tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24566974576182766372024-03-12T23:14:06.163-07:00The Do it Yourself Optimus Prime Halloween CostumeA how to guide for making an Optimus Prime costume (Halloween 2007). Step by step instructions you can use yourself to go through all the headaches I did!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-80873960020403025942007-10-19T08:29:00.000-07:002007-10-19T03:49:47.454-07:00The Optimus Prime Costume: Halloween 2007I'm finally done. 6 weeks, $180 (CDN), and about 3000 swear words later, I give you:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Optimus Prime</span></span><br /><br />(Click on the pics for full size versions)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglP8yPJvI/AAAAAAAAAWc/qWI-NwDrM5k/s1600-h/IMG_0391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglP8yPJvI/AAAAAAAAAWc/qWI-NwDrM5k/s400/IMG_0391.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122885532079040242" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglZMyPJwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/e1tPNSGIxhA/s1600-h/IMG_0394.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglZMyPJwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/e1tPNSGIxhA/s400/IMG_0394.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122885690992830210" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglfMyPJxI/AAAAAAAAAWs/QL0QpcVDTvM/s1600-h/IMG_0395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglfMyPJxI/AAAAAAAAAWs/QL0QpcVDTvM/s400/IMG_0395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122885794072045330" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7C3VssNDkpKJL3rnPpbYjDt5m-aEgrIlxEamuENVNCAaqAyfK1qrCjpdslkYZfBRRx4hGKgoOC69Ga8XCsGa1zMkcINj_S9hX8vGHi3tl3H9QCiqHQBhZMXSxSo4vM9rhx7EyVQL0wc/s1600-h/IMG_0396.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7C3VssNDkpKJL3rnPpbYjDt5m-aEgrIlxEamuENVNCAaqAyfK1qrCjpdslkYZfBRRx4hGKgoOC69Ga8XCsGa1zMkcINj_S9hX8vGHi3tl3H9QCiqHQBhZMXSxSo4vM9rhx7EyVQL0wc/s400/IMG_0396.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122885897151260450" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglrcyPJzI/AAAAAAAAAW8/BSQJpN6rIKk/s1600-h/IMG_0397.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglrcyPJzI/AAAAAAAAAW8/BSQJpN6rIKk/s400/IMG_0397.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122886004525442866" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglxcyPJ0I/AAAAAAAAAXE/P22-WapswC8/s1600-h/IMG_0398.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxglxcyPJ0I/AAAAAAAAAXE/P22-WapswC8/s400/IMG_0398.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122886107604657986" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to everyone who read along, everyone who commented, everyone who put up with me babbling on and on about this, and especially Lindsay for putting up with me doing this for 6 weeks and not dumping me; and especially for helping me put the #*$&#*$&#& thing on. (About 6 minutes for those who are wondering.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-83598352649629838502007-10-18T11:08:00.000-07:002007-10-18T11:13:56.095-07:00Hittin the Head (Ewww...)With the last drops of blue spray paint, the head is done. It didn't turn out as well as I would've liked but it's done. I'm done. <br /><br />Milo (my cat) inspected the head thoroughly...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rxeh9syPJsI/AAAAAAAAAWE/MULHFRFrMMY/s1600-h/IMG_0383.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rxeh9syPJsI/AAAAAAAAAWE/MULHFRFrMMY/s400/IMG_0383.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122741182523188930" /></a><br /><br />... and gave it her bite of approval. (Followed by subsequent shooing from me.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxeiEsyPJtI/AAAAAAAAAWM/fefV4bHWEeY/s1600-h/IMG_0384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxeiEsyPJtI/AAAAAAAAAWM/fefV4bHWEeY/s400/IMG_0384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122741302782273234" /></a><br /><br />Here's lookin at you, Prime.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxeiM8yPJuI/AAAAAAAAAWU/naMT2OIr3p0/s1600-h/IMG_0386.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxeiM8yPJuI/AAAAAAAAAWU/naMT2OIr3p0/s400/IMG_0386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122741444516194018" /></a><br /><br />Tomorrow I'll post pics of a full dress rehearsal. Hope I don't break anything ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-66450397294781656002007-10-17T04:48:00.000-07:002007-10-17T05:02:44.319-07:00Touch Ups And Total ProgressThis update tastes like happy. There's something special at the end of today's post. (You'll see.) I started last night by finishing off the head. Namely, the face and "ears". I closed in the front of the face a little bit using some rectangular boxes cut to fit around the cardboard. The special cuts are more visible in the final helmet pic below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX3o8yPJiI/AAAAAAAAAU0/M4Zz3NKa9HQ/s1600-h/IMG_0367.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX3o8yPJiI/AAAAAAAAAU0/M4Zz3NKa9HQ/s400/IMG_0367.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122272434087470626" /></a><br /><br />The "ears" ended up being made up of a circular piece bevelled on one side, and an octagon with a giant section for the antenna. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX25syPJhI/AAAAAAAAAUs/tBfvWwSy7Ic/s1600-h/IMG_0365.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX25syPJhI/AAAAAAAAAUs/tBfvWwSy7Ic/s400/IMG_0365.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122271622338651666" /></a><br /><br />I glued them on...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX32syPJjI/AAAAAAAAAU8/mz4L7lWq3E8/s1600-h/IMG_0369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX32syPJjI/AAAAAAAAAU8/mz4L7lWq3E8/s400/IMG_0369.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122272670310671922" /></a><br /><br />... and was realized the head, though large, was finally looking like Optimus Prime. The head basically sits on the body, mine doesn't fill it in the least. I'm debating, time and materials permitting, creating a new one. If this is the case, I'll put steps/pictures in here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX4SMyPJkI/AAAAAAAAAVE/rExrq4Xdq8k/s1600-h/IMG_0366.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX4SMyPJkI/AAAAAAAAAVE/rExrq4Xdq8k/s400/IMG_0366.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122273142757074498" /></a><br /><br />I had a few housekeeping details on the torso, namely adding the grey lines under Optimus Prime's windows. For these I simply used two blocks of styrofoam and painted them grey.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX4pMyPJlI/AAAAAAAAAVM/rSZuW2MKnt8/s1600-h/IMG_0368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX4pMyPJlI/AAAAAAAAAVM/rSZuW2MKnt8/s400/IMG_0368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122273537894065746" /></a><br /><br />I also completed the other shoulder!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX4ysyPJmI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Ws6I-pOtcTQ/s1600-h/IMG_0370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX4ysyPJmI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Ws6I-pOtcTQ/s400/IMG_0370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122273701102823010" /></a><br /><br />... and now for the total progress part. Because my workspace is getting extremely limited (this is a big costume, like I said before I've been working on a balcony), I brought some of the pieces inside and stacked them behind the dining room table... much to my girlfriend's chagrin. She's being a good sport about it. (She bought me a re-release of the original SoundWave a few days ago, how cool is that!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5OcyPJnI/AAAAAAAAAVc/eEG4kf89NvI/s1600-h/IMG_0371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5OcyPJnI/AAAAAAAAAVc/eEG4kf89NvI/s400/IMG_0371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122274177844192882" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5ScyPJoI/AAAAAAAAAVk/MtMA2s1jYC4/s1600-h/IMG_0372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5ScyPJoI/AAAAAAAAAVk/MtMA2s1jYC4/s400/IMG_0372.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122274246563669634" /></a><br /><br />Pretty. Next I laid everything out on the floor. Aaaaawe yeah!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5kMyPJpI/AAAAAAAAAVs/FuK_hZQE6KQ/s1600-h/IMG_0373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5kMyPJpI/AAAAAAAAAVs/FuK_hZQE6KQ/s400/IMG_0373.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122274551506347666" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5o8yPJqI/AAAAAAAAAV0/KZbyiYYiCAI/s1600-h/IMG_0374.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5o8yPJqI/AAAAAAAAAV0/KZbyiYYiCAI/s400/IMG_0374.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122274633110726306" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5tcyPJrI/AAAAAAAAAV8/PSPsMYLK7A0/s1600-h/IMG_0375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxX5tcyPJrI/AAAAAAAAAV8/PSPsMYLK7A0/s400/IMG_0375.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122274710420137650" /></a><br /><br />Tomorrow! The helmet should be painted in all it's giant glory ("Pumpkin Head Optimus Prime"?), so stay tuned!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-79579846940729450132007-10-16T09:37:00.000-07:002007-10-16T09:48:39.418-07:00This Optimus Prime Costume Is Stacked (Well, Half Stacked)I've been thinking about the stacks... PVC glue just wasn't working as it's not really made for contact joins. (You're supposed to slather a smaller pipe with it and fit it inside of a larger one.) I figured I could use the zip ties without taking too much away from the costume. It'd also prevent accidental breakage. <br /><br />I prepped the pipe yesterday by giving it a coat of silver spraypaint. Because PVC doesn't dissolve like styrofoam, I was able to use regular spraypaint. So far as I know, Krylon doesn't make H2O Silver. