tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30658603923944240592024-03-05T10:19:17.594-05:00I make my own funAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16479611945829975882noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3065860392394424059.post-49562646226506016452012-11-05T12:43:00.003-05:002012-11-05T12:43:44.277-05:00Scheduling<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks to my last post, <a href="http://imakemyownfun.blogspot.com/2012/10/taking-and-giving.html">Taking and Giving</a>, I've got some ideas for my next few projects. First I need to clean out my garage because, if you've read my <a href="http://imakemyownfun.blogspot.com/2012/10/headcrab-zombie.html">headcrab zombie</a> post, I've got a lot of junk laying around my garage floor. Once all that's gone, I can properly arrange my tools and make a more workflow-oriented area. Then, after I've finally gotten things back to normal in there, I'll begin work on the following.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRo8X6RdxziL7FFIYnBa9Yw-KlR5iaMvRTkmRow9hhP8lnXX_IV" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRo8X6RdxziL7FFIYnBa9Yw-KlR5iaMvRTkmRow9hhP8lnXX_IV" width="102" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First, I'm gonna tackle the omni tool, from the Mass Effect series, as requested by Pixelthing. I'm thinking some properly cut / shaped orange plexiglass and some clever lighting will make this quite awesome. Additionally, she requested that it include the blade, so some kind of spring mechanism needs to be included. If I can get the circular parts at the hand to rotate, that'd be even cooler! We'll see, though. The electronics may wind up limiting the total number of moving parts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSeB_Iy6FN-jd0vCR03lj8x70YR3OsDQDGBOdbajERequ8NT5UYG5QIyw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSeB_Iy6FN-jd0vCR03lj8x70YR3OsDQDGBOdbajERequ8NT5UYG5QIyw" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the omni tool, comes the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, from the eternal Monty Pytyon and the Holy Grail. This was one of the items suggested by Ben Hastings, amongst other items from the same film. I opted to go with the hand grenade because I haven't seen any replicas online that do it justice. I plan on including the full wooden box lined with red velvet as well, to complete the package. After all, the grenade itself is little more than a sphere with some aesthetic peripherals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_057bYhfuqoo9T8ehSqd4oOiR7erjVNJt4F5_JWfTNOgoPlsl" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_057bYhfuqoo9T8ehSqd4oOiR7erjVNJt4F5_JWfTNOgoPlsl" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, one of my IRL friends suggested Rick Deckard's blaster from Blade Runner. This is a largely favorite and widely-replicated prop, so I've got my work cut out for me. The translucent orange hand grip will be interesting to figure out, but I figure I can manage the rest with some woodworking and detailed paint jobs. Good thing there are tons of reference photos out there for someone like me trying to make one from scratch.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After I've got these complete and sent off to their new owners (if they wind up liking / wanting them), then I've got an idea for something I want to make for myself. Since, as noted in the Skyrim Iron Helmet post, my wife has been playing lots of Skyrim lately, it's rekindled my own addiction to the game and now I want to make just about everything I see in-game. But I can only do so much, so I've got my eye on this Dwemer helmet:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRGDmc-yKMzRQPCDxh6brEwZeE9b7Zo-keikhvUIlqgM4hnCVg9Hw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRGDmc-yKMzRQPCDxh6brEwZeE9b7Zo-keikhvUIlqgM4hnCVg9Hw" /></a></div>
So I've got some fun ahead of me! Woohoo!<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16479611945829975882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3065860392394424059.post-51548088192124809492012-10-30T12:37:00.002-04:002012-10-30T13:54:36.096-04:00Taking and giving<div style="text-align: justify;">
So this post is a bit of an announcement / cry for help. I really want to better myself regarding this whole prop replica-making thing (because, as it turns out, it is all kinds of crazy fun to do). Eventually it would be super awesome to sell some creations but I'm nowhere near that level yet, and if I want to get to that level, I need to practice. So, what, then?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So give me ideas. If you give me an idea for something to make, and I make it, and you like the results (and if it's not cripplingly-cost-prohibitive), it's yours. Free*.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So please, leave a comment or whatever with something you think would be awesome to see come to life. Please note I will only work from suggestions posted in the comments below, so that there is a documented chronology to requests. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Thanks! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*yes, an exception! Free except shipping and handling, which would be determined at the time of shipping</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16479611945829975882noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3065860392394424059.post-12213387987855024382012-10-28T17:03:00.000-04:002012-10-28T17:03:01.900-04:00Headcrab Zombie<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So for a long time I've wanted to make a Half-Life costume. Originally, I wanted to do Gordon Freeman, and I even got so far as printing out the giant pepakura model and started gluing a bunch of cut-out polygons together. But life wound up making me put that project to rest when I moved to a small apartment with my (then) girlfriend (who is now my wife) and space was simply not available. Now that we have a house together and I have room to do extensive costuming, I'm back in business! So what do I do? A Half-Life costume! But I've seen some Gordon Freeman costumes online and, honestly, not many impressed me. Also, I'm losing my hair a bit and nobody wants to see a balding Gordon.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090527202725/half-life/en/images/b/b9/Headcrab_Standard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090527202725/half-life/en/images/b/b9/Headcrab_Standard.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Figure 1 - a headcrab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_980600155"></span><span id="goog_980600156"></span><br />
