Building Bandai's 501st Clone Trooper

[@Mr.Marvelprime66]

There's something satisfying about the sound of the pieces clicking together

[@atomt117]

finally someone did it! was gonna do a 501st trooper myself as well, though probs not as well as yours lol. keep it up!

[@modelchili]

Thank you! I say go for it, now you know how to do it there's no reason it can't be better than mine. :D

[@sc_art5408]

You sound like Temura Morrision (The voice of the Clone Troopers)

[@modelchili]

So I've heard. :p

[@scriff70]

More like Peter Jackson to my ears! Great work though - love your work!

[@MrHFam-st4ni]

I think it's because they're both New Zealanders

[@rashyyy3243]

he's a clone???

[@kasenmiller1122]

I think I’ve seen the clone trooper model put together so many times I could build it without constructions

[@longlance67]

really like how you bring these action figures to life !

[@modelchili]

Thank you. :)

[@tpickup11]

Dude! This is freaking amazing!!! I could never do this great of a job! That's some very top notch work right there! Beautiful customs and outstanding work!

[@modelchili]

Thank you! It just takes a bit of practice, I reckon anyone can achieve the same result. :)

[@ModelsbyWil]

Always did prefer the Clones over the Stormtroopers. Plus, the Clones could at least hit a target!! Great video Sam. That masking came up really well!! I of course have to steal ALL of your weathering techniques :) And thanks for the shout out too buddy, muchly appreciatly.

[@modelchili]

Thanks Wil! Yeah I was really pleased with how the weathering came out. Feel free to steal as much as you need, that's what I'm here for. :)

[@ModelsbyWil]

Thanks dude, in that case, send that Republic Star Destroyer up anytime ;)

[@modelchili]

Models by Wil Haha nice try. :p

[@kevinnguyen8498]

I think at some point Vader ordered his troopers to intentionally miss to lure the rebels in, then squash them with numbers. It was in one of the comics or novels, can't remember. They should've mentioned it in the movie though. And if they actually hit people on tantive then there wouldn't be anyone to interogate.

[@qubox692]

NightFury yup

[@mantismodels1207]

Thanks Chili for another great build video. I'm always amazed at the quality and craftmanship of Your work. Very Good!!

[@modelchili]

Thanks Shannon, much appreciated!

[@michaelgershon870]

Beautiful work! Thanks for the demo!

[@modelchili]

Michael Gershon Cheers! Thanks for watching. 😀

[@The_Black_Falchion]

That PH1 501st is more reminiscent of a Clone Lieutenant than an infantry soldier. They didn’t colorize there armor but unit much until the introduction of Phase 2

[@modelchili]

Yeah he's supposed to be a Lieutenant. The 501st just refers to the Phase II.

[@OverpoweredStudios]

Nice! I've got 2 of these coming in soon, and it's my first time doing custom model kits, this was really helpful!

[@modelchili]

Glad I could help!

[@bagelbro1824]

Great video. When I did my clone the most tedious part was the taping since I had never done anything like that. Yours looks awesome!

[@modelchili]

Thanks! Yeah the masking was a bit of a worry, but it worked out ok. :)

[@eduardoamezua614]

501st clones forever

[@modelchili]

Yessir!

[@victoriasmith8229]

Great work Sam. I really like the contrast of the matt black underneath the shiny armour.. And as always, your detailed weathering really pays off, the troopers have a very realistic look to them. Keep up the good work. :)

[@modelchili]

Cheers Vaughan! I certainly will. ;)

[@PickledDill907]

You sound like the clones from Battlefront 1/2 (Original) games.

[@modelchili]

Destroy the techno union ships! We captured a command post!

[@PickledDill907]

Exactly.... Next Star Wars video... there's your opener.

[@williamspence1246]

Gibslayer I've said this to him before a few months ago. Cool thing is that the clones from BF2 were voiced by Morrison himself 😂👍✌️

[@levigoodwin126]

Thought that myself 😂😂😂😂

[@chasterbeef2998]

@@modelchili watch those wrist rockets

[@edgyplays0290]

Looks awesome! (by the way, the visor is actually called Macrobinoculars 3:21)

[@modelchili]

Cheers!

[@oscar432]

First video I've ever seen from you. You bud have earned a new subscriber

[@modelchili]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel. :)

[@HungLikeScrat]

I'm getting my 2 Clone Trooper kits tomorrow. Doing a custom paint job on em that's reminiscent of my first Army unit, and a famous WWII unit, the 506th Infantry Regiment.

