R2D2 Fett's Blog

New Quick Project Coming

2009-11-04T05:45:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update to let you know I have a small project coming up as soon as it arrives. It will be for the kids (and me) for Christmas.

Will post updates soon.

Thomas already knows this one. :)

Saber complete!!!

2009-09-16T05:45:00.001-07:00

FINALLY my missing button arrived. It was the wrong one (meant for a blade conversion kit) so I had to dremell off the screw, put in a groove on one side and drill 2 holes to fit over the Graflex pins. I then epoxied it in place. The button they had at the Graflex Shop that would have just fit on my Graflex as is was out of stock..and waiting over 3 weeks was long enough of a wait!!!

It looks way better in person that in pics with the flash. The glue near the grips really isn't that obvious. I have to figure out how to scrape it off between grips without scratching the metal. I used 5 minute epoxy.

Saber STILL Not Done!!

2009-09-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

I ordered my missing button 3 weeks ago! Still hasn't arrived!!

I have made the stand for it tho. Thomas had some great ideas, but I wanted it to be simple and easy. I am happy with this one. :)

Luke saber....90% done!

2009-08-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

I glued on the grips (made a bit of a mess of it), attached the d ring (I cannot TELL you how hard it was getting a nut in there!!!), and slipped in the bubble strip. It was tought to get the D Ring placement to match any of the replicas or prop photos I could find..but I did find one pic that showed the ring in relation to the writing on the end of the saber (graflex info and patent number) so I used that. It seems a bit off compared to the pics but I had to base it on soemthing.

I had to order the missing button at the top online so I dont have it yet. The only one that seemed like a good quality and decent price has a screw on it..which wont fit the 2 pin hole so I have some dremelling to do and I'll have to glue it in..but for $8 vs. $40...I can live with that. :)

Small little project

2009-08-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

I got this kit on ebay....Im sure it's obvious what it is for...

Now when will my Graflex arrive?!

Oh I also TRIED to make a Luke head. I had a life cast of his so I added the back of the head by using a styrofoam head, then covering it with clay. I attempted to sculpt ears, painted it, added a wig and eyelashes. I dunno..they clay just keeps cracking (and wood filler I used to fill the first cracks) and falling off. I may still try to get a cheap voice changer helmet and make it the Luke head in Vader mask as seen in the cave on Dagobah in the Empire Strikes Back.

Superman..

2009-06-10T07:11:00.001-07:00

Just thought I'd post some pics of what I have been up to lately. Not building anything, but I have been having a great time finding all the local Superman Filming locations. Some were easy, some were nearly impossible! THe one I haven't been able to fid is the location baby Superman's ship crashed. I KNOW it is near the farm, but the exact location I will likely never find.

The first is the Smallville High School from Superman the movie. It is located in Barons, Alberta.

The next one is the best location I have ever seen. It was the Kent farm from Superman the Movie. It seems like nobody knew it's location or if it even existed. It was a real tough one to find..but we did it!! It is outside of Blcakie, Alberta.

The first pic is from the movie..the rest are mine. :)

This next location is a canyon called Beynon, Alberta. It is quite remote and the orads were horrribly muddy and soft. We SHOULD have taken a 4x4..we had a few close calls!

This is a comparison showing the image from the movie and my photo. Those grain elevators are gone now. Too bad.

This was Lana Lang's house in Superman III. It is in High River, Alberta.

Also in High River was the Smallville High School (for Superman III).

Again in High River, this was the Smallville town square where they had the celebration to honor Superman.

This parking lot across the street was actually where the stage was that Superman was sitting on.

Obi Wan

2009-04-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

Well this was a quick one...

I saw an ad for the brown robe so I grabbed it. I have to say I loved wearing it! It was so comfortable to watch movies in my cold basement. Oh well, back to blankets and heaters.

The inner tunic/robe is my old Aikedo gi slighty dyed beige, and the lower robe is just a $4 sheet I found at wal mart. COlor mathes the gi very well! The larger belt is from the same sheet. The other belt is just from a thrift store (as are the brown boots). Nothing super accurate but I added a buckle and another detail to the belt from seom reference images.

The mannequin is a cheap $25 ebay inflatable mannequin with no arms or head. I made arms out of foam noodles kids play with in swimming pools. I shaped and cut them a bit and added coat hangers to help them hold the shape.

The head..well thats just a photo I printed full size and glued to cardboard. Yup..cheesy I know but I casting of a sculpt is just not in the budget right now.

The first pic is with a flash. Lights up the face, although I prefer it in the dark a bit.

This pic is without a flash. I tried to hold still!

Jawa Eyes light up now!

2009-04-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

I got a few of those garden lights that are basically a stake with a light on the top. They were just over $3 each at wal mart. I cut the led from two of them, added a longer wire, soldered the light to the wire and the wire to the board the led came from and placed the lights in my Jawa eyes. The solar charging light sensor I placed in the windowsill behind the Jawa outside of the curtain so it will charge in the day.

Now every night my Jawa eyes will light up.

I still need proper ammo belts for this Jawa.

Serenity Mounted to Base

2009-03-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

I had a round bar welded to the base today and drilled a hole in the bottom of Serenity to fit it. I'll leave it loose so I can turn it if want.

I have painted the black details at the back..so all I have left are some wired at the back that I will pick away at a bit here and there.

Hard to get the lighting right so I posted a couple pics..one with the florescent light on, the other without.

Serenity..ALMOST DONE!

2009-03-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

I am mostly done finally! All the little details were a LOT of work! Still need to add some wires at the back and need a round rod to attach to the base and have to drill a hole in the bottom of the ship to accommodate it..for a more subtle mount than a baby food jar. ;)

I just added the last pic...kind of a before shot with just the first base coat painted. What a difference!!!!

More details done..

2009-03-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

Made a little more progress today.

I worked on the engine covers and shuttles, weathered the beehive back parts etc.

I just have all the pieces set together for the picture..it still all comes apart. I am feeling pretty happy about the way it's looking.

Serenity Model Build

2009-03-07T09:23:00.001-08:00

I have been puttering on this model.at least the painting. I am on about the third coat of paint trying to get it right. It is a touch paint job! I can't quite get the colors right and all my reference pictures have lots of variations so I'm guessing a lot.

Also I am trying to make do with mostly acrylic paints from wal mart since they are cheap and easy to get for me. The nearest decnet hobby shop is an hour away so if I run out of a color that is a huge setback if I can't use the acrylics.

I have learned that diluting acrylics wit water sort of works..but clogs the airbrush. Diluting with alcohol makes it gummy!!

The trick is diluting with Windex with ammonia! It works great for my acrylics and for my old model paints I have from years ago!! Sprays GREAT in the airbrush, helps paints dry fast.

I spent a few hours last ngiht painting panels and the odd detail by hand. I was trying to do all this with an airbrush but in the end it just made sense to do a lot of the detailing by hand.

I still have a lot of detail work to do but here it is so far. The base says Firefly and I painted that months ago with my old airbrush. I'll have a rod come up from the base to hold serenity 'mid air'.

R2 in action...better video...DOME TURNING!!

2009-01-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

Here is another video..different camera and the dome is turning now!!

Video cut off because memory card was full...but I have enough to show it working!

Future's so bright I gotta wear shades..

