A New Hope blast shield helmet .

BipeFlyer said:
According to starwarshelmets.com, the blast shield is a custom made vacuum formed ABS piece. Go to http://starwarshelmets.com/original_rebel_pilot_helmets.htm and do a find on page for "blast shield". it's about half way down the page. It would be pretty easy to make. Make a MDF plug and vacuum form it.
Click to expand...

To be honest I think that was just a guess by Jez , although he may be right , you see the U.K. Was several years behind the U.S.A in the bmx thing , bmx bikes didn't really take off in the U.K. Until 1979/80 ish .... so where did the props dept get bmx visors from ? But again , they got bmx chest protectors for the pauldrons, so maybe they had access to a more specialist motorcross shop ????
Unless someone identifies the blast shield exactly , we'll never know for sure .
 
I just did a little mock-up in paper. The dimensions are a little off, but you get the gist. Just do the same in heavier card stock and a little bit of fibreglass.
IMG_20180122_103632.jpgIMG_20180122_103656.jpg
 
CatfoodRob said:
To be honest I think that was just a guess by Jez , although he may be right , you see the U.K. Was several years behind the U.S.A in the bmx thing , bmx bikes didn't really take off in the U.K. Until 1979/80 ish .... so where did the props dept get bmx visors from ? But again , they got bmx chest protectors for the pauldrons, so maybe they had access to a more specialist motorcross shop ????
Unless someone identifies the blast shield exactly , we'll never know for sure .
Click to expand...

You could find out. Here's a link to Andrew Ainsworth describing how the original vacuum forming was done. Apparently he made the helmet too. Send him an email or give him a call. It's probably not even long distance for you. ;)

https://www.originalstormtrooper.com/our-story-19-w.asp
 
To me the letters on the side and the detail at near the nape of the neck on the helmet look to be drawn on with Blue sharpie. I wanted to do this helmet myself, but alas, time and money became an issue. I look forward to seeing your progress on this one!
 
Here's where I'm at , I've started blocking out the shapes in 12 mm mdf and filler ( bondo) a way off yet , but it's a start .
c2ef8de5ad4b12712ae2dda6967c9a3d.jpg



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
but with the blast shield down, how is he going to see?

here is mine with my remote, I used velcro to attach it to the inside of the helmet. how do you think you'll attach yours?




a2a2d76d00925c864d79a71b44af131c.jpg


a2a2d76d00925c864d79a71b44af131c.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
theyrenotdolls said:
but with the blast shield down, how is he going to see?

here is mine with my remote, I used velcro to attach it to the inside of the helmet. how do you think you'll attach yours?




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...g remote/a2a2d76d00925c864d79a71b44af131c.jpg
Click to expand...

Once I finalise my visor design , I'm guessing Velcro is the way to go , although I'm not intending to ever swop for goggles, mine will always be a blast shield display helmet .


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I used filler to shape my mdf mould after realising the outer edges were straight
9e757b6b0e05ff2c02d90b84f07b27f2.jpg


Then on a visit to my friendly local vac former , I pulled a cast . Once offered up to the helmet I soon realised my dimensions were off a tad . The upper edges didn't fill the helmet opening enough, and the fold lines down the front weren't sharp enough . So I retired to my garage and attacked it with more filler .
A second visit allowed a young apprentice to pull a cast for me .
daf69d3f1b385260252531ff532b34a4.jpg


This final,cast looked ok , but I'm still not convinced I've got the shapes correct . The thing is. Tiny bit too wide , and I may re profile the centre section before pull number three .


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Version four of the blast shield mould is now in existence , a pull in pvc produced a nice shield
ed15053ac2a3d06c85c8c72c02f0a0a0.jpg


The very top edge inside the helmet needs adjustment yet , I've trimmed it off in the above pull .
Even though I need to modify the mould and produce a slightly different shield, I couldn't resist attempting some streaky black weathering as seen on the original .

f924244557a234811809a8ab76baae83.jpg


I've also been hand painting the side markings .... hopefully the eventual weathering of the helmet will hide my shaky brushwork

.
4513c67bcbfb1adee8267d5f95dde4e9.jpg



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

Your message may be considered spam for the following reasons:

If you wish to reply despite these issues, check the box below before replying.
Be aware that malicious compliance may result in more severe penalties.

Similar threads

Ryan Clinton
A New Hope Chewbacca Bowcaster
2
Replies
37
Views
2,282
teecrooz
teecrooz
Massassi
Looking for pictures of the Death Star Hanger Control panels (A New Hope)
Replies
0
Views
520
Massassi
Massassi
Vanitas
Ultimate Greedo Killer DL-44 Blaster - All Real Parts Build
Replies
3
Views
314
Vanitas
Vanitas
13doctorwho
Kenobi ANH Stunt(ish) Lightsaber
Replies
1
Views
471
SethSolo510
SethSolo510
Raaven1990
Got a new project underway
Replies
0
Views
308
Raaven1990
Raaven1990
Back
Top