Build Planning

[imm0rtal reaper]

Started the process of cutting the plates out today. The jigsaw made cutting much easier, but I couldn't get a straight enough line to risk cutting the plates out exactly, so I've had to leave space around the template. I'm finishing the job with a pair of modelling clippers. It's slow going but I'm comfortable with them and know I can get a nice straight line with them.

Here's a comparison between a dremel cut piece, with the W.I.P jigsaw/clipper combo:



I've probably spent a minute cutting the piece with the jigsaw and maybe ten minutes with the clippers so far, versus the 2+ hours it took to do the other one with a dremel.

[Tracyn Ordo]

Do whatever you feel is best vod. I do like your colour scheme though! Not that I'm biased toward red mandos or anything though

[imm0rtal reaper]

Do whatever you feel is best vod. I do like your colour scheme though! Not that I'm biased toward red mandos or anything though

The new route is certainly quicker. Managed to finish cutting a shoulder, the gut plate and most of the cod this evening. I also started thinking about a sidearm. In keeping with maintaining a low cost to the build I dug out a £1 revolver I had from Halloween and started cutting:



I removed the hammer (a lot of the SW pistols I looked at didn't have them) and I plan on filling in the detail running along the body side of the barrel (the little line set into the bottom of the barrel) I also plan on filling the cylinder so it doesn't look so much like it's holding bullets.

That scope is a placeholder. The revolver is actually quite large, but the scope (an AK47 toy part) makes it look tiny. I plan on taking the LED in the scope and housing it in the body of the revolver so that it lights up (which will look awesome in the holes on the barrel.



EDIT:

Finished cutting out the plates out from the bin. Still need to go in and trim each plate though. Laid some of them down to give you an idea:



Couldn't fit the rest of the lower plates, or the back plate in frame so this is all you get. Hopefully I'll have all the plates trimmed by the end of the week. Then there really isn't any option but to buy the flightsuit/vest and get forming! I plan on trimming, forming and fitting all the plates before buying the helmet, then I'll paint and weather it all in one go.

[Vindar Falco]

looking good. That pistol looks awesome BTW

[Nate Jangotat]

Some very nice work bud - watching with interest 

[imm0rtal reaper]

looking good. That pistol looks awesome BTW

Some very nice work bud - watching with interest 

Thanks guys. I've been slowly progressing with the trimming. The majority of the armour is done now. Just one shin frill, the cod frill (not even sure if I'll use it yet) boot plates (same here again, might alter the shape before application) and the back plate.





I did a test forming last night on a spare diamond piece I'd cut from a curved piece of plastic. The first pass worked ok, but didn't completely straighten it out. So I popped it in some cold water and tried again. The second attempt melted the piece -_- so it will be case of moving much slower in the next try. I've been considering using a hair-dryer to gently and evenly heat the areas that need to be flattened. Anyone have any experience with a hair-dryer?

In other news, the undersuit I order was refunded, apparently the stock was damaged. So I've had to get a slightly different one from elsewhere. A little annoying but hopefully it will be here by Monday.