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTpUcyPJbI/AAAAAAAAAT8/cGO3bJGfWNg/s1600-h/IMG_0358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTpUcyPJbI/AAAAAAAAAT8/cGO3bJGfWNg/s400/IMG_0358.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121975213760652722" /></a><br /><br />Next I drilled two small holes in the side of the larger pipe that would be facing the body and fed the zip ties through. It was easier than I thought, but only because I had the foresight to not connect the longer pipe first. (Unless you've got foot long fingers, you're never feeding the zip tie through the second hole.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTp6cyPJcI/AAAAAAAAAUE/6ABOGV-04Ac/s1600-h/IMG_0359.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTp6cyPJcI/AAAAAAAAAUE/6ABOGV-04Ac/s400/IMG_0359.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121975866595681730" /></a><br /><br />Next, I drilled three holes in each, the longer pipe and the shorter pipe, that were equal distance away from each other. These holes would house the zip ties that hold the two together. I fed the ties through and put them on loosely as I went. If I had done them up all the way, each succeeding one would've been a total pain to put in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTqa8yPJdI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ki8BBAE-yQw/s1600-h/IMG_0361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTqa8yPJdI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ki8BBAE-yQw/s400/IMG_0361.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121976424941430226" /></a><br /><br />It looked like the stack would hold together really well, despite being a bit ugly now. I drilled two sets of holes in the shoulder (the part that would be facing away from the torso) and fed the ties through. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTq58yPJeI/AAAAAAAAAUU/wJNXmwRFfVQ/s1600-h/IMG_0362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTq58yPJeI/AAAAAAAAAUU/wJNXmwRFfVQ/s400/IMG_0362.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121976957517374946" /></a><br /><br />For added strength (read: think of a smokestack getting ripped off of thin flimsy styrofoam) I put a dowel under the zip ties. If anything caught on the stack, they'd have to rip the dowel through now as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTrJMyPJfI/AAAAAAAAAUc/jTjqYU8m7L8/s1600-h/IMG_0363.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTrJMyPJfI/AAAAAAAAAUc/jTjqYU8m7L8/s400/IMG_0363.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121977219510380018" /></a><br /><br />Finally, I cut out an Autobot symbol I had printed up and glued it onto the arm. There had to be SOME glue in this step, heh!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTrUMyPJgI/AAAAAAAAAUk/HVRTAknxPeE/s1600-h/IMG_0364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxTrUMyPJgI/AAAAAAAAAUk/HVRTAknxPeE/s400/IMG_0364.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121977408488941058" /></a><br /><br />Lookin good!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-337709649587912662007-10-15T14:25:00.000-07:002007-10-15T14:29:05.579-07:00Housekeeping!The really boring part about making an Optimus Prime costume like this has to be that you need to make two of almost everything. Today's post (unfortunately) is just housekeeping.<br /><br />I made another foot:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxPbMsyPJYI/AAAAAAAAATk/iA3TsizJAfg/s1600-h/IMG_0341.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxPbMsyPJYI/AAAAAAAAATk/iA3TsizJAfg/s400/IMG_0341.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121678212477166978" /></a><br /><br />... and the other leg:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxPbVcyPJZI/AAAAAAAAATs/jo7DNjllQ44/s1600-h/IMG_0348.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxPbVcyPJZI/AAAAAAAAATs/jo7DNjllQ44/s400/IMG_0348.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121678362801022354" /></a><br /><br />... and some wheels to go with it:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxPbeMyPJaI/AAAAAAAAAT0/-xi4iO7upZM/s1600-h/IMG_0354.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxPbeMyPJaI/AAAAAAAAAT0/-xi4iO7upZM/s400/IMG_0354.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121678513124877730" /></a><br /><br />Tomorrow I'm going to try to finish off the helmet and at least one smokestack.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-75581109599976059612007-10-14T08:18:00.000-07:002007-10-14T08:40:57.207-07:00Well Met, Mr. HelmetThe moment I've been dreading has finally hit me head on. The helmet. The head. The face. No matter how you want to put it, this is going to be a pain. Well. May as well get into it!<br /><br />I started by cutting out some cardboard 'ribs', two large and two smaller. The two larger ribs will support the ridge on top of Optimus Prime's head, the smaller two will be for the sides of the head. (This will make sense later.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxIzw8yPJGI/AAAAAAAAARU/cqJE2q-mHgU/s1600-h/IMG_0332.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxIzw8yPJGI/AAAAAAAAARU/cqJE2q-mHgU/s400/IMG_0332.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121212642317247586" /></a><br /><br />Next I took a small rectangle of cardboard and used it as a spacer / support for the two larger ribs. I used sticker paper for to secure everything.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI0XsyPJHI/AAAAAAAAARc/c-hJvD143L0/s1600-h/IMG_0333.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI0XsyPJHI/AAAAAAAAARc/c-hJvD143L0/s400/IMG_0333.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121213308037178482" /></a><br /><br />I continued doing this with little rectangles of cardboard until I had completely done the big ribs end to end:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI0o8yPJII/AAAAAAAAARk/3tFrMe7RKBI/s1600-h/IMG_0334.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI0o8yPJII/AAAAAAAAARk/3tFrMe7RKBI/s400/IMG_0334.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121213604389921922" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI0ssyPJJI/AAAAAAAAARs/1EKCoMcM25A/s1600-h/IMG_0335.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI0ssyPJJI/AAAAAAAAARs/1EKCoMcM25A/s400/IMG_0335.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121213668814431378" /></a><br /><br />With the center of the head built, it was time to do the sides. I started again with small rectangular pieces of cardboard and secured the ribs to either side of the completed section. I chose to do both at the same time so I could pay attention and make things symmetrical.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI1FMyPJKI/AAAAAAAAAR0/gZ_WlkCrUZI/s1600-h/IMG_0336.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI1FMyPJKI/AAAAAAAAAR0/gZ_WlkCrUZI/s400/IMG_0336.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121214089721226402" /></a><br /><br />After that, same as before, I laid down little rectangles and secured them until I ended up with this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI1Q8yPJLI/AAAAAAAAAR8/Ig9lYWfirsU/s1600-h/IMG_0337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI1Q8yPJLI/AAAAAAAAAR8/Ig9lYWfirsU/s400/IMG_0337.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121214291584689330" /></a><br /><br />Here's the underside:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI1bMyPJMI/AAAAAAAAASE/1OUHMtrhQe4/s1600-h/IMG_0338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI1bMyPJMI/AAAAAAAAASE/1OUHMtrhQe4/s400/IMG_0338.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121214467678348482" /></a><br /><br />Next I traced the top helmet curve onto some cardboard (the non corrugated kind) and cut out two sides. I glued these onto the sides of the small ribs. These will form the side of the head.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI10MyPJNI/AAAAAAAAASM/sHpUrq0Ohk4/s1600-h/IMG_0339.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI10MyPJNI/AAAAAAAAASM/sHpUrq0Ohk4/s400/IMG_0339.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121214897175078098" /></a><br /><br />With the sides glued on, I needed to seal the back. I used a block of styrofoam. It's not as big as the back of Optimus Prime's head but it'll work. I also left a 1/4 inch gap for ventilation which I'm really gonna need. Also, now it's a styrofoam/cardboard COMPOSITE helmet. Doesn't that sound fantastic? Wow. Composite. ... ... what do I have to do to impress you people?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI2G8yPJOI/AAAAAAAAASU/yFT7SB1AmFg/s1600-h/IMG_0340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI2G8yPJOI/AAAAAAAAASU/yFT7SB1AmFg/s400/IMG_0340.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121215219297625314" /></a><br /><br />Next up was the head ridge. I cut two styrofoam rectangles and them slowly carved a rounded area out of each. The goal here was to match the head contour, which I did, after several hacks of the utility knife. Square end pieces were glued to the ends:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI2zcyPJPI/AAAAAAAAASc/T1TSZ42puMo/s1600-h/IMG_0344.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI2zcyPJPI/AAAAAAAAASc/T1TSZ42puMo/s400/IMG_0344.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121215983801804018" /></a><br /><br />Next I glued the ridge to the center line of the helmet:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI3AcyPJQI/AAAAAAAAASk/iPH_EF-bduk/s1600-h/IMG_0345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI3AcyPJQI/AAAAAAAAASk/iPH_EF-bduk/s400/IMG_0345.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121216207140103426" /></a><br /><br />After this I cut out a large rectangle and glued the top of the ridge on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI3K8yPJRI/AAAAAAAAASs/BMACTCi_9w0/s1600-h/IMG_0347.