I Became a Space Marine in Real Life

Introduction

In an ambitious project inspired by the popular game Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, I set out to become a full-size Space Marine. The goal was to create a complete set of armor, a massive thunder hammer weapon, and a fitting helmet, all while applying the painting techniques used on miniature models—but at a larger scale. To assist in this endeavor, I invited the talented folks from the YouTube channel Tabletop Time, who specialize in painting miniatures, so we could paint my massive model while keeping the process under wraps.

Materials and Preparation

To kick off the project, I made an outing to the local store to gather necessary supplies. Armed with high-density EVA foam, glue, and a bunch of crafting tools, I was ready to bring the Space Marine armor to life. While I was out shopping, my collaborator Hans was busy creating the thunder hammer with the help of 3D printing, which would serve as the centerpiece of my Space Marine look. After some painstaking assembly and finishing, we managed to create a stunning hammer that truly captured the essence of the game.

Next, I began work on crafting the armor pieces. I decided to create a cardboard base to shape the chest piece accurately before moving onto the EVA foam. As I meticulously sculpted each piece, adding details and texture, it became evident that the armor was slowly but surely coming to life. With each completed piece—from the chest to the boots—I could feel the excitement building as I envisioned the final transformation.

Detailing and Finishing Touches

After spending considerable time perfecting the armor details, like adding rivets and weathering effects, I began the surface finishing process. My objective was to make everything seamless and ready for paint. Fortunately, my friend specializes in prop making, so I reached out for assistance on crafting a helmet. Just in time, he delivered an awesome helmet that completed the set.

As the deadline approached, we were racing against time to assemble everything neatly. I decided to use Velcro to attach the armor pieces to a base suit and quickly stitched a few leather accessories to complete the look. It was critical to ensure the armor was wearable and gave the illusion of a statue.

Finally, with everything in place, the Tabletop Time team arrived. I stood completely still in my full Space Marine outfit, hoping to fool them into thinking I was a statue. Once they entered, their reactions were priceless! They had no idea I was inside the armor until the big reveal.

The Painting Process

The real fun began as we transitioned to the painting phase. Using techniques practiced on miniatures filled with detailed layers, the Tabletop Time team guided us through the application of various paint layers to achieve that striking Warhammer look. Their expertise truly transformed the armor from a simple collation of foam into an incredible work of art.

The process lasted over a couple of days, resulting in a masterpiece that combined the essence of Warhammer with our unique touches. The final reveal encapsulated everything we set out to do: creating a Space Marine in real life that captured the spirit and intensity of the game.

Conclusion

This project was an enormous success, and a giant thanks goes out to the Space Marine 2 team for inspiring this homage to their franchise. The experience of building, crafting, and painting was educational and entertaining, and the end result was simply indescribable.

Keywords

• Warhammer 40K
• Space Marine
• EVA Foam
• Thunder Hammer
• Armor
• Tabletop Painting
• Miniatures
• Cosplay

FAQ

Q: How did you create the Space Marine armor?

A: The armor was crafted using high-density EVA foam, with a cardboard base for initial shaping. Each piece was meticulously detailed and assembled with glue and Velcro.

Q: What materials did you use for the thunder hammer?

A: The thunder hammer was made primarily from 3D-printed parts, assembled into a massive weapon design that stayed true to the game’s aesthetic.

Q: How long did the entire project take to complete?

A: The project took several weeks, focusing heavily on crafting the armor, creating the weapon, and applying finishing details before the final painting phase.

Q: Did you really manage to fool your friends into thinking you were a statue?

A: Yes! They were genuinely surprised when I revealed myself after they came in, believing I was just a statue made as a part of the project.

Q: Where can I see the painting process?

A: The detailed painting process, along with the entire project experience, will be featured on the Tabletop Time YouTube channel.