Hey everyone,
Thanks a lot for commenting and contributing your constructive criticism. I really appreciate it.
Now, to address some things.
@Trooper0621-
I’m currently working out a design for the chest plate that allows perfect flexibility, aswell as great protection and looks awesome. I have visited the separate 3-piece chest plate like the Weta version ODST, and I figured out that although flexibility and protection is good, it doesn’t look too good. I am exploring the possibility of a 3-piece chest plate completely made from all hard armour. Although I may not need it as I have been constantly making prototypes and doing quick mock-ups of the armour to insure great flexibility is achieved. So far, I have been having a lot of success with the chest plate.
The under-arm armour and hip plates are there for a reason. The under-arm plates will be load baring, and it will keep the chest plate and back plate in place. The plan is for the chest/back/neck armour to be all attached together, and the underarmour to be separate (for the most part) to increase flexibility. The hip plates will also be carrying ammunition pouches, although for certain weapons and pouch layouts, I may drop them from the costume.
@FROCKLIFFE-
If I need any extra funds, you will be my last resort. But, if it comes to that point, I may have to take your offer up.
As for the custom chest plate for the film, I can do that. However, just wait until I have the chest/neck/back armour finished so you can make an informed decision.
I’ll be sure to E-mail you some background information on my UNSC SOCOM unit.
Anyway, onto the update.
To add to last update, I have decided to post the final concept of the back armour of the UNSC SOCOM Trooper.
As I said above, I have been doing mock-ups of the chest/stomach/neck armour. Here is a quick picture I snapped during my most recent mock-up.
The rather large gap between the chest plate and stomach plate will be fixed after adjustments, padding, strapping and ammunition pouches are added.
I also tested if I could sit down in the current mock-up above. I had great success.
As you can see, the chest plate and stomach plate actually nearly meet together. So, great flexibility has once again been achieved.
Also, because of the stomach plates design, I am completely comfortable in the stomach area and I have no restrictions at all, even when I sit down and tuck my knees against my chest.
As for the mock-ups chest plate, I am adjusting the design to insure I can properly hold a firearm. I am having slight problems right now, but once I have my newer prototype, I am sure the problem(s) will be solved.
The chest plate was actually an experimental reinforcement method I tried out. It worked VERY well, and I’ll be sure to continue experimenting before I post a tutorial on the method of reinforcement. Believe it or not, that is in fact a pepakura model
I also made a plaster bandage cast of my body and reinforced it with fiberglass. I will be using this as a base for my chest/back sculpt so I can achieve correct sizing, and a proper fit. I will start sculpting as soon as the smell has dissipated so my mother does not complain about the smell, and it poses no health risks in my house.
To add to this rather long update, I will be making a weapon aswell. Many of you all know me for my cardboard weapon scratch builds, and once again, I will continue that tradition, but with a twist. You will see that I have sheet styrene and cardboard pictured below. I will leave exactly why I have styrene and cardboard together for later. But, all of my other builds have been evolution up to this firearm. Approximately 4 years of evolution to create the definitive cardboard Halo universe weapon. This is the real deal ladies and gentlemen, so be prepared for awesomeness.
Now to reveal exactly what I will be building…
As some of you may remember, back when Halo 3:ODST was known as Halo 3:Recon, a great little announcement trailer was released featuring an ODST in a very dark version of New Mombasa. He also had a weapon, as many of you may recall.
Yes, THAT weapon. The original Halo 3:Recon M7S SMG. Featuring the very interesting conceptual take on the M7S from Halo 3:ODST with its suppresser, flashlight attachment, red-dot sight, and duel-magazine feature. I am building that weapon, and it is quickly coming to life.
Besides, what is a special operative trooper without his special operative weapon?
Anyway, that’s it for this update. As always, constructive criticism is very welcome.
Stay frosty,
Jake
Xtreme TACTICS 101
