2001: A Space Odyssey/ Discovery EVA Suits WIP

[dogface]

Because life is short and the wait for another Dragoncon long...I've returned to the RPF after years to show our latest project. The Discovery EVA suits from 2001 are my dream project. I recently experienced a profound loss in my life and it has inspired me to push forward. We currently have 30 yards of fabric, 3 pair of boots, 3 pair of gloves, cooling vest materials to include 6 USB powered pumps. Our digital modeler is about to start on our control and thruster packs...here's a little tease...

 

[JoshuaKane]

Off to an amazing start, but I am biased. ;-)

 

[joberg]

Excellent helmet so far...eager to see your next update

 

[dogface]

 

[joberg]

Getting there slowly

 

[macropod80]

Off to a great start! Of course this is every 2001 fan's dream project.
The helmet's the hard part and I always start with the hard bit so if I'm going to hit a brick wall I do it early. Thermo-forming that visor will be fun. Not sure if my 3D modelling skill is quite up to tackling that helmet yet, and sadly my days of doing it the old-fashioned way sculpting urethane foam are passed. Did you have any accurate dimensions to start the helmet from, like overall length, width, ring diameter? When the Kubrick exhibition came here to Australia and I knelt down in front of the helmet's case with paper and pen, a security guard swiftly stepped in front of me! No photos or sketching.
Do you have one of the joystick handles for the chestpack? And some of the Martin Baker webbing clasps? Those are rare and pricey!

 

[joberg]

Off to a great start! Of course this is every 2001 fan's dream project.
The helmet's the hard part and I always start with the hard bit so if I'm going to hit a brick wall I do it early. Thermo-forming that visor will be fun. Not sure if my 3D modelling skill is quite up to tackling that helmet yet, and sadly my days of doing it the old-fashioned way sculpting urethane foam are passed. Did you have any accurate dimensions to start the helmet from, like overall length, width, ring diameter? When the Kubrick exhibition came here to Australia and I knelt down in front of the helmet's case with paper and pen, a security guard swiftly stepped in front of me! No photos or sketching.
Do you have one of the joystick handles for the chestpack? And some of the Martin Baker webbing clasps? Those are rare and pricey!

No pics nor sketching That's a first for me (the no sketching part)!

 

[dogface]

Off to a great start! Of course this is every 2001 fan's dream project.
The helmet's the hard part and I always start with the hard bit so if I'm going to hit a brick wall I do it early. Thermo-forming that visor will be fun. Not sure if my 3D modelling skill is quite up to tackling that helmet yet, and sadly my days of doing it the old-fashioned way sculpting urethane foam are passed. Did you have any accurate dimensions to start the helmet from, like overall length, width, ring diameter? When the Kubrick exhibition came here to Australia and I knelt down in front of the helmet's case with paper and pen, a security guard swiftly stepped in front of me! No photos or sketching.
Do you have one of the joystick handles for the chestpack? And some of the Martin Baker webbing clasps? Those are rare and pricey!

I have 3d printed joysticks but I'm faking the webbing clasps...as much of this project has become

 

[dogface]

Yes...this project is still alive.

 

[macropod80]

I have 3d printed joysticks but I'm faking the webbing clasps...as much of this project has become

Is that a note of frustration? This is a big project - expect it to take time finding all the little bits that everyone else has been searching for for years.
How are you faking the clasps - 3D printed cosmetic overs over functional buckles? Or have you considered using the similar ones from ejection seat leg garters? They often turn up on evilbay for under 50Pounds (still awfully pricey, though)?
What do your printed joysticks look like?

 

[dogface]

Is that a note of frustration? This is a big project - expect it to take time finding all the little bits that everyone else has been searching for for years.
How are you faking the clasps - 3D printed cosmetic overs over functional buckles? Or have you considered using the similar ones from ejection seat leg garters? They often turn up on evilbay for under 50Pounds (still awfully pricey, though)?
What do your printed joysticks look like?

No more frustrating than any other costume. I like beginning a project with an uncompromising attitude, but alas, this movie is over 50 years old which often necessitates flexibility .

We printed the joysticks on a laser printer...I'll post them later today.

Looks like the buckles for the harness are quite similar to modern "cobra" buckles, so that might be my work-around there. There's also an aviation/government surplus store near my home...they may not have the exact thing but some of this is about the hunt. 50 Quid might be too rich for my blood.

 

[joberg]

Good to know that the project is still on.

 

[macropod80]

Looks like the buckles for the harness are quite similar to modern "cobra" buckles, so that might be my work-around there. There's also an aviation/government surplus store near my home...they may not have the exact thing but some of this is about the hunt. 50 Quid might be too rich for my blood.

originals just appeared on evilbay for about 10Pounds or near offer: item #203449414036

 

[dogface]

originals just appeared on evilbay for about 10Pounds or near offer: item #203449414036

Thanks...I may try my luck

 

[dogface]

 

[dogface]

Some of our recent progress...busting our butts for Dragoncon

 

[joberg]

Interesting medium you're using for the suit Vinyl?

 

[dogface]

Interesting medium you're using for the suit Vinyl?

PVC...poly-vinyl coated polyester...cheaper than the original suits...which were leather

 

[dogface]

There's probably 30 individually printed accessories for the thruster pack. That's the first sheet mold...then the thruster pack mold with googly eyes, because...then the control pack which I'll probably mold next weekend...stupid job gets in the way

 

[joberg]

The front pack looks great already. Btw, didn't they have a matt kind of PVC? I don't mean to discard the idea of having it high gloss; makes for an interesting variation for sure. The matt would be, of course, closer to the original look.