First {Halo} build - Spartan (TV series)

[CasuallyFlacid]

This is really the only pic I could find of my earlier rigging for the lower half. Padding and straps help a ton. Idk if you can see it here, but there is a belt hidden in the waist armor that sits right above my hips to hold everything in place. If your thigh parts are too big, you might have to remove a little material and bondo them back together.

 

[SgtSaint]

Unfortunately, that's just how our hobby is :/ We've all done something like this AT LEAST once. The legs and arms are BY FAR the hardest parts to both make comfortable and believable. As for the thighs, I'm not too sure how to help without seeing pictures. I'm a fairly skinny guy, so my thigh armor needs to be significantly "padded-out" and I have to wear knee pads to bulk out the joints. It also helps to keep them held up onto my belt so there is minimal rubbing and bumping. Post some pictures and some of us here might have some suggestions/solutions.

Thanks. I appreciate it. Just some 2am venting. I'm not skinny. I'm 5'10" at 200 pounds (177cm at 90kg) and not excessively fat. For 56years old I'm not horribly out of shape but 'padding up' has never been my situation.

Scrolling to the top of this page there are pics of the upper body being tried on. Its all good. Didn't have issues with arms etc.
And bare with me as I've already started cutting parts out so there is no 'before' photo.
Even on the avatar to work out scale, I could see there was some hitting but it seemed only at the top and I was going to cut out that section anyway to give this more of the TV show appearance. So I thought "ok, that'll work".

But once on it became clear that even the remaining 'strap' all the way around the leg at the bottom of the thigh is still hitting badly. And it becomes clear why in the live action show they smoothed all that out. Its one of those things that you see in hind sight and can't unsee, but wasn't so obvious at the start of the project because there are 10,000 other details. These files have a big clunky bit on the inside of the leg, the show clearly does not and that's got to be for this same problem I'm running in to.

Hmmm... "Hind sight" might be a better term now than I first thought. I think I also made the thighs taller than I should have. Mine are going a lot higher up on the hip than those live action versions. And I don't think that's just a stylistic choice, but a practical one. The live action versions had to work for, ya know, live action which is what real life requires as well. The tops of the thighs there line up at about the tail bone. Mine are just below the hip: That's a lot of difference and no time to make new ones. But that goes back to what I said before about the scale of the models: 85% around and 55%-60% in height just seemed like really screwed up numbers and I just couldn't imagine that would be the need from a set of files if someone had actually made and worn them before releasing them.

In short... I think the files I bought were maybe made for someone with skinny legs. Someone that could take them down 60% uniformly and still put them on. I am not a 'skinny leg jeans' 20-year-old.

In the show they smoothed and thinned all that area out to the thickness of a strap. And that's what I'm going to have to do now too. {Queue the power saw}

When (not if), when I remake them I'll scale them down considerably in all directions knowing I have to cut out the entire interior portion. The big issue there will be if they still fit. These are this size because they wrap around my legs and fit. Too much smaller and the inner circumference of the part will be less that the outer circumference of my actual leg. But that's a problem for another time.

 

[SgtSaint]

This is really the only pic I could find of my earlier rigging for the lower half. Padding and straps help a ton. Idk if you can see it here, but there is a belt hidden in the waist armor that sits right above my hips to hold everything in place. If your thigh parts are too big, you might have to remove a little material and bondo them back together.

Thanks for that. I can see 3 major differences.

• The first obviously is our builds aren't close. You've had to pad up. My thighs are 24" around (before clothing).
• The files I have are considerably thicker. The interior of the thigh is modeled 2-5cm thick depending on where you measure. I think the modeler also had skinny legs and decided to thicken up the armor instead of padding up their under suit.
• The parts you have there are smooth on the inner thigh. That makes sense. Mine were modeled with that big chunky plate and faux connection point right were it makes no sense. Maybe that was game accurate, but its not life friendly.
• 

Well... Overcoming obstacles learning from experiences... all that jazz... back to re-engineering armor to fit.
Thanks again for feedback and that photo. It pretty much confirms to me that these files (or at least the legs of them) were not well thought out and probably never tried in real life. At least now I know what to be on the look out for with a new set of files in the future.

 

[CasuallyFlacid]

Thanks for that. I can see 3 major differences.

