SL - Sith Lord - Darth Vader (ESB)
501st Legion Sith Lord detachment : www.501stsithlords.com
For help with this costume, please contact: SL-150
An ESB Darth Vader costume MUST have:
Helmet
Black fibreglass or ABS helmet with a gloss finish.
Mask
Fibreglass or ABS mask with grey lenses and silver (aluminium) billets or “tusks”. The mask should be painted in an alternating gloss black and matte or satin gunmetal scheme. The “nose” is painted silver. The chin vent is triangular. The diamond patterned metal mesh/screen behind the chin and mouth openings should be black, but may be gunmetal as well.
Chest armour
Fibreglass or ABS chest armour, painted in an alternating gloss black and matte or satin gunmetal grey scheme with the centremost raised section being in the gunmetal grey and the other raised areas being black. The shoulder bells are black or black in colour and are attached by straps or hinges to the chest armour.
Chest box
A gloss black fibreglass , ABS, or metal box, approximately 6½” to 6¾” square. The box is held in place by four ¾” to 1” straps that are worn under the robe and chest armour, and connect at the wearer’s back. From the wearer’s left and right; in the upper right quadrant of the box are three “coin slots” stacked one over the other. These are silver. There is some Aurebesh-like text under each “coin slot”. There is a silver rod with ringed details to the far sides of the box face. These should have a black square securing them at the top and a brass square securing them at the bottom. In the upper left quadrant is a blue coloured panel over a red coloured panel. These may be illuminated (ROTS). In the lower half of the box are four rocker switches. The far left switch is red while the other switches are white. Between each of the rocker switches and between and above the coloured panels are small silver (aluminium) slide switches.
Belt
The belt should be constructed from a non-textured black leather or a leather-like material, approximately 2" (50.8mm) in width. The belt has a non-functional black flat metal buckle centred in the front, measuring approximately 2 5/8" (66.7 mm) high and 4 1/8" (104.5 mm) wide, with slightly rounded corners. The belt should functionally buckle in the rear. The buckle has a brushed aluminium or steel silver inset in the shape of an elongated “D”. This plate has a 1½” silver disc centred in the curve of the “D” and from the other end, five slots of diminishing length (forming an arrow pointing at the disc). The belt has a silver aluminium or steel lightsabre hook on the left side, attached by two silver rivets.
Belt boxes
The belt has two boxes mounted on it to each side of the centre buckle. The most commonly used box housing is Hammond Electronics #1591T. The components on them are a mirror of the other box. From the centre outwards, each has two squarish green lights above a strip of reinforced plastic hose, a centred small round red light, and six equally spaced silver knobs in two vertical columns of three. All lights are typically on. The boxes should be placed to the sides of the buckle with approximately an inch or two between them.
Bodysuit
The black quilted leather or leather-like bodysuit can be one piece, two piece (top and trousers), or three piece (leather-sleeved shirt, backwards vest, and trousers). All leather areas are quilted with vertically aligned 1” channels.
Gloves
Black leather or leather-like gauntlet style gloves, mid-forearm in length. The gantlet and glove back are quilted with 1” channels running parallel with it.
Robe
Black ankle length wool or fabric with an equivalent appearance and weight. The side seams are completely closed. The robe should have 3 pleats located between the belt and the chest armour . The robe is worn under the chest armour. It also goes over the chest box straps and codpiece, and under the belt.
Cape
Black ¾ circle, floor length wool or wool equivalent and lined with satin. It is held in place with a rectangular/oblong linked cloak chain. The collar is trimmed with a leather or leather-like edging, approximately 1" in width. It should also have 2” satin bias tape sewn along the hem.
Codpiece
A black padded leather or leather-like boxing style groin protector. It covers the front of the body and extends to the hips. There is a round-corned rectangular inset in its centre which is edged with rolled piping. The codpiece is worn over the bodysuit, but under the belt and robe.
Boots
Lace-less calf to knee height boots of black leather or leather-like material with a conservative heel and bearing no extraneous buckles, straps, zippers, or decorative stitching. Tall equestrian boots are ideal. The shoe may have a modified heel and sole to increase the wearer’s height if necessary. This should be minimally obvious.
Shin guards
Black ABS or fibreglass plates covering the front half of the leg from the ankle to knee joint. Shape and details should match what is seen in the films.
*Note: The commercially available Rubies version of this costume is NOT acceptable as it does not meet the standards for accuracy. Extensive modifications are required!
An ESB Darth Vader costume SHOULD have:
Voice system
A concealed voice amplifier for speaking.
Breathing system
An amplified breathing sound system.
Neckseal
A black balaclava or film-based neck seal to hide the wearer’s neck (skin and/or hair).
Undersuit
Suede (or faux suede) back flap and riding patches on undersuit. An elastic strap should go around the right thigh that runs underneath the right portion of the riding patch.
Lightsabre
Master Replica reproduction, converted 3-cell Heiland Synchronar or MPP Microflash, or custom built to match the handle used in the film.
An ESB Darth Vader costume MAY have:
Weathering or mild battle damage
Fans
Inside the helmet for cooling.