TIE Fighter Pilot advice?

Well with some free time and some extra cash, I'm starting my first costume. I just ordered the Rubies TIE Fighter helmet and I'm going to fix it up to look more realistic.

Has anyone done this costume before? Any tips for the helmet as well as the hoses and chestbox? Thanks!

 

Just look out for X-Wing pilots... we'll get ya every time!!

Oh and check out Omega Wing, the 501st TIE division. You'll get a ton of advice there.

 

Kay Dee made one and it looks great! She has her own website (google kay Dee costumes) and has reat detail!

 

As Woofer said, check out the Omega Wing Forum for some advice. I used to hang out there when I first started on my Pilot.

Another TIE Pilot Forum that is arising is the Jolly Roger Squadron Forum, the Official Branch of the 501st Legion.

I'm sure you will find most of the infos and source for parts you need there.

Another way of course is to contact your local 501st Outpost/Garrison for some tips.


For me, I was lucky to be helped by fellow Pilots here in the obtaining of parts and modifying of my Don Post Helmet, apart from staring at the Original Armor everyday when I did mine. My TIE Pilot is pending a Major Upgrade soon anyway, from repainting of the helmet and maybe new jumpsuit and Exhibition Accurate Boots.....as soon as I finish my Scout as I don't have any other Imperial Costume at hand and there seems to be 501st Trooping every month now so can't afford being costumeless (and I'm slow at upgrading since have no Tools).

 

First of all, I would suggest trying to get a Don Post helmet as opposed to a Rubies, because, from what I've heard, Rubies' plastic is more prone to warping.

For hoses, I used 1 1/4" x 6 ' wet/dry vacuum hoses by RIDGID, Model VT1406 at Home Depot. I bought two and used the narrow end to go into the helmet and the wider end for the chest box. They're very flexible and snap in and out easily. As for the chest box and armor, contact Jawaman on Omega Wing. He's also known as trooperellis on ebay. Kay_Dee (callsign: HellKat) also has his armor.

Good luck, and make sure to pick a cool callsign.


Matt
TI-2780
Callsign: Look Out!
aka: TIE-Clops
Lord Vader's Wingman


My armor:

http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e385/JedHead1/Star%20Wars/?action=view&current=DSCN6811.jpg

 

TI-7279 at your service.

I had a Rubies helmet, until it went to pot. The one thing I can say about the Rubies is that if you are in an environment that is too hot/cold they tend to warp really bad.
Go to the Omega Wing / Jolly Roger detachment board for all kinds of information to mod helmets. There is a wealth of information there. The Rubies have the potential of being a good helmet if it is reinforced with fiberglass or like a bondo type of material. Once that is in place, your bucket will never warp again.

I used flexible pond tubing for my hoses. I got them at Home Depot. It was a 20' roll for $20, so you will have plenty. I may even have some extra still.... I think.

I have a few suggestions of where to get some of your other accessories. But due to forum bylaws, some places are not allowed to be mentioned in a public forum. Just PM me and I will give you recommendations.

- Bill

 

Ya, one of our TIE Pilot is using Rubies and he reinforced it with lots of Bondo from the inside and maybe repaint it. The only downside is that it's heavier now and he's a TK/TD so had stopped wearing it.


Even with Don Post, you will still need to reinforced certain parts and even repaint it. Mine already have the "ear" part warpped (will fix and reinforced it with Acrylic from the inside later when I do the complete upgrade of my helmet) and some "scratches" on the top. And personally, I swear by repainting the helmet with 4-6 layers of Krylone Primer, Color & Finisher to further reinforce it and hold the helmet together in case of accidents.

For the hose, another alternative is the Washing Machine Hose (it's for the water coming out if I remember correctly). Try to use the Grey one and if possible, with non-smooth (aka non-Laquered looking) surfaces. Put a layer or 2 of Primer and then the Color.


Ps: I was looking at old Issues of SW Insiders (post AOTC) and saw that the Standard Don Post TIE Pilot Helmet cost USD54. So I guess up to double that price is a "reasonable" price to pay for a MIB and "unspoiled" one on the market now.