Edit: I think this is supposed to go in the For Sale section. If that’s the case, please move it.
This is a theoretical interest thread. There are no plans to be producing this, even if there is interest, for at least several months (and not likely in time for Halloween). So it’s all hypothetical right now.
Would people be interested in a vacuformed Proton Pack shell? I’m thinking that this would address some of the cost issues with build a first pack. This would probably be a middle ground item with a modest price tag attached to it. The detail won’t be as sharp as a fiberglass shell, but would be cheaper and maybe a bit lighter and easier to work on.
The pack shell would likely be a single piece, and likely reinforced with fiberglass for extra strength.
I’m not sure about cost. I’m just curious if there is a market for this.
That’s exactly why I asked. The thing I don’t like about the StudioCreations shell is the two piece design. From what I’ve seen, that connection isn’t very pretty, and I’m concerned that it could bring down a prop. That’s why I proposed a one piece shell.
As a former vaccer. I must say that the detail could infracf be as good as a fiberglass shell, if you built a negative mold to do pulls from. But it would take longer to make. But a sharper one part shell would wind up saving on vac time and sell for more.
Or go the other route, with a more accurate main part shell, and let the customers add the detalis like fins, cyclotron washers n such that vacuforming cannot properly reproduce.
If the basic main componants were accomplished, added the rest and creating a better looking vacuform pack would be easier.
Vac form plastic degrades after a time, and is no where as sturdy as a fiber glass shell. The quality and life span of a plastic shell can be greatly expanded by setting down a layer of fiberglass within the shell. It also gives the surface more depth and makes the plastic less prone to cracking at corners and seams.
I myself have a great vac shell waiting to be made into a proton pack, and I’m going to fiberglass the inside.
I haven’t seen one in person, but a friend of mine has one, and said that his soul weeps everytime he looks at it (apparently). I’m not sure which one it is.
A kit works. I was thinking of dropping some of the details (like the washers). Those seem to be the detail issues I’m concerned with.
Yeah if I were you I’d make a “vac pack” with no details such as the fins or bottom plates so that people could use (for instance) Umori’s great aluminum parts on the shell.
All of the fins and cosmetic plating have been added separately. I really should upload pics of the completed pack. It’s only been finished for over a year. lol
Austin: is there a for sale listing on your vac shell, with pics of it without the additional detailing? (Still looking through your pics, but it looks great!)
I recall you working on this, but don’t recall ever seeing a for sale thread on them. Halloween and Dragoncon are just around the corner, so its a good time to advertise!
I don’t know if there is a chemical reaction that I am unaware of, but the fact that resin heats up as is cures can cause quite a headache. I’ve had to hold things under a cold tap while the resin cured to prevent warping.
