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We're all familiar with the classic space helmet- a simple clear glass helmet not unlike a fishbowl. I need a source of somthing that can work as that. I intend to put my own heads inside them, so they need to be hollow. Somthing shaped like the clear plastic eggs you get in a vending machine would work, but it'd need to be 35mm scale. Does anyone know of what I could use?

Could you provide a link to this kind of helmet? I've never seen a helmet in space fiction that was clear. Nothing comes to mind at this moment, but maybe some reference pics could help.

That's very surprising to me, they where a hallmark of 50's and 60's sci-fi. Something like this:

Oh ok, been on a deadspace binge lately and all I can think about is the current look of fiction space helms. Sadly I wouldn't even begin to know how to find a helmet like that, let alone in a large quantity

You could try some of the heroclix minis. A Mr. Freeze mini, might provide you with what you need. Sadly, the kind of piece that you are looking for is hard to find. I made a custom star wars mini using the Mr. Freeze helmet once before. The character was the c3po like character with a skull inside of a helmet like that who was cut from the first Force Unleashed game. Of course star wars and heroclix are of a smaller scale.

It just hit me!!! What about taking pills and breaking them apart? They wouldn't be fish bowl like, but they would work!









Yes I think that would work. You just need to find a clear capsule, cut it apart, empty it, and bingo!

What about small light bulbs?
I haven't tried it but perhaps you could get the glass bit off, may be a bit of a trial to find the correct shape though

Try finding larger LEDs. They might have rubber/plastic coverings.

You can buy empty gelatin capsule from a health food store.

These were what I had in mind sort of,

http://www.maplin.co.uk/round-mes-type-e10-1977

http://www.maplin.co.uk/lilliput-les-bulb-1968

thesearmsarerob wrote:These were what I had in mind sort of,

http://www.maplin.co.uk/round-mes-type-e10-1977

http://www.maplin.co.uk/lilliput-les-bulb-1968

Cutting glass, especially glass that thin, is going to be an exercise in frustration IMO (even for a skilled modeler).

What about translucent Sculpey? You could mould it to the head in question (very thin for best effect) then remove and bake it.

Some AT-43 Karmans have such helmets, maybe you can loot them.

What if you just got clear resin and then cast painted heads inside of the resin. It would be clear and you could get the exact size you need

Cobalt miniatures did exactly what you are looking for.
See here. I'd email him to see if you can get the domes seperate.

I wanted to do something like this a year ago and had no luck. I even looked at odd stuff like makeup and nail vanish and clear plastic xmas stuff. I couldnt find anything i could use. I even posted on the maxi mini forum but no joy. And had a go at using clear pva glue in a green stuff mold. If you find a way then im stealing ur idea!

This is a fantastic idea...I love the concept.

Perhaps look through your local arts and crafts store...perhaps they may have some hollow clear beads that might work.

All good ideas, this is why I love you guys. I've seen the AT-43 gorlilla guys and they would work, but I think buying one for every model in my army will cause my wallet to hang itself from the rafters.
@Grimtuff: That guy's figures are pretty rad and will work. I'll have to see if I can secure the helmets.
I like the clear resin idea too. How about that water effects stuff that dries crystal clear? Does anyone know how solid it dries?

Search for suppliers of plastic parts. It's surprising what a variety of standard shapes like dome and globes are available.

Clear resin dries clear and solid.

Somewhere on Dakka people were talking about a new reusable material for casting your own miniatures.

You might try doing a mold with that, then inserting the head, and pouring clear resin into the mold. You might need to attach the head to something (like a pin sideways) to position correctly in the depression. I'm thinking it would work like freezing fruit in ice cube trays.

That molding material doesn't bond to green stuff, but I don't know how it will interact with clear resin or water effects.

Depending on the size, you might look at a lab supply company for test tubes or other small glass containers and remove the ends using a glass cutter.

Finally, many pills come in a container made of clear plastic blisters, one for each pill, sealed with foil and paper on one side. You might be able to find a pill of the right size and use those plastic blisters.

Cannibal wrote:All good ideas, this is why I love you guys. I've seen the AT-43 gorlilla guys and they would work, but I think buying one for every model in my army will cause my wallet to hang itself from the rafters.
@Grimtuff: That guy's figures are pretty rad and will work. I'll have to see if I can secure the helmets.
I like the clear resin idea too. How about that water effects stuff that dries crystal clear? Does anyone know how solid it dries?

If you check your local Michael's or Hobby Lobby, you can buy a quart jug of clear acrylic for about $25.