CableGuy builds my first Tie Pilot helmet (RWA)

[CableGuy[TK]]

Hey troopers,

 

As many of you know, I’m a bit of an OT TK nut (gasp). I’ve had my head in the world of TKs for a long time now and have learned a huge amount. However, there are some other amazing characters out there from the Star Wars universe, and the Imperial Tie Pilot is just one of them.

 

This kit is from UK maker RWA Creations and is a “fan sculpt”. It came complete with all of the parts to make and finish the helmet, although I added and/or modified parts along the way.

 

Here’s how it arrived:

 

 

 

As with many builds, I started with some pencil lines to draft my cut lines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The RWA faceplate is a little narrow, so I used a heat gun (carefully) and widen the top section of the faceplate a little.

 

 

 

 

After the basic trimming was done, I started on the Mohawk.

 

 

 

 

Next, I used the supplied brass nuts and bolts and attached the faceplate and dome together.

 

I was careful to match the positioning to screen used helmets.

 

 

 

By studying reference photos, I noticed that the RWA trident was a little thick, so I trimmed it down a little - as per below pencil line.

 

 

 

Another cool feature (one not carried out on a lot of builds I’ve seen) is the big cutout in the faceplate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To stop the helmet having a huge gap here, this part was backed with an additional piece of black ABS.

 

 

 

 

Next up, I glued the trident in place.

 

 

 

With the main build done, I started on the painting. I used screen shots of the original screen used hero helmet of this style, then made a template using a CriCut machine.

 

The paint that I used here was Rover Gunmetal spray paint, painted on with a brush (not sprayed).

 

 

 

 

 

More to come in the next post… :-)

[CableGuy[TK]]

Continued…

As I’m a stickler for details, I replaced the RWA greeblies with slightly more accurate one. Even the alignment is the same as the original helmet, as well as the greeblies being mounted BEHIND the trident, not on top of it.




I also swapped out the decals for slightly more accurate ones from CFO.







I precariously attached the bubble lenses using hot glue.




Now applying the pill box on the rear.




And now to some final glamour shots. I will add some weathering soon, but this is the completed helmet in clean form. :-)


















Here’s some of the finer details in video form:

Many thanks for reading. Please ask away with any questions and I’ll do my best to answer them. :-)

Best wishes
Dan (CableGuy)

[T-Jay[TK]]

Great build, Dan.

 

Did the same, based on a Tie helmet from RS and even transferred all damages and scratches visible at starwarshelmets.com

 

What about running a black hose from hole to hole? (around the rear of the stand)

[TKSpartan[Staff]]

Awesome build as always Dan, congratulations!! 

[Darthmarses[TK]]

Awesome build!

[CableGuy[TK]]

Great build, Dan.
 
Did the same, based on a Tie helmet from RS and even transferred all damages and scratches visible at starwarshelmets.com
 
What about running a black hose from hole to hole? (around the rear of the stand)

Good thinking, Tino.

Knowing how good your work is, do you have any photos of your Tie? I’d love to (drool over) look at yours.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Exceptional, one costume I must add to my collection at some point  

[Sly11[Admin]]

Look!!! It's Darth Vader!!! 

[CableGuy[TK]]

Exceptional, one costume I must add to my collection at some point  

Thanks, Glenn. I assumed you’d already have one as one of your many costumes. It’s such a great helmet to build - I’d recommend it.

[CableGuy[TK]]

Look!!! It's Darth Vader!!! 

Haha!! Exactly! Lol

[T-Jay[TK]]

On 4/27/2022 at 9:20 PM, CableGuy said:

(...)   do you have any photos of your Tie?   (...)

 

Yes, but I didn't want to hijack your thread here, so I just sent you a PM with a link to the photos.

[CableGuy[TK]]

A little update for you lovely folks.

I’ve started some weathering my RWA Tie Pilot helmet. Work in progress at this stage.

I love that the Star Wars universe is used and gritty, just how I like replica props.















Need to throw it in a skip for a little bit for extra authenticity.

[CableGuy[TK]]

Hey there troopers,

 

Forgot to update this thread with my final overview video. In the video, I discuss the build process, painting, and weathering. Please enjoy.