Next Build? Mech Suit!
Okay so since I came in 2nd Runner up at this years Comicpalooza I've been thinking about what kind of over the top, AMAZING build I can come up with for next year to ensure a "W".
Well after thinking about it a bit, I've decided that I want to do the D.Va Mech from the game Overwatch.
Image from https://playoverwatch.com.
This build it going to VERY much push me out of my comfort zone. After doing some initial research and planning it looks like I'm going to have to learn or brush up on the following skills, techniques and/or materials:
EVA Foam (never actually worked with it for a large build)
Heat forming Acrylic
Electronics
Machining
3D Modeling
3D Printing
Airbrushing and Painting
Goals for the Build
Make it Modular!
I need to be able to easily get the costume on and off in pieces.
I want the top half to attach to a rig I wear like a backpack then wrap around from the back to the front and snap together like a leotard.
Thigh pieces need to be able to attach on separately and connect to the top.
Shin/Feet should be separate pieces that I can step into and attach to my feet/legs.
Guns should be able to move around so I can maneuver them as needed.
Wings should be able to fold in/out like car mirrors so I can move though small doorways as needed.
Moving/Rotating guns with lights and sound.
I REALLY want to get some electronics into this build. Pie in the sky would be to make the gun arms actually move using the joy sticks coming out of the cockpit. Worst case I wand the guns barrels to rotate, flash lights and make sounds.
Digitigrade Legs
A Digitigrade is an animal that walks on its digits or toes. This is the shape that the mech legs/feet are in. In order to have this same look in the costume I will need to design digitigrade stilts. Luckily someone on the internet has already done the hard work of engineering the design for these so all I have to do is follow the instructions on how to make them. It is going to be a lot of work that I haven't REALLY done before though so...should be interesting.
Image from https://www.digilegs.com.
Complete by 2017 Comicpalooza
This is going to be a huge build...so hoping to get started now and actually finish by next years Comicpalooza in June. That means I only have about 6 months to get this done.
Progress
So far, I've started building my Pinterest board with ideas for materials and designs. I've ordered some tools and materials and I found a 3D model designed by Armellino Raffaele on Sketchfab so that I can start planning out individual pieces and 3D printed parts. Here we go!
