Starting first Halo Build- Halo Reach Mark V Kat

[Blondiebot]

After my first attempt at a Halo helmet was an oversized monstrosity, I spent the last week doing some research and getting a firm direction for my first full Halo build. I've settled on Kat's armor from Halo Reach. What I have done so far:

1. Located files- I am doing a full foam build so I had to modify a couple of paper files for foam, most notably the shoulder pieces I located an FJ/PARA shoulder piece unfolded for paper and made the necessary adjustments. This was actually my first foray into modifying a paper unfold for foam. I gained some confidence from this and if I come across any other pieces I cannot find in foam, I am now fairly confident that I can make the necessary changes.

2. Collected reference photos- This was something I learned was vital when I did my daughters iron man build last year. Having good reference photos helps bridge the gap between when the .pdo shows and what you want your final result to look like. I found it helps me to ensure that the overall structure of each piece comes together a lot better with less work on the back end.

3. Purchased more foam! I have a good amount of foam now in various thicknesses, so I can really be picky about what I am doing as I progress through each piece. I had foam from the aforementioned iron man build, but added more thanks to a decent selection at 5 Below.

So, today I have a day off so I am starting on the helmet. I will try and get progress photos up as I go, and any feedback along the way would be more than welcome.

Now I am off to build!

Kat (yeah that is actually my name so this makes the Kat build even more personal for me!)

 

[TumbleRat12]

Looking forward to the finished product.

 

[locostorm]

cant wait to see it! what are you using? foam or something else?

 

[Blondiebot]

I've mentioned the iron man build I did for my daughter last year, so thought I would share it. This was my first full build:

 

[locostorm]

I've mentioned the iron man build I did for my daughter last year, so thought I would share it. This was my first full build:

View attachment 22759

nice nice. what are you using? foam? pep?

 

[Blondiebot]

For my Halo build I am using all foam. Iron man was pep for the helmet, and the suit was all foam.

 

[locostorm]

I thought so. Foam is my favorite material for armor. my first built was all foam.

 

[Blondiebot]

Spending my afternoon working on the helmet section by section, so far so good:<br><br><img class="previewthumb" id="vbattach_22766" alt="" src="http://www.405th.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=22766&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="22766"><img class="previewthumb" id="vbattach_22767" alt="" src="http://www.405th.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=22767&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="22767">

 

[Mesh]

Good luck! Nice clean foam work c:

 

[Blondiebot]

Good luck! Nice clean foam work c:

Thank you! Taking is slow and easy on this one

 

[D1G1TAL GH05T]

There's something about foam projects that fascinates me can't wait to see this finished keep up the good work

 

[Blondiebot]

Wrapping up for the day. I finished the dome of the helmet, next steps will be the sides, the front and the back. While I know is will all get covered during the finishing process, I am using blue and black foam for the areas that will be blue or black. Gives me a good idea of how the finished product will work. Had a few issues with dimensions of certain pieces, but hoping good finishing work will help conceal some of those.

 

[Blondiebot]

I didn't have a lot of time to work on the helmet tonight, so spent a few minutes making the hand plates. Hoping to have time to finish the helmet this weekend. I'll update when things progress.

 

[Ckesner]

That helmet done is looking really good. I like how you are using the correct colored foam, it gives a nice preview of things to come.

 

[ErMaC]

Damn, that helmet is looking fantastic.

 

[Blondiebot]

Damn, that helmet is looking fantastic.

Thank you, hoping to have more time this weekend to finish the helmet, then I will move on to other pieces.

 

[Blondiebot]

Didn't get a lot done this week, but started working on the sides of the helmet today. Used a few techniques I picked up from a few of you, so thank you for sharing what you do!

 

[Blondiebot]

Sorry I haven't updated in a couple of weeks. Ran into some frustrations with my helmet, and took a step back to decide if I needed to make some scaling/materials changes. So I have been back at it this week, working on a forearm to get my motivation going again. I went with a thinner foam, actually a roll of foam I picked up at Five Below. So, here are some photos of the finished forearm, I am pretty happy with the results, and will be back to working on the helmet this week.