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI3K8yPJRI/AAAAAAAAASs/BMACTCi_9w0/s400/IMG_0347.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121216387528729874" /></a><br /><br />As cool as flat sides looked, I cut out what will be the base of Optimus Prime's ... ... uh... ears? The rounded things the antennas come out of. We'll go with 'ears' for now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI3b8yPJSI/AAAAAAAAAS0/JmPvt3LAe1g/s1600-h/IMG_0349.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI3b8yPJSI/AAAAAAAAAS0/JmPvt3LAe1g/s400/IMG_0349.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121216679586506018" /></a><br /><br />Aaaaand I glued them on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI3oMyPJTI/AAAAAAAAAS8/vEF7-wf3SzE/s1600-h/IMG_0350.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI3oMyPJTI/AAAAAAAAAS8/vEF7-wf3SzE/s400/IMG_0350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121216890039903538" /></a><br /><br />I used a knife to round off the head ridge. There were a lot of gaps and a lot of glue seepage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI38syPJVI/AAAAAAAAATM/XgG-s93LNvs/s1600-h/IMG_0351.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI38syPJVI/AAAAAAAAATM/XgG-s93LNvs/s400/IMG_0351.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121217242227221842" /></a><br /><br />With the wind picking up to 50 bajillion miles per hour, I put in two rectangular pieces of styrofoam to help close the face off and called it quits.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI4PsyPJWI/AAAAAAAAATU/pdfVwDgSXdc/s1600-h/IMG_0352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI4PsyPJWI/AAAAAAAAATU/pdfVwDgSXdc/s400/IMG_0352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121217568644736354" /></a><br /><br />Here's a dry run with the face in the helmet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI4Z8yPJXI/AAAAAAAAATc/OmG1cpU75tM/s1600-h/IMG_0353.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RxI4Z8yPJXI/AAAAAAAAATc/OmG1cpU75tM/s400/IMG_0353.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121217744738395506" /></a><br /><br />It's going to be a long day, stay tuned for more updates!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-60060638160905163802007-10-13T05:58:00.000-07:002007-10-13T07:13:29.531-07:00Rollin, Rollin, Rollin!A lot of thoughts had crossed my mind for the wheels. Lawnmower wheels? Wagon wheels? (Note for American readers: Not the delicious snack food.) Wheels for some other kinda wheeled toy? All of these seemed to heavy. The lightest option would be to exclude them entirely. I really thought about that but if the Optimus Prime Costume has fenders, the guy needs wheels. In true spirit of this costume, rather than going with something overly expensive (that would actually look good), I decided to make them myself. I started with four 5x5 blocks of foam. I then rounded off the corners on one of them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9w5MyPJAI/AAAAAAAAAQk/csIUZDrRyhU/s1600-h/IMG_0324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9w5MyPJAI/AAAAAAAAAQk/csIUZDrRyhU/s400/IMG_0324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120435429330330626" /></a><br /><br />Realizing this wasn't too hard, and that it kinda looked like a wheel, I did the other three.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9xG8yPJBI/AAAAAAAAAQs/c8b1a3OvApI/s1600-h/IMG_0325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9xG8yPJBI/AAAAAAAAAQs/c8b1a3OvApI/s400/IMG_0325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120435665553531922" /></a><br /><br />Next I glued the pieces together in pairs. Since I used leftover 1 inch thick foam, that gave me two wheels with a depth of 2 inches. Once the glue was dry, I bevelled the edge that would be facing outward.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9xicyPJCI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/7oZAnDzMBsU/s1600-h/IMG_0342.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9xicyPJCI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/7oZAnDzMBsU/s400/IMG_0342.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120436137999934498" /></a><br /><br />Next the wheels got a coat of black spraypaint. (Again, the Krylon H2O stuff. Almost anything else will eat styrofoam.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9xyMyPJDI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-1pw3Y2YLD0/s1600-h/IMG_0343.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9xyMyPJDI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-1pw3Y2YLD0/s400/IMG_0343.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120436408582874162" /></a><br /><br />When the wheels were dry, I printed out a wheel rim pattern. I just guessed at the size, they came out at around 2.5 inches. So Optimus Prime has low profile tires. Ah well. I cut out the rims and glued them to the wheels. Are you ready for this? It actually looks alright. Seriously.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9yMcyPJFI/AAAAAAAAARM/E71GprGDxCg/s1600-h/IMG_0346.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw9yMcyPJFI/AAAAAAAAARM/E71GprGDxCg/s400/IMG_0346.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120436859554440274" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-25148081207291007642007-10-12T08:52:00.000-07:002007-10-12T04:41:56.263-07:00This Is Where Things Get ComplicatedAfter that test fitting, I really wasn't happy with the ways the shoulders sat. Point being, they didn't. They wanted to slide down my arms and I couldn't move without this horrid squeaking sound of styrofoam rubbing on styrofoam. The problem is that when I put my arms through, the grey 'boxes' on the bottom of the arms hold them onto my bicep, but nothing really holds them up top. Velcro might have done it but I didn't have that. Instead I used a "safety lanyard". <br /><br />safe·ty /ˈseɪfti/<br />–noun, plural -ties.<br />1. the state of being safe; freedom from the occurrence or risk of injury, danger, or loss.<br />2. the quality of averting or not causing injury, danger, or loss.<br />3. a contrivance or device to prevent injury or avert danger.<br /><br />lan·yard /ˈlænyərd/ <br />–noun<br />1. Nautical. a short rope or wire rove through deadeyes to hold and tauten standing rigging.<br />2. any of various small cords or ropes for securing or suspending something, as a whistle about the neck or a knife from one's belt.<br /><br />Basically it's a big key chain that has a clip in the middle so if you're wearing it around your neck and your keys get caught in a mechanical rice picker, it'll detach and you'll only lose your keys. In this case, it'd be awesome to cut up and use to prop the shoulders up!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1nZMyPI9I/AAAAAAAAAQM/FHrF5LV5ZYs/s1600-h/IMG_0317.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1nZMyPI9I/AAAAAAAAAQM/FHrF5LV5ZYs/s400/IMG_0317.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119862034016445394" /></a><br /><br />I started by cutting a slit in the top inside of one of the shoulders.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1nN8yPI8I/AAAAAAAAAQE/pfIgFaDLX9Y/s1600-h/IMG_0316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1nN8yPI8I/AAAAAAAAAQE/pfIgFaDLX9Y/s400/IMG_0316.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119861840742917058" /></a><br /><br />Then I fed the short end through the slit and held it in place with a short length of wooden dowel. I didn't glue this yet as I still needed to measure the length.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1nt8yPI-I/AAAAAAAAAQU/c9QYVP763AQ/s1600-h/IMG_0319.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1nt8yPI-I/AAAAAAAAAQU/c9QYVP763AQ/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119862390498730978" /></a><br /><br />I then cut the longer end so that it'd be adjustable. Holding it against the torso, I adjusted the length and used a big safety pin to hold it in place and fed it through the dowel. This seems to work a lot better than having loose shoulders.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1oDsyPI_I/AAAAAAAAAQc/P3UDQPxbxhY/s1600-h/IMG_0320.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1oDsyPI_I/AAAAAAAAAQc/P3UDQPxbxhY/s400/IMG_0320.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119862764160885746" /></a><br /><br />The idea behind all of this is that when I put the shoulders on while wearing the torso, that I could slip the lengths of the lanyard together to hold the shoulders up around my neck. That should stop them from trying to fall down my arms. Seems to work. Hasn't done a thing about that squeaking.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-60690496990304698092007-10-11T04:38:00.000-07:002007-10-11T03:32:24.939-07:00Even Nicer Legs. Err. Leg.Looking at the leg, while I like the fender, I still couldn't help but think it needed more detail. I decided to do a grill pattern on the front. I began with a rectangle and bevelled the edges.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1i3cyPI3I/AAAAAAAAAPc/3WQCVSFzkd8/s1600-h/IMG_0326.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1i3cyPI3I/AAAAAAAAAPc/3WQCVSFzkd8/s400/IMG_0326.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119857056149349234" /></a><br /><br />With that done, I cut the foam into nice bite sized pieces. (I've had mad cravings for strawberry wafers since starting this Optimus Prime costume, let it go.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1jf8yPI4I/AAAAAAAAAPk/CjgB1UI3C9E/s1600-h/IMG_0327.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1jf8yPI4I/AAAAAAAAAPk/CjgB1UI3C9E/s400/IMG_0327.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119857751934051202" /></a><br /><br />Satisfied with this, and admiring the fact I didn't accidentally lop off a finger, I proceeded to bevel the edges. (Hint: If you're following along at home, it helps to number them so you know which piece fits with which.