redkraytdragon Posted March 12, 2012 Author Share Posted March 12, 2012 Quick update for you all. Here's a first look at the backplate for you guys. Keep in mind that this mold is still under development, but I feel pretty confident that I'm going in the right direction with this. Initial test fittings from the first pull proved favorable, but it wasn't quite 100% where I wanted it to be (particularly on the shoulders). I'm pretty much now at the tweaking stage at this point...just fine tuning some of the curves to make it fit right as well as more comfortably. Take a look: More to come soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted March 15, 2012 Author Share Posted March 15, 2012 Got a bit more progress to share with you all. I'm on the home stretch on this piece and just have some edging lines to carve in as well as some quick smoothing/surfacing to finish up. I'm very happy with how the shoulders turned out, as they were a real pain to get them just right...but it was worth it as it fits great. I took some pics to show you all where I'm at with this. I'll post pics in a few days with me wearing it so you can get a better idea, but for now here's a preview Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted March 20, 2012 Author Share Posted March 20, 2012 Here's a few shots of my roommate wearing the chest and back (I kidnapped him and held him at gunpoint ...actually he was happy to do it and very helpful). It gave me a good chance to look at it while not wearing it so that was a huge plus for me. I have to say I'm a little surprised (and proud) at how well it fit him. He's got a 42 inch chest for those of you who are concerned about size (AND he's wearing a hoodie...he said it was snug but not too tight)...anything larger than that and you're likely going to have to shim it up. And of course the obligatory family photos That's it for now. Gonna take a bit of a break to catch up on some stuff (as well as some orders) before I start up on the next piece...as always, stay tuned! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatshock Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 mate..... interesting development in the CB world, wondering if you would be willing to take up the gauntlet on this http://forum.bikerscout.net/index.php?showtopic=9462 I know you got a very full plate as is.... but have a nice long think abt it mate Nate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted April 22, 2012 Author Share Posted April 22, 2012 Wow....I'm speechless at the moment...not to mention humbled. I think that was incredibly gracious of him to do something like that. But personally I have developed very strong feelings about recasting (even WITH permission). Call me crazy or a purist or a snob or whatever, but that's just the way I feel about it. After having sculpted stuff from scratch and not knowing what the heck I was doing (and I still don't), I know as well as anyone the blood, sweat, stress, and tears that goes into even ONE mold...let alone an entire kit! It would be nice to recast and refine some of that stuff and would save me a ton of time on some parts that I need to add to my own GM kit, but I'm going to have to step away from this one out of respect for MRB's work. In my eyes it's his work and I'd feel like I was stepping all over it if I recasted it. Don't take this the wrong way though, I in no way frown upon or judge anyone who will decide to do it ( I'm not that way) because after all, they do have his permission. I just don't want to recast anyone's work. But that's just me SFP??? That's another story lol! Good luck MRB. Rest well my friend until you decide to take up the mantle again, you've earned it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatshock Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 fair enough mate had ta ask ;P Nate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted April 23, 2012 Author Share Posted April 23, 2012 I had a lot of folks in my Garrison asking me the same thing lol. Even if I did decide to do it, I just simply don't have the time. With keeping up on orders TDH is blowing up on me), working my 'real' full time job and everything else that life throws at me it's physically impossible for me to add this to my plate. I'm honored that you thought of me though Nate! Thanks buddy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share Posted May 15, 2012 Got a little more progress for you all. I was still really nervous about this backpack sculpt and felt like I was paddling down uncharted territory (which I was...for me at least) due to the size and shape of this mold. This is by far the most complex and complicated piece (forming-wise that is) that I've ever set out to do and I really didn't know if it was even going to work until I did a few pulls... everything up until that point has been strictly theory not to mention this piece is so tall and deep as well as oddly shaped for a pull that webbing and stretch of the plastic was certainly a major concern. Honestly I thought I was taking a huge risk and wasting a lot of time and resources on this but I had to at least try and see what would happen....and boy am I glad I did and I'm glad to say that I'm super pleased with the results. Not only was I worried about getting it to form, but I also didn't know if this funky shape was going to allow me to release the plastic from the mold. Happily, my theories on the angles were correct (either that or I just Forrest Gump'd my way through this one lol ) and the mold practically fell out of the plastic My biggest reason for making the frame in one piece was for easier assembly and for strength and I really hope that I have achieved this as well as keeping it as accurate as possible (being super anal helps too ) Take a look at the pics below as well as the side by side 'paint' photo I assembled and let me know what you think. Keep in mind that this piece is still in the early stages and there are a few things I still need to do to it to tweak it a bit, but I think for the most part the shape is correct. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share Posted May 15, 2012 Obviously I still need to make the outer 'floating' pieces and this is just the under frame, but this side by side will explain things better than I can with words I've still got those 'floating' pieces to sculpt (and they really shouldn't take long at all) but at least the hardest part is behind me now (relatively speaking ) Here's a few shots of the mold As always, thanks for looking and stay tuned! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted May 30, 2012 Author Share Posted May 30, 2012 Here's a couple of teaser shots... still need to clean this mold up so it's still a bit rough, but at least it gives you all a better idea of which direction I'm moving with this ...slowly making progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automaton Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Very nice!! How many more parts do you have to mold before you are done? