Part 2. Pepakura.

As said before, scaling is making the 3D models the correct size so when you print them and build them, they will fit you properly. In the Pepakura Designer program go to 2D Menu-> Change Scale-> Scale Factor. A small window should appear, with boxes for height, width and depth, each filled with default numbers for theitem. Measure the length of the body part the armor goes to and plug that into the height category, in mm. For weapons, look up the appropriate length, and plug that into the length box, remember to use mm! Remember you only have to fill in one box, the others will update according to what you plugged into the box you filled in. Click okay and the pieces on the 2D window will change in size.You may have to take your mouse and drag some pieces around so they don't cut across pages.

Visit these helpful threads to learn how to scale the files you have to your body
Threads on scaling: http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...r-Tutorial-V.2
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...-More-Tutorial
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...-Armor-Scaling

Make sure to scale correctly, it is such a pain to spend o much time on something just to find out it doesn’t fit.

Once you have scaled your file, print it and begin the tedious process of cutting all of the pieces out. It is also helpful to score (lightly cut) the dashed lines before you cut the pieces out.

After you finish cutting, if you have not done so already you have to score the fold edges of the pieces, (The dotted lines). This can be done with pens, using separate colors for mountain and valley folds, or lightly cutting with a razor knife. Make sure to use a ruler to get a clean score!

Once your pieces are cut and scored you will have to fold them, mountain folds are usually gray and represented by a dotted line (………..) These you fold like this /\. Valley folds are the opposite, being folded like a “V” and are usually represented by a red dotted and dashed line (._._._._._._._.).

Now comes gluing. Take your glue and glue the pieces together according to the matching numbers, some files do not have numbers, for files like those using the Pepakura Viewer program to click pieces to see how they connect will be your lifesaver. Using Pepakura Viewer also helps even if files have the numbers, as there are usually many pieces and finding one number out of 500 can be a pain.

If you need more help with the Pepakura Stage, check these threads.
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...%28or-noobs%29
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...Pepakura-Armor
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...-Mjolnir-Armor

Making Replicas: Getting Started.

Hello, My name is Max and I am here to teach you how to take your favorite weapon, armor, or item, from a movie or video game, and fabricate it in real life. This process is lengthy and can be difficult, but the end result is worth the work. The website, the 405th.com contains a wealth of information pertaining to making replicas and loads of information about this hobby can be found there.

To start the creation of your first replica prop, you will only need a few things.
-Cardstock: Most people use 110 lb cardstock so their creations don’t warp, as in lean to one direction or have squished areas.

- Cutting tools: Most people use razor pens and exacto knives and those are highly recommended for their ease of use and cutting accuracy. If you are not allowed to use knives, a nice sharp pair of scissors will work as well.

- Glue: You have a few options for glue. Some people like myself use hot glue, others use super glue, and I have even heard of some people using fabric glue. Basically you need something that dries quickly and strong.

-Pepakura Designer and Viewer: These programs are needed to open and use .pdo files and print them out so you can make your armor with them.

Link: http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/ (At the moment you will only need the free versions, you only need the paid versions if you plan to 3D model or get a CraftROBO machine, which I will go over later.)

Now that you have your materials you will need files for the pepakura program containing the parts you want to build.
Halo Pepakura Files:
-Reach File Thread: http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...a-Files-Thread
-All-in-One Halo File Pack: http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...-Pepakura-Pack
-Other files can be found here: http://halocostuming.wikia.com/wiki/Pepakura_File_Index

Fallout Files:
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...les-References

Gears of War Files:
http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/7160-Cog-Armor


Still don’t have what you want?
If you still can’t find it, you can request a 3D model or Pepakura file in the threads below, however it may take a while, or not happen at all.
3D Modeling Requests: http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...Model-Requests
Pepakura File Requests: http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...akura-Requests

If you really want that file you can’t find anywhere, you can try to make it yourself, or try to make files so others in the community can use them, here’s a great tutorial on how to start on 3D modeling: http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/...dge-Aquired%29

Now that you have your files, you are probably ready to finally get started. First, open up Pepakura Viewer and go to File, Open. Find your file you downloaded and select it. Now you should see the model in the window and on the other side a layout of the parts on the paper. If you don’t see the parts on the paper the file may be an .obj file that hasn’t been unfolded, a.k.a taken apart so you can print it. You can look around for a helpful member that may be willing to unfold it for you. If it has come up, you can use the program to click pieces on the model to help you see how to put it together.

Now open Pepakura Designer and open up the file just like you did with the Viewer program. We’re now going to have to make the armor big or small enough to fit us, because everyone isn’t the same size. Visit soon for part 2.