TriumphTrooper8

So I took on the "beta" gaskets and won! I used my last resort Zap-a-gap" and that stuff rocks! I also had sewn on the Velcro splotches too. all that is left is mounting the knees and some strips of Velcro on the belt. Armor should be in hand soon!

Here is an update: TK-10114 & 21029 are in paint. We dropped off the parts on 11/30. The painter is using a single stage enamel and is color matching the helmet. The helmets are even getting repainted and the semi gloss on the back, boxes and thermal detonator are being done also. The armor comes home on Tuesday, 12/8 and will have the gaskets done just this weekend and will need Velcro put on the biceps, forearms, thighs and shins and clean up the strapping and done!

Off to paint tomorrow morning!

I'm interested!

In the front the 4 boxes use Chicago screws through both the ribbed rubber belt cover and the 2" wide web belt. It runs around and can be tucked under the two side pouch loops.

Did some sanding after letting the glazing puddy set. Things are looking much better now. Also put on the last two ab boxes, on on each of the side seams.

I did back of the leg since I left the extra on the inside so it pads out more. The Velcro on knee plates works well.

Things are going well. Thighs and shins are done for mudding. I just need to fix the bicep, cod, pouch cover and one forearm. I also have the chest to finish out and two boxes on the ab and I am done!

Well it's a package deal to to pint two sets of TFA armor so mine will be a little more effort though. I can save the pieces.

Well on Friday the 13th I ran into a huge issue! I got a bad can of Rustoleum paint. Some yellow goop sprayed out of the can then it all turned white. I sprayed 3 pieces and the paint instantly on the 3rd light coat peeled up! I scraped off the paint and noticed something was eating the ABS! I grabbed the pieces and got them into warm water. That stopped the reaction. Unfortunately it did eat into the ABS. what a nightmare! I sanded all the loose areas and now have put a skim coat of glazing puddy on to get a smooth surface. Make sure you check you cans of rustoleum for that yellow goop when you test it out. I tried other cans from the batch and they were fine but I am done spraying! The rest of the parts are going to be done by a professional.

My spraying operation has moved into my clean loft so from this point on a few resprays and final spray and all will be good!

Here is the status of the painting process: Medium scotch-brite and a wax and oil degreaser wipe down Butt, Cod, Knees, Boxes, Hand Guards, and Shoulder Bells in a dusty basement! Back/Neck Yoke done in my garage loft much better! New Chest Detail in primer that needs more work! Forearms also need some minor touch up but in primer Thermal Detonator getting close with one spot to fix!

Well rattle can painting sucks and trying to find a decent place to do it heated, no humidity and the most annoying......DUST! I did some spraying of the shoulder bells, knees, cod, butt, belt boxes/covers, and hand guards and well dust and the funky orange peel/blisters shown up. Best looking piece was the butt plate and one knee! Has anyone wet sanded and clear coat the parts to get rid of the peel and dust? I might just after a few days try a final coat of paint?

Did some more work with the sewing machine and more fitting! Cleaned up the ab shoulder straps. Fabricated the thigh straps using 2" black webbing and sew on Velcro. Cloth shoulder/arm gaskets from imperial gaskets I sewed on the Velcro strips to keep the biceps and forearms from moving around. Assembled and tried on the legs with the spats. They fit perfectly! Fabricated shoulder bell straps also with sew on Velcro. What is left.......lets see.......not much? Fine filling and sanding of chest, forearms and thigh. Chest Greeblies to glue on. Its almost time to sand/scuff, tape off, paint and decals! A little gift to myself! Thigh straps and shoulder bell straps Thigh strap Leg Front Leg Inside Shoulder Bell straps Inside of the chest/back assembly with strapping Velcro sewn on the arm/shoulder gaskets for the bicep and forearm I also found out I am not alone as of November 3rd! Then there were four...........

So time is getting shorter by the day for the magical date. I had seen Barcoder's build a nice Rubies E-11 using a toy gun scope. I managed to find something I can work with so for now this is my Plan B.....

Thanks Tony-I actually like the idea of not worrying about finger prints, glue, scratches and then painting to cover up all my issues! Now how well paint holds up on a set of armor only a clone would know! I plan on letting it wear in like a good set of boots! Hey I also noted you graduated with me from the Imperial Academy too Class of 101 with 10114 and 10116!

Went and did some sewing this afternoon since my day job got rained out! I bought the imperial gaskets cloth gasket set. The legs were pretty straight forward and I even put a slight taper on them. I used sew on Velcro hook side on the tops about 75% the way around and a block in the middle for the knee guard and a 4 inch strip in the front of the bottom for the shin. Front with knee guard Back Side view Over all! That was another 1.5 hours and I fixed the chest plate too for the top strapping!

It was posted on here late after I figured out how to insert pictures, so no problem.

Another hour spent fitting the utility belt. It worked out well and I used two snaps on either side of the cod. I will add some side tabs to keep the belt from pulling in at the hip. Snaps added! Boxes Mounted! Snaps under the belt cover to the AB! Looking good!

Decided to suit up and see what needs to be done for movement and where the thighs should hang........man I did it all by myself! I need to make strapping for the thighs, fit the knee gaskets, build the belt, fix the cod and use elastic webbing there! Get the chest to sit better especially on the sides then all the snaps and Velcro on the misc. strapping. Lastly the fine sanding then its off to paint!

I was looking for a way to slip the ab on and not need someone to put the TD on and just wrap the belt around? Who knows how well it will work.

Went and figured out how to mount my thermal detonator and make some height adjustments. Snaps on the TD Snaps on the closing straps Inside view Outside view

I have seen some that are close and some that are not?

Should fit together like this but close the seam in more on the top....I had to fill it in with JB plastic weld. I do recommend using that on the seams.

Thermal almost done! Chest & Thigh Belt Box, Shin & Forearms..... 32 Hours to Date!