RichArnold Posted March 15, 2011 Author Share Posted March 15, 2011 PM sent Rich. Sorry dude, just realised how rude it was of me not to thank you... Other than that, went and got the paint today, so I have a new question before I break the seal on it, and it's a simple one... What do you guys recommend for a good finish? and I'm not talking the "little and often" approach with the spray can, I mean the shiny, pre-weathering stage, when the bucket is showroom fresh... Is there as recommended polish? or do you guys still prefer the "non- deathstar, getting grubby on Endor" look.... Either way, I've still got to get the lense, so maybe I'm jumping the gun a bit... Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglie Scout Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Rich, I did build up a few layers of paint, but gave each one a wet and dry sanding between each. I stopped painting when I could rub the bucket down without primer showing through. Once you get to that stage use progressively finer wet and dry until you get a nice smooth finish. I went from 800-1500 grit on mine. To polish up I used Novus Polish; starting with number 3 and finishing with number 1. This stuff was recommended by Frank (Acrylikhan) and it is the shizzle!! You can get it from dubious auction sites . Don't let it dry though a its a swine to polish up that way. Using this stuff, its possible to get a good shine without resorting to mechanical buffers, which I'm sure would eat a new paint job that hasn't fully cured. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatshock Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 what i have learnt over the years - is that you are often your own worse critic little and often is a good way foward. also patience is very importance - esp.ly with our crappy weather. I let the layers dry nice and complete before the next, soemtimes resisting the need to rush the next layer I also lacquered up my helmet - after that layer I left it a good 3 weeks before even thinking of polishing it. In fact, I just buffed mine up instead of polished small tip - if you do go with the lacquer layer, do that before you paint on the grey - the gloss of No5 Humbrol doesnt react well with lacquer and ripples. The Humbrol matt black in the snout doesnt do that though. heres my modded Rubies and with MC armour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted March 17, 2011 Author Share Posted March 17, 2011 If that's a rubies, It's a thing of beauty fella... as for the lense, I've gone and ordered meself one of e-bay. I know people rage about shade 5, but most of you have warmer climates than Britain, and work means I can barely have time off in "summer". If you can call it that over here. Anyhoo, it's only a shade 4. I imagine most troops (when I get to that stage) will either be indoors, or in the dull UK weather... Either way, I'm on minimum wage, so it is a case of "scraping" the money together to get the armour, but MC i shall have... (On a separate note, can any GB scouts advise on where they got their undersuits and what mods were needed? Ta..) TBH, I knew it wasn't goin to be cheap when I started out on this quest ( think I got lucky with the rubies), but then I wan't expecting petrol to go to £1.30 a litre.... Right, question no. 6 (19? I've lost count on this build)- - I've gone and confused myself with MC and MLC... so, 1) could somebody please PM me the difference, if there is one, and 2) stickers to fit a modded Rubies- is it MC or MLC? On a serious note, (if I may), do you think there's a chance of a "beginners guide" for this sort of dumb-ass question? It might sound a bit arrogant coming from a Newbie, but surely there's an easier way to get people into this "hobby" (your either empire or you ain't, I know!!) other than telling them to read ALL the forums (some of which are months, nay years old) and then contact Bluecyclone??? I Know the mods, etc, have a lot to do, but is it possible just to add an extra category to the home menu with something like "new to this? start here". Just chuck in everything that's been pinned, and then anything that might be useful to the "genuine" newb- I can't see the 501st pages because I'm not a member (yet) but could you not make a page that you can't see until you're a verified user of BSN? I apologise, I've realised I'm rambling on, and I know that the mods have a lot to do, and I do not wish to be dumping upon the excellent work you've done with this site... I was merely speculating aloud on how we could make this a bit easier for the people who genuinely want to be part of the 501st and the Pathfinders... I suddenly feel guilty because it looks like I've been yelling at the ONLY website that's been helpful to me.... Talk about going off topic... Where did that come from?? I apologise to the hard working mods, and at the same time, seek answers to my original queries... Your humble servant., Rich. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglie Scout Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 Rich, I take it you've joined the 501st UK Garrison? If you have, then head over to the mentor thread: Mentor Thread and ask for one. The guys will hook you up with someone whos an experienced Scout and you'll have direct access to them. I've had my mentor for three months and he's been superb; you get fast advice and a friendly critique along the way. I'm just waiting for clearance.......finger crossed. Decals for your lid you can get from here: Biker Decals. I did and they fit the Rubies/DP fine. Here's how they look on my modified DP: Lid 1 Lid 2 Lid 3 As for an undersuit, I bought a flight suit from the bay and spent an Eon modding it (not recommended imho). I discovered the Forces Desert overalls last week (well I was issued a pair prior to going somewhere warm!!). I think they'll dye black really well and have a great fit. I will be modding a pair of these very soon; they're very light and comfortable. There's a pair for sale here: Desert Coveralls As for the difference between MLC an MC here's yet another link: MLC and MC explained!! Well I hope this helps a little!! I asked all the same questions less than three months ago, so I know how frustrating it can be. If you need any more burning questions answering PM me and I hope I'll have an answer or definately know someone who does!! Andy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukscout Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 hi rich you'll find a good undersuits on ebay - black flight suit from the usa or you may find someone on here that will make you one. I've used Gamesworkshop paints in the past for all my prop projects for the lense you could use clear plastic and tint it with car window tint Snout part, tank top detail and thermal det details are on ebay as I type Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 Got the glosswork finished, so now it's just lots and lots of polishing... Lense