The Ultimate X-Wing Pilot Thread

Tada! Final model. Any question or feedback will be welcome. Printing a test model right now...

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more photos here:

Thought I’d share my results with this kit.

Fantastic little piece, although I did modify the STL to accommodate some M3 threaded inserts.

I used perf board for the central piece and some 1.5mm plastic with a gold vinyl cut out for the end piece.

Gloves weathered with some Dirty Down
 

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Thought I’d share an image I found showing the rear buckle for the chest box that was used in Norway.

I don’t know if it’s different from that used in ANH, but it’s probably the clearest shot we have.
 

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Thought I’d share an image I found showing the rear buckle for the chest box that was used in Norway.

I don’t know if it’s different from that used in ANH, but it’s probably the clearest shot we have.
what is that photo from? is that the back of an ATAT driver? or is that a black and white photo of some other costume?
 
what is that photo from? is that the back of an ATAT driver? or is that a black and white photo of some other costume?
It’s the back of Mark Hamill as Snowspeeder Luke on Hoth (Norway). Taken from the making of ESB:

The Making of The Empire Strikes Back: The Definitive Story Behind the Film The Making of The Empire Strikes Back: The Definitive Story Behind the Film: Amazon.co.uk: J.W. Rinzler, Ridley Scott: 8601404636745: Books

I will share the full photo
 
Not to steer too far away from the original X/Y topic, but I didn't think the U-Wing liner is the one used on an SPH (suspension liner)? The snap pattern and leather trim appear to match the WWII vintage ANH-15s (or replicas) that were used as liners for the A & B-Wing pilots in ROTJ.
 
well.... I finished the vest on Friday and neglected to post here.
I moved to the front and had some good ideas from my previous sketches (also posted) with I wanted to do there, and after cutting paper patterns for the leather, I cut the leather for one side and finished fairly quickly... considering the mess i had while trying to sew around the latch and having the foot move on me constantly.. i mitigated that by lessening the pressure on the sewing foot, which worked... ok.. but not ideal. Then went to the other side and realized I cut the same leather, thinking I had cut the reverse... so good thing I had extra to use. The first side was a bit frustrating.

The other side sewed a lot easier after changing the foot twice on the machine to work better along the latches... I debated then redoing the first one again but decided to "let it be" as it was still functional, and the stitching was mostly ok with exception of one or two small areas.

The trim went on pretty easy and I re-inserted the rib tubes, but I will be removing most of those since leaving those in causes way too much curl and heat and pressure is not alleviating that. if anyone knows how I can uncurl my tubing for the ribs please let me know..no one I talked to over the weekend had a good solution for that.

I left a bit of extra strap on the back side so i can adjust if needed. It seems most just sew enough strap to have it be non-adjustable, but the actual vest on the actual pilot would have been a functional adjustment on the strap and buckle. So since i am not going for 100% screen accuracy, and more function accuracy, i am creating a functional strap.

the vest is now complete! on to the flight suit!.... first to wash all my newly acquired nomex orange fabric. wish me luck!
Could you tell me the fabrics you used for the vest?
 
Could you tell me the fabrics you used for the vest?
Sure!
I used 2 different fabrics for the shoulders. I used an elastic waistband for the interior, and wrapped it with a cotton.
The vest itself is 3 layers.. a backing layer against the flightsuit is the same cotton as the shoulderstraps. The main layer is 500 Denier nylon. The "rib" layer is 200 Denier nylon. There is leather on the strap buckle parts, and the sides of the vest are wrapped with a soft 1" cotton web.

I can look up the specifics of the cotton after work. Its not just thin cotton, but a more weaved medium weight cotton. Like a thin canvas.
If you need more photos let me know.
 
Sure!
I used 2 different fabrics for the shoulders. I used an elastic waistband for the interior, and wrapped it with a cotton.
The vest itself is 3 layers.. a backing layer against the flightsuit is the same cotton as the shoulderstraps. The main layer is 500 Denier nylon. The "rib" layer is 200 Denier nylon. There is leather on the strap buckle parts, and the sides of the vest are wrapped with a soft 1" cotton web.

I can look up the specifics of the cotton after work. Its not just thin cotton, but a more weaved medium weight cotton. Like a thin canvas.
If you need more photos let me know.
Thank you for telling me, I was thinking of adapting it to the Rogue One style which I believe uses Cotton Twill tape on the edges of the vest apart from that and possibly the side straps I believe the fabrics to be pretty much the same.
 
I just started the process of modding an orange Red Kap jumpsuit to a more accurate OT x-wing flight suit.
This was suggested by the Rebel Legion as a cheaper alternative to outright purchase of a $200 or $300 suit.. and since the RedKap suits are around $25, that was a no-brainer. The fabric on the RedKap suits are fairly thin, but will work fine for the time, until i find thicker fabric to create one from scratch.

Here are a couple photos to start.. i began by creating the templates for the pockets out of thin cardboard.
I bought 2 of these suits, in different sizes.. found the one that fit the best, washed both for shrinkage and began disassembly of the second for the fabric to use for pockets and alterations.

I may start a separate thread for this since i think it would be better elsewhere to post the progress and details.
When i get the thread created i will post a link here.
Enjoy!
 

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currently modding the RedKap jumpsuit to a Rebel flightsuit..

follow here
 
finished the Red Kap flight suit conversion. turned out pretty well!
i did some slight weathering with tea and coffee.. i will probably update that with some acryllic washes by airbrush next time the weather turns nice on me.
enjoy!
 

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i am also working on a variety of com pads.. decided to sand prime and paint them all.
i went with a mix of Tie pilot, OT xwing, Rogue One, and personal ones.
i am still working these, but i have the colors started.
 

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Thought I’d share an image I found showing the rear buckle for the chest box that was used in Norway.

I don’t know if it’s different from that used in ANH, but it’s probably the clearest shot we have.
Finally managed to track down the original buckle. I think they’re from British Army utility straps and are called ROKO buckles. What do people think? You can pick up modern reproductions quite easily - but if anyone wants a vintage one I have a few spare.

I think they attached them to the webbing with just a snap rivet!
 

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Finally managed to track down the original buckle. I think they’re from British Army utility straps and are called ROKO buckles. What do people think? You can pick up modern reproductions quite easily - but if anyone wants a vintage one I have a few spare.

I think they attached them to the webbing with just a snap rivet!
This is actually really helpful! I got my OT style vest today and I'm looking at upgrading the buckle.


On another note, am I going crazy, or is Wedge in ROTJ using this taller style of Code Cylinder we first see in ESB?
Does anybody have clearer pics on this thing? Does anybody make replicas? Would love to pick one up.

1695946186320.png

1695946193054.png
 
Thanks you guys. Do you have any leads on that other style of rod? I feel like I've seen a clear picture before, but I can't seem to recall where.
 

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