A little more info before pictures.

Goal of project: Keep the price of the costume and everything that goes into it below $150.

personal level of experience: Novice (my friend who is a fashion student will be assisting for the mask and suit)

Level of costume complexity: easy mode (suit)
hard (mask requires de-constructioning and creativity to make it look authentic)

Prop weapons of choice:
Backburner
Shotgun
Axtenguisher (forgive the typo)

Prop complexity:
normal mode- Backburner
hard mode- Axtinguisher (have to mod a halloween prop)
Hardmode- Shotgun (from scratch)

sage for no pics

Picture number one of the mask. This was after 4 hours of work stripping everything off and out of it and then painting shit on it. I'll give a more detailed explanation tomorrow when I'm not so tired.

here's the mask I bought from an army surplus store. $24.99 for the Russian GP-5 Civilian gas mask. so you can sort of see what we did to alter it. I'll provide some more angle shot for you to see.

Sorry for the bad angle and deflated mask. Most of the mounted models online used a different filter system then the one I bought, I just wanted to be accurate when showing you.

A close up angle of the default mask. Note the filter on the nose piece and the rubber lining piece that you can see in the eye piece were removed during the modification process. Removing the filter required pliers to bend the metal prongs holding the filter to the mask upwards to remove the guard ring to pull the filter completely out. The rubber part in the eyepieces were completely cut out because we had no idea the practicality of the piece.

Interior pictures of the mask will be provided tomorrow with more commentary.

here's a better look at the front of the mask so you can see the removed rubber piece and the modified nose piece.

a bit more info:

In order to properly paint the mask (the defualt color was grey) you must stretch it as you are painting or it will loose its ability to stretch properly. I solved this problem by mounting the mask on a male manniquin head while painting it to have it stretched out. Plasti dip is great as it leaves little to no paint streaks from the brushes (with one layer even) and dries rather quickly outside. the smell is pretty bad though, I left it in the garage for three days before bringing it inside.

If you guys have questions or want me to take a more specific picture of the mask I can do that. This is a help tutorial and if you want more info on the places I got stuff, how comfortable a certain item is or anything else, Don't be afraid to speak up. :)

>>71
I did that same bit for mine stretching it over a male foam head. But I used spray. It tends to rip after so much use though. How thick did you put it on?

>>88
this is just after one layer of using the actual plasti-dip paint rather then the spray. I have yet to test out how much wearing the mask can take before the paint falls off. I figured maybe the paint would last longer then the spray due to the user being able to control how much actually goes on the mask.

How much wearing did your mask take before it fell?

I'm loving this thread. I'm doing Pyro for Anime North, and I have that same mask. What was the exact name of the paint? I just want to make sure that I have everything right.

>>119
>>58
>>88
Why didn't any of you just buy a BLACK gas mask?

>>120
Lot of times it's pretty difficult finding the GP-5 mask in black on ebay. I know I've spent a lot of time looking before I could find one.

>>124
http://bit.ly/cfcWGh

Black Russian Gas Mask, $10.00, comes with a nice military bag.

>>125
I know it's not on eBay, but it's just my 2 cents.

>>125
Thank you for that link, Ceiling Man. The more info for the pyro cosplayers the better. If you can confirm that the site is credible we could have a resource list goin' on in here. I personally wouldn't mind at all, as I still have parts of the costume I still need to get.

>>119

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xmi/R-202196703/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Take a look at the lid on the can, the little circle sticker show you what color it is in the paint can. I went to home depot and bought this but you guys can most likely get it cheaper elsewhere.

>>120

You have no idea how long I've been searchign around the net looking for the black mask. I just gave up and looked for a military store nearby that I could walk in and purchase it on the spot. It came with the big-ass filer, hose and everything.

Nice to see the thread finally picking up a bit so here's an update. My fabric for the suit just came in today! It's a stretch Latex that perfectly matches the red pyro's suit! Hopefully my friend will allow me to drop by this weekend so we can start on it or somethin'.

Link: http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/723 (3 yards purchased)

>>128
I can confirm their credibility, my package earlier than expected and in great condition.

>>131
That's great! Thank you for the confirmation, Ceiling Man.

Alright kids! Lady has a new update! Today her comrade will come over to work on the costume! I'll be sure to take loads of pictures of our steps and upload em here.