So I opted for another iconic Half-Life costume: the Headcrab Zombie.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="text-align: justify;">For those who don't know, headcrabs are small annoying quadrupedal parasites whose bodies consist of a big udnerbelly mouth and no eyes. These little buggers walk around and lunge at you, with the idea being that they swallow your head and (through some implicated cranial penetration) bend you to their will. Both headcrabs and the sad sods whose minds they've taken over (hereafter referred to as headcrab zombies) are enemies in the Half-Life series of games.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090527180426/half-life/en/images/8/83/Zombie_HL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090527180426/half-life/en/images/8/83/Zombie_HL2.jpg" width="75" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Figure 2 - a headcrab zombie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided on this costume about mid-September and began hurriedly thinking of ways to accomplish this. There are some big challenges, and some small challenges. Right off the bat, the major components are:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>headcrab mask/helmet</li>
<li>lab coat (in Half-Life 1, they were scientists)</li>
<li>finger tendrils</li>
<li>eviscerated cavity</li>
<li>lots of blood</li>
</ul>
<div>
As noted above, in Half-Life 1, the victims were formerly scientists at the Black Mesa research facility. In Half-Life<sup>2</sup>, they were just civilians in civilian-issue clothes. I opted for the former, so I required a lab coat. That's easy enough to find and acquire, though. The fingers are elongated and usually blackened, so a simple gloved solution presents itself. I'm forgoing the eviscerated torso in the interest of time, because the headcrab itself will likely be fairly time-consuming.<br />
<br />
It took me a fair while to decide how I was going to approach the headcrab and what I ultimately wanted to use for its construction. I refused to use the headcrab hat that Valve sells, as that seems to simple a cop-out. I had to create it myself. I considered sewing a plushie together, perhaps with some kind of gloss to it so that it was squishy yet had a sheen like some kind of organic, but I ultimately settled on something more solid.<br />
<br />
Having seen it done in other admirable props, I decided to make the plunge and go foam / fiberglass for the first time. Being brand new to this method, I was actually quite unaware of what a pain in the ass fiberglass can be to work with. But, I researched a few things and forged ahead. One crucial detail I learned the hard way, however, was that fiberglass resin acts as a solvent for foam. Fortunately for me, this was a good project on which to learn this lesson, because the added bumpiness makes it looks better, in my opinion. Anyways, on with the show.<br />
<br />
I knew I wanted to have the whole thing mounted on a flip-up face protection visor, so I went out and purchased one of those at Home Depot. Next, my wife had some old modeling wire mesh that I glued to the visor just to get a base for the foam.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRWHSzkbR-PkLvTPMnq-ExB9GlXtuFYlYOfkxiDPSHq2VwuE3RTF4j7jdxoAnL5rx5WZ6aZmj6kb5viQ_WBG9TZbSwR_lYXNmPR8bgfDjM_VHKD1WmYdeHrU55jpqVU95vd96G6HEXjY/s1600/CAM00074.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRWHSzkbR-PkLvTPMnq-ExB9GlXtuFYlYOfkxiDPSHq2VwuE3RTF4j7jdxoAnL5rx5WZ6aZmj6kb5viQ_WBG9TZbSwR_lYXNmPR8bgfDjM_VHKD1WmYdeHrU55jpqVU95vd96G6HEXjY/s320/CAM00074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once that was in place, I sprayed a whole can of spray-foam insulation around it in the general shape of the headcrab body.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qf_AtDrWLDc/UHVIBuQybsI/AAAAAAAAD3k/mPBRzQ91EBc/s1600/CAM00077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qf_AtDrWLDc/UHVIBuQybsI/AAAAAAAAD3k/mPBRzQ91EBc/s320/CAM00077.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Following this, I just used an old kitchen knife (now no longer used for food) and shaped it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRJo_SmWzD8/UHS5lvQwCiI/AAAAAAAAD2M/p6B6EpTAP0s/s1600/CAM00082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRJo_SmWzD8/UHS5lvQwCiI/AAAAAAAAD2M/p6B6EpTAP0s/s320/CAM00082.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Some filling of gaps and reshaping later, I wound up with what I felt was a good shape for the torso.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afSJmWo0HL0/UHS5SKsxxUI/AAAAAAAAD18/CIMV98VC3sM/s1600/CAM00084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afSJmWo0HL0/UHS5SKsxxUI/AAAAAAAAD18/CIMV98VC3sM/s320/CAM00084.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I struggled with a good cheap way to do the legs, and ultimately stumbled across some old rigid electrical conduit in my basement. I cut them to size and used some Crayola Model Magic to form joints and claws.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdAbU4s5rgc/UHXy6xWS3DI/AAAAAAAAD5I/ve4Va53PpvU/s1600/CAM00088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdAbU4s5rgc/UHXy6xWS3DI/AAAAAAAAD5I/ve4Va53PpvU/s320/CAM00088.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKrXk163TV0/UHXysrVoeOI/AAAAAAAAD5A/Pztd9wj7tvs/s1600/CAM00089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKrXk163TV0/UHXysrVoeOI/AAAAAAAAD5A/Pztd9wj7tvs/s320/CAM00089.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
However, I was displeased with how the front legs joined to the body, so I used some MORE spray-foam insulation and shaped those out. Then I carved the mandible teeth things in the front and began adding fiberglass strips.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SNGeveJugE/UHrbU-da1FI/AAAAAAAAD54/dT35GCA8mIQ/s1600/CAM00091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SNGeveJugE/UHrbU-da1FI/AAAAAAAAD54/dT35GCA8mIQ/s320/CAM00091.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXp1YanGQMQ/UHrbJlihxtI/AAAAAAAAD5w/PyGWHIYCSIg/s1600/CAM00092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXp1YanGQMQ/UHrbJlihxtI/AAAAAAAAD5w/PyGWHIYCSIg/s320/CAM00092.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After the whole thing was covered in a layer of fiberglass (except for the legs, those are getting done after the body is complete), parts were just no good and needed to be sanded and fixed. Additionally, I wanted at least an extra layer for structural support, especially for the leg connections. So I had to clip off a bunch of stray strands and layers, and then sand it all down. You can see my workshop on the pile of carpet pad in the garage (good thing to use as a dropcloth for fiberglass resin drippings).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfTILIk4TykSvyHBvhH-h5hhEh9os9IwiLfZqR1FupILivoAeHSEBpEl1eivrDBazxeNJ3noO3gpPMUt5Qui8qQW7H0Do5735zbI6FUrOusPnrcdDpdY4EBrDWmXJYIwexS7X9F_L7KU/s1600/CAM00094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfTILIk4TykSvyHBvhH-h5hhEh9os9IwiLfZqR1FupILivoAeHSEBpEl1eivrDBazxeNJ3noO3gpPMUt5Qui8qQW7H0Do5735zbI6FUrOusPnrcdDpdY4EBrDWmXJYIwexS7X9F_L7KU/s320/CAM00094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clipped, unsanded</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97xRaDbtRBs/UH3Rq7_anwI/AAAAAAAAD7k/JvahinAfguU/s1600/CAM00095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97xRaDbtRBs/UH3Rq7_anwI/AAAAAAAAD7k/JvahinAfguU/s320/CAM00095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now sanded</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sax7W0PcoFg/UH3RhRdTPiI/AAAAAAAAD7c/tMQc2Jhdk2w/s1600/CAM00096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sax7W0PcoFg/UH3RhRdTPiI/AAAAAAAAD7c/tMQc2Jhdk2w/s320/CAM00096.