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1kNsyPI5I/AAAAAAAAAPs/YZEKGzb_K5A/s1600-h/IMG_0328.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1kNsyPI5I/AAAAAAAAAPs/YZEKGzb_K5A/s400/IMG_0328.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119858537913066386" /></a><br /><br />If you haven't spotted the trend with this costume yet, let me help. Then I glued them on. (I saw it coming. Did you?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1kwMyPI6I/AAAAAAAAAP0/3skINtt46Ek/s1600-h/IMG_0329.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1kwMyPI6I/AAAAAAAAAP0/3skINtt46Ek/s400/IMG_0329.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119859130618553250" /></a><br /><br />With the detailing on, I cracked out the blue spraypaint. I'm the last one to toot my own horn, but... that leg looks damned good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1lLcyPI7I/AAAAAAAAAP8/666Ae-wL7rw/s1600-h/IMG_0330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rw1lLcyPI7I/AAAAAAAAAP8/666Ae-wL7rw/s400/IMG_0330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119859598769988530" /></a><br /><br />Coming soon: Wheels!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-7917715223906179662007-10-10T05:32:00.000-07:002007-10-10T05:43:03.291-07:00Nice Legs! Err. Leg.I've been dying to crack out the blue spraypaint. Failing to find Optimus Prime Blue, I went with ... azure lake mist... or something equally as obscure. To simplify things, it was the only colour of Krylon H2O blue that I could find. I painted the foot, the only complete part that is to be blue.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt1WcyPIwI/AAAAAAAAAOk/dHc2pFfKGpc/s1600-h/IMG_0305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt1WcyPIwI/AAAAAAAAAOk/dHc2pFfKGpc/s400/IMG_0305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119314429981172482" /></a><br /><br />After doing the foot, it was time to pay more attention to the leg. I made the leg WAY too wide. I would've had to walk like I was feeling the ill effects of a 4 day hot pepper eating contest (read: squatted big time) so I glued the side walls for the leg a little bit inward such that I could cut them off afterward. I tried to line them up with the 'foot shroud'. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt17cyPIxI/AAAAAAAAAOs/6G5j3fgiizk/s1600-h/IMG_0306.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt17cyPIxI/AAAAAAAAAOs/6G5j3fgiizk/s400/IMG_0306.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119315065636332306" /></a><br /><br />One neat thing about this was the cans of spray paint fit PERFECTLY in there as spacers. The whole deal was very wobbly so the cans fixed that situation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt2LMyPIyI/AAAAAAAAAO0/YM7YKxPth6w/s1600-h/IMG_0307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt2LMyPIyI/AAAAAAAAAO0/YM7YKxPth6w/s400/IMG_0307.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119315336219271970" /></a><br /><br />I then sliced the excess of the INNER leg off and tossed it aside. For the OUTER side, I cut carefully as I could use the excess to make Optimus Prime's fender. Simple straight cuts, and one at a 45 degree angle down the edge of the smaller piece previously cut off.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt3QMyPIzI/AAAAAAAAAO8/N_0rauU2kcE/s1600-h/IMG_0311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt3QMyPIzI/AAAAAAAAAO8/N_0rauU2kcE/s400/IMG_0311.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119316521630245682" /></a><br /><br />I did that for both sides, here's how Optimus Prime's leg looks so far.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt3b8yPI0I/AAAAAAAAAPE/PZI6mdX1m5w/s1600-h/IMG_0312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt3b8yPI0I/AAAAAAAAAPE/PZI6mdX1m5w/s400/IMG_0312.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119316723493708610" /></a><br /><br />The only remaining piece of business was to glue the back on, I don't think I need to explain that. (Hint: It looked like a big 'ole rectangle.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt4GcyPI2I/AAAAAAAAAPU/diklaty_Iqk/s1600-h/IMG_0314.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwt4GcyPI2I/AAAAAAAAAPU/diklaty_Iqk/s400/IMG_0314.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119317453638148962" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-23435734805047447342007-10-09T07:45:00.000-07:002007-10-09T16:57:45.058-07:00Details, Details, DetailsAfter trying things on, I'm happy that it just might work. I figured now was the time to start applying a few details. I colour printed some yellow shapes for the arm. Not every version of Optimus Prime has these but there are billions so I'm allowed to pick and choose. (I have a signed permission slip somewhere.) Below is what I printed out (it's not grainy with bad lighting. I was attempting an Ansel Adams piece):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwtt5cyPIrI/AAAAAAAAAN8/6mwB1baOM9Y/s1600-h/IMG_0322.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwtt5cyPIrI/AAAAAAAAAN8/6mwB1baOM9Y/s400/IMG_0322.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119306235183571634" /></a><br /><br />After carefully cutting these out and doing a dry run (read: laying them on top of the arm and saying 'neat' a few times before I was satisfied), I carefully dabbed wood glue (all I had to work with) in a thin layer on the back and stuck them in place. The idea here was to a.) avoid wrinkling, and b.) to avoid glue seeping out the sides. Worked like a charm, Optimus Prime isn't going to have flakey wrinkly old Transformer arms:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwtudsyPIsI/AAAAAAAAAOE/zW1bJU2GLvk/s1600-h/IMG_0323.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwtudsyPIsI/AAAAAAAAAOE/zW1bJU2GLvk/s400/IMG_0323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119306857953829570" /></a><br /><br />Next up was a bit of self indulgence. I realized I *probably* wouldn't have to paint the torso anymore so I could finally get around to doing the windows. Being about 700 times removed from a special effects engineer, I found two sheets of acetate (overhead projector transparency sheets) leftover from a silkscreening debacle of days gone by. These were great as:<br /><br />- They were light<br />- There were two of them<br />- They're cheap<br />- They were already paid for<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwtvb8yPItI/AAAAAAAAAOM/tiOvC8iIwFE/s1600-h/IMG_0308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwtvb8yPItI/AAAAAAAAAOM/tiOvC8iIwFE/s400/IMG_0308.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119307927400686290" /></a><br /><br />I decided to try using the Gorilla Glue for these as they're essentially plastic and it didn't seem to have any harsh solvents. Acetone sounds a lot like acetate, and though it's been a few years since highschool chemestry, I was pretty sure I was one carbon chain away from costume themed destruction. I laid a thin bead of the glue around the window frame such that when it got squished it wouldn't bleed out onto the side that would be facing people.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwtv5cyPIuI/AAAAAAAAAOU/yDIZInMdESg/s1600-h/IMG_0309.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rwtv5cyPIuI/AAAAAAAAAOU/yDIZInMdESg/s400/IMG_0309.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119308434206827234" /></a><br /><br />For once, everything seemed to work as intended. Until the hinges loosened like that (They're still usable.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwtwH8yPIvI/AAAAAAAAAOc/kgImf9ZeEEo/s1600-h/IMG_0310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwtwH8yPIvI/AAAAAAAAAOc/kgImf9ZeEEo/s400/IMG_0310.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119308683314930418" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-12185587793128998152007-10-07T07:39:00.000-07:002007-10-07T07:42:54.959-07:00Things Are Coming TogetherYep. No pun on that title. I'm strapped for time so this will be a short update. I'll try to update every day this week as it's getting close to the time that I want to have the costume done. In the meantime...<br /><br />For the exposed elbows of the costume, I went to a local bargain discount store (Honest Ed's for those who care) and picked up a longsleeve shirt for $3.97. Yeah. Under four bucks. :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwjwI8yPIoI/AAAAAAAAANk/iNb7oW3rYdc/s1600-h/IMG_0301.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwjwI8yPIoI/AAAAAAAAANk/iNb7oW3rYdc/s400/IMG_0301.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118605013053022850" /></a><br /><br />So. That being done, here's how the costume looks. Check back tomorrow!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwjwRcyPIpI/AAAAAAAAANs/XnrWUH0-eGA/s1600-h/IMG_0302.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwjwRcyPIpI/AAAAAAAAANs/XnrWUH0-eGA/s400/IMG_0302.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118605159081910930" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwjwWMyPIqI/AAAAAAAAAN0/92UlA5aiB8g/s1600-h/IMG_0303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwjwWMyPIqI/AAAAAAAAAN0/92UlA5aiB8g/s400/IMG_0303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118605240686289570" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-91257825329570984912007-10-05T13:38:00.000-07:002007-10-05T04:27:41.198-07:00Everything Hinges On The WindowsWith most of the torso painted (I ran out of red paint!!!) I decided I may as well see if I could get the windows on with their hinges. Putting the first hinge onto the window frame went great, screws actually bite into the foam. I have no doubt though, that I could rip them out in 0.2 seconds. (Mental note: Keep drunks away from me on Halloween. And Megatron.) