My Life-Sized 1978 Darth Vader Kenner Action Figure Project

[azheat]

So here's a peek at the second offering in my Project 1278 line! When completed, Vader will stand about 6'-6" tall. We're trying to keep the figure heights in relative proportion to the original figure line, but at a life-sized scale. Like Luke, Vader will have a rotating head, adjustable arms, and a retractable lightsaber; and of course his vinyl cape. We're also trying out a completely new method of attaching the legs to the pelvis section which will provide for greater stability and several different leg positions. Anyway, more to come...............

 

[DrToothache]

This is where the fun begins.

Excited to see this come together!

 

[BudaFett]

 

[Got2bfett]

This is where the fun begins.

Excited to see this come together!

Me too can’t even begin to imagine this life size. Wow.

 

[DennisFett1142]

That cape is going to be incredible! If you don't wear it before putting it on Vader, are you even a fan?

 

[azheat]

The first several pieces are done, they look great and will require very little post work, mainly just the seams. Nothing is glued together yet, just stacked on each other for a visual reference. I still have quite a few pieces to go, but in the meantime I need to think about what finish I want for this. I want to stay true to the vintage figure so I was thinking satin black everywhere, but was also thinking about changing it just a tad and doing the collar armor, shoulder armor, helmet, chest box, and boots a gloss black, and the rest of the body satin. Not sure yet, but I'm leaning more to the whole figure being satin black..........

 

[DennisFett1142]

I like the satin black all over idea. If you do it and don't see enough contrast, you can always hit those areas you mentioned with a gloss clear coat or gloss black.

 

[azheat]

I like the satin black all over idea. If you do it and don't see enough contrast, you can always hit those areas you mentioned with a gloss clear coat or gloss black.

Agreed, I think that's what I'm gonna do. Like you said, easy enough to hit it with gloss after.......

 

[azheat]

Quick update on Vader, I have everything printed except his head, which is what I'm doing now. I'm starting to glue the pieces together and this is where I'm at. This is still very raw, need to sand and bondo the seams, but it's coming along. This is gonna be a tall figure at 6'6"...............

 

[azheat]

I had to briefly hit the pause button on these builds, but slowly getting back at it. Just need to finish Vader's head, then bondo the seams, then prep and paint. He's tall, Luke's legs are on the right for comparison. I'm really loving how he's turning out, looking forward to painting this one.............

 

[BudaFett]

Dang that's a big boy!

 

[azheat]

Still a bit side-lined, but managed to finish up Vader. These take some work, but I love working on them and it keeps my mind occupied. I'm real pleased with how he came out. He's huge; 6' - 6" tall with a rotating head, adjustable arms, and sliding lightsaber, just like the original. I really wanted to paint the saber red, but decided to stay faithful to the original figure and used a Husqvarna orange. I love it! I'm trying to source some material for his cape so I can add that as an option for those who buy the file, one less step for them. In the meantime, an 8 gram PEVA shower curtain works fantastic! (I just need to get some of the wrinkles out, tried to steam it but no luck.) The problem with so much of the material I'm finding locally is it's all lined, not double sided.

Anyway, on to the next figure............

 

[DennisFett1142]

The cape really completes the look! Agree that the urge to paint the saber red is strong, but accuracy was the better decision. Great work!

 

[azheat]

The cape really completes the look! Agree that the urge to paint the saber red is strong, but accuracy was the better decision. Great work!

Totally agree, thanks!

 

[GRINCH]

WOW!!! I want one