Marine Rowlands reporting for duty.

I'm aware some of you are shall we say, less than impressed with my choice of armour, helmet and primary weapon, but when you're working to a limited budget, I'm afraid it's either this or nothing.

Now my combat fatigues have finally arrived, I offer this pic of my ready status. I welcome any comments ladies and gents. I'm not asking for or expecting flattery, but I would appreciate honest comment.

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PFC Andy Rowlands. Comtech.
A05/TQ2.0.62126E1
1st Battallion, 13th Regiment, Freebooters

"...we got knives, sharp sticks..."

The question really is, do YOU like it? Thats all that really matters.

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MSgt Matt Bradley 'Crashdown' (Formerly Mattb)
A12/TQ2.0.82145E1
CO UKCM 13th Regt. 1st Batt. 'Freebooters'
"There are very few problems that cannot be solved through a suitable application of high explosives."

I wish I had the money to commission a set of Chef armour, but I don't, so this will have to do. I think it looks good as a set of earlier less-refined armour, but also it matters to me if others think it looks crap.

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PFC Andy Rowlands. Comtech.
A05/TQ2.0.62126E1
1st Battallion, 13th Regiment, Freebooters

"...we got knives, sharp sticks..."

Agree with Matt

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SSgt Kris "Bloodsucker" Kobus, VAS.
A09/TQ2.0.12136E1

Agree with Matt and Kris.
Besides not everyone needs to have a TE armour.
Your MT, armour ... looking good and you sure are ready for your drop.

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Sgt. Frank Peters 'reload' Smartgun Operator
A03/TQ3.0.12136E1 "It will be no picknick!"
AL Colonial Admin. - Sergeant at Arms (SgtA) -- 2020-2022
GERCM - Executive Officer (XO)
UKCM Foreign Legion: The Deviant Dragoons

Nice job! I agree with everyone so far, if you're happy with what you've made that should be it. Sure there are more accurate and also hugely expensive sets out there but not all can justify the cost. I say gear up, drop in and have fun! I'm just finishing a set of marine armour for my nephew (you've probably seen the pics on FB). That was made from a plastic 60ltr dustbin, there would definately be enough material for at least the upper body and it cost a tenner. Liking what you've done though!

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When the pin is pulled - Mr Grenade is NOT your friend

PFC Cliffe.S
A09/TQ2.0.62144E1

Thanks for your thoughts guys, much appreciated. When I win the lottery I'll have Chef make me some proper armour

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PFC Andy Rowlands. Comtech.
A05/TQ2.0.62126E1
1st Battallion, 13th Regiment, Freebooters

"...we got knives, sharp sticks..."

If you win the lottery, stuff getting a set of my armour, get a set from Terry!

I know what it's like to be on a budget. Believe it or not, practically everything I do is on a budget. Some of it more calculated than others!

If it's something you want to improve on, and have the budget constraints, then why not consider the dustbin, pepakura or foam route.
I've seen some stunning foam builds that are amazing and it's as cheap as chips.

I've never used foam myself, but know plenty of people who have and with incredible results. I'm always on hand to offer what ever advice I can, although probably a bit limited in that respect.

Essentially it's all up to what you want to finally achieve. Just don't let a limited budget get in the way. If you've the time and the determination, which by all accounts you have, then a set of armour that is bang on in the detail can be made and on the cheap.


If you're happy with what you've got, then you've done all you need. It really is just your opinion that matters (don't listen to the rest of us blathering on!).

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You don't have to be pitilessly sadistic to work here.... But it helps.
http://www.chefs-creations.co.uk/shop/index.php/colonial-marine

http://www.kgbairsoft.com/wordpress

there is a guy on the RPF has just put up an amazing foam board build. for £30 you can get 4ft by 8ft sheet of 3m that's my plan for next month as no armour really fits my fat fram

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Reformed Pacifist

Here's the link, this guy really made it work for him. I hav no idea what Sintra is, any clues UK friends?

http://www.therpf.com/f24/aliens-coloni ... ld-233257/

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

I'm more concerned with why you have my dad's step ladders?

