Yet Another R. J. MacReady Build!!

EEvansHilton

Well-Known Member
RPF PREMIUM MEMBER
Howdy y’all.
As this year’s “Frozen Jack Torrance” cosplay was such a huge, smashing success for me, and subsequently I find myself with a dearth of frozen fx make-up and snow flocking, not to mention a desperate need to grow my big beard back, I am going to tackle one of my favorite characters from my all time favorite movies for next year! Kurt Russell’s R. J. MacReady from John Carpenter’s “The Thing”.

Now I realize this has been exceedingly well documented and executed here already by the likes of OutpostPilot452, Vandalia, Boneman, MorbidCharlie, and of course asavage, I am but a tiny bush pilot standing on the shoulders of true giants. But I’m going to give it a go as it involves some building of props from scratch, which I dearly love.

Plus as mentioned, “The Thing” is in my top all time 5. It holds a very special and dear place in my heart as the first horror movie I saw. I snuck into a screening when it was new in theaters at the tender age of 7 and it played a pivotal role in forming who I am today low these many, many, MANY years later.

I’ve begun by finding as close to the cotton Vietnam rip stop olive green flight suit as I can find. While it does lack the government army issue clothing collar tag, I was able to find one in the correct material, color, and zipper configuration. And as a touch no one will ever see but I will know is there, I’ve even labeled it…
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Next, as I will be building a “Final Battle MacReady” much like the very excellent Boneman has done, I’ve started on the dynamite stick props. Using typical 1 1/4” diameter wood dowels cut into 8” sticks, I used the screen accurate Hercules labels found here on the forum, some brown craft paper, and water/wood glue solution to role them on, and fold the ends. Then I threw together a quick jig so that I could coat them in wax without touching them. And voila….boomsticks!
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The green cannon fusing will arrive Friday to complete these bad boys!

Next up? Some bartender play as I make some Molotov cocktails! Woohoo! Stay tuned.
 
A bit of a brief update this evening. Still waiting on supplies for the Molotov cocktail build. However supplies came in today for another prop build, MacReady’s road flare!

I’ve seen a couple of really cool road flare props using LEDs and a couple of different methods for the smoke effect. I really wanted to go with an on demand smoke effect shooting out of the end of a tube. There are so many great tutorials out there demonstrating how to convert vape pen technology into mini fog machines, I decided to go this route.

The only downside is that I had to go with an 1 1/2” diameter pvc pipe to allow for all of the internal mechanisms and battery power source. I went with a remote controlled control with multiple on/off options. While the diameter of the pipe is a bit too chunky, I am really happy with the effect.

Next, I’ll wrap the pipe in road flare red craft paper with the screen accurate labeling found here in the forums, wax it up, like the dynamite, and it’ll be good to go!
 
More progress.
The dynamite, road flare, and Molotov cocktails are all constructed and in their pouches. I’ll do weathering, wintering, and frosting when I have all of the other pieces of the costume so I can do everything all at once for consistency.
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Next up I’ll be putting together the bandolier, sourcing the goggles, and starting to find the boots, long johns, t-shirt, holster, and gun belt. I’ve asked the wife, Mrs. Clause for the most unique items, the Schott jacket, the Vuarnet glasses, and The Hat for Xmas. Guess I better be good!
 
Howdy y’all.
As this year’s “Frozen Jack Torrance” cosplay was such a huge, smashing success for me, and subsequently I find myself with a dearth of frozen fx make-up and snow flocking, not to mention a desperate need to grow my big beard back, I am going to tackle one of my favorite characters from my all time favorite movies for next year! Kurt Russell’s R. J. MacReady from John Carpenter’s “The Thing”.

Now I realize this has been exceedingly well documented and executed here already by the likes of OutpostPilot452, Vandalia, Boneman, MorbidCharlie, and of course asavage, I am but a tiny bush pilot standing on the shoulders of true giants. But I’m going to give it a go as it involves some building of props from scratch, which I dearly love.

