shashachu

Hi Dave, Thanks for your application and for the fixes with your belt and forearms. CRL and Centurion Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to Centurion! On behalf of the DO team and myself, many congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we discuss areas that could benefit from additional improvement. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions Starting from the top, the vocoder paint is nice and clean, but it looks like it could be extended some to better match the shape of the plastic: Reference Image: Moving on, your right shoulder strap seems to want to sit higher than the left. A hot water bath to curve it more should help it stay in place. Reference Image: Next, you appear to have a very slight overlap between the back and kidney plates. Not enough to block you from Centurion, but worth double checking the strapping in that area. It could also just be that your back piece sits away from your body a bit, causing it to look like there's an overlap. Reference Image: Similarly, you appear to have a possible slight overlap between the right side ab and kidney. Ideally these would meet but not overlap. Reference Image: Next, your butt plate could use some adjustment as well. As pointed out, it's sticking out a bit on the right side, something that could be resolved with some heat bending. Next, the back of your right thigh and the butt plate are running into each other some, so you could consider dropping the thighs just a touch to resolve it. Reference Image: Moving along, ideally the gap where the lower rear ridge of your thigh armor meets would be filled, or you could simply back it with a small square of ABS so that the black of your undersuit doesn't show through. Reference Image: Finally, a minor dressing issue. It looks best when your cover strips are aligned, so next time you're getting suited up, just double check the rotation of your shins. Some troopers also add velcro to the front of their boots to keep the shins from rotating or otherwise shifting around. Reference Image: And that's it! Congratulations again from the entire DO team on reaching Centurion!

Hi Bryan, Happy Monday! Taking a closer look at your new photos, I do think you might have overcorrected the belt position from your EIB pics. As Glen stated, it can be a *slight* overlap of the bottom buttons, but your bottom button of the smaller button panel is completely covered, making it look like there are only 3 buttons. Do you think you could submit a new photo with the belt position slightly adjusted down? You don't need to get completely suited up, just the torso and belt is fine. This is what we're aiming for: Thank you!

Thanks, Dave! I'll be with you as soon as I can. Hope you're having a restful weekend.

Hi Bryan, Nice work on the fixes from your EIB application. After discussing with the DO team, we'd like you to make a few corrections before we move forward with your application. First, you've improved the shoulder bell gap a lot since your EIB app, but the right one is still a bit larger than we'd like to see. It looks like there's room to bring in the strapping, or it could be a simple dressing issue. Reference: Next, a bit of paint cleanup. As mentioned above, your frown paint shouldn't be on the 'gums' of the frown at all. I've indicated the areas I can see, but definitely take a look at the reference photos to see that slightly underpainting the teeth is acceptable. Also, this is something that was visible in your EIB application but I missed it; so I apologize for the oversight. Reference Image: Finally, we'd still liked you to clean up the ab button paint. Similarly to the frown paint, you can err on the side of underpainting the buttons. Reference Image: Both of the paint cleanups should be relatively straightforward - just a bit of careful work with some paint thinner or mineral spirits. Please reach out if we can be of assistance. Have a great weekend! -Sha Sha

Hi Bryan, Thanks for your patience; we were a bit busy with the hullabaloo around EIB #1000. I'll get back to you soon.

On you would be preferable. Take your time.

Hi Dave! Just checking in on your progress here with the updated belt photos. Definitely take any time you need, but I wanted to make sure you weren't waiting on us for anything. The wrist return edge looks great.

Congrats, Will!

Hi @Shimo, it makes the reviews a lot easier for us if you paste direct links to the larger sized images instead of us having to click through on each image to see it larger. Can you update your (and Dani's) applications with the larger photos? You can click into each photo, and right-click and select 'Copy image address' (probably slightly different language on different Browsers) and then paste that URL. For example, for your chest armor image: Thanks!

Thanks for the updated pics! After conferring with the rest of the DO team, we'd like you to remove the remaining bits indicated below: I think at this point it's largely semantics and maybe not even correct to call that 'return edge' but the idea is that we remove all traces of the narrowing of the wrist. Should be a relatively quick fix. Thanks!

@Dani I really like the mods you made to the abdomen to fit your smaller frame. Great job with your build.

Hi Dave! Unless my eyes our deceiving me, it does still look like you have some return edge at the 'hump' of the forearm: It looks like the forearm is curving in a bit at the wrist, when it should be flat. If it helps, here is the photo from my own submission: Your updated photos don't need to be super-duper close up. I'd rather see clear, in-focus photos than extreme closeups. Thanks!

