justjoseph63

If I can chip in my 2 cents worth, I must say that I am now ATA's biggest fan! While I am not sure about ANOVOS' customer service, (I have no experience with them), I am beyond pleased with not only the communication, but with the lightning fast speed that ATA shipped me some requested armor parts to replace some of my @M pieces for Centurion. I honestly wish I would have gone with them in the first place when I purchased my kit. IMHO I would stick with something tried and true, which I KNOW will be approved.

Hola! I have up for grabs 2 shoulder straps for those looking to join the ranks of HWTs. I recently upgraded my chest plate, and since the straps were glued on to the old one, I figured I could cut them off so a future fellow HWT could use them as the greeblie for the long PVC tube on the right hand side of the back-pack. Mind you, since they are going to be cut, they cannot be used for anything else. Also, they will have to be shaped a little with a heat gun (or hair dryer set on hot) to fit the PVC tube. Please post here before PMing me if interested. I will pay the postage. On a side note: If there is anyone in the central FL. area interested in becoming a HWT, I have the main two items listed in Templar726's AWESOME HWT backpack build, (the oil pan and the "Pop-It" containers) for you. Also free. New and unused. (You gotta pick them up, though, as postage is over 50 bucks...seriously). I would ask that you send some photos of your build, so I know that you are not just in it for the free storage containers! LOL

Victor, if you will be (hopefully) shooting for EIB or Centurion, I would consider getting some templates from Trooperbay. The ones that came with you AM kit are fine for basic approval, and can be removed at a later time. If you do decide to use the templates, I can give you a handy hint that I learned on here... After you get them in the right position, go over them with a (light) coat of WHITE paint first. What this will do is seal the edges, prevent the desired color from bleeding around the edges, and give you clean, crisp lines. Just remember to let it (the white) dry for a few minutes before applying the desired color, and do not leave the template on too long, or it may peel up whatever paint you have applied. Sounds tricky but it's not, I promise. If I remember correctly they send you a couple of sets, so you can practice on some spare ABS. Hope this helps! On a side note: EIGHTY magnets??? Good Heavens, I hope there's no one in your neighborhood with a pacemaker! LOL

Joseph Pedigo TK 10963 justjoseph63 Florida Garrison, Makaze Squad Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 155 Armor/Helmet: AM 2.0 Boots: Imperial boots Neck seal: Darman Hand plates: Latex, home made Ammo pouches: Canvas Backpack: Self made, with props to Templar 726 and Ukswrath! Weapon: Hyperfirm DLT-19 by Slavefive NOTE: I may have overdone it a bit on the "battle marks", (duly noted), and apologize for not cropping the pics, as Photobucket is acting weird. If any additional photos are needed/missing, please let me know, and thank you for your consideration! : EDIT My apologies, but I did not realize/stop to think that deleting these pics from Photobucket would remove them from here as well... computer newbs... go figure..

Awesome idea, Dustin! It might be a bit difficult to fit one of those in my armor bin, though...

Yes, Kainoa, let it cool down on it's own. You don't have to wait for it to get completely cool during the shaping process, but no need to use water. Also, you might want to attach the Velcro to the one with the cover strip as a test, as it looks pretty close to where it needs to be. You can always remove it if not, but don't re-use it, and remove it before heating again.

I would probably steer clear of the boiling water method, Kainoa. I had the same problem with mine, and what I did was to purchase a heat gun at Lowe's, (usually around $25.00). Then, I taped them up to the closed position, set them on concrete, and pointed the gun inside. But be SURE to do it gradually, and don't overheat them, or they will become misshapen. Also, make sure the final product is not closed all the way. I have about a 1 1/2 inch gap, which the Velcro holds together just fine.

Good call on the belt, Tony! As far as getting suited up, Joe, I put on my thighs first, then the calves, (but leave them open in the back). That way I can sit down, slide on my boots, and than secure the backs of the calves. It does take a little practice, though. After that comes the rest of the armor. Also, there is always someone around on a troop who will be glad to help you out with putting other parts on.

Definitely Wagners' "Ride of the Valkyries"... One of my favorite movie scenes was the Army helicopters storming the beach in Apocalypse Now, blaring it full blast. Still gives me chills.

OK, Chad,... TAG...

I noticed the same thing, Jonathan. It IS smaller, as they still have a Thermal Detonator... Plus, they also have their E-11s as a sidearm. I also noticed that they are carrying T-21s, so I guess my DLT-19 won't work with this... DAMN, another project and another trip to Lowe's! When will the madness end? Gotta go for now... looking into a storage unit for my supplies, and perhaps as a future home...

It's official, Scott.. TAG... You're it! Now, if you will get this started, I have an excuse to go to Lowe's and get the usual eyes-rolling-back-in the-head-why-doesn't-anyone-just-build-birdhouses-anymore response when I announce my newest project.

