DarkFather's (ROTJ) TR Build thread

[DarkFather]

Hi All;

I have been hovering on these boards for months. I figured it was time I made a WiP thread. This being my 2nd 501st Costume (my first being my Jawa), I have to confess that a lot (OK, 90%) of the build is not being done by myself. I'll explain below in my parts list, but basically I am getting all soft parts made by a seamstress.

Inner Robes - Done (Mammasith).
Outer Robes - Soon to be done - need more money as Spotlight specials hate me *sadface* (Mammasith).
Sash/Obi - Done (Mammasith)
Gloves - In process of making. (Mammasith)
Force Pike(s) - Pool Cue Pike is done, order for machined Pike in progress (Oevil)
Bucket - Purchased, and under construction. (Gmrhodes)
DH-17 Blaster: Purchased. (TerrorFirma)
Holster: Lefty holster, purchased (Gmrhodes)
Boots - Ordered, paid for, and... ARRIVED TODAY!!!!! (Crow62)

Pool Cue Force Pike WiP pics:

I went with a 2-part cue for ease of travelling. The cue was too long, so I cut it down to the correct size:


While I know it isn't 'accurate' to use a tap fitting for the end of the Pike, I was unable to source anything else that came even close so I ended up going with the tap end:


I played around with different ideas for the end of the Pike, but eventually decided againt the tip in this pic. I instead went with the oter part of a syringe. I'm also making use of Darth Dogs idea of the Roller Door gear (Thank you Darth Dog):


All built and painted. Hanging to dry:


The bottom end of the Pool Cue Pike:


The top end of the Pool Cue Pike:


My wife's Jawa costume, suffering from delusions of grandeur LOL:


TR Bucket WiP pics:

My version of a Big Brown Box which my gmrhodes TR bucket kit arrived in:


What comes in the Bucket Box (Visor material is in the cardboard 'envelope' in the background of the pic) MINUS the Holster as that was an extra order:


Impatient test fit. No trimming, just held together with painters tape:


Cut out and cleaned up the Visor area:


Side shot of the Visor area all done:


My current level of inexperience has had me have to ask for assistance in the final construction of the bucket before it gets prepped for painting. I also plan on getting an automotive painter to do the painting and buffing of the bucket so I get a top quality finish.

Today is my happy day. I had ordered a pair of boots from a forcepike member. I only placed the order as I was referred by a mod on these forums so I figured I couldn't go wrong. Others had told me that I was brave in going with the maker as there were apparently problems in past. Well I am here to say this.... I had great communication with this person while the boots were being constructed. Delivery was within the realms of normalcy and apart from 2 minor marks on the boots, the boots themselves are comfortable and made to fit my weird shaped big feet. Overall, I am more than happy with the product and the builder. Thank you Crow 62.





Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I will have pics of my robes on me, and by the end of the month, I am hoping to have my Bucket complete, and maybe even my machined Force Pike in my hands. I will be sure to post update pics as I am able to.

[Eldresh]

Nothing wrong with hiring someone to do something you don't have the skills for. I'm hiring a seamstress from my local garrison to sew my robes for me. I can't draw a straight line, much less sew one, and I'm getting a lot of help with my helmet as well. Extremely grateful for how supportive everyone's been from the garrison, I literally couldn't do it without them.

[Redgirl41]

Great progress! Nothing wrong with having someone makes things for you. It's not always fun (or less expensive) to make it yourself. It will be great either way.

[Sascha_Wilsing]

You dont have to make all on your own.
It can be get very expensive in learning doing it right.
So if you find somebody who is making the things for all is fine!
And what you got so far looks very good.
Move on to the next steps.
Thumbs up.

[DarkFather]

Hmm... I've posted some strange thread posts in my years, but this may well take the cake.

I'm giving full credit for all the work in this post (and possibly my next one) to Cyclops/Bruce. He has done all the work on my TR Bucket for me, and will be painting it as well. This has been a huge help for both myself and Arienh as it has allowed me to give my full concentration to Arienh's TD build.

I will post the basic descriptions of the pics that follow, and maybe Cyclops can add info if he feels so inclined.

When I first took the TR Bucket to Cyclops' house (during him helping Arienh and I with her TD build, it was simply painter's taped together. With his help we trimmed the bucket and started the bonding/building of the two halves. Cyclops contacted me shortly after our return to Bundaberg to tell me he wasn't happy with how the bucket went together (and a molding problem on one of the 'fold joins') and that he was separating it and wanted to start again, and also would be needing to do some heat work to the 'fold join' in question.

A week later Cyclops contacted me again. He had done the heat work on the fold join and had rebonded the halves together. He had also bogged and sanded back the bucket. The guy is a freaking machine, I swear.

Sanded, bogged, and built, Right Side:


Sanded, Bogged, and Built, Left Side:


6 hours later, I get some more pics and info.

Spray putty coat Left Side:


Spray putty coat Right Side:


I also received a pic to show how the bucket sat on some robes. The robes being for someone else. Luckily my shoulders are quite a bit wider, so the Bucket should look really nice (size-wise) on my build:


Today I received some more pics. In earlier pics I noticed, and mentioned, the edges where the bucket halves met (at the bottom of the bucket). I felt terrible mentioning them, what with all this awesome work Cyclops was putting into MY bucket. But I wasn't questioning his work, just asking how the process went. Cyclops is very patient with n00bs like myself, and I can't thank him enough for that.

Edges repaired and ready for first coat of underspray:


15 minutes later, I get these two pics sent to me...

First coat of Underspray applied, Front:


First coat of underspray, Left side:


As I stated before. I give full credit to Cyclops for all his work so far on my TR Bucket, and for the next lot of pics I get from him. His work has not only helped me immensely as far as my TR is concerned, but by taking thi on for me, he has inadvertently helped Arienh and her TD build as well. For all of that, I, no WE, can't thank him enough.

[Darth Dog]

Looking good DF. Pike turned out nice.

[Redgirl41]

This looks great!!

[DarkFather]

Thanks for the kind words Darth Dog and Redgirl.

Firstly - Kudo's to both you Redgirl and you Darth Dog for having the skills to do your own buckets. I was completely lost on the whole building and bondo'ing part of the build. I'm extremely lucky to be a member of the Redbacks and the 501st. The guys and girls in the Redbacks are simply fantastic. They really hold true the mantra of 'Troopers helping Troopers'.

I just wanted to post some more pics sent to my from Cyclops on the progress of the bucket.

First coat of colour. Much wet'n'dry sanding still to do before the next coat:








The way the colour changes in different light is amazing. Also, Cyclops being the perfectionist that he is doesn't like the match between the colour of the helmet and the outer robes, so he wants to do at least another coat. This bucket is turning out to be a piece of art.

[Redgirl41]

Thank you! I'm still learning. I'm going to wet sand my helmet and paint it again to clean it up a bit.

[Darth Dog]

Nice job. Love me some shiny paint.