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPwSsyPIkI/AAAAAAAAANE/dTG2K-tQIsY/s1600-h/IMG_0294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPwSsyPIkI/AAAAAAAAANE/dTG2K-tQIsY/s400/IMG_0294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117197805673194050" /></a><br /><br />I also realized I forgot to paint the inside of the window frames. I guess I'll go get some paint tonight from Canadian Tire (hardware store). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPwgcyPIlI/AAAAAAAAANM/R1YVhTkA540/s1600-h/IMG_0295.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPwgcyPIlI/AAAAAAAAANM/R1YVhTkA540/s400/IMG_0295.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117198041896395346" /></a><br /><br />Realizing the first window actually worked, I put the second one on. I also dropped one of the screws into that lovely pile of random bits of foam. Took me 20 minutes to find it. I'm not kidding. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPwucyPImI/AAAAAAAAANU/gyBmBepc0x4/s1600-h/IMG_0296.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPwucyPImI/AAAAAAAAANU/gyBmBepc0x4/s400/IMG_0296.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117198282414563938" /></a><br /><br />That would explain why I was completely impatient putting the grill / wedges on. Not my best work (as if any of this really is.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPxCcyPInI/AAAAAAAAANc/oUDGMLImrUU/s1600-h/IMG_0297.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPxCcyPInI/AAAAAAAAANc/oUDGMLImrUU/s400/IMG_0297.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117198626011947634" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-8522080560130505932007-10-04T14:16:00.000-07:002007-10-04T04:19:29.249-07:00Ahead Of The TimesThe moment I've been dreading has finally arrived. I've decided to start on the head while I figure out if I'm going to try to include wheels on the unfinished legs. To me, this is going to be the hardest part of the Optimus Prime Halloween costume. If it looks *really* stupid it's going to ruin the whole costume. I know it won't be 100%, but I'm shooting for 75% at least. Maybe 60%, heh. I started by cutting what would be the mouthpiece out of cardboard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPrJcyPIXI/AAAAAAAAALU/R79BZmReyd4/s1600-h/IMG_0273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPrJcyPIXI/AAAAAAAAALU/R79BZmReyd4/s400/IMG_0273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117192149201265010" /></a><br /><br />I then taped it up using scotch tape. Scotch tape would let me have somewhat flexible joints (as opposed to ones that would just tear as masking tape would). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPrXcyPIYI/AAAAAAAAALc/kW8oiPYE2fA/s1600-h/IMG_0274.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPrXcyPIYI/AAAAAAAAALc/kW8oiPYE2fA/s400/IMG_0274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117192389719433602" /></a><br /><br />Flexing it back and forth carefully, I stretched the tape enough so Optimus Prime's face mask could take shape.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPrhsyPIZI/AAAAAAAAALk/NqnHpf-vkXM/s1600-h/IMG_0275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPrhsyPIZI/AAAAAAAAALk/NqnHpf-vkXM/s400/IMG_0275.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117192565813092754" /></a><br /><br />I then added two more pieces of cardboard on top as most Optimus Prime heads I've seen have this. I guess it makes it look less flat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPrv8yPIaI/AAAAAAAAALs/ymXyxU4ZfvM/s1600-h/IMG_0276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPrv8yPIaI/AAAAAAAAALs/ymXyxU4ZfvM/s400/IMG_0276.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117192810626228642" /></a><br /><br />In order to keep the shape of the mouth, I realized I'd have to put in a perpendicular piece against it. This would also help set the eyes and the rest of the face back a little bit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPtMsyPIbI/AAAAAAAAAL0/NacXTUyg-cQ/s1600-h/IMG_0277.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPtMsyPIbI/AAAAAAAAAL0/NacXTUyg-cQ/s400/IMG_0277.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117194404059095474" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of eyes, that's what I cut out next:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPtZMyPIcI/AAAAAAAAAL8/nHiW30VldDs/s1600-h/IMG_0278.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPtZMyPIcI/AAAAAAAAAL8/nHiW30VldDs/s400/IMG_0278.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117194618807460290" /></a><br /><br />I taped them to the back of the perpendicular piece. Optimus Prime's face is starting to take shape. (Keep in mind I have to fit my fat head in there, it won't be as svelte as the original.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPtycyPIdI/AAAAAAAAAME/Q7oCgdoDbZY/s1600-h/IMG_0279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPtycyPIdI/AAAAAAAAAME/Q7oCgdoDbZY/s400/IMG_0279.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117195052599157202" /></a><br /><br />At this point I tried painting it:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPuA8yPIeI/AAAAAAAAAMM/OnCf4PoUcrk/s1600-h/IMG_0280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPuA8yPIeI/AAAAAAAAAMM/OnCf4PoUcrk/s400/IMG_0280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117195301707260386" /></a><br /><br />This went horribly. The paint seeped under the scotch tape and lifted the corners. I thought of a quick solution, using 8 1/2 x 11 sticker paper that I had. I cut a bunch of little rectangles out and 'bandaged' Optimus Prime's face as best I could. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPuVsyPIfI/AAAAAAAAAMU/Zg5E7f6njME/s1600-h/IMG_0283.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPuVsyPIfI/AAAAAAAAAMU/Zg5E7f6njME/s400/IMG_0283.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117195658189545970" /></a><br /><br />This seemed to be working okay so I finish it off:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPuc8yPIgI/AAAAAAAAAMc/R_7YP_ccqr4/s1600-h/IMG_0292.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPuc8yPIgI/AAAAAAAAAMc/R_7YP_ccqr4/s400/IMG_0292.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117195782743597570" /></a><br /><br />Satisfied this *might* work better (anything's better than what I ended up with this morning), I painted it... and it prompty wrinkled to hell. That's what I'm stuck with though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPuqMyPIhI/AAAAAAAAAMk/KtQFOp4iN-k/s1600-h/IMG_0293.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPuqMyPIhI/AAAAAAAAAMk/KtQFOp4iN-k/s400/IMG_0293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117196010376864274" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-32842788401833528802007-10-03T12:08:00.000-07:002007-10-03T12:36:16.232-07:00Back On The GrillWith the base piece to Optimus Prime's back box done, I carefully cut the two pieces of foam which would be the side. Things weren't a perfect fit as always, but that's what trimming after the fact is for. I slapped glue on the pieces and weighed them down with books.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPpF8yPISI/AAAAAAAAAKs/Gro8kxkfKXI/s1600-h/IMG_0267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPpF8yPISI/AAAAAAAAAKs/Gro8kxkfKXI/s400/IMG_0267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117189890048467234" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPpKsyPITI/AAAAAAAAAK0/UJ5LZC5S_p4/s1600-h/IMG_0268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPpKsyPITI/AAAAAAAAAK0/UJ5LZC5S_p4/s400/IMG_0268.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117189971652845874" /></a><br /><br />When dry, I trimmed Optimus Prime's back box and glued it to the back of the torso.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPvFMyPIiI/AAAAAAAAAMs/0vg1FecyyTc/s1600-h/IMG_0281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPvFMyPIiI/AAAAAAAAAMs/0vg1FecyyTc/s400/IMG_0281.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117196474233332258" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPvJcyPIjI/AAAAAAAAAM0/5zpAOnWKgkg/s1600-h/IMG_0282.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPvJcyPIjI/AAAAAAAAAM0/5zpAOnWKgkg/s400/IMG_0282.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117196547247776306" /></a><br /><br />After going for some coffee, my friend John stopped by to check out how the Halloween costume was going. He gave me a great idea for the grill. In order to make it look less flat sitting on the front of the torso, he recommended that I put two wedges underneath. I promptly cut two of them...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPpjMyPIUI/AAAAAAAAAK8/3Gr5xVMBwyI/s1600-h/IMG_0269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPpjMyPIUI/AAAAAAAAAK8/3Gr5xVMBwyI/s400/IMG_0269.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117190392559640898" /></a><br /><br />... and then did a dry fit:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPpscyPIVI/AAAAAAAAALE/SDlBhh8ohHU/s1600-h/IMG_0270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPpscyPIVI/AAAAAAAAALE/SDlBhh8ohHU/s400/IMG_0270.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117190551473430866" /></a><br /><br />Satisfied that it just might work, I repainted the grill (some pink was showing through) and painted the wedges.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPqDsyPIWI/AAAAAAAAALM/rGN9TX4Xins/s1600-h/IMG_0271.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwPqDsyPIWI/AAAAAAAAALM/rGN9TX4Xins/s400/IMG_0271.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117190950905389410" /></a><br /><br />Tomorrow I start the head. Stay tuned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-65243170517304024742007-10-01T14:55:00.000-07:002007-10-03T12:16:00.463-07:00Prime Back Bacon & Another ForearmOptimus Prime's back (unfortunately) isn't flat so I had to get to work constructing a box for it. Nothing too difficult here, though I did want two sides to be at a 45 degree angle. Cutting styrofoam like this is a pain, hence all the nice big gaps. I cut two rectangular pieces for the top and bottom, and a large piece for the actual back itself. Below is a picture of the first side getting glued...