arrived from flea-bay, and it's not too bad. Shade 4, slight green tint. £8 all in, with enough for a 2nd if I screw up... TBH, not including the hours I've put in, it works out at about £55 for the entire thing. It's not perfect, but when you see Rubies being offered on the 'bay for about £70, I don't think I've done too badly. I'll post a pic once it's all together, but til then, I'll just say a HUGE thank you to all you guys for your help and advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F3RN Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 hi rich you'll find a good undersuits on ebay - black flight suit from the usa or you may find someone on here that will make you one. I've used Gamesworkshop paints in the past for all my prop projects for the lense you could use clear plastic and tint it with car window tint Snout part, tank top detail and thermal det details are on ebay as I type I agree with the Games Workshop paints. It is very good and adheres very well to my MC snout and KS helmet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted March 25, 2011 Author Share Posted March 25, 2011 Oh bugger... rushed the polishing and used a bit too much grey on the "windows" at the back... Anybody know of a good way of removing humbrol without ruining the gloss layer underneath? Or is it a case of rub it down and give the topcoat a quick touch up? Other than that, It's progressng well, so once I get that sorted, it's glue the lense in, sort out a hard-hat liner and (more) polishing. Must remember- little and often, and walk away when tired... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 It's not perfect, but I'm rather pleased with it. Still got to add a hard hat liner- did a dry run earlier and found I couldn't close it without it fouling on my glasses. hmmmm... And some of the greywork is far from perfect, so I'll probably tidy that up at some point. I'll probably change the decals at some point- they're just something I knocked together with my old man's vinyl plotter, but they'll do for now... So guys? Critiques? Suggestions? Should I have just thrown it in the bin? All thoughts welcome. Right, best get back to polishing it. Cheers, Rich. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukscout Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 rich it's turned out really good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted April 9, 2011 Author Share Posted April 9, 2011 rich it's turned out really good. It was great until I threw it on the floor.. ( see sod's law thread)... Anyhoo, repairs are going well, but I have (yet another) question for all you Rubies/ DP modders out there IS IT WRONG TO WANT TO DO ANOTHER ONE??? I've finished/ binned/ repaired this one (okay, NEARLY repaired) but does that make the last couple of months worth repeating? Apart from 1) it's Star wars, 2) It's me modifying it, 3) it looks damned cool when it's done and 4) my friends want one, does it make it worth doing another one? scratch that, points 1-3 are enough to make me look for another.... Or do others know better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acrylikhan Posted April 9, 2011 Share Posted April 9, 2011 IS IT WRONG TO WANT TO DO ANOTHER ONE??? No. I've done four. However, my best one (IMHO) is the first one I did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted April 9, 2011 Author Share Posted April 9, 2011 No. I've done four. However, my best one (IMHO) is the first one I did. Honestly, Frank, if I hadn't stumbled across your "tutorial" via google, I wouldn't have even bought the bucket in the first place, let alone got into the "hobby" as a result... I think I speak for many potential, and actual, bikers when I say that you are THE MAN when it comes to this mod. Thank you, thank you, thank you... if you've not already got a dozen rewards from BSN, you deserve a dozen. Apart from that, yep, I think I may attempt a second, but tbh, I'm thinking I need to get the armour and TB# too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglie Scout Posted April 9, 2011 Share Posted April 9, 2011 Definately not, if I weren't dissapearing out of the country until July I would've got one by now. No doubt Frank thinks of things he would have done on the previous lid and then do it on the next, only to wish you'd done something else different!!! When I get back I'll definately get another one and my big thing will be to make it lighter!!!!!!!!!! Great build buddy, loving it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted May 21, 2011 Author Share Posted May 21, 2011 okay, so I've fixed it again. Just a bit of tidying up round the snout and it's good to go. So, another (!?!) question: what do you guys use to pad it? And before you ask, I've tried a hard hat liner and just can't find a comfortable position for it without having the faceplate foul on my specs. Might just be cos the rubies is smaller than most. Foam it is then, but what do you guys use for a good, firm fit? Cheers, Rich. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acrylikhan Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 TEAM WENDY ZAP Try this site: Ballistic Helmet Replacement Pad Kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted June 23, 2011 Author Share Posted June 23, 2011 Not happy with the snout after the repairs. Upon closer inspection it just looked bad. time to rip it out and start again. Also gives me an excuse to tidy up various bits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acrylikhan Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 Is that body filler around the snout, or something else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted June 24, 2011 Author Share Posted June 24, 2011 Is that body filler around the snout, or something else? It's epoxy putty. Most of it will end up being sanded off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acrylikhan Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 I'm a little late to this thread... What exactly are you doing in this picture? Maybe I can help you out if I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted June 27, 2011 Author Share Posted June 27, 2011 I wasn't happy with the snout, so I'm re-doing it. Had only done the greeb, so I've decided to do the whole thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichArnold Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share Posted January 21, 2012 Hi guys, Sorry it's been a while, but the rubies has been buried under a mountain of wossname, and I only really started working on it again over the last few days. Just a quick update on the re-do of the snout. Still need to touch up the glosswork before I can reattach the greeblie, but first decent bit of progress for a long while. On another note, the rest of the costume is progressing well, but I still need to save me pennies for some MC armour. Cheers, Rich. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.