2009-01-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

OK Lame title..

One last Back to the Future thing...DOc's future glasses. I just drew the best I could from pictures and referencing my own head size.

I had to sand them with a fine sandpaper for a brushed metal look. The yaren't perfect..but good enough for a quick addition..

I went with a coupe of the more blurry pictures..they make it look better. ;) Ones with flash made every irregular scratch jump out...so I wont show those. ;)

Yes picture was taken upside down.

Whew...problem solved...R2 WORKS!

2009-01-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

I resoldered my motor at work (with some help from a better solderer) and remounted it tongiht. Wasn't ooo bad. Tried it out..and IT WORKS!!

Sorry if I overreacted..I was pretty bummed out last night!

So now my R2 moved nicely, has easy controls from a Ps2 wireless controller, has sounds at the press of a button, or the interactive version, had interactive HP that lights up, and the DOME MOVES!!!!

Thanks for being here supporting my whining guys!

Anyone want a non working R2?!?!

2009-01-21T06:10:00.000-08:00

Ok..after getting a new control system and finding I had to replace the dome motor, modifying my saturn motor, getting an adapter and wheel, making and mounting a mount for it, waiting for a new ESC..then finally wiring it only to find I fried it, then ordering a repair, sending it back and waiting again, then finally last night I got the new ESC, wired it up....

IT WORKED! For about 10 seconds. Then nothign. The dome quit turning. No..not a loose wire. Traced the problem back to the motor which was a major pain to mount. Reluctantly removed it..touched wires to a battery...worked a little sometimes...opened motor...closed motor...worked like once...

Then nothing. WIll not work at all.

SO I guess my motor modification didn't work...so here I am...do I try again only to duplicate this whole pain in the butt hassle only to end up with the same possible results??

I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to this being over, then I fried the damn ESC..then last night I thought FINALLLY this can be over and I can be where I was before I started this whole mess...but the laws of fate screwed me over again. At least I had 10 seconds of relief before it ended.

SOOOOOOO SICK OF THIS!

Flux Capacitor DONE!

2009-01-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

Finally finished my Flux Capacitor! My lights arrives yesterday so I finished off some greeblies (after greeblie shopping) and mounted the lights.

One of the lights I had mounted wasn't working too often so I had to remove it after. Kind of a pain but I got it out. Also the lights came with the UK style plug so I had to cut it and splice it to an extension cord.

Here is a video of it in action:

And a couple pics. One with flash, one without.

Medal for Han

2009-01-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

I just agot a casting of a Medal of Yavin (from A New Hope) .., and the proper ribbon so I cleaned it up a bit, painted it with some leftover Threepio gold, mounted it and hung it on Han.

Flux Capacitor Housing..almost done...

2009-01-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

I painted the box, cut the plexiglass..mounted it with rubber molding, and creatively mounted the latches and hinges. The screws I mounted by drilling a smaller hole then feeding the screws through to thread the aluminum walls a bit, the removing the screws and clipping them short so I don't have ugly screws poking through. I then covered the opening with soem JB Weld and painted it to match the rest so they just look like bumps..

The hinge was tricky..I didn't have the extra lip at that side I needed, but with some nuts as spacers I got it mounted. It's not perfect, but it works and you won't really see them from behind anyways.

I painted a couple of PVC elbows (lighter than actual metal ones) and have them glued in place now (well glue needs to dry for 24 hours...). I plan to make use of one of them to runt the power wire from the lights to an outlet. I hate to have an ugly cord hanging out of it..but no choice.

I didn't have a label maker so I found the correct font online and printed the labels to the right size...then glued them on. They don't have raised letters..but thats a minor detail.

Here is a pic of the "real" one from the movie:

And here is mine:

Once the lights arrive I can work on the internals! :)

New project..about the size of a breadbox.

2009-01-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

Any guesses as to what I am making? I have all the hardware and greeblies in the works...this was the hard part..the main box. The real one used in the 'movie' is available but very expensive. Seems like ppl use similar boxes..but even those were expensive so I drew up layouts based on the real one and had this made up.

Vid of R2 with new holo eyes...one that lights up!

2008-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a video. SOrry the quality is HORRIBLE...stupid camera. ANyways if you crank you speakers you will hear R2 play Leia's message when I ask for it...and the light go on again near the end when I say, "Light beam."

This was hard to do with one hand operating camera..the other moving R2...and the viewfinder on m camera wasn't working cuz the batteries were low so I had to look through the viewfinder.

Anyways..if you listen close you will get the idea. It works very well!!

2008-12-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to update..have been working on R2 on my holidays a bit when I can. I just finished painting and installing my new HP's (generously given to me by my Danish friend Holse). They look GREAT!

I also extended the wires and added a quick release coupling (round serial cable) so that I coudl mount the LED from my interactive R2 in the new front holo eye. Now when I am using the interactive R2 for sounds and I say , "Light beam" or play message it will light up and play Leia's message. This will limit my dome rotation a bit (I have a long loose wires so I could probably do a few laps with no problems)...but I'll just be carefull.

I also received my new seed controller so as soon as my dome motor adapter arrives I can mount that and get that head spinning again!

Nice to get some progress in improving my R2!

I'll post a video soon of the HP in action, and R2 moving with his new C6C control system!

New Cheapo control system....SUCCESS!!!!!!

2008-12-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

I am just pasting this from my post at the Astromech factory....no point typing it out 2 times...

I hooked up the C6C and adjusted the proper jumpers on the Scorpion. I plugged in the left and right foot motor wires (from scorpion to the C6C) and the picoswitch that plays my r2 sounds..and powered it up. I WAS BLOWN AWAY!

Not only does it work...it works GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very positive response...LOTS more power..battery life seems longer, range is good...no sign of interference through aluminum body...no lurching. ALL problems solved!!!!!

I didn't even have a single cable backwards or even need to recalibrate my foot motors in the scorpion (although I did to be sure). I NEVER get that lucky!

Ecstatic!!! I am going to LOVE only using ONE switch to power up the 2 12v batteries, and only having to charge ONE set of batteries!!!

Now the bad news...

I spliced my vex motor wire with a vex extension (cutting off both male ends) leaving me with a female end I could connect to the C6C. I conencted it..turned it back on, threw the dome on...and powered it up again.

Dome rotation is not working. The motor responds and the controls all work out (left stick turns dome) but that motor is struggling. It barely moves in one direction and the other it strains and pretty much wont move. My guess is the vex system was delivering more voltage to the motor...now that the C6C is working with 5v only..thats not enough for that Vex motor?

I was toying with replacing the dome motor with something quieter and larger anyways..and I do have a motor I bought for this purpose years ago. I attached a couple pics (see post at AF). I got it from Princess auto...I think its for a windshield wiper.

So...how can I add another small speed controller...with minimal wiring and no extra batteries?

New RC system arrived

2008-12-10T06:11:00.001-08:00

I just got my new RC system for R2. My current Vex stsem seems to be interfering with my foot motor's speed controllers (Scorpion XL). This new one works with a wirless PS2 controller. It is very simple and cheap, but I hope it works well for me! To power it from my Scorpion XL speed controller (which can deliver the exact 5v it needs I had to remove the voltage regulator and solder a short in that line. I think I was successfull...I HOPE!