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFwysyPIII/AAAAAAAAAJc/3PV3bmGuOYM/s1600-h/IMG_0264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFwysyPIII/AAAAAAAAAJc/3PV3bmGuOYM/s400/IMG_0264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116494667987230850" /></a><br /><br />... and here is the other side.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFw8cyPIJI/AAAAAAAAAJk/RCu5_gzi74I/s1600-h/IMG_0266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFw8cyPIJI/AAAAAAAAAJk/RCu5_gzi74I/s400/IMG_0266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116494835490955410" /></a><br /><br />Below gives you an idea of how Optimus Prime's back box should look. I'll need to flatten the bottom edges to fit flush with the back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFxNMyPIKI/AAAAAAAAAJs/1_ycq0X3bsQ/s1600-h/IMG_0265.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFxNMyPIKI/AAAAAAAAAJs/1_ycq0X3bsQ/s400/IMG_0265.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116495123253764258" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFxXMyPILI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/INZHZfK3w8E/s1600-h/IMG_0257.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFxXMyPILI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/INZHZfK3w8E/s400/IMG_0257.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116495295052456114" /></a> I cut out the wrist plug (sounds erotic!) and the pieces of foam that will act as supports for it all. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFxqcyPIMI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/BVFx7LzSVeQ/s1600-h/IMG_0258.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFxqcyPIMI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/BVFx7LzSVeQ/s400/IMG_0258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116495625764937922" /></a>I did a dry fit and all looked okay (ie no huge gaps). <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFx9MyPINI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ZGjjQBLgwfA/s1600-h/IMG_0260.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFx9MyPINI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ZGjjQBLgwfA/s400/IMG_0260.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116495947887485138" /></a>Here's the arrangement of the styrofoam blocks that will add strength to the glue joint for the wrist plate. The actual piece that comes out (to let my wrist through) won't be glued. It'll just sit snug in place by friction.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFyScyPIOI/AAAAAAAAAKM/WSYgCy7k-t0/s1600-h/IMG_0259.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFyScyPIOI/AAAAAAAAAKM/WSYgCy7k-t0/s400/IMG_0259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116496312959705314" /></a><br>I had to put the removable piece in place but did *not* glue it here. The only reason that piece is there is to glue the newly placed block of foam on the right hand side in place at the right distance from the front of the arm. There is glue on the block, placed at the top so that if it drips down it won't bond the removable piece in place.<br /><br />I also painted the shoulder and the newly completed forearm:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFy6cyPIPI/AAAAAAAAAKU/0a_XahQ2Byw/s1600-h/IMG_0261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFy6cyPIPI/AAAAAAAAAKU/0a_XahQ2Byw/s400/IMG_0261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116497000154472690" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFy-cyPIQI/AAAAAAAAAKc/Yq9Si_kJ31k/s1600-h/IMG_0263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFy-cyPIQI/AAAAAAAAAKc/Yq9Si_kJ31k/s400/IMG_0263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116497068873949442" /></a><br /><br />And here's the bulk of the painted pieces lined up next to eachother:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFzFsyPIRI/AAAAAAAAAKk/0-xEWX1RVdk/s1600-h/IMG_0262.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RwFzFsyPIRI/AAAAAAAAAKk/0-xEWX1RVdk/s400/IMG_0262.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116497193428001042" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-10696317843312509252007-09-25T19:09:00.000-07:002007-09-26T08:20:27.930-07:00Mega Optimus Prime Costume Update (Yes, I resisted saying Megatron. (Does that still count?))<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rvm_26v2cZI/AAAAAAAAAH4/s_m3Wtqre9c/s1600-h/IMG_0244.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rvm_26v2cZI/AAAAAAAAAH4/s_m3Wtqre9c/s400/IMG_0244.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114329802059706770" /></a>Last night I got 2 more sheets of styrofoam and between then and now made a lot of progress. I began by cutting arm holes in the torso. Measurements were kind of rough as I just tried the torso on and made utility knife cuts roughly where the front and back of my arm would go. A quick test proved everything worked just fine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnAOqv2caI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Cdy2MyXjbOo/s1600-h/IMG_0245.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnAOqv2caI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Cdy2MyXjbOo/s400/IMG_0245.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114330210081599906" /></a>Next I decided to do the top of the chest. For this I put the torso upside down onto a piece of foam and traced it. Any of the detailing Optimus Prime has can be added later, so I didn't need to worry about doing any bizarre cuts... at this point anyway. I designed the top so that it'll slide back toward my neck and then the small rectangular piece will be inserted at the back to lock everything in place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnAvqv2cbI/AAAAAAAAAII/uNIf32iS6IE/s1600-h/IMG_0246.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnAvqv2cbI/AAAAAAAAAII/uNIf32iS6IE/s400/IMG_0246.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114330777017282994" /></a>Here's a dry run. Unfortunately, the styrofoam I got from Home Depot this time went through hell. It was warped pretty bad (as you can see by the left side curling up) and had divots knocked out of it everywhere.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnBGav2ccI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/H1Zy_gkA0q8/s1600-h/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnBGav2ccI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/H1Zy_gkA0q8/s400/IMG_0247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114331167859306946" /></a><br><br><br>I decided to get around this problem by using wooden dowels that, once glued in place, would hopefully hold everything down. Didn't work. At all. <br /><br /><br><br><br><br><br><br>The following picture is the top now being glued down.<br /><CENTER><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnBcKv2cdI/AAAAAAAAAIY/jkrOqz-1rPQ/s1600-h/IMG_0248.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnBcKv2cdI/AAAAAAAAAIY/jkrOqz-1rPQ/s400/IMG_0248.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114331541521461714" /></a><br /></CENTER><br /><br />... and a view from inside of the now larger head hole. (It's still not too bad. I plan on wearing a red turtleneck under this anyway so it'll all work out.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnBo6v2ceI/AAAAAAAAAIg/IgDizcZ7QVs/s1600-h/IMG_0250.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnBo6v2ceI/AAAAAAAAAIg/IgDizcZ7QVs/s400/IMG_0250.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114331760564793826" /></a><br /><br />I screwed up earlier when tracing the torso for sizing how big the top should be. I forgot about the extra overhang where Optimus Prime's windows will be. I traced where the top left off and mirrored the line the distance of the windows' thickness away from the original. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnCK6v2cfI/AAAAAAAAAIo/oQf6ehZpAEM/s1600-h/IMG_0253.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnCK6v2cfI/AAAAAAAAAIo/oQf6ehZpAEM/s400/IMG_0253.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114332344680346098" /></a>Next (you guessed it), I glued <br />the new extended overhang on.<br /><br /><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnCYqv2cgI/AAAAAAAAAIw/dRHFsgOBbIw/s1600-h/IMG_0254.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnCYqv2cgI/AAAAAAAAAIw/dRHFsgOBbIw/s400/IMG_0254.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114332580903547394" /></a>Here's the new overhang after being carved and rounded. In retrospect, maybe the Transformer I picked should've been Shockwave, he's much more boxy.<br /><br /><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br />I also began working on the second forearm. Since this has already been flogged to death earlier, I'll just show the pics:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnCuav2chI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Hn4KDiqEY9Q/s1600-h/IMG_0251.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnCuav2chI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Hn4KDiqEY9Q/s400/IMG_0251.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114332954565702162" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnCyav2ciI/AAAAAAAAAJA/-ofSuzwcTMY/s1600-h/IMG_0252.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnCyav2ciI/AAAAAAAAAJA/-ofSuzwcTMY/s400/IMG_0252.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114333023285178914" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnC4Kv2cjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/fEtdjGpdIdA/s1600-h/IMG_0255.