ROTB...Return Of The Biker

[Verne]

Hi guys.

 

It have been a long time since I didn't poster here (but still a visitor). Busy with other projects (essentially TK helmets).

 

Do you remember this old project I started few years ago? http://forum.bikersc...205

 

I stopped it prematurely due to an accident happened and which disgusted me of the project.

 

Some weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me if, one day, I would be able to make an helmet for him.

 

He's not a hardcore collector of props or collectibles but enough fan of Star Wars to appreciate this kind of item!!

 

He's interested by a stormtrooper helmet, but his favorite character is the biker scout. First motivation.

 

Considering that his birthday is really soon and that I don't have any idea of gift...I guess that an helmet could make a good present. Second motivation.

 

And cherry on the cake, EFX announced thanks to GINO that they will probably not release the biker scout helmet in vaccum formed plastic but more in fiberglass. Thus for hardcore collector like me, who wants the most accurate helmet...restart to 0. Third motivation (even if I don't pretend to make the most accurate biker scout helmet).

 

Thus I decided to took of my old molds from thei boxes and started to rework them. Not only repair them, but make modification.

 

Her's a first test! The back and the visor are close to be the final design. The faceplate is the V1, modified with resin. I already started to rework the faceplate mold (reworked the snout area, the cheek, the lense opening, the length, etc...)

 

Excuse this poor prototype in raw form (not totally sanded, not primered, snout part partially fixed!)

 

 

[TB-7076]

Looks nice. Do you know how big it is compared to a DP?

[lonewolf]

Looks really nice Verne, maybe sink the visor bolts and deepen the nose section.

[Cyber Scout]

Hay Fabien Hope your well

As a first test pull its looking very nice bud

[Verne]

Same size as a DP helmet (but the faceplate longuer) since it's mainly based on a DP helmet and measurements of original helmet.

[TB-8719]

Awesome Fabien! i still need an extra helmet, so please let us enjoy your progress.

[Verne]

Thanks guys!

 

Here's comparison pics with a ROTJ helmet.

 

[Verne]

This first prototype will help me to see what I have to change on the molds, even if I already made lots off changements since I pulled these parts.

 

[ukscout]

hi Verne,

 

Helmet looks good so far from what I've viewed

 

you may want to look at the following

 

~ will you use a sheets of pinseal when vac forming?

~ the front nose i.e. where the snout detail fits in needs to be crisper - this might be achieved by sanding

~ the gap line between the helmet and the side visor could be closer

 

and last...when can I get my hands on one

[Verne]

Thanks Neil.

 

Normally, the face plate fit perfectly the helmet. But like some original on display, a little opening appear. I guess it's why they used the black "adhesive" on original helmets (I know it's not "adhesive" but I don't know the exact term for this stuff called "velcro" in French)

 

When the final design will be ready, I guess it would be funny to make pinseal helmet. But I have to consider that it's not easy to find pinseal ABS in France (more ocmmon in the UK) and that it's a nightmare to form (I have to dry the sheets cause of the moisture)

[Verne]

_{Prototype finished. It will help me to see what I've to change on the molds. I'm not really happy with the decals which are too much blue than grey (damn inkjet printer)}

 

 

[Grendel_Blitz]

Same size as a DP helmet (but the faceplate longuer) since it's mainly based on a DP helmet and measurements of original helmet.

 

Man, I am never gonna get a bigger Scout lid... Thanks DP!!!

 

Seriously though, the builds coming along well Verne. 3mm ABS - WOW! That is probably a strong helmet. NICE!

\m/

[Verne]

No choice, I have to finish them now!

 

[ukscout]

look good verne

[Verne]

Now, they are waiting for the Endor trip....next step, weathering!

 

[Grendel_Blitz]

Quite a fine collection there!

A side note: I used to have that Brandon Lee poster in my college room back in '94.

I have the actual crow art from the CD cover tattooed on my back shoulder blade and I had the eyes added (circa 1994 as well).

 

My tribute to a great man and a great movie (thanks James O'Barr).

 

\m/