• The first obviously is our builds aren't close. You've had to pad up. My thighs are 24" around (before clothing).
• The files I have are considerably thicker. The interior of the thigh is modeled 2-5cm thick depending on where you measure. I think the modeler also had skinny legs and decided to thicken up the armor instead of padding up their under suit.
• The parts you have there are smooth on the inner thigh. That makes sense. Mine were modeled with that big chunky plate and faux connection point right were it makes no sense. Maybe that was game accurate, but its not life friendly.
• View attachment 324742

Well... Overcoming obstacles learning from experiences... all that jazz... back to re-engineering armor to fit.
Thanks again for feedback and that photo. It pretty much confirms to me that these files (or at least the legs of them) were not well thought out and probably never tried in real life. At least now I know what to be on the look out for with a new set of files in the future.

Ya I definitely see what you mean now. That seems like it would be really uncomfortable. As far as the "bulking out" I was mentioning, I was trying to think of a way to get the upper part of the thigh farther away from your leg, making the inner thigh tighter to your leg. Though I see now that probably wouldn't have worked. For the inner thigh parts you cut off, you could always use some EVA foam to recreate it (and be more flexible). But ya, I agree that those bits that stick out by the inner knee would have to go.

 

[Thorcanine]

I've been trying to figure out the undersuits for the past little while. I'm looking forward to seeing how yours turns out

 

[SgtSaint]

F! All the re-engineering ate a lot of time.
This is not where I wanted to be at the end of Tuesday.
{Seaming the two back halves}

 

[SgtSaint]

 

[Rock Lobbster]

The legs are notorious for encountering issues with Halo costumes just due to "clipping" not being a thing irl. The show has a clever way of blending soft parts and hard armor in a manner that makes it easier to walk in but you still end up with that "spartan waddle" with your legs being slightly pushed apart. You've been doing a fantastic job on this crunch and I'm hoping it all comes together in time for the con!

 

[SgtSaint]

You've been doing a fantastic job on this crunch and I'm hoping it all comes together in time for the con!

Thanks. Mt.Dew and Monster in the 'fridge... I'll be fine.

What as that line from MiB?
> This is Dkikbzcvoijasrlkasdvnvjhzsdlkjasiofgjkmk and Bob.
> They keep us on a 36 hour day. You'll either adapt or have a psychotic break.

So far... Its not all turning out as nice as I had hoped... nor as horrible as I had feared.

 

[CasuallyFlacid]

Thanks. Mt.Dew and Monster in the 'fridge... I'll be fine.

What as that line from MiB?
> This is Dkikbzcvoijasrlkasdvnvjhzsdlkjasiofgjkmk and Bob.
> They keep us on a 36 hour day. You'll either adapt or have a psychotic break.

So far... Its not all turning out as nice as I had hoped... nor as horrible as I had feared.

Ya I'm currently dealing with issues myself. I had everything finished in time for my haloween celebration, but I had to shelf my armor cuz I had issues with the arm parts restricting my movement too much... literally could not put on my helmet lol

 

[SgtSaint]

 

[SgtSaint]

So... finished enough to wear to the convention (Supanova - Brisbane).
Lots of 'planning curve'... list of changes and remakes. But I got a lot of good responses at the event so "Yeah!"
Finally got to meet some of the local Spartans that I've only chatted on line with, so that was great. Have to say: Wonderful bunch that were very welcoming and supportive! So thanks for that!

{Not deliberately ignoring others - I just should have thought in advance if it was ok to post other people's faces in my feeds and without that I don't want to upset anyone by accident}

 

[CasuallyFlacid]

So... finished enough to wear to the convention (Supanova - Brisbane).
Lots of 'planning curve'... list of changes and remakes. But I got a lot of good responses at the event so "Yeah!"
Finally got to meet some of the local Spartans that I've only chatted on line with, so that was great. Have to say: Wonderful bunch that were very welcoming and supportive! So thanks for that!

View attachment 325152 View attachment 325153
{Not deliberately ignoring others - I just should have thought in advance if it was ok to post other people's faces in my feeds and without that I don't want to upset anyone by accident}

This turned out great! I'm assuming you just need to finish the visor? Of course wearing it to your first con will always teach you what works and what doesn't. Happy for you that you had it finished enough to wear it to the event.

