TOS HA HERO / 5th HERO replica thread

[Jintosh]

My main plan is to quickly try and duplicate the external appearance of the HA HERO phaser in a replica using a Diamond Select / Art Asylum's stock toy phaser.

My attempt to use two pliers to break the P1 viewing window in the P2 failed miserably. The DS / AA acrylic BENDS instead of Breaks. This created an unfixable white mark inside the acrylic. I'll have to replace it.

 

[joberg]

My main plan is to quickly try and duplicate the external appearance of the HA HERO phaser using a Diamond Select / Art Asylum's stock toy phaser.

My attempt to use two pliers to break the P1 viewing window in the P2 failed miserably. The DS / AA acrylic BENDS instead of Breaks. This created an unfixable white mark inside the acrylic. I'll have to replace it.

Interesting project for sure...

 

[Jintosh]

Needing to get the right thickness of acrylic on short notice was unexpected. Luckily, it's a standard 1/16 thickness for this phaser and I just found a sheet in my possessions.

 

[ID10T]

Try freezing the plexi with an inverted can of "duster air" and then whack it with a hammer while it's supported by a soft cloth.

I think that'll do it, but the plexi needs to be COLD and stiff to get it to crack.

 

[Jintosh]

The DS / AA has a view window in the front of the P2, but I had to cut a window in the back of that area to show the P1, as is the auction piece.
Once I posted my comparison pic, it looks like I'll have to enlarge the view window in front and cut a new acrylic piece anyway.
Since I wanted a specific line, I tried cutting that line with a jewelers saw. I'll try your method, next.

Lots of sanding and cutting, but nothing that a "GOOD" paintjob won't cover up !!!!!

 

[Jintosh]

Also, I coated my acrylic with fingernail polish, to give it that SEMI-transparent look like the HA Hero.

 

[genZOD]

Cool, project. Your window looks quite a bit shorter than the HA version.

 

[Jintosh]

Cool, project. Your window looks quite a bit shorter than the HA version.

Yep, briefly mentioned in the middle of post #5.

 

[Jintosh]

Tried normal acrylic without any freezing. It did well enough. Clearly the DS / AA is just a softer acrylic and not suitable.
Now, just how to break on a specific line.

 

[genZOD]

Tried normal acrylic without any freezing. It did well enough. Clearly the DS / AA is just a softer acrylic and not suitable.
Now, just how to break on a specific line.

You could try scoring it. Alternatively tile nippers work well if the material is brittle/hard enough. The glass nipping version that uses a wheel might give you a cleaner break.

 

[Jintosh]

I enlarged my window, cut a new larger acrylic, and broke it. (intentionally) Then I coated it with clear nail polish.
The method I used to break it was to put it on a solid metal table, put a heavy block of steel on top, with a sharp edge lined up with the sharp edge of the metal table. I then just put pressure with my fingers on the overhanging edge of the acrylic. It snapped off easily.

 

[Jintosh]

Trying to get the angle and position right, now. If you were making this from scratch, you could put it anywhere. But I want to at least try to match the HA Hero position and angle.
I also added some horizontal lines with an X-actor knife before applying nail polish. Might do deeper lines next time.

 

[Jintosh]

Too heavy on the scratches.

 

[Jintosh]

Okay, I'm calling that good for now on the acrylic.
I also hit it with some rough sandpaper at the end.

 

[Jintosh]

So, here's my paint test. I like the color. But if it needs changed, please say so. This is not the final paint job, just the paint test. This is outdoors, late afternoon.

 

[genZOD]

This is a tough one. Without seeing anything in person, I’d say *maybe* your paint is either very close or just a touch dark? I’m sure that my own build is too light, so that probably makes me biased. FWIW, I think the heroes are a shade darker than the mid grades.

 

[Jintosh]

This is a tough one. Without seeing anything in person, I’d say *maybe* your paint is either very close or just a touch dark? I’m sure that my own build is too light, so that probably makes me biased. FWIW, I think the heroes are a shade darker than the mid grades.

Yep, then the picture is good. And you're right, It's too dark. It actually became darker when I put on the top coat. I had read about painting a gray color and then adding a top coat to give it the correct finish. Maybe lighten the paint and try again.

 

[Jintosh]

This is a great experience for me. I've always just done 3D modeling and printing.

This is really my first real-world practical replica build. I'm enjoying it.

 

[AnubisGuard]

Clearly the DS / AA is just a softer acrylic and not suitable.

It might not even be acrylic. Could be (transparent) styrene, which does bend and stress like the AA's did.

 

[joberg]

To make you acrylic cloudy, just dip it in acetone for a few seconds and repeat to obtain the right "wear and tear"