This means I wont need a set of batteries to power this new board..it will run off of my existing foot motors.

Battle Droid model done!

2008-11-16T16:42:00.000-08:00

Finished the Battle droid model! I used acrylics...was tough to get the color right but I think it turned out pretty good!

My old airbrush was a real challenge because it works sometimes..not others. Took several coats of paint. I then applied and washed off some burnt sienna brown and some black here and there to weather it. The last think I did was use a metallic sharpie to add scratched and wear to the edges.

I am pretty happy with the results. Was fun to make a model again. I didn't bother with the STAP he rides on..I wanted him to be standing. SHame he doesnt come with a blaster tho.

The first pic was with no flash..the second pic I used a flash.

Pics of my models...no..the plastic kind!

2008-11-09T07:16:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pics.

This is my model kit of the ship Serenity from the show Firefly. WATCH THE SHOW..it is great! I painted with a based of metalllic aluminum, them misted flat black. The picture below shows the one from the show. I REALLY need an airbrush..but I am pleased with how it looks with this base coat. Weathering and airbrushing the details should be a real challenge.

Here is the other model I am puttering around on. It is a Battle Droid with Stap (the pogo stick thing they fly on). I think I just want the battle droid (not the STAP). That means the base it came with won't work...but I am sure I can manage something.

Been fiddling on a few things

2008-11-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

I have been wokring on a few small things...

I touched up the Firefly sign a bit..added stars..painted the edges black..and coated with clear gloss to make it shiny. I also have painted the ship parts a base color..metallic aluminum with a mist of flat black. REALLY seems to match the ONE picture I have of the ship. I cannot believe how hard it is to find screen grabs or reference images of the ship from the show.

My R2 had a problem with the dome rotation motor. The mounting screws loosened causing it to turn and bang when the dome switched directions. I have tightened it for now but I will have to redrill the holes.

I tried out my picoswitch and modified mcdonalds toy sound board with my Vex system. IT WORKED!! Now my R2 has 2 sound options...the interactive R2 inside as before..AND at the press of a button 3 sounds fromt he Mcdonalds toy. Nice to have the option of him playing a sound at the press of a button on my transmitter!!

I have also been gluing together a model (12") of a battle droid. It comes with a STAP (flying bike thing) but I think I just want the Battle Droid.

AGain I need a new airbrush which woudl really help me with these projects. Sigh...funds are too tight.

A little Project

2008-10-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Figured it was time to pull this little project out of the box and start on it.

This is just part of it...any guesses??

I tried to duplicate the look of the opening title from the show (Firefly obviously). It was trial and error, guessing at colors, adding here and there, wipingoff here and there etc. It was very tough to use my dying airbrush. It clogs with EVERY spray which makes precision and control impossible! I really need a new one but we can't afford it now. Maybe a cheapo one can get me by for now.

Chance Cubes...

2008-09-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

I made 2 of these....took a pair of dice, covered it all with apoxy sculpt...sanded it down, then painted the sides. I then sanded the edges and the paint. I then took screen grabs from Episode I of Watto's and tried to duplicate the scratches. I then sanded lightly to smooth the scratches a bit, then dirtied them up a bit by handling with some brown and black paint on my hands..washed most of that off, they just can't look brand new.

I'm pretty happy with them...hope Cam is..since one is for is Watto (that I still want!!).

I wished afterwards that I had drilled out one side and added a weight to it..since Watto was a cheater. In Episode I it was supposed to land with red up so that Watto would lose Anakin's mother if Anakin won the podrace, but Qui Gonn used the force to make it land Blue side up so that Anakin would be freed. Would have been a nice touch if mine were weighted....

Battle Droid piece mounted

2008-09-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

I got the piece in the mail yesterday. It came glued to a plastic cover over a picture and came with a letter of authenticity, with a picture of the piece on the exacst photo it came with. I decided that it would slightly discredit the letter if I remove the piece from the pic, so I attached the piece and the picture to my background. It fit nicely...just duplictates one of the pictures..which is ok.

Display for my new addition...

2008-09-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

I am getting a small piece of a screen used Battle Droid from Star Wars Episode I..so I got a shadow box and made this display page.

Hope the piece arrives soon!!!

Jedi Training Remote...

2008-08-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

This was the little project I wouldn't tell Calvin about. Nothing huge...but I had to withhold to keep the interest!

I have been at home this week because we had our new baby boy Cameron!! I tried to work on this here and there with my 2 year old..he would sit and color with crayons and I would work on this. Win win!

This thing was a challenge to paint!! First I had to glue on some parts and make the equator rectangles from scratch, and glue them one. Glued the crap out of my fingers ...still sore! I used liquid latex to mask off everything like the dark grey things the light grey rectangles and the reddish brown areas. That was a disaster. When I pulled off the masking latex around the reddish brown parts it pelled the paint everywhere. Same thing happened with the dark grey parts. This involved a lot of touching up with my reddish brown paint that I had to mix every time and the white primer base color. What a pain!!!!!!!!!!

I enjoyed adding the rust type weathering to the top and bottom parts...but it came out too prominenet and dark so I lightened it by painting the white primer over top a bit.

The chrome colored parts were also a mess. I tried cutting a circle in a piece of plastic to hold up to the part and paint...but I oversprayed insiode and then the damn reddish brown had to be touched up by hand AGAIN.

The second last part was a black wash that I did a couple of times. The first coat was really nice...second coat dried quick and I didn't get it wiped off quick enough...and as I was doing so a lot of the grey paint from the rectabgle was rubbing off!! I touched that up a bit and left them as weathered which is good.

The last step was to cut out and stick on circles insise all the round shapes. They were a 3M reflective tape that add shine to all these 'ports' when you take a picture.

Oh...the base..I used a banana hanger that I have hung on to for years for this...painted it satin black and tied a fishing line through...had to drill a small hole in the Training Remote to tie it as well.

The label..I found the Star Wars logo online...added the description myself and the border...printed it and glued it on.

Scratch built Raptor claws!

2008-07-09T06:15:00.001-07:00

I decided to try to make a claw from Apoxy sculpt ( a 2 part putty) and here is the result. I had made some extra so I made a smaller second claw. Once it dried I gouged ot the other side a bit with a chisel and sanded with a course sandpaper to leave grooves along the claw. I had planned on sanding out all the gouges, but they looked to me like different layers of exposed bone so I left some of them. I also chiseled in some scratches and chips.

For painting I started with a coat of flat black, then a mist of bronze, then a mist of brown...then dabbed on satin black with a large brush.

I am pretty happy with the results! The first pic is with a flash...shows the colors better. The second one is without and shows the details better...

T-Rex model...

2008-07-07T06:07:00.000-07:00

PIcked up one of these kits on sale at Toys R Us..adds to my modest Jurrasic Park collection. I still have a raptor claw to add to it..but here it is. Had to do some shuffling to make room forit but I have them in the windowsill...

Felt Clipping

2008-06-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

I finally managed to get a hold of a clipping of felt that was used in making the hats for Harrison Ford for the newest Indiana Jones movie.

Here it is all mounted and framed! :)

Vader Back!!

2008-05-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

I rebuilt Vader's legs since the last pair were too bent and he was in a slumped stance...never worked for me!

