Echo

Congrats!

Congrats Maxim!

Hi Brian, sorry I haven't responded to your PM. I didn't ignore it, just didn't have an immediate answer about gluing techniques. I used E6000 on the cover strips and a PVC cement on the inner strip. The idea is that if the outer gets scratched or damaged, I could pull it off due to the E6000. But the cement on the inner strip would make it more durable for trooping. RS included a tube of the cement with my kit. Did they with yours? As for dealing with gaps, I did happen to glue the outer strip first, then once I felt it fit and looked correct, I glued the inner strip to seal the deal. So 5th's suggestion that the inner strip is affecting your outer strip may be possible.

Congratulations Diana!

One beneficial thing is that the convention hall has large bag check in areas. Last year, (and in years past though I wouldn't know first hand) the bag check let us check in our bins. I got to know some of them so well, they even let me grab my bin change out and then give it back to them without having to pay twice. Nice folks. As for changing, the only options are either the restroom or just out in the open; which is not as bad as it sounds haha.. I had a motel in Chula Vista with a parking pass downtown, so even if you don't get something right downtown, it is doable. Exhausting, but doable.

Awesome Travis, I plan to do a Concept trooper sometime too. Probably not until mid to late summer. After the Ewok and threepio and Endor Leia and.. a snowtrooper...and ...and.. (Curses 501st what have you done to me!)

Have to agree, the right forearm (on your right arm) looks too wide around your body. Retrimming it to be more form fit would be good. Also the space between the right forearm and bicep is too wide. Try to bring them closer together. Left bicep (on your left arm) could be trimmed down to match the right better. Otherwise great work and good luck on approval!

Great work Diana, its really coming along!

Hi Daniel, Doing an armor build is a lot like a model kit you would buy, but just on a larger scale. If you feel comfortable with that then you shouldn't fear doing it yourself. The anxiety will come from the fact there are no instructions, however the FISD is such a great resource, its even better than if one was included. Considering your post, you should have no trouble doing the research in these forums. One plus of doing it yourself, is that you become very familiar with the design of the armor. This gives you an advantage when you need to fix it or if you want to make slight adjustments for comfort. If you still feel apprehensive, then having RS build it is a good option. They do a good job making it to your size when you send them the proper measurements. The RS kit, as basically all kits have returns that allow for the suit to be fit to people of various body form. Your measurements sound just fine for any that are made. The screen actors were about 5'10-5'11 and 170lbs. So your are not far off of that. Good luck and enjoy the ride! -Echo

Congrats Steve!

Congrats! Now your first assignment... We have a clogged toilet on the detention level... Get to work Trooper

I'm sorry for your loss Vern. A lot of wisdom written above. The loss of a loved one is certainly an experience of profound sorrow. While no one can fully know what you are feeling, please take some comfort in our empathy. I loss my father to cancer when I was 19 and since then, over the last 23 years, family, friendship and communities like these have given me the strength and support to heal.

Oh ya, I didn't mean to imply only the crotch was brass. I agree all of them were brass. I only meant that since the crotch one is unpainted that to be uber faithful to the look of the suits from the exterior, then a brass one should be used. Since the others are painted white, nickel plated splits can work to still achieve the aesthetics.

I started with the biceps. Trimmed them, taped them first to test fit and then glued together cover strips. I found it good to go through all of the steps if making one part of the armor (cutting, sanding edges, fitting and gluing) so that I got a feel for each part. The bicep is a fairly simple and small part to work with. It was my first time working with the material. This way by the time I got to the legs and helmet ( which I left for last) I was very comfortable and confident with how much to trim, how to fit it to me and finish it. I personally wouldn't trim every piece and then try to glue, until at least you felt good about working with the material. Good luck and have fun. Oh and as much as you may feel anxious about finishing, enjoy the process. Once you are done you will miss the process of making it.

The head size looks good. The shaft length may be a little short to fasten through the armor, elastic and washer. Otherwise if you can get them to work, they match the intent of original detail... At least for the painted ones on the ab/kidney. The crotch one for those of us OCD types is generally agreed was brass and unpainted per still photos of original suits.