[@martinscreative]

Fantastic work. The 501st is my favorite unit. Very well done. Not overdone in terms of weathering. Just enough for them not to be "shinnies" hahah

[@modelchili]

Thanks! Yeah the 501st has some great looking armour. :)

[@odstarmor557]

I love the amount of character the paint chipping and scuffs add. And yeah i think you got the phase 1 patterns down, i dont remember the phase 1 having as many markings as the phase 2.

[@modelchili]

Thanks!

[@isaacroyel6193]

Dude you literally sound exactly like Temura Morrison, i love this vid lmao

[@kevinnguyen8498]

I've never seen such dedication. You're awesome.

[@modelchili]

Thank you!

[@Somehesi]

Just saw this video because I was starting to get into the Star Wars Bandi models amazing video! New subscriber!

[@modelchili]

Thanks and welcome!

[@TOOMANYFIGURES]

great work. I've been putting off a phase 2 501st for all the masking lol.

[@modelchili]

Cheers! I say go for it, the masking wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be.

[@ultraskull9101]

I wouldn't be surprised if A real clone was making this video. Nice job on these man, and no lie you sound just like Jango and The Clones. You should read some lines from the shows in that voice!

[@modelchili]

I'm just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe.

[@ultraskull9101]

@@modelchili you are awesome. I hope you do more Clone customs! I'd love to see a Bly or Doom

[@tannerholmes8393]

Keep on doing what you do

[@modelchili]

I'll try!

[@reuLife]

Please do more of these clone videos. This is why I subscribed

[@modelchili]

I wish they were easier to come by here. 😥

[@squidman_1753]

good choice picking the 501st legion they turned out great!!!!!!!!

[@modelchili]

Thank you!

[@MiguelRamirez-di1vj]

Great work, always learning new stuff. Keep up the videos, use them has guides when I build/paint mine.

[@modelchili]

Thank you! Glad you're finding them helpful. :)

[@arturarruda8151]

Gen 1 troopers helmet > anything else. They even got red brake lights on the back!

[@klipsfilmsmelbourne]

phase 1 501st skin battlefront 2 might be the same look as 212th but with blue color

[@brennenwillemsen3065]

This is badass

[@modelchili]

Thanks!

[@papahamdrew9962]

I painted my clone trooper the same way and when I pulled the tape off and had a clean trooper(before weathering) I caught myself saying “Looks like we got a couple of shinies”

[@modelchili]

Just like the simulations...

[@jcass2035]

Cool to see you do some more troopers

[@modelchili]

Thanks :)

[@Verithiell]

how do you make the templates so precise? Do you se the exacto knife when the tape i already on the model, or do you apply already prepared templates to individual pieces?

[@modelchili]

I cut them out before applying, but only for stripes and boxes You can make some pretty complex patterns just using multiple thin strips of tape. Quite often I'll just put the tape straight on and bend it around corners. My Shock Trooper video has a bit more masking examples.

[@garrettchin6491]

Hfhghvb

[@orion9026]

This video was great reference for making my own, great work!

[@modelchili]

Thanks, glad it helped!

[@manwithamission9809]

Realy cool. I learned a lot of interesting from your video. Recently, too, I gathered a clone (a variation of the 501 Legion). Gather the following model scout on a speederbike :D

[@modelchili]

Thank you! Yes that'd be awesome!

[@3lven]

My god am i glad i found this channel. Great artistic eye, and impeccable weathering, I love it all. I shall be following a long a few of these videos for my own builds :D

[@modelchili]

Thank you! Glad you found me. ^_^

[@AvengerII]

"It's a Gundam!" ER... no, it's a Clone Trooper. Bandai is just levering its ball-and-joint technology to reduce costs...

[@holden_7597]

This is my favorite Gundam.

[@fan9775]

I’m starting my gundam collection with this kit.

[@StellarSci]

Looks amazing at the end. I'll be using this when I make my own 501st trooper. Only problem for me is that I'll be doing it with just brushes instead of an airbrush (don't have the money to buy one), so it'll probably take longer and won't look as good. Any suggestions for paint I could use, since I'm not doing it by airbrush? On a side note, if you manage to get any more of these kits, what battalion/legion do you think you'll paint next? Personally, if I manage to get my hands on a spare phase II helmet, I'll be going for the most annoying one possible: the 332nd company. Painting that would be a massive pain to deal with, considering the detailing necessary to make it look good.

