Darth Vader (ANH) Lifesize Display with some modifications

[T-Jay[TK]]

Hi everyone 

 

Since a few years I wanted to build a lifesize Darth Vader display for my living room.

In May 2020 things got serious and the build was then completed in less than one year (April 2021).

Running a WIP thread was not on my list, but I had taken photos of some build stages to do a rough one now.

In places it might feel a bit rushed, so here is how it all turned out...

 

Part list:

Dome: TM

Facemask: TM

Armor: 80s ESB/ROTJ Tour Cast

Chestbox: Darth Rosso & FenixProps

Shin Guards: Korbanth

Cod Piece: Dark Shadow

Boots: orig. WWII Wehrmacht Offizier

Cape Set: KevVader

Leather Suit: FenixProps

Belt: Paul Walsh

Belt Boxes & Buckle: Dark-Side

Gloves: Endor Finders

Ligthsaber: Parks Sabers

Saber Hook: self-made

 

My friend Nick @Darth Niob had an 80‘s ESB/ROTJ Tour armor plus TM dome for me (both already painted) and arranged a suiting TM facemask from Paul Walsh

in the UK. Paul had kindly sent that mask straight to Juan Fernandez in Puerto Rico for finishing. I used the meantime to focus on gathering the other parts and the

mannequin. From my lifesize Stormtrooper display I already had a good experience with a specific type of mannequin and bought a similar one again. Of course it

had to be modified heavily, to match Dave Prowse‘s dimensions.

 

 

Meanwhile the facemask from Juan had arrived and as I had expected, the colors did not match the chest armor. Both pieces sit too close on the mannequin to

oversee that fact. Luckily Juan had told me what colors he used, so I was able to buy them and repaint the chest armor. Now the colors match perfectly.

 

 

Was quite happy with how Vader now looked and placed the mannequin in the living room. Not on the photos: a tiny bluetooth speaker is located right behind

the front mesh of the facemask. When playing the ‘breathing sound‘ it is quite cool to have it coming straight from there.

Edited Wednesday at 12:37 PM by T-Jay

[T-Jay[TK]]

However, I always felt there is something missing to make that Vader look more fearsome and terrifying. So I thought of a Star Wars-styled base…

 

 

The camera did not get the colors right but in reality there is a clear difference between the amber and the red. Just look at the wall to the left of the base.

Anyway, as this is an ANH Vader, I tend to use the white light most of the time. And here is how it all looks during daytime. 

 

 

Edited Wednesday at 12:42 PM by T-Jay

[Roukie 1[TK]]

Wow. That´s an amazing build. Good work. I wish I had more space. He´d fit in my collection very well.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Very nice

[Nairy[Staff]]

Amazing work!

[dblcross[TK]]

Kev Vader is the go-to for cape sets. trust me, I know!

[themaninthesuitcase[Admin]]

Very nice. Very comprehensive build.

[Palpatine]

I have seen this one in real life and can confirm, its absoluteley impressive. The display base make it even more threatening.