NS2 Armor and Weaponry Project

TheDestroyer

<div class="IPBDescription">Super Long Term Spare Time Project</div>I am going to make NS Marine Armor.

I am also crazy.

But I am going to do it. I have been doing research on different techniques for a few months now on my off time. I also have friends who do this sort of thing (one being a guy who has a movie accurate Proton Pack...should start mine soon).

I mentioned this on a server earlier today, just as a passing comment (I think someone was saying something about how there should be figurines printed out by 3D printers to be sold [actually working a 3D printer booth in the morning for a comic convention, but that a story for another time]). Then Flayra/Charlie said something in chat. Me and my big mouth.

Right now, I am working on the pistol. I figured that would be the easiest thing to do. Plan is to make a base model out of wood (using a cardboard stencil), then make a master mold out of it. Form a working one out of plastic, paint/add lighting, and have a cool pistol. I've got experience doing some woodworking, but this will still take time.

The big thing is the helmet. Plan on making it out of clay on a fake head, make mold, plastic, etc. I need to make a plaster cast of my head first. Since I am super busy (QuakeCon was last weekend, then had a band camp, working a convention this weekend, then another band camp, plus gigging) the cast will not be made any time soon.

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IpLjjO_ZL_g/UCX9LY5rcSI/AAAAAAAAGX0/vCFmyMRBtH8/s829/20120811_005824.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Printed and scaled an image taken using the model viewer. Lots of trial and error with this, to get a comfortable size.


<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dsMJCv3KHOQ/UCX9LY4F-xI/AAAAAAAAGaM/ZpIr0xtKwhQ/s829/20120811_010632.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Mounted and inked an outline of the pistol to cardboard, so the stencil will be a little stronger.


<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mmQ1bmLEN4M/UCX9RZb-9bI/AAAAAAAAGaE/qgx5j8gkhXE/s829/20120811_010658.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Finished tracing.


<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S7vbckpTGKY/UCX9XB7eiBI/AAAAAAAAGYc/p31Mm6EF6ww/s829/20120811_012835.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Cutout done.


<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RLgTaEC67xY/UCX9YDfwi7I/AAAAAAAAGYk/3_bGVkOI5ts/s829/20120811_012843.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
This is not a small gun. I may do a size comparison of the pistol with one of mine.


<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OgJKqdX0x1I/UCX9fmz-ZXI/AAAAAAAAGZE/Tyr9tK_Nxd4/s829/20120811_012922.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Look ma, Imma 'rine! I gots mah pistol.

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mYQ0CWMU11A/UCX9jv8oaII/AAAAAAAAGZs/EvSujB8LVQQ/s829/20120811_012953.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Size comparison next to a 12 fl oz can.


Yea, this project is going to take a lot of time and money. But totally worth it. Something that has been on my mind for a long time now.

<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/104725629263364167215/albums/5775300450265660641" target="_blank">NS2 Project - Pistol Album on G+</a>

Soul_Rider

I can't wait to see what you produce here!!!

TheDestroyer

Thanks! Me, too.

So, I finished working this convention here in H-Town. I managed to get some time to talk to some members of a Klingon cosplay group and some 501st members about what I was doing. Got some tips and some guidance.

Also, my lovely neighbors graciously blared their music loud and woke me up last night. Did some work on the stencils.

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-STrQHphwB3M/UChH-tnKPlI/AAAAAAAAGeg/7xuuUPXhQcE/s849/20120812_020010.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xlIZozl3U1w/UChH-rdPqGI/AAAAAAAAGeo/lu4KmutfQ-4/s849/20120812_020022.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wSNYuj8T7y4/UChIFM_ezXI/AAAAAAAAGe0/uaOVM5MuNOw/s849/20120812_020110.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GltbsDAGQ7U/UChIFnbI6uI/AAAAAAAAGe8/Rn3_1wlzuA0/s849/20120812_023715.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ssw0T0fmmyU/UChIGNb6S0I/AAAAAAAAGfE/xk02QrlGiOc/s849/20120812_023834.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y0qiaXnLXVc/UChJ7zM_g1I/AAAAAAAAGfc/9EmPygTiwPY/s849/20120812_023913.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

So, what is great about the stencils is that I can use them one of two ways. I can either use the shapes I cut out or I can use the holes I cut in the material. I need to figure out some sizes on the thickness of the pistol and purchase the wood to cut out and make the base model. Also, made semi-plans to make my plaster cast of my head.

Probably not going to get much more work done this week, since I have to do some camps and such. I'll keep this updated, though.

Drummer

wow man, ive always known you were a man of many talents, but that is nuts!

Arkanti

The "texture" on that pistol is incredible. Can't wait to see the finished product!