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvnC4Kv2cjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/fEtdjGpdIdA/s400/IMG_0255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114333122069426738" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-3228036814591109212007-09-22T04:57:00.000-07:002007-09-23T19:50:28.146-07:00I'll Take What's In The Box, Monty<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUD4Kv2cTI/AAAAAAAAAHI/OepABnXefTI/s1600-h/IMG_0234.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUD4Kv2cTI/AAAAAAAAAHI/OepABnXefTI/s400/IMG_0234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112997215441678642" /></a>Gluing the back of the chest was an exercise in playing Jenga(tm). While the glued joints seem sturdy enough, that thing was sagging like mad once I put the books on it. Not wanting to risk my Transformer turning into a home improvement project gone wrong, I stacked a bunch of cans of spray paint et cetera to support the middle. <br><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUEUKv2cUI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/-i610dezrcw/s1600-h/IMG_0236.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUEUKv2cUI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/-i610dezrcw/s400/IMG_0236.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112997696478015810" /></a>When all was said and done, I ended up with a box that tapered off at the bottom. The fit isn't bad, it leaves about an inch of space on both the front and back. Arm holes still need to be cut out but I can do that in a little bit. (In other words, when I'm feeling more patient.) I don't want an Optimus Prime costume with arms sticking out of his hips. Or do I... (No.)<br><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUE2Kv2cVI/AAAAAAAAAHY/E1dgKKbOWcs/s1600-h/IMG_0237.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUE2Kv2cVI/AAAAAAAAAHY/E1dgKKbOWcs/s400/IMG_0237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112998280593568082" /></a>Given the amazing (read: craptastic) job I did of aligning and cutting the layers for Optimus Prime's windows, I needed to add a few spacers and do some trimming here and there. You can see the vertical wedges to even things out in between the window frame halves. I'm not incredibly concerned about how things will look inside as most of the time the windows will be closed. <br><br><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUFZKv2cWI/AAAAAAAAAHg/cvHn1wKlzGI/s1600-h/IMG_0238.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUFZKv2cWI/AAAAAAAAAHg/cvHn1wKlzGI/s400/IMG_0238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112998881888989538" /></a>In gluing the windows, I had to invoke all the skill I got from playing Jenga again. (Seriously, it's on my resume right under my ability to set up that damned thing from Mouse Trap in under 18 hours.) You can see how much the front is sagging, and that's 1 inch thick styrofoam. It looks like a geriatric transformer. <br><br><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUGHKv2cXI/AAAAAAAAAHo/cpw9X4iIlMU/s1600-h/IMG_0243.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUGHKv2cXI/AAAAAAAAAHo/cpw9X4iIlMU/s400/IMG_0243.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112999672162972018" /></a>Here is the chest, now dry. As with everything on this costume, I'll have to trim the pieces here and there to ensure they line up well. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br /><br />With that done, I painted the windows. Why not. I'm going to hold off on painting the torso until I can get the 'box' on the back. Yeah. Optimus Prime has a little box on his back. I also think I'm going to get the top of the torso done too and maybe the hip-piece. I don't know if I need to make it shorter yet. We'll see.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUHDav2cYI/AAAAAAAAAHw/KoYqhKK0lPc/s1600-h/IMG_0242.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvUHDav2cYI/AAAAAAAAAHw/KoYqhKK0lPc/s400/IMG_0242.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113000707250090370" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-21986862989317736922007-09-20T06:36:00.000-07:002007-09-23T19:49:46.725-07:00Surely You ChestStatus: Running low on styrofoam. Girlfriend hasn't left me yet because of this.<br />Overall: Not too shabby!<br /><br />With my decision to continue forward with the torso solidified, I cut and glue the remaining side panels in place. There are gaps. There are probably gaps you can see through. There are gaps you could shove 5 dollar bills through... but this isn't that kind of costume. I figure I'll fill them with gap filler which I'll buy on my next materials run (which should happen soon).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ4CkUwTNI/AAAAAAAAAGY/yMqYs1Va6OY/s1600-h/IMG_0231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ4CkUwTNI/AAAAAAAAAGY/yMqYs1Va6OY/s400/IMG_0231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112280512524733650" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ4OUUwTOI/AAAAAAAAAGg/2glyjzqe3k4/s1600-h/IMG_0232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ4OUUwTOI/AAAAAAAAAGg/2glyjzqe3k4/s400/IMG_0232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112280714388196578" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ4dEUwTPI/AAAAAAAAAGo/_XISPbBoN3o/s1600-h/IMG_0233.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ4dEUwTPI/AAAAAAAAAGo/_XISPbBoN3o/s400/IMG_0233.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112280967791267058" /></a>With the first 'large' '3D' piece done, I finally feel like I'm accomplishing something. The back, while cut out, still needs to be glued in place. Before that can happen, I need to cut a few inches off the depth of the torso 'box'. (I'm glad I don't fit into a square box, that'd be depressing). The arm holes still need to be measured and cut out. Overall, I really need to hit Home Depot and get some more styrofoam. <br /><br />Using what little materials I had left, I finished the foot shroud. This basically consisted of carving off the excess styrofoam and glue. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ6BEUwTQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/GnqOFHXkMVg/s1600-h/IMG_0229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ6BEUwTQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/GnqOFHXkMVg/s400/IMG_0229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112282685778185474" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ6F0UwTRI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Yzk2cWY87hM/s1600-h/IMG_0230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvJ6F0UwTRI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Yzk2cWY87hM/s400/IMG_0230.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112282767382564114" /></a><br /><br />That's it for now. Before the materials run I'm going to do some detail work. This started off as a venture in being obsessive compulsive with styrofoam, I'd be really curious to see if anybody's actually reading this, and moreso if they're making an Optimus Prime costume themselves.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-82056115599200881132007-09-18T13:39:00.000-07:002007-09-18T13:50:17.720-07:00Miscellaneous Body PartsI'm beginning to run low on styrofoam which means I'm beginning to pick and choose what I want to complete. For now I've decided on the body as I can use the odd shaped leftovers for trim, detailing, etc. I painted one of the shoulders and did some detailing on the forearm:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA4Q4h6iRI/AAAAAAAAAFw/HrT5ojQq3V8/s1600-h/IMG_0225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA4Q4h6iRI/AAAAAAAAAFw/HrT5ojQq3V8/s400/IMG_0225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111647439769209106" /></a><br /><br />While this was drying I decided to work a little more on the front of the leg. I cut two rectangular pieces of styrofoam for the foot shroud, cut off the edge where necessary, and glued the pieces in place. This will be trimmed later to make everything flush.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA4lIh6iSI/AAAAAAAAAF4/r8L0KKSXFOM/s1600-h/IMG_0226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA4lIh6iSI/AAAAAAAAAF4/r8L0KKSXFOM/s400/IMG_0226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111647787661560098" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA4poh6iTI/AAAAAAAAAGA/0sbkDaUcyy4/s1600-h/IMG_0224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA4poh6iTI/AAAAAAAAAGA/0sbkDaUcyy4/s400/IMG_0224.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111647864970971442" /></a><br /><br />With this little bit of housekeeping out of the way, I got to work on the torso. As the torso bevels towards the waistline starting at about 11 inches down, I've only cut two panels out for the areas that will rest under my biceps. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA5oYh6iUI/AAAAAAAAAGI/gVTXZ-Ax7xg/s1600-h/IMG_0227.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA5oYh6iUI/AAAAAAAAAGI/gVTXZ-Ax7xg/s400/IMG_0227.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111648943007762754" /></a><br /><br />Using a cooler and some books, I managed to rig things up so I could apply weight to the whole thing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA55Ih6iVI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Lx6cS8OWJgo/s1600-h/IMG_0228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RvA55Ih6iVI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Lx6cS8OWJgo/s400/IMG_0228.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111649230770571602" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-89860324504166536872007-09-17T07:38:00.000-07:002007-09-17T07:49:10.755-07:00Painting The Town - - Err Arm Red<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ru6SP4h6iNI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Z_7mLJjo9fI/s1600-h/IMG_0206.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ru6SP4h6iNI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Z_7mLJjo9fI/s400/IMG_0206.