Kylo Ren Upgrades

[rlycrvns]

Since I did not make a build thread when working on my costume originally, I thought I'd make one for the upgrades and additional work I am doing.

Right now I'm making a new midcoat/starkiller base coat based on info on the Sith Lord's Detachment and the update to the CRL.

I will be using the Blue Denim Camo material found by Dawn Bright as seen here https://youtu.be/0Sdgqf3g580. I was able to get my hands on about 2 1/2 yards(which should be plenty) after hitting up a Joann's on SE 82nd and another in Hillsboro.

http://imgur.com/qJtOfmk

 Rumor has it the fabric has been discontinued so I might have just snagged the last of what was available in the Portland area as all the other Joann's were sold out.

I will be using Black Dylon dye on it which apparently also produces the desired "puckered" effect.

[rlycrvns]

Turns out that due to the fabric being ~70% rayon and ~30% nylon the dye darkened it significantly but did not achieve a full black. Therefore, I am trying Rit Synthetic dye on it. Waiting for my giant pot to boil now.

In the meantime I have finished up my lightsaber mod. I got the Black Series Force FX saber right before Starlight and while the hilt looks fantastic, I was not at all impressed with the brightness of the blades given the price tag. Especially so when marching next to Dave, Vaughn and Scott.

http://i.imgur.com/ECQuapa.jpg

I disassembled my saber, gutted the original electronics and then spent a long time looking at the custom saber shop website and forum wondering what parts to get and how they all work. I'm now running a Tri-Cree r/r/w led for the main blade and a single red cree on each side emitter. Everything is powered by a 7.4v 2600mAh li-ion pack going through a buckpuck. I plan to eventually upgrade to a soundcard but for now it's so much brighter and honestly the sound was getting a little annoying on troops.

http://i.imgur.com/3spSNoP.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/k1aMli7.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5lbRvJH.jpg

I removed the solid white diffusion tubes and replaced them with cellophane wrap. Very happy with the clear look when the saber is powered down.
I also made the blades removable with a single retention screw for each and added silicone caulk to give that "flame" unstable look.

http://i.imgur.com/9HsBpjV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LZJLktB.jpg

[Hobbit]

Turns out that due to the fabric being ~70% rayon and ~30% nylon the dye darkened it significantly but did not achieve a full black. Therefore, I am trying Rit Synthetic dye on it. Waiting for my giant pot to boil now.

In the meantime I have finished up my lightsaber mod. I got the Black Series Force FX saber right before Starlight and while the hilt looks fantastic, I was not at all impressed with the brightness of the blades given the price tag. Especially so when marching next to Dave, Vaughn and Scott.

http://i.imgur.com/ECQuapa.jpg

I disassembled my saber, gutted the original electronics and then spent a long time looking at the custom saber shop website and forum wondering what parts to get and how they all work. I'm now running a Tri-Cree r/r/w led for the main blade and a single red cree on each side emitter. Everything is powered by a 7.4v 2600mAh li-ion pack going through a buckpuck. I plan to eventually upgrade to a soundcard but for now it's so much brighter and honestly the sound was getting a little annoying on troops.

http://i.imgur.com/3spSNoP.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/k1aMli7.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5lbRvJH.jpg

I removed the solid white diffusion tubes and replaced them with cellophane wrap. Very happy with the clear look when the saber is powered down.
I also made the blades removable with a single retention screw for each and added silicone caulk to give that "flame" unstable look.

http://i.imgur.com/9HsBpjV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LZJLktB.jpg

Dang dude! Nice work on the saber xD

[rlycrvns]

Turns out that due to the fabric being ~70% rayon and ~30% nylon the dye darkened it significantly but did not achieve a full black. Therefore, I am trying Rit Synthetic dye on it. Waiting for my giant pot to boil now.

In the meantime I have finished up my lightsaber mod. I got the Black Series Force FX saber right before Starlight and while the hilt looks fantastic, I was not at all impressed with the brightness of the blades given the price tag. Especially so when marching next to Dave, Vaughn and Scott.

http://i.imgur.com/ECQuapa.jpg

I disassembled my saber, gutted the original electronics and then spent a long time looking at the custom saber shop website and forum wondering what parts to get and how they all work. I'm now running a Tri-Cree r/r/w led for the main blade and a single red cree on each side emitter. Everything is powered by a 7.4v 2600mAh li-ion pack going through a buckpuck. I plan to eventually upgrade to a soundcard but for now it's so much brighter and honestly the sound was getting a little annoying on troops.

http://i.imgur.com/3spSNoP.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/k1aMli7.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5lbRvJH.jpg

I removed the solid white diffusion tubes and replaced them with cellophane wrap. Very happy with the clear look when the saber is powered down.
I also made the blades removable with a single retention screw for each and added silicone caulk to give that "flame" unstable look.

http://i.imgur.com/9HsBpjV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LZJLktB.jpg

Dang dude! Nice work on the saber xD

Thanks! I was following this http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?18419-Kylo-Ren-Force-FX-Lightsaber-Conversion-Tutorial&highlight=kylo until I accidentally fried the board. Your kit is looking fantastic as well! I really like that you got the functional belt clip, have that on my wishlist. I'm sure you'll be approved shortly.

[rlycrvns]

I don't claim to be someone who knows what to do. However, I am an accredited institution of knowing what not to do. One thing not to do is let your stove top dye bath overflow. At least I had the forethought to do something stupid when my girlfriend wasn't home.

http://i.imgur.com/mzMqLkO.jpg

Whoops. 

[Beckett]

Ouch!

[inquisitorius-picnic]

Ooops. You were planning to do that, right? Updating the kitchen decor with a little more black and grey?

[rlycrvns]

Welp, the Anovos Standard Kylo helm has been cancelled due to lack of preorders.  They offered a discounted upgrade to the Premier Fiberglass version but I don't think that will be very troop friendly especially to my neck. I chose instead to get a refund and have now preordered myself a TK kit! Q1 2017 can't come soon enough!

[Beckett]

ugh! sorry Riley, I know you were looking forward to that.

[rlycrvns]

ugh! sorry Riley, I know you were looking forward to that.

Thanks Josh. I was but not as much as I am now looking forward to being a TK!