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51CNVmmHjI4/UH3RO-0_t9I/AAAAAAAAD7M/P4bc0M6MQu4/s1600/CAM00098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51CNVmmHjI4/UH3RO-0_t9I/AAAAAAAAD7M/P4bc0M6MQu4/s320/CAM00098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Again, obviously there is some topical turbulence due to the resin dissolving the foam a little bit. Also, there are some glaring holes in the fiberglass that will need to be re-layered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfiOOJoyV7I/UH3QjP03jQI/AAAAAAAAD6k/fx2s0tJ_MRc/s1600/CAM00103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfiOOJoyV7I/UH3QjP03jQI/AAAAAAAAD6k/fx2s0tJ_MRc/s320/CAM00103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyc94T2HDYaaIgOxuXL3YiLHsXPmT5MIg8Q9ZYT8OFa_ZYDoEXD97jNXX4HPp7I12CbJnLPwMTEZ6O8RM0y5dM4LGjmG5Q5teR8wAF_vncClQ99zOFULFOdidxNaCA3drWPDGmSXy3_w/s1600/CAM00100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyc94T2HDYaaIgOxuXL3YiLHsXPmT5MIg8Q9ZYT8OFa_ZYDoEXD97jNXX4HPp7I12CbJnLPwMTEZ6O8RM0y5dM4LGjmG5Q5teR8wAF_vncClQ99zOFULFOdidxNaCA3drWPDGmSXy3_w/s320/CAM00100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIpDWHy8xvjXy8PKs8ad0icxFbj5yP2Nd7yOJHXCPkUxV03LPZcpVij0abeEfyLn0aFkM97IjXzOya_yx3hBnsrZhTbfFMR3b1qVXEbdynz1v1z7G_dGQxjPEDMGaNa_U2s_hjje1Ke8/s1600/CAM00101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIpDWHy8xvjXy8PKs8ad0icxFbj5yP2Nd7yOJHXCPkUxV03LPZcpVij0abeEfyLn0aFkM97IjXzOya_yx3hBnsrZhTbfFMR3b1qVXEbdynz1v1z7G_dGQxjPEDMGaNa_U2s_hjje1Ke8/s320/CAM00101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another layer of fiberglass...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ8YQmBPoguH8K1d0gLgh0yJ91VixuTyMh70RPowTroywaEOaLPH3Hu3lPT38Cd7_ObuFeyI263iNKlSLPb00oTXqRmzGF8rlfHz7Mtz46pRGK2pBmiH_eSUgrHJwkI86F34-tf5JiEs/s1600/CAM00112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ8YQmBPoguH8K1d0gLgh0yJ91VixuTyMh70RPowTroywaEOaLPH3Hu3lPT38Cd7_ObuFeyI263iNKlSLPb00oTXqRmzGF8rlfHz7Mtz46pRGK2pBmiH_eSUgrHJwkI86F34-tf5JiEs/s320/CAM00112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqTtIfFLvi8/UICEKddwgbI/AAAAAAAAEAA/vup28jr6Amc/s1600/CAM00111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqTtIfFLvi8/UICEKddwgbI/AAAAAAAAEAA/vup28jr6Amc/s320/CAM00111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sanded and then primed to show me what spots I've missed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZw0bODdamw/UICEKaBTtFI/AAAAAAAAEAA/DdIG1SWUKpw/s1600/CAM00113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZw0bODdamw/UICEKaBTtFI/AAAAAAAAEAA/DdIG1SWUKpw/s320/CAM00113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiTxJjbLwUEt8jnXdS8hKHyNayO9PZ_C2wWoNmsXmde6UODIDNsDudzpyWpVv1Luir_1_iwMwn2EWvBtR2GIfyTLez0_Eg0hm3o3ZK3s4zU5fJkwjdhNk4fWThp0QKLjIhrFCSCcyRwI/s1600/CAM00114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiTxJjbLwUEt8jnXdS8hKHyNayO9PZ_C2wWoNmsXmde6UODIDNsDudzpyWpVv1Luir_1_iwMwn2EWvBtR2GIfyTLez0_Eg0hm3o3ZK3s4zU5fJkwjdhNk4fWThp0QKLjIhrFCSCcyRwI/s320/CAM00114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And sanded, showing detail of spots that need to be cleaned up</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA0oIowH6bZyQN8t76SsWd9toyqKe0fTnM74dLmzHIpSF0I4kVT9x9YA6rNKeudkwA0Fe_dofzis7FpGkZVn57QQAEDZxIQgvayPvzruzEN9j42_7QeB6LfvaqS2Q1E0vMTYtetFiQ3s/s1600/CAM00122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA0oIowH6bZyQN8t76SsWd9toyqKe0fTnM74dLmzHIpSF0I4kVT9x9YA6rNKeudkwA0Fe_dofzis7FpGkZVn57QQAEDZxIQgvayPvzruzEN9j42_7QeB6LfvaqS2Q1E0vMTYtetFiQ3s/s320/CAM00122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQNHZnQvByU/UIHbHBVVrGI/AAAAAAAAEBA/GDfVdSxU3HU/s1600/CAM00123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQNHZnQvByU/UIHbHBVVrGI/AAAAAAAAEBA/GDfVdSxU3HU/s320/CAM00123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now with a ton of Bondo applied to smooth out the fiberglass cloth texture, as well as to fill lots of divots...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHJ3wP2RoBBfBgiz1JgkI9vXN05oMie-3gwCwx9QYZgnId0C0hj0krUz8fFlrjIQPrd9RboFiHm-731QtcIZKJOZfCUcU50cLJWroptJk08c9hdUSw0MNKKbWXlNyp0wh1Y6zo06LdH8/s1600/CAM00124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHJ3wP2RoBBfBgiz1JgkI9vXN05oMie-3gwCwx9QYZgnId0C0hj0krUz8fFlrjIQPrd9RboFiHm-731QtcIZKJOZfCUcU50cLJWroptJk08c9hdUSw0MNKKbWXlNyp0wh1Y6zo06LdH8/s320/CAM00124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And with the front claws finally added. Ready to be painted...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M3bRCeNVdJI/UIXJWjtILzI/AAAAAAAAEEc/nWRG_bI2fTs/s1600/CAM00131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M3bRCeNVdJI/UIXJWjtILzI/AAAAAAAAEEc/nWRG_bI2fTs/s1600/CAM00131.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I painted the headcrab somewhat, but noticed that there were glaring holes that needed to be filled in. So I've done that, and will resand / repaint.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-5_TSZfwms/UIcBHuAqWDI/AAAAAAAAESM/9fhIptM1HP4/s1600/CAM00140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-5_TSZfwms/UIcBHuAqWDI/AAAAAAAAESM/9fhIptM1HP4/s1600/CAM00140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_uLeVsw86qLA0cD5p3zSNb_dUSLMTo91qRelnjBXnh0o-qKcLHrkN_fMnWNilMdHz-0Ath_9w1Xwk-CgLrQFLtWbfDI1x-I8Dv3tQ64Ef2mxh5iMOy8ENEEB0tKI5ZwJLDoGbjnK86I/s1600/CAM00139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_uLeVsw86qLA0cD5p3zSNb_dUSLMTo91qRelnjBXnh0o-qKcLHrkN_fMnWNilMdHz-0Ath_9w1Xwk-CgLrQFLtWbfDI1x-I8Dv3tQ64Ef2mxh5iMOy8ENEEB0tKI5ZwJLDoGbjnK86I/s1600/CAM00139.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All painted, and as complete as I'm gonna get it. Once I wear it at the party, I and it will be splattered with fake blood.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6W0UEwGgGY/UIhrozy65ZI/AAAAAAAAETI/O5D4ViSL4fU/s1600/CAM00143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6W0UEwGgGY/UIhrozy65ZI/AAAAAAAAETI/O5D4ViSL4fU/s1600/CAM00143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_KFvFPc4ck/UIhsAUXKqqI/AAAAAAAAETQ/lwE2YZIvLnA/s1600/CAM00142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_KFvFPc4ck/UIhsAUXKqqI/AAAAAAAAETQ/lwE2YZIvLnA/s1600/CAM00142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16479611945829975882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3065860392394424059.post-19159642501973123202012-10-25T19:01:00.000-04:002012-10-25T19:01:18.232-04:00Dovahkiin Iron Helmet<div style="text-align: justify;">
My wife's recently been playing a lot of Skyrim, and so when deciding upon Halloween costumes for this year, she naturally gravitated toward Dovahkiin. She set out on replicating the studded armor, but she was without helm. Being that she works a lot and has little free time, I volunteered to make the helmet for her while she tailors and sews the rest of her armor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I took this project up 9 days before our Halloween party, excited about trying my hand at something like this and, at the same time, nervous about the time crunch (my own costume is still not complete!).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I started with some screenshots from the game from four different perspectives.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2dMMHcDBav_jYsp4dLg2TWfC3LlCrOaeEOpaMvkk0-f14WWXZJGpftlGcuW8Yq-fLg2NBdZU_gCwckttVg3iDWiBDG5UVU8y9uK0WYUjD7f4JxMFdZ3ZmRJj7gZKJvWXjn6n1SoQ2OM/s1600/skyrim+helmet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2dMMHcDBav_jYsp4dLg2TWfC3LlCrOaeEOpaMvkk0-f14WWXZJGpftlGcuW8Yq-fLg2NBdZU_gCwckttVg3iDWiBDG5UVU8y9uK0WYUjD7f4JxMFdZ3ZmRJj7gZKJvWXjn6n1SoQ2OM/s1600/skyrim+helmet.png" width="320" /></a></div>
