TRON Helmet Re-Work Discussion and Options.

[micdavis]

Here is the start of something I've wanted to do.

A nice glowing Tron helmet display, with a disc I think.

But despite all the great photos, I want to idealize it to an "in film" type display.

So with the very kind loan from Sixxgunn13 of a large size SK2000, here we go:

First off, WAY more parts to one of these than I thought

Next, the real helmet foam does not seem to match anything screen used so out it goes. I might use them as a base pattern for an insert.

I don't see a lot of point in keeping it's "Hockyness" so here's the plan

Assemble the four basic parts into one. Filling gaps and irregulaities.

I will lay the circuit patterns on the master and do a paint thickness buildup so the details will show in the castings.

Mold it pull a clear shell, mask paint and light. Maybe EL. (I have no real plan for this yet)

What do you think?

Suggestions for lighting?

 

[Lindy]

No suggestions, but SUBSCRIBED!

 

[Sixxgunn13]

Hi Mic,
Glad to see this thread. I hope more members that have some love for Tron step up and offer some options for you.

Have you done some tests yet, of possible materials you may use for the finished helmet?

I'm just curious if the paint will have enough opacity to block light from a EL strip.

anyways glad to have done my part in this helmet. thx:thumbsup

I'll be watching this daily.

 

[MrSinistar]

Awesomesauce! Can't wait to see it finished!

For accuracy's sake, you may wanna cover up one of the holes in the rear shell. The helmets in the movie used medium-sized helmets which had four holes instead of the 5 holes found on the large size.

In case you haven't seen them yet, here's my reference pictures of the Tron costume that was at Planet Hollywood, Orlando, FL:

http://www.therpf.com/f45/tron-costume-reference-pics-103756/

 

[micdavis]

I am planning on simply filling the five holes and then the circuit pattern will only include shapes for four.

Some of those pics may show up here for comparison as I go, if that's cool.

 

[Bowelrock]

Eye spy a harbor freight scale!

 

[dropshipbob]

For lighting, I'd suggest leaving the inside of the helmet unpainted and lighting it from within with a couple super bright LED's. Maybe have the LED's hidden inside a display head that's partially hollowed out.

Unless you want it wearable, that's a different matter.

 

[nickytea]

*Subscribed*
Awesome idea.

 

[Kris Lyssara]

Wait, you do more than just sit around the OT making snarky comments?

j/k I'm excited to see what you manage to come up with!

 

[micdavis]

I'll try to "manage" something to your liking.

This is intended as a display piece. Anyone really want to give TronGuy a run for his money?

What do you think of gray instead of white?

I've seen some costumes done over the years, done in gray with orange or blue "circuits". Looked damn cool.

That's how it appears on screen. Certainly not black and white.

 

[nickytea]

Some kind of off-white would definatley help show off the lighting a little better, I think. A light gray would be a nice option.

 

[YenChih Lin]

Hmm, when you cast them in clear, maybe you try out a small part with LED and EL to see, what works better…

 

[micdavis]

Also look how far down the foam in the back goes.

NO WAY is that the standard helmet foam. It's not that shape, or that big

I want to add it to the master and mold that in, then you could still pad the inside if you really want to wear it.

 

[Sixxgunn13]

Hey Mic,
I think that making the back piece solid
will hamper mobility.
You can always use the foam that everyone is using
for Iron Man suits.. mat foam, and paint it to match.

Cause the foam on the movie helmet flows from he back and over the ear area.

Less material/resin for you to mix up.

 

[micdavis]

The "faux" foam as it were, could be trimmed from the shell and replaced with foam by the user.

Get it.....User. :lol

That's a Tron joke boy.

 

[MrSinistar]

Some of those pics may show up here for comparison as I go, if that's cool.

Perfectly fine by me.

 

[nick daring]

Been wanting to so this exact thing for my display helmet. Can't wait to see how you solve the painting/masking issues.

I do wish there was a way you could keep the vent holes in the final piece. Gives a little bit of dimensionality to the look of the circuitry. No biggey though if it's just flat in those areas.

I also wanted to make a helmet stand that had a disc as the base.

Can't wait to see more progress!

Nick

 

[Sixxgunn13]

Ha!
Ya I thought of that too but i thought I'd throw that at you..lol

The "faux" foam as it were, could be trimmed from the shell and replaced with foam by the user.

Get it.....User. :lol

That's a Tron joke boy.

Maybe Mic, can have an optional helmet WITH vent holes?

Been wanting to so this exact thing for my display helmet. Can't wait to see how you solve the painting/masking issues.

I do wish there was a way you could keep the vent holes in the final piece. Gives a little bit of dimensionality to the look of the circuitry. No biggey though if it's just flat in those areas.

I also wanted to make a helmet stand that had a disc as the base.

Can't wait to see more progress!

Nick

 

[Sixxgunn13]

Any updates?

 

[nickytea]

Maybe Mic, can have an optional helmet WITH vent holes?

Surely you're not suggesting an entirely separate mold to satisfy a concern that can be remedied by the individual end user. I think Mike should make it exactly as he wants, and if he offers up kits, the sky's the limit as to how you want to complete it.