justjoseph63

Boy did I learn my lesson on this one! Even after all my research, I glued both plates on, thinking because they were "pre-trimmed", they were good to go. Took me over 2 hours to remove, trim to the correct size, and then re- glue them. Needless to say there was a fair amount of mild cursing.

I think I will start saving now for the Rubie's version that will be on sale within 12 minutes of the films release date. Should set me back about $1800.00. (I am soooooo kidding).

Huzzah! The goal has been met!! Now, for a new set of armor and boots for this hero!

You are correct, Bone, I meant to say straps instead of bars! Thank you for the clarification, sir!

Hola! So, here is yet another tech question for those of you willing to bear with me..... I received my official TK ID yesterday, and would like to add one of those mega-cool customized photos to my "signature". Keeping in mind that I am one of those "technically challenged" types, could anyone take a moment to explain how those are done? Thanks!!!

I would say no to the shoulder bell replacement, John. As far as I am aware the only thing that needs to be switched out is the chest plate.

I would suggest Imperialboots. They are Chinese made, but get here pretty quick, (10 days) and I am really pleased with the quality. I would suggest ordering a half or full size bigger than you normally wear, though. You can find info. here in the "Boots and other soft parts" section, I believe.

You heard it from the master, (gazmosis), John, and must have the same one I received.

Hi John! I just went through trying to find out about this as well with my AM 2.0 armor. It seems that although their new back plate is acceptable all the way to Centurion, sadly the chest plate I received is not, and this comes from the highest authority on the subject. Yours, however, could be an exception. There are certain nuances between the one I received and others recently sent out which will make it necessary to replace it to get to the Centurion level. I am waiting on them to get back to me at this point, but for now, the chest plate is acceptable up to EIB. I would suggest still going for Centurion, as I did, and perhaps changing the chest plate at a later date, which will be pretty easy. (Don't forget to order new shoulder bars as well if you glue them on in the meantime, though)! At this point, I would wait until you hear from those more experienced than myself before inquiring at Troopergear, though.

Love it! Especially the " O.K.,... where do I begin" look in the first photo. Hope you all had fun, and raised a lot for Comic Relief!

Worked like a charm, Steve! Many thanks for the help and the congrats!!!!

TK-10963 requesting 501st access. Thank you! http://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=18379

Hola! Well, I finally made it!! I received my email from the 501st last night, and now I am officially TK10963... but... I am having a lot of trouble linking my 501st profile to the FISD. The 501st Trooper Status Request page says that I "Must provide a link to my page...", but I have tried in vain to do just that. To those of you who are familiar with me, this should come as no surprise, (I just learned how to post photos last week). Not the most computer savvy guy here, so any detailed info. would be really appreciated! Many thanks, Joseph

Nice work, John! Keep the photos coming!

Thank you for clarifying that, gentlemen!

Hi all, I have a question about the backpacks. Mine is complete, but, I noticed that on the 501st CRL that the pack in the bottom photo is slightly different than the one shown on the top photo. I am kind of digging the thin black tube and hose on the left the top one, and wondered if : A. Does anyone have a close up of this? B. Would it be something I could add to mine, and still be approved? C. Has anyone done this? D. If so, what materials did you use? Many thanks!!

I agree with ya' Bones! "Say hello to my little friends"....

I agree, it started off strong, and then sort of sat there...

If I may make a small suggestion, is it possible to "re-post" this topic? I am sure there are many others who would like to contribute, but perhaps they only have time to look at Recent Topics, and it gets lost in the shuffle. This guy (Scott) has eaten road-kill, been attacked by a deadly Brown snake, (his armor actually saved him), and slept onthe side of the road, all to help kids in need. I think he deserves this.

Have you tried removing some of the return edge on the biceps? You can also do this on the lower part of the forearms before you glue them, to make them more comfortable. Like Andy said, photos would really help.

Awesome suggestions by all of you, and I appreciate it! (Keep em' coming)! To address a few.... 1. Shoulder straps- Should be able to trim these, but the AM chest plate has a strange angle on the shoulder, and not much of a flat gluing surface. 2. Thighs- The backs are as close as I could get them. The fronts don't leave me a lot of room for trimming either, maybe 1/2 an inch. Not sure on this one. . 3. Forearms- How much can I safely trim the top return edge? I thought the one with the "scoop" went on the left, but I noticed that a lot of builds have added it to the right as well. 4. Shins riding high- I never thought of trimming down the bottom, GREAT idea, Tino! 5. Ab plate buttons- It came this way pre-trimmed, but not attached. I assumed it was the correct dimensions, but can remove it and make it thinner. . Again, thanks for taking the time to help out... it means a lot. Any more ideas or comments will be appreciated!

Thanks Scott and Ben, good calls all! I completely forgot to put snaps on the ab plate/belt, so that should remedy that. I am looking for a whole new way to strap the kidney/ab, as they look great before putting them on, (lined up perfectly), but this happens after. The ear guards are going to be another story! After looking at it again, I think I have a bigger problem, though... The belt, even when perfect in the front, looks like it will still ride over the posterior and kidney gap. Any suggestions? I will be addressing the biceps today, Ben, thanks for the link! I just noticed that my drop boxes look out of whack, but I aligned then with the edge of the belt. I think Scott's suggestion will fix that..

Hola! I need to have some input, especially critiques, on my AM 2.0 build. Bear in mind that there are a few things I have already addressed, like the right shoulder bell, (adjusted), and the latex hand guards, (re-glued), and left bicep lowered. Also, I see that the belt is too low in the back. Thanks for any and all constructive advice!!

Is this liner one that came with your armor kit? AM?

Here's something you may find helpful... When you need detailed on a particular item, (bucket, for instance), ask someone for a link to a Billhag diagram for it, (but there are also many others). This guy has amazing, detailed references, and they helped me immensely when I was learning all the different parts and pieces.