Dj_ESide

<!--quoteo(post=1962136:date=Aug 13 2012, 05:56 AM:name=Arkanti)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arkanti @ Aug 13 2012, 05:56 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1962136"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The "texture" on that pistol is incredible. Can't wait to see the finished product!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Same here, That's just mind blowing.

TheDestroyer

Thanks, y'all!

I've been out at my parents' house helping them with stuff and grabbing my woodworking tools.

Also, I found the under-outfit! Some blue military pants and shirt. Grabbed some of my combat boots, too.

<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BKF_iiZagGY/UDVwhM-ry8I/AAAAAAAAGqw/i_Y4nHDLEAY/s603/20120822_183921.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Also did some learning about casting a mold of my head. Hopefully I'll get to making the headgear soon.

Kouji_San

This is a cool project you've got going man, the stuff looks pretty damn realistic! :D

Frozty

Ur pistol lookd awesome! Cant w8 for the armor :)
Made a picture last night after 3 great games as the marines.
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/jZG1k.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

TheDestroyer

Been a while, I realize. That real life gets in the way of fun!

My plan of making the parts out of wood is not going to happen. Some parts would have to be made real thin. Instead, I decided to instead duplicate parts I need out of the cardboard stencils, layer them to get them the proper thickness.

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dLLgQ40VR8k/UGj7todT4KI/AAAAAAAAGxE/0qWCWkIIZnk/s792/IMG_20120930_191143.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

After thatI will cover them in fiberglass or other material. From there I will be able to do more defined shaping.

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NDd8uoyjTbA/UGj7uAXjoyI/AAAAAAAAGxM/xdQOKYQLV10/s792/IMG_20120930_210259.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Here is half the gun, currently.

Who is Mike Jones?

get a 3d printer.

Sammey

<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->get a 3d printer.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

No! Thats like saying "Get Photoshop" to Leonardo da Vinci!

TheDestroyer

A 3D Printer was a consideration at the start of the project. I occasionally help out a local person with selling custom 3D printed figurines, so I do have access to a professional grade 3D printer. However, the material it would take to print the costume would be way too much for me. Plus, if the sizes were not right, I would have to print again, wasting material and my money. If I had access to a CNC machine, I would consider that, but still would have the issue of "did I do my measurements right?" Cardboard is cheap, I have plenty of it at home, and can modify it easier. Plus, the end result would not be cardboard, as these are prototypes. Eventually, I would like to make a.mold and be able to cast it in plastic or something.

TheDestroyer

People next door woke me up (grumble grumble). Decided to finish some work. :D

<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5qG8TltrXGE/UGv4jQDLCxI/AAAAAAAAGxc/3d89fey2DAo/s940/IMG_20121003_032836.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Db01GzXgE7Y/UGv4jf2p_aI/AAAAAAAAGxg/DbA-JvfZ8FI/s940/IMG_20121003_032813.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

As you can see in the following pictures, not all layers are even. I plan to fix this when I start doing a fiberglass layer. Also, adding in the bezels will happen at this point, too.

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xv3CHY4froE/UGv4lcLcsPI/AAAAAAAAGxs/tSaJkzk-lHQ/s940/IMG_20121003_032901.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Xd7w4ihdmo/UGv4no_dJDI/AAAAAAAAGx0/7oAHFdpZzmA/s940/IMG_20121003_032906.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wxSWcS9Alig/UGv4pHePYrI/AAAAAAAAGx8/byrpr7X0LZE/s940/IMG_20121003_032911.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Also, because I was excited:

<center><object width="450" height="356"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3HEJycZLEtY"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3HEJycZLEtY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="356"></embed></object></center>

I am also working on shaving down some areas a bit. The grip feels too long for my palm, so I want to take off some depth on it a bit. I've got so much cardboard and cardboard shavings in my living room right now. :(

Time to start the armor.

Soul_Rider

LoL, at video, nice action :D

Glad to see the project moving along, can't wait for more :D

TheDestroyer

Thanks. I am trying to get most of it done by Halloween. Helmet by then is probably not going to happen, though. I still haven't got the materials for making my head mold. I'd rather have the full torso/legs done, though, even if it means no helmet.

I need to get large sheets of cardboard for the chest/back pieces. I have some of the arm parts lined out, just need to cut them.

Good news, everybody! After 2+ years living in my apartment, I am now FINALLY unpacked out of boxes.

...mostly.

Soul_Rider

Is that because you need the boxes to cut out more templates :P lol :D

AurOn2

Good luck on the rifle when you get to it, i would love to see it in real life action, how would you make the thing unfold though? all ns2 weapons are 'compact' :)

TheDestroyer

I hadn't even started thinking about the rifle. I figure, once I get to the rifle, it will be something like how a few of the N-Strike Nerf guns do retractable stocks.

