|
 |
|
RS Prop Masters
ESB Snowtrooper Helmet
|
|
 |
| If you ask discerning prop collectors now as to who makes the most
accurate helmets and armor, its quite likely they're going to respond
with "RS Prop Masters". Here at StarWarsHelmets, we've already run
reviews on their excellent
ANH/ESB Stormtrooper
helmet/armor as well as the recent
RotJ Scout Trooper helmet - an
on both occasions can verify that if screen-accuracy is your thing, then
you don't need to look an further.
So to tie in with our new page on the
original screen-used
Snowtroopers, we're taking a close look at RS Prop Masters new ESB
Snowtrooper helmet to see if it lives up to the hype. |
|
 |
| As background to this, a couple of years ago we learned that the
team behind RS Prop Masters were successful in buying an ESB
production-made Snowtrooper helmet at one of the high-profile UK
auctions. They've subsequently used that helmet to create a new master
mould - and these helmets have been vac-formed from that mould. So these
helmets have clear lineage to the helmets we see on-screen - and looking
at them you that's evidently clear. |
 |
|
Above a comparison against one of the original screen-used Snowtrooper
helmets (the original left, the RS Prop Masters right). Note that it's not
a perfect set-up as the helmets weren't side by side (plus the original
is pristine as opposed to the RS's is weathered). But either way it
shows how accurate this helmet is - and again fully demonstrates why RS
are seen as the leading helmet makers right now. |
|
 |
| Above, a nice front-on shot of the RS's "Alan Flyng Signature
Edition" Snowtrooper helmet in all its glory. Alan had a number of
roles including both Stormtrooper and Snowtrooper in ESB - so its cool
that RS approached him for this particular helmet. RS also does a
pristine version of the Snowtrooper - but we love the look of this
particular helmet and the way it matches the grimy, weathered appearance
of its on-screen counterparts. |
|
 |
| Above a shot of the
production-made helmet RS used as their master (minus its PVC vinyl face
cowl). When you compare this to RS's finished helmet, you can see what a
great job they've done matching both the overall dimensions, as well as
the specific detailing such as the cuts around the eyes, and down the
sides of the helmet section.
|
|
 |
| Above a view looking down from slightly on high. The PVC vinyl is
fairly thick but still quite flexible enough that you can move it around
if you're trying to match a specific on-screen helmet. Note that
on top of the Signature Edition shown here, RS are also producing
all-white pristine helmets. |
|
 |
| Above and below a couple of shots from the side and rear. Like the
originals, the RS Prop Masters replica is made from the vac-formed ABS
sections; the dome, lower helmet (which wraps round joining to the dome
along the seam) and the goggles/beak section. These are then glued
together and the two-part cowl/rear sections of PVC vinyl added. |
|
 |
| Below another beauty shot of this superb helmet. If you're
interested in more background info on the original screen-used
Snowtroopers then then check out
this new page which
explains how George Lucas' ideas were visualised by designs by Ralph
McQuarrie and Joe Johnston - and then realised in John Mollo's finished
costumes. |
|
 |
| Side shot - nothing much to add here. Its difficult to see from
these shots but the helmet as the usual green acetate "lens"
material behind the eyes (same as the Stunt Stormtrooper helmets). |
|
 |
|
Below, the overall package you get with the "Alan Flyng Signature
Edition" is really great and further enhances its collectability -
not least as its limited to just 100 helmets. The pack includes the
weathered helmet itself, signed and numbered plaque, display stand and
edition photo. It's really pleasing when the smaller, artisan companies
are able to match the quality of the overall package that the licensed
producers produce. In fact its more than that - since from a
screen-accuracy perspective, RS Prop Masters are a country mile ahead. |
|
 |
|
Below a couple of shots of it next to an RS Prop Masters
ESB Stormtrooper helmet. We're going to do some side by side comparisons
against the Anovos Snowtrooper soon - but in this case we just thought
it might be interesting for those wondering about its size and
colouring, next to a Stormtrooper helmet. |
|
 |
|
Looking at these two side by side there's no doubt that the 'Cloud-City
pristine' Stormtrooper and the 'Hoth fire-fight' Snowtrooper make a very
nice combo. |
|
 |
| Like the other RS Prop Masters Stormtrooper and Scout Trooper
helmets we've reviewed, they've used an original/production source
helmet for the mould, replicated the manufacturing process and materials
exactly - and delivered a completed helmet which in years to come will
probably cause much head-scratching from those trying to differentiate
it from an original. So in summary its great to be able to report that
this is another really superb helmet from RS Prop Masters - who
have
again demonstrated just why they're seen as the leading producer of
ultra-accurate Original Trilogy
helmets. Over the years there have been very few Snowtrooper helmet
replicas made, let alone one with this level of accuracy - so collectors
now at last have the chance to finally nail this illusive character.
|
|
click here for Original
Snowtroopers |
|
click here for more
Fan-Made Snowtroopers |
