justjoseph63

They show a pic of a Sandy as well, obviously not wearing this bucket.

I started out with a Hasbro with a Doopydoos mod, (usually available on ebay). Then, I upgraded to the Doopydoos full resin kit, and honestly could not be happier. The only thing I didn't like too much was the wait, (almost 6 weeks from the UK for the full kit). Hyperfirms are awesome, (I have a DLT-19) because you can almost run over it with a truck, and it still looks great. Those are the only two I am familiar with, but I know there are others, and perhaps someone else can give you a few more options. Hope that helps!

Digging the new Snow trooper armor.

Great job so far, Brad! Perfect bends on the TD clips, but I would suggest moving them closer to the caps. The CRLs state for Centurion that there should be "Little or no gap" between the clips and the end caps. (Glad to hear you are shooting for the top level)! I am envious as hell of your E-11... fantastic attention to detail!!!

GREAT photos, and thanks for sharing!!!

Best... troop... EVER! And I also have the blisters to prove it! Gotta agree that "The Mouse" took great care of us, and "Ninja photographer" Randy captured it all in some awesome pics. Fantastic job by all those involved!!!

Hi Kai! I actually removed a large portion of the back, as I didn't want it scratching my back plate armor. Then, I bought some black "craft foam" from the local hobby store, and super-glued it over the opening, (see photo). It works GREAT... allows room for the back plate, covers the hole, is flexible, and doesn't scratch my armor! (Yes, I realize that I lost a knob on my last troop).

Hi Rebecca! It all depends on what level of accuracy you are looking for, how much time you want to put into it, how much fun you want to have building it, and how much you want to spend! Like Art said, T-Jay, Gazmosis, and Playfulwolfcub all have great upgrades, and I would recommend checking out Dark CMF's E-11 build, (the one I mainly followed). Lots of pics, and crazy accuracy. There are many builds on here, just check out the E-11 threads, and that should help you out. I would also recommend starting a build thread, so you can post your progress pics and ask as many questions as you need. One last thing... Stay organized! It helps immensely to get some small plastic containers to keep everything where it needs to be, and so that you don't misplace the small parts. All the best on your build!

AWESOME job, Mike!!! Sounds like you are going to end up with your own mini-squadron!

Hey, Brian... Sorry to hear about your paint problem. I use spray paint a lot, and like Tino said, I think the problem is the silver. Matte finishes can have a problem adhering to shiny ones... What I would personally suggest is to (and I hate to say this) lightly "rough up" the silver finish with sand paper, prime it, and re-paint. I know it will be a pain, but well worth the effort. There is a special sandpaper I use from 3-M, which is made from a thin, flexible silicone sheet instead of actual paper. It is almost impossible to tear, lasts 10 times as long as paper, and you can "mold" it around things to get into the tight spaces. I realize that it may be hard to find over there, (I was stationed in Japan as well) but I would be happy to send you some, no charge. It's the least I could do, as I used you thread a LOT on my E-11 build. Let me know, and all the best...

I agree with Mathias, Rob... the chances of you needing to remove it are slim. I would suggest putting a few applications of Scotch-guard fabric protector on the canvas belt, this will make it much easier to clean. Also, even if it does get a bit dirty, it will lok "battle worn"!

LOVE my Hyperfirm DLT-19! Using it today on my first troop as a HWT, and like Scott said, "kiddo proof"!

I have a place on my bucket bag all ready for one of these bad-boys! Going on my first troop as a HWT tomorrow, and submitting my EIB photos right after!

Hi Matt! I have ABS, and it is pretty shiny, I must say, but others should weigh in. I have read that there are products to protect it from discoloring, and have not heard anything about it warping from heat. I live in central FL. (also pretty hot), and have had no problems with that. Also, no problems in keeping it clean. I double as a HWT, and have to put charcoal dust and hairspray on it, and it comes off well, and for minor smudges, (like when my bucket neck seal rubs on the chest plate), a Mr. Clean magic eraser sponge works great. Hope this helps!

Many thanks for all of your responses, and now, I'm off to get some of the good stuff!

I would suggest purchasing an inexpensive rasp type file at Lowe's or Home Depot. Get one that is flat on one side and curved on the other, (for the contours), and, like Hans said, use sandpaper or a sanding sponge to smooth it down. Just take your time, and I am sure it will turn out great! Remember... small increments...

Hola! I need to whip up a small amount of ABS paste, and am having a bit of trouble... I know the recipe, but the only acetone I could find is nail polish remover. The problem is that it simply does not dissolve the ABS. I have let it sit up to 6 hours, and it just gets a little sticky. Is there a source for something stronger, maybe? Thanks for any info.!

Is it just me, or did anyone else notice that that looks an awful lot like an incinerator troopers chest plate? I am also digging the helmet, but you are right, Ryan, movement would be minimal. I would like to see more pics of the backpack as well.

My apologies for the mix-up, Charles, it is the HWT patch I am interested in.... (Applying for HWT EIB next week)! Thanks!

Nice job, Pascal! I am no expert, but I did notice a few things that might help you out... It looks like your belt is not centered at the front. I believe the center button should line up with the center line on the lower ab plate. Also, if you look at the CRL's, you will notice that the thigh amamo pack rides higher than what you have, covering the bottom. I had the exact same issue, and E-6000 worked out great to hold it up. I would suggest using painter's tape to mask off any areas that you don't want the glue to get on, though. (I found this out the hard way, LOL). Lastly, I think Gazmosis will need to see a photo of the single split rivet on the lower ab from the bottom view. Great job on the build, my friend, and veel succes on your EIB quest!

Nice build, Ben, best of luck!!!

One word... WOW! Great job, Hans!

I was going to say the same thing, Mike! Eric, there is a recent post in the Death Trooper category by 2Thin, called, (strangely enough) My Death Trooper. REALLY nice job on it, and would be an alternative, depending on how damaged your armor is, and how much fun you are willing to have with a Dremel saw. Probably not too many events you could wear it to, but it would make one helluva cool Halloween costume!

Congrats, Manu, and AWESOME photo! Welcome to the fold! Going for EIB in a week or so, Tony....

Any word on these, yet, Charles? Thanks!