Here he is with the newly painted Helmet, and new cape and robes! I just have to find one of those clips to hold the cape chain on the top of the chest armour!

His boots are still the rubber riding boots, but I got some stuff to make tires shiny and applied it to the boots. Now looks way better!!

I also cluttered up my Indy/Yoda/Gollum area with a couple wall torches from Ikea. I LOVE the flickering effect they have...sooo cool! It works with the indy stuff and Gollum ayways. I have a freind with some fake vines I will be getting aftre they are done with them so I hope to use them to cover the cords a bit.

I also framed an INdiana Jones poster I got at the new movie.

Scaled Helmets and my Indy Gun!!

2008-05-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

I got a couple Master Replicas scaled helmets (heads) thanks to John! I had never honestly heard of these until John emailed to tell me about them. Poor guy learned his lesson cuz I made him get me one of each..and now I have him looking again for me. They were one sale so the idea was I could use the motion sensor voice and lights in my 1:1 Vader and Threepio. Trouble is they are SOOOO COOL I refuse to take them apart and gut them.

I'll have to find a good spot to display them!!

I also just got my replica of a 1917 Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector. Nicely done! Wish I could say I made it myself...but it sure is nicely done!!

Improved Indiana Jones collection!

2008-05-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

I hung the film used foam and rail spike, my framed Club Obi Wan poster (Thanks HOLSE!!), and finally framed my limited edition Ralph McQuarrie print of the Ark of the Covenant. I got a super cheap plastic frame at walmart that was too big and had to cut it with a razor blade to 12" x 18". WHAT a weird size!!!

I also weathered my whip using ink miked in hand lotion..and rubbed on! HUGE difference!!!! Here you can see it next to an extra whip that I didn't weather.

I also have a whiskey bottle label made by Jack daniels in the 80's as a reproduction of the ones they made for the movie (Raiders of the Lost Ark). Thanks Christian!!!

Now I just have to add my pistol when it arrives!!!

Vader Helmet Done!

2008-05-17T09:01:00.001-07:00

Well now he has the ESB paint scheme...and doesnt look like black plastic any more.

The dome has some scuff marks from sanding it (guide I followed said to sand it with 800 or 1200 grit paper after clearcoat is one...I did..then polished polished polished with Novues 2 scartch remover and turtle wax.

I'm pretty happy with the results..

Now to rebuild his legs. His stepping forward stance never worked forme so I will try a straight leg stance with the left arm still outstretched (to Luke).

I will be getting new boots and a new cod piece and new gloves from a friend, and I just got a new cape and robe (rubies..which is a HUGE step up from my home made one!!).

Woohoo! Screen used Indy props!

2008-05-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

I finally got my package from down under!!

I found a coupel of shadow boxes (had to repaint the larger one) and had the background artwork made up by a talented guy at the RPF (replica prop forum).

Here they are! One is a piece of the fake foam rock used in the Temple Entrance in the opening sequence to Raiders of the lost Ark. The second is a Rail Spike taken from the track where young indy got off the train in The Last Crusade.

I also got a few more goodies including a whiskey label made in the 80's by JackDaniels as a replica label to that seen in Raiders!! :)

Masking Tape Removed

2008-05-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Turned out pretty good! I took off the masking tape after the 3rd coat of black paint. The egdes were pretty good..just a few touchups!!

Now I have to let that sit for a week..then a few coats of clearcoat..then another week.....then light sanding..then some novus 2..then some turle wax and it will SHINE!

Indy is protecting him!

Vader Helmet repaint

2008-05-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

Well I have a Rubies Supreme Vader Helmet...that was ok..but all plastic...not enough shine. I tried to spray it with clearcoat. It then looked all black and glossy...I would have been happy enough with it..BUT the clearcoat would bubble and peel off at the slightest bump. Would only be a matter of time it looks like crap so I decided to bite the bullet.

I sanded off the clearcoat a couple weeks ago, primed it, resanded it...primed again, and sanded with a finer sandpaper, then painted the face part gunmetal, and the dome part gloss black. Then I let it sit for a week..(almost) and last night I masked off the face. The exposed parts will be painted black soon.

While masking a chunk of the gunmetal paint chipped off on the lower left cheeck. Damn! That part wil have to be touched up after the black is done..but I am scared when I pull off the tape that more of this will happen which will make me VERY angry after all of this!!

Anyways..here is how he looks now:

OK...THIS TIME>>> R2 is DONE!!!!!

2008-04-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Since the last post I have added the back door (signed by Don Bies and Kenny Baker). I used magnetix magnets and ball bearings to hold the door closed. Worked out very well.

And here is a video of him running...with all parts on!!!

R2 Finished!!!

2008-04-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

Well this is what my finished R2 looks like...from the front anyways. Still have to attach the back door.

I got the battery boxes and middle foot cylinders and wedges mounted last night.

I'm planning on getting 2 new batteries..slightly larger..in the hopes that they don't wear out in 5 minutes.

Haven't decided if I want to try to weather him yet. Scared to ruin the whole thing!

It's ALIVE!!

2008-04-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well...I got him moving!! Had someproblems...had him all wiredup and he wasnt responding at all like he was supposed to...then I finally realized I had some jumpers in the wrong position on the speed controller.

The scooter batteries take about 3 hours to charge....sad part is..they seem to drain in about 5 minutes. R2's motion is 24v...so I have 2 12v batteries wired in series. I tried to use a lawn tractor 12v battery...and it did work..but it wasn't enough power...r2 was way too slugglish.

The batttery boxes are just taped in place for now (waiting for magnets for attaching them), I have to mount the middle foot cylinders and wedges when the wedges arrive, then the last thing is to mount the back door. Final stretch!!!!!

Battery Boxes...

2008-04-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

I finished off the battery boxes. They turned out ok...not great..but at least they are done.

I sprayed my hoses with a brass color paint lightly and had to drill out the knurled fittings (mine are resin) so the cable would fit inside.

I have some magnets on order from ebay so I HOPE they are strong enough to hold the battery boxes on. The cables don't bed really easily so the magnets will be working against those.

Here is a pic. After all my foot problems you can see they are kind of tilted in...but at this point they are assembled and working...I'm not going to rebuild them again.

It's alive!!!!!!!!

2008-04-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

FINALLY I get to post one of these videos where r2 is doing something!!!!!!

I got his head turning with a vex motor. YEs it IS noisy..I just hope with the back panel on it will muffle the sound a BIT. Maybe I can wrap foam around it to dampen the sound a bit too...

Foot #2 ON!!

2008-04-02T06:15:00.001-07:00

I attached foot #2 last night....

No major problems!! The feet both seem to tilt lower in the middles..but at least they are symmetrical.

You can see the patches I made in these pics. Now when the battery boxes are in place there will be no holes (as there would have been if I used my original drive configuration). I guess that means this is all for the better.

You can see the patch (and crack at the top) filled here. Have to sand then paint. It's easy to see now..but once painted and sanded should look pretty good. Better than having a gaping hole!!

I patched the battery boxes too. Those cutouts accomodated the old drive assembly..now it fits INSIDE the foot shell so these cutouts aren't needed any longer!

