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| kurtweinreich | Oct 3 2006, 05:24 AM |
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Newbie
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With all the information floating around and the need for some original projects, I ran across a little inspiration... As an avid scuba diver (I am actually training for my Master Scuba Diver status), I couldn't help myself to want to create one of these. Previous projects from other troopers for this costume also inspired me with their great work...    The main difference in my version will be THAT IT WILL WORK! That's right, I am going to attempt to make a fully functional Sea Trooper. How? Here is the plan... ARMOR: Obvious similarities to the biker scout, which I will be getting locally. I am not convinced the actual leg armor is the TK leg. I may model it after the Galactic Marine leg armor and add the dive knife unless someone has a better idea. After that base, the next step will be to make it functional. I consulted with my dive shop/club to see if this would even be possible. My plan was to just take some cool pictures and maybe some video in the pool, but they want to go all the way and take to the depths (over 30' deep) into the reservoir. This requires some adjustments including... REGULATOR: I will be installing a dual-hose regulator to the helmet. This will allow obvious "accuracy" but mainly keep the bubbles from coming out into the helmet. This is also a real regulator which will attach to a real tank.  HELMET: To achieve total accuracy, the helmet would have to become the mask. But for equalization, that is not safe. So I will be wearing a low-profile dive mask under the Bikerscout mask. BELT: To descend to depth, you need weights. I am modifying weight belt to compensate for that and it will be colored white. I can also use a black weight belt and color the weights white. The armor will have to worn accordingly and possibly attached to the weight belt...  BUOYANCY: The other issue is Buoyancy control to ascend and descend. This is usually accomplished by an inflatable vest which will "balloon" and look really weird. I am overcoming this with a REAR inflatable, in which the air inflates from BEHIND and will not effect the front armor at all. ACCESSORIES: Other items need for actual diving include a compass, depth gauge, backup regulator, and dive computer which is usually on an extra hose. The compass and dive computer can go on the wrist, but for safety the backup regulator will have to hang around. That's the plan. It should be fun. Obviously putting it together comes first. Cal is helping with that part. There are some items I need to paint white (any ideas on good paint that will last underwater?). The dive shop is helping with the technical aspects and is very excited. They will have students learning underwater photography and videography filming my tests, which Phase I will be in the pool and Phase II will be at the Aurora Reservoir diving around a plane wreck they have there. This will be an interesting challenge. Any help and/or suggestions are welcome. Maybe when it is all done, it might make the magazine, website, or even a demo tank at CIV.... |
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| Functional Sea Trooper · Sea Troopers | |
9:55 AM Nov 28
