Cybernetic Arm Mods_WIP

[Zul Veyrde]

I had an idea to include a cybernetic arm design into my overall look. After researching, I saw this design and thought, since it is very reminiscent of stormtrooper armor, it was very much what I was looking for. I'm working up a very basic mock-up right now out of card board TP and Paper towel tubing and lots of tape. Initially its very bulky and not at all as sleek.

I intend to work up some sketch ideas for a working template. As I'll be working over the next six days, I won't have any time, yet.

If anyone wishes to beat me to it feel free. (Gimme my partial credit at least ).

Any ideas for materials? I was thinking of asking if anyone can make the armor plating out of sintra or even metal. (Im not good with either, so I'd leave it to one of the Master smiths here...)

Maybe a collaboration for eventual sale?
If so, how much?
Ideas? Comments?

[Kav'an Hatfield]

I'd say thin styrene or sintra could work, but the fingers would be the real tricky part. 

[Zul Veyrde]

Oh yeah i forgot to mention just from the wrist up...I'm looking into using crushgaunts.

[Spanner Murraan]

The only problem I see is that this particular robotic arm doesnt look anything like it came from the Star Wars universe.  The ones seen in universe were much more industrial looking, like a Droid arm.  Like this:



OR the internals of Lukes:


The one your posted in the OP looks too sleek, too clean to be from Star Wars.  Its more like Eve from Wall-E crossed with I,Robot.

I think it would be more fun, and looks cooler to build something that maybe looked like a well placed spitwad would destroy it, or that it was 3 years over-due for a cleaning. 

[Zul Veyrde]

good point... Ill be on the look out for something else, if possible.

[VerdaOriramikad]

Personally I think it could be a base for the arm, look at the covering of Luke's, my suggestion is add slices or broken pieces and have wires and circuit boards exposed, kinda like you decided to take a cybernetic arm and put something like stormtrooper armor on it to protect the mechanism. Proper weathering would be needed and it should work.

[Dral Buurenaar]

I thinks its a cool design. You hear alot of people commenting on the  Starwars look but as diverse as the Starwars universe is supposed to be  not everything is going to be dingy and stripped down. I understand trying to keep a common "Feel" but there should be allowances to stray away once in a while just to add some variety. Good luck with the Build!

[Kelan Ord]

The only problem I see is that this particular robotic arm doesnt look anything like it came from the Star Wars universe.  The ones seen in universe were much more industrial looking, like a Droid arm.

That's right, if you think Original trilogy... But if you look at Grievous' arms and hands from the prequels... You can see a design a little bit similar... I think you could easily merge that industrial look with that arm design and come up with something very SWarsy...

[Ghostwalker]

instead of sintra or metal I'd do a plaster cast of my arm, ceran wrap and fiberglass the plates.
guaranteed perfect fit first time out, sturdy and less of a hassle all round.
I doubt templates will work well and I know they wont work for the vast majority of everyone else as human arms vary wildly.

also guys keep in mind that the industrial/ grungy feel of SW can easily be painted or tacked onto the arm later.

[Spanner Murraan]

I thinks its a cool design. You hear alot of people commenting on the  Starwars look but as diverse as the Starwars universe is supposed to be  not everything is going to be dingy and stripped down. I understand trying to keep a common "Feel" but there should be allowances to stray away once in a while just to add some variety. Good luck with the Build!

The first picture I posted was Anakin's robotic arm.  Variety is great, as long as it doesnt stray too far, since we are trying to replicate a trademarked aesthetic.

[VerdaOriramikad]

The first picture I posted was Anakin's robotic arm.  Variety is great, as long as it doesnt stray too far, since we are trying to replicate a trademarked aesthetic.

Very true but it was Anikin's arm without and covering. If you look at episode 3, you can't tell his arm was cybernetic. I agree that we have to maintain a level of style but it's better to try something new, which can be explained in universe then never try anything new and not keep looking for the next cool thing. My option is try it and see how it goes

[Spanner Murraan]

Very true but it was Anikin's arm without and covering. If you look at episode 3, you can't tell his arm was cybernetic. I agree that we have to maintain a level of style but it's better to try something new, which can be explained in universe then never try anything new and not keep looking for the next cool thing. My option is try it and see how it goes

Sure.  Then maybe we could try a "Q" shaped visor.  The T-visor is getting a bit over-done, dont you think?  And then maybe instead of a jetpack, we can just use some gundam parts.

Do you see where that thought line can take us?  I am not saying to not experiment and make something your own, I am saying do so while still holding to the Star Wars aesthetic.

And the reason you cant tell Anakins arm was cybernetic was because of the huge gauntlet he wore over it made of thick leather.  The general Grievous example is also kind of moot because other than the two triangular armor plates, the underside is all pistons, wires and tie rods.  The armor plates are a basic, triangular shape, not a complex, sleek series of curves that resemble a human arm painted white.

But hey, its Zul's kit.  Bottom line is this: do what you like, but whatever you end up doing, make it looks like it just walked off the screen. Quality craftsmanship should be the main goal.

[Dral Buurenaar]

What constitutes Starwars Aesthetics exactly?  Hans Falcon or Padme's Nubian transport? Two very divergent design styles but both cannon "Iconic" starwars looks.  One dingy and industrial and one sleek and artistic...............

[Kav'an Hatfield]

What constitutes Starwars Aesthetics exactly?  Hans Falcon or Padme's Nubian transport? Two very divergent design styles but both cannon "Iconic" starwars looks.  One dingy and industrial and one sleek and artistic...............

I did like the Naboo starfighters....

FOCUS!  Well some of the high dollar droids in EPIII looked pretty streamlined and smooth compaired to the others.  It's "do-able" but would be several long hours of work.  If you have it in you, go for it. 

I wouldn't use fiberglass personally since that could get heavier than you might want. 

[Hagen Nor'ak]

I think as far as look, the most streamlined look your going to get in cybernetics would be Anikans upgraded arm:

Atleast from a cannon point of view when Anikan got this one, he was on the top of his Game ( a Jedi Knight with a credit card that the senate picked up the tab and a War hero) So I think it'd be safe to say that he would have the best credits and his own ability could make. But even as streamlined as his is, it still has major componits like the piston shaft showing.
There are also bunch of diffrent cybernetics in Star Wars Galaxies and I know that barely hangs on the ranks as any type of cannon, but it could be another thing to just get some idea's from. I'll see if I can find a link or post some pics latter today for you to ponder over.

Have a good one,
Hagen