1st June 2011: Build Commences I've compiled my work schedule for this year, and it seems that I CAN go to the Expo this October. This means, I have only 4 1/2 months to get this done. If anything, I'll be getting the basics done, and then maybe later in the year, I'll improve on some of the minor details.
I'm keeping the build of the Shield the same (foam/mountboard) but will be trying a new construction method for the rest of the body.
11th March 2011: Not cosplaying Unicorn this year Due to work commitments, there's a good chance that I won't be able to attend any Cons/Expos this year. I'll continue to make this and the Unicorn Girl anyway, so perhaps I may still be able to take some completed photos as and when.
Apologies for those who were looking forward to this. :(
23rd February 2011: Back on track - kinda Okay. I'm going to be remaking the whole torso on this one, and will start getting the limbs all measured out. I know that I'm probably going to end up rushing this, but the materials I'm currently using are much more manageable than what I used for my Noir, so all in all, it should be a little easier and quicker to make :)
12th November 2010: Torso - In progress - Red Painted some of the torso to give a better indication of what it might turn out like. The red lines will be cut out as mentioned before, and the red front chestpanels will be extended to cover the gap leftover from the red lines. The front red chest panels will also be mounted to the inside edges of the torso as I have plans to make the suit have the ability to go in and out of destroy mode
11th November 2010: Torso - In progress Torso is coming along okay. I've emphasised the outline of where the red "phase armor" should be.
For the moment, I will be painting on all the sections of phase armor on the torso/shoulders, then later on, will cut out the panels and put frosted acrylic (or which ever material i can find that suits it) behind, to give it the "sunken" feeling, and as close/accurate as i can get it. I'll upload more (progress/angles) later this week when I have time
31st October 2010: Shield Extended Progress This is the shield extended (but not secured yet). Bottom slides down to reveal the panels which are spring loaded and should automatically open up when the shield is fully extended. Took about 2-3 evenings for the spring pivot mechanism and the base panels. The insides of the panels will be replaced with semi transparent or frosted acrylic with a hint of red paint and maybe EL wire
Embedded picture shows actual Gunpla Shield Extended as a reference
Edit: Metal Ruler in the Photo is 44cm from tip to tip
31st October 2010: Shield Normal Progress This is the rough base for the shield. Top and bottom pieces will end up slotting in together. Took about 2-3 evenings for all the basic measuring, cutting, shaping etc.
Embedded picture shows actual Gunpla Shield as a reference
31st October 2010: Shield Update Will upload pictures in my next journal. Tower shield is currently in three parts, top section, rotating "wings" (spring loaded) and the bottom extending section. I need to mount everything together but the end result will be that when the bottom of the shield is extended, the wings will rotate out automatically, and should light up once I have the electronics sorted out.
10th June 2010: Prepping for Launch Okay, I have a source where i can purchase Red EL Wire/Tape. It's not too expensive so I need to measure out how much I need for each parts of the body.
I may go the resin/fiberglass/filler route with this. I will primarily make the base frame and shell using plumbing pipe and foamboard, but I may coat a layer of resin/fiberglass/filler to give it added strength. I want this thing to withstand leg humping!!!
I have enough plexi for all the transparent red parts, so I might get started on that in the coming months.
The Shield will be GREAT fun to do!!
AND NO WINGS means I'll be able to make the torso fit better.