Post by TK3105 on Nov 24, 2005 12:04:41 GMT
My first Costume was the Imperial TIE Fighter Pilot. I chose this one not only because it's long been one of my favourites but also because it's relatively easy to put together and doesn't cost the earth.
As with many costumes, it's possible to start off 'cheap' and upgrade as you go.
The Helmet
My current helmet is a Don Post 'Classic Action'. This tends to be the preferred helmet of many TIE Pilots. However, there are many others available. My first helmet was a Rubies; not bad as helmets go but a little on the small side. It also needed a fair bit of work before it could be worn.
On the left, the Don Post 'Classic Action'. On the right, the Rubies Standard.
For more detailed information on the helmets, see the following link:
www.starwarshelmets.com/
The Flight Suit
The TIE Fighter flight suit is basically a black all-in-one coverall/boilersuit. My particular one is actually a US Air Force flight suit. Any black all-in-one will suffice though.
The Boots
The original 'screen used' boots were German Army boots. These are what I have, although I have seen many different types of boots used. Some wear riding boots, some wear rigger style boots.
The Gloves
Bog standard black leather motorcycle Gauntlets.
Chest & Back Armour
The chest & back armour is made from vac formed ABS, the same as plastic Stormtrooper armour. It consists for the chest plate, the back plate, two sholder straps and four octagonal plates. The Chest Box (see below) is attatched to the flat area on the chest plate.
The Chest Box
The chest box is basically the 'life support' system for a TIE Pilot. My first chest box was entirely scratch-built. I have since purchased an ABS chestbox kit.
Hoses
The hoses which connect the helmet to the chest box are 1 1/4" in diameter. The original screen-used hoses were made from black rubber and were old hairdryer hoses. There are many different types of hose available ranging from pond pump hose to plumbing drain hose. Each hose is approximately 18" long but this length is generally adjusted to suit the individual.
The Belt
The belt is 2" wide and the screen-used ones were black leather. Mine is black webbing and came from an Army Surplus shop. The buckle is made from alluminium and the greeblie is actually from inside a laptop hard disk. The image below shows a 'screen accurate' belt with buckle and 'snap' detail.
The Commpad
The Commpad is worn on the left sleeve, just above the glove. It should sit behind a clear plastic window.
Code Cylinders
Code Cylinders are really an 'optional extra'. Two of them are worn in pen pockets on the left sleeve (bicep area). Mine are basically a pair of metal chalk holders.
Greeblies
There are three 'greeblies' on the TIE Pilot; one on each helmet 'ear' and one on the belt buckle. These particular ones are machined from a single piece of metal. They can be also be made using different sized washers. My own greeblies came from laptop computer hard drives.
As with many costumes, it's possible to start off 'cheap' and upgrade as you go.
The Helmet
My current helmet is a Don Post 'Classic Action'. This tends to be the preferred helmet of many TIE Pilots. However, there are many others available. My first helmet was a Rubies; not bad as helmets go but a little on the small side. It also needed a fair bit of work before it could be worn.
On the left, the Don Post 'Classic Action'. On the right, the Rubies Standard.
For more detailed information on the helmets, see the following link:
www.starwarshelmets.com/
The Flight Suit
The TIE Fighter flight suit is basically a black all-in-one coverall/boilersuit. My particular one is actually a US Air Force flight suit. Any black all-in-one will suffice though.
The Boots
The original 'screen used' boots were German Army boots. These are what I have, although I have seen many different types of boots used. Some wear riding boots, some wear rigger style boots.
The Gloves
Bog standard black leather motorcycle Gauntlets.
Chest & Back Armour
The chest & back armour is made from vac formed ABS, the same as plastic Stormtrooper armour. It consists for the chest plate, the back plate, two sholder straps and four octagonal plates. The Chest Box (see below) is attatched to the flat area on the chest plate.
The Chest Box
The chest box is basically the 'life support' system for a TIE Pilot. My first chest box was entirely scratch-built. I have since purchased an ABS chestbox kit.
Hoses
The hoses which connect the helmet to the chest box are 1 1/4" in diameter. The original screen-used hoses were made from black rubber and were old hairdryer hoses. There are many different types of hose available ranging from pond pump hose to plumbing drain hose. Each hose is approximately 18" long but this length is generally adjusted to suit the individual.
The Belt
The belt is 2" wide and the screen-used ones were black leather. Mine is black webbing and came from an Army Surplus shop. The buckle is made from alluminium and the greeblie is actually from inside a laptop hard disk. The image below shows a 'screen accurate' belt with buckle and 'snap' detail.
The Commpad
The Commpad is worn on the left sleeve, just above the glove. It should sit behind a clear plastic window.
Code Cylinders
Code Cylinders are really an 'optional extra'. Two of them are worn in pen pockets on the left sleeve (bicep area). Mine are basically a pair of metal chalk holders.
Greeblies
There are three 'greeblies' on the TIE Pilot; one on each helmet 'ear' and one on the belt buckle. These particular ones are machined from a single piece of metal. They can be also be made using different sized washers. My own greeblies came from laptop computer hard drives.
