As usual I've been neglecting to post anything until it's at a point where I'm happy with the progress I've made, which always takes longer than usual. Also, I've been busy with lots of exciting things going on in my life. Not only did I have to rebuild half my deck last week, but I've been going to lots of family events and even an Ed Sheeran concert! Ok enough of the small talk... let's get to the updates!!!
LOTS of things have been changed and added since my last update:
- Added 5cm height to both shins
- Added 3D printed bits to each side of the COD piece
- Used a heat gun to make those elbows less pointy
- Made the Torso slightly slimmer
- Added thrusters
- Caved and used Velcro on the ab section (works better than expected)
- Finally added the spine to the ab wrap
- Rigging is almost done!!
Let's start by looking at that
ab wrap. I ended up using Velcro to get it on and off. I initially wanted to avoid this as I though it would be difficult to get on by myself, but I found that I can put it on backwards and then swing it around. You can also see that there is a clip in the center. This connects to the torso so the torso doesn't get pulled up above the top of the ab wrap. There is also Velcro on each side that connects to the COD piece. I stuck the foam spine on with e6000. I apologize for the smudges on the pictures, the only place I can get good light is in front of my rather dirty mirror.
Speaking of the
torso, I added thrusters to it! There are still lots of details I have to add, but the main shape is there and looking good! You can see a clip in the centre where the ab wrap connects, and there's also a clip on each side where the shoulder connects.
As for the rest of
the rigging, I've basically made a belt with a pair of suspenders. Originally I was going to leave it as just a belt and use one strap to mount the thighs, but in the game there is a clear diagonal strap on the front, and three distinct straps on the butt. Because of this imbalance of straps, I ended up needing the suspenders. Here is what the rig looks like:
There are SIX clips at the back that have to hide under the COD piece. Three straps for each side, as seen in the game. They are not easy to get all clipped in, but then again they're not the trickiest things in the world. I can still get everything on by myself. The strap on the front of the thigh is non-stretch and the ones on the butt are stretchy.
I've been doing lots of learning on the sewing machine trying to make some under suit sections for the knees. I have one made out of a fabric that I'm not a fan of, so I will have to start those over. I still have to properly mount the shins, as well as figure out a way to make sure the tongue of the shoes don't stick up.
I'm still deciding if those thighs are too small. I think in these pictures they're a bit high, but honestly they may be small. I think for this iteration of the suit I'm not going to worry about it. If I decide to fix them it will be after fan expo. I have to get this suit done! I think the shins are just right after I added 5cm to them.
What do you guys think?? Looking ok or what?