Mike's Vader Build Thread - APPROVED - SL4014!

[Ripcode]

Ha Ha HELLO! In my best sulu voice!
Because of all the drama around here as of late,I have been laying low.

We have a future Vader that needs your help!

You and Rob should be able to get him up to speed!

[Yoda Jenkins]

The rubbies shins might make it through o.k.
That would probably be the only part off the shelf,But double check just to be sure.
But,are the shins long enough? How tall are you?

I figured that this might be a problem. I'm accurate Vader-sized (6'6"). Although in the above pictures I've notices that my DV needs to do some sit-ups! Or perhaps head back to Mustafar and take another lava bath to burn some of that gut off...

Will the Rubies shin armor be too short for me? If so, any recommendation as to what shin maker I should look for?

[Ripcode]

Although in the above pictures I've notices that my DV needs to do some sit-ups!

There are tips and tricks to get around that problem.

[Yoda Jenkins]

There are tips and tricks to get around that problem.

Are they 501st approved tips and tricks?

[Ripcode]

There are tips and tricks to get around that problem.

Are they 501st approved tips and tricks?

Heck yeah!

[Kal]

The rubbies shins might make it through o.k.
That would probably be the only part off the shelf,But double check just to be sure.
But,are the shins long enough? How tall are you?

I figured that this might be a problem. I'm accurate Vader-sized (6'6"). Although in the above pictures I've notices that my DV needs to do some sit-ups! Or perhaps head back to Mustafar and take another lava bath to burn some of that gut off...

Will the Rubies shin armor be too short for me? If so, any recommendation as to what shin maker I should look for?

before you get any Rubies shin armor you need to pick what Vader yo will be doing. The parts you said you have right now

Mask-cast from a high number Don Post ESB style mask. can be worked to be a great ESB vader, to make it ROTS you will have a lot of work and need to rebuild the face to make it symetrical.

Belt- is a ESB style belt. with the hose on it not the mesh like in ROTS.

Body suit- will work for any Vader

The rubies shins are ROTS they have a dif shape then the OT style shins. If you get them you will have comitted to a ROTS vader so the belt will need to be replaced and a Helmet has a lot of work to be done.

Or you can check ebay. when I get home if you want I can email you a guy who sells nice OT style ABS shins for only 50 bucks.

The site thats on my sig underall my posts. Is a great scratch build vader site. It is all how too's and mods. Not store bought stuff. This is a vader builer site. They have many posts on how to fix the Rubies mask into a great ESb mask. They also have a section that shows yo how to make the shins longer if you need them to be. Just takes a bit of tiem and work.

if you need any thing else post up and questions.

Oh...what chest box were you going to go with?? a GT? or a ROTS portumac box or will you rework a rubies ROTS chest box if yo go with the ROTS vader for your choice.

[shawnpane]

O.K. were to begin.
Rob Is correct.The first thing you need to figure out is what Vader your doing.If you are 6"6' do not buy rubbies shins.They will fall about 3 inches too short for you.I have A lead for you on some prowse size shins.The very same ones I have.Your looking at around $130.00 or so.But they are O.T.
As far as the gut goes,I have A small gut.Not to be rude,your gut is A little bigger than mine.But what I use is A lowewr back support.Kinda like the ones with the straps that go around your shoulder.Except no shoulder straps.I bought it in walmart in the workout section.
It has been deemed the Darth Vader Girdle.Works fantastic for me.Should be good for you as well.
Rob and Terrell would know more than me about modding the helmet.
In fact,I think Rob already modded his own.You'll have to check.
I will be keeping an eye on this thread,to help out whenever I can.But if you have any questions either post them here or shoot me A P.M.
I like the suit BTW! You are off to A good start.

[Ripcode]

And there ya go!

With Rob and Shawn giving you pointers you should be well on your way!

Now we need to get Phil posting so he can add some imput too.

[shawnpane]

Good Lord!
I didn't even put down my favorite web site.This place will answer almost every question you have detail related.
http://www.darthblade.com

Fantastic place!

[Kal]

Check this one out

http://www.sithtrainingtemple.net/phpBB ... sc&start=0

you will need to sign up for the site but it is Very helpful. This link is to a "how to" on how to make the shin armor bigger with out drop'n the $$$ to get full sized ones. you would be able to mod the rubies or and other set you get as long as its ABS.

[shawnpane]

Awsome Idea Rob!

[pfont]

Well first thing is what version are you doing? There are some major differences between all the versions of Vader. ROTS Vader the chestbox has no straps holding it on, the shoulder armor is one piece no seperate shoulder bells. Helmet is totally different. Shin armor you could use with any Vader. ANH Vader has what is called a widows peak on the front of the dome. Belt boxes have mesh not hose (same for the ROTSVader) Inner robe is worn over the chest armor. Chest box has straps but no lights in it. The 2 bigger squares on the chest box are red and green. ESB Vader No widows peak on the dome. Inner robe is worn under the chest armor. Belt boxes has hose on them not mesh. The chest box has red and blue squares and coin slot lights, also the big switches have 3 sliders in between them and 2 sliders like pieces above each of the red and blue squares. RTOJ Vader differs slighty from the ESB version. The dome set a little higher above the brow of the face mask and the chest box big switches only have 2 smaller sliders between them. and only one switch in between the red and blue squares. I hope that this helps a little.

[Ripcode]

Rob, Shawn, Phil...

Is there any one version of Vader that is easier to build? Or are they all equally tough?

Which version seems to be most popular currectly?

Which version has the most reference material?

