WORT! WORT! WORT! (translation) My Elite Build

[Jeff Torres]

Well, besides Plasma Bombardment....

"Scratch built" Means that YOU built it, using components that you saw fit to make the prop/costume
Pep in my opionion is a surefire way to make the object, but is someone elses work, your just putting it together.

 

[RFPnoodle]

Are you being sarcastic....... Glass as in fiberglass? =P

Nope. No sarcasm there. I didn't put two and two together that "glass" meant fiberglass. God, I'm slow.


Also, in that case, I guess all my costumes are scratch built then. Woo!

 

[Jeff Torres]

So you didn't? I want to clarify. Because I do not want to PaperMache another entire costume....took months for my Mrk. 6...

a week of 30 minute Paper Mache A day! For this BR

Glassin' is just brush on...much, much faster

 

[RFPnoodle]

Nope. I just paper-taped it and painted it.

 

[Jeff Torres]

Really? It looks very very good. Is it durable?

 

[Sutekhian]

I'm liking the look of this, can't wait to see it done! Cool way of getting the lower leg to look right

 

[RFPnoodle]

Really? It looks very very good. Is it durable?

Oh, definitely. I connect all my cardboard pieces with L-shaped pieces of cardboard on the inside. And in thicker areas I reinforce it like bird bones--hollow but with reinforcing struts here and there. The paper tape seals the cracks and for good measure, I cover other areas with it as well.

For my grunt costume there was a point where I had a small dent in the cardboard and I decided I didn't like the natural imperfection so I decided to puncture it to make a bullet wound in the chest. It took me multiple hard whacks with a scissors in order to even puncture it. I've never had a problem with my cardboard armor denting, wearing down or breaking.

The only issues I've had are where there were areas of stress, like on my stilts at the area where I put my foot in. The cardboard surrounding the entrance of the foot-hole did tear along a seam. But it was a quick fix. I've rain-proofed one costume with some spray-on stuff. It worked pretty well. I wasn't in a big ol' thunderstorm though.

And finally, the other problem I had was with moisture from my own breath. When I did my grunt respirator there was an extra area for me to breath out of, but it was made of cardboard to look like it wasn't a hole. That part got so soggy after I wore it. I should have covered it in something, even liquid latex would have done it! (would have been a waste on a larger scale--so don't do that )

 

[Jeff Torres]

Several Whacks? With Regular Cardboard? Huh, I reinforce on the inside also...but dang the cardboard you use must be 2 ply or something
But thanks for the Paper Tape Idea, I've never even heard of it, are you from the states?

 

[RFPnoodle]

I just use regular cardboard boxes.

Of course, the area I was whacking was curved, so maybe that has something to do with it.

Yes I'm from the states. Wisconsin, to be specific.

Here's a link to some paper tape to get you familiar with it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/GUMMED-WATERCOL...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563dc48539

It's also known as "gummed paper tape". There also is a reinforced version, which has some kind of strong fiber on the inside, and people use this for packing a lot. I chose the non-reinforced version because it looks smoother. They have some pretty thin-width tape, but I like the wide stuff. They sell it at all the art stores around here.

Basically it's got the consistency of a stronger version of a brown paper bag, and on one side of the strip there is adhesive that you have to get wet. I usually stick my fingers in a small cup or bowl of water and spread the water on like that. You can use a sponge or brush if that makes you more comfortable. You don't want to dip it into water, though. But anyway, it dries pretty quickly. Just rub the non-adhesive side while you are applying it to ensure that it sticks 100% and you're good to go.

I should really make a tutorial video on how I do my cardboard-making...hmmmm....

 

[Jeff Torres]

Yes you should make a tut, that would be interesting.
I've got to go to work in 10 minutes, but When I get off (hopefully it will be a short day)
I'll post pics of Thighs. Was working on them til 4 this morning. Almost Done on them

 

[HaloGoddess]

Wow! This elite build is looking pretty cool so far! I can't wait to see it finished. Although I personally am not a fan of the elites, but the builds are really interesting due to their body shape so I find it interesting to see how people pull it off!

Can't wait to see this finished!

 

[MxRacer476]

I as well am eager to see this completed, & pulled off....

On a side note, can you say Calf Workout!!?!!?!?

 

[Jeff Torres]

I will be saying it, because I've only hand them on for 5 minutes at a time. But I'm confident that with practice and some training I can do it. That and some comfort padding.

 

[MxRacer476]

I'm counting on it!!! Good luck!!

 

[Jeff Torres]

Quick little Update, I'm beginning the Head Pep....Gawd I hate it..How can you people do it?

so.............time...........consuming.

Oh and sorry about the Pictures, I was going to post, I'm at home right now, and my bro's camera is at my grandmas. so expect updates 'round Wednesday (tomorrow) or Thursday.

 

[Daeouse4361]

They say to start at the mouth of the elite head. . .

 

[SpartanM93]

Way to be an innovator. That was your own idea right? Looks like its going great, sorry I got in the thread late =]

 

[Jeff Torres]

Is that a joke? To start a the Head? 'cause i started at the base of the neck.
The Stilts are not my Idea, Sean Bradley was my Inspiraton

http://a871.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/124/l_c9fc7fb1164daade8766c4fca72a8436.jpg
Pic of his Epic Arbiter

He took the idea of the Stilts from a vampire Movie, the one with Lycans? The stuntmen used stilts like that to make the werewolf legs look Legit.

My Idea came from partly that video. But I did not include the "Calf Helpers"

Sorry about The pictures my little brother just decided to take his Camera away from me...what is wrong with people?

 

[JulianV]

I hope your project comes along nicely. Good luck with your calves.

 

[Jeff Torres]

Exciting Update!

The Thigh armor is almost Complete

Then when I add it to the rest if the armor, and a pair of very ackward feeling tight pants, I wore those for my Mjolnir Armor Aswell

My Personal Favorite:

Coming along well, I think eh?

Feedback, and brutal critizisim gladly welcome!