**People who can contribute (pictures and their own tutorials) to the pyro cosplay thread: Radio and Ceiling Man

If anyone has confirmed links of places to get parts for general pyro cosplay, you are free to do so.

Items I need:

Black boots (cheaper then $20)

>>136
Last time I tried to work on my Pyro costume, I found these at my local Wal*Mart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Men-s-Tiller-Lug-Sole-Boots/12187912

They kinda fit, and they're $20.00.

Alright kids, new info INCOMING

We folded the 3 yard fabric in half and laid it on the ground with the insolation face up instead of the red spandex material. We then cut this paper paintman's suit into two pieces, as it was all one piece and laid it over the fabric. I then took a pen (NO SHARPIES) and traced the fabric. Then I used a ruler and made an additional inch to the design because my friends said I should. after that I left it alone and went working on the mask.

the painter suit we used as a pattern: http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Paint-Accessories-Apparel/KLEENGUARD/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xmiZboaoZ57n/R-202066657/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051
&catalogId=10053 (they only had X-large as the smallest size)

The inside of the mask. See the spray paint can acting as a stabilizer for the nose piece? I cut out a layer of the fabric shielding the inside of the mask from the world due to the fact it was hot as hell in the mask. Have to cut down the plastic paint size because it scratches my face when I have it on.

Painted the gold trim to silver.

Now this is the intresting part, making tint for the eyepiece. I got some 35% tint from Walmart so I could modify how dark I made the lens and still be able to see the world without the world seeing me. I found 3 layers worked so I made 2 of them and pushed them inside the mask rings holding the lens in place.

Walmart is dumb and doesn't have the film on their website. "Black magic 35% tint Film" is what I bought. (note: the higher the number of percentage on the product, the lighter the film is.)

tinted circles say hai

Here's the 90% finished mask. Gonna have to do some cuts in the rubber to make the mask stop trying to kill my face when I put it on and allow it to expand a bit more. Plastic inside needs to be cut and the mask repainted with another coat once the expansion is complete.

Gonna start working on the backburner tonight. expect pictures. :)

derp, gotta get some Arizona tea cans too and work on the side filter and flashbangs.

>>71

Props for plasti-dip. Made my bandolier bullets using that stuff. The xylene/toluene fumes are nasty though ugh

>>185
yeah, but three days out in the garage reduced the smell on the mask, thank god. But when having the mask on, you smell nothing. It's kind of creepy...

>>188
Well, isn't that what it's supposed to do?

>>189
Yess but I didn't think our substitute "filter" would work so well at the time. lolforlatereply

Gonna try to work on some of the minor props this weekend. Airtank, flash bangs, etc. Also gonna try to buy the boots today if I can.

>>228
Pyro Flash Bangs, eh?

Also, this image was sent to me by a friend. Because she's awesome

>>232
I love you. marry me. <3

>>233
You know, I don't hate this.

>>232
Just spreading the awesome

>>232
i like these, my only thing is that the orange/yellow stripe sticks out whereas on the model it's painted.

i used plastic pencil holders from home depot & spraypaint. no photo as i am the laze atm.

Where can i find the gloves? I can only find plain black gloves and I'm almost willing to paint on the yellow trim but I'm pretty sure it would crack off easily.

>>315
Oh yeah, forgot to post about that.

I bought em at Homedepot.

have a link: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xmi/R-202188319/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

>>315
yellow plasti-dip.

I bring you a thanksgiving gift. A reference sheet from gmod that I made. note it was done in Paint and the files came out corrupted. pfft. Working on some construction of the gas tank and the nades.

The biggest problem I'm having is the compression gas tank is too big and my 1 gallon water bottles aren't wide enough to fit the bill. crap.

Prop tip: don't buy duct tape from walmart. I have to have the window open and the fan blasting because of the horrible smell.

>>322
Gorilla tape forever and ever. Sticks like a boss and doesn't smell.

I have returned with a bit of progress!

the suit has been sewn together to make a shinny bodysuit. Just need to adjust the collar and slap a zipper on that bad boy and maybe even add a hidden pocket to store a cellphone.
Other then that nothing really has been done due to the cold weather and parents not letting me paint stuff in the basement.

