Transformers G1 Soundwave build (WIP)

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Dino

New Member

• Sep 22, 2017

• #1

I decided to make my next cosplay Soundwave, based on his appearance in G1. Why Soundwave? For one thing, he's undisputably awesome. For another, it gives me a great chance to practise my construction skills (which are only somewhat existent) and put some electronics into a cosplay (which I've never done before besides one string of LEDs).

I've decided to build the base for the cosplay out of cardboard, using foam for details. Then, I plan to cover the cosplay with EVA foam before painting it - which I might end up doing with Plasti-dip, but I need to do a test piece first.

Here's some pics from today of the helmet.

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George

Master Member

• Sep 23, 2017

• #2

This will help you on your way:https://www.models-resource.com/pc_computer/transformersdevastation/model/11910/

 

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Dino

New Member

• Sep 23, 2017

• #3

George said:

This will help you on your way:https://www.models-resource.com/pc_computer/transformersdevastation/model/11910/

Click to expand...

Thank you for the link! It's a really useful reference.

I've decided to try sketching out some of the parts instead of jumping directly into building them. I tried that with the torso and managed to make something I couldn't put on without breaking.

Oh well. Lesson learned

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George

Master Member

• Sep 23, 2017

• #4

One way of putting the torso (or any armor part really) on is making an opening,in this case from armpit to hip,then reclose with magnets/velcro.

 

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Dino

New Member

• Sep 29, 2017

• #5

I haven't started the torso yet but I plan to give it a go this weekend. Currently I am thinking of building the torso in two parts that fit into each other, which would have the side benefit of being able to put electronics and what have you into the cavities on either side.

I've put EVA foam on the helmet now and it's sorta coming together. I'm going to fill in the gaps with decorator's caulk and prime with PVA glue, since none of it is meant to be flexible.

I want to paint the costume in different colours to the actual model - I'm thinking largely black, with blocks of pink and electric blue, in sort of a vaporwave color scheme. That would pull it away from being a replica, but I think the end result would be more fun to get to. Does anyone have any recommendations for brands of neon paint, or how to apply it so it looks good?

 

Thomas Guycott

Active Member

• Sep 29, 2017

• #6

Great work so far, though the mix of building materials has me wondering about its structural integrity.

 

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Dino

New Member

• Nov 12, 2017

• #7

It's been a while but I've gotten around to painting the helmet. I first sealed it with PVA glue, then went over it with acrylic paint (mainly so that I could see that something had covered the foam), then used Plasti-Kote spray paint to paint it black. I am still waiting for my neon paints to arrive, but my plan is to mask off the bits the neon will be going onto and paint them white first.

I tried sticking a cellophane sheet in to see what the visor would look like and the result was pretty good looking.

The helmet is sturdier than it looks. However, the construction quality could be better - I'm hoping that doing this one will give me more experience with building mech type armour so that I can use better materials for another suit when I have the funds.

 

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Dino

New Member

• Nov 28, 2017

• #8

Added a pink bit. Some of the edges are iffy, but I think I can touch them up later.

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Dino

New Member

• Dec 1, 2017

• #9

I put the first blue section on. It's looking okay.

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Dino

New Member

• Dec 18, 2017

• #10

So I brushed silver in places to aid the 'battle damage' (read: places I messed up in). I also thinly brushed silver over the blue to make it look slightly more metallic.

I'm going to call this one done. It was a lot of work for what really constitutes a mediocre result (at least for this forum) but I'm pretty happy with it because I gained new skills and really, it looks acceptable. I'll write a post mortem of the helmet and think about what I want to do for the rest of this cosplay.

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Dino

New Member

• Jul 28, 2018

• #11

Well, I think I did find a use for it. At this point, it's stopped having fumes (there's a slight paint smell but it's nowhere near as bad). Happy Pride.

 

DMTDeadpool

Member

• Jul 29, 2018

• #12

Good going, bud.

One thing I would say, though, a bit more time with some filler in the pre-paint will help make the finished product look nice and smooth.
Weathering is a major part of the painting process, a machine would have dirt and oil, maybe some rust as well as paint chipped from battle damage. You want to add darker tones to sunken areas and any exposed outer edges could take a bit of silver to accentuate common wear and tear at the most exposed edges.

With each new thing you build, you will gain more knowledge keep going, bud.