Yet Another R. J. MacReady Build!!

[EEvansHilton]

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…

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!

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.

 

[EEvansHilton]

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!

 

[EEvansHilton]

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.

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!

 

[OutpostPilot452]

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 !!!

 

[OutpostPilot452]

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.

 

[Boneman]

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!

 

[EEvansHilton]

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!!

 

[OutpostPilot452]

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?

 

[EEvansHilton]

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!!

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.

 

[Bacta]

Awesome update!

 

[OutpostPilot452]

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!!
View attachment 1891274View attachment 1891277View attachment 1891278View attachment 1891280View attachment 1891281
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.

Great find on the jacket.
Are you going to be altering the front edge of the collar as it appears in the movie or leaving as is?

 

[EEvansHilton]

Great find on the jacket.
Are you going to be altering the front edge of the collar as it appears in the movie or leaving as is?

I'm more than likely going to leave it as is. I'm not shooting for 100% screen accuracy so much as "as close as I can/care to get". Going with the '10 foot rule'.

There is a lot of weirdness with these costumes, I am assuming, owing to the fact that it's been 43 years, several of the outfits were re-used piecemeal from costuming firms, which was normal, etc.

The one item I AM going to try and get as accurate as possible, simply because it's a lifelong holy grail item for me, is MacReady's hat. I love that ridiculous thing.

Right now, my main focus is sourcing the outer woven hat band. I tried doing it myself with sinew and leather cording, but I just couldn't figure out how it was woven on my own. I've reached out to the Polish weaver on Etsy that another RPF member here used, but she just had a baby and is remodeling her workshop and doesn't appear to have the time. I've reached out to at least 12 different weavers around the globe, and most are stymied. I do have one very gregarious lady in Australia who has taken it as a personal challenge to figure it out and is currently researching it, so fingers crossed.

In the meantime, my Denix Colt Trooper, holster, and gun belt will be delivered this week, and except for that rascally ol' hat, I'll be all set to go procuring the different pieces.

 

[OutpostPilot452]

I'm more than likely going to leave it as is. I'm not shooting for 100% screen accuracy so much as "as close as I can/care to get". Going with the '10 foot rule'.

There is a lot of weirdness with these costumes, I am assuming, owing to the fact that it's been 43 years, several of the outfits were re-used piecemeal from costuming firms, which was normal, etc.

The one item I AM going to try and get as accurate as possible, simply because it's a lifelong holy grail item for me, is MacReady's hat. I love that ridiculous thing.

Right now, my main focus is sourcing the outer woven hat band. I tried doing it myself with sinew and leather cording, but I just couldn't figure out how it was woven on my own. I've reached out to the Polish weaver on Etsy that another RPF member here used, but she just had a baby and is remodeling her workshop and doesn't appear to have the time. I've reached out to at least 12 different weavers around the globe, and most are stymied. I do have one very gregarious lady in Australia who has taken it as a personal challenge to figure it out and is currently researching it, so fingers crossed.

In the meantime, my Denix Colt Trooper, holster, and gun belt will be delivered this week, and except for that rascally ol' hat, I'll be all set to go procuring the different pieces.

It's actually not too hard to alter the collar, you just have to trim the fur carefully with scissors and make it flatter and less fluffy towards the front edge. It makes a big difference to it's appearance and it's one of the details that is often overlooked by cosplayers. I recently bought an '80s Schott jacket after ages of searching for the correct size and trimmed it. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Which hatmaker did you decide to go with if you don't mind saying?

 

[EEvansHilton]

It's actually not too hard to alter the collar, you just have to trim the fur carefully with scissors and make it flatter and less fluffy towards the front edge. It makes a big difference to it's appearance and it's one of the details that is often overlooked by cosplayers. I recently bought an '80s Schott jacket after ages of searching for the correct size and trimmed it. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Which hatmaker did you decide to go with if you don't mind saying?

I do see the difference, and I do like it. It's just so outside of my skill set. I am afraid I'd screw up the collar and then lose the jacket altogether. If I had a step-by-step video I could follow, sure, I'd totally do it. But I've been stretching my cosplay skills a lot of late, and I'm just not comfortable trying this on my own and winging it. The job you did does look really great though.

My lovely wife has gifted me the hat from The Last Best West hat maker. I have used them twice before, once to produce a very special replica hat for my wife, a replica of the hat worn by Pete Duel's character, Hannibal Heyes, from the 70s TV show 'Alias Smith and Jones,' which they absolutely nailed. They produce extremely high-quality hats and have fantastic customer service. I've been very pleased with them. I will be doing further customizing when it gets here and will be making the inner leather hat band and wind string myself, as leather working is squarely in my wheelhouse. As I've mentioned, the woven outer hat band is another matter altogether.

 

[EEvansHilton]

Kinda of a big update (at least for me!), the holy grail item of this build finally came in, Mac’s ridiculous hat!!!

I’m so excited. Sourced a replica from The Last Best West hat makers. This is the third custom hat I have ordered from them and they continue to impress and delight. I cannot recommend them enough. It’s a 50X Beaver fur felt body, sized big enough to accommodate the blue hoodie being worn underneath.

I’ll be making both hat bands myself and reshaping and adding the appropriate wear and tear.

I cannot express how excited I am. Even if I weren’t doing the full costume, this would be enough as I have wanted this hat for decades.

In addition, my wife has decided to join me and will be putting together a Palmer costume! I have found all of the appropriate patches for his jean cutoff today except for the California Barbarians back patch, which, upon closer inspection of the original item from The Prop Store’s recent auction, turns out not to be a patch at all! It was painted on a separate piece of denim which was the sewn on to the back. So I spent the morning copying the design in Illustrator and have ordered an ironon so I can easily transfer it and then distress and age it appropriately! The SVG file is attached should anyone wish to ever do something similar.

Cheers!

 

[OutpostPilot452]

Kinda of a big update (at least for me!), the holy grail item of this build finally came in, Mac’s ridiculous hat!!!

I’m so excited. Sourced a replica from The Last Best West hat makers. This is the third custom hat I have ordered from them and they continue to impress and delight. I cannot recommend them enough. It’s a 50X Beaver fur felt body, sized big enough to accommodate the blue hoodie being worn underneath.

I’ll be making both hat bands myself and reshaping and adding the appropriate wear and tear.

I cannot express how excited I am. Even if I weren’t doing the full costume, this would be enough as I have wanted this hat for decades.

In addition, my wife has decided to join me and will be putting together a Palmer costume! I have found all of the appropriate patches for his jean cutoff today except for the California Barbarians back patch, which, upon closer inspection of the original item from The Prop Store’s recent auction, turns out not to be a patch at all! It was painted on a separate piece of denim which was the sewn on to the back. So I spent the morning copying the design in Illustrator and have ordered an ironon so I can easily transfer it and then distress and age it appropriately! The SVG file is attached should anyone wish to ever do something similar.

Cheers!

Very much looking forward to seeing the completed hat. The colour looks much better than previous hats that I've seen made by them

 

[EEvansHilton]

Another update. Pretty happy with this one all things considered.

So finding ANYONE with weaving experience to make the outter hatband for MacReady’s hat has proved impossible. The weaver that made one for another forum member here on Etsy simply stopped replying to my inquiries. I contact 23 other folks on various sites and many were curious but could not figure out how to replicate it.

So, in true prop/costumer manner, I 100% faked it! It’s made with eight strands of deer lace and blue sinew. No where near screen accurate however it will work for now until I come up with a better solution!

But! For now, the hat is done!