Looks like a MK1 version of the armour or something, maybe add some pouches etc to your belt to fatten out the look

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AKA: Simon

Looks good to me. Now get on the ready line marine!!!

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PFC Mike Rizzuto MVM
USS Blackhawk
3rd Batt 12th Regt

My comment was really kinda rude (I was just jazzed about the RPF thread) as I didn't even throw my two cents in about your uniform. I dig how completely different it is, and honestlt I would love to see you flesh out the back story. If our Marines in Aliens were circa 2179 (part of the Marine 70 restructuring), what era are you representing? The 2160's? It is fun to imagine how things could have evolved and your motion tracker in particular has a wonderful sense of being an earlier model.

Rock on dude!

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

Nice work! I like seeing budget-friendly alternatives. I would much rather have your outfit as a cool starter kit to enjoy and maybe upgrade as time went by, than to have nothing for two years while I save money for something more screen accurate.

Thanks for your thoughts guys, and thanks for your offer of advice Chef. I didn't reply sooner as I was watching the Superbowl

I've just looked at that link thanks Wildone and Retrogarde, and it's what we call Foamex in the UK. It looks similar to model aircraft plastic, what I believe is called expanded polystyrene. I think I must have a chat with this person

I'll bring your Dad's step ladders back soon Mr Reaper

My idea is that I'm a reserve Marine called back into service to help cover a shortfall in numbers (where each Marine actually owns their own armour rather than just being issued with it), hence my armour is an earlier less refined version , and it fits in with me being 52 as does the motion tracker. The rifle I'm calling an M-39 as it has no grenade launcher.

When finances allow I will be getting an ammo pouch, and one for the Hudson-style hack kit I'm in the process of gathering parts for.

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PFC Andy Rowlands. Comtech.
A05/TQ2.0.62126E1
1st Battallion, 13th Regiment, Freebooters

"...we got knives, sharp sticks..."

Sintra is a type of foam-board.

It's got a sort of hard-ish plastic PVC shell with an expanded polystyrene inner core.

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You don't have to be pitilessly sadistic to work here.... But it helps.
http://www.chefs-creations.co.uk/shop/index.php/colonial-marine

http://www.kgbairsoft.com/wordpress

They sell it in hobbycraft, actually quite cheap there (a rarity)

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AKA: Simon

This is why I like the marines expanded universe in any way your imagination and skills can go.

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Reformed Pacifist

Something I forgot to phot is this shotgun shell holder I also got from Military1st. It's got a velcro back so can be stuck in various places on my fatigues for when I use the shotty instead of the rifle.

The 'shells' are empty Tyrozette pill cases which are around the same size as shotgun shells. I've got a bunch of the green caps which just happen to fit on the ends, so once painted should look quite good as 'proper' shotgun shells.

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PFC Andy Rowlands. Comtech.
A05/TQ2.0.62126E1
1st Battallion, 13th Regiment, Freebooters

"...we got knives, sharp sticks..."

Nice

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AKA: Simon

I didn't realise how small that protective vest was.
As a suggestion could you make a chest and back plate out of a dustbin or something to go underneath it?
You could then add some grenade straps to the vest to attach to your belt.

Maybe buy or make some greaves to finish the look off?

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Martin 'Victim' Victory
A86/TQ3.4.49421E3
UKCM 13th Regt. 1st Batt. Freebooters


you can't take the PUNK outa Spunkmeyer

Not a bad idea actually Martin about the dustbin. This is all just my first attempt using what I've got and spending as little as possible. American Football pads make the guys seem huge, but when you see just the pads, they aren't that big in reality.

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PFC Andy Rowlands. Comtech.
A05/TQ2.0.62126E1
1st Battallion, 13th Regiment, Freebooters

"...we got knives, sharp sticks..."