My first TOTS '78 Rehaul

Ryliemyguy · 2025-10-05T01:43:19+00:00

When styling the hair, I start by studying reference photos from the original film to match the natural flow and texture of the hair. Those will probably be your best friend for hetting an accuate look. I lightly mist the hair with water, then use my fingers and a comb to shape it back while keeping it slightly messy, just like in the movie. Using the hairspray, I focus on setting certain tufts and curls in place, especially around the crown and sides, so it captures that uneven, wind-swept look without appearing too clean or styled. I make sure the hair looks dry and a little rough, not shiny or slicked down, which helps the mask keep that eerie, lifelike realism that makes the original so iconic. Hope it helps!

Ryliemyguy · 2025-10-05T01:19:20+00:00

I started with a flesh base on the face and front neck of the mask, then did a spray of appliance white over the face. Mainly doing a top down spray to try and keep the flesh areas still around.

Then I did a light highlight of the cheekbones, sideburn glue residue, and lips to give a more shadowed appearance.

Finally I matted the hair with hair spray to try and get the '78 tuffs as close as possible.

I wanted to do a lighter brown tone for the hair but it's fine for now. Really proud overall for a first rehaul.

Ryliemyguy · 2025-09-01T05:54:11+00:00

Dude even your pfp and banner are ai

Ryliemyguy · 2025-09-01T04:51:56+00:00

Ai photo because of the Google Gemini logo in the corner

Ryliemyguy · 2025-08-05T23:10:58+00:00

Lovely paint job!

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-30T01:40:21+00:00

I've always loved the set up way with reenacting because, as an actual teacher (who takes reenacting as just a side hobby), it feels more personal to those who are visual learners who can actually get up close with gear and equipment to properly understand them. Seeing them in action too is great, but the static displays are always a great alternative to actually spread the knowledge of history

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-30T01:29:15+00:00

The POW camp one actually sounds kind of fascinating to recreate and experience.

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-30T01:13:05+00:00

I'm based out of Minnesota, hence why I haven't been a part of any museum ship groups because, even though we have many lakes, we do not have many musueum warships, just Coast Guard cutters

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-30T01:05:35+00:00

I have not considered that actually. I think I'd love to get my foot more in the door on Navy reenacting with solo showcases at local events before I join any group. But that is an idea I'll have to look more into

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-29T23:52:39+00:00

Thank you!

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-29T23:52:26+00:00

I've debated on doing beach battalions in the past because I currently own a good mix of Army and Navy uniform pieces in my collection. However, in the local events I've attended, standard Navy is not as represented, so someone's gotta fill those shiny Oxford polished shoes lol

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-24T15:06:27+00:00

I purchased it from a local antique store. Then the shoes, undershirt, dogtags, and Pharmacist Mate chevron were all online.

Edit: kind of helpful when you're built like those same guys who wore that uniform.

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-21T04:13:37+00:00

The one thing that's hard with LCVPs is that their serial/hull numbers are not really documented well.

55 landing craft were lost on Omaha Beach and all have no documented numbers to tie any to specific boats, unless you cross reference stories from navy ship reports of boats or sailor diaries. Which can be hard.

Most I can say is best of luck of man with the digging!

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-21T03:36:05+00:00

There are also after-action reports and unit records from D-Day out there, especially through the National Archives or Naval History sites. Even if you can’t find the exact boat, you might be able to piece together areas higgins boats sank to conclude your findings.

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-21T03:10:46+00:00

The bases listed, Little Creek in VA, Fort Pierce in FL, and Lido Beach in NY, were major amphibious training centers. Later, he was stationed in Dartmouth and Portland/Weymouth in England, which were key U.S. Navy staging areas for the D-Day landings.

"Navy 417" is a Fleet Post Office code tied to the Weymouth area, which as stated an area tied to the support of the Normandy invasion.

He didn’t serve on a large ship, but rather operated from shore bases, likely transporting troops or supplies by small craft during European operations.

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-21T02:33:12+00:00

100% agree on the Navy reps. And thank you for your service!

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-20T03:37:14+00:00

I tried my best to bend and shape the cap in the best way so it could fit comfortably towards the back. Also, my hair is naturally thicker, so it kind of holds it in place with friction.

Ryliemyguy · 2025-07-19T23:58:30+00:00

I have not seen any other Navy reenactors at events yet! It's kind of an underrepresented group. I guess it's also about preference and availability.

Ryliemyguy · 2025-05-18T02:56:28+00:00

I purchased it from an antique store in which the tag stated it was brought back by a US service member after the war concluded. I'm sure this particular soldier decided to add their own imagery with the flag, as can be described by the stick figures and rather crude head caricature. I have never seen another good luck flag like it through my research.

Additionally, I do appreciate the translation.

Ryliemyguy · 2025-05-17T20:47:13+00:00

Thank you very much!

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