Macross / Robotech Helmet EVA Foam Build - Started 2nd Try

[Felgacarb]

So, I finally got around to watching an Evil Ted tutorial on youtube.
I'd been intimidated by helmet construction, and had not seriously tried one before.
But after meeting Ted at a prop party, it sounded like EVA foam might be a good method to try.


I watched a few of the tutorials and the next day went out and bought some EVA foam floor mats.


So- since this is my first attempt, I decided to just go for it, start to finish, even if things get weird, and treat it as a learning experience-


Here goes-




What I'm trying to build: Rick Hunter's fighter pilot helmet-









Step one was to begin a pattern with aluminum foil and duct tape over a manquin head. I ordered an inexpensive head online, but it will be a couple of weeks before I get it.
Instead, I pulled down a light fixture that looked head size, and used that!








































I was surprised at how easy it is to cut and heat shape this foam. I see why people like it. Next up was the contact cement....




















This is where using a sphere instead of a true head shape made things a bit odd. However, I pushed on!




Adding more details helped.

























Not terrible- Then I added smaller details with Foamy craft foam...


















Next, I hit it with plasti-dip:


















Then I hand painted the bright blue and red on with some left over acrylic paint...


















So, things I've learned:


The right form when starting the pattern does matter...
I should make this helmet a smidge bigger overall.
I need to go back to the tutorial on smoothing the seams.
For a more serious build I will only use the plasti-dip as a sealer, and will spray on all the other colors.




So, to recap, the goal:











And here is how I ended up:









The plan is to (eventually!) do this again, now that I have a good idea of how it all works!




Thanks for looking, and thanks to Evil Ted, who makes great foam costumes and tutorials!

 

[Riceball]

Re: Macross / Robotech Helmet (My First) EVA Foam Build

Not bad, I've been toying with the idea of making one myself but instead of making the entire helmet from scratch I was going to just make add on parts and attach them to one of those Chinese fighter pilot motorcycle helmets you see on eBay. Anyway, not too shabby for a first attempt, one thing though, the arrow on the sides of the helmet really shouldn't be a raised piece, it's rally meant to be a decal.

 

[Felgacarb]

Re: Macross / Robotech Helmet (My First) EVA Foam Build

one thing though, the arrow on the sides of the helmet really shouldn't be a raised piece, it's rally meant to be a decal.

(Thanks!)

Oh, I think you're right...

It is easier to paint as a raised piece, though...

 

[hpg]

Re: Macross / Robotech Helmet (My First) EVA Foam Build

Awesome, thanks for sharing your work on this!

 

[Felgacarb]

I got my foam mannequin head, so I've taken another crack at this!



















A goal this time was to try to blend in the seams better than before.


And to try to get the proportions closer to how they looked in the animation.































I used nicer paints this time....



















This second attempt is much better, but still not entirely what I'd hoped for. I need to get better at blending the seams in, still...


Probably a few more photos to come...

 

[Thodin]

Very cool!

 

[Felgacarb]

Thanks, Thodin!


Here's a couple with me wearing it...