Little by Little

Last post, we started a Warhammer-ish build based around armor in the style of their 'Dark Angels'. This week, we continue the process as we outline how to do the chest piece which, up to this point, has been the more difficult of many pieces that have already gone into this build.


We started off with a basic pattern for the top-most chest piece that forms the outer armor layer. This was done by free handing a pattern around the under layer of the original armor and to the wearer's size considerations. This piece will also serve to support the collar mantle that will be put on after the chest and back are finished. After cutting out the top section, we beveled the edge in order to make the multiple pieces of chest armor look as though they are one piece when we coat them, later. Grooves were carved in the top middle and bottom middle sections to give the 'chest' look that is characteristic of anything Warhammer - armor related. We then cut out two more foam sections, beveled them and attached them to the top armor section to serve as the pieces that wrap around under the arms and that will later connect to the back section. This part was a tad more difficult as taking measurements on yourself can be a challenge.

Get help!

Then, with a heat gun, we heat sealed the entirety of the chest piece in order to give it the metal texture we will need for when we start painting.

As a last step, we designed and cut some filigree out for the chest plates that will look great once the armor is sealed and painted. Placing the armor on a model, we hot glued the new chest plate to the underlying armor section and said a small prayer! EVA will bond to itself like cement, but to other materials, not so much. Did some trimming after to clean up the edges and even things out. This is a must as EVA can do some unpredictable things when subjected to large amounts of intense heat.

Next week, we will start on the back section and mount the collar mantle. Then, on to paint!

As always please feel free to contact us with questions/inquiries/orders, etc.. at:

legionentertainmentdesign@gmail.com

Thanks for following.

Your Legion Artisans

...Because being able to turn your head is for the weak

Hey Everyone.

So I lied...kind of. I got a request to modify some existing "Pickle-Barrel" armor. We started talking Warhammer armor and I started to get excited...more than was gained from doing a tutorial on staining parchment, which will have to wait. No matter! This build will be a great foray for the beginner into working with EVA foam to create armor. Now while we're not creating the armor from scratch necessarily, the steps we'll be taking are consistent and useful for any armor/costume build you might want to do on your own.

So let's begin.

1. The Inspiration:

I've never really been into Warhammer as a hobby all that much, however what I lack in participation is made up for by my appreciation for its aesthetic. I love the gritty, dictatorial warscapes that they've created in a distopian future. And as such, all they're armor/gear is readily identifiable...and damn hard to recreate. I pulled a few pics from a basic search that I'm going to use as inspiration when going through this build:

The Witch Hunter Tyrus -

The Ignatus Power Armor - 

 The Tyrus armor has a great aesthetic, even if the reference pic is a little muddy. I'll be referencing the Ignatus pic for basic structure and for when I have to start making patterns.

2. The Patterns - Pauldrons

Thinking through the build, you want get a good mental picture of how the work flow will take place so as not to put any pieces on that are dependent upon getting other measures of other pieces, putting them on too early, etc... The shoulder pauldrons seemed like a safe bet and so I set out to making patterns for the top sections. As you can see I cut a groove out of the paper in order to compensate for the addition of the neck guard on top of the basic armor set. This was a little tricky and there was some trimming that had to be done. Remember to always underestimate when making room....that way you can trim off more later if need be.

From the main pattern I traced out the second pauldron and freehanded a cool shape based on the new measurement as you can see below:

Sizing of top, main pauldron (before shaping)

After approving the fit, I set out to carving and shaping. I beveled an edge using a soldering iron on low heat (remember to wear eye protection and masks! Fumes are bbbaaaaddddd) as well as added some indentations that I thought would be cool as battle marks. I cut out the new shape and glued them both to the base pauldrons of the armor.

Crappy pic of the pauldrons and the detail I drew and carved into the foam. The design was a reference from a Witchhunter armor set I saw online and liked. Used the soldering iron as well.

Stay tuned for the next episode when I attempt to the chest and collar sections! Yikes....

A Preview of What's to Come

A Preview of What's to Come

In addition to our upcoming article on aging documents, we'd like to provide a teaser on some tutorials and builds that we have planned for the future. Take a look at the pics below for what you can expect to see real soon. As always we will do our best to provide an in depth look at our process, from conceptualization to design, to the finished product.

And as always, if you'd like us to consult with you on a commission please contact us at:

legionpropsanddesign@gmail.com

1. How to construct scenery and backdrops easily and without breaking the bank.

All carving and painting by S. McGhin

2. Another belt project. It seems like we get lots of orders for these types of things so we figured we'd do a build guide on one.

Belt of the Dreamwalker. Leatherwork by S. McGhin

3. EVA foam weapon props.

A Monk Fist Weapon Build. Dremel by T. Marshbanks; paint by S. McGhin

4. Another project by Spencer. This time we will show you how to build a scroll case complete with tooling and paint/dye. You'll be the fanciest Wizard in the tower!

5. Multiple EVA foam armor builds. It seems we can't get enough of the grey stuff and it sure makes it easy to create incredible armor designs. From start to finish, we'll show you how to build your own set of EVA armor. And just in time for the upcoming Con season!

Tassets as part of a complete armor set. Custom design. Dremel work by T. Marshbanks; paint by S. McGhin

6. Tomes, tomes, tomes! By far one of our most time consuming projects, yet also one of the coolest. What magic user or old crypt is complete without one? Would you believe they're just paper towels and Modge Podge?

Tomes by S. McGhin

 7. Last but definitely not least a shield build. Although not the stoutest of materials, we show you how to do a shield build out of the pink stuff, FOAM! What it lacks in fortitude however, it makes up for in ease of use and the application of neat textures, from wood to stone.

Carving and paint by S. McGhin

Thanks for checking in and come back soon.

- The Legion Dudes

Introductions and Statement of Purpose

Hey Everyone!

We are Legion Entertainment and Design, a prop and design company specializing in armor, weapon and costume design for LARP and screen. This blog is intended to serve as a home to all of our creations, ideas and inspirations. We will also provide some tips and tricks for you to use in your game or on the stage and screen. Don't see something on here and want to? Let us know and we'll do our best to provide what insight we can into your query.

We are based out of Atlanta and are currently taking commissions on a case by case basis. We will work with you every step of the way to realize your vision and make your project a reality. You can get in touch with us here and one of our designers will be in touch with you:

legionentertainmentdesign@gmail.com

or on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LegionEntertainmentDesign

For our first posting, we will be documenting a project by one of our leather workers, Spencer McGhin.

"Belt of the Witch Queen"

1. Front section - The two side panels are tied by braided waxed thread for extra strength. The project consists of alligator stamped leather edged by 8-10 oz leather. The pieces were died black and then riveted together.

2. Closeup of middle section.

 3. Closeup of side portion before attaching the backing.

4. You can see the attached portions of the side panels to the front piece. The front and back will look the same with the sides joined on the long side of the side panels.

5. Side panel attached to backing:

Another closeup after attaching the backing. All edges have been grooved out for extra detail. 

Thanks for having a look! Stop by soon for a post on how to do easy-stain parchment to make your messages look aged and worn as well as another project.