[@gabrielvasquez5167]

planning on painting this as well. if you use painting for army or hobby, you can find army painting kits online. that should be light enough for painting.

[@henrybacon672]

When the clonetrooper is making a model of himself

[@squattinggopnik8514]

They look amazing my man🤘

[@modelchili]

Thank you!

[@seandavies6156]

The clones are my favourite star wars characters

[@madcowrebel4216]

These are amazingly well done ... for clones :)

[@modelchili]

Heh, why thank you. ;)

[@Irradiated44]

OMG I'm just starting out on modelling and preparing what to buy and everything and thank God I found your channel. So many things I want to ask about your videos: 1. why do you use yellow and green mask tapes? do they function differently? 2. why do you use vallejo? is there any other famous & reliable brand (just for alternative)? 3. also, for a tip for starters, what are the essentials tools needed for model painting? sorry if these are too much, I hope you keep uploading more model build & painting videos! Cheers from Indonesia

[@modelchili]

Thank you, I certainly will be uploading more! As for the questions: 1: Yes, the yellow tape is Tamiya masking tape specifically for models, so it's thin and not as sticky as other tape (good for laying over paint). The green tape is just general masking tape I get in a DIY store, I use it to cover large areas. 2: I just Vallejo because it's what my local hobby shop stocks, it's acrylic and the drop dispenser makes it easy for dropping into the airbrush. Yeah there's loads of other brands you can use, both acrylic and enamel, such as Tamiya and Humbrol. 3: I'd say some thin paint brushes, thinner (enamel or acrylic depending on your paint), paper towels, and masking tape. Hope that helps!

[@arigaberman8319]

In this episode, a clone trooper assembles a clone trooper

[@modelchili]

How perverse!

[@gunplanut]

You might want to try an enamel flat or semigloss topcoat next time. I use Testors on my Gundam and figures. It takes a few days before you can touch it but the flat is military grade flat and the semigloss is just about halfway from what you have and flat.

[@modelchili]

Cheers, although I'm pretty with how the Tamiya semi-gloss turned out.

[@gunplanut]

Oh I like Tamiya too. Just thought you might like to experiment

[@skelo9033]

For a younger kid like me who’s spent most of his time building legos,this looks really easy.

[@modelchili]

It is! Give it a go. 😁

[@skelo9033]

Does it require glue?

[@modelchili]

Nope

[@CloneCommanderCrater1102]

Just to let you know that the phase 1 clone you made is just a regular clone lieutenant (minus the blue on the back plate) and not a 501st trooper.

[@joseaugustoperezgomez2878]

wow you fucking blow my mind with this paint costumes they are great

[@modelchili]

Thanks!

[@HomicidalPandaHD]

That clone is about to kick some clanger arse xD Run clangers, run!

[@unclubbableplus]

Yo calm down with the C word man, #DroidLivesMatter

[@henryashley8668]

PandaInAction ♐ it’s clanker, not clanger

[@unclubbableplus]

Still, #DroidLivesMatter

[@oodyswe]

Wow! Truly great job! Love your Star Wars content! Cheers!

[@modelchili]

Thank you!

[@dlrbrian]

Friggin tight man. I'd love to see you do the Bandai Boba Fett model.

[@modelchili]

Cheers! Yeah I'd love build Boba, I wish they'd release Jango though!

[@St33lTit4n]

Yet another totally excellent build! you make it look so easy to the point that i'd love to see a blooper reel just to show your still human :P

[@modelchili]

Thank you! Heh, I've been thinking of adding a blooper reel to some of these videos. I wonder how many people spotted I initially put on one of the clones hand plates on upside down. :p

[@tidus2nd]

Hey man. You got any tips on how to make the neck longer and how to mod the leg so they can do a knee crouch?

[@mastergrogu1389]

What’s that tiny brush you use?

[@stetsonnecaise3507]

Why does he sound like a clone trooper😄 that’s dope

[@andrewschmidt3718]

I seen a Boba Fett bandit model kit awhile ago in my hobby shop why not not do a build of him!

[@modelchili]

I did! Made him into my own Mando though. :)

[@loyalwestbriton5410]

Hey mate just wondering what blue did you use.

[@John-zn9mf]

similar to hot toy’s clones,looks amazing m8 👍

[@modelchili]

Thanks!

[@matthiasbonnici5266]

In your opinion, what is the best clear coat that works with metallic paint?

[@brizzy5233]

Did you remember what type of black airbrush paint you used for the body glove?

