Halo Reach Custom Spartan w/ FOAM - First Build

Hey all,

I finished school a couple days ago, and am now ready to start my build. I have decided to go with the Recon helmet and MK.V shoulders, as well as some pieces from Kat's armour (either for aesthetic reasons, or because the lighter, slim look I am going for. I want my spartan looking like the small, quick, recce type. (which works with my 5'5'' height)
Some of you may remember my old post I started:
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/39947-Recon-Halo-Reach-Build-(with-Foam-)
I am not going to continue on that thread, because I now know what am I am going to do, and with what material. I also don't want to revive an old thread, I'd like to start fresh. (If the mods want to delete/lock it, go ahead )

So I have decided to attempt to do this whole build from foam, and after much research feel I am ready to tackle this. Now I know a lot of you want to see pictures, so though it's not foam armour, here's what I've accomplished so far.









With removable mags, V2 and V1




It also has a moving slide that springs back into place thanks to an elastic.






And here is my template / sketch



G'night, and feedback is more than welcome.

Very nice! Can't wait to see more!

The magnum looks a bit short? Is it just me? But can't wait to see more from this thread man!!! If you need any help just shoot me a pm and I can point you in the right direction

Khol said:

Very nice! Can't wait to see more!

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Thanks, will be working on it intensively.

shotgun rumble said:

The magnum looks a bit short? Is it just me? But can't wait to see more from this thread man!!! If you need any help just shoot me a pm and I can point you in the right direction

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It is a bit short, but I personally like the small, bulky look . I'm probably going to re-do it at eventually, add more details and such. And thanks, I'm sure I'll need a hand at some point.

Haven't thought of working on any weapons yet, but this inspires me!
Keep it up!

kadet said:

Haven't thought of working on any weapons yet, but this inspires me!
Keep it up!

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Weapons are sooo much fun. And thanks, glad to be an inspiration.


UPDATE TIME

Here are some pics of what I've been grinding away at for the past few days. Took me a little longer to do, but I guess it's from the lack of experience with foam, and the fact that I had to make my own templates for some pieces, because the foam unfold files had some pieces that didn't seem to work for me.

Anyways, quite pleased with the result, and I'm thinking of doing what LilTyrant did and covering the thing with craft foam do add the details and clean up the joints. (I've got a few "pre-battle-battle-damaged areas :$)

It seems scaled well too, will post pics of that later when I've got a third hand

I don't know if you had seen this...



http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/30963-New-Halo-Reach-Pistol-Pep-File-(Now-with-Sliced-Win!)

If you're 100% happy with the one you've got, great. But there's this option as well.

Decent job so far. Keep it up!

carpathiavh99 said:

I don't know if you had seen this...

http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/30963-New-Halo-Reach-Pistol-Pep-File-(Now-with-Sliced-Win!)

If you're 100% happy with the one you've got, great. But there's this option as well.

Decent job so far. Keep it up!

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That's awesome, definitely will use it for the next one I build, thanks a lot!

Also, a quick update :

I spent all day today fixing up my chest piece by doing the same craft foam layer technique in LilTyrant's build. I have to say, it's quite difficult at some times, and I don't know how she got it so clean, I've fixed most of the problem areas, but a few joints have become... unsightly. Maybe it's me being a perfectionist, but is there any kind of filler one can use for these small crack-like gaps?. Anyways, should be done tomorrow, and that means pics as well. Oh, and I made the hand plates too. Yay.

On a side note, I feel like I am working slower than most, if this is the case, any tips would be helpful. I don't want to rush it, but like being efficient. (Just to give a sense of time, I work about 5~7 hours a day on this.

I like the look of that magnum, it looks really great considering you didn't use the foam files! I'm thinking if going that route when I make my ODST pistol (the eyeballing route), and the elastic was a really good idea for the slide. Also, that torso is looking good, keep the pics coming! Subbed

Apothacary said:

I've got a few "pre-battle-battle-damaged areas :$

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Hahaha! It's all part of it's charm! It does have a clean look, though. If you find you have some kinks you want to work out later, I'm sure you'll make it happen, but I think it looks great. I'm looking forward to seeing more! :cool

DoctorFang said:

I like the look of that magnum, it looks really great considering you didn't use the foam files! I'm thinking if going that route when I make my ODST pistol (the eyeballing route), and the elastic was a really good idea for the slide. Also, that torso is looking good, keep the pics coming! Subbed

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Thanks, glad to have given something back to the community!

Doc Octorok said:

Hahaha! It's all part of it's charm! It does have a clean look, though. If you find you have some kinks you want to work out later, I'm sure you'll make it happen, but I think it looks great. I'm looking forward to seeing more! :cool

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Thank you, these positive comments keep me going!



UPDATE TIME

Finally finished the torso, got the foamies work done, as well as the collar. Only thing left is the armpit area seals, which I'm leaving out until I physically have my under suit ready. Still ddn't manage to get shots of me wearing it, had to work while my mom was home from work -.-

Anyways, here's what everyone wants to see, PICTURES!











And here is a close up of the insignia detail on the collar. Figured, I might as well have it, even if it's supposed to have the molded-in look. Also mounted some buckles to make armour mounting easier. YAY!






Oh and here are the handplates I made.





EDIT: On a side note, does anybody else have nights, early into their first builds, where they are trying to fall asleep, and are subconsciously thinking about the project? Yeah, happened to me last night, and the night before. -.-

I've been looking into a lot of foam builds since I decided that that's what I want to do. This build looks awesome. I can't wait to see more as you go.

Kor said:

I've been looking into a lot of foam builds since I decided that that's what I want to do. This build looks awesome. I can't wait to see more as you go.

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Do it! I love working with foam so much more! It takes a bit of practice and getting used to, but once you've got a good understanding (and a sharp knife) it's quite a bit of fun.

UPDATE TIME!

Pumped out a couple of forearms, and I have to say RoxyRoo's build offered both inspiration and a lot of help with these pieces, since I decided to do these freehand. The progress pics gave a great deal of info. (Pictures really are worth a thousand words) Anyways, its PICTURE TIMEEE!

The finished forearms :









And as promised, some pictures for scale. (YAY!)

looks nice and the foam looks good

Nice foam work. Great start.

Looking good man. Can't wait to see me.

Alright guys, its late, so I'm going to jump right into it.

So I haven't updated in a while, because I've been busy grinding this build out for Montreal comic-con, which is in one week. Was busy over the weekend and Monday, and it really set me back. I would really appreciate any help at this point, and as such have a few questions. I know the answers are here, but I'd like to put as much time as possible into building and hopefully getting this done in time.

Questions:

1. Do you have to do anything to the foam before you plasti dip? My little research into this says yes and no. If there is a process, please let me know what it is.
2. What brand/type of paint do you recommend for spray painting? Was going to get some outdoor-sy stuff from home hardware, but figured I might as well make sure before I drop a lump of cash on paint.
3. Do you guys think it is at all possible to have this done in time for the con? (Done as in armour pieces painted to an acceptable standard, I have a morphsuit as an undersuit in worst case scenario) As I mentioned, it's next Friday, so I have 7.5 days to work on it. I don't have anything scheduled in this time (except possibly one day), leaving me to literally live and breath this project for the next week. I want honest opinions, and if possible, reasons why this is not do-able/tips to make it do-able.

I know the Vets who see this will cringe at somebody trying to speed run this, but I will put proper time and detail, as well as only my best efforts, into this after the con. I promise.
,
Thanks in advance guys, and now on to what you're all truly here for :

UPDATE TIME!

Got the cod and biceps finished, as well the ab-plate and spine details on the torso. I've also managed to pump out two thighs, which are only missing ribbing detail.

My free hand attempt at the cod piece.







Now I know the biceps aren't the same, the one on the right was my second attempt, which turned out much better. Will probably re-do the left one at some point.














Here are the partially finished thighs






Anddd finally a picture of everything I have done so far.




Thanks guys, hope to update again soon.

Looking good, keep it up man!

EDIT: On a side note, does anybody else have nights, early into their first builds, where they are trying to fall asleep, and are subconsciously thinking about the project? Yeah, happened to me last night, and the night before. -.-[/QUOTE]


of every project ive ever worked on, for myself, for others, for very little pay.....yes...i tend to dream about it until its done. usually i wake up screaming realizing i could have done something different. or if im stuck on something i work it out dreaming. and ive been known to talk to myself in mysleep about said projects. and im known for wandering the isles of home depot aimlessly looking for "it". my friends havestopped questioning how i do things, they just reap the benefits when its over.

This build is going along nicely, there is no need to rush if you want it to be the closest to perfect you can get it, look around at other foam builds for ideas to make it better or more efficient. Good luck.

Fuzzy said:

EDIT: On a side note, does anybody else have nights, early into their first builds, where they are trying to fall asleep, and are subconsciously thinking about the project? Yeah, happened to me last night, and the night before. -.-

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I don't think that doesn't happen to any of us, I was just up til 6 in the morning working on my N7 helmet, always seems like the right time for some reason.