I got my patches for the flak jacket today. USCM Screaming Eagle, white border US Flag, the Delta patch (correct black!) and a US Colonial Marines rocker patch. In my continuing drive to be different, I'm going to put the rocker underneath the Delta patch. I'm still debating the removal of the liner. I'm going to go ahead with claws marks and remember graffiti on the back. I'm off this weekend, so hopefully I will get a chance to actually do some work. Still haven't found a suitable replacement for the liner; I was wondering if that stiff foam used for sleeping bags might work out well.

Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

What about some yoga mats cut up, or similar?

- comment deleted as I realized I was thinking of something that wouldnt work here -

My wife mentioned yoga mats. I may try that as well, but they seem to be expensive. Right now it's trying to find the right size material so I can make one large cutout (like the original material). I did some work on the back with a stencil and some sharpies.



Here is how it came out. I'm pretty pleased with it.





Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

I also tried to get some fade into the patches. Unfortunately, the thread just held the color really well. Except on the edges of the two USCM patches, there was very little fade. Oh well. I think the look might grow on me. I did a quick placement on the vest to see how they line up.



Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

Looks good. Quick note on the vest: Drake's vest did not have the USCM patch under the delta.

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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

You are correct. I thought about leaving it off, but I really like the look the rocker. A bunch of the stickers I have made have that. I think it's in keeping with the spirit of the way the patches were worn in the movie. And mainly I just think it looks cool.

Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

I broke down and removed the ballistic liner. I also got 2.5 yards of 24" wide, 1" thick upholstery foam from Joanns. I found the ballistic liner was encased in a plastic bag, which was amazingly helpful.



Once I removed the liner, I broke it into it's five major parts: the two front halves, the rear portion, and the two collar pieces. Using those as templates, I traced them on the foam and cut them out.



I didn't bother using cloth patches and sewing (like the original had). I used that old standy, duck tape.

Once I had the foam cut to shape, I stuffed it back inside the plastic bag. Fit well.



I've done a few test fits; since the foam is slightly thicker than the original material, and sits differently, I have to take it out to trim edges for a better fit. I've had to do that twice now; I'm leery of removing too much foam. It's not hard taking it back apart (since I haven't sewn anything down) and I would rather do that than end up with too little foam.

I did put it on the dummy just to get an idea of how it looks compared to the original fill. I'm happy with it.







Oh, and I added the Nostromo graffiti.



Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

Looks great Charlie!

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Lt. Melissa L. Klassen, ALG
AL Colonial Admin. - Executive Officer (XO) -- 2021-2022
RCCM | Royal Canadian Colonial Marines - Commanding Officer (CO) -- 2021-2022

Read the AL Charter Rules & Regulations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i3gd9QUyIqI_6rfk8kpxspbKU-JT4MBAjLPxfCkvGJ8

Dig it! Very cool.

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Cpl Matthew Rendar. M56 smart gun operator. 2nd bat 7th colonial marines "Rendars Raiders "

I trimmed a bit from the front pieces edges, so it sits better on my torso when worn. It also removed some of the tension of having the liner fully filled; instead of the outer nylon shell being tight, it's a bit looser and has the folds reminisicent of the original ballistic interior. It's still a bit fuller than the original, but it wears a lot better now. I sent my seamstress an email to see if she will be able to get the patches sew on and the shell bottom resewn before I have to move. In addition, I swapped the tan lacing on the side for black, added a small foam bit at the top interior rear (between the rear section and the collar pieces basicallly) to fill out the back, and trimmed down the neck pieces. There is still enough bulk, and the collar sits correctly, but there is no stress against the other pieces.

Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

I think it looks awesome!

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

My seamstress is going to make the patch adds and the alterations to vest tomorrow. So hopefully it will be all complete by tomorrow evening. Yay!

I also made another racal headset.



This is almost a combo of the original prototype and the v2. The clip is mounted on the inside, the mic tip is different. For the headband, I used a headband. Wal-Mart had these cloth covered women's headbands 4 for $4. Quick clip with the razor knife and the cloth slid off to reveal a gray plastic band. Almost perfect for what I needed. It required a bit of trimming to get the size right, and I had to make the extra side clip, but it works well. It's super light weight (moreso than v2). I don't know sturdy it will be, but it looks like it will hold up fairly well.



The clips are both superglued and screwed to the headband. The only issue is that the drill press kept sliding to the side so the mounting screws aren't centered. Probably not a big deal, but I really hate inaccuracy like that.

The earbud is made from a aluminum knob (found it at Radioshack in the parts bin). I cut it almost in half to get the right width, but it's sturdy and I like it better than the bottle top on v2. I also used a brass tube instead of the wooden dowels this time around.





It sits better on my head, and doesn't weigh nearly as much, but I think I like the detailing on v2 better.







The mic is definitely not in the way the v2 is; smaller is better in this case.

I used another 3mm attachment wire and glued it in place. Holds fine.

I have one more busted mic tip to play around with. I'm not going to make another Aliens racal, but I am going to try to make a white version to match what is used in Alien for my Nostromo outfit.

Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

That's awesome. The fact alone that you made 3 versions to get it where you wanted is very cool!

Trial and error is a huge part of everything I do. LOL. I've been building costumes since 2007; I won't show you my early efforts because I'm too embarrassed. Forums like this are always a huge help, since they can show ways that work and ways that don't. I get a lot of enjoyment just working with stuff I have handy; between the three versions I've spent a grand total of $17 (and that includes $5 for the can of paint). I still don't know which version I like better...

Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

My seamstress got the patches sewn on for me and the vest repaired. And I still have use of the front pocket! She did an awesome job.



Now that the patches were on, the cleanliness of them really stood out. So I took a bit of water, black spray paint, and tan spray paint. From distance, and very lightly, I started adding weathering the BDU top and the vest. Hopefully since the pictures were taken in the same lighting you will be able to see the difference. Here is the result:









I tried very hard not to go overboard; I wanted it to look used, not filthy. The white on the patches was definitely knocked down a bit; I like the look much better now.

And the USS Albatross is now officially having a change of homeport. I'll be leaving my current residence and moving up north, so my shop will be closed down after next week and for the foreseeable future. We haven't secured a house yet, so I don't know when I will be able to set up shop. I'm hoping it will be by the end of June, but prop work is going to be very light on my end. I have a bit of time this weekend, so I am hoping to at least get the Nostromo version of the racal built. After that, not too many prospects til we get resettled.

Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

I'd say you have a pretty good balance there for your weathering. Looks like old surplus kit, but stuff that was taken care of or still being used.

Where you moving to?

Since it's nylon, I think I will try giving a bit of a light cleaning later. Looking at it from a distance, it looks like there might be a bit of streaks in the paintjob. Almost stripes. It's hard to tell but a bit of wipe with a rough sponge should even it out better. I'm just glad the patches aren't so blasted white.

And I will be moving to the great frozen Arctic North. aka Connecticut. It's not really frozen, but to someone who has lived in hot southern climes his whole life, it might as well be.

Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

Connecticut you say? Interesting... I'm up in Maine. Not exactly next door, but still!

The weathering looks really good to me! Taking the brightness out of the white is a must.

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

Not exactly for my Marine, but I made a Racal to go with my Nostromo costume.



The tip is different, as is the mic wire itself, and it will be painted white, but it's pretty much the same steps as before.

While I was at it, I redid the mounting for the v2 Racal. I like the look a lot more now.



I put two small bits of plexiglass on either side, the one overlapping piece. It looks more like the screen, and I cut the ends a bit shorter so it sits on my head better. While I was at it, I took a pair of earplugs and made ear inserts to help it stay in the proper position.



I just cut the piece down til it was the right length. Luckily the width of the end was the same as the hole already in the ear bud. Here it is unpainted on the Nostromo.



Then I painted the Nostromo white and grey. There a few more details I have to add paint wise, but the build is done. (No, the Nostromo sets, except for Bretts, did NOT have the cord coming down).







And I also put together the Sekio pulsemeter kit I got from Stapleton. I screwed one of the buttons, but I looks ok unless you get right up on it. I did my best to cover up. In my usual fashion, I painted the watch differently and used the non-screen accurate labels.



The band is actually called "The Band". Inexpensive velcro band, but it will hold a watch on in heavy surf. I love em. Just wish they came in green.

Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

I have practicing my camo painting techniques. Actually, to be more accurate, I am learning camo painting techniques. I looked at some online tutorials, did some trial and error. Magnus, this is what I mean by learning from my mistakes:



Not only is that not multicam, it's ugly. Really ugly. I blame it on the colours I used. But I learned about masking techniques (that whole thing was done with painter's tape stencils). To practice, I sanded it again and just repainted it. I used a more traditional method of overlapping layers of stencils.

I used Khaki as the base layer, with Army Green next, Deep Forest Green, and finally negative stencils with Deep Earth Brown.





After that, I used some Ghost Grey Testors and handbrushed on the grey lines in the Khaki areas. To knock down some of the brightness, I went and used my water bottle/spray paint method. I misted water on the box, then hit it with flat black spray paint. Then I took a towel and wiped it down. (Unfortunately, I forget the grey was enamel and hadn't dried completely so it smeared a little. I am used to working with acrylics and sprays which are usually dry in about 15 min, at least enough to weather).







It actually works pretty decent as camo!



I learned a lot and I feel a lot better about being ready to tackle the armor when I get it.

Charlie

_________________
"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

Yeah for being a random collection of shapes...camo can be tricky. I used the screen refs and tried to mimick the shapes for each colour as best i could.

This was definitely a test case. The lines are ok, but there are some blurry spots. I was making the stencils by hand, in batches. Towards the end I was running out and just didn't bother. If I was doing it for something more important, I would use more and smaller stencils for several spots (make the tan less big, and spread it out more). I only had 10 negative stencils left for the dark brown. Those are a lot more effort to make, so I just went with what I had. For the learning experience though, it worked great. I even think I could do a much better job on multicam; looking back I figured out how I messed up. Failed to properly follow the tutorial and I used the wrong colors for the green stencil. My mistake.

On that test, I did the brighter colours first, then moved on to the darks. I wonder how it would look if the dark brown was the primary colour, with light khaki highlights. It's been fun to play around with. I have a few smaller items I might do a test on just to see how it works out.

Charlie

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"There is a clause in the contract which specifically states any systematized transmission indicating a possible intelligent origin must be investigated. On penalty of total forfeiture of shares. No money."

Looking good their buddy.

How long did all the stencilling take??? Painting mine by hand took the best part of two days, taking into account drying times.

I found hand painting not too much of a drama.

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Charlie, did you consider not using stencils for the armour and just free-handing it?