that would have been easier as I was fighting with the raise from where the edges glued together - great suggestion, Thanks - I will try that first next time.
I tried Superglue, but as you are right, it didn't work at all - not so super! I ended up gluing both the crack and the broken peice back on from the inside with JB Weld (which is always what I fall back on if I have trouble gluing anything.) I thought I was going to have trouble with the broken out peice because it included part of the visor lip as well as the raised part above the visor. But somehow I managed to glue it right on, and it's jagged edge sealed up with putty like new (maybe it was missing small amount and worked more like your suggestion above then the long crack)
I will have to keep an eye out for other broken helmets (hopefully none of my own) so I can try again - nice alternative for some of us more money-challenged folks.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Just got to put in here that I envy your luck, as I have been looking for a good Royal Guard helmet, but cannot really justify the $150+ price tag on these things...

Though... would appreciate more pictures of your helmet! :thumbsup

 

[KnightAsylum]

It was just good luck that I got it. Right place & right time. Of course I prefe to think it was some kind of Karma for all that money I spend on other things that I sould not - of course I am just trying to make myself feel better about inxpensive impulse buys. They do tend to be a bit on the expensive side. Most Don Post are cheap, and people tend to slam this one alot for it's size, but yet they still seem to sell for a hefty price. And since I just display I really didn't want a custom one. The can be a little too big looking to me. Booble-head-ish
I am collecting both Helmets and sabers all with a $100 dollar limit each, so this is a great addition to that collection. Now if I could just stop spending long enough to finish moving and get the rest of my collection in the same part of the contry as me!
I left my camera at work after downloading the pics, but I will snap some more when I bring it home tomorrow.
I know it is unlikely, but if I happen to see anyone selling one of these RG helmets at a great price I will let you know, NoHumorMan. I don't need more then one, and the conversion to a Conner Jax version is a little beyond my skill.

 

[Jumpin Jax]

Looking good Knight! Very good work.
JJ

 

[KnightAsylum]

Thanks, Jax - from the maker of the cool as $%# Royal Guard armor I take that as a compliment!