VADER-Simply asking for help...

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TazVader

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Guys,

I am hoping someone can confirm something or actually give me some details on ROTJ Vader's beltboxes???

I have asked a few so-called gurus for help and they are refusing to give me any help at all.

I just want the damn dimensions for the things. That's it. But apparently it's all too secret for some folks to share. I can understand protecting future sales....sorta, but come on sheesh.

ANYONE with an ACCURATE idea I'll give them something nice. I see people offering rewards for help all the time in finding an item or identifying a part. One of these folks in particuliar refused to help me. His right but I find it pretty hypocritical.

If I am outta line here fair enough but it's just frustrating. I share my knowledge to further the hobby and help fellow prop lovers out..........

Confused
TAZ
 
THANK YOU!!! Sigh...it's good to find someone to help. I really appreciate this my friend.

Something nice for you:)

Regards
TAZ
 
Is it a cookie? I love cookies. Lucky guy ddocvjm is, if it's a cookie.....

Seriously, though, I feel your pain. I'm an open source kinda guy myself, so I'm having a hard time understanding this secret code some folks follow around here, especially since it isn't their creations in the first place. To each their own, but I never really understood hording info about iconic stuff that dozens, if not hundreds of people make, both amateur and pro. I mean, just because you got access to an authentic film prop or used a laser to calibrate dimensions off the myth And Magic stuff, how much do you really gain by hording that info like it's the code for cold fusion?
 
Lol Agreed mate. I can only think of 3 reasons...

1. They are insecure and are like "I am the man, the expert...I know!"
2. Oh a mate of a mate who worked on a film gave me this info, it's a trust thing.
3. Mmm...I don't wanna lose future sales of my UBER copies....
4. George ect will just have me killed!
5. Screw you why should I share? I invested and worked for it you do it yourself sucka!

Oh hang on that's 5 reasons lol

I am sure there are more reasons and they are all very valid to the folks upholding them so more power to them. I too am an open source type guy. I don't know what's worse personally though....being like that or being one of their groupies lol

No it isn't a cookie...maybe rocky road though ;)

Regards
TAZ
 
(raises flame shield)
Sometimes I get the feeling that its just because those people forgot the number one rule...

When you become the king of geekdom, you really haven't won anything at all. You've only proved that you're the biggest geek of all.


:D

(said in jest guys.. calm down.. remember, I'm a geek too)
 
I agree with everything you guys have said. I thought the whole purpose of this band of geeks getting together in the first place was to help each other out with making costume and prop pieces, not purposely holding out top secret info for themselves. I've always hated that about the prop/costume community in general, because it's typically an extremely small percentage of costumers/prop makers who choose to not share things with fellow fans.
 
Here, Here!
I totally agree, this info and all info is for sharing.
I don't understand why certain people have to keep certain info a secret? Most if not all of it is taken from a studio in the first place. Nobody has the right not to share in my opinion. Apart from the Studio or licensee that is.:lol
Without sharing and working together where would this hobby be?
 
1. They are insecure and are like "I am the man, the expert...I know!"
2. Oh a mate of a mate who worked on a film gave me this info, it's a trust thing.
3. Mmm...I don't wanna lose future sales of my UBER copies....
4. George ect will just have me killed!
5. Screw you why should I share? I invested and worked for it you do it yourself sucka!

I can sorta understand some of those reasons, but that doesn't mean I agree with them. Like I said, though, to each their own.

The only thing that is galling to me with some folks' behavior is the sense of ownership and entitlement some (just a few) have about original film props they neither own, created or have any legal rights to, that have multiple picture references out there.

For example, I have never seen and never will see the fiberglass Chewbacca skull Stuart Freeborn created 30 years ago, but some kind folks over the years have posted multiple pics of it in various states of construction (whether they are pics from an old sci-fi or FX mag or just personal pics from the set that just get passed around over the years). Thanks to these pics that have been floating around for years, I was able to sculpt my facsimile of that skull. And when any other wookiee builders contact me with questions, I send them links to those pics and any advice and pics of my skull if they want. But it's different for me, since I'm not trying to mass produce Chewbacca skulls for a profit and I'm secure in my ability to make a prop of a certain quality for my own use.

