A couple of first steps, and matching helm questions!

[kaa1304]

Greetings all!

As i said in my "hello", I'm lucky enough to have got an MLC Helm for a good price. It's smooth and primed.

I would add, in case I seem lacking in knowledge, that the RG was to be my second costume, next year. But the helm is sitting here just begging me to get started! I haven't even figured out which RG to go for, so, I have a couple of little questions...

1. Is this helm good for all RGs? I would prefer ROTJ if possible.

2. How on earth do I paint it and get the shiny finish? My first thought is a car spray shop, given that it's fibreglass.

3. When I put it on my nose sticks out the visor. Stop laughing. Is there a usual way of padding it to the correct place?

And a picture:



Thanks all, and I look forward to getting, well...

[bdgr]

kaa1304,

Welcome. Your MLC helmet looks very nice. Answers to your questions:

Greetings all

As i said in my "hello", I'm lucky enough to have got an MLC Helm for a good price. It's smooth and primed.

I would add, in case I seem lacking in knowledge, that the RG was to be my second costume, next year. But the helm is sitting here just begging me to get started! I haven't even figured out which RG to go for, so, I have a couple of little questions...

1. Is this helm good for all RGs? I would prefer ROTJ if possible.

2. How on earth do I paint it and get the shiny finish? My first thought is a car spray shop, given that it's fibreglass.

3. When I put it on my nose sticks out the visor. Stop laughing. Is there a usual way of padding it to the correct place?

1. Yes, from my understanding there is no real difference between the ROTJ, AOTC, and ROTS Royal Guard helmets.
2. Fill and sand any gaps, dents, or cracks to get a nice smooth surface for the primer coats. Apply coats of red paint that matches as close to your outer robes. Let completely dry and Wet sand between the coats. Then apply a few layers of glossy clear coat. Or you can get it professionally done at an auto paint shop. Personally, after spending an eternity trying to get everything perfect with my two RG helmets, I would go the auto paint shop route if you can afford it.
3. Stick some foam at the top of the inside of the helmet to help raise it.

Looking at your MLC RG helmet picture, the small lip at the top of the visor needs to be removed.

Best of luck on your build.

[MagnaPrime]

1. The helmet looks fine. Technically there is a shallower "hood" portion of the helmet for ROTS. This has only really been an issue for some Shadow guards though, as the broader hood is a bit more difficult with shoulder bells unless you happen to be broad shouldered, and isn't a requirement.

2. I absolutely agree. If you can afford to get it done at an autoshop, do it. But otherwise bdgr is spot on the money.

3. My nose doesn't stick, though it does press up a bit on the visor. Honestly, I wind up using my brow as a squeegee during longer troops, but that's because I'm too cheap to have invested in a fan yet.

[kaa1304]

Looking at your MLC RG helmet picture, the small lip at the top of the visor needs to be removed.

Hi, thanks for posting. I've been looking for the lip, compared to the shot on the rotj crl (http://www.501st.com/databank/File:TR_ROTJ_Helmet.jpg) and I just can't see it - which bit am i looking at exactly?

3. My nose doesn't stick, though it does press up a bit on the visor. Honestly, I wind up using my brow as a squeegee during longer troops, but that's because I'm too cheap to have invested in a fan yet.

I was planning on fan(s), though not sure where exactly. I have them in my TK helm, at mouth level. I figured once I know where to pad this RG helm, for support, I'll see where I can put fans.

Thanks both!

[bdgr]

The lip that I'm talking about is right above the top of the visor opening. I was using the Royal Guard images on Starwarshelmets.com ( http://www.starwarshelmets.com/Original ... elmets.htm ) as reference. Some of the screen images show a small lip and sometimes you can't see it due to the angle of the camera. Looking at your MLC more it appears to be a little larger then what I'm use to, but should be fine. You can try to sand it down a little at a risk of damaging your helmet, but if you don't have an issue with it, then just leave it.

[stripes]

I see nothing wrong with this helmet.

You've been given some great advice on how to make sure you have your helmet matching your costume... the biggest thing is find your fabric first as it's A LOT easier to match paint to the fabric then doing it the other way around (not to mention less time consuming and less costly)

One thing to remember is keep your paint and clear coat from the same manufacturer as you don't want to chance a chemical reaction causing you a big problem. I would also make sure that the paint you choose works with fiberglass... preferably something that will bond with the surface so that it doesn't flex or peel off on you.

Just some added info to consider.

[kaa1304]

The lip that I'm talking about is right above the top of the visor opening. I was using the Royal Guard images on Starwarshelmets.com ( http://www.starwarshelmets.com/Original ... elmets.htm ) as reference.

Ah I can see it now, the rotj helm doesnt have that totally straight edge along the top for sure. TBH I've never done anything with fibreglass... not sure how confident I am I may just leave it.

You've been given some great advice on how to make sure you have your helmet matching your costume... the biggest thing is find your fabric first as it's A LOT easier to match paint to the fabric then doing it the other way around

Excellent advice, thanks

Well, hopefully I'll get going on it with these facts, although still have to work on my OH's Boushh as well. Go go go!

cheers all