GubernatorFan wrote:Thank you for elaborating at length, Paul, I really appreciate the detail. And I know you base this on research, sample (your Shepperton helmet), and your reference book(s). Let me verify one thing, while they recreating the helmet molds for ESB and ROTJ may have introduced some minor and inadvertent differences, the basic shape remained the same, including the asymmetry, right?
I remember reading that the ear caps were attached in several different fashions, some with screws, others (to avoid the screws) were glued on.
Of course nowadays something like that would be designed with 3D models and printers, creating a much more uniform shape (as we see in RO), barring any specific differences intentionally introduced by the design team.
I'm glad my ramblings were helpful.
Yes the new moulds still produced asymmetrical helmets.
One of the most noticeable differences is in the shape of the dome on the ROTJ helmets. They look slightly taller and narrower, because the piece used to make the mould was squeezed a bit from each side when the mould was made.
The plastics used were quite different from what we have available today and were very flexible and quite soft so they move all over the place when you start applying pressure to them.
All the ear caps on the ANH helmets where attached with machine screws and nuts, and in fact I don't think there is any glue used on ANH helmets at all. Even the lenses on them are held in with scotch tape on the back. The stunt lenses are just pieces of green lighting filter film taped over the holes.
The ESB helmets had a mix of screws and glue used on different helmets because some were ANH helmets which were refurbished. I believe all the ROTJ helmets are constructed mainly with glue.
Yeah things are very different now lol. I believe Andrew Ainsworth moulded and finished all the storm trooper costumes, the rebel pilot helmets and some other pieces as well for ANH by hand with a team of 2-3 people helping him. Amazing really
Paul