I just don't really care for this attitude (although pretty rare) that just because someone paid huge bucks for something someone who knew someone who knew a guy found in dumpster or stole off a set, that makes them entitled to secret info or makes them a more elite prop maker. Or the arrogance of hording info that someone got buy simply buying a ticket to the Myth And Magic exhibit when it was in town and used a laser pointer to measure some things... which basically anyone can do. It's not like you are a big time LFL employee and got access to the prop vault at Skywalker Ranch and therefor your info truly is some high end secret.

That's what I like about the whole R2 Builder community... instead of hording info, those guys are vigilant in making sure as many people have the most accurate measurements and police and update standards of agreed measurements all the time. They want all the parts many different people are making to fit together and they just dig the most accurate props. For them, there is pride in knowing a new bit of ultra-accurate information came form them, so they post it. Those guys offer 1:1 CAD illustrated plans of dozens of section of R2 to anyone who signs up as a member, from the skin outlay of the body down to little things like the coin slots and ankle cylinders. And they don't look down on anyone trying to make an R2 on the cheap, they offer suggestions... they were as helpful and supportive of my cheapy $300 wood and plastic R2 as they would be a guy going the $4000 machined aluminum route.

Sorry to turn this thread into a gripe session!
 
I have experienced the same thing..not in Star Wars but in Doctor Who and its frustrating as hell. Trying to get a little guidance or reference material from some people was impossible. It all boiled down to the "specialness" factor..I have the info, you don't so that makes me special..if I give away that information/reference etc..then my specialness factor is diminished and then I am just another geek who likes Doctor Who/Star Wars/Insert TV/Movie/prop here!!!!. With what little info I have or references I have I make sure that people who ask for it get it having gone through the same thing. That attitude really drives me..anyway..my two cents. Glad to see I am not alone in my feelings.

Karsten
 
I'm pretty sure that at any star wars exhibit around the globe, no one
has ever been denied access because they had a rule in their hands!

The dimensions of a Vader belt or chest box are really no secret.
 
I experienced this a while ago with my Vader, and I've learned to accept it.

I was building for a costume = No Help
I wasn't in the know = no help
Not special enough = No help.

Then when I finish using what I could find out, I get told that my outfit is crap, because it wasn't 100% accurate to the movies.

It is a shame that Vader builders aren't more like the R2 Builders. Instead of hoarding, why not just help everyone build the best damn Vader (or any other outfit) That they can?
 
I ran into this while making my Biker Scout costume. The community itself is great, mostly helpful people. But, the few "experts" like to keep info to themselves. Despite it all, I managed a very accurate scout. Some of the elites who like the money they make from part making or sewing may think it's not up to snuff. Well, I managed to get my costume "lancer" status, so it can't be all that bad.

Part of all the cliquishness and secret keeping causes folks, including me from expanding on their costumes. If you can't find a photo of something, or information about where it came from, you are out of luck. I'm not interested in duplicating it for sale, I'm looking to make/improve a costume.

As for secrets and anything I know, anyone wants info, just ask. I want the entire 501st and beyond to be populated by Biker Scouts.
 
Nobody has posted the measurements yet, everyones caring and sharing yet nobody has posted the measurements ? <scratches head>
 
Yup Vader info is hard to get.

Because there are found parts on the Vaders in the original trilogy you can scale mostly everything anyway.

I do not have found parts at hand but when I get my hands on them I will post the size of what found components I have you can try scaling the rest from these. Hopefully they tie in with what ddocvjm PM'd you.

Chris
 
This is a rant with no useful information. Just wanted to let you know a head of time so can can skip it if you just want info on the belt boxes (which I don't have).

My experience on the RPF for the last 10 years has obviously been enjoyable and quite the education on many levels, not just props. What I have noticed is the real elitist attitude of several members (fortunately, those jerks are in the minimum). Without thinking about it, I can name at least 10 active members who fit this bill, many even brag about it. When I see this attitude I have no problem calling them out on it. You see, this is supposed to be a hobby community, where enthusiasts of a particular past time come together to SHARE information.

Here's a scenario that just bakes my buscuits:

"Look! I found the 100% accurate Johnson bolt that we have been looking for for 5 years!"

"That's awesome! Where did it come from???"

"Ummm...I found them in the back of a garage that hasn't been occupied in 40 years...in a bag...with no markings. But I found 56 of the bolts! So, who wants to buy one? Oh, I know that I got them for free and every single RPF member wants one so due to the rarity I have to charge 1,000.00 each for them. Now, don't all praise me as your god all at once...and you'd better NOT cast this bolt, either!!!
Oh, and I should be able to get more."

Does this sound like anyone you know on this board? :unsure
 
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