foam/3d printed halo reach carter build

[JP120800]

Hey there!

Im looking at building the armour that carter wears and wondered if you guys know any templates i could use when i cut the individual parts out of foam. i am currently 3D printing the helmet so thats covered.

Anything you can share about how to build armour/tips would be greatly appreciated!

Joe

 

[N8TEBB]

I still haven't looked for the exact files you PM'd me about, but I did find a few resources that you may be able to use.

Fallen has a thread with some useful links, although I don't think the build was ever finished:

Foam - Halo Reach Carter Build - Going for T3

Introduction When I joined the 405th back in 2015 with grand ideas of the Spartan suit I wanted to make I knew absolutely nothing about how to build a suit. The first piece I ever made was a Mark VI helmet using the pepakura method that was too small and where I was too impatient during the...

www.405th.com

Also, the first bit of this really old build thread might give you some leads as well:

Spaceg0st's Carter Build PIC HEAVY!!

Hey everyone, first i'd just like to say i've been wanting to build a suit for years now, only watching as others built theirs on the 405th. It wasn't until i found TimEcon's foam build when i decided that foam was going to be the choice of material. When Halo Reach came out, i found carter and...

www.405th.com

 

[Fallen]

N8TEBB linked my old thread from a currently paused Carter build. I was using files from the armory for the few foam parts I'd completed before putting the project on indefinite pause. There's also links in there to any build threads I was referencing at the time.

The core will be these Armory files with changes to shoulders, chest attachment, Tacpad forearm attachment, and knees.

If you want a bit more of a step by step for some sections such as gauntlet, bicep, and thighs. RandomRanger had worked on a tutorial series on Youtube a couple of years ago of the core parts you'll need. Don't know how far along the series was and what all parts are covered, but still worth the watch if you're wanting some video help in how some of the parts go together.

 

[JP120800]

N8TEBB linked my old thread from a currently paused Carter build. I was using files from the armory for the few foam parts I'd completed before putting the project on indefinite pause. There's also links in there to any build threads I was referencing at the time.

The core will be these Armory files with changes to shoulders, chest attachment, Tacpad forearm attachment, and knees.

If you want a bit more of a step by step for some sections such as gauntlet, bicep, and thighs. RandomRanger had worked on a tutorial series on Youtube a couple of years ago of the core parts you'll need. Don't know how far along the series was and what all parts are covered, but still worth the watch if you're wanting some video help in how some of the parts go together.

Can i ask how you were getting your templates in order to cut out foam and glue it together? im trying to use Pepakura but it keeps creating too many pages of cut outs for me to follow. maybe because of the CAD file im using.

 

[Fallen]

I've found a process that works for me when working w/ foam, but it may be overkill for some or not enough for others. Experiment and figure out what works for you. After scaling I print all of the templates. Forearm for example was probably around 7 or 8 pages for my final scale. Before I ever cut out all of my parts I do a pass while looking at the file in Pepakura Designer and add any notes I think I may need such as bevel directions, towards whatever joint (elbow, wrist, etc.), part gets traced twice and mirrored; you get the idea.



After cutting I store all parts in zipper bags to keep them together. While tracing onto foam every item gets marked with L or R for Left or Right part (if applicable), bevel directions (if applicable).

You can see in these examples an idea of some of the markings I'll transfer to the foam itself. Couldn't find any photos pre-cutting parts out.


I tend to keep all cut out parts in a box and create a sort of assembly line of construction when I build. Apply contact cement to each part/edge getting glued, let them dry. Assemble. Always have the part file open in Pepakura Designer on a screen that I can reference while building. Makes it a lot easier to double check you're putting together the right things.

While working on my first Mk VII my workspace basically looked like this using an old projector to throw the model up on the wall for myself.

 

[JP120800]

I've found a process that works for me when working w/ foam, but it may be overkill for some or not enough for others. Experiment and figure out what works for you. After scaling I print all of the templates. Forearm for example was probably around 7 or 8 pages for my final scale. Before I ever cut out all of my parts I do a pass while looking at the file in Pepakura Designer and add any notes I think I may need such as bevel directions, towards whatever joint (elbow, wrist, etc.), part gets traced twice and mirrored; you get the idea.

View attachment 348674 View attachment 348675

After cutting I store all parts in zipper bags to keep them together. While tracing onto foam every item gets marked with L or R for Left or Right part (if applicable), bevel directions (if applicable).

You can see in these examples an idea of some of the markings I'll transfer to the foam itself. Couldn't find any photos pre-cutting parts out.
View attachment 348676 View attachment 348677

I tend to keep all cut out parts in a box and create a sort of assembly line of construction when I build. Apply contact cement to each part/edge getting glued, let them dry. Assemble. Always have the part file open in Pepakura Designer on a screen that I can reference while building. Makes it a lot easier to double check you're putting together the right things.

While working on my first Mk VII my workspace basically looked like this using an old projector to throw the model up on the wall for myself.
View attachment 348678

this is really helpful, i am going to be able to 3D pring most parts. So i will be building from foam, the thighs and the torsa basically. will post photos of the helmet once built

 

[JP120800]

UPDATE: Helmet is printed and assembled and reasy for primer and paint

 

[JP120800]

Here is the helmet printed and painted, visor has been ordered

 

[JP120800]

Been busy printing and painting, here is my progress so far. I have also started on the torso but only cardboard at the moment, will post once i start cutting the foam etc.

 

[JP120800]

Quite happy so far with the torso armour, getting through it quick enough

 

[JP120800]

Thought id share how i did the belt/waist, i have built all the pieces around the bum bag that spartans have on their back. Once sprayed, i will be adding fabric between the pieces to add conformity to the spacing of the pieces of the belt.

 

[JP120800]

Photo dump

so far...

 

[JP120800]

I was originally gonna 3D print the whole show but then thought I could make them, I decided to built the boots around my trainers which are fixed in there. Almost gave up on them at one point but glad I stuck with them because I'm very happy with them.

 

[JP120800]

So here it is finally, my Build is complete (for now). i have also 3D printed a shotgun to go with it all. Very happy with everything ))

 

[SirGrizzly]

So here it is finally, my Build is complete (for now). i have also 3D pronted a shotgun to go with it all. Very happy with everything ))

Outfit looks awesome bud! Also good choice with choosing the m45. I love the Reach shotty. Are you going to make the forend moveable or all a solid piece?

 

[JP120800]

Outfit looks awesome bud! Also good choice with choosing the m45. I love the Reach shotty. Are you going to make the forend moveable or all a solid piece?

Thanks dude, means alot. Its a solid piece as i was using someone elses files. Would be cool to make one that function in the future tho.

 

[SirGrizzly]

Thanks dude, means alot. Its a solid piece as i was using someone elses files. Would be cool to make one that function in the future tho.

Mine uses the files from Galactic Armory. It has a PVC pipe going thru the middle so I just did some modifications to make the forend move.

 

[JP120800]

Mine uses the files from Galactic Armory. It has a PVC pipe going thru the middle so I just did some modifications to make the forend move.View attachment 350782View attachment 350783

Thats where i got the files for the helmet but i was being a cheapskate and didnt want to pay for the files again lol

 

[JP120800]

Took the armour out for a test ride to Birmingham Anime & Gaming con and went very well! Deffo going to wear this bad boy to MCM in October and November. I totally forgot to take off my T shirt when getting into it which i noticed taking it all off XD.

 

[JP120800]

Started Weathering the armour and added effects. Added some needler ammo to the bicep armour, very happy with it