 

[SgtSaint]

This turned out great! I'm assuming you just need to finish the visor?

Thanks. I did get a lot of positive reinforcing feedback at the convention which is a tremendous motivator.

I'm probably going to remake several parts due to scale. Most of the 'long bone' parts are too long and caused more joint conflict than I'm happy with. I think the files are great for someone 6'2 at my same body weight and would scale fine for someone with a slim build. Basically I need my suit tailored.

Next target date will be Supanova - Gold Coast - April 2023. So 6 months.
I love my punch lists:

1. ☐ I need more gym time.
2. Happy that I can get dressed and undressed by myself, including hitting the restroom without a team of handlers.
3. ☐ Shorter shin & thigh parts would do wonders for my mobility by not conflicting at the knees
4. ☐ The shoulder plates are almost comically large on me, and will get donated to someone larger.
5. Happy with the gloves, forearms and biceps
6. Happy with the belt, arse and cod piece. At least until other parts are remade then can re-evaluate after I drop some more gut.
7. ☐ Probably going to cut out the faux rubber seals from the back and chest to put in really rubber to allow more flex and range of motion.
   1. Possibly reprint at a more narrow scale, or model/retrofit models to match my build.
   2. Basically crossing arms etc was limited range of motion. I'd like to be able to feed myself, put on my helmet WITH EASE, maybe reach behind over shoulder for a rifle.
8. ☐ Resolve conflict with back of helmet and neck hole of back armor.
9. Helmet
   1. Helmet fans - good
   2. Helmet voice amp - good
   3. ☐ More padding and better fit
   4. ☐ I have the visor but it needs to be dyed and mirrored before installation {ran out of time}
   5. ☐ Put on the HUL with camera as a helmet cam {ran out of time}
10. ☐ LEDs throughout
11. Additions to bring this more in-line with Silver Team timeline (TV series).
12. Pockets! {Hidden of course}
13. Weathering/distressing paint
14. Range of motion goals:
    1. ☐ Take a knee
    2. ☐ Sit in a low chair with ease
    3. ☐ Reach back over shoulder for rifle
    4. ☐ Better cross-chest movement

 

[CasuallyFlacid]

Thanks. I did get a lot of positive reinforcing feedback at the convention which is a tremendous motivator.

I'm probably going to remake several parts due to scale. Most of the 'long bone' parts are too long and caused more joint conflict than I'm happy with. I think the files are great for someone 6'2 at my same body weight and would scale fine for someone with a slim build. Basically I need my suit tailored.

Next target date will be Supanova - Gold Coast - April 2023. So 6 months.
I love my punch lists:

1. ☐ I need more gym time.
2. Happy that I can get dressed and undressed by myself, including hitting the restroom without a team of handlers.
3. ☐ Shorter shin & thigh parts would do wonders for my mobility by not conflicting at the knees
4. ☐ The shoulder plates are almost comically large on me, and will get donated to someone larger.
5. Happy with the gloves, forearms and biceps
6. Happy with the belt, arse and cod piece. At least until other parts are remade then can re-evaluate after I drop some more gut.
7. ☐ Probably going to cut out the faux rubber seals from the back and chest to put in really rubber to allow more flex and range of motion.
   1. Possibly reprint at a more narrow scale, or model/retrofit models to match my build.
   2. Basically crossing arms etc was limited range of motion. I'd like to be able to feed myself, put on my helmet WITH EASE, maybe reach behind over shoulder for a rifle.
8. ☐ Resolve conflict with back of helmet and neck hole of back armor.
9. Helmet
   1. Helmet fans - good
   2. Helmet voice amp - good
   3. ☐ More padding and better fit
   4. ☐ I have the visor but it needs to be dyed and mirrored before installation {ran out of time}
   5. ☐ Put on the HUL with camera as a helmet cam {ran out of time}
10. ☐ LEDs throughout
11. Additions to bring this more in-line with Silver Team timeline (TV series).
12. Pockets! {Hidden of course}
13. Weathering/distressing paint
14. Range of motion goals:
    1. ☐ Take a knee
    2. ☐ Sit in a low chair with ease
    3. ☐ Reach back over shoulder for rifle
    4. ☐ Better cross-chest movement

Mobility is an issue I just decided I'd have to live with. For the most part, I can suit up on my own sake for the main chest piece so that's good you don't need help with that. Also that sounds like a really cool idea with the helmet cam

 

[SgtSaint]

Aldi market (Australia) was closing out seamstress dummy for $29.99 - Can't say 'no' to that.
And it cleared the sofa that was 'storing' the armor making my wife happy in the process.
Win win.