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted May 31, 2012 Author Share Posted May 31, 2012 Thanks! About 20! lol I don't know let's see: Still need Rest of the parts for the backpack (as well as the pouches) Right shoulder bell Epaulets Biceps Elbows Forearms Handplates Boot armor All the greeblies (will likely hire a machinist for those) And last but not least, the Helmet!! So yeah, still got a LONG way to go, but I'm getting there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted June 26, 2012 Author Share Posted June 26, 2012 I know it's been a while since my last update, been super busy with orders and ...well just life in general, but I am making progress on this. I hope I'm going in the right direction with this backpack, but as usual I like to hear all your feedback. Please keep in mind that this was a quick mock up and the pieces are haphazardly held together with tape, so they're not placed perfectly and are not keeping their proper positions On a related note, what's the general consensus on the SB backpack pouches? Are they considered accurate size wise? They seem a bit on the small(ish) side to me, but I always like to get another opinion. The reason for my question is because I'm at a point where I need to decide what to do with the lower portion of the pack frame, and I'd like to make this compatible with those pouches (for those who already own them) if they are indeed accurate. LMK! Here's some pics, enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimah Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Liking what I see! Looks great so far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted June 29, 2012 Author Share Posted June 29, 2012 Thanks James! More to come soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted June 30, 2012 Author Share Posted June 30, 2012 We'll call this Version 2 of the pack frame (if you will). Just made some minor adjustments to it as well as added (GASP) mounting tabs to the sides Simply line up the pack to where you want it to sit on the backplate and then make your marks and cut some slots to insert the tabs The first test of this worked really well and I was very pleased with the results. Keep in mind though, the one in the pic has a few issues going on with it - 1. I had already cut slots into it from the V1 pack frame so they're off a bit and 2. the tabs on this particular V2 were cut a bit too short, but you get the idea. Notice too that I also made the tabs as part of the flares for the mold so they angle outward and flatten out a bit to conform better to the inside of the backplate so they're not stabbing you in the back. Once properly secured, they pull the edges nice and snug along the most of the entire surface of the plate. So far I'm pretty happy with the results, take a look! For these next pics I just threw the outer pack shell on top to see how it looks. The PVC coupler is sitting on it for size reference only as well...it's just under 3" inches in diameter (outer) which is what I'm looking at for this pack. I'll mock up some foam boxes soon for the total look and see where I'm at (will post pics of that too when I get to it ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted July 2, 2012 Author Share Posted July 2, 2012 OK got a few more thousand words for you all. I did a few more pulls after tweaking the backplate outer shell mold and the side canisters (made them shorter by about a 1/2" inch) and then worked up some mock pouches out of foam for a size check (let me know what you all think about the size on them boys too) and did a quick dry fit of everything for a snapshoot Also threw on a pvc pipe (even though it's still a bit too narrow...still looking for the 3" inch diameter stuff), just for grins to see it all put together. Take a look: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted July 9, 2012 Author Share Posted July 9, 2012 Not too much to report, but I did get a few pouches sculpted up real quick tonight. They're pretty much ready for rubber. I'm also gonna be hitting a few places in town today to see about sourcing some larger PVC pipe for a more correct look. I'll likely be vacc'ing the rear canister detail (with the raised lines/ribs on it) as an extra piece to cover it for a nicer look...was thinkin of going with .040 white styrene Here's pics in the meantime: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted July 13, 2012 Author Share Posted July 13, 2012 Poured the masters for the backpack pouches in resin today. I was surprised at how easily the clay originals came out of the mold and that they retained their shape as well as they did..I thought for sure they'd have been destroyed trying to get them out. Here's a pic! Up next, copies in foam. Will be the first time trying that medium out, so got some experimenting to do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holle Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 You could do the Kashyyyk Pouches out of foam as well bro ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted July 15, 2012 Author Share Posted July 15, 2012 Great thought! I never even snapped about that Thanks for the heads up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Krazy Ivan Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Will, do you plan to do the boot armor as i need to replace the ones I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted July 15, 2012 Author Share Posted July 15, 2012 Yes sir I do. I haven't decided when exactly that will be though. So far at the moment, after I finish up the backpack I'll be looking at knocking out the left shoulder bell and then the clone arm parts after that...or I might do the boot armor in between there just to get it out of the way, haven't decided yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted July 24, 2012 Author Share Posted July 24, 2012 Some more progress - All I pretty much have left to do is make the end caps for the detonator and get some better material to make the pouches. On the pouches: I was able to make a few slush cast and then back fill them with foam (albeit the wrong kind of foam, but at least I know the method works). I really like the way they came out but I still need to do something about the back in order to make them mountable to the pack. If I can't find the right type of foam for these, this may end up being the way I offer them. I'm not giving up yet though, I ordered another type of foam from Smooth on and hope to have it by the end of the week or early next week. According to their description of what this stuff does, it should be the solution...but we'll see. In the meantime, here's pics I made a slight change to the outer/upper shell to make it a bit more accurate...I'm much happier with it now (cause it was bugging the cr@p out of me ) Here's what I wound up doing for the det. I kinda like it and it was a simple solution And the rest all together Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkraytdragon Posted July 24, 2012 Author Share Posted July 24, 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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