My First Build (Eventually Pic Heavy)

[Guest HexxenHammer]

Hi all,

 

As stated this is going to be my documented build of my first costume which happens to be the awesome biker scout

 

So, after trawling the internet, watching the DVD frame by frame and talking to many troopers i've finalised which armour to go for (you know who you are ). I also have my own thoughts on how the real costume was put together, mainly by watching how it moved which is a good give away! So as my build progress' i'll be putting my theories to practice and letting you know how they turn out, whether good or bad! All feedback will be much appreciated! So i hope you all have a read now and then and that you don't get bored by "another build story"

 

A weird place to start but my first theory is about the shoulder bells. Studying the film i'm 99% sure theres just one elastic strap at the bottom holding it on (orange ring). Sounds odd i know and i don't know what you guys think but check out the screen grabs and how they always pivot at the bottom where you can see a dark line i.e. a elastic strap. The green ring shows how the top comes away from the shoulder, suggesting it's not attached. I've never been convinced about the line that people put on the sleeve of some vests, but if the strap was there and was tight enough to pull on the sleeve it would give a reason why it looks like a stiched line on the sleeve.

 

 

So, whats peoples opinons on my theory or has anyone tried this?

 

Paul.

[Witness]

Watch out, yer gonna get Phil started...

[lonewolf]

Hi Paul, welcome, there is a post somewhere showing webbing or elastic going from the shoulder bell to somewhere towards the neck?. Take a good look at the gallery, some pics are very revealing, great to see you are theorising like the rest of us! We all want Facts!

[TB-7076]

Watch out, yer gonna get Phil started...

 

If this Phil is meant I'm not sure what to start .

 

What we already knew is that there was a strap leading from the bell to the shoulder part of the toros armor.

I don't want to repeat MonCal here. It is obvious and weather MonCals technique is 80 or 100% correct may

be something to debate but the base idea seems to be a fact.

 

If I understand Hexxenhammer correctly it suggests a system similar to that of the TK which was connected

by one strap with the shoulder part of the back and chest plate via snap button and one strap glued/velcroed

at the bottom sides of the shoudler bell. Just that he thinks that unlike the TK type strapping going round the

arms might be tighter maybe even not attached to the ends of the bell but more like a noose maybe fixed at

one point in the lower middle of the bell.

 

 

That is not a bad theory...in this context two shots:

 

We see something which might be a thin rubber cord

 

We see something broader than a cord being more dark than the overall which might be a strap

 

 

As interesting as these observations are - the problem is that most of the photo references we have are shot

in bad lighting conditions or are too grainy and blurred to be sure.

But to be honest in small (hidden) details like that I tend to chose the most practical and stable solution.

 

I hope I didn't disappoint witness

[Guest HexxenHammer]

Hi Dave, is that good or bad?

 

Thanks John, will do. Some grabs i have have something between the shoulder bell and the top of the chest/back where it goes over the shoulder but i wouldn't say it was a strap. I've yet to receive my armour but knowing how light it will be i can't see it being a problem holding itself in place with an elastic strap at the bottom as the top curves over the shoulder which in itself would stay put. I don't think theres any one right or wrong solution by the way as theres clearly different costumes for close ups in much the ame way they had hero and stunt Armour for the Stormtroopers. Theres clearly vertical lines stitched in the bund but on close up scenes theres none.

 

Paul.

[Guest HexxenHammer]

Hi Philipp,

 

No, you don't disapoint! This is exactly what i want. Feedback and discussion. Those grabs you have are identical to others i have and also show what i mean by two types of costume. One for close ups seems to have a thin elastic strap which also appears in the scene when the ewok hits the biker in the leg. The knee armour is held in place with what looks like thin cord which is less visible for close ups perhaps?

 

Paul.

[Guest HexxenHammer]

Also, theres only one scene i can think of that shows some sort of strap at the top which is similar to the cord like strap on the close up you posted Philipp. Again, suggesting different sets of armour for close ups perhaps?

 

[Fettski]

I am still learning and could be completely wrong here but could it also be impromptu fixes and on the set quick fixes to the armor with whatever was on hand at the time of filming? I'm sure with some of the stunt scenes these costumes took a beating and quick fixes may have been needed to get the shot done. that could explain some of the inconsistencies in the connection systems. If the TK's were to evaluate every screen shot they find, some of them would argue the use of gaffers tape to hold parts together. Again, I'm still pretty new here and this is just my 2 credits worth.

[TB-7076]

@ ski

 

This is a general rule of thumb.

