Lemonade
Member
Thanks! I'm looking into that!
Lemonade's Halo Reach Foam Build WIP
- Thread starter Lemonade
- Start date
- Status
Thanks! I'm looking into that!
- Member DIN
- S068
1. I'm a fan of not burning through batteries but I also have computer engineering and a buttload of circuit design practice so I might be a bad person to ask. My suit runs off a single 5V USB source in the form of power banks that get swapped out every ~4 hours of wear. I get big grab bags of bare LEDs and resistors so it works out to around $30 in electronics components and it's more customizable than the battery pack powered LEDs.
2. References are a bit of an interesting thing, I just went straight into the game and capped some cutscenes. Then I went into Inkscape and annotated my patterns to show where I added in lights.
3.Visibility is a fun issue on less common shaped visors. I'm on Mk. 5 of my visor right now so let's see how this mirror chrome version works out.
Lemonade
Member
Thank you so much! That is all very helpful!
Your description of your lighting sounds kind of complicated and reminds me of my first time trying to learn Minecraft redstone. But hey, I got those sticky pistons working eventually, maybe I can learn this too.
Lemonade
Member
Update!
I got sick with a bad cold last weekend, which slowed my progress, but I'm better now! And I've built both biceps and shoulder attachments.
I'm not worried about the detail on the top of the left bicep, since it's going to be covered by the ODST attachment. I've got a short strap with a magnet on the inside of the ODST, which attaches to a magnet on the bicep (picture below). I figured it would give me more flexibility in my arms if I need it. The top of the attachment will be held on with the normal strap and buckle to the chest piece, so the magnetic part is to help it stay in the right place.
I also did some battle damage! Once I realized I wanted battle damage, it didn't take long to decide what the damage would be from: a freaking dinosaur. So here we have the results of a velociraptor attack:
I think I'm going to add another claw scratch on the front of my left thigh and on the back of my chest piece, when I make that.
And here's everything I've made so far on me at the same time!
It's exciting to see it all come together. I think I'm going to try applying the Kwik Seal to a forearm, sealing it with Plastidip, and painting the base coat, which will hopefully inspire me enough to take on the three important (and remaining) pieces: cod, chest and helmet.
One more thing: due to being completely insane, I've decided to try and move up my timetable by one week. October 20 is the Saturday of Dallas Fan Days, and some of our friends are going, so... of course I have to go. However, I don't want to rush the suit, so if it doesn't get to be wearable by then, that's fine.
I got sick with a bad cold last weekend, which slowed my progress, but I'm better now! And I've built both biceps and shoulder attachments.
I'm not worried about the detail on the top of the left bicep, since it's going to be covered by the ODST attachment. I've got a short strap with a magnet on the inside of the ODST, which attaches to a magnet on the bicep (picture below). I figured it would give me more flexibility in my arms if I need it. The top of the attachment will be held on with the normal strap and buckle to the chest piece, so the magnetic part is to help it stay in the right place.
I also did some battle damage! Once I realized I wanted battle damage, it didn't take long to decide what the damage would be from: a freaking dinosaur. So here we have the results of a velociraptor attack:
I think I'm going to add another claw scratch on the front of my left thigh and on the back of my chest piece, when I make that.
And here's everything I've made so far on me at the same time!
It's exciting to see it all come together. I think I'm going to try applying the Kwik Seal to a forearm, sealing it with Plastidip, and painting the base coat, which will hopefully inspire me enough to take on the three important (and remaining) pieces: cod, chest and helmet.
One more thing: due to being completely insane, I've decided to try and move up my timetable by one week. October 20 is the Saturday of Dallas Fan Days, and some of our friends are going, so... of course I have to go. However, I don't want to rush the suit, so if it doesn't get to be wearable by then, that's fine.
Dire
Sr Member
Nice work dude, it's getting thereUpdate!
I got sick with a bad cold last weekend, which slowed my progress, but I'm better now! And I've built both biceps and shoulder attachments.
I'm not worried about the detail on the top of the left bicep, since it's going to be covered by the ODST attachment. I've got a short strap with a magnet on the inside of the ODST, which attaches to a magnet on the bicep (picture below). I figured it would give me more flexibility in my arms if I need it. The top of the attachment will be held on with the normal strap and buckle to the chest piece, so the magnetic part is to help it stay in the right place.
I also did some battle damage! Once I realized I wanted battle damage, it didn't take long to decide what the damage would be from: a freaking dinosaur. So here we have the results of a velociraptor attack:
I think I'm going to add another claw scratch on the front of my left thigh and on the back of my chest piece, when I make that.
And here's everything I've made so far on me at the same time!
It's exciting to see it all come together. I think I'm going to try applying the Kwik Seal to a forearm, sealing it with Plastidip, and painting the base coat, which will hopefully inspire me enough to take on the three important (and remaining) pieces: cod, chest and helmet.
One more thing: due to being completely insane, I've decided to try and move up my timetable by one week. October 20 is the Saturday of Dallas Fan Days, and some of our friends are going, so... of course I have to go. However, I don't want to rush the suit, so if it doesn't get to be wearable by then, that's fine.
Lemonade
Member
That's how I've been feeling this whole build.
But good news! I'm feeling more accomplished now that I've completely finished the forearm!
I decided to just go for it. I went a little heavy on the weathering, and I'm hoping I'll get the hang of it for the other pieces, otherwise I'm going to be an exceptionally seasoned Spartan.
Here's the forearm before and after all the filling, sealing and painting:
I've also started working on the codpiece. So far so good. Hoping to get it finished by the end of this weekend.
Lemonade
Member
Another Update!
I built the codpiece!
I didn't expect to finish it so fast, but I think the female pep file is a lot simpler than the male. I also got a little too eager and took pictures wearing it before I added the last bit of craft foam on the sides:
And here's how I split it and attached it back together:
I've got four small rare earth magnets in there, and a velcro strap on the most stressed part. It holds really well and is super easy to take on and off.
This coming week, I tackle the chest piece. It's the piece I'm the most worried about, with the exception of the helmet, which is the only other piece I need to make. Here we go!
I built the codpiece!
I didn't expect to finish it so fast, but I think the female pep file is a lot simpler than the male. I also got a little too eager and took pictures wearing it before I added the last bit of craft foam on the sides:
And here's how I split it and attached it back together:
I've got four small rare earth magnets in there, and a velcro strap on the most stressed part. It holds really well and is super easy to take on and off.
This coming week, I tackle the chest piece. It's the piece I'm the most worried about, with the exception of the helmet, which is the only other piece I need to make. Here we go!
Lemonade
Member
I believe the proper terminology is 'space diaper'
Looks great.
Good luck on the chest and... Dun dun dun... the helmet!
Haha excuse my incorrect terminology. And thanks!
Dire
Sr Member
Wow paint looks just like your ummm I guess "prototype" render, well the cool picture that I don't know how to do.View attachment 259849
That's how I've been feeling this whole build.
But good news! I'm feeling more accomplished now that I've completely finished the forearm!
I decided to just go for it. I went a little heavy on the weathering, and I'm hoping I'll get the hang of it for the other pieces, otherwise I'm going to be an exceptionally seasoned Spartan.
Here's the forearm before and after all the filling, sealing and painting:
I've also started working on the codpiece. So far so good. Hoping to get it finished by the end of this weekend.
Lemonade
Member
Thanks! Painting is my favorite part of building armor, and I did the rendering in Photoshop
Thank you! That makes me feel better. Yeah, I didn't have suspenders for my first build, and I was constantly having to adjust my thigh pieces. I stole the idea from other Spartans, and it works great. They're called military suspenders, and I got them for about $10 on Amazon if you decide to try it.
Dire
Sr Member
I walked around in my armor for like 11 hours with my idea, so just made a nylon belt with one buckle and the thighs had a "loop" that I just lace the belt and tighten it aroind my hips, stayed in the place the whole time and the actual waist piece was a snug piece so just left it floating, made it crazy easy to sit down.
Lemonade
Member
Update!
I made the chest!
I wasn't sure this piece would ever get done. Each time I thought I was almost done, there was always more detail that needed to be added. It took two weeks of working every day to get this thing done, as well as two accidentally stabbed fingers.
Here's the chest piece on me:
I think it looks a little small, but that's just the way it's going to have to be, because I am not remaking this piece. At least not any time soon.
I've also added straps on the chest piece to hold up my biceps.
I know that cut looks jagged. I cut the undersuit looking part on the shoulder of the chest piece after I had glued it on to help it fit better. I plan on sanding it down later.
So yeah, that's my chest piece! I'm pretty proud of the level of detail I was able to achieve. I think it's the nicest looking piece I've made so far. Next is the helmet, which I'm going to try to make as I begin plastidipping and painting the other pieces. If the helmet ends up taking too long, I'll have to go to the two cons coming up without it.
I made the chest!
I wasn't sure this piece would ever get done. Each time I thought I was almost done, there was always more detail that needed to be added. It took two weeks of working every day to get this thing done, as well as two accidentally stabbed fingers.
Here's the chest piece on me:
I think it looks a little small, but that's just the way it's going to have to be, because I am not remaking this piece. At least not any time soon.
I've also added straps on the chest piece to hold up my biceps.
I know that cut looks jagged. I cut the undersuit looking part on the shoulder of the chest piece after I had glued it on to help it fit better. I plan on sanding it down later.
So yeah, that's my chest piece! I'm pretty proud of the level of detail I was able to achieve. I think it's the nicest looking piece I've made so far. Next is the helmet, which I'm going to try to make as I begin plastidipping and painting the other pieces. If the helmet ends up taking too long, I'll have to go to the two cons coming up without it.
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Lemonade
Member
I'm not sure, I think it's just a result of it being small. Looks like the only difference between the male and female is that the female chest piece is more narrow. I agree it looks even smaller on the back. I'm hoping that after adding the spine, it'll fill that area in more and maybe help it not look so sad.
- Member DIN
- S068
It's definitely smaller on the female character model so I think you're good. Once you have the biceps/shoulders on it'll bulk you up and you'll start feeling more like a walking refrigerator. The more narrow chest piece will also help with arm range of motion so it's a blessing rather than a concern in my opinion.
Looking good trooper!
Looking good trooper!
Lemonade
Member
Thanks! That makes me feel better about it! I've been low key stressing out about it.
Sean Anwalt
Sr Member
- Member DIN
- S530
Don't stress too hard. It looks fantastic. Adding the spine and undersuit will help it look more filled out as well. Keep up the work!
Lemonade
Member
Happy Halo-ween!
I can't believe I've had that helmet for all these years and this is the first time I thought to do this.
Update!
So I started working on the Reach helmet, but I quickly realized that I might not have time to finish it and the rest of my armor before Oct 20. So the plan is to spend the time I have on finishing up the body armor, and I'll make the helmet (and a DMR, which I'm excited about) starting November.
This means I'll most likely have to go to the next con or two without a helmet, which is just like the first con I went to in my first suit. We didn't have time to finish our helmets, so my friend and I painted our armor to be Sister and Tex.
Going without a helmet isn't preferable, but it can still be a lot of fun.
So instead of working on the helmet, I've applied the Quick Seal on all the pieces and began applying the Plastidip. Here's photographic evidence of my progress.
Since I come home from work only an hour before the sun sets, I made this super smart light diffuser with an umbrella and tinfoil to use when it gets too dark out.
I also revisited my giant clown shoes because I hated how big they were, and thanks to the magic of knives, I was able to make them smaller!
I also busted out the sewing needle and adjusted my gloves and now they fit my hands! (Mostly)
So I got a couple little projects done, and I've got some more to work on in the coming weeks!
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