Hey Dave! Mike, who did your original EIB review, is no longer on the DO team, so I'll be doing your Centurion review. You've done some great fixes since your EIB submission, but there are a couple of small fixes that will need to happen before we can proceed with your application. First, the L3 Hero CRL states: The top of the ABS ammo belt should sit at or just above the bottom of the central and vertical abdomen button panels. Your is sitting *just* a bit low. When you check out the reference photos, it's actually ok for the belt to slightly overlap the bottom ab buttons. On my own kit, I added a couple of small strips of velcro to the back of my belt to keep it from sagging. Reference Images: Next, the L3 CRL states: No return edge on the inside of the front of the forearm is allowed. It's a bit hard to tell from the photo, but I do believe you still have some return edge on the wrist side of your forearm. You'll need to make sure there is no ABS slanting inwards. Could you please post updated/clearer photos of both wrists as well? Should be a fairly simple fix with scissors, a sander, or a dremel. Reference Image: Thanks! Sha Sha

Hi Sven, Thanks for your application and for the frown paint fix! CRL and EIB Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to Expert Infantry rank. On behalf of the DO team and myself, many congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions Starting from the top, as was already mentioned, the bordering paint on the traps and tears of your helmet is a bit thick. You could address this by carefully painting over some of the black border with gray paint. Reference Images: Next, your vocoder paint could be cleaned up a bit to make it more symmetric. Reference Image: Moving along, you have a bit of a gap between your kidney and back. It's not so large as to block Centurion, but I'd take a look at the strapping and see if you can reduce it. Reference Image: Moving on to your arms, as was already mentioned, bringing your forearms up will even out the black gaps, giving you a more polished look and ensuring your forearms aren't running in to your hand plates. Reference Image: The ends of the TD clips should ideally be square off, not rounded, and the screws should be closer to the end. Not a big deal, but worth mentioning. Reference Image: Next, the outer buttons on your belt is quite far away from the edge of the belt. I'm unsure if perhaps your belt is a little long, or maybe the button could be moved out. Reference Image: Next, your butt plate is sticking out a bit. Ideally it should sit right below the kidney. You might need to add or adjust some strapping to keep it in place. Reference Image: One of the rivets holding on your ammo knee pack is a bit close to the corner of the ammo pack. Ideally it would be moved in a bit. Reference Image: Moving on, there is a slight gap between the bottom ridge of the rear of your thighs. It would look cleaner if this gap was filled, or even just backed with a small square of white ABS. Reference Image: Moving into the sniper knee, on the screen-used suits, they were trimmed more angularly, while yours is more curved. Reference Image: Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. Starting at the top, the L3 CRL states: Ear screws shall be slotted, flat topped, countersunk and painted white. Your lower ear screws are sticking out a bit, so they would need to be carefully countersunk. Reference Image: Next, the L3 CRL states: There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates. Your shoulder bell gap is a bit bigger than we like to see. You should be able to shorten the strapping holding the shoulder bells on to bring them closer. You can also trim off all of the lower return edge on your shoulder bells. Reference Images: Next, the L3 CRL states: The top of the ABS ammo belt should sit at or just above the bottom of the central and vertical abdomen button panels. Your belt it sitting just a little too low. On my own kit I added two small strips of velcro to the belt to keep it from sagging. As you can see in the reference pics, even having the belt slightly overlap the lower buttons is ok. Reference Image: Continuing on, the L3 CRL states: Ab button paint shall not extend beyond the bottom of the actual raised button. Your ab button paint it a bit too large so you'd have to remove some of the paint. You can even make the paint slightly smaller than the button. I've also indicated where you can square off the ab button panels, but that is not a Centurion blocker. Reference Image: Next, two areas where you'd have to make some additions: Ideally there no gap between the abdomen and kidney armor. Abdominal and Kidney Plate align horizontally at top. A single visible seam line is present. Three rivets, approximately 5/16"(8mm) diameter, are present on the left side of the abdomen armor. Note: The original rivets used for the TK armor were bifurcated rivets or split rivets. Rivets are equally spaced along the depth of the armor and about 10mm from the edge. The heads are rounded or domed. Note: Paperclip brads are not considered to have a domed head. Rivets are painted white. In addition to aligning the ab and kidney armor as well as eliminating that last little gap between the ab and kidney, you would need to add the 3 white rivets on the left side. I've roughly indicated where they should go in the image. Also note that they do not have to be functional. Reference Images: The L3 CRL states: A single male snap on the top right corner of the ab plate is present. This is also called the 'Han snap' because it's visible on screen in the detention block scene when Han removes his helmet. You would need to add this snap on your armor for Centurion. Reference Image: Moving on to the belt, the L3 CRL states: Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt with minimal gap between belt and box. Yours are hanging a bit low as well as not quite aligned with the end of the belt. Many of us add a bit of glue to the white elastic holding the drop boxes on in order to keep them in place. Reference Image: The L3 CRL further states: The corners of the plastic ammo belt shall be trimmed at a 45 degree angle that that meets the outer edge of the cloth belt. It's a little hard to see, but I don't think your corners quite meet in the right place. You might be able to trim them to end at the correct place, or you could also try trimming back some of the fraying on your belt so it's not so wide. Reference Image: Finally, the L3 CRL states: Hand guards shall be latex or latex-like, solid white or painted white, and affixed to rubber gloves with no visible strapping or stitching. I'm fairly certain your hand plates are ABS, so they would need to be replaced with flexible ones. There are a few sellers here on FISD selling Centurion-approvable handplates. And that's it! There are a number of changes that you'll need to make to your armor in order to reach Centurion, but I do hope we see your application there soon. In the meantime, please accept our heartfelt congratulations on reaching the rank of EIB!

