[1.7.2] Adding armour/weapons to custom mob model

[Zer0HD2]

So I've created a mob which uses a custom model, but the model is similar enough to the default ModelBiped that the default armour models should fit on it. However, when I use this.setCurrentItemOrArmor(3, new ItemStack(Items.iron_chestplate)); to try and add an iron chestplate to the mob (as I have done with my other custom mob which uses the biped model), it does nothing. I'm also trying to add a weapon to the mob (this seems like it should be easier), yet I can't get that to display either. However, the mob does sometimes drop the weapon when it dies.

 

Is there some method I need  to create to add armour or weapons to a custom model?

[Zer0HD2]

I'm just focusing on getting the weapon to render right now. Tried using the renderEquippedItems() method from RenderBiped with no luck.

[Zer0HD2]

After some excessive googling, it appears I have to write a custom item rendering method for the weapon. Does anyone have any pointers about this and/or a better way of getting the mob to hold the weapon?