Rocketeer Helmet

swgeek · Jul 3, 2015

So The Rocketeer is on my list of top ten movies, (which is actually about 30 movies long). I've always loved the look of the costume, especially the helmet. It has a great 30's art deco feel to it. Ever since I saw the movie I wanted my own helmet. Well I found out that a friend of mine worked at design Setters back in the 90's, and had a production made helmet. They were willing to let me mold it and cast up a few helmets, as long as I didn't make more than a few and that I destroyed the mold when I was done. So I made an ugly, quick mold and cast a few for me and some friends. it's taken me about 5 years of on again, off again work, but my Rocketeer helmet is finally done. I didn't take any pictures of the inside, but thanks to Valor for making such a great liner, I highly recomend picking one up if you are doing a Rocketeer helmet. So on with the pictures.

Here it is fresh out of the mold, before I did any trimming or sanding.

I trimmed out all the openings and then painted it with an automotive clear coat, with gold powder mixed in. Nice and durable.

Next I started the weathering process. I first hit the helmet with some 0000 steel wool to give it a slight brushed look, and to give it a little tooth, so that the other paints would adhere better. I then used different acrylic washes, and removed areas with acetone and a sea sponge. I mixed a few different colors of rub 'n buff together to get a dark patina color for all the deep recesses. Rubbed it on and then used a clean rag to remove it from the high spots.

I also wanted a custom stand for the helmet. It took me a while to come up with a design, but I finally settled on a stand inspired by the design of the jet pack.
I started with three layers of MDF. I wanted a few hollow areas, so that's why I did the three different layers, with the middle layer being smaller than the other two.

I then started cladding the outside with 1/16" thick acrylic that I cut on the laser cutter.

After I got all the parts glued on, I bondo'd all the seams, added fins, and painted it with an automotive silver, followed by a clear coat and some subtle aging. I also added some gum for luck. I made the gum out of epoxy putty and added a little color to it.

Here's the final thing with lenses, aging and stand. Thanks for looking

George · Jul 3, 2015

Swgeek,that is one piece of AMAZING art you have constructed there ! Very,VERY cool :cool

Pro Mod · Jul 3, 2015

Great prop and base, love you're patination effect.

joberg · Jul 3, 2015

Excellent results and the job is top notch:cool Always loved the movie and the costume also; I think Joe Johnston is an Art Deco amateur and it shows throughout the movie.

89batman · Jul 3, 2015

Wow that is stunning. I own a couple of helmets including the MR but yours looks way better.
I love the Rocketeer it is a very under rated movie. The costume and style of the movie was so stylish. The movie is a ten in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Broilermaker · Jul 3, 2015

Wow, that is one of the best pieces of art I have seen on this site, period

Gixxerfool · Jul 3, 2015

Love this movie and I love this prop. Great work.

RagleGumm · Jul 3, 2015

I've wanted a Rocketeer helmet (perhaps even a full costume) for YEARS! This looks absolutely incredible. A true work of art!

RG

RacerMachX · Jul 3, 2015

Fantastic build. Love the gum!

The Cog · Jul 3, 2015

Love how you tied everything together! This looks great!

ShortWookie · Jul 3, 2015

The gum on the display is genius, I love it. You did an amazing job!

Valor · Jul 3, 2015

Excellent, excellent job. I love the creative approach of the stand!

Apollo · Jul 3, 2015

Nicely done, love the stand!

swgeek · Jul 4, 2015

Thanks everybody! Really nice comments. It feels good to complete a project, makes me want to finish more, haha.

Gewn · Jul 5, 2015

Beautiful!

swgeek · Jul 5, 2015

Thanks man, yours is looking great!

airplnmdls · May 1, 2017

Dang that looks awesome! Just received one of Oz's helmets and I might need to steal your stand idea, it's amazing!!

jholt · Jan 11, 2021

ive got the master replica metal one and this looks incredible!

especially love the attention to detail on the stand, so often overlooked but really adds to the overall piece.

amazing work!

spoudastis · Jan 12, 2021

beautiful, probably the best paint up i have seen on one of these. great work.

GGambitt · Jan 13, 2021

This is incredible! absolutely fantastic! the acetone sponge effect is what really sells it. and the fin is welded after the fact! and a piece of gum!! <3

Rocketeer Helmet

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