Plus as mentioned, “The Thing” is in my top all time 5. It holds a very special and dear place in my heart as the first horror movie I saw. I snuck into a screening when it was new in theaters at the tender age of 7 and it played a pivotal role in forming who I am today low these many, many, MANY years later.

I’ve begun by finding as close to the cotton Vietnam rip stop olive green flight suit as I can find. While it does lack the government army issue clothing collar tag, I was able to find one in the correct material, color, and zipper configuration. And as a touch no one will ever see but I will know is there, I’ve even labeled it…View attachment 1877862

Next, as I will be building a “Final Battle MacReady” much like the very excellent Boneman has done, I’ve started on the dynamite stick props. Using typical 1 1/4” diameter wood dowels cut into 8” sticks, I used the screen accurate Hercules labels found here on the forum, some brown craft paper, and water/wood glue solution to role them on, and fold the ends. Then I threw together a quick jig so that I could coat them in wax without touching them. And voila….boomsticks!
View attachment 1877863
View attachment 1877864
The green cannon fusing will arrive Friday to complete these bad boys!

Next up? Some bartender play as I make some Molotov cocktails! Woohoo! Stay thank you for the mention. I look forward to seeing your progress it

Howdy y’all.
As this year’s “Frozen Jack Torrance” cosplay was such a huge, smashing success for me, and subsequently I find myself with a dearth of frozen fx make-up and snow flocking, not to mention a desperate need to grow my big beard back, I am going to tackle one of my favorite characters from my all time favorite movies for next year! Kurt Russell’s R. J. MacReady from John Carpenter’s “The Thing”.

Now I realize this has been exceedingly well documented and executed here already by the likes of OutpostPilot452, Vandalia, Boneman, MorbidCharlie, and of course asavage, I am but a tiny bush pilot standing on the shoulders of true giants. But I’m going to give it a go as it involves some building of props from scratch, which I dearly love.

Plus as mentioned, “The Thing” is in my top all time 5. It holds a very special and dear place in my heart as the first horror movie I saw. I snuck into a screening when it was new in theaters at the tender age of 7 and it played a pivotal role in forming who I am today low these many, many, MANY years later.

I’ve begun by finding as close to the cotton Vietnam rip stop olive green flight suit as I can find. While it does lack the government army issue clothing collar tag, I was able to find one in the correct material, color, and zipper configuration. And as a touch no one will ever see but I will know is there, I’ve even labeled it…View attachment 1877862

Next, as I will be building a “Final Battle MacReady” much like the very excellent Boneman has done, I’ve started on the dynamite stick props. Using typical 1 1/4” diameter wood dowels cut into 8” sticks, I used the screen accurate Hercules labels found here on the forum, some brown craft paper, and water/wood glue solution to role them on, and fold the ends. Then I threw together a quick jig so that I could coat them in wax without touching them. And voila….boomsticks!
View attachment 1877863
View attachment 1877864
The green cannon fusing will arrive Friday to complete these bad boys!

Next up? Some bartender play as I make some Molotov cocktails! Woohoo! Stay tuned.
Thank you for the mention buddy, it's nice to know people have noticed my thread. I very much look forward to seeing your progress as it looks superb so far !!!
 
A bit of a brief update this evening. Still waiting on supplies for the Molotov cocktail build. However supplies came in today for another prop build, MacReady’s road flare!

I’ve seen a couple of really cool road flare props using LEDs and a couple of different methods for the smoke effect. I really wanted to go with an on demand smoke effect shooting out of the end of a tube. There are so many great tutorials out there demonstrating how to convert vape pen technology into mini fog machines, I decided to go this route.

The only downside is that I had to go with an 1 1/2” diameter pvc pipe to allow for all of the internal mechanisms and battery power source. I went with a remote controlled control with multiple on/off options. While the diameter of the pipe is a bit too chunky, I am really happy with the effect.

Next, I’ll wrap the pipe in road flare red craft paper with the screen accurate labeling found here in the forums, wax it up, like the dynamite, and it’ll be good to go!
That's the best prop road flare I've seen before, well done buddy.
 
