Helotech

Hey. I'm looking to source the cap rivets. Any idea of the shank lengths?

gmr (or anyone else) Advice requested: I haven't had to work with ABS in this way before. Is the sniper plate glued to the calf with the ABS paste? Other type of adhesive, such as the E6000 everyone talks about? I didn't want to use something to "hot" so that it melts the plastic. I have to somehow fix the top rounded corners of the thigh ammo pouch. Unfortunately, since this was a completely built set of armor from SDS, I don't have scrap ABS sheet laying about. I was thinking of adding a backing plate with he correct right angle profile behind the top corner. Then I would layer it with ABS sheet and filling the joint line with ABS paste and sanding / polishing smooth. Do you think this would work? Are there any commercially available ABS that would work. I haven't been able to source ABS sheets locally. The only plastic sheets I have are styrene by Evergreen that I use for model building.

Hey Jayse01 I have the SDS as well and am starting to mod it. I do have some questions: How are you solving the top rounded edges of the thigh ammo pack? What glue are you using to attach the sniper plate to the left calf? ABS paste? Good luck on you modifications. Dave

Here are my photos. I'm only going for basic now as I want to troop sooner rather than later. Things I know I have to address: I just noticed one of the blue ab buttons paint is scuffed. Need to fix that. The little black flecks were just some dust, so please ignore. Belt is all ABS. I have a fabric belt and will be attaching the front AMMO pouches to it Add better Velcro to belt and armor to prevent it from slipping up / down Holster requires the tan leather straps and rivets holding it to belt The front and back cover strips on thigh / calf armor need trimming so they don't go all the way to bottom or top Re-adjust Velcro on right calf so it is mirror image of left. Sniper plate need to be glued, not screwed on. Does any other glue work for doing this (CA?) or should I use the ABS paste? Right knee ammo pouch has rounded top edges. Not sure how to address this... Right knee ammo pouch attached with screws, not rivets Might have to adjust / reform shoulder bells so they sit closer to chest armor. This I want to do for own comfort or better look for the armor / creep my way up to higher level: Add strapping to calf pieces to prevent them riding up over boot Find a good way to keep thigh armor from pivoting. Add better / more Velcro strapping for better fit Lose 15 lbs.... Glue down front shoulder straps and lose the velcro. Once again, is CA glue ok for this? Maybe add the white fabric shoulder strapping to hold chest and back armor together. I like the black look better, so not sure. Free float the back part of shoulder strap and add the little white elastic Make the black under belt and straps to hold up thigh armor Is there any way to alleviate the armor from clicking / snapping (best term I can use) when walking? Anyways, let me know what you think.

Wow! Thanks for the help. I haven't introduced myself there yet, but will ASAP. I'm just about to have my wife take pics of me in the armor, so stay tuned! I only spoke with Andy briefly on the phone and by email, and he was very helpful. I didn't realize he made holsters and belts. I have the Imperial Issue canvas belt, and just need to source the rivets and tan leather strips to start the modifications. I'll contact him to see if he can help me with those.

Okay. Other than doing pipe work on the house plumbing, I haven't done much ABS manipulation, so I'll have to study up on this. Long story short about the SDS: I always wanted TK armor, and googled "Real stormtrooper" which led me to SDS. I thought I read everything I could find about it. I got lost in the multitude of forums on this and other sites, but somehow never discovered the "issues" with SDS I have many other hobbies and couldn't invest the time in completely fabricating armor from scratch (cutting out armour pieces from ABS sheets, etc...) even though I'm handy. I had the wife's enthusiastic approval and some disposable $, so I paid the money and had it shipped. Less than 2 weeks later I was dressed as a Stormtrooper. And then I discovered the "issues". Oh well. I now figure it will take me less time to fix the SDS, than doing a do-it-yourself kit. Even now knowing there are problems, I think I would still go with SDS just for the service and ease. My 2 cents... Can't wait to be an official trooper helping others.

Why thank you very much!!!!! Forums have so much info and I haven't seen this. I'll check it out. Just looked at it. I never noticed the details of how the rear calf Velcro attachment are mirror images of each other. Both SDS calf pieces are left side overlapping right side. So only the left leg is correct. This is an easy fix with a bit of Velcro peeling and reattachment. I never noticed the snipe plate being attached with screws. Would it be more prudent to use the paste to cover the screw, or attempt to glue the plate on ?

Thanks gmr. I was bored at work and decided to just start the profile and more pictures are forthcoming. Your comments are really appreciated. I've heard lots about the SDS and am addressing them as I find the references. Here is the link in the forum concerning my reasoning behind purchasing SDS, and my discussions and views with others. Didn't want to re-hash it here. I chime in on page 4 if anyone wants to read... The pic was taken after me quickly putting on the armor for the first time, so all the strapping is not done as well as