The oldest movie correct ANH lifesize Vader replica

[Trap Joe]

Well I guess I made one of the first complete custom made Vaders out of movie correct pieces. In times when even Gino dreamed for years to come of his own Vader. This is how he looks to date:


This is how he looked back in 1995/96.



It became better and better through the years, but will be updated again.

I guess I was one of the first persons who had made a complete custom made life-size Vader from more or less original casts, standing in his room. Tell me if I´m wrong.

He always could breath and speak dialogue. I installed a little CD player and stereo system into him. His arms/hands/wrist/head are pose able. He can grip things with his fingers as well.
I like to change the poses on my life-size figures from time to time.

 

[TazVader]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Simply wow!!

Regards
TAZ

 

[Stormtrooper]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

This is how he looked back in 1995/96.




It became better and better through the years, but will be updated again.

I guess I was one of the first persons who had made a complete custom made life-size Vader from more or less original casts.

Very impressive Trap Joe, and conclusive proof that a lifesize Vader display is never really "finished" - 14 years later and you're still 'updating'!

Can I ask if the original-cast components from the mid-90's are still used on your Vader, or have you updated *everything* to more recent offerings?

The task of creating a lifesize ANH Vader replica costume must have been pretty difficult back then, before the immense resource of the Internet really took off, and when your only reference was VHS / laserdisc movies and a few books (before the Chronicles / Star Wars Archives books etc.)

Nice work :thumbsup

Cheers,
John

 

[HAL9000]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Great, great work. Kind of looks how I imagine Vader to look a while before
Episode IV. One of the best i've seen.

 

[PantheraGem]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Looks good, very good! Well done.:thumbsup

 

[steveo]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Very nice!!!!! Which helmet is that? It looks real.

 

[vader71]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Excellent Vader!
It looks like the collection is quite impressive from what you can see in the background as well, very cool stuff.

 

[Darth Niob]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Would you share a source where your parts are from? I like the helmet/armor combination and the posable arms. But he looks perhaps a little bit to strong built...even for Vader. But perhaps i'm wrong :confused

 

[Chewcy]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

He looks awesome, I like how imposing he looks, and like others have said really nice collection you have there too, do you have pics of your whole collection, would love to see them.

Would you share a source where your parts are from? I like the helmet/armor combination and the posable arms. But he looks perhaps a little bit to strong built...even for Vader. But perhaps i'm wrong :confused

 

[The Undertaker]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Sorry! Double post!

 

[The Undertaker]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

That's awesome Joe! Very well done!thumbsup:thumbsup

 

[Jumpin Jax]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Awesome costume!

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Could you slip a glove off and get a picture of his poseable hands ? Are they custom or off the shelf ?

 

[Darth_Finger]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Most impressive :thumbsup

 

[Spidey7]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Very nice. Here's my lifesize Darth with some "friends".

 

[Darth Niob]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Is this the Rubies lifesize Vader?

 

[Spidey7]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Yup yup.

 

[Trap Joe]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Thank you for all your warm words, Guys.
Well, to be honest, I replaced every piece since then - Except of the upper armour, that I repainted.
Yes you are right when you say a Vader is never completely finished.
I´m planning a third thinner body. I do have the leather suit with Prowses measurements already. I got the "hardware"-parts from Tim back then. I built the first and second body from Styrofoam and the codpiece. The suit, gloves robe and cloak was made twice times by a tailor that worked in the same animatronic company that I was working for as a sculptor.

Now the components are: mask:TM, Codpiece: artisian props.
I have made an ESB Vader as well, but displaying both next to them became to feel depressive over the years. Because there is ONLY ONE Darth Vader in the galaxy. So I decided to prepare this Vader to redress him to ESB as well as ANH. So I can change it when I want.
I will sell the second sometimes.

Cool Prop room, Spidey! I had the opportunity to get a rubies Vader myself in the 90s.

I will post some pics of my office next time.
Here is a pic that shows my ANH with his SPFX mask:

 

[Darth Niob]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Good morning Jörg. Cool to know that you share the source of your costume parts which isnt the same for the most accurate Vader owners here:lol Thanks for that. So does the ANH on the actual pics have the TM on it?
I like the idea of your changing display idea. One Vader alone looks way better than a Vader group pic. If i would have the money for two complete costumes i would do the same:thumbsup

 

[Trap Joe]

Re: My lifesize ANH Vader project

Could you slip a glove off and get a picture of his poseable hands ? Are they custom or off the shelf ?

This is how the hands are looking without gloves. I made everything myself on the body. The hands are made from a soft flexible foam over a wire construction: