Final update for Scorch "1.0". It's finished and kicked ass at Sydney Supanova this weekend!
I couldn't update much before deploying the suit as I was rushing to finish final touches the night before and had to get it all packed. I managed to fit almost everything into two suitcases except the helmet and the demolition tubes for the backpack. I had to literally tear off the tubes just to fit the backpack in a suitcase (ouch), and then carry them separately with the helmet. Luckily it was no trouble gluing the tubes back once we got to the hotel!
I wore it for two days, the first day was a test of what would break first. The shoulders came off due to the stress of the clips being stretched from me raising my arms, and the windy weather didn't help either. Easily fixed by a repair station onsite, bless them. The neck seal turned out to be too small, occasionally slipping out of the chest's neck hole from time to time. The gauntlets and shins would slide a bit because somehow they were slightly loose on me. I had to install straps and clips on the thighs to connect to the codpiece, which worked out great with no incident! Everything else behaved all two days without any malfunctions, I even managed to sit! ...Kind of
I made my way to the 501st booth to meet up with other clone commandos, and I managed to impress every 501st member I met. I don't think they're used to seeing a foam kit of a commando. They were all very kind and welcoming. I received a Drop Bear Company patch and sticker, as a way of saying "we can't approve your suit, but we DO approve of it." It felt like I was initiated in some way, if not officially. I've never felt so well received for my hard work. I'm honored that the 501st liked the suit.
Finally, here are some photos. There wasn't a whole lot, unfortunately, as I was still self conscious about certain inaccuracies.
I snagged one professional photo highlighting some of the details and weathering.
I plan to rebuild parts of the suit, as I know I can do better without rushing. Rushing and deadlines always kills a suit for me, as having life commitments such as work can make it hard to keep up with updates and improvements. It's a real motivation killer sometimes too, makes me dread working on the suit because I know I'm losing time while still having so much to do.
I've made a list of what worked and what didn't, and what will be improved for "Scorch 2.0", as I plan to continue suiting up and running him around - especially taking more photos for you guys.
- Clone Wars-style visor hard to see out of, as well as inaccurate for RC game visor
- Could not cross arms over chest due to impact of biceps and chest itself
- Boots (which originally were cheap gumboots) were not primed properly therefore did not hold paint well, lots of chipping and flaking everywhere
- Shins did not fit without cutting a seam up the back to fit feet through, then impacted with boots a little
- Thigh pieces held up perfectly while strapped to codpiece
- Codpiece not visually accurate, left some details out on the front and also very flat looking
- Shoulders broke off once each side, do not recommend using clips alone as the stress will snap them off - straps will help next time
- Gauntlets can do with a little more accurate detailing, and padding inside to prevent sliding out of position
- Neck seal to be remade as it was too small, kept slipping out of position, and lack of detail due to rushed work
- Balaclava to keep hair out of face and out of sight, super annoying as it was windy ALL WEEKEND
- Gap between ab plate and chest piece due to ab plate being glued on top of codpiece, the idea sounded good but it kills accuracy
- AA thigh attachment only came loose once but never fell off, also needs LEDs to make it pop and stand out otherwise it's just there
- Need fans in helmet, it was a bit hot at some points
- Lights for backpack tubes and number plate, it's a crime not to have them as the backpack is not really grabbing attention otherwise
- Backpack tubes can be bigger, and will use PVC next time as foam sucks for making tubes symmetrically
- Pieces had the pepakura fold lines a bit noticeable, maybe putty and sanding could make it a smoother finish?
- Having a light up vibroblade would be cool
- Undersuit with fine detailing of arms and legs? Why not
- Light up visor, gotta have it
- DC-17, no question, need it. Hated not having a weapon to pose with during photos
Overall, I was happy with the outcome of the suit. I hope I proved that anyone can make a clone commando out of foam, if they just put a lot of love and patience into it. If anyone wants the foam files that I used, feel free to ask. I got them from Fierfek's pep database with my own alterations for foam. I'd love to see more of you out there, and I don't speak for the 501st, but I'm sure they'd love to see your work too (even if they can't approve it).
The next project will be Scorch 2.0, which I will keep in this thread with comparisons to the old Scorch. The goal is to make the suit look even better than ever before, maybe even better than the 501st kits (wow, ego much?). I want there to be lights, 110% accuracy, every accessory will be attention-grabbing and unique rather than just "being there". Being my most favourite Star Wars character of all time, I want to do Scorch justice.
That's all for now. Stay tuned for the arrival of the Wicked Armor helmet!