Some good progress

2008-03-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Doesnt sound like much but I did do some good progress this weekend. My battery boxes were all cut up to fit around my last drive...so now that the drive is redone and fits inside the foot better I can actually have battery boxes that look right...so I cut out and patched the pieces that were cut out using sintra in the boxes themselves...

I also patched and filled a few spots in the feet...and used a heat gun to bend the sintra to fit. Now when the battery box is on all will look good....no obvious cutouts and drive housing sticking through.

I also got the second foot drive all mounted and glued into the second foot shell. That took some dremelling to fit the motor inside the shell...and then some filling at seams..and where I cut through to the surface when I dremelled.

I also fixed up the crack in foot #1 that was created when I bolted it to the ankle...just needs some touchup paint now. I also properly connected the wires in the foot and tucked them out of the way.

All tedious stuff that didnt amount to much..but I made some good progress. Should have foot # 2 mounted in a couple of days..after its sanded and repainted (after seams dry).

Then I have to add a bit of height to the center foot so the shell isn't dragging on the carpet...I should be able to just use some washers..

We're getting there....soon I will be back to where I thought I was 5 weeks ago. :)

One foot back on!!

2008-03-27T06:02:00.001-07:00

I had to rebuild the left foot these past few weeks..too many squeals and was runnign too low. I remade the foot drive brackets...tried to fit them intot he existing shell..broke that in the process..reglued...rebondoed...repainted....YUCK!

I finally got the foot back on. It is much better..much more clearance inside, 2 wheels for better traction and higher off carpet so no more dragging. Now time to start rebuilding foot #2...YUCK!!!

Here is the rebuilt foot with new drive bracket inside..

Here is the old right foot with the new bracket beside it....I hope this one's rebuild goes better!!

Here is my new bracket. If you look in the top channel you can see a stopper plate. That will seat up against the ankle so the foot stays flat and does bottom out (eliminating the need for a caster in the rear foot to hold the foot flat).

Logics replaced

2008-03-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

I got new logics! They are Leons board and Cam from astromechfactory soldered the LEDS for me!!! Sorry for the poor quality in the video...this was the best I could do.

My PSI light flashes too fast...not sure why. I have the little thing on the board turned all the way to slow it down...I think it may have to do with how the front & back are in parallel off the same 9v battery?

Anyways the logics are AWESOME! SOO BRIGHT!!!!!

Frustrated R2 Builder

2008-03-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am soooo frustrated now!!

A few weeks ago I tried attaching batteries directly to my foot motors to see if they would work..and they did not. Nothing but problems..wheel slipping, things rubbing, and squealing etc etc. I bbit the bullet and redesigned a better foot motor mount that was supposed to fit inside my foot shell. After struggling with problem after problem I finally had one drive mounted and seemingly working..then I tried to push it into my shell....and it broke apart.

I now have to rebuild the shell a 3rd or 4th time..soooo sick of this! If a miracle happens and it actually ends up working (after I reglue, bondo, repaint, etc) then I have to go through all this again for the second foot.

I don't have time for setbacks like this!!! NOT having fun!

Jason

Threepio DONE!!!

2008-02-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

Finished off my Threepio last night! I'm pretty happy with it..

That OK paint looks great, but if you apply too thin it looks pebbly..and too thick it looks smooth, but it can run and takes FOREVER to dry! Seriously..weeks later if you hold a part it will leave fingerprint impressions!!

I made a video clip. The motion sensor light thing I made works decent enough..but if I leave it on when you walk up to him and wave a hand in front of his face his eyes light up..perfect. Trouble is the voice box doesnt trigger until the lights go OFF! DOH! It isn't too bad for volume. It sounds REALLY quiet in the clip cuz my camera has a crappy mic!

I have a remote controlled outlet switch...so I just press a button an a keychain and the lights go on then and the sound..so that works. That way during a movie or if he gets annoying I can turn it off. The voice box is triggered by the lights going on and off so if they aren't on he doesn't talk.

I also have a base form a C3PO dashboard driver toy. I removed the figure from it and mounted it to the top of the nearest stanchion...so you can press the button and he says 10 or so random phrases.

CRAPPY mic on camera..turn up speakers!!!!!

Threepio..getting closer

2008-02-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some updates of my Threepio. He's missing a lot of greeblies, and I have to properly mount the eye lights and sound box in the head...but getting closer!!!

First pic in 3d if you can do the crossed eye viewing..

Next pic is normal for those who can't..

Here is a pic of my collection of Firefly autpgraphs including my newest one signed by Nathan Fillion (thanks Aaron):

Lastly here is a pic of my Sarlacc Pit rug at the bottom of my stairs:

Progress pics IN 3D!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

I am totally serious....

I took these pics...each side is from a slightly different position. If you use something called a crossed eye teqnique you can see these pics as one 3D image!!

The way I do it is kind of blur and cross my eyes until I am able to pull one image from one side to line up with the other image. Then I have to focus the image and all of a sudden I am seeing these tings in 3d!!! TRY IT!!! You should sit back so you are able to take in both images at once.

If you have trouble try using the teqniques they mention here. http://www.angelfire.com/ca/erker/freeview.html

Here is my Threepio done up to the belly.

Here is the Torso...I managed to get the paint runs a bit less (on the front). Hope when it dries it flattens out.

Just for fun..here is R5-D2..IN 3D!!!!!!!!!!!! Man this is cool! Hope you are getting this to work by now!

Update

2008-02-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Not much to update...

I've been working on Threepio's chest and torso. Lots of parts on the chest, lots of dremelling, lots of filling, lots of sanding...

I did apply some paint to it last night and this mroning. I dunno..that paint from the UK is GREAT looking, but thin coats leave a texture..and when you spray more..it really smooths out and looks great so when I did that this morning it ran all over. I just hope when it dries it won't be too bad and another coat of paint over top will hide the runs. DAMN.

I also have the belly wires all in place..I took a plastic carpet and painted some lines on it for wires, then added a bunch of random wires on top of that. I attached it into the body with velcro.

More Threepio Progress

2008-01-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

I managed to assemble and paint the upper thighs and hips for Threepio. I then filled the upper thigh with expanding foam. When I dropped in the hips the thighs were too far apart so I pulled them together and left it overnight. This morning there was a foam leak..but I managed to pull most of it of. Paint will have to be touched up a bit..but it's not too bad.

I really had trouble fitting the knees...and sealing them from th inside with tape...but in the end it's not too bad.

I plopped the head on top just to see....also replaced the elbows with 90 degree elbows in stead of 45 degree ones.

Doing a Little Legwork

2008-01-21T06:05:00.000-08:00

I had some troubles gluing the lower legs together..but with soem regluing, bondo, etc I think I pulled it off. The knee areas weren't as flat as I would like, but they are holding so that's good.

I also had to repaint Threepio's right foot on the base since I had it gold, but his right lower leg and foot are chrome colored....DOH. I masked it off and painted it n place since I had filled the foot a bit with foam and glue so when I use spray foam to fill this lower leg it doesnt seep through the bottom.

I will add black inside the ankles for where you can see through and then fill it with spray foam for a strong secure lower leg.

Here is the rough skeleton. You can see how cheap gold paint compares to the stuff I got from the UK.

"Look sir...droids!"

2008-01-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

I made a base for my Threepio this weekend. Plywood base with sand in layers that I sprayed with diluted white glue.

