LIFESIZE DARTH VADER

I made this display for my own personal collection, paying homage to the 3rd, and final, installment of the Star Wars movie saga. With over 6 months of research and development invested, each armor component is expertly crafted in black gel coated fiberglass with a  6-layer automotive paint and clear coat finish. 

Make NO MISTAKE, this is NOT a mass marketed halloween costume.  As you will see in the pictures, there has been no detail overlooked in representing the new "Revenge of the Sith" Darth Vader suit.By now you may have noticed a remarkable difference between the "Revenge of the Sith" Darth Vader suit and the "Original Trilogy" Darth Vader suit.

Some of the items redesigned include the following ..

Re-designed Chest Box

Re-designed Shin Guards

Re-designed Chest Armor and Shoulder Bells

Re-designed Face Mask

Re-designed Helmet Dome

Re-designed Codpiece

Re-designed Belt Boxes and Belt Buckle

One of a kind custom display stand and mannequin

Helmet / Facemask

This Helmet and Facemask were diligently designed to reflect the "NEW" Episode III mask.  A well-known, original, collectors helmet base was, literally, deconstructed into many pieces and digitally reduced and resculpted from the ground up. The biggest reflection to note on the "Episode III" helmet is that it is almost perfectly "Symmetrical". This is illustrated in the new "Trilogy DVD Box Set" that was released last September. There is a featurette that shows how the "Episode III" mask was made. No detail was spared as it was the centerpiece of this project.  This helmet is complete with machined aluminum "Tusks", metal screens, and acrylic lenses.  The dome to facemask attachment is guaranteed to be not only STABLE, STATIONARY, and  EASY TO USE, but VERY unique !  It won't creep or move while wearing and it will NEVER allow the dome to come in contact with the painted facemask creating rub areas or scratches.

And lastly, this dome has an accurate inner skirt fiber glassed into position, for strength and a beautiful finish ... just like the "Episode III" Vader dome.

Additionally, the one feature that is the most unique overall, is that the silver "Nose Area" of the facemask is NOT simply painted, it  is an ACTUAL ALUMINUM  insert ... just like the original "Screen  Used" Episode III mask !

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Chest Armor / Shoulder Bellls

The second most integral part of reflecting the difference between an "Original Trilogy" suit and an "Episode III" suit.  It would appear, at first glance, that the shoulders are "molded" to the chest armor on the "Episode III" suit. But, on closer inspection, you will note that  they are, in fact, separate pieces that are hinged for movement. When they are at rest in a normal pose, it gives the appearance that they are seamless with the chest armor  but allow free movement when neccesary. You will see in the pictures below that this has, in fact, been captured. The chest armor is also shaped untraditionally in contrast with the "Original Trilogy Armor".  It's simply a cleaner, more refined, fresh, new look.

Electronic Chest Box

 The Revenge of the Sith chest box has a green button where there used to be a blue button in the original trilogy movies. The coin slots are cast aluminum, the chest rods and rocker switches are machined aluminum .  This is the original box I made before there was enough reference. I have since designed a "Movie Accurate" version that I haven't taken pictures of yet. 

In case your interested in the awesome electronics that are inside of this box, or any of he others I make, you should contact Brian at nagupak@gmail.com .  He does amazing electronics work, and is a pleasure to deal with. And what's more, he's VERY reasonable.  

Electronic Belt Boxes

Again, a direct reflection of the re-design of the new suit for "Episode III". Each box is fiberglass with separate electronics and battery sources. Each box houses a 9-volt battery and a concealed switch. They are also complete with accurate metal screening and aluminum buttons. They are VERY light and VERY strong. You can see them on the belt attached to the codpiece.

Custom Machined Belt Buckle

This is pretty self-explanatory, however, it has been designed to reflect the subtle change of the new suit.  The aluminum portion is permanently mounted to a black powder-coated, gloss aluminum plate. It will last through the ages.  You can see it on the belt mounted to the codpiece.