And because patience isn't always a virtue of mine, I just rather sloppily traced the important bits of the helm that I would use to carve out the shape.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbdE6zvuOIm-aT05JLf9l8v8yWCQ83m0j237fk7fO3Y9VjIOvWXecxUCAe-vMTMnqGNBI4cWEP0CMzrflSOGXZad6h3-JPVs65tm_yzWrkPt78xDYyoxj0KloDgFX9jf8kIUL0gBd99s/s1600/skyrim+helmet+sketch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbdE6zvuOIm-aT05JLf9l8v8yWCQ83m0j237fk7fO3Y9VjIOvWXecxUCAe-vMTMnqGNBI4cWEP0CMzrflSOGXZad6h3-JPVs65tm_yzWrkPt78xDYyoxj0KloDgFX9jf8kIUL0gBd99s/s1600/skyrim+helmet+sketch.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here I have stacked a bunch of EPS boards, glued together. From this I will carve the helmet out with an old kitchen knife (that is now no longer to be used for food). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWAGNUyy1B5tyzzcLFFEMcvPy0IFwTbNM3lseac7NKL58u4k4iLOhMFrq-TPid-YuHMnpY3aYwKtK2fbmJilUULxj4zqrbESWIT-Ag0j3g_FwJM-c0_q3KmXCSj0iOuwYs9xuZ7xL51Q/s1600/CAM00110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWAGNUyy1B5tyzzcLFFEMcvPy0IFwTbNM3lseac7NKL58u4k4iLOhMFrq-TPid-YuHMnpY3aYwKtK2fbmJilUULxj4zqrbESWIT-Ag0j3g_FwJM-c0_q3KmXCSj0iOuwYs9xuZ7xL51Q/s1600/CAM00110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here are a couple shots of the carved shape<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8INmqAIdes/UIHcXtTW0FI/AAAAAAAAECI/3qM21jiYinM/s1600/CAM00115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8INmqAIdes/UIHcXtTW0FI/AAAAAAAAECI/3qM21jiYinM/s1600/CAM00115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuRhb4Hj0h_C_vSb7EKOjAi3Q5RCHzoShsLZzaupAZO6Ru2Q_Ucu_2ofNuP6JU0hK5QQXJ2z7EyEUUNg8RXARp6Uet7Zhw9hb_PZ9MzEZ-m_yd9V7jIJk93xAWfPRYehzPweZ034jP78/s1600/CAM00116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuRhb4Hj0h_C_vSb7EKOjAi3Q5RCHzoShsLZzaupAZO6Ru2Q_Ucu_2ofNuP6JU0hK5QQXJ2z7EyEUUNg8RXARp6Uet7Zhw9hb_PZ9MzEZ-m_yd9V7jIJk93xAWfPRYehzPweZ034jP78/s1600/CAM00116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Painted with some leftover standard wall paint, to seal the foam from the next step's Bondo resin. Without sealing, the resin would dissolve the foam, which would be bad.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9xTC1T6PLin4VL-gjQgXIncDlc8wOm1eT7g2MsOCSE6efSqOX1slxu0HL4Daz29IZ7QThHuYk4C864wRKN64yO3ARjYmtn_B7y9bLWmAHRzZw7YVq4heyj8Lyc6SAsPHn7EajbgPznU/s1600/CAM00118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9xTC1T6PLin4VL-gjQgXIncDlc8wOm1eT7g2MsOCSE6efSqOX1slxu0HL4Daz29IZ7QThHuYk4C864wRKN64yO3ARjYmtn_B7y9bLWmAHRzZw7YVq4heyj8Lyc6SAsPHn7EajbgPznU/s1600/CAM00118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With (many) applications of Bondo and (a lot) of sanding, the helmet is now primed and hollowed out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PuDUfKaKMM/UISAVT3pXcI/AAAAAAAAEDs/6lpjOPZgqaM/s1600/CAM00125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PuDUfKaKMM/UISAVT3pXcI/AAAAAAAAEDs/6lpjOPZgqaM/s1600/CAM00125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FUU9vibc-A/UISAOWwv0XI/AAAAAAAAEDk/aMWFvuxEU-A/s1600/CAM00127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FUU9vibc-A/UISAOWwv0XI/AAAAAAAAEDk/aMWFvuxEU-A/s1600/CAM00127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here is a shot of the hollow portion of the helmet. You can see that the EPS still constitutes a fair chunk of the helmet interior. I will be sealing this so as to not infect my wife's hair with little bits of pink foam, and painting accordingly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZQJp6_wTl4/UISAHliW6JI/AAAAAAAAEDc/0FeVAU4TssM/s1600/CAM00128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZQJp6_wTl4/UISAHliW6JI/AAAAAAAAEDc/0FeVAU4TssM/s1600/CAM00128.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The horns were constructed from more EPS glued together. The rough shape was cut using a 9" bandsaw, and then finer shaping was done via belt sander.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0lkoMebOjg/UISADcRNfUI/AAAAAAAAEDU/FM_UxMKaVJQ/s1600/CAM00129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0lkoMebOjg/UISADcRNfUI/AAAAAAAAEDU/FM_UxMKaVJQ/s1600/CAM00129.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The helmet is painted black first to get inside all the nooks and crannies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEChaNcNvCE2QaP1Z-yK97zYjr6aBP1ZAcRn9skAmQs1Gl3IAduxyTZvAjptDuZR0qg8-bL03KHO-UczU1uBStn-zOVtFnw5rAs9WS8D_sfwbGgsoDEjL99KnqTR2-sHscIZwBuTTOzgU/s1600/CAM00130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEChaNcNvCE2QaP1Z-yK97zYjr6aBP1ZAcRn9skAmQs1Gl3IAduxyTZvAjptDuZR0qg8-bL03KHO-UczU1uBStn-zOVtFnw5rAs9WS8D_sfwbGgsoDEjL99KnqTR2-sHscIZwBuTTOzgU/s1600/CAM00130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Disaster! I noticed a few things that were displeasing to me, and so major surgery needed to be performed. The left side horn mount protruded too far and needed to be cut back. Also, there are seams and more banding around the helmet that needed to be added.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UndLpB5Eois/UIXHStMCSFI/AAAAAAAAEEM/FFKCgiqgmhA/s1600/CAM00132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UndLpB5Eois/UIXHStMCSFI/AAAAAAAAEEM/FFKCgiqgmhA/s1600/CAM00132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here you can see the horn mount positions have been trimmed back, and I added rivets for reinforcement (and aesthetics). Additionally, the rear of the helmet has been fixed to be more like the actual in-game helmet, what with the two-layer effect and the chunks cut out there in the middle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxqesoNgviU/UIXHZX-0CZI/AAAAAAAAEEU/BC_FWLuax9g/s1600/CAM00133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxqesoNgviU/UIXHZX-0CZI/AAAAAAAAEEU/BC_FWLuax9g/s1600/CAM00133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The horns, covered in Crayola model magic. Unfortunately, it seems that the model magic has a propensity to shrink when it dries, so they're cracked all over. I may just wind up using Bondo on these as well, followed by painting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTGzBCzbkUiSYgV-z4xmXXkf4ezDfLMlqcRpGl8yiF8JMb3smUrPmirm_5j2uPtKh8G07FW6ajb2Po3lDMCuKJ97xQvWv5bqUnHw73NyX4CsutvGE-fa6prfDtljkK2AXTPNoOlfrvKs/s1600/CAM00134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTGzBCzbkUiSYgV-z4xmXXkf4ezDfLMlqcRpGl8yiF8JMb3smUrPmirm_5j2uPtKh8G07FW6ajb2Po3lDMCuKJ97xQvWv5bqUnHw73NyX4CsutvGE-fa6prfDtljkK2AXTPNoOlfrvKs/s1600/CAM00134.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here we have the helmet with the silver paint rubbed over the black. I think it gives it a beautiful iron look and finish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSCSCxv8U5s/UIcBkQfjRJI/AAAAAAAAESc/u25kR9zdyNc/s1600/CAM00137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSCSCxv8U5s/UIcBkQfjRJI/AAAAAAAAESc/u25kR9zdyNc/s1600/CAM00137.