Cybershade

[bobarian]

I am working on a Cybershade costume for myself and my son for Dragon*con 2013.  I am looking around for somebody to make the masks.  I think the rest of it will be fairly easy but I am struggling with the masks.  I have reached out to some folks about fiberglass masks.  Does anybody else have any ideas?  Thanks  bob

Comments

[eve11]

Vaccu-forming or maybe building up a costume mask with paper mache or some kind of clay?

[13doctorwho]

There are a couple things you could do.

The simplest (but least accurate) is to find a Cyberman voice changer (they still pop up and eBay and such) and spray paint it copper.

You could also make it out of paper mache.

The way I would go is to sculpt everything but the pipes and make a mold. Then you can cast it out of whatever you like. I would use a resin and avoid fiberglass. Fiberglass is a lot of work, nasty to work with, messy and nasty to work with.

You have an advantage because it's a mask and not helmet like a full cyberman.

You could also buy one of those decorate it yourself masks from Hobby Lobby and just build onto it with epoxy putty or any of the other materials mentioned above.

I hope something in there helps.

[sparky042]

Cybershade mask plans from BBC here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/s4/misc/advent08/december_13

Also, Google "Cybershade Mask" and you'll find several tutorials people have made on building this costume. Also be sure to check the "Google Images" tab.

Finally, for the top loops, go to Home Depot and check their plumbing section for copper tubes and fittings - PVC pipe is too thick for this job.

[sparky042]

If you choose to go that route, once you have the BBC's PDF of the Cybershade Mask plans to use as a template, you can then use a PEPAKURA technique to transform it into a viable workable mask, as detailed over on the REPLICA PROPS FORUM (aka The RPF) http://www.therpf.com/f24/pepakura-question-thread-please-read-rules-first-87056/

It's really worth the time to look into the amazing Iron Man helmets, etc. built with this technique.

One upside - it would seem that you have the luxury of time to invest in this project. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

You might also want to Google "Cyberman Builders Forum" and/or "Cyberman Builders Group" to locate the several groups dedicated to what are attempting... For example: http://cybermanbuildersgroup.yuku.com/topic/472/Pepakura-cybershade-file-found

[laughingmagpie]

Pepakura techniques usually have you use fiberglass and resin to cover the paper (and automotive body filler, and lots of sanding...), and this process gives fantastic smooth, glossy results and is great for shiny curves.

Since there aren't a lot of compound curves on your mask - the sections are angular and curve either in one direction or just slightly in two directions - you could probably achieve this with low-temp thermo-plastic sheets like wonderflex or worbla. You can heat them with heat guns (or even a good hairdryer) and shape them easily without needing a vacuforming table.

[synchra]

Oh man I have been wanting to make a costume of that crazy thing since I first saw it! hahaha. Another thing you could do is sculpt the mask and cast it in resin.

Here's a tutorial:
http://qarrezel.deviantart.com/art/Mask-Making-Demo-Part-A-102797331?

There is also tons of videos on YouTube if you look up how to do this.

This artist is also a really amazing mask maker but I am unsure of if she would do custom ones?
http://www.missmonster.com/
No harm in contacting her though!

Good luck! I cannot wait to see this done.

Cybershade

[bobarian]

I really appreciate all of the great ideas. My biggest problem is that I do not have the time and I definitely, DEFINITELY do not have the skill to do this myself. I was really hoping to find somebody to make the masks for me. I have been trolling around Etsy and I have been coming up empty. Does anybody know somebody with the skill and desire to commission?

thanks again

Bob

Re: Cybershade

[sparky042]

You might want to check the Cyberman Builders Forums or the RPF - some builders offer their goods for sale - also, it might generate leads to smiths who accept commissions.

Just a thought.

Re: Cybershade

[synchra]

This will sound kind of nuts, but what fandom is better at making insanely awesome complicated resin masks than the furry fandom? Make a post about it here and you may find an artist willing to make a Cybershade mask for you: http://fursuitauctions.livejournal.com/

Make sure you check out the artists work first (if they offer) to see if they are up to par for what you would like. It may run you up to $400 as a warning though! Might be able to snag something for $100 though because it is all one piece and doesn't require a moving jaw or teeth or anything like that. Good luck if you take that route!

You also might wanna check out an anime cosplay community (maybe there is one for those people who make the awesome mechs?) but I know less about that.