Shin Guards

Fresh new sculpt. Most shin guards are extremely large and,  in many cases, have to be cut down to size if you're not in proportion with the "Original Trilogy" Vader. These have also been reduced in size for accuracy while capturing the exact detail of the new "Episode III" suit.  

Gloves

Custom made from soft leather in the tradition of the new "Episode III" style. They are shorter in the gauntlet area as well as much lighter in weight.  "Episode III"  stitching designs are incorporated.

As you can see in the picture, the left glove seems to have a hand in it? Well, it does. It is a lifelike custom made "detachable" hand that mounts to the wrist of the mannequin with a standard mannequin limb connector and recepticle.  I left the glove on the hand, because I only display this suit.

Imitation Leather Suit (Larry Green Productions)

This is "THE" definitive imitation leather suit available in my opinion. Most people that see it  actually argue that it isn't leather at all. It's very supple with a matte finish, unlike some that are sold on e-bay that look like patent leather (glossy). I decided on imitation leather not only for cost effectiveness, but more importantly,  leather would not have worked for this suit.  At least none of those that are available for purchase, because the "Episode III" suit has a "baggy" appearance. Most of the leather suits available, albeit high quality leather and soft to the touch, unfortuntately  have a more "stiff" appearance. This is not the right  look for  the "Episode  III"  Vader.

Codpiece (Connects to belt as in ROTS)

Unlike previous movie versions which were padded leather, the "Episode III" codpiece actually has a rigid "core". To represent this, a custom-made fiberglass form was designed. The fiberglass form was then professionally covered in imitation leather and a custom matching insert was made for the center. It is felt backed to keep the suit from being scratched or marked. It has an attatched nylon webbing strap and buckle for securing it around the waist, as well as, a hook and loop fastening system for the electronic belt to attach to the codpiece. Whereas this doesn't seem right for "Original Trilogy" Vaders out there, this is, in fact, how the 'Episode III" belt is designed. There are "Notches" on each side of the top of the codpiece to allow  the electronic belt boxes to fit "Flush" and snug to the codpiece for a seamless fit around your waist, or the waist of the mannequin.

Boots

16" high calf , quality imitation leather boots. Size 11.5. This decision was made simply because I could not find a proper style boot in leather that matched the "Episode III" Vader.  Again, they are of great quality.

Cape and Inner Robe

These beauties were custom made by a real pro. Some differences to note about the new "Episode III" style. The cape no longer has a "Leather" collar as it did in the "Original Trilogy", it's more of a wool felt, like the rest of the material that the cape is made from. The exact material is a Wool/Rayon mix. This was chosen in the tradition of the "Episode III" Vader suit as it is lighter and flows easier but still has enough weight to drape across the broad shoulders properly. The cape is satin lined. The Inner Robe is made of the same material but is also designed much differently that the "Original Trilogy" style. It is form-tapered to create the "V" shape of the torso that you see in the pictures, as does the actual "Episode III" Vader suit. These pieces can be seen in the gallery photos below.

Master Replica's Force FX Electronic Darth Vader Lightsaber

This outstanding saber replica has both light and sound. Most everyone is familiar with this saber. It adds to the overall "Display". It features saber clashing effects, saber ignition, and saber swinging sound effects. A must have for a truly awe-inspiring display. 

Custom Display Stand

Last, but definitely NOT least. This is one of a kind.

You won't find it in any stores or even on-line for that matter. Someone may try to replicate it from these pictures, but it's not this one. A custom fabricated fiberglass facade that houses four flourescent lights. Mounted to a 3/4-inch plywood base and highly detailed to represent the"Molten Lava" from the fateful planet of "Mustafar" where Anakin becomes Darth Vader ! The display stand simply plugs right into any standard wall outlet. The effect  that allows the light to shine through  the "Lava" is my little secret, but as you can see by the pics, it's just down right amazing. The Display plaque that is mounted in the middle of the base is also illuminated by a small, 4-watt flourescent fixture, complete with a switch on the back.  The plaque can be plugged in using a wall outlet or it can be battery powered.