But since I have a few months before ACEN I'm thinking of developing an internal cooling system for the suit to solve one of the biggest problems for pyro cosplayers. Heat exhaustion and venting issues.

so here's some pictures for your enjoyment. the suit has not been hemmed and is huge on me due to the painting suit we used as a pattern.

DICKS EVERYWHERE

DICKS EVERYWHERE

last one is the overall progress shot for the costume.

the white pvc pipe will eventually be trimmed and turned into the backburner.

Hey, what are you going to do for the straps the Pyro has? I'm going out to get the rest of the parts I need, but I couldn't figure out what to do for the straps.

>>1020
That is what I'm debating right now, but I got some ideas from a friend that backpack straps apparently work well.

>>1020
backpack webbing works wonderfully.

>>1020
>>1025
Protip that I did not know before trying to cosplay Demo: You can buy nylon/PP webbing extremely cheaply in useful widths (I used 50mm) by the metre from people who make horse tack. It's easy to sew and strong as a very strong thing.

>>1020 One of the other tutorials on making the bits for the Pyro suggest using military suspenders (usually found at surplus stores) and painting them black. Mainly because they're incredibly sturdy, and they tend to run on the cheaper side of things. (My suspenders for Steampunk variant Pyro ran at $8.00 for a used pair.)

Tutorial: http://www.hlfallout.net/topic/63358-pyro-costume-tf2/

I have the suspenders part all planned out and just need to sew it together. But alas, shit happened and now the side of the pyro mask is torn. I thought about ordering in a new mask but I don't want my hard work to go to waste.

Tf2chan, I was thinking of covering up my mistake with a hat! I was thinking the gold straps on the Merryweather would help cover it but just in case I might use a bonnet to cover it up. Any suggestions on what to do?

>>1127
Just to let you know, I do have a black mask that I ordered from that site that the guy linked to earlier in this thread. Unfortunately, it's just too small for my big head. If you want, I can mail it to you.

>>1127
Could you show us the tear?

I'll upload a picture of the disaster later and I appreciate the help you guys wanna give. Today I actually went out and bought a larger gas mask to start over.

size 2 was a bit too uncomfortable and so I got size 3 to give me a bit more room. I took all the stuff apart and the mask is mounted on the mannequin head outside. I just put the initial layer of plastidip on it and will take some pictures of it.

Version two:

removed all metal components and filter

removed eyepieces to properly mount the tint this go around.

How would one go about making a Flare gun? I've got an idea about modifying a caulking gun, but that would take some major tools that I don't have. Any ideas?

>>1278
My bro, Radio, used an actual flaregun that you could get from Walmart and plugged up the hole with something to make it con-safe. But if you're creative you could try to use PVC piping that is used for plumbing to make out the shape and weight of the gun. Then use ducttape or something to cover it up and paint it your team color.

Hope this helps.

I admit I have been lazy with uploading pictures to here for you guys and I'll make it up soon! Valve time-style.

The flamethrower is almost done and made almost exclusively with PVC piping; a one gallon water jug; a 6 and 8 inch plastic flower pots; Red, black, white spray paint (fuck you Krylon, you suck ass! Don't buy this brand) and Ducttape!

The air tank is almost finished as well! Two 2-liter soda bottles; one 1-liter water bottle; light gray, dark gray and yellow spray paint; and ducttape.

I'll get some shots in an hour and have em up for you kids!

I'll be making a tutorial tomorrow on how to construct a gas tank handle for those who dont want to go out and buy the sonnava bitch. Hint: PVC piping and ducttape. Hopefully the peeps at HomeDepot wont think I'm a freak laying out PVC elbows on the floor to take pictures. I also need to grab some new Red and Yellow spraypaint so get ready for that fun!

See ya guys in a few!

first up is the skeleton of the flamethrower! Just a basic layout and needs a few parts added to make it look right.

horizontal style!

next up is the flashbangs and the air tank!

this is park of the gas tank handle that was made of PVC piping elbows and ducttape. Krylon red is fail.

>>1290
"part" derp.

Just finished duck taping the flash bangs together and putting the second coat of paint on the gas tank handle! I have decided to forget making a flaregun and axe due to the size and cost of building the flamethrower. Also ACEN is pretty much next month so I'm running out of time.

The costume portion still needs the zipper put on and be hemmed so the suit isn't too long on me. The Mask needs the tint applied to the glass but other wise is pretty much completed.