You can see where it's still mostly wet in the picture. Hopefully when it's dry it will be solid and sand isnt always falling off..otherwise it gets more glue!! Used sandpaper for the sides too...attempted to blend it to the top.

Also dremelled and glued and bondo'ed the feet together..then painted them. The pipe flange inside is screwed to the base..and will connect to the legs 'pipes' to hold him up.

I also added a little detail that only the true Star Wars fans will pick up on. Spot it? I had to make it from a pepper bottle lid...and paint..and some weathering.

Some Threepio Progress...arms and messing around with motion activated lights and sound.

2008-01-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

OK..I recorded TK409's intro into my voice box and spliced together a motion sensing night light with Threepio's rice light eyes. I taped one of the lights to my motion activated voice box..so the plan is when the motion activated lights go off...they activate the voice box. Cheesy setup..but ti seems to work.

I want to try to wire these up to a remote controled outlet...so I can power this up and down remotely..in case this works too well and threepio starts talking all the time during a movie.

I had to feed 6 volts to a circuit for the motion sensing night lights..that was designed for 4.5 volts. That being the case I may have to then feed 6 volts to the voice box too..and cross my fingers it doesn't blow!

Here is a rough video I took with my camera. The voice box doesnt pla as loud as I would like so it's really tough to hear in this video...but follow the link in the post below this one and you will hear it! TURN SPEAKERS UP!!!!!

Here are some pics of the progress I have made on Threepio's body. Just to get the arms in this state has been a lot of work with a heat gun, glue, filler, sanding, priming, painting. I am painting everything with the cheapo gold paint I can buy here, and the final coat is the expensive paints I had shipped from England. The torso in the picture below is just normal paint so hopefully you can see how much better things look once that special paint is applied. Obviously the torso in the picture below is not done.

New Theater Greeting

2008-01-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to some talented people at the Replica Prop Forum I have a new greeting for my theater.

I will have my Threepio use a motion sensor so when you walk up to him his eyes will light up and he will say:

http://www.jeffcohost.com/~tk409/olddata/jason/sound-filter2.wav

Cool!

Rebel Blaster

2008-01-03T05:56:00.000-08:00

I got a hold of a Hasbro Rebel Blaster that shoots foam darts and did a few minor mods to it and repainted it.

I also added a bit of a straw to the scope front. The scope still lights up red when I pull the trigger..and it still shoots the foam darts. I should have bought 2 cuz shooting those darts is fun! They stick right to the tv...take that Oprah!

Here is a before pic:
And After:

R5D4 head...DONE!

2007-12-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

I actually completed something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I weathered it last night..wasnt happy today so I cleaned it up a bit..and added the drip marks and black around the "motivator" panel.

This was my first weathering experience. I am pleased with the result!

Death Star Surface Tiles

2007-12-17T05:53:00.000-08:00

I got a couple recasts of Death Star Tiles used in filming Star Wars, so here they are all painted up and mounted with a reference pic.

No Brenda this isn't the little thing I am keeping from you guys! ;)

R5 Head on Body

2007-12-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

Tried out the R5D4 Head on my R2 Body. He looks angry fro some reason. I won't bother with the red features on the body since 95% of the time he'll be R2.

Still working on the ring between head and body..but here is an idea how he will look.

R5-D4 Taking Shape

2007-12-10T05:55:00.000-08:00

I got the side and back hydraulics in place and the eyes/greeblies. Starting to look like R5-D4. Still have the back part of the neck piece to work on, and the metal ring under the head.

THEN I will feel it's safe to mount the antenna!

Slight improvement..

2007-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

So here is the R5-D4 dome....after sanding off the bad parts and attempting to repaint the whitee without ruining the red pinstripes and the reflective stuff around the neck...

It turned out ok..worst part os on the back. I looked at some screen grabs from Star Wars and it's pretty beat up so I think I'll be ok once I weather it.

The neck piece that goes over the reflective stuff is 1/2 done. I had to file a bevel on each section so that took a while, but here it is just sitting there for now.

My dome greeblies (antenna, hydraulics, eyes) arrived yesterday...woohoo!!

Sunday Morning Blues!!!!!!!

2007-12-02T09:38:00.001-08:00

I was planning on posting my progress...now I'm posting my disgust!!!!

After putting on the red pinstripes last night I figured I'd give the whole thing a coat of clear gloss to seal it up!

Not sure if it's the type of paint, or the fact that the garage is -20 but I RUINED the paint!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stupid clear gloss. I guess I have to let it dry and re-assess! SWEAR!!!!!!!!!! EXPLATIVE!!!!!!!!! CURSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Not much news

2007-11-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd update. Haven t had a lot of time. I have been filling the seams and sanding R5-D4's head here and there//and the parts for it are on their way.

That's about it!

R5-D4 Head Welded

2007-11-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Woohoo!! The head is all welded up.

Gotta fill seams...add greeblies, paint etc.

Hero Panel Update and a new R5 head progress

2007-11-13T05:50:00.000-08:00

I did some more work to the Han in Carbonite 'hero' panel. I added the white pinstriping to the green light area, and some more detail to the rectangles beside it. Iwas going to try to take a clock radio and have the digital display from that fit in here, but the ones I had didn't seem to be the right size, and likely couldn't have been split to fit, so I just painted the lines as if it just isn't turned on. I am pleased with how that turned out.

Here is a pic with the lights off showing the green glowing in the dark. This pic was overexposed..I wish it really looked like that....it's only about 1/2 as bright in the dark.

I also finally got some help tack welding together my R5-D4 head flatpack. Here is how far we have gotten with it.

Side Panels Progress

2007-11-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

These are painstaking and tedious...and not all that accurate.

The 2 on the left side are mostly done..just need a couple more greeblies. I painted the insides of the recctabgles metallic, then poured clear resin into them. Worked pretty good. For the 'hero' panel on the right I have a LOT more greeblies to find then add. I did the same with the resin being poured but added white acrylic for the white areas and glow in the dark green for the light up panel. It does glow in the dark a bit. I actually wanted the green panel to be more white translucent with the green glowing from behind, but this will do.

Man these panels are a tedious thing.....I still have panels at the top and bottom of Han in Carbonite to finish off and paint too..

Trial Paint...

2007-11-02T07:55:00.001-07:00

After looking at the pics I concluded that I would paint the main part of the panel with just primer..mist it with metallic chrome to make it look metal..then I will paint the recessed areas with the chrome paint.

I am really looking forward to pouring some clear resin in the recessed areas to give that glass screen look they have.

Then it's GREEBLIE time!!! :)

Here it is from this morning....just grey primer with a metallic misting. It loks a little shiny in the pic..primer was still probably wet. It doesn't look that glossy in real life.

Here is a pic of one of the real ones. I think in that pic the lighting is different and gives it a darker warmer gray.

Han in Carbonite Panels...and updated stairway

2007-11-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

I've been slowly working on my Han in Carbonite side panels after finishing the basement. Tough to have the motivation and time these days.

These panels are going to take FOREVER...there are a lot of them..and with only an hour here and there not much is getting done. Of my unfinished projects these I am the least enthused about...so I will get them out of the way.

Hor the 'hero' panel that is supposed to light up green..I think I might paint that light area with a green glow in the darl paint, then cover that with some clear resin. SHould look kind of cool, and be easy.