Great looking build, Will! One of us should be with you soon.

Hi @Welshtudor75 just wanted to be sure you saw my comment - we'll need you to embed all the photos inside of the post.

Congrats, Cam! Love your perspective as well.

Just found your thread - you are blazing through this build! Really exciting to see you make so much progress. Re: EIB 1000 unfortunately it is going to be too late for that, but please don't feel deterred - the L2 and L3 approvals are an honor, no matter what your number is. Agree with what the others say to not make any irreversible decisions until you have your undersuit and gaskets. I'm also jealous of all of the changes KB has been making to his kits - I have a v1 that is a much more complicated build. But at the end of the day, it's all excuses. Can't wait to follow your progress.

Thanks for the frown pics, Sven! You will need to remove some of the paint from the 'gums' in order for us to proceed with your application. I've indicated the areas where I can see the overpainting, but take a close look at all of the teeth and make sure none of the paint is on the gums. As you can see from the reference pics, you can even underpaint the teeth a bit. It should be a pretty simple fix - just some time with a toothpick or cotton swab and some paint thinner or mineral spirits. Thanks!

Hello Sven! Thanks for your application - you have a very nice build. I'll be doing your review. Could you send a couple more closeups of your helmet teeth? I just want to ensure there's no paint leaving the teeth. Thank you!

Hi Tudor! Could you please embed the photos directly into your application post? It makes the reviews easier on us, and it's nice for other troopers to use as a reference. It looks like maybe the link to the gallery has gone away, but if I recall from when I looked quickly through them, I believe your ammo pack rivet needs to be painted white. Thigh ammo belt is attached to thigh with a solid head rivet, painted white, in the upper corner and fastened to the lower thigh ridge. I could also be remembering wrong, but I think your ab/kidney rivets were also missing the white paint. Although the rivets are technically an L3 requirement, if you already have the white paint out to paint over your ammo pack rivet, you may as well tackle those ones as well.

Ultimately it's up to your GML. We have approved lightly weathered kits up to Centurion but usually most folks do the shiny white.

Congrats!

As long as the shim is flush, it's ok at EIB.

Hi Craig, Thanks for your application and for the adjustment with your hand plates. CRL and EIB Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to Expert Infantry rank. On behalf of the DO team and myself, many congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. Starting from the top, a couple suggestions with your brow trim. First, the brow trim usually ends around the end of the trap, so you can simply snip off the end. Next, Stunt helmets in general had their brow trims slightly higher (unlike Hero helmets which had very low brow trim), so if you'd like to match that classic Stunt look, we're suggesting that you scoot it up a a couple mm. Reference Image: Continuing with the helmet, this is something we suggest only for trooping, not for screen accuracy. Many of us add some sort of black cloth or mesh behind the helmet teeth in order to prevent people at troops from seeing our faces. Again it's not for screen accuracy, simply a suggestion to help preserve that movie magic. Reference Image Moving lower, it appears as if your neck seal or perhaps your undershirt is sticking out the back of your armor. The next time you get suited up, just have a handler ensure everything is tucked in securely. Reference Image: Next, as was already pointed out, the screen-used suits tended to have their sniper knees trimmed more sharply, rather than rounded. Reference Image: Moving on, the rivet holding on your ammo knee pack is quite close to the corner. Ideally it'd be moved in a bit. Reference Image: Finally, in your most recent set of pics I noticed there's a bit of a gap between one of the TD clips and the panel. Ideally it would be flush. Reference Image: Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. Starting again from the top, your trap paint is quite small compared to the molds in the helmet, so we'd like you to expand it to fill the available space. Reference Images: Moving on, the L3 CRL states: Three rivets, approximately 5/16"(8mm) diameter, are present on the left side of the abdomen armor. Yours are present, but the positioning is off compared to the screen-used suits. This is one of those instances where we do rely on visual reference rather than just the text of the CRL. You'd need to remove the rivets, drill new holes, and fill the olds ones. A fair bit of work, but it can definitely be done. While you're in the area, you should also touch up the white paint of the upper rivets. Reference Images: Note that the measurements don't need to be exact, but they should look visually similar. We do realize the curve in the RS abdomen armor can make exact positioning difficult. Similarly, your 'Han' snap is present, but also positioned farther away from the edge than we'd like. Again, you'd need to drill out the snap, reposition it, and fill the old hole. Reference Image: Next, the L3 CRL states: Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt with minimal gap between belt and box. Yours are just a bit too far in. Many of us add a bit of glue to the drop box elastic to keep them in place. Reference Image: Finally, the L3 CRL states: Hand guards shall be latex or latex-like, solid white or painted white, and affixed to rubber gloves with no visible strapping or stitching. Your hand guards appear to be ABS, so they would need to be replaced for Centurion. Reference Image: Finally, this may simply be a reflection, but it appears you may have some metallic weathering on the grip of your blaster. The L3 CRL states: The blaster may have minor weathering or base metal exposure however, T-tracks and grips shall have the appearance of black plastic. Reference Image: And that's it! We hope to see your Centurion application soon, but until then, please accept our hearty congratulations for reaching EIB!