Looks I'll have to wait until the week before ACEN so I can head over to my friend's place and get some assistance with her sewing machine.

It's been a long year, folks! I'm estimating I shelled out at least $140 for all the parts, paints and fabric. If you guys have an questions at all on how certain things were done, please ask!

I've been considering starting a Pyro project, but one thing's been holding me up.

I live in Northern California so it's gonna be a bit warm by the time the con comes around. How comfortable is that GP-5 gas mask? If it's going to be a sauna on my head for hours at a time I might have to rethink my plans.

Maybe a black balaclava underneath and cutting some ventilation holes in the black material?

>>1301
Having done a derpy version of the Pyro before using the GP-5 mask, I strongly advise against it if you're in Southern California After surviving, barely, through an Arizona con I'd advise to either make sure you construct some sort of cooling device that fits in with it.
The balaclava, though brilliant for making sure your hair doesn't stick to the inside of the mask, will actually make you hotter in the long run.

If all else fails, the Israeli gas masks look close enough to the GP-5 and are a darn sight cooler...You'd need to wear something over the back of it, given it's an open backed model, but they're decently close enough to the Pyro's model.

>>1301
The gasmask is a bit tight and heat stroke is one of my major concerns for this outfit. I came up with several ideas of rigging several frozen water bottles to a harness under the suit to try to keep the temp down. Pyro's suit also for anyone to easily rig this up but I have yet to come down with a solid battle plan. I'm too focused on how I'm gonna get the flamethrower put together since that's pretty much in its final stages.

Any previous pyros wanna pitch in their cooling techniques?

>>1302, I would disagree with this tactic. IMHO, I can see a kickass Pyro cosplay ruined by doing the balaclava-halfheadgasmask combo.

>>1301, go for the GP-5, just don't be silly with it. Take regular breaks. Wear sweat-shucking clothes underneath your jumpsuit. Drink lots of water. You'll be fine.

Weird question, but will you be folding the tops of your boots down to look closer to the actual ones?

Ive always wondered what sort of boots the Pyro has on, but Ive never been assed enough to look it up.

>>1310
I'm personally not gonna do that with my costume because of the possible constriction of blood flow to my legs.

Flamethrower is complete! I had to trim it down some so that it fell to regulation size for ACEN. But now I need my costume hemmed down 10 sizes and have a zipper added to complete the suit portion.

Flamethrower Beta pictures! the structure still needs more support and a bit of a paint job but is coming along nicely. note the duck/gorilla tape everywhere.

angle 2!

Now I need a bit of assistance here, channers. I wanna put something over the cover so you dont see my face but I want it to provide enough fresh airflow to reduce the heat in the mask. what do?

>>1325
Thin black fabric?
Find & cut black pantyhose or something. Stretch over desired areas for airflow and some cover.
For the mouth piece I can see this looking and working O.K. but I can't imagine it looking as good as just using dark plastic for the lenses though.

>>1326
The lenses have window tint on them and look just fine. Thank you for your suggestion. If anyone wants to give some suggestions on how to improve the flamethrower, I'm open to it.

I was planning a pyro costume pretty soon, but this thread has really got me worrying about the heat of the mask, especially if I'm going to be walking around all day...

Anyone know of a way to make a fake GP-5? maybe a pattern or something? Something that looks a little better than the half-mask with zentai?

The only Idea I have right now is to cut the top of a GP-5 completely off for the sake of ventilation and attaching one of the pyro hats to cover the hole

>>1338
Unfortunately the GP-5 is the route most pyro cosplayers take for the mask. No fabric pattern would be able to pull it off properly like a balaclava pattern for Spy. Just make sure to take frequent breaks and drink lots of water at the con or rig up something to cool down your core temperature.

Anymore tips, pyros?

>>1284
actually, i woodcrafted mine! other than that, i'm not sure how you could go about it. i had contemplated modifying a toy pistol with some pvc & sculpey (or giftwrap tubing & duct tape). apologies for the lack of actual flare gun photos, but you can see it pretty well in this one.

(& lady, i don't have a costume for this year. mine was wrecked in the move & i do not have the time to make a new chem suit :C)

>>1372
I thought you were going as Sleepy pyro? :O

Bros, listen up! I think I have the solution to our body heat problems with the suits. there's a product called "Forevercool" that is pretty much a cooling pad that works against your body heat to produce a cooling effect! The product isn't out yet but you bet I'll nab one to test it out for you guys. Hopefully it'll come out within the next two weeks.

