X-Wing PIlot helmet...?

I need an X-wing pilot helmet for an event in late June, but I'm also very much on the broke side of the Force; all the helmets I've found online or on eBay are well over $70, even up to $120.

Does anyone know of a way to get a cheaper helmet? Maybe one which is less an authentic collector's item and more just a functional prop? Thanks!

 

There was a guy in the Rebel Legion who was making them. I think they were going for something like $75 + Shipping, but i had also heard that he was on hold, too. So, I am not sure if they are still available.

Hope that helps....

- Bill

 

For something that's not a horrid Rubies, you are looking at $75-$100 unassembled.

 

You might be able to do a nice looking helmet out of a cast mold, car wax, and paint job.

Good luck

 

If you don't mind building it yourself from scratch, there's always the cloth-meche' method. Very economical, and if you take your time, it'll look better than the real thing.


FYI: To do a good "round" cloth-meche requires a balloon inflated to the right size, carpenter's wood glue, and muslin. From there it's all about effort and creativity.
And patience. You MUST let the first layer dry completely before you start messing with it!

 

I've never heard of cloth mache...but I assume it's a lot like the paper variant?

 

I thought so, too. A quick google search gave me this:
http://www.rebellegion.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17982&sid=202b8c0915e8ea2e35f7921c17d74d55

Of course there was also a link to a topic of discussion at The RPF, as well as some other forums. I listed this one because anyone should be able to access it without having to be a forum member to read the content.

Good luck!

- Bill

 

It is just like the paper variant, except much more durable. Almost as good as fiberglassing, without the hazards.
And definitely faster than the pepakura method.

I've seen various objects built through the pepakura method. It's a pretty good way to get a good enough design, but awfully flimsy if not augmented in some way. ALL of the Halo helmets that I've seen made that way wound up having to be fiberglasses in order to not wobble or collapse.