Halo: Combat Evolved Mk. V Build... so far (Pic Heavy)

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Fudz073

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(I realize this is also my blog entry however I think I'll get more advice in this forum)

So, I started the nostalgic Halo: CE mjolnir marque five armor build. Because you just can't beat the original. This is what I've done so far. I'm not so much new to the foam/plastic building arena but this is my first armor build. So please feel free to throw any advice my way. Anywho, this is what i've got.

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This is MOZ's version of the mk V helmet. I sealed the entire helmet because instead of reinforcing with fiberglass, I used a polyurethane casting resin called Smooth-Cast 300. The basic principle is to pour it inside the helmet and slosh it around until it hardens, which is about five minutes. It's surprisingly rigid and hard as a rock. I highly recommend it.
 
One day later...

And here's what i've done since then... I started with a coat of black paint. It brings out the imperfections over the surfaces. Following that is some vigorous grinding with dremel bits and a flex shaft motor from my jewelry making days. After ALOT of sanding I started the first coat of bondo. Some more sanding and then it's off for another coat of paint. I'm really hoping I can get it done for the Halo Aniversary release.

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Off to a good start. At this pace it should be finished by the Halo CE Anniversary release.
 
I've been working my butt off getting this helmet sanded. I just finished with some 150 grit sandpaper and gave it another coat of paint. I'm pretty happy with the overall appearance so far. It needs some patch work, minor stuff, but she's close to being ready for a detailed paint job. Tomorrow I'll give it a round with the 220 grit and hopefully that will suffice.

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[/url] P8060298 by Fudz073, on Flickr[/IMG]

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Today I managed to start the visor. I purchased a bubble shield visor off ebay from a man in Tiawan. twenty bucks and free shipping. Can't be beat. I saw it mentioned on another thread. It's pretty sweet. I was going to buy just a gold tinted motorcycle visor but the flat face would put the look off a little. Anyway, here's what i've got.

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[/url] P8090301 by Fudz073, on Flickr[/IMG]

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I used a paper template to cut the rough shape from the original visor. Once cut, I used an aggressive file to finish the shape. The visor isn't mounted yet. I'm still pondering how to do it. Any suggestions, please let me know.
 
awesome job so far! when you mount the visor, you could always hot glue it in from the inside or use some sort of foam.
 
Just some more quick pics. I added a lip to attach the visor to. It's made from balsa wood sanded to the profile and then bondo-ed for strengthening. I think after another round of touch-up patchwork and a final round of sanding, she'll be ready for painting. Can't wait!

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[/url] P8120305 by Fudz073, on Flickr[/IMG]

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Getting Close!!!!!

I got ALOT done today on the helmet. I added some final details, finished sanding, and began painting. Given the progress, she'll be done by next week, if not, then the following week. Money's tight with school starting back up (books are EXPENSIVE XO) but all she needs is padding and some wiring and it will be DONE! Expect some armor pep in the following week. November is creeping up and I need my armor at least presentable. Anywho, here are the pics.

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Cut the gills out. Little sketchy at first but I think they came through nice.

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Needed to add the small cheek bumps on the helmet. Don't know what they're for but I just couldn't leave 'em off.

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Gettin' ready for the LED's. Super bright and super awesome. I used 1/2 in OD PVC pipe to mount the LED in.

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And here she is! This is after the first coat of primer. I gave it a quick sand with 150 grit sandpaper. My brother is going to paint her, I don't trust my hand with helmet and he's pretty talented. Can't wait to finish her.

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This is my MA37 build. I can't take credit for the design, only the build. There are a few threads throughout 405th for this rifle. Didn't feel like documenting its build. But I tackled this between bondo and paint curing time on the helmet. It's built around a recon nerf gun and the forward handle is a lightsaber handle. It was incredibly easy to build. Can't be Cheif w/ out weapon.
 
Finishing touches were added today. My brother did an awesome job painting, the visor was mounted (not willingly though!), and any remaining gaps were filled. Unfortunately, the visor wasn't long enough to fill the entire visor cavity on the helmet, so I had to construct some plates to cover the holes. I used polystyrene, model glue, and flat black spray paint.

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And finally I mounted them onto the helmet, thus finishing the outside construction.

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Kinda in a little bit of shock of how it turned out. My brother did an amazing job painting it. We decided for a more realistic look, sort of a cross breed between the mk v and mk VI helmets. I'm lovin' it! It still needs padding on the inside and the lights need rigged but other than that, this helmet is done!!!! Next is the chest piece, which should be pepped by the end of the week. Let me know what you guys think!!! It's my first build so any suggestions for future builds are entirely welcome.
 
i think you nailed it spot on... love the paint job.. and the visor, i've seen a mkv with a bubble visor before and i think it just finishes this helmet so much better than the standard road bike visors do... well done :D
 
Sorry no one linked you to BLACKULA727's visor mounting tutorial (it's one of the links in his sig). It's one of the best ways to mount a helmet. However, your way turned out great!

Also, I have to say that's one of the best looking Mk V helmets I've seen. I guess it's because most people try to be game accurate and paint it with the Halo: CE bright green, but I find it looks much better with a more "serious" military color like the Olive Drab used for the Mark VI armor. Keep up the great work.

(The bubble visor helps a lot too, wish I had used that. Could you post a link please?)
 
Wiring Sucks!!!!!!

I began installing the lights into the helmet. I took an electronics course a year back, so I thought it would be a piece of cake. Not the case. My first attempt was a series circuit. Four 4V LED's powered by two 9V batteries. I realize there was a .5V excess on each LED but they worked in testing. Once I installed them, they shined steadily for about ten seconds, then began flickering. After some consultation with my Electrical Engineer of an uncle, I rewired everything into a parallel circuit. After some steady testing, it seems to work. I have about 3V powering the circuit. If anyone has any suggestions or knows any good tuts, please drop a line. Anywho, All I need to do is secure the power pack and the wires.

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I love how bright the LEDs are and they do light up the wall from across the room. Pretty psyched to get it finished.
 
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