Which maker's Darth Vader helmet is this?
- Thread starter steveo
- Start date
Too Much Garlic
Master Member
Basically... first I would round up as much RotJ helmet reference as possible. Try to steer clear of the fanmades as much as possible - only use those in case you can't find good enough reference. But basically, study the helmet and the shapes and work slowly, trying to bring down the softness and rounded edges, going for a sharper, more straight look to the surfaces, but have it stay organic.
Mac is probably the one to contact regarding heavy or medium mods as he's reworked several poor quality facemasks into something much better looking.
First thing you should do is really look at the helmet, figure out its shape and soon you'll be able to see where things need to be altered, sharpened and sanded and where you should tread litely and not do too much work. Let the piece speak to you and don't worry too much about über-accuracy... just go for the look rather than accuracy, imo, a representation of what you feel is Vader. Make it your own.
Mac is probably the one to contact regarding heavy or medium mods as he's reworked several poor quality facemasks into something much better looking.
First thing you should do is really look at the helmet, figure out its shape and soon you'll be able to see where things need to be altered, sharpened and sanded and where you should tread litely and not do too much work. Let the piece speak to you and don't worry too much about über-accuracy... just go for the look rather than accuracy, imo, a representation of what you feel is Vader. Make it your own.
steveo
Sr Member
Ok, I get it. PLease, please , please, oh please great reference gods of the RPF, if you have any ROTJ Vader shots that will help me convert my mask, could you please share them with me?
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good luck there... good info on genuine Vader helmets seems to be one of the most vaulted types information around these parts... My best advice would be to find the threads that had the HD screencaps from each movie... and of the right angles arent there, ask the thread starter (I forget who it was) to try and get more at the exact angles you need. Again, I dont remember who it was, but he seemed eager to take caps of any scene people asked for...
steveo
Sr Member
good idea...i will try that.
defstartrooper
Sr Member
althought he's pretty scuffed up, the scenes of vader watching luke get zapped by the emperor are great for showing details. I think its the most close up we see him in ROTJ...
Too Much Garlic
Master Member
There are some pictures over at The Den in the gallery section, but not many are posting.
Yeah, but that's the fat lipped stunt helmet.
The detailing on the cheeks near the nose are softer, possibly sanded all the way down - at least on some of them. The eyebrow fronts are slimmer than ESB. This is seen on your helmet, so no need to correct that, but try to remove the paint - that'd give people a better understanding of what should be changed/improved.
steveo
Sr Member
Thank you for those insights. How can I remove the paint without damaging the base of this helmet? I'm not really sure if it's resin or fiberglass. It looks like fiberglass to me because I can see thready type material on the back.
Too Much Garlic
Master Member
Some people in the model kit community recommends Gastrol Super Clean but you will have to find a way for it to soak in it over some time. This may not be good with the fiberglass, I really don't know.
I've tried brake fluid (NOT brake cleaner) in the past, but recently severely damaged a pricey helmet with it, because the resin formulation was different than I'd previously experienced on that one. So can't really recommend that too much either, though, you can try it, but try to find one that doesn't smell too much like almonds.
Others have tried acetone, but as with most things it's some nasty **** that can easily ruin the resin surface. You should contact Dcarty, as he stripped a DP DLX and restored it into a perfect beauty.
I've tried brake fluid (NOT brake cleaner) in the past, but recently severely damaged a pricey helmet with it, because the resin formulation was different than I'd previously experienced on that one. So can't really recommend that too much either, though, you can try it, but try to find one that doesn't smell too much like almonds.
Others have tried acetone, but as with most things it's some nasty **** that can easily ruin the resin surface. You should contact Dcarty, as he stripped a DP DLX and restored it into a perfect beauty.
runnriottt
Well-Known Member
Head on over to the site.. Might find some stuff.. I am still working on it though. Have about 100 more Vader shots to upload. I am going to reorganize by movie soon as well.
http://nodisintegrations.mosaicglobe.com/
http://nodisintegrations.mosaicglobe.com/
steveo
Sr Member
pretty cool site. lots of nice rare photos.
steveo
Sr Member
yeah, i've heard of those, but thanks for your input on their outcomes. What about tire cleaner White Bleche (sp) ? I've heard that works too.
Too Much Garlic
Master Member
Never heard of it, so can't offer an opinion. But with any of these things, wear protective gear, such as coal fiber breathing mask and gloves. Go slow and try on an area that isn't as visibly seen when the helmet is put together in case there occurs damage.