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBi6wkmbk4A/UIcB19R_X_I/AAAAAAAAESk/BnQIRWR5vr8/s1600/CAM00136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBi6wkmbk4A/UIcB19R_X_I/AAAAAAAAESk/BnQIRWR5vr8/s1600/CAM00136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCOZcJRqKL8/UIcCKVWK6OI/AAAAAAAAESs/_NX9jd6K0LE/s1600/CAM00135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCOZcJRqKL8/UIcCKVWK6OI/AAAAAAAAESs/_NX9jd6K0LE/s1600/CAM00135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD0S5z-td1b9tbUzw-FxG9lFCfCUOsb6DLPatfZ-_h07n61_N3Zcur4B0ay84aI45w9_iUbE2AfYOB4cO6V3TuXMtUoGL4uAaqkMhy7scG3i5OVoiK8glhcEo05ls5IU6V8N2LrWWwDM/s1600/CAM00145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD0S5z-td1b9tbUzw-FxG9lFCfCUOsb6DLPatfZ-_h07n61_N3Zcur4B0ay84aI45w9_iUbE2AfYOB4cO6V3TuXMtUoGL4uAaqkMhy7scG3i5OVoiK8glhcEo05ls5IU6V8N2LrWWwDM/s1600/CAM00145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TCynPP-g7Yg/UIhsn2bs-cI/AAAAAAAAETg/B4sV-APVbb8/s1600/CAM00144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TCynPP-g7Yg/UIhsn2bs-cI/AAAAAAAAETg/B4sV-APVbb8/s1600/CAM00144.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iprXjOVcwQ/UIhtMSpTbXI/AAAAAAAAETw/AcjlzYBBpaM/s1600/CAM00147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iprXjOVcwQ/UIhtMSpTbXI/AAAAAAAAETw/AcjlzYBBpaM/s1600/CAM00147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZVdEd2QiyCCCqEEBbK9B5M9VXapd84tiuM8VLMtcgbO60aYAKV0L1k8LnE8t8EgsOPBJ62JvVYmPaWRZdrTm7TNt25NX-0_ocPaVKzVqmoL_DIh-ZEco9Hk6hrhwmzxcaPyf7VPNr1A/s1600/CAM00148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZVdEd2QiyCCCqEEBbK9B5M9VXapd84tiuM8VLMtcgbO60aYAKV0L1k8LnE8t8EgsOPBJ62JvVYmPaWRZdrTm7TNt25NX-0_ocPaVKzVqmoL_DIh-ZEco9Hk6hrhwmzxcaPyf7VPNr1A/s1600/CAM00148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHzDESfm4yw/UIhs7jfw74I/AAAAAAAAETo/a5mn9b2PmVQ/s1600/CAM00146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHzDESfm4yw/UIhs7jfw74I/AAAAAAAAETo/a5mn9b2PmVQ/s1600/CAM00146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA93iqBr3uFbd1cXFiJ97CnnZPCk4KdYeBdXFAYwet2UTh39_RePiKI-LNidE8XNMiOH0JAUUuWfW0ZifTDfbwjZ71VuzUbTOckKbMOMKtE78isVFSQz1SI3JMtvRM69_LN0BiRyKvz8/s1600/CAM00149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA93iqBr3uFbd1cXFiJ97CnnZPCk4KdYeBdXFAYwet2UTh39_RePiKI-LNidE8XNMiOH0JAUUuWfW0ZifTDfbwjZ71VuzUbTOckKbMOMKtE78isVFSQz1SI3JMtvRM69_LN0BiRyKvz8/s1600/CAM00149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">And here is the finished helmet! Horns and all!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXkbCWgz_cvOCa5_xOKc-pIDtnghKzymGqsASDRicPi8oB8eI6x_ur93fNEltQXr9LD3LxZvI2ukUznl_cmuPXw_47x9LhrzlvjabxBetadiAFrxUnC1hJLWeB6ktOp8n2eSHYJNGIYw/s1600/CAM00155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXkbCWgz_cvOCa5_xOKc-pIDtnghKzymGqsASDRicPi8oB8eI6x_ur93fNEltQXr9LD3LxZvI2ukUznl_cmuPXw_47x9LhrzlvjabxBetadiAFrxUnC1hJLWeB6ktOp8n2eSHYJNGIYw/s1600/CAM00155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO-PZigJYQ7OLmvE4P9tqttqUiYbaxC8CfikM2MbjE3jGPAQA6af04RwhYJix1AAOBUxKR8n71sgZafllwKfvMRbZZh0-MH8K3_6xbq-FNb-hY8GvNg2kWEQtDWod8WTSyd97ZPC1Vas/s1600/CAM00154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO-PZigJYQ7OLmvE4P9tqttqUiYbaxC8CfikM2MbjE3jGPAQA6af04RwhYJix1AAOBUxKR8n71sgZafllwKfvMRbZZh0-MH8K3_6xbq-FNb-hY8GvNg2kWEQtDWod8WTSyd97ZPC1Vas/s1600/CAM00154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexITJwiNxbYSp8TscFeK1nOGTTwGUtEIZ5gfI_bskdI1MEJa67QCG2v8gREDvLQ5zt2VQ2NWrD749jHongI8uV23wfT5ltamF8gb9Yx4jPdtqL7XDnv-r3LWJ2ixEqdVWKYhgWXTWBD0/s1600/CAM00152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexITJwiNxbYSp8TscFeK1nOGTTwGUtEIZ5gfI_bskdI1MEJa67QCG2v8gREDvLQ5zt2VQ2NWrD749jHongI8uV23wfT5ltamF8gb9Yx4jPdtqL7XDnv-r3LWJ2ixEqdVWKYhgWXTWBD0/s1600/CAM00152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wdtYa60HXI/UIm4vlDRIdI/AAAAAAAAEUw/xXJCU2kSN4k/s1600/CAM00153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wdtYa60HXI/UIm4vlDRIdI/AAAAAAAAEUw/xXJCU2kSN4k/s1600/CAM00153.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Due to time and material constraints, I opted against the ribbed horns, and instead made them smooth. I used a satin ivory paint for the base, then a satin summer squash, followed by satin espresso. I then used a paint brush to drag the paint across while wet to give it the grainy organic look.<br />
<br />
So this helmet is actually pretty huge. It's definitely a larger scale than was necessary, but you live and you learn. It sadly looks a little ridiculous on my wife, considering she's not very big, but for Halloween, it turned out as well as I could hope for a first attempt at something like this.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16479611945829975882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3065860392394424059.post-11937305665374518632012-10-23T06:06:00.000-04:002012-10-23T13:59:52.986-04:00Proton Pack<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's a confession: I love Ghostbusters. Ever since I was a little kid, I've been infatuated with the movies and the cartoon. I've always wanted to be a Ghostbuster and so, for Halloween of 2009, I decided to be one.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I made this decision early in the year, in about March, so that I could get to work early. I found blueprints online (which I later found out had been long derided by the larger proton-pack-making community as being not close enough to screen-accurate) and began assembling items. Being that I wasn't all that concerned with being super screen-accurate, I had no qualms with using dimensions largely condemned by the community.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, and one more thing - I wasn't making just one proton pack. No, I was going to make four, for myself and three friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By Halloween.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started by making just mine, and then once I felt I'd had it down, I made the other three. I'm basically going to unload a ton of pictures here, with intermittent descriptions because there are just too many. Also, I remember almost *none* of the names for the individual pieces, so please forgive my crude descriptions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
