Wauw!!! :O Congrats on getting this awesome piece, Art!
The original Predator bio is my absolute favorite.
I like the final design as well, but this one just had so many cool details going on.
As soon as CoolProps released their replica about 4 years ago, I knew I had to have it.
The paintjob was pretty bad, but I usually repaint most of my replicas anyway (certainly the licensed ones), so that didn’t bother me.
Back then I used my ‘The Winston Effect’ book as reference, along with some pics I found online. But wauw, your new, crisp pictures of the prop show all kinds of colors, paintsplatter and details that weren’t visible before. Especially the metallic green and purple details were a surprise. They’re actually noticable on the old bts photos, but not enough to make you think that they were that vibrant IRL. I love finding out stuff like this.
But that means I need to repaint my replica once more. My original paintjob was based a bit on the final predator’s look. With a metallic base, black washes and rusty weathering, painted tubes at the mouth area, and realistic blast marks. And I’ve been really pleased with the result since, but now it’s way off.
I’ll go for a totally accurate paintjob, so I’m extremely happy that you’ve taken so many great pictures.
There’s a detail missing on my replica though. On the left temple, there’s a smooth area, on the original prop a few greeblies are present in that spot.
Would you be able to provide a couple of pictures from different angles showing this area? I need to sculpt these. (Or find the original kit parts)
Looks like they might have broken off, or an entire piece was missing on the bio which CoolProps based their mould on.
If you could find the time to take a picture showing the top of the bio and the chin/under side as well, that would be great. Would appreciate your help. Thanks.
Congrats again on finding your Predator grail piece.
Collector's often talk about "grail" pieces. This one is mine: The original Predator bio-mask from 1986. It just arrived at my house this morning. For me it doesn't get better than this. I have done as much research as possible and posted it to Predatorium if you would like to know more and see more photos.
https://www.predatorium.com/forums/threads/predator-original-bio-mask-history.24368/
View attachment 824601