[@modelchili]

Vallejo Model Air Black :)

[@madlythunder8534]

What color did you use for those stripes on the side of the Phase 2 helmet?

[@LPSooBahkDo]

sorry to necro such an old thread. have you had any issue with paint flaking or coming off later since you didn't prime the blue areas?

[@modelchili]

No the paint is still firmly in place. The figures are coated in Tamiya Semi-Gloss clear, which is a lacquer that's pretty hardy and solid, the paint is well protected. Having said that I don't handle them much, not sure how it'd cope under constant re-posing etc.

[@LPSooBahkDo]

@@modelchili thanks so much for the reply. I am working on a trooper now and see so many videos not using primer on troopers, yet I hear so many people say to prime you plastic, lol.

[@modelchili]

There are general techniques that are good to follow, but it's not a hard and fast rule. The white plastic of these troopers looks too good to cover up with primer, so I decided to just paint straight on it. It also allowed me to easily do the chipping technique, which would have been near impossible over primer. The paint might not be as sturdy without primer initially, but a good clear coat helps to seal it all in.

[@kobihipwell9307]

you should do captain rex as a custom figure

[@kacperubinski9254]

U sound like clone trooper xd

[@modelchili]

Let me show you how it works clanker!

[@pookachu4561]

Kacper Łubiński With some minor changes to his voice/accent, yes it would sound pretty much the same.

[@ultraskull9101]

Ok so im gonna scratch build my own 2 501st and 212th commanders, I already got the armor and the stuff and the figures all lined up for ordering. But don't own any stickers or anything so I wanna ask, how can I, who wants to start in the customizing game, make those markings. Ya got any tips for me? Please and thank you!

[@wasquea2710]

You should do a commander stormtrooper

[@modelchili]

Watch this space!

[@DLeeeet]

I've put together snap-fit kits before but have never done the painting before so I've got a couple of questions. For pieces like the chest piece, how did you mask it in such a way that the sides of the 'triangle' are so uniform? Obviously it's done by hand, but is it a matter of constant adjustment and making sure the tape 'bends' nicely? Why do people seem to prefer airbrushing rather than having a paintbrush in hand when painting?

[@modelchili]

For your first question, yes most of the work is masking it. I'd apply it, look at it from different angles and re-adjust until it looked right, it took a few attempts, and you're never 100% sure until the paint is applied. I did use a little bit of millimeter measuring using a small ruler just to get some of the distances from the middle of the chest equal. Cutting the masking tape to thin strips makes it easier to bend, which is what I did here. Masking can be a hassle and it can be fiddly, but it's worth it in the end! For the second question, an airbrush gives you a uniform thickness and finish, it doesn't leave brush strokes and you use less paint. It also works best for masking, a brush will sometimes cause the paint to leak under the tape. Hope that helps!

[@DLeeeet]

Thanks for taking the time to reply to me mate

[@tannerholmes8393]

Great

[@blowfish1059]

Is it possible to do the chipping effect with a toothpick using oil based paints?

[@modelchili]

Not sure on that, I've only used acrylics.

[@DaCostaStudio]

Awesome my friend :)

[@modelchili]

Thanks :)

[@andymac4883]

Very fine work, they look like they stepped right from the screen! I am curious, though, is the only difference between phase 1 and 2 troopers really the helmet? I thought there would have been more differences in the armour. One thing I wish Bandai or such would come out with is a Clone Commando set.

[@modelchili]

Thanks! Yeah just the helmet changed between the Phase 1 and Phase 2 variants.

[@Zar_2Crazy]

For that same paint can u use a brush

[@paulstewart3725]

BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCE! Is TS-13 an actual clear coat or is it just pigment-free paint?

[@modelchili]

Is there a difference? :p It's a pigment free clear gloss coat.

[@unclubbableplus]

Would you recommend painting before putting it together, or put the parts you need to paint together, then assemble?

[@modelchili]

For these figures I'd recommend painting before assembly, just makes it much easier. For painting legs and arms then you can assemble those first and then paint to make lines join up etc.

[@unclubbableplus]

Thanks, i've really taken a liking to these model kits and can't wait to get to work on them.

[@Bratishkavideo]

Великолепная работа, спасибо!

[@JJO117]

would be crazy if you did Commander Gree.

[@modelchili]

Yes it would!

[@spoot9947]

your wish came true my friend.

[@kasenmiller1122]

Gained a new subscriber from the 501st XD your great, I’m a proud sub

[@modelchili]

Thank you, welcome to the channel!