The panel backing parts I have pieces from when I cut out the frame, so I am using them to make that part. The panels I got from a guy on the RPF. They arent very accurate, but they are a starting point. WIth a lot of painting and adding of greeblies they should be close enough.

I also have move all my signed pictures to one wall..making room for 3 star wars posters going down the stairs. At the bottom is a Lord of the Rings Poster with some swords, etc. I really wanted to hang my HUGE Middle Earth map, but there is no room. That and Gollum will have to reside somewhere else.

Theater DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

That was the most exhausting and dirty 2 weeks I can remember!! Now I need another holiday!!!

Here are the results...the only thing missing are my 3 Force FX sabers that I will hang on the bulkhead. It is a pretty large room..but I sure managed to fill it up! Movies look and sound GREAT! Had some problems sorting out speaker wires (my labeling went wrong) and my video wire from the Xbox 360 was NOT working and I was PISSED~! Once I took it apart again and cleaned off some paint it worked good...WHEW!!

The painting I worked my BUTT off doing and I was pretty choked when I pulled off my masking tape and it ripped off the paint underneath. I have lots of touch ups to do...but not just now.

This Is Where The Fun Begins...

2007-09-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Been working like crazy on my basement (with a LOT of help!). Last night we finished hanging the drywall!

Next step...taping and mudding..YUCK!!!!!!!!!

This pic is looking towards the front of the room. The screen I project onto (painted) will start just to the right of the window.

This pic also looks to the front of the room. I shoudl be able to somewaht cebter the screen on the wall and have an image size of about 115".

Towards the back of the room. In the lower right of the picture you can see the risers I have also been working on. The theater seats will sit on them. The smaller one goes in front for 2 seats and the larger one goes behind it for 3 seats. In front of all of them will be the leather recliners (3).

Other back wall.

Jawa standing

2007-09-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

I picked up a collapsible reaper Halloween decoration today. It's PERFECT. Since its a series of tubes that pull out until they lock..I left 2 collapsed so he would be short. The black hood covered the Jawa face and the arms were wire covered with foam so I cut them back a bit so they were shorter. Then I broke the huge reaper hands so they were shorter and narrower..duct taped them on and put on little gloves.

I will add some eye lights soon.

:)

Theater Seating Upgrade

2007-09-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

I missed out on these a while ago when the store that had them locally sold out right away. I got help from a friend with a truck and got these last night. We set one of them up for now, but they won't find their home until my theater room is done.

They are pretty comfortable and they recline to 2 positions. I will still use my theater seats behind these so my theater will now seat up to 8 people.

Here is a pic from the store. I only have one assembled so this pic shows all 3.

Jawa Robe and Tattoo redone.

2007-09-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

I got a package in the mail last night...it was my Jawa Robe! It is very well done in 2 pieces (hood seperate). Sadly I couldnt find a child to dress in it so I had to get pics of it on the couch. I have been looking for a 4' tall Halloween skeleton or something that has motion sensors and moves...then I just need to dress it and disable whatever cheesy Halloween things it says. I hope I find one..otherwise I'll have to get a dancing Santa (kidding).

I went in last night and had my tattoo recolored (since I was a bleeder). I hoped it was a fluke and I wouldn't bleed so much..but i did. The colors should be a lot darker once it heals up tho. I'll post a pic in a couple weeks.

Basement Insulated...ready to drywall...And V for Vendetta Mask with Hat and Wig

2007-09-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

I got my basement insulated on the weekend! More progress woohoo!!!!!!!!! You can see Vade isn't doing so well standing these days..his legs have brokedn a couple of times since the move. Once the room is done I'll get him cleaned up...I'll probbaly have to anchor him to a wall...he seems to like to fall and break lately. I probably should have gone with a simpler pose in the beginning, but I am NOT redoing all that work!

My arcade Cabinet is all apart too...just a shell right now, but it won't take much to get the monitor back in and have it running! It will double a an MP3 jukebox too!

I also managed to find a witch wig that I cut to use for my V for Vendetta mask. I also found this 12" figure that talks. Cool!

Laser Stars & AT-AT

2007-08-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

The other night my wife got home from Toys R Us with a birthday present for me! I joked at her about how she bought a 35 year old (gasp) a present at a toy store.

She got me a toy At-AT (the endor moon version) with lights and sound. I felt bad knowing it is pretty expensive for a silly toy, but it's cool to have it. Of course I had one when I was a kid..loosk like the same molds for most parts, but they have improved the sound system.

Yesterday I picked up a thing called Laser Stars for my theater. I got htinking about how I shold install fibreoptics in my theater room, then started thinking about black light and painted stars (to make it easier) then I came across this thing. It REALLY fills the room with moving stars...and has an adjustable cloud thtas always shifting and moving. Really is cool to watch! The stars are actually green, but it really is cool!! Will be a great effect for my future theater!

http://www.smarthome.com/46488.html You can see a video at the link...but it REALLY does not do it justice.

I am trying to get a phone number for a guy who does drywalling...then I can get at it! I want to pay to get help and get it does well this time (and faster). I hope this guy is willing to help!

V for Vendetta Mask

2007-08-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

Me and little bro worked on our V for Vendetta masks on Friday. We had lots of trouble with my cheap airbrush. I finally tried to do some of the shaded areas by hand, but it turned out too dark. I painted over with white, then tried again with Q-Tips. It looked horrible so last night I painted over with white again and gave the airbrush one more chance. It turned out MUCH better (above the eyes) so I am happy now.

Several coats of gloss clear coat and he's done!! I have a hat on order (cheapo one off ebay) and now that Halloween is coming I shoul dbe able to find a Cher wig and trim it to work.

:)

Gold Paint revisitted

2007-08-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

I got some gold paint from the UK (THANK YOU GRAHAM!) that is supposed to be a lot better looking than the gold paints available in Canada and the US. It cost me a LOT with exchange, shipping etc so I had a lot of expectations for it.

Here is a before pic with the local cheapo paint.

And here is an after pic with the paint from the UK. It really does look better. It's a bit lighter in color and really shines more. It does make a difference for sure. It's really hard to tell from the pics but you can sort of see the second picture has more reflection in it.

I

Tattoo....I'm a Bleeder!!

2007-08-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

Got my tattoo last night. It wasn't that bad for pain, but the tattoo guy said I am a bleeder. He figured me being fair skinned and freckly could be the cause. He couldn't put too much color in as he said it would bleed out so once this has fully healed I will have to go back in a month for some more color to be added.

Still quite raw and sore...or course. The red on the tatt is blood..not part of the pic...

Glad I did it!

New Car/ Basement pre-wired

2007-08-07T06:27:00.001-07:00

I spent a day on the long weekend wiring my basement. I have all the receptacles and lights prewired for my first inspection. MAN I hope that goes well. After the first inspection all receptacles have to be put on and the breaker box wired up. I hope I get a nice inspector.

I shoudl be getting my first tattoo tonight! YIKES!

Here are a couple pics of my new car (2007 Civic DX-G Sedan). 6 years of being broke now!

R2 Back Panel...back from Florida

2007-07-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

I sent my R2 back panel back to Florida since Kenny Baker was signing at Star Wars Weekends at Disneyworld recently.

