Claudius's Foam, Fabric, and Acrylic

[Claudius Sol]

[The Secret Gardener]

I've been... busy, lately. Busy working on a project.

To put it simply, I've been working on becoming a myth, a shadow, something that simply doesn't exist. An Oniwaban.

Edit: Here's the dossier I'm working off of.
WIP-Oniwaban-Dossier by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

This is a thread to show off my progress and to get some feedback. I aim to finish the project by GenCon to show up as a more effective promoter of the game.

So, without further ado...

Body Form and Preliminary Design by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

This is where the project really got off the ground.

I created the body form with the help of a roommate by wrapping my upper torso in clear plastic wrap and then covering that with a layer or two of duct tape. I then was cut out of this shell with scissors. After sealing the cut with an additional layer of duct tape, I stuffed the body form with polystyrene stuffing typically used for stuffed animals.

Using an old shirt I had no intention of wearing, anymore, I drew general shapes to make sure the scale of the Oniwaban would fit on my smaller frame. Things checked out. To note: it's really not fun to try drawing on cloth that isn't being held down by something. I had to use duct tape and multiple limbs to get the shirt to not simply travel with my marker.

I'll leave that for the first post, I guess.

[Claudius Sol]

So update #2,

The Oniwaban has a lot of fun straps and whatnot on the design. I wasn't sure how I wanted to tackle this at first. I decided later to make it as reasonable and realistic as I could, so I opted for woven Nylon strapping.

"But the belts are white!" you might say.

Fear not, my fellow Infiniteers! I have a solution to this problem: White electrical tape!

Nylon Strap WIP by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Nylon Straps by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

I did a diagonal wrap of the tape over the nylon to give it a bit of a more futuristic texture that was subtle, but noticeable.

Nylon Strap 2 by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

I made two straps, in total, that will be the waist belt and the free belt that is hanging from his left leg.

Ah, I'm terribly sorry! Special thanks to Yashia for her help with getting me started and offering advice at every step!

[Neatpete]

great start. That prototype pics looks sweet. If you execute half as awesome it will still be full of win.

[Claudius Sol]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, Neatpete!

Here's some more to update!

IMG_2049 by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

These are the materials I'll be using for the green under layer mesh suit and the grenades (that you see on the model, but aren't on the concept art).

I'm not entirely sure if I want to go with the criss-cross mesh of the concept art or the smooth bands of the model. Anyone have any opinions either way?

I had a plan, originally, to make the criss-cross bands by using Reinforced Clear PVC piping that you typically see for irrigation. Unfortunately, this material proved too difficult to work with and prohibitively hindering to movement. I might eventually work with the material if I find myself with a lot of time and money on hand.

misc_1499 by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Here's a snap of the "grenades" (sprinkler heads for lawn care) and the foam tiles I'll be using for the top layers of armor. Also in view is the heat gun I need to shape the foam tiles.

At this time, I had also cut out patterns for the front armor.

misc_1497 by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

misc_1504 by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Yay! Strange shapes drawn and cut from foam tiles!

But in reality... THEY MAKE ARMOR! Cool!

misc_1506 by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

And that's probably enough for this post.

[Claudius Sol]

Oh man, I'll quickly be off of the front page if I don't keep updating this.

Front armor attached by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Here we've got the formed front armor all edged, shaped, and stuck to a thin foam backing. The foam backing keeps everything aligned properly while also being flexible and bendable to allow better movement while I'm wearing the costume.

You'll notice I left the center panel open for now. The center piece required a bit more shaping than the simple contours and angles I did for the other parts.

The "panel lines" were made by making shallow cuts in the foam and then heating the foam with a heat gun, which naturally contracts the foam, bringing out the details well. This requires some pretty precise cutting, though, as any over cuts become apparent very quickly. Also, watch out for heating the foam for too long as you might end up with super collapsed areas where the foam has actually just burned.

