CableGuy renovates RS Prop Masters ANH Stunt

[CableGuy[TK]]

Hi folks,
 
So, I’m part way through a rather interesting project. When I saw a trooper asking about ways to fix a part-finished RS Prop Masters helmet that he’d purchased on eBay, I offered some suggestions. As the conversation continued, the trooper asked if I’d like to take a look at it in person to see what could be done. I agreed and he sent the helmet over to me.
 
Well, opening the box revealed that it was already spray painted and the weathering had begun:
 

 

 

 
 
When you look at the famous “lump” on the front of the RS helmet (part of the original helmet that this is cast from), you’ll see that the renovation helmet’s brow has been trimmed quite a lot more than it should have been:
 

 
At this stage, this didn’t seem too bad. However, I hadn’t seen what was inside at this stage! ;-)
 
 
After removing the ears, it was clear that the back and cap had been over trimmed:
 

 

 
 
 
Also, the faceplate had been, once more, over trimmed..
 

 
 
The inside of the helmet had been sprayed black and, bizarrely, had lots of Velcro pads inside. I’ll explain these a little later...
 

 

 

The only way this paint was coming off was sanding. So, the sanding begun... 


 

 

 
 
Taking apart the faceplate and back&cap, the faceplate was also over trimmed, as well as having various extra holes in unusual places.
 
Although I didn’t know at the time, the Velcro pads inside had been stuck on to cover additional holes, all with ABS paste over the top(!!!);
 

 

 

 

 
 
So, to add to the “fun”, I had to knock up some ABS paste and fill the various cracks and holes.
 

 

 
 
After a long, long time trying to align this helmet “correctly”, it just was not possible with the way this was trimmed and the amount of holes in the helmet already. I did the best I could, also having to trim abs apply a new set of ears.
 
Once aligned and assembled, on to the painting. As I’m going for a original look, the first coat was a Fossil Green;
 

 

 

 
 
More to come in the next post. :-)

[CableGuy[TK]]

After applying the fossil green, it’s time to start adding the liquid latex mask. I was asked to copy the Set for Stun trooper, so that’s what I aimed for.










After this has dried, time to add a white undercoat (same brand as the gloss white the mat will be applied later):






Then, Ford Diamond White gloss spray paint.

The first coat was a little too satin...








So, another can of spray paint purchased and a slightly thicker coat applied to get more sheen...








Ooo, lovely. :-) (here’s a little peak at the spray painting)

https://youtube.com/shorts/2cSwSZJOIOg?feature=share

Once that has fully cured, you can begin to remove the liquid latex, revealing the fossil green undercoat (used to represent HDPE of the original Stunt helmets).








Now it’s time to start applying the hand painted details. First up, Humbrol Grey #5:











And now we get to today - I spent around 1 hr applying the Humbrol #85 Satin Black for the pinstripes and vocoder:















Well, thats all for now. More to come soon.

[T-Jay[TK]]

Great project, Dan.

Maybe the eye brow was over-trimmed as the first owner aimed for the 'move along' helmet. Don't know.

 

Good restoration result so far.

Interesting to see you painting the Humbrol grey first and then the black outlines. You seem to have a steady hand.

 

[CableGuy[TK]]

2 hours ago, T-Jay said:

Great project, Dan.

Maybe the eye brow was over-trimmed as the first owner aimed for the 'move along' helmet. Don't know.

 

Good restoration result so far.

Interesting to see you painting the Humbrol grey first and then the black outlines. You seem to have a steady hand.

 

Hey Tino,

 

Many thanks. :-)

 

Looking at the original pattern of the "chips" in the first photo (as I received it), I think they were also aiming for the "set for Stun" helmet, so I think they just went too far with the trimming. The trimming has many areas of concern so I think it was just an oversight.

 

I always used to paint black first, then grey, as that's a little easier. However, after discussions with some of the RS guys and ArtooDan, I decided to go all out and go Grey then black. It's quite nerve-racking, however, I'm getting used to it and really like the results. :-)

[TKSpartan[Staff]]

Great and awesome build Dan .  

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

That was some sanding, nice work

[CableGuy[TK]]

Nearly finished, now. Currently, he’s “Mr No Stripes” AND “Mr No Lens”... ;-)

[Sly11[Admin]]

Another nice job done Dan

[CableGuy[TK]]

Another nice job done Dan

Thank you kindly, my friend. :-)

[Rob .T .[TK]]

That's an amazing rescue job you have done there Dan . 

It really looks the part . The green really mimicked the pp green of Simons helmet . And the very brave black on grey paint job really works well . 

Good job . 

[CableGuy[TK]]

That's an amazing rescue job you have done there Dan . 
It really looks the part . The green really mimicked the pp green of Simons helmet . And the very brave black on grey paint job really works well . 
Good job . 

Many thanks, Rob. Much appreciated. :-)

To be honest, the hardest part was trying to get good alignment, given how much material had been trimmed off of both the faceplate and back & cap. Although, I’m pretty happy with how that came out in the end.

Dan S and Simon both suggested I try the original black on grey method. I’m pleased they did as I’m now getting used to it and finding it easier each time. It just adds another level of detail and authenticity to it.

Many thanks for your feedback. Means a lot. :-)

[CableGuy[TK]]

Very nearly at the finish line.

Painted the tubestripes today, using masking tape for the outer edges, then a pencil line for my to follow to try and get a good curve. (Not that easy, painting a curve onto a curved surface).

I went with around 8mm gap from the cheek to the stripes (this is what I believe to be about a “pencil width”, as we normally all aim for).

Personally, I like Frog Tape - it is sticky enough to stick nicely, yet not too sticky to damage the paint.


































Side by side with its inspiration.





Lenses next to be added, then a little weathering. Then, off to its new home. :-)

[CableGuy[TK]]

And it’s DONE!! Yay! :-)















































This has been a bit of a grind at times, however, I’m really pleased with the final result. :-)

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Came out a treat, nice work Dan

[T-Jay[TK]]

Loving the paint chips.

As always, great work Dan.

[CableGuy[TK]]

7 hours ago, gmrhodes13 said:

Came out a treat, nice work Dan

 

42 minutes ago, T-Jay said:

Loving the paint chips.

As always, great work Dan.

thank you, gents. Much appreciated. :-)

[TheSwede[TK]]

Now that’s a Helmet! 

[CableGuy[TK]]

Now that’s a Helmet! 

Tak, buddy. That’s lovely to hear from you, sir. :-)

[CableGuy[TK]]

Hi folks,

A final look at this helmet. This video covers the process of adding the tubestripes, as well as a good look at some of the details.

Many thanks for following this thread. I hope it’s been useful.

Dan / CableGuy

[TKSpartan[Staff]]

Awesome work as always Dan , congrats 

[CableGuy[TK]]

Hey folks,

 

The RS renovation helmet is now fully complete. To me, it really looks like a "screen used" helmet due to the processes used.

 

Here's the final video that runs through the process from start to finish;

 

 

Thanks for following the build. I'll see you on the next build. :-)

 

Best wishes,

 

Dan / CableGuy