>>1396
I'm not as terribly worried about overall body heat (I can just make the suit from a breathable material) as I am about my head getting drenched with sweat because of the rubber mask.

>>1398
Well there's nothing that you can do but wear a thin balaclava under the mask to absorb the sweat.

This one actually isn't that bad of an idea... lots more ventilation that way, especially if you wanted to do the beanie or the Sombrero
>>1338

>>1402
oh god I can't unsee someone cutting a ponytail hole for a pyro cosplay.

I wrote a pretty detailed how-to a while ago for my costume. Ive had it at Geekkon 2010, Anime Detour 2011, and ACEN 2011.

Probably going to re-do the grenades, maybe mod the gas mask, and perhaps make a de-greaser...

http://www.brbuninstalling.com/forum/index.php?topic=4978.0

I've been thinking about your axesinguisher. It's been hard to find a regular fireman axe for my American psycho cosplay. I feel like you will have to buy a few axes, put then together, and then find fake barb wire. Make sure to get some of that expanding foam from home depot to fill in the hollow parts, the stuff is super easy to cut as well. You might have to go buy a real axe for the shaft. Just a cupola thoughts on the project. :D

Does anyone already owning a GP-5 gas mask have any suggestions about sizing? I have the misfortune of having a small head and I found hate to make a $20 investment only to find out it can't be returned.

>>1620
Hey there!

The GP-5 has 3 sizes it was originally released in, going from 1y to 3y (I don't know what y stands for, something in Russian I'm assuming). I've got a big ol' head so I went with the 3Y and it actually fits me pretty well. The rubber material is similar to a latex swim cap and stretches pretty well over my melon and a balaclava. I think the smallest size would work for you, or, to be safe, maybe the 2Y and wear a balaclava underneath for sweat purposes.

I also reccommend buying ONLY from sellers with pictures. There are 2 colors that this comes in - gray and black - and it's a HUGE bitch to paint on rubber, so do yourself a favor and get the black one.

Good luck!

>>1622
Plasti-dip worked fine with the mask.

>>1622
Most Russian gas masks come in five sizes, 0 to 4

Uhm I was wondering what pattern everyone's been using for the chem suit? I went to JoAnn's today and figured I could use this pattern for clown suits since it's a loose one-piece costume

http://www.simplicity.com/p-1767-adult-costumes.aspx

Opinions?

I accidentally found a way to keep semi-cool in a pyro suit. I got one of those camel-pack backpacks to wear under the suit, but I didn't have the tube-to-bag connection fully tightened, so it slowly leaked all day. Thankfully the fabric was dark enough for it to not be very noticable. Got everything in my pockets wet though. Not exactly the best solution, but it kind of worked.

As for the suit, is the only way to do it to get a $60 boilers suit/coveralls? Which site would you suggest? ('Cause I've seen a million different places with coveralls, it's hard to find the most pyro-like ones..)

Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

I'd like to mention that for those who are wanting to be blu, this suit is cheap and rather pyroish. http://approvedgasmasks.com/suit-cpf1.htm

It's the only chem suit I can find that is pyroy, I'd love a red one to save sewing. But hey.

I still can't believe this thread is not dead after I left the Chan a year ago. I'm ripping my flamethrower apart and doing alterations to my suit this month before Anime Central. I'll post pictures as always.

>>2518
Oh, please do. I can't get enough of TF2 cosplay

Okay, I need some criticism here.
I've come extremely close to finishing my Pyro costume, and have managed to start building the flamethrower. The problem is, I had to settle for an orange suit, since the store was completely out of red suits. And it's not a subtle orange, either. I like it, despite the color, but should I try to dye it or something?

>>2525
Got any pics? The jumpsuit in-game is rather light, you may be able to get away with it.

>>2526
Here it is. Like I said; not a subtle orange. It is a perfect fit for me, at least. Also, I'm sorry for the crappy camera.

>>2527
I'll be honest, I think it looks fine. Maybe if you just 'dirtied' the bottom half like Pyro? I'm not sure how easy it would be to modify the colours, though.

>>2529
I'll try to 'dirty' the bottom half and see if I should leave it at that.