Back armor shaped, awaiting fastening by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Here is the main back piece sans detail and the spinal column. Sorry I forgot to take pictures of it before shaping and edging. It's difficult to see from this angle, but the piece is designed to fit the "S" curve of my back fairly well and performs admirably in that regard during some test fits.

You'll notice some black nylon straps under it to the side. There are 5 total that will just be glued across the two separate pieces to strengthen the bond but still allow for more flex than if the piece was one whole piece.

I'll come back next week with an update on something else, if I don't get swept away by all the flooding and rain here in Texas.

Anyone else going to the OKC Border Clash even in Wichita Falls, Texas this weekend?

[WookieeGunner]

Very nice so far. By the way, you might find chalk is actually easier to use on fabric than a marker.

[Claudius Sol]

Ah, bollocks. Oh well. I'm already past the cloth writing stage. Thanks for the advice, though! I'll put that into consideration the next time I attempt writing on cloth.

[Errhile]

Actually, a slice of soap is even better (the more basic, the better, hard soap is perfect) for drawing on fabrics. In fact, that's the stuff tailors used

[Hydra]

I really look forward to your costume. And it has taken some great steps already!

[el_presidente]

Looking good so far!

[Claudius Sol]

Actually, a slice of soap is even better (the more basic, the better, hard soap is perfect) for drawing on fabrics. In fact, that's the stuff tailors used

Hmm... Using a hard soap? How so?

Looking good so far!

Thanks!

I really look forward to your costume. And it has taken some great steps already!

Thanks! I hope I don't disappoint.

And let's get the next update out.

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Here's where I'm at.

Grenades are done with construction, for the most part.
The back plate is all reinforced.
The front is reformed to better fit and curve and some minor detailing was done. Bleh, it looks awful, but I'm too lazy to attempt to fix it.
The shoulder mounts are cut, formed, angled.

Anyway, here are a few more pictures.

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

It'll be a while until I can update this again, as I was out of town all weekend and wasn't able to work on this project.

[Errhile]

Actually, a slice of soap is even better (the more basic, the better, hard soap is perfect) for drawing on fabrics. In fact, that's the stuff tailors used

Hmm... Using a hard soap? How so?

Just like a chalk, but you can cut a piece of soap to be pretty sharp-edged, not unlike a pencil. In my opinion, way better stuff for drawing lines on a fabric than chalk. And it doesn't have the abrasive nature of chalk.
And yes, you use it dry. Water can be used later, to remove it.

While actual tailor's soap might be hard to come by (it was always a specialized material), a piece of ordinary hard soap (the less stuff was added to it, the better for that purpose) shouldn't be a problem

[Claudius Sol]

It's been some time. Probably too long.

Here's an update!

Got the shoulder mounts done.
Got the side straps done.

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

(Apologies for the bathroom selfies, but that's the best I can do right now.)

I'm waiting on some custom acrylic for the arm piece.

I've also completed the upper arm guards, but don't have any picture right now since the glue/epoxy was still curing and I didn't want to move them to take some pictures.

So after this, the only things left will be:

-finishing the back
-the front abdomen protectors
-the right forearm guard
-gloves
-shoes
-Oh yeah, and painting everything.

It's crunch time, I think.

[BrandonKF]

Very cool. Keep pushing.

[el_presidente]

looking good!

[Claudius Sol]

Thanks, guys! There's another update I need to write out, but I've been swampped for time. I'll get around to posting it here eventually.

[Claudius Sol]

Let's catch up...

Here is where I was before...

Progress so far by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Things!

I've finished the back plate detailing, for the most part. I need to scribe a couple lines, but it's essentially finished being built.

Once all that's done, I'll take a quick look and make sure there's nothing else I need to add and then prime and paint the entire chest piece. It shouldn't be too difficult since it's primarily just black, grey, and then glowy blue.

Anyway, on to pictures!

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Just need to build the right arm and lower leg pieces, now...

[Neatpete]

looking cool! thos added sections on the back really take it from foam plates to cool sci-fi armor. Can't wait to see what the paint does for it.