 

[SgtSaint]

Next target date:

Supanova - Gold Coast - 15/16APR2023

Countdown to Apr 15, 2023. Showing days, hours, minutes and seconds ticking down to 0

www.timeanddate.com

 

[Spartan513]

Never played the game so I'm going to do a TV series build as my first Spartan. I'll try to keep this thread updated.

Character: I never cosplay an existing character. I prefer to be myself in that universe/franchise. As I'm ex-army signal corp, I'll probably do something along the lines of a COMs/Tech specialist. Nice thing about being 50+ is I already look grizzled {LOL} and in this case that helps add to the 'veteran operator' persona.

Context: 30 years of cosplay behind me. Mostly soft costumes. One armor before this: The Expanse, Martian marine Goliath MK-III that I did all the modeling of. Nice to have modeled all that in the past, but not looking to go that low-level this time.

Plan: Use existing 3d models for printing much of the hard armor. I don't need to re-invent the wheel. Then model what I want need to do myself my own way. And of course there's all the soft parts like the undersuit that are conventional costuming techniques and materials.

1. Step 1 - research
   1. Each episode I watch then dismantle to still shots for references and various angles. Thanks to the first two episodes there is already a LOT of good stuff available.
   2. Lots of side-by-side comparisons to see what is the same part and only looks different due to color, paint, age, distressing etc.
   3. Researching 3d model vendors. Paying attention to cross talk about quality and reputations.
2. Step 2 - R&D { under-suit }
   1. Modeled up some of the first bits for the under-suit. I want to develop a good way of making the various tread patterns. Did a couple draft prints to make sure I like the size and angles. (Tread, Connector greeblie, Shoulder eagle, UNSC tag on the chest, etc.)
   2. Ran them in regular black, made adjustments. I'll run them in flexibles for the actual build.
   3. Working up a pattern for the undersuit plates, panels, attachments and the tubing on the sides, shoulders, hips.
      1. Along with a materials list.
      2. Ordered some items to experiment with to confirm sizes and usability.
3. Step 2 - R&D { Armor }
   1. There's what you can do on the show. What you can show on a show. And what you can do in the real world, by yourself getting ready for a convention in a hotel room - taking into account real-world circumstances like a 12 hour convention day and trying to 'hit the head' without a team of handlers getting you in and out of your costume.
   2. So... studying all the bits and combinations I like. Forming a plan for both the look of my character (armor modules as well as color and level of distress), as well as it being functional in the world.

Incorporation of your MOS is so awesome. I’m an intelligence officer in the Army. My characters backstory is that of an “intel operator”.

 

[MistyFox]

I really love what you have so far, the orange and silver play off each other really well! For mobility, I can't speak to a Spartan specifically, but I did extensive modification to my Stormtrooper armor to make myself capable of sitting down. I cut down the top of the thighs so they didn't push into my stomach, but I also cut down the bottom back of the thighs to be more rounded so they don't get in the way of bending until almost a 90 degree angle. I added very minimal padding around the entire bottom of the thighs so no plastic would be cutting in to me. I also cut down the top backs of the calves for the same reason and added padding there. Generally my armor is a very tight fit so I didn't need any other padding. For pockets I added a little pouch that strapped to my thigh and hung from my belt that I only put on for occasions when I need my wallet and phone on me. I believe it's an FN FAL magazine pouch, and it fits great in Halo, not so much with a Stormtrooper (I tried painting it white but it didn't stick) but it was necessary for a party I went to.

Something like that could fit the Halo aesthetic for a quick fix now, but Spartan armor is a lot bulkier than Stormtrooper armor so you can probably work it in someplace in the armor too!

 

[SgtSaint]

Time to get back to it. 140 days is less than it sounds like, especially with the holidays. A little very day is far more desirable than 18hours a day the week before.