[shawnpane]

I can't think any one Vader is Harder than another.Ton of money,ton of work! But well worth it!
It is very hard to pick A Vader! I my self do not like the ROTS Vader.I went Empire all the way.
The reference material is about the same now as all Vaders.The info is out there,You just have to look for it.
Try Sithtraining temple,501st sithlords, darth blade,SW helmets,I am sure there are more.But off the top of my head,these are the sites I used most.

[Terrell78]

I think the ANH Vader is the most popular, and is a hare cheaper to build. The chestbox can easily be scratch built, since the original was made of easy to find/make parts. And since the ANH inner robe/sir coat cover up most of the armor, you can go with less expensive armor since it won't be seen. The helmets tend to be a little cheaper than the ESB/ROTJ helmets as well.

But go with the Vader you think looks best. Vader is generally a long term build.

[shawnpane]

No kidding!
I thought I was finished 2 years ago.Guess what? I have been adding and upgrading ever since.
Maybee one day I'll finally get everything done.
But then something new will come out to put other items to shame.Guess what? Upgrading again (lol)
Today, I had to go bye another MP3 player.The junk $30.00 I had broke at the last event. Right before the T day parade.
It is A never ending process. Usually requires deep pockets.
But thank god,You can do it peice bye peice.I makes it A little easier to swallow that $3500.00 towards $4000.00 you going to spend.
But now,Ton's of parts are being mass produced.The cost has fallen in huge amounts.So, really! Now is the best time to build A Vader. IMO.

If you are unsure,Don't buy it! Check with us on theese boards first.We can save you time and money.You will be able to sell off what you don't use.
I personally bought A ton of Vader crap.It looked cool and I thought I can use that.
I just turned around and sold it all off.
Just A hint of the crap I had.
I have had so far in this project
2 complete sets of capes.
2chest boxes
2 pair belt boxes
2 pairs of boots
2pairs of lifts
2 mp3 players.
2 sets of leg armor
3 cods
Some stuff broke,other stuff was not good enough in my eye's.
TAKE YOUR TIME If you rush,you will spend A bundle of cash,you didn't need to spend.

[Kal]

terrell78 is right, ANH would be a bit less to do, and you can do several parts yourself.

The hardest one to make would have to be the ROTS vader. Parts are still being made to look more film like, new info is still comming out since the film is not to old, better close ups.

So what todays ROTS looks like (one of the good ones) will not look the same as one 1 yr from now. My Vader was a ROTS. Had I tried now to get in wiht it, It would be shot down. I had the wrong mask and belt and shins.

This time it will be a slow time. I want to get it all right as best I can. and it will be a ESB vader.

I happen to know some one who is working on a very good chest box. far better then Gino's . Right terrell78

[shawnpane]

[Yoda Jenkins]

I figure that I'll go with an ESB Vader. Since I already have some of the correct parts, it'll be a bit more economical for me. And I'm generally more of an OT guy anyway.

I'm still waiting to get that "You're clear to view our site" email from Sithtrainingtemple.com. It's been around a week, I suppose I'll have to email the moderator or something. Once I'm in, I'll be sure to find those how-to manuals. They should help a lot. I did jump the gun a bit and got some Rubies shins from ebay. I'll have to see if I can figure out a way to mod them or if I should just turn around and sell them. That's what I get for not reading the GLG forum's daily!

I'm going to try my hand at scratch-making the chest box. I've got some reference pics and the some of the dimensions already. If it looks terrible, I'll start shopping around for another one.

Thanks for all your help with everything. It's nice to know that I have somewhere to go when I have questions. Speaking of questions...

Rob, Shawn, and Phil: What material is your cape and tunic made from? Is it a 100% wool or a is a blend ok? I went over to the fabric store and couldn't find the wool. I imagine it would be pretty expensive if I did find it. I kind of sucks to be making so much progress and then get hung up because I can't find material. Oh well.

[Kal]

I figure that I'll go with an ESB Vader. Since I already have some of the correct parts, it'll be a bit more economical for me. And I'm generally more of an OT guy anyway.

I'm still waiting to get that "You're clear to view our site" email from Sithtrainingtemple.com. It's been around a week, I suppose I'll have to email the moderator or something. Once I'm in, I'll be sure to find those how-to manuals. They should help a lot. I did jump the gun a bit and got some Rubies shins from ebay. I'll have to see if I can figure out a way to mod them or if I should just turn around and sell them. That's what I get for not reading the GLG forum's daily!

I'm going to try my hand at scratch-making the chest box. I've got some reference pics and the some of the dimensions already. If it looks terrible, I'll start shopping around for another one.

Thanks for all your help with everything. It's nice to know that I have somewhere to go when I have questions. Speaking of questions...

Rob, Shawn, and Phil: What material is your cape and tunic made from? Is it a 100% wool or a is a blend ok? I went over to the fabric store and couldn't find the wool. I imagine it would be pretty expensive if I did find it. I kind of sucks to be making so much progress and then get hung up because I can't find material. Oh well.

I am a mod on that site. I will get a hold of the ADMINS when I get home and tell them to hurry up

My cape is 100% wool. looks very nice. Maia (one of the admins) on that site (who is also up for 501st sith lord detachment leader) makes all the soft parts. and they are amoung the best I have seen. she is backed up for about 2mnths with her costume stuff. as for the shins.....well just do not let Ripcode know you have ROTS shins since he is the GML. Ripcode you are not seeing this reply. [waves hand like Obi] "these aren't the shins you are looking for"