Funny you should ask...

Posted by Patterson from adsl-63-198-64-194.dsl.lsan03.pacbell.net on May 02, 2000 at 21:54:45:

In Reply to: Re: Wested variations posted by Steve on May 02, 2000 at 12:02:54:

: : : I have read several posts in the past in reference to how the current Wested jackets differ from the ones used in the movies. I am curious as to what variations have been noticed by the folks that own them. I think I have noticed one. The piece of leather used on the back of the jacket, on the top, seems to be larger on the film jacket. Any more? Thanks, Steve

: : Are you referring to the triangular piece that runs from shoulder to shoulder? If so, I would have to differ with you. The particular size to which Peter cuts that piece of the jacket gives the Wested one of it's singular characteristics - the way the bi-swing pleat flares open with movement. It is one of the biggest give-aways that the jacket in ToD is NOT a Wested. If you are basing your observation on ToD, then you've hit that nail squarely on the head.

: : The only quality difference I've found between the RotLA and LC jackets used in the movies vs. what you get by default from Peter - and I'm on my third Wested - is limited to the leather facing on the inside of the collar. Another difference is the type of zipper used; they used cheap nickel zippers in the production jackets, which jammed and broke all the time. The jacket you get from Peter uses high quality brass.

: : Back to the triangular piece across the top of the shoulder. If you like the look of that jacket - which I do as well, though I still prefer the original Wested Raiders - check out the Cooper Indy Jacket. It is the closest thing I've found to the ToD jacket, though I wish Sgt. Hack at US Wings would do something about the oversize cut of that jacket, and was probably the basis for the much talked about French knock-off's used in production. Anyway, the Cooper has the lower shoulder, smaller pockets, and different side strap configuration of the ToD jacket. The only differences in the current offering are, again, the oversize cut of the jacket as well as the zipper, which is on the "right" side for us Yanks!

: : ALWAYS willing to talk jackets!

: : Cheers!

: : Patterson

: Yes, in fact, it was the TOD jacket that I was referring to. I watched part of that film last night and picked up on that triangular piece. I had forgot that there was that French made jacket showing up in this film. One other question-do you feel that some sort of elastic was used on the side pleats of the movie jackets to keep the pleats closed? Again, thanks for the time. Regards, Steve

I'm not sure if the production jackets had them or not. I do know the Cooper has one. Actually, I've added two elastic straps to my first two Westeds to keep the pleat closed. It's a fairly simple operation - Michaelson's jacket has the modification, though I do not know if he'd aware of it. One problem is getting the placement right to keep them from being noticeable. Also, when the jacket starts to wear, it may show a line where the elastic is.

On my third Wested I've decided to try something a bit different. I've seen bolts of lycra spandex at a local fabric store and have kicked around getting a piece of that to cover then entire area. This way there would be no obvious point of attachment or wear. I'll let you know how it works out.

Cheers!

Patterson

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: : : :      I have read several posts in the past in reference to how the current Wested jackets differ from the ones used in the movies. I am curious as to what variations have been noticed by the folks that own them. I think I have noticed one. The piece of leather used on the back of the jacket, on the top, seems to be larger on the film jacket. Any more?    Thanks, Steve

: : : Are you referring to the triangular piece that runs from shoulder to shoulder?  If so, I would have to differ with you.  The particular size to which Peter cuts that piece of the jacket gives the Wested one of it's singular characteristics - the way the bi-swing pleat flares open with movement.  It is one of the biggest give-aways that the jacket in ToD is NOT a Wested.  If you are basing your observation on ToD, then you've hit that nail squarely on the head.

: : : The only quality difference I've found between the RotLA and LC jackets used in the movies vs. what you get by default from Peter - and I'm on my third Wested - is limited to the leather facing on the inside of the collar.  Another difference is the type of zipper used; they used cheap nickel zippers in the production jackets, which jammed and broke all the time.  The jacket you get from Peter uses high quality brass.

: : : Back to the triangular piece across the top of the shoulder.  If you like the look of that jacket - which I do as well, though I still prefer the original Wested Raiders - check out the Cooper Indy Jacket.  It is the closest thing I've found to the ToD jacket, though I wish Sgt. Hack at US Wings would do something about the oversize cut of that jacket, and was probably the basis for the much talked about French knock-off's used in production.  Anyway, the Cooper has the lower shoulder, smaller pockets, and different side strap configuration of the ToD jacket.  The only differences in the current offering are, again, the oversize cut of the jacket as well as the zipper, which is on the "right" side for us Yanks!

: : : ALWAYS willing to talk jackets!

: : : Cheers!

: : : Patterson

: :    Yes, in fact, it was the TOD jacket that I was referring to. I watched part of that film last night and picked up on that triangular piece. I had forgot that there was that French made jacket showing up in this film. One other question-do you feel that some sort of elastic was used on the side pleats of the movie jackets to keep the pleats closed? Again, thanks for the time.   Regards, Steve

: I'm not sure if the production jackets had them or not.  I do know the Cooper has one.  Actually, I've added two elastic straps to my first two Westeds to keep the pleat closed.  It's a fairly simple operation - Michaelson's jacket has the modification, though I do not know if he'd aware of it.  One problem is getting the placement right to keep them from being noticeable.  Also, when the jacket starts to wear, it may show a line where the elastic is.

: On my third Wested I've decided to try something a bit different.  I've seen bolts of lycra spandex at a local fabric store and have kicked around getting a piece of that to cover then entire area.  This way there would be no obvious point of attachment or wear.  I'll let you know how it works out.

: Cheers!

: Patterson

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