[@Taxman5028]

Is the neck piece already molded to the chest or is it a separate piece?

[@modelchili]

It's a separate piece, fully articulated.

[@theminicaps7837]

Do the black pieces come painted black or do you have to paint them black?

[@modelchili]

They are black plastic, but they still have a shiny black plasticy look about them. I put a flat coat over it in this video, but I've found that painting them flat black is a better option.

[@legofrozenzombie]

Hey, I got a quick question. Where do you get your Airbrush and how much would you pay for a decent one?

[@Vergil-940]

I wanna try an do the heavy class 501st skin from battle front 2

[@klipsfilmsmelbourne]

The animated version phase 2 helmet has no brow trim

[@brizzy5233]

How did you wait for the clear semi gloss coat to settle so the black marks on the armor don't scratch off?

[@modelchili]

Not sure what you mean?

[@brizzy5233]

@@modelchili, the black streak marks on the armor, if you were to scratch them off, will it in fact scratch off if you try hard enough after you have applied the semi gloss?

[@WAcrobat19]

You earned a sub. And I wonder where you get the figures, and their price. And also the paint. And do you have any tips for making any custom painted figures ?

[@modelchili]

Awesome, welcome to the channel! I usually get them from eBay, there's quite a few Japanese sellers that do free shipping. Just practice, take your time and have fun! lol sounds a bit cliche, but hopefully the video gives you a few pointers.

[@WAcrobat19]

thx. i'm a late 12 year old, and i am thinking of using your video as a tutorial (but i think i'll make my own original clone figure not apart of the 501st legion). is it surprising to you a late pre teen is painting highly detailed customs ? and also, i think i'll use amazon to get the paint.

[@jacobhein5192]

Hi! So I'm a new subscriber, anyway I have a question about these clone models. Ho fragile/durable are they? I have Abad thing with models but I love them. I tend to play with them to much so how tough are they from a action figure standpoint? And keep up the good work!!!

[@modelchili]

Hi, thank you! These are more model kits than action figures. They are quite durable and won't break easy, however the limbs are likely to pop off if played with or posed too much, but they can be reattached.

[@jacobhein5192]

ModelChili Scale Models thank you! Oh well I'll still end up buying one!

[@Busters2005]

I know your most likely not going to respond but what tool do you use for cutting the pieces off the little plastic racks? I want to buy 1 or 2 of these myself to build but don't want to mess up cutting them off and then having bad edges and stuff

[@modelchili]

I use side cutters. You should be able to find them in any hobby store. I use Tamiya Pointed Side cutters specifically.

[@Busters2005]

ok thanks, right now the clone troopers are out of stock on bigbadtoys but hopefully I can get some soon

[@bencebartha7136]

How much does they costs?

[@samuelt3338]

You earned a sub for your great work :)

[@samuelt3338]

Could you use a pencil for the dirt?

[@ArMa1120]

In your opinion; if I'd ever try that on an S.H Figuarts Phase 2 Clone Trooper would your style of painting and scarring work on it?

[@modelchili]

Yeah, I don't see why not! The Bandai kits are way cheaper though.

[@ArMa1120]

And they seem easier to customize than the figuarts

[@jaylenhall111]

what spraying object are you using to paint the figure

[@modelchili]

An airbrush?

[@FitRe19]

Does Vallejo paint is acrylic based?

[@modelchili]

Yes

[@GODZILLA7802]

how do you clean up the paint bleeding so well?

[@modelchili]

Not sure what you mean?

[@tombbird4927]

WATCH THOSE WRIST ROCKETS

[@suddskys7482]

Super good work. Do you do anything to the armor before you paint it. Gloss? Or just wash it. I just got mine clone trooper and I'm going for 212th commander Cody battalion.

[@modelchili]

+Suddsky s Thank you! No just sprayed paint straight on the plastic. :)

[@MyNameIsMontague]

You sound Kiwi, if so - where do you get your supplies from?

[@modelchili]

acornmodels.co.nz

[@solsticecustoms7647]

i love your videos i want to do these which one should i start off with

[@modelchili]

Can't go wrong with the basic Clone Trooper!

[@solsticecustoms7647]

ModelChili Scale Models thanks i was also thinking about getting yoda

[@arthur.b]

You should paint one in red and make a Shocktrooper

[@modelchili]

I did consider that one, it looks great. Lots of intricate lines though, would be tricky to mask. :/

[@Barfdude85zx]

Where do you buy the model kits from?

[@modelchili]

All over the place. :) I got these from eBay.