A bit of a brief update this evening. Still waiting on supplies for the Molotov cocktail build. However supplies came in today for another prop build, MacReady’s road flare!

I’ve seen a couple of really cool road flare props using LEDs and a couple of different methods for the smoke effect. I really wanted to go with an on demand smoke effect shooting out of the end of a tube. There are so many great tutorials out there demonstrating how to convert vape pen technology into mini fog machines, I decided to go this route.

The only downside is that I had to go with an 1 1/2” diameter pvc pipe to allow for all of the internal mechanisms and battery power source. I went with a remote controlled control with multiple on/off options. While the diameter of the pipe is a bit too chunky, I am really happy with the effect.

Next, I’ll wrap the pipe in road flare red craft paper with the screen accurate labeling found here in the forums, wax it up, like the dynamite, and it’ll be good to go!
That flare effect is EPIC!!! So great!

I would have liked to explore the 'vapor' effect route as well, but pretty much every Comic Con event will not allow any smoke or fog generating devices into the event :(.

Fantastic and inspiring work sir! Excited to see more!
 
That flare effect is EPIC!!! So great!

I would have liked to explore the 'vapor' effect route as well, but pretty much every Comic Con event will not allow any smoke or fog generating devices into the event :(.

Fantastic and inspiring work sir! Excited to see more!
Boneman Thank you Sir! Thank is high praise indeed coming from one of my main inspirations to pursue this cosplay! By the way, congrats on your Seattle Kraken commission! So freakin' awesome!!
 
Howdy y’all.
As this year’s “Frozen Jack Torrance” cosplay was such a huge, smashing success for me, and subsequently I find myself with a dearth of frozen fx make-up and snow flocking, not to mention a desperate need to grow my big beard back, I am going to tackle one of my favorite characters from my all time favorite movies for next year! Kurt Russell’s R. J. MacReady from John Carpenter’s “The Thing”.

Now I realize this has been exceedingly well documented and executed here already by the likes of OutpostPilot452, Vandalia, Boneman, MorbidCharlie, and of course asavage, I am but a tiny bush pilot standing on the shoulders of true giants. But I’m going to give it a go as it involves some building of props from scratch, which I dearly love.

Plus as mentioned, “The Thing” is in my top all time 5. It holds a very special and dear place in my heart as the first horror movie I saw. I snuck into a screening when it was new in theaters at the tender age of 7 and it played a pivotal role in forming who I am today low these many, many, MANY years later.

I’ve begun by finding as close to the cotton Vietnam rip stop olive green flight suit as I can find. While it does lack the government army issue clothing collar tag, I was able to find one in the correct material, color, and zipper configuration. And as a touch no one will ever see but I will know is there, I’ve even labeled it…View attachment 1877862

Next, as I will be building a “Final Battle MacReady” much like the very excellent Boneman has done, I’ve started on the dynamite stick props. Using typical 1 1/4” diameter wood dowels cut into 8” sticks, I used the screen accurate Hercules labels found here on the forum, some brown craft paper, and water/wood glue solution to role them on, and fold the ends. Then I threw together a quick jig so that I could coat them in wax without touching them. And voila….boomsticks!
View attachment 1877863
View attachment 1877864
The green cannon fusing will arrive Friday to complete these bad boys!

Next up? Some bartender play as I make some Molotov cocktails! Woohoo! Stay tuned.
Hi buddy, I sent you a Pm. I'm not sure if you've seen it or not?
 
A smallish update. Mrs. Clause spoiled me this year. Scored the sunglasses, the thermal undershirt, the heather t-shirt, the baby blue hoodie, and most importantly, a vintage, well worn, Schott early 80’s, accurate jacket!!
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The Mrs. Has also ordered me The Hat, which is currently being made for me. Won’t be ready until February though.

STILL trying to source the hatband. I’m getting the impression it will be the single most difficult piece to procure.
 
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