Alright, time to make up for lost time everyone! Now, I could have sworn I had more updates on the 405th, but I guess not. Well, it doesn't matter because it's update time!
Updates 3-4
Update 3: Mark V Torso/Update 3.2: Ab Plate
The chest is now 90% complete, the only thing left to do is finish both the arm and neck seals. I still need to decide how I'm going to tackle that. The chest took around 2 weeks to complete and just about an actual 7 days of work. The EVA foam construction didn't take near as long as the craft foam detailing though. The chest base was built from a foam template pep file while the ab plate was scratch built, additionally, I made edits to the front that made it easier to put together with foam and some portions of the chest are scratch built as well. Used all the same materials as my helmet as well as two buckles on the bottom section of the chest so I can put it on. I estimate it took 40$ or more of materials to build the chest so far.
The fit is just about perfect as well, as you can see by my duct tape dummy wearing the suit so far. Also, I'm not sure which is heavier, my helmet or the chest. Either way they are both pretty light weight and comfortable to wear.
Materials: 1/2" EVA foam floor tiles, 2mm/3mm/5mm craft foam, Hot glue, 3M spray adhesive and buckles
Update 4: Mark V Cod
Finished with my first completely scratch built piece, here is my cod belt. Took 4 days of work with half of it going to cutting the templates. The piece took an estimated 15$ worth of materials and is 100% complete in the foam stages.
I used a single buckle on the right side of the cod so I can get in and out of it. As for the fit, it's just about perfect and doesn't appear to need any additional mounting elements, but I still plan on using velcro to help keep it in place on the final undersuit. It's very light and very comfortable.
Materials: 1/2" EVA foam floor tiles, 2mm/3mm/5mm craft foam, Hot glue, 3M spray adhesive and a buckle