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111183428682418386" /></a>On Saturday I went down to the local Canadian Tire (hardware store) since they've actually got a decent selection of spray paint. As recommended on numerous sites, I found the styrofoam friendly Krylon H2O Latex paint. I quickly snatched up cans of red and blue, but hit a snag when they didn't have silver. They did have grey, and after some though I figured that in the Transformers cartoon, Optimus Prime had a grey grill. Sure silver would look better, but it'd also eat up styrofoam unless I could find some sort of styrofoam safe kind. Besides. I can always paint over it later should I find some decent silver.<br /><br />With the three cans of paint ready to go (and surprisingly no sales people thinking I was a conscientious vandal who uses water based paint so his work can be cleaned up easily), I sacrificed my Roomba's box to make a spray booth. Come on. You think a guy doing all this work for an Optimus Prime costume would have any other vacuum cleaner besides a Roomba? Pft! (Seriously, I highly recommend them.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ru6TMYh6iOI/AAAAAAAAAFY/kCbUNYcmpHE/s1600-h/IMG_0204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ru6TMYh6iOI/AAAAAAAAAFY/kCbUNYcmpHE/s400/IMG_0204.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111184468064504034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ru6TRoh6iPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/jzvltsYEOqY/s1600-h/IMG_0205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ru6TRoh6iPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/jzvltsYEOqY/s400/IMG_0205.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111184558258817266" /></a><br /><br />With even sprays, I covered the forearm. The pen marks still showed through but I think a second coat will take care of that. After it dried, I was pretty happy with the colour. Not too dark at all. I have to admit, up until this point, it was looking like a bunch of pink styrofoam. Adding colour really seems to give it new life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ru6Txoh6iQI/AAAAAAAAAFo/3DmwRHxw2tg/s1600-h/IMG_0209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ru6Txoh6iQI/AAAAAAAAAFo/3DmwRHxw2tg/s400/IMG_0209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111185108014631170" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-22781092306115880772007-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:002007-09-23T19:50:46.437-07:00Break A Leg. On Second Thought, Don't.The foot piece was looking rather lonely so I decided to start on the lower leg. There's not much to it, just a rectangular piece of styrofoam with a foot hole cut out. Around where the foot will go is a bit of a shroud. I start by cutting out the rectangular piece.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwYaYh6iII/AAAAAAAAAEo/v67soQbahI0/s1600-h/IMG_0195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwYaYh6iII/AAAAAAAAAEo/v67soQbahI0/s400/IMG_0195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110486518699034754" /></a><br /><br />Satisfied I might be able to walk with two of those strapped to my legs (walk = shuffle like a severe case of diarrhea struck me), I cut out two more rectangles, each with a corner taken off. Below are what they look like as they're being glued to the front of the lower leg.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwY34h6iJI/AAAAAAAAAEw/KP2QYqpP9Vk/s1600-h/IMG_0196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwY34h6iJI/AAAAAAAAAEw/KP2QYqpP9Vk/s400/IMG_0196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110487025505175698" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwZAYh6iKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/ntpuqKYWUIw/s1600-h/IMG_0197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwZAYh6iKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/ntpuqKYWUIw/s400/IMG_0197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110487171534063778" /></a><br /><br />... and here's how the legs are shaping up. I still need to put the front of the shroud on it, but I've no doubt it'll eventually look like a Transformer. Hopefully the one I'm going for. ;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwZfYh6iLI/AAAAAAAAAFA/xF6jxDYf6Bw/s1600-h/IMG_0202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwZfYh6iLI/AAAAAAAAAFA/xF6jxDYf6Bw/s400/IMG_0202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110487704110008498" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwZnYh6iMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/XW7w1WqIXr8/s1600-h/IMG_0203.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/RuwZnYh6iMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/XW7w1WqIXr8/s400/IMG_0203.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110487841548961986" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-92053968989773255132007-09-14T05:13:00.000-07:002007-09-14T05:29:03.585-07:00The Foot Is Afoo - - -.... Oh To Hell With ItWith the costume overall looking alright, I decided to switch gears and start tinkering with the feet. As always, I don't really have much of a plan. I took an old pair of Chuck Taylors from the closet (my girlfriend's glee to get rid of them is gonna turn to angst when she finds out I'm not throwing them away but rather gluing them to 20 lbs of styrofoam) and figure the foot will fit over top of the shoe. Simple enough, just a shoe cap. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup81Ih6iCI/AAAAAAAAAD4/49geKWgarZE/s1600-h/IMG_0189.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup81Ih6iCI/AAAAAAAAAD4/49geKWgarZE/s400/IMG_0189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110033979469891618" /></a>I started by cuting out the sides and front. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup9Foh6iDI/AAAAAAAAAEA/vo6aD4ve9KM/s1600-h/IMG_0190.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup9Foh6iDI/AAAAAAAAAEA/vo6aD4ve9KM/s400/IMG_0190.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110034262937733170" /></a>Then I set up a little mini stonehenge (in sheer homage to Spinal Tap) to let the glue dry...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup9Xoh6iEI/AAAAAAAAAEI/CGL475LUZ3M/s1600-h/IMG_0191.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup9Xoh6iEI/AAAAAAAAAEI/CGL475LUZ3M/s400/IMG_0191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110034572175378498" /></a>... which resulted in this. All it needs now is a top...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup9zYh6iFI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/k3E9E9aRqMQ/s1600-h/IMG_0192.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup9zYh6iFI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/k3E9E9aRqMQ/s400/IMG_0192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110035048916748370" /></a>... which you can see drying here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup-BIh6iGI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LzZwX3Q9Y-Q/s1600-h/IMG_0193.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup-BIh6iGI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LzZwX3Q9Y-Q/s400/IMG_0193.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110035285139949666" /></a>I cut a slot out for my ankle, I think that might make it more mobile. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup-S4h6iHI/AAAAAAAAAEg/CQVKuBFhiLI/s1600-h/IMG_0194.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Rup-S4h6iHI/AAAAAAAAAEg/CQVKuBFhiLI/s400/IMG_0194.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110035590082627698" /></a>'Cause. Y'know. Strapping a hundred square feet of styrofoam to yourself and 'mobility' go hand in hand.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-23813231900983402012007-09-13T17:43:00.000-07:002007-09-13T11:43:17.699-07:00How Are Things Shaping Up?Glad I asked! Here's everything to date (except for the gun).<br /><br /><CENTER><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ruc2ZlwgiII/AAAAAAAAADw/8kjuREMNp9c/s1600-h/IMG_0185.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ruc2ZlwgiII/AAAAAAAAADw/8kjuREMNp9c/s400/IMG_0185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109112115535317122" /></a><br /></CENTER>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456697457618276637.post-49132430845903134402007-09-12T17:34:00.000-07:002007-09-13T11:41:50.049-07:00Hot Off The Grill!These pun-laden titles have got to stop. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ruc0w1wgiFI/AAAAAAAAADY/ixNLNIIQNNw/s1600-h/IMG_0182.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ruc0w1wgiFI/AAAAAAAAADY/ixNLNIIQNNw/s400/IMG_0182.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109110315944020050" /></a><br>To start the grill, I cut out a simple rectangle. Optimus Prime has a rectangular notch at the bottom of his grill and grill lines above it which are divided into two sections. As you can see on the right, I cut out these two sections as well as the large section at the bottom. Since the bottom section is inset a little, I shaved the piece of styrofoam down with the utility knife.<br><br><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ruc1G1wgiGI/AAAAAAAAADg/HRdG2aXFDzY/s1600-h/IMG_0183.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ruc1G1wgiGI/AAAAAAAAADg/HRdG2aXFDzY/s400/IMG_0183.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109110693901142114" /></a><br><br><br>Next, I sliced the rectangular sections that will make the grill lines into neat 1 inch by 1/2 inch pieces. I then bevelled what would be the top edge of each to make the grill look more three dimensional. <br><br><br><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ruc1b1wgiHI/AAAAAAAAADo/023RGLuEvVQ/s1600-h/IMG_0184.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XpbMAhUQvZQ/Ruc1b1wgiHI/AAAAAAAAADo/023RGLuEvVQ/s400/IMG_0184.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109111054678394994" /></a><br><br><br><br><br>Here's a final image of the grill with all of the pieces inserted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0