And yea, Soul_Rider, all the cardboard was the boxes around the house. lol

So, I just now finished the chest and back piece patterns! :D

<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UmeO92OPtHg/UIOFiB8RQ2I/AAAAAAAAGyg/dlREpf-aKag/s729/IMG_20121020_165457.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dH5Sy6ApdbY/UIOFrSW20bI/AAAAAAAAGyw/9BunJ167NC4/s729/IMG_20121020_234819.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIB4EMHXHvg/UIRtmjzSqSI/AAAAAAAAG1k/PyxALlXmAoY/s729/IMG_20121021_144509.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lA8s0mw4G0/UIRtqMtWFUI/AAAAAAAAG2E/lUzMVspLu4c/s729/IMG_20121021_154523.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D4n4DF3mYtQ/UIRtr0tMfzI/AAAAAAAAG2U/0WUn3c796Eg/s547/IMG_20121021_161503.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LLo8sAGBzKg/UIRttVKxMdI/AAAAAAAAG2c/yjoojl7bivY/s547/IMG_20121021_162401.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
I split the back since it seems, from the models and pictures, that the back is actually two pieces.

<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Dyv58Bgbqp4/UIRtxGe9YJI/AAAAAAAAG28/Zp3QQFQprK4/s729/IMG_20121021_162844.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Back and front side by side. The back pieces are on top of each other a little about an inch to make up for the extra space I put in the pattern.

EDIT:
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WxXMUnuHwFA/UISlNdT-6yI/AAAAAAAAG3c/4wdij4765e0/s672/IMG_20121021_204201.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Half done shaping the back.
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bA39ZtF_DPk/UISlN5m2FAI/AAAAAAAAG3g/bHVqfVPNeoQ/s672/IMG_20121021_204213.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
I need to add a bit on the sides of the upper half of the back.

Soul_Rider

Great work... :D

Will it be finished in time for release? So you can run around on Halloween as a TSF marine?

TheDestroyer

I hope so. I want to get the majority (back, chest, shoulders, forearms, shins) done for party hopping this weekend. That means I have to keep to a strict schedule of class, work, practice, and the costume. Feel free for anyone to yell at me on the IRC to make sure I am working.

EDIT:
So I don't double-post:
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GmwK1LncWvM/UITqS6Da5xI/AAAAAAAAG4I/vOWeTL-cndY/s940/IMG_20121022_013453.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
The top and bottom plate with most of the bends in place. I just need to secure the bottom piece with the bends I want, then start working on the spine. The spine should be easy, though.

Kouji_San

Well you can use the NS2 website countdown timer for your deadline! Looking good so far!

SkulkJester

Looks awesome! Keep us informed!

TheDestroyer

Thanks, y'all.

Look what I finished during the Twitch stream.
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zEPu3UKhDGM/UIb4JJSUbiI/AAAAAAAAG5I/lVRb95HZx10/s705/IMG_20121023_150101.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
I need to trim down parts of the spine and re-cut the curves of the bottom half. I accidentally measured everything just a smidge too big.

TheDestroyer

Chest-piece (without light module)!

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qs9zlREX514/UIedRogdcQI/AAAAAAAAG5o/2evspTJO-LE/s940/IMG_20121024_000646.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cVsjpMLmYVw/UIedR4fnIiI/AAAAAAAAG64/oWy7W0V3d-4/s705/IMG_20121024_012354.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PVo0kmuHVnA/UIedS6w02YI/AAAAAAAAG54/IdB391HklbI/s940/IMG_20121024_012504.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QyOciLrx2QA/UIedTcTfBuI/AAAAAAAAG7A/mWaQRew6Q_Y/s940/IMG_20121024_024240.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1VjrsS1Wp38/UIedUVqT7_I/AAAAAAAAG6I/AY0lOXVf3aw/s940/IMG_20121024_024408.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dg2MuvWH_ho/UIedU_nlnfI/AAAAAAAAG6M/sGXEs9_omQM/s940/IMG_20121024_024417.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

I might have to add pieces to the chest piece to lengthen it a bit and add the proper amount of depth to it. I'll clip the upper corners when I am completely satisfied with the bends on it, too. I will also make some more routing for the bends to give it more of a roundness to it.

Soul_Rider

Now you've got a very real deadline, your workflow seems to have sped up :)

Glad to see!! This is looking really good. How are you going to decorate it?

SkymanderX

wow looks fantastic

TheDestroyer

Update: Still working on it. I made some gauntlets and shoulder pads, but then didn't like how they looked, so I restarted on them. Also I don't like the back, so I restarted that, too. Grumble grumble perfection grumble.