[Claudius Sol]

I was going to wait until I had finished it, but I can't contain it any longer.

SURPRISE!

I got an assist from Frank over at Underground Lasers on a few Acylic accent pieces...

Custom Acrylic from Underground Lasers! by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Yes, that's a "wakazashi" or short sword. It's how I view the monofilament CCW as. Nice and bright green (like the painted model).

There's also a blue acrylic YingYang to be used for the arm guard inset piece. I had grand plans to have the cover of the acrylic be magnetized to the rest of the arm with a hollow under it for my phone to light it up and have a place to store my phone, but that's probably too complicated for the time I have left. So, I'm just gonna try and keep it simple.

I still haven't worked much on the legs. :giving-up:

[Yashia]

That's OP!

[el_presidente]

Cool sword!

[Claudius Sol]

Small updates. Some other things in my life have seriously occupied me for the past two weeks, but I've decided to switch priorities to get this done. Please excuse my delay.

My update today is a few things:
I've made body forms for both my lower leg and forearm. These will be used for the leg and feet armor to help with forming and designing.

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

And, after a bit of fanangling, I've come up with this bit of... thing. It's the bottom layer of the right forearm armor, made of simple craft sheet foam. I'll have the upper layer attached to one side of this set and then use Velcro or perhaps even stretchy polyester fabric to better affix the pieces to my arm. This upper layer will contain the acrylic yin-yang symbol I had displayed earlier.

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

I hope you're all enjoying this project with me!

[Claudius Sol]

No comments, huh? I mean, I know I'm not as pretty as Yashia, but still... I'd have hoped for a few.

Oh well. The work continues.

I've almost finished the arm bracer (and wristguard).

Start of the arm com. by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

Untitled by Bryant Vichainarong, on Flickr

I need to rebend the comm equipment and then affix that little bevel thing hiding underneath to the top of the equipment. I'll be ordering some golf gloves to wear as the actual gloves. Nice and thin material with a hex pattern (to keep in theme).

After this band is done, I'll need to finish up the legs, and quickly! Luckily, they should be rather straight forward. Everything needs to get painted, too. Good thing I have an airbrush.

[Mob of Blondes]

I'm still wonder how you are going to do the synthmucles.

Also you could consider battle heels.

[Claudius Sol]

I'm still wonder how you are going to do the synthmucles.

Also you could consider battle heels.

I have actual muscles I'll be using

Originally, I had wanted to use reinforced clear PVC piping overlayed on the green sentai suit. Due to time constraints and the difficulty with which you handle the materials, I then decided to toss that idea to the way side.

Not even the female Oniwaban (Shinobu) has battle heels.

[Mob of Blondes]

I have actual muscles I'll be using

Synthmuscles are like a sausage overlay.

Originally, I had wanted to use reinforced clear PVC piping overlayed on the green sentai suit. Due to time constraints and the difficulty with which you handle the materials, I then decided to toss that idea to the way side.

Not even painted? A romboid or hexagonal mesh as mask, some airbrushing with a lighter green, and you would get some fake texture quick. Sausage shape could be hand made with darker green, or black, felt pen or airbrush.

Not even the female Oniwaban (Shinobu) has battle heels.

It was about getting more comments. That sure would.

[Yashia]

I have actual muscles I'll be using
[...]

You're doing it totally wrong! Cosplaying is all about choosing a character with a body type far from your own figure!

[Errhile]

You're doing it totally wrong! Cosplaying is all about choosing a character with a body type far from your own figure!

Says our favourite Asura. And Chimera. And Oznat. And soon-to-be Go Go Marlene...

[jherazob]

I have actual muscles I'll be using
[...]

You're doing it totally wrong! Cosplaying is all about choosing a character with a body type far from your own figure!

That leads to Sailor Bubba. I'm OK with this.

[Yashia]

Says our favourite Asura. And Chimera. And Oznat. And soon-to-be Go Go Marlene...

See? I'm doing it right! ^_^