Now I will feel ok mounting it (I was always hoping an opportunity to get K.B.'s autograph would come up.

I had some more bad luck on the weekend. I was driving my 2000 Honda Civic home from work and going about 120KPH there was a bunch of blue smoke and it quit. Luckily I was able to pull over and had my cell phone so I called a tow truck. It looks like there are TWO holes in the engine block!! The dealership people were very shocked. Looks like I need a new car. Here you can see the holes:

Small Update

2007-07-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update. Last night I painted the battery connector areas metallic and attached the moons on the center foot. The one side is attached with magnets so it will just pop off when I need access to the bolt holding the foot on.

The moons are a bit high, but thats how I had to do it to get access to that bolt.

R2 on FEET! REAL FEET!!

2007-07-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

I had some time to work on R2..got the feet painted and put them on.

Looks cool..but ran into unexpected problems. I hope I can solve them or R2 wil be STATIC (not move).

The center foot doens thave the side moons on yet (they arent quite dry yet). One side will just pop on with magnets (same ones I used for the restraining bolt). This will give me access to get the bolt out and the foot off. The problem with the middle foot is the swivel caster it uses. For now I tightened the bolt TIGHT so it will stay parallel to the floor, but I will try to drill & tapp a small screw in to hold it in position, otherwise the shell will push onto the floor and drag badly.

The outer feet have a problem. The scooter drive wheel is at the back and so that the foot doesnt swivel and drag on the ground I have small rigid catsers at the front to hold it flat. That should have worked in theory, but the foot is bottoming out (or topping out) against the ankle. As a result the scooter drive wheels arent even touching the floor. If I remove the front rigid casters then the front of the foot shell will drag into the floor. I am going to try to file the ankle down enough so that the foot pushes easily flat, then the weight SHOULD be evenly dispersed to the scooter drive wheels and the front rigid caster (front of the outer feet).

The feet turned out ok, but kinda rough. They were a nightmare to make and now have lots of scrapes. Oh well..R2 can't look brand new. One foot cracked at a seam while I was pushing it on..so that has to be filled and touched up. DAMN~!

Here are a couple pics...

New Fett Lid, V for Vendetta Mask and some Foot Progress

2007-07-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

I recently ordered a V for Vendetta Mask and a new Boba Fett helmet. I DID make a Fett lid from scratch, but this one I ordered is rumoured to be cast from the one they used in filming the Empire Strikes back..so I might not peaint it..just display it 'as is'. I didn't need it, but I was feeling down lately due to recent events so I got impulsive with the spending.

I'll have to take some pics of the 'Mystery Fett Helmet' next to my scratch built.

The V for Vendetta Mask should be fun. I got another one on order for my 'little bro' so we can work on ours together sometime soon! FUN!

I spent a bit more time bondo-ing my R2 feet AGAIN. Man this is the third time....they are taking FOREVER!!! I'm getting closer to where I can paint and mount them. Damn bondo sets WAY too fast in the warm weather. I got frustrated last night..just making a mess.

I had to open up the battery box sides of the feet to allow the foot drives to fit inside. They will be mostly covered by the battery boxes...but still partially exposed. I might try to cover them with some flexible white plastic or something. Man these feet are taking TOO LONG.

The middle foot will have one side that opens. They one side pieces will come off easily. I have some STRONG magnets I will use to attach the panel, and if I neet to remove the foot I pop off the cover and then have access to the screw that *hopefully* keeps the foot level.

Popcorn Cart and Threepio progress

2007-06-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

I have about 4 ppl that would check my blog...and 2 of those (a good freind and my mom) passed away unexpectedly in the past couple of months so I'm a little saddened posting again..but here goes..

Anyways...here is pic of my pocorn cart. It has an 8oz kettle...makes a nice sized batch every time...tastes great.

Here is a bit of progress on my Threepio. The torso isn't finished..I just sprayed it a long time ago to test the gold. The head is mostly done..I will repaint with a better gold paint when I get it.

Threepio Head....and a Challenger!

2007-06-02T23:33:00.000-07:00

Did some more work to Threepio's head...have the eys left to do. Will be getting a better gold paint soon, but this works for now. I also have some lights for his eyes on order...

I also assembled a cardboard kit for a Battle Droid. Went together very well..great design!!!!!!!

C3PO Head progress, Pics Framed

2007-06-01T07:49:00.001-07:00

I managed to get a bit done on my 3po head this week. Glue, bondo, glue, bondo, sanding, bondo, sanding.

Man metallic paint sure shows ALL the flaws. I SHOUDL have used a finer grit sandpaper so smooth it off....but hopefully after a few coats of paint it will look ok. I plan to weather the droid anyways...so all flaws are acceptable. Man I love that about the Star Wars universe.

I got my newest signed pics framed.!! :) I may not have room to hang them until my theater room is done tho. :(

Grass! YARD IS DONE!! And a Gift from a Friend!!

2007-05-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

We finally got MOST of our sod in the yard. Man it looks different back there now! Went from dirt and rocks and no fence to a FINISHED YARD!!!

This was a surprise i the mail yesterday! Signed pic by the guy who played the Jawa that shot R2-D2 in STar Wars and a signed card by the girl (yes girl) who played Greedo for some scenes.

THANKS CALVIN!!!

I got one of these Boba Fett concept figures on ebay (the US version with the Boba Fett artwork in the background. The Canadian packaging is shown on the left (got at wal-mart). It has the Vader artwork. Weird.

Fence.....DONE!!!!!!!!

2007-05-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

I am FINALLY done the fence. This weekend I had to dig 3 holes (holy that's hard work), put in posts, mix and pour cement, frame them and board the fence from the sides to the house. I had to also build a gate and mount it.

We never did get our grass yet so we HOPE they put it in in the next day or 2.

Fence progress

2007-05-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

I got a fair bit done....then it rained like crazy so I had to stop. I tried to work in the rain, but it was tooo messy and muddy!

We SHOULD be getting grass today or tomorrow!

Fence Building

2007-05-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well...since I've been too busy to work on the new basement theater, R2, 3PO, or any other projects..I figured I mighgt as well post what I HAVE been working on...boring as it is...

This weekend is a long weekend so I should be able to get a fair bit done. It's supposed to be rainy, but that is not going to stop me.

The fence at the back is going to be 3' boards at the bottom with a 2' lattice above to keep it fairlyu open looking since we back onto a park/walkway. There is no point blocking that off completely.

Hannequin

2007-04-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Ok..lame title...best I could do. Han's mannequin arrived. I had to cut a lot of the neck away to fit the bust.

Wohooo!!!!

Han Costume with Head....NEED MANNEQUIN!

2007-04-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update to show the head on the costume. If I ever find a mannequin should look pretty cool!

Han Solo Costume Arrived

2007-04-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

I just got this in the mail. Well done! I'll have to dirty it up a bit somehow.

It will go well with my Han Solo head I HAD on my Stormtrooper body. Now I need a proper mannequin so I will have a 1:1 Han Solo...MAN they are tough to get a hold of!!!

Any suggestions?!

Boba Fett.....DONE

2007-04-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well...mostly. His Jetpack thrusters broke off in the move so I need to replace a couple parts..but you can't tell from this view.