That this why I always chose the most practical solution.

We have the same problem with other parts of the costume and various different sources such as Behind The Scenes

and PR material often using test fits shootings etc as well as exhibition shots and of course screen shots of the actual

movie.

 

Probably the best example for confusion and realistic vs. practical improvisation is the mounting of the boot holster.

The test fit shots show strapping and therefore lead to strapping in collection figures such as Hasbro and Gentle Giant

while on screen and on exhibition we see them rivetted to the bootleg.

 

Bottom line:

 

We can also get lost in scientifics around the costumes and that is a reason why i.e. 501st standards and even artisan

are kept more general. In the end it is important which is everyones's goal and personal philosophy.

 

There are three major branches in costuming:

 

1. casual

those getting things done at the minimum up to average levels. Stuff is recognizable but more is left to be desired.

 

2. ultra screen accurate

those depicting every little aspect even production dependend macule (single paint ships, dents, gaffer tape etc.)

of a costume class or if possible single character costume (see Devin Felth recreations and theories).

 

3. idealized

those trying to get things as accurate as possible but also put an emphasis on improving techniques, shapes and

looks to resemble an archetype more concentrating on the illsuion/vision of the designers rather than the realism

of prop building tied to deadlines, minimum budgets and accidents.

 

 

All these groups will draw different conclusions and consequences regarding their costume recreation.

Some for the better some for the worse .

The problem we have with so many question marks left and variations within the costumes seen on screen (even

different CGI appearances of one character) is - we can't be 100% sure regarding specific details.

The good thing is - in most cases these details are not characteristic and don't suffer from different interpretations.

 

Strapping of the Scouts is such a minor element if you ask me .

[Guest HexxenHammer]

Hi Ski,

 

Good thoughts on that one, and i want everyones 2 pieces!

 

Philipp is absolutely right, from a certain point of view! (Sorry had to get that in ) It's really a personal thing. It's upto the individual how far they want to go. Myself, i want to go screen accurate. Purely personal choice. As we've found even the exhibitions can change things, the red button on the MOM display springs to mind. I feel if it's the same as on the screen then thats good enough for me It's just my love of the film.

 

All good feedback so far guys!

 

Paul.

[Guest HexxenHammer]

Right people, after a few life glitches and finance lulls i'm now in a position to get my chuff in gear and crack on wth my biker build! So expect lots of silly questions and nagging

 

Have decided to start with the undersuit as i think that will dictate where things are in proportion to my build. Also i've decided to go with a theory i have about the cumberbund/jacket. I haven't had chance to go through the whole forum yet so this might have been talked about already. My theory, which has been boosted by the clarity of the blurays, is that they are one garment. It makes sense to me because the back of the jacket and the cumberbund both have the velcro join running the same way and same position down the back. It also makes sense to me that thats how the cunberbund is held up. As always your comments will be most welcome especially if someone has tried this combination before?

[Chef]

Hey Paul.

 

Good to see things have started...

 

I'm sure it has been tried. I can't see why it wouldn't work. You'd effectively be making the bund and flak vest into a one piece. Sort of like some sort of nappy infused catsuit!

 

Me, on the other hand have them separate. I find that the back-plate armour on mine tends to pull the chest plate up, simultaneously throttling me and creating a gap between my bund and the chest armour.

I cured this by adding a couple of poppers to the top of the bund and the bottom of the inside of my chest armour.

These join together, holding the chest/bund in place. Stops the bund falling down, and stops the chest riding up!

[Guest HexxenHammer]

Cheers Rob! I'll seek help if it becomes more than a nappy infused catsuit!

[lonewolf]

The last pic shows clearly the material neckseal, same as the Bluray 360 version. I am definately making one as part of my upgrades.Lancer standards or not.

Cummerbund and flakvest one piece, this is very possible, as you say the velcro closure is the same way round etc.

The practicality for a troopable cossy is trying to wash black with white.

I am trying to upgrade my stuff at the minute but things are still a bit of guess work, even after the Blu ray appeared, the 360 degree Biker Scout could have had a complete costume on at least.

The Biker Scout costume is pretty complicated still, good luck Paul.

[Guest HexxenHammer]

Cheers John! Great point well raised, washing! Never thought of that! Back to the drawing board. Bugger! Back to the drawing board. Least i didn't waste time to find that out after lol!

 

Like the exhibition biker scout, my feelings are that they tweaked the bluray costume to make it a little more complete. So for me i'll just wear a balaclava with the under suit collar turned up as in the film.