We start with a cardboard stencil of the main plate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZxgdLUqepE1Quf6jdkiTFyONQDzcjKGBWbJO48nrEEDOPBWiZFotgYy2q-DpRxHgDlek3y8FnBdrkLKoFTZLG592rDTPsXhOa47j-OVeiWtFF4oerdB1WUZKXMwFBAmKPLtXJZeJNuU/s1600/motherboard+stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZxgdLUqepE1Quf6jdkiTFyONQDzcjKGBWbJO48nrEEDOPBWiZFotgYy2q-DpRxHgDlek3y8FnBdrkLKoFTZLG592rDTPsXhOa47j-OVeiWtFF4oerdB1WUZKXMwFBAmKPLtXJZeJNuU/s1600/motherboard+stencil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then cut out in wood and painted. Throughout this project, I got overly excited and began painting things piecemeal, rather than waiting for everything to be completed first. Oh well. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soQVYuX_P_k/ThfTFFFrQwI/AAAAAAAABqo/BwelureGpq8/s1600/motherboard+painted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soQVYuX_P_k/ThfTFFFrQwI/AAAAAAAABqo/BwelureGpq8/s1600/motherboard+painted.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With standoffs glued in place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc39B8MqevsLuS03q0eq_jiSHDHQtWTFUo4E5dRc49wyH0kIkfNQSqHWvq1MfPH5AIqR9cMaswyld8VlM3ffBDz7Gw2QD7PH8mHQvhcnrTdMpOCWjhyphenhyphen2uHCuLX4rjVQB9QJDeFXZlxnw/s1600/motherboard+with+mounts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc39B8MqevsLuS03q0eq_jiSHDHQtWTFUo4E5dRc49wyH0kIkfNQSqHWvq1MfPH5AIqR9cMaswyld8VlM3ffBDz7Gw2QD7PH8mHQvhcnrTdMpOCWjhyphenhyphen2uHCuLX4rjVQB9QJDeFXZlxnw/s1600/motherboard+with+mounts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And the piece that goes on top of those standoffs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMV0VOnTOt8/ThfS-a4IsAI/AAAAAAAABoU/pZ8YIN0Pq3g/s1600/cyclotron+baseplate+painted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMV0VOnTOt8/ThfS-a4IsAI/AAAAAAAABoU/pZ8YIN0Pq3g/s1600/cyclotron+baseplate+painted.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I think this was called the "EPA Box".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpT_ZI2J2kmRxVpXeGw4At28t6RJB3ZY31vA1uQ61lb1GHnZ5YvrK5Z0UgYxVhIHfX5-u7CYQ-o9mTwy6qX98oND0YN_C_p0pSTzd9RtAv6DK23KekO06tRrTloZy7fx7_-_oB7HYkrs/s1600/eda+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpT_ZI2J2kmRxVpXeGw4At28t6RJB3ZY31vA1uQ61lb1GHnZ5YvrK5Z0UgYxVhIHfX5-u7CYQ-o9mTwy6qX98oND0YN_C_p0pSTzd9RtAv6DK23KekO06tRrTloZy7fx7_-_oB7HYkrs/s1600/eda+box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And this is the "Power Cell"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6IwhjYsm0w/ThfTIfCXyOI/AAAAAAAABr0/1GDZzxRuIW4/s1600/power+cell2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6IwhjYsm0w/ThfTIfCXyOI/AAAAAAAABr0/1GDZzxRuIW4/s1600/power+cell2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdkIvg3MElo/ThfTGR8hw9I/AAAAAAAABrM/9qUTnpxUkhw/s1600/overall+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdkIvg3MElo/ThfTGR8hw9I/AAAAAAAABrM/9qUTnpxUkhw/s1600/overall+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I glued a nut in place for securing the pack to an army backpack frame.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCiiyIowEU4/ThfTAaUj1zI/AAAAAAAABpI/WYHoSRzBO6Q/s1600/fastener_bolt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCiiyIowEU4/ThfTAaUj1zI/AAAAAAAABpI/WYHoSRzBO6Q/s1600/fastener_bolt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A bunch of stuff assembled and spackled.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4rFhkkQ3Ik/ThfS9wPm_WI/AAAAAAAABoM/0kZcCXPX_S0/s1600/cosmetic_plating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4rFhkkQ3Ik/ThfS9wPm_WI/AAAAAAAABoM/0kZcCXPX_S0/s1600/cosmetic_plating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft2CN_pacrY/ThfTIkT523I/AAAAAAAABr8/wIio15pjQ6E/s1600/power+cell+disconnect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft2CN_pacrY/ThfTIkT523I/AAAAAAAABr8/wIio15pjQ6E/s1600/power+cell+disconnect.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I believe this is called the "Gearbox Assembly". I realized after the pack was complete that I have too many notches on the top. I rectified it in the other three packs and took the incorrect one for myself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeqBKSdaxn8/ThfS-EoJ0FI/AAAAAAAABoY/GeTtuwUWsuM/s1600/crank+generator+gearbox+and+hga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeqBKSdaxn8/ThfS-EoJ0FI/AAAAAAAABoY/GeTtuwUWsuM/s1600/crank+generator+gearbox+and+hga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Working in the laundry room. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgCN_l7NhAs/ThfTGyuHVZI/AAAAAAAABrQ/8UQB0GHeYHw/s1600/overall+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgCN_l7NhAs/ThfTGyuHVZI/AAAAAAAABrQ/8UQB0GHeYHw/s1600/overall+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A closeup of some parts in place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5ZOn3kpzRE/ThfS4C0YjpI/AAAAAAAABmA/o1Ea8G-n6VA/s1600/tubes+and+stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5ZOn3kpzRE/ThfS4C0YjpI/AAAAAAAABmA/o1Ea8G-n6VA/s1600/tubes+and+stuff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A regular 9"Ø cake pan with holes cut in it<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMsu2jVfQ8c/ThfS-se3E5I/AAAAAAAABog/ZgaCYsLgHFA/s1600/cyclotron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMsu2jVfQ8c/ThfS-se3E5I/AAAAAAAABog/ZgaCYsLgHFA/s1600/cyclotron.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And big ol' washers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryBn4WbQXE_iYMdgS4AoR8BPUG5o_ZqCiAAA-EYDDVsqkxWhfI331-Q0_TQsSgOcEvojcyYuhTKOqjSmaOLP-zmibO3QikH94cKHlrnc08TKNK5WPnxKCHykqBkpok-7wuMDrcpmDq04/s1600/cyclotron_washers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryBn4WbQXE_iYMdgS4AoR8BPUG5o_ZqCiAAA-EYDDVsqkxWhfI331-Q0_TQsSgOcEvojcyYuhTKOqjSmaOLP-zmibO3QikH94cKHlrnc08TKNK5WPnxKCHykqBkpok-7wuMDrcpmDq04/s1600/cyclotron_washers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Another assembly preview shot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIZ1b7d6Y5M/ThfS5Kn2juI/AAAAAAAABmY/K6Pf1T93q2M/s1600/Copy+of+45bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIZ1b7d6Y5M/ThfS5Kn2juI/AAAAAAAABmY/K6Pf1T93q2M/s1600/Copy+of+45bottom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFnqv1JYGXg/ThfS3w04mMI/AAAAAAAABl8/U0QxKSNp9q4/s1600/top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFnqv1JYGXg/ThfS3w04mMI/AAAAAAAABl8/U0QxKSNp9q4/s1600/top.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicanmXVlXpiZ6_cGp2Hi632uSPyJHiGWtiAb0OJl-TrzrFhE7Q9uc6Jb77u_XKchEdr7EuWU0fqKJTZ_o6GNyRWh181tWzs3-9ueF-gAcXhPEBmTuF1B9dECMhJSIAV8hGwXta2IjdMM8/s1600/hga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicanmXVlXpiZ6_cGp2Hi632uSPyJHiGWtiAb0OJl-TrzrFhE7Q9uc6Jb77u_XKchEdr7EuWU0fqKJTZ_o6GNyRWh181tWzs3-9ueF-gAcXhPEBmTuF1B9dECMhJSIAV8hGwXta2IjdMM8/s1600/hga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This was some kind of small ladder piece. This pic reminds me of bacon. Mmm... bacon...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6YyB15Y1QxThqssZCToQ7FViMTFn2U3PdHg76_q8z_WN6aBKjt6SyJFJ45udNgw2-eq0dfeylJC3HgxBwltVCHpBGBBuHPnPtRKqWg5OrDKc20yqlJNnuCXjF8QNMxC11PCilqTcAo8/s1600/Copy+of+boosterladder1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6YyB15Y1QxThqssZCToQ7FViMTFn2U3PdHg76_q8z_WN6aBKjt6SyJFJ45udNgw2-eq0dfeylJC3HgxBwltVCHpBGBBuHPnPtRKqWg5OrDKc20yqlJNnuCXjF8QNMxC11PCilqTcAo8/s1600/Copy+of+boosterladder1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With the rungs and spackled...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHwIaQYO7OR8zbSMlnxZ28HCiWF_1Ym6q9Tpq1z0csf6atyuOPRFkEnwLM4uchTqRtI5Eo_YnWzl1IVPdDorI_nL_FIxpGsk8DLdi_AegI0wKIc0E0rkfqk_mQNHbIF7qv0rS_MpOkrE/s1600/boosterladder3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHwIaQYO7OR8zbSMlnxZ28HCiWF_1Ym6q9Tpq1z0csf6atyuOPRFkEnwLM4uchTqRtI5Eo_YnWzl1IVPdDorI_nL_FIxpGsk8DLdi_AegI0wKIc0E0rkfqk_mQNHbIF7qv0rS_MpOkrE/s1600/boosterladder3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOxJqCGesmJ30ESDHh3Zp_rWcA0OoQSCO9HQrUUYu4iKOuniPNh34AxRRWuEQD5balxhsXV7tc7rPnIVqMxEd9NEydMGpdZazNXyOBTCnWG3cnvpTwUtbH7CPoarx0B6iGpqgssyk1fc/s1600/Copy+of+boosterladder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOxJqCGesmJ30ESDHh3Zp_rWcA0OoQSCO9HQrUUYu4iKOuniPNh34AxRRWuEQD5balxhsXV7tc7rPnIVqMxEd9NEydMGpdZazNXyOBTCnWG3cnvpTwUtbH7CPoarx0B6iGpqgssyk1fc/s1600/Copy+of+boosterladder2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Getting ready to spackle some of the cosmetic plating around the circumference of the bottom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejYlR8642fg/ThfS3jkDWWI/AAAAAAAABl0/0_JeK-lvD5k/s1600/spackle%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejYlR8642fg/ThfS3jkDWWI/AAAAAAAABl0/0_JeK-lvD5k/s1600/spackle%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89zO3m3SEZ5RgN2hFBsoyTVvcC3QOzq1zHukeNYsx21RwbPhhUicsQT7wxF2CoBPjE-pLjoh9hbpk8qv4H5kE9nXOPPcLEGXdXgL5YopgiPor2S3NhSMa_fQXPeVJbhPXTde1J3aIvRA/s1600/cosmetics2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89zO3m3SEZ5RgN2hFBsoyTVvcC3QOzq1zHukeNYsx21RwbPhhUicsQT7wxF2CoBPjE-pLjoh9hbpk8qv4H5kE9nXOPPcLEGXdXgL5YopgiPor2S3NhSMa_fQXPeVJbhPXTde1J3aIvRA/s1600/cosmetics2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOYv4W8zdS0/ThfS9xQY9tI/AAAAAAAABoI/YeLG-BZrSJQ/s1600/cosmetics1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOYv4W8zdS0/ThfS9xQY9tI/AAAAAAAABoI/YeLG-BZrSJQ/s1600/cosmetics1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the band that secures the "Cyclotron" in place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haz0W2IHDu0/ThfS54zYE3I/AAAAAAAABms/_zHYk_J7GTI/s1600/Copy+of+bumper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haz0W2IHDu0/ThfS54zYE3I/AAAAAAAABms/_zHYk_J7GTI/s1600/Copy+of+bumper1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyy7Pc_PnHMLve3nQUDpPeoHkp3T6-cQ00JxUcvF9C1zAnUpinNvLc4tV1fYbiDTsAqQ5123hN30t3KLl4psie4-GuYb7EO8TmDo7X9IUB_VGAtPwJh3E_9DaOdOuTuR7Og7WFvQTrsU/s1600/bumper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyy7Pc_PnHMLve3nQUDpPeoHkp3T6-cQ00JxUcvF9C1zAnUpinNvLc4tV1fYbiDTsAqQ5123hN30t3KLl4psie4-GuYb7EO8TmDo7X9IUB_VGAtPwJh3E_9DaOdOuTuR7Og7WFvQTrsU/s1600/bumper2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used some joint compound to fill in the corners and beveled them out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqwG2yq4_jU/ThfS9WHAgyI/AAAAAAAABn8/XQVuAdWPqsI/s1600/bumper_finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqwG2yq4_jU/ThfS9WHAgyI/AAAAAAAABn8/XQVuAdWPqsI/s1600/bumper_finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Assembled and painted black. This is the first time it's looking like an actual proton pack!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6l3MhVANWKQ/ThfTF7t44EI/AAAAAAAABrA/Qia7IuKXVwI/s1600/ohboy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6l3MhVANWKQ/ThfTF7t44EI/AAAAAAAABrA/Qia7IuKXVwI/s1600/ohboy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlGxAlebe4RRZkYhXwvELwAesSECJffjfl0Hv8rp7oC2IKOcU2r2ybO-ya74vbqkeDNP6unnxjHhit0skjvS-ebq5axhnedvuDyTZBuv_jP4bplHoFwJoxcJzgaH9Rr_MCyxcBDPFf2M/s1600/feb20-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlGxAlebe4RRZkYhXwvELwAesSECJffjfl0Hv8rp7oC2IKOcU2r2ybO-ya74vbqkeDNP6unnxjHhit0skjvS-ebq5axhnedvuDyTZBuv_jP4bplHoFwJoxcJzgaH9Rr_MCyxcBDPFf2M/s1600/feb20-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Various angles...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpPasLcXokA/ThfTAvwOQLI/AAAAAAAABpU/6WGpQR42K68/s1600/feb16-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpPasLcXokA/ThfTAvwOQLI/AAAAAAAABpU/6WGpQR42K68/s1600/feb16-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_HUER9AlrQ/ThfTAz6KRWI/AAAAAAAABpQ/6Qcr1fdb7GE/s1600/feb16-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_HUER9AlrQ/ThfTAz6KRWI/AAAAAAAABpQ/6Qcr1fdb7GE/s1600/feb16-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rpe7E6mUd54/ThfTBDusIQI/AAAAAAAABpg/A-6EQlBd4aI/s1600/feb16-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rpe7E6mUd54/ThfTBDusIQI/AAAAAAAABpg/A-6EQlBd4aI/s1600/feb16-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I started by making my own gunbox for the actual handheld wand. I eventually purchased a mold online of the box and used that instead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ58hLI3Q4o/ThfTD9qBxHI/AAAAAAAABqQ/Tyh8D_ie_hQ/s1600/gunbox3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ58hLI3Q4o/ThfTD9qBxHI/AAAAAAAABqQ/Tyh8D_ie_hQ/s1600/gunbox3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhOGGyXvujI/ThfTDUzfl6I/AAAAAAAABqM/03qWfTG34A0/s1600/gunbox1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhOGGyXvujI/ThfTDUzfl6I/AAAAAAAABqM/03qWfTG34A0/s1600/gunbox1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2NMCktTjLo/ThfTD1z1QoI/AAAAAAAABqU/rGVe2hOVoTk/s1600/gunbox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2NMCktTjLo/ThfTD1z1QoI/AAAAAAAABqU/rGVe2hOVoTk/s1600/gunbox2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_YtY5oYrUc/ThfTCklDweI/AAAAAAAABp4/rGYVDwfIqEA/s1600/gun1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_YtY5oYrUc/ThfTCklDweI/AAAAAAAABp4/rGYVDwfIqEA/s1600/gun1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SUdbwTKqU1cgxz5rfQnQfK0RXrkMjEgMwiPADcmSUG8nNsnOUbckOABgKGH4QySFf-snf-r1ioU-PTE-hzQZEdfk2FdH2fZjZN4sXaMYbV0SZpKEfEtxA8nraBR9qefM8svgy4UhIMc/s1600/gun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SUdbwTKqU1cgxz5rfQnQfK0RXrkMjEgMwiPADcmSUG8nNsnOUbckOABgKGH4QySFf-snf-r1ioU-PTE-hzQZEdfk2FdH2fZjZN4sXaMYbV0SZpKEfEtxA8nraBR9qefM8svgy4UhIMc/s1600/gun2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUhZrFNfkDI/ThfTAB7V8gI/AAAAAAAABo8/98FL2gfQPiA/s1600/elbows2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUhZrFNfkDI/ThfTAB7V8gI/AAAAAAAABo8/98FL2gfQPiA/s1600/elbows2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdQIICnHmqo/ThfTACURIII/AAAAAAAABpA/wtIemabgKLc/s1600/elbowspainted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdQIICnHmqo/ThfTACURIII/AAAAAAAABpA/wtIemabgKLc/s1600/elbowspainted.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfapxL8bYi8/ThfS_pIhqsI/AAAAAAAABo0/D5dmWdheTDA/s1600/elbowhga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfapxL8bYi8/ThfS_pIhqsI/AAAAAAAABo0/D5dmWdheTDA/s1600/elbowhga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgSCERY6L8Y/ThfS_jWlLVI/AAAAAAAABpE/y5WGAJpMVUU/s1600/elbowionarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgSCERY6L8Y/ThfS_jWlLVI/AAAAAAAABpE/y5WGAJpMVUU/s1600/elbowionarm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGPd2o_u6SM/ThfTCZoqQAI/AAAAAAAABp0/EyZrUNjNyQk/s1600/feb22-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGPd2o_u6SM/ThfTCZoqQAI/AAAAAAAABp0/EyZrUNjNyQk/s1600/feb22-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aky3r8FRU6A/ThfTCDQXRwI/AAAAAAAABpw/IsNWwCqcMYc/s1600/feb22-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aky3r8FRU6A/ThfTCDQXRwI/AAAAAAAABpw/IsNWwCqcMYc/s1600/feb22-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I soldered an LED chaser circuit and tested it inside the power cell. Sadly, I never finished the electronics and the packs remain without fun lights to this day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW10KousqCUGfpBVAzYO2FL_wu_hALASFHHsWAJFKskhDYg39xxYRdulFNvLYaduyOvrYC4KZsrY8XPGcoEtlGFEQ7j2anvmNE6aP5JVw0U0GqOQfagPGIjDVo8SswM5fLz_bYZwA5yTE/s1600/feb20-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW10KousqCUGfpBVAzYO2FL_wu_hALASFHHsWAJFKskhDYg39xxYRdulFNvLYaduyOvrYC4KZsrY8XPGcoEtlGFEQ7j2anvmNE6aP5JVw0U0GqOQfagPGIjDVo8SswM5fLz_bYZwA5yTE/s1600/feb20-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Some weathering. Just silver paint on a rag, rubbed lightly over corners to give the illusion of metal showing through black paint.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtolWkoAEk7X1ahWROlm2F8K1mCXziJAj5gSiox_uqN_e5O7Se5FHRlzH9TVw6f_67phJ2eklndH6iwd_U-mA6z27jW6vbFO3OQBN3tOempbpCcwokosuZgjZeocWeuSleCAkXSCGqHQ/s1600/packweather2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtolWkoAEk7X1ahWROlm2F8K1mCXziJAj5gSiox_uqN_e5O7Se5FHRlzH9TVw6f_67phJ2eklndH6iwd_U-mA6z27jW6vbFO3OQBN3tOempbpCcwokosuZgjZeocWeuSleCAkXSCGqHQ/s1600/packweather2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOLJ_r1YDHC5wOQbztIZFXg09UYKwGfG63yR6aSlVRzplsSaR5CN7DGnD7V583sIA0q1XKLxHUcT1VV9S_oOpRttke0sHGP-bPtjAL8GoFInAUu2dKxWWurTvRAIc2PNQUrPskKdZjbY/s1600/packweather1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOLJ_r1YDHC5wOQbztIZFXg09UYKwGfG63yR6aSlVRzplsSaR5CN7DGnD7V583sIA0q1XKLxHUcT1VV9S_oOpRttke0sHGP-bPtjAL8GoFInAUu2dKxWWurTvRAIc2PNQUrPskKdZjbY/s1600/packweather1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCyA5l7QMCIfHwgwqDRoKBNjcy82H8ALy5bOnnIBHA6F61fvORsj-KFOGQ37xJIwm1Rx676IDapWsC4D8HrDh38kESt-Zcf2p3mSJ3q1aFCsp-RP2hBxsgFaVGqO5b8BDju3NZOStYxk/s1600/packweather3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCyA5l7QMCIfHwgwqDRoKBNjcy82H8ALy5bOnnIBHA6F61fvORsj-KFOGQ37xJIwm1Rx676IDapWsC4D8HrDh38kESt-Zcf2p3mSJ3q1aFCsp-RP2hBxsgFaVGqO5b8BDju3NZOStYxk/s1600/packweather3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The four packs lined up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WZPhRKkalFQaqnKO_ksOCJ8I279MJcXt8c-dlHCuTYtxaff0rTlkK7ezOA1Jx6N_-efAuaopvmhGRZB6RuDOmraZIT3rIf145UJ-tY43NFaFQYoa53dZfGXsnI27XuV60iaSY8yX4Gk/s1600/allfour9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WZPhRKkalFQaqnKO_ksOCJ8I279MJcXt8c-dlHCuTYtxaff0rTlkK7ezOA1Jx6N_-efAuaopvmhGRZB6RuDOmraZIT3rIf145UJ-tY43NFaFQYoa53dZfGXsnI27XuV60iaSY8yX4Gk/s1600/allfour9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG_Cqv96jWVQybQrcFFLylelsqZnSqoB5Be7A7PTgytd4llStW0rEwl4wF0BSuWc67cbUs7FAkqyR_iHQ15oqdBVwEpTjUqQSMmxI7Ls5JqG91iFvXV62_7lBUP9B6Z6Ga6DJg3eLeFY/s1600/allfour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG_Cqv96jWVQybQrcFFLylelsqZnSqoB5Be7A7PTgytd4llStW0rEwl4wF0BSuWc67cbUs7FAkqyR_iHQ15oqdBVwEpTjUqQSMmxI7Ls5JqG91iFvXV62_7lBUP9B6Z6Ga6DJg3eLeFY/s1600/allfour2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpJVDFwAv9AZpj-3-3jFDOKhl4jnxLonHADixtnnERX6vrB5mz_iglX_cxUSNwis80aCAWPx96Dc8B11_lGun2i31nUpxSELXEKKgVxjvsHD2bw-uMLihu7OWFXGlPMwk1o06mIpPwks/s1600/allfour7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpJVDFwAv9AZpj-3-3jFDOKhl4jnxLonHADixtnnERX6vrB5mz_iglX_cxUSNwis80aCAWPx96Dc8B11_lGun2i31nUpxSELXEKKgVxjvsHD2bw-uMLihu7OWFXGlPMwk1o06mIpPwks/s1600/allfour7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, all four complete with wands and weathered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vdlup1Fiwk/ThfS76xtLPI/AAAAAAAABnU/0OvaZcET0QI/s1600/10-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vdlup1Fiwk/ThfS76xtLPI/AAAAAAAABnU/0OvaZcET0QI/s1600/10-29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a lot of fun on Halloween. My wife dressed up as a zombie bride and posed for photos. Some Photoshop later, and she was a <i>ghost</i> zombie bride, and we four were busting her. We went to a bar later that night for a costume contest and won $300. W00t!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YvLCcI4v9m4/Thc2eJ6KQPI/AAAAAAAABu8/os5Jj7eRnNQ/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YvLCcI4v9m4/Thc2eJ6KQPI/AAAAAAAABu8/os5Jj7eRnNQ/s1600/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sadly, the other three packs sit in various stages of ruin in their respective owners' homes. Mine is in tact on the wall in my man cave, with the jumpsuit hanging next to it on a hanger. It's my pride and joy :)</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16479611945829975882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3065860392394424059.post-91308655568860299332012-10-18T19:45:00.002-04:002012-10-30T10:57:57.786-04:00Love and Hate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.falloutwiki.com/images/thumb/9/95/Love_and_Hate.png/260px-Love_and_Hate.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.falloutwiki.com/images/thumb/9/95/Love_and_Hate.png/260px-Love_and_Hate.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The in-game model</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My wife's favorite game of all time is Fallout: New Vegas, and her favorite weapon to use in that game is a pair of brass knuckles called "Love and Hate". For her birthday one year I decided to make these for her.<br />
<br />
I didn't exactly photodocument their construction at all, but at least I can put these pictures here. The main part was made out of MDF, the letters were cut out of thin balsa wood, and the spikes were a wooden dowel sharpened with a pencil sharpener. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsISVWicMmoPz1AlOsH0yzPllhpa0EISTz6BZDzdBNStXpx0RJkd3yk6z_BoLg8_pVwnqE5hVKZbDpqs7L4eFMi2FcH_ha2FOyqGWUdKu7NACTn8Oq7Tx18pkIEaWTw_OQSi_uIZd8YY/s1600/2011-12-21+18.18.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsISVWicMmoPz1AlOsH0yzPllhpa0EISTz6BZDzdBNStXpx0RJkd3yk6z_BoLg8_pVwnqE5hVKZbDpqs7L4eFMi2FcH_ha2FOyqGWUdKu7NACTn8Oq7Tx18pkIEaWTw_OQSi_uIZd8YY/s320/2011-12-21+18.18.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Spraypainted with a metallic brass finish, then some polyurethane spray on top.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09SrQlMxyjDd60DhUQ59WCvM3CCz3q8aOXF0KiNn4vGcIjpzID4Jpih0ffhpRcd4rlYrZ-FiO67xrwohAU3gOVIsdABwqBPkljFvQH6epEuiJ-Ks65IbhsN5MQ8faoKKuPl_RRaWdANE/s1600/2011-12-23+17.20.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09SrQlMxyjDd60DhUQ59WCvM3CCz3q8aOXF0KiNn4vGcIjpzID4Jpih0ffhpRcd4rlYrZ-FiO67xrwohAU3gOVIsdABwqBPkljFvQH6epEuiJ-Ks65IbhsN5MQ8faoKKuPl_RRaWdANE/s320/2011-12-23+17.20.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I recognize that they're far from perfect, but I was under the wire and not all that proficient with, well, making stuff. The important part is that she loved them. At the time, I only had a coping saw to cut the MDF, so it came out pretty bad. With my current tools, I feel like I could probably do a whole lot better. In fact, maybe I'll give it another try...<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16479611945829975882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3065860392394424059.post-24884046546972075302012-10-17T18:27:00.000-04:002012-10-17T18:27:14.768-04:00Obligatory first "welcome" postSo I'm starting this blog primarily because I'm about half done with a pretty involved Halloween costume, and I wanted a way to share its documented progress with folks. I tried posting pictures on g+, but they're just static and there's no real way to fully communicate my crafting and thought processes without creating a million posts and flooding peoples' pages.<br />
<br />
So I'm resorting to a blog. I'm just going to create a post with the progress thus far, and will edit it as it nears completion. Additionally, I will probably create other posts that detail the construction process of past costumes (like the Ghostbuster costume). Anyways, yeah.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16479611945829975882noreply@blogger.com0