War Machine Mark II

[zombienoms]

So immediately after I did my first ever cosplay/costume experience as War Machine from Iron Man 2 at NYCC last year I hadn't even taken off my suit as visions of the next version danced through my head. While I want to eventually revisit the first suit and correct all my mistakes (it was my first build) I decided to do the natural progression and build the War Machine Mark II probably better know as the Iron Patriot in the badass colors.


With this suit I was looking to improve or add the following features:
-Mobility
-Minimal wiring to make removal easier
-Mechanized Cannon (shoulder and forearm)

I started working last year after the con so this has been slowly ongoing since October and my goal for completion is to debut at this years NYCC




So one idea I had for adding mobility was creating flexibility through dividing the parts and adding joints with elastic so the normally rigid parts will have break points




This was extremely useful in the abs so while its not the prettiest I can actually bend over to touch my toes. Or at least my knees


Another area of mobility is the forearms. I've attached bearing rings to connect the upper and lower forearm parts the idea being I can rotate my wrist around instead of just having Mr. Roboto arms.


I'll post more pics and progress when I get the chance, thanks for looking

 

[zombienoms]

Cutting things in half is always nerve wracking but armed with a new method for reconnection I did it anyway


So here's the set up: Using masking tape as a dam I placed a few neodynium magnets which will then be housed in rondo which I pour in. I got the idea for this from I believe its "C3real Killer studios"? He made some amazing tutorials on youtube for his halo armor and used this method. In addition to the magnets I got a few cabinet latches for top connection to just be extra safe

Here's the rondo poured in enough to cover the magnets


On the bottom sides of the chest I also used another type of cabinet latch and later another magnet in rondo combo to add another connection point


My hands had some major issues last time and so I wanted to make improvements in the design. I made a split down the middle of the sides and then connected using a small hinge and another latch. I also cut the palm into multiple parts to be connected by elastic, again the idea to be giving flexible break points in the rigid pep


Again seeking to step it up with Mark II I plan on mechanizing the forearm to simulate some guns. The cover plate was cut out and connected to a servo, the idea is I'll rotate my forearm triggering a reed switch which will raise the hidden door enough to show some red LEDs made to look like a laser sight


Also I'm automating the shoulder cannon with some pan and tilt action. I'll press a button and it will raise from the rest vertical position and move left to right stopping at about 3 points to mimic targeting, after which it will remain facing forward until I press the button again and it returns to vertical rest.

This compartment in the cannon base is where I'll have the Arduino circuit board, power and extra wiring bits. The whole cannon was made so that it can be dismantled with relative ease and I can get at any bits that may malfunction (though hopefully not)

 

[zombienoms]

Been A bit since an update so I apologize but hey here goes stuff if people care...


Chest together with the RT installed, scraped up plastic as a diffusion plate which is lite by red LEDs and then the extra foam border piece which is highlighted in red


Average day in my makeshift workspace my garage


Hands set up with battery clips on the back for a 9 volt to power the repulsor lights, I'll be covering this with the handplate



I know its a bit of a jump but this is during some test fitting after some painting. While everything was in place paint wise and I could have gone out with less functionality I didn't want to go to the con missing things like an opening closing faceplate and my extra bells and whistles

 

[zombienoms]

Test of the servo function for the forearm cannon. It's a simple rig just a servo and 3 LEDs triggered by reed switch. This test was successful but I was having issues with installation and rigging a good fit of batteries, board, servo etc in the rather cramped forearm which is fairly low profile to begin with. I'm attempting to rig the reed switch to the rotation of the forearm which is has the bearing ring as the connection point, but there was an issue with things lining up exactly.



I was planning on this debuting for comic con but issues led to me delay and aim for next year. If anyone has constructive criticism or suggestions please feel free as I'm always looking to improve!