Nice looking armor, Chris! If I may make a few suggestions, I would recommend buying some 1 inch thick foam padding (the kind for chairs) at a craft store and cutting it into 1 1/2 or 2 inch strips and putting it in the front, and perhaps sides of your calf pieces. This will stop them from rotating. Also, it looks as if your belt is hanging really low on the left. If you don't have them already, I would suggest adding 2 or 3 snaps to connect your ab plate to your belt to keep it level. If you need pics, just let me know. Hope this helps!

Looks as if someone has made a few alterations on it though... Apparently the previous owner was going for Centurion or EIB, since it has the side rivets and kidney cut-outs, (although they look a lot larger than 22mm). But why the separated ab/cod? Plus, it comes with a comlink and orange shoulder pauldron... ?? Maybe someone could clarify, but is that an AM "NE" chest plate? I cannot figure out what the black Velcro (?) patch is on the chest plate is for, but it Looks like someone put a lot of work into it, then never wore it, as the thighs are not finished. Their loss is your gain, Jay!

Oh good Lord, Scott... Why on earth did you have to bring this up????? I'm already in trouble because my HWT backpack "Takes up too much space". Now, it looks as if I am going to have to explain to my wife that I "Just HAVE to make a re-breather pack". I guess I am going to have to fall back on the old "Well, all the other TK's have one, and it's sooooo cool" excuse. Wish me luck, and keep me in mind if you find a CRL.

I would suggest going to the "Getting Started- Read This First" section, Braiden, as pretty much all the information you will need is there, which will help you in your decision. Yes, there are opportunities on here occasionally to purchase pre-made armor from other members, but you will have to remember that it may not be your size. That is just one of the advantages to building your own. Yes, it takes some time and patience, but in the end you will have armor that is tailored to your body, as well as learning a LOT about it. And, just because someone else's armor was approved by the 501st, does not make it automatically approved for you. If you are concerned about building it yourself, there are many, many tutorials on here, as well as a legion of great folks on here (especially in Australia) to help you out with your questions. It comes down to one word... RESEARCH! Steer clear of ebay armor, and there is also a thread in the Getting Started section regarding the best places to get a quality kit. You must have patience, but I assure you it will pay off in the end! All the best!

I like to go with snaps whenever I can, Andy, with a few exceptions. I started out gluing the female part to the armor, but found out a much better way that I have switched to.. I now take a 1 inch piece of black nylon webbing, seal the ends, then permanently attach the female to that, THEN attach that to your armor with a strong CA glue, like Hobby Linc. No worries of it coming off. Ever. And yes, always use high quality heavy duty snaps. The cheap ones will NOT hold... I found this out the hard way, and had to replace every single one. Another good thing about snaps is that if you need to replace the elastic, it is much easier than trying to remove glued on strapping/elastic. They are a bit more labor intensive in the beginning, but in my opinion they work out better in the long run. Hope this helps!

A quick heads-up on the Doopydoos "email me when this is in stock" deal, David, when you get the email, order it immediately. I waited 4 hours, and they were all gone again, it's just that quick. Also, be prepared to hurry up and wait, (up to 6 weeks), and don't expect much in the way of communication. It will get to you, though. It's a nice kit, and a fun build.

I collect Canadian quarters. I have seven. (Or is it eight)?

Hey Russell, Google Wookieepedia, (the Star Wars version of Wikipedia), and search Thermal Detonator. Everything you could ever want to know, (and some things you didn't) about a TD is there. I like Karin's answer the best, though!

So far, Tor Erik, I have had no "downsides". I did my bucket with Plasti-Dip, (a black, rubberized coating), and even with the Florida heat it has held up really well. It's all a matter of personal taste, and like Q said, it makes it harder for folks to see inside, especially if you have lots of electronics in there, i.e. fans, microphones, speakers, etc.

Damn... It's posts like this that make me feel privileged to be a part of this organization..... Thank you so much for sharing, Steve!

The placement of your holster is another difference, Dave, and the brow on the helmet, but I think the main problem you will find is that the grappling hook/box will be quite elusive. I was going for Hero at first, but changed my mind while waiting for my armor. I did end up making a grappling hook, (pictured) but it took me weeks to do, as finding one on here is like finding the Holy Grail. For the actual box itself, I had to order it from England, (over $40.00). The comlink was fairly easy to build, but as as I went ANH, it just sits there in my bin. If you are REALLY handy with a Dremel, and power tools in general, you can make your own grappling hook... just Google photos of one, as I did, and go from there. I wish you would have posted this last week, because I just sold the one I built for $70.00. All the best to you!

Awesome photo, Ken!

Good call on the holster, Jason. I got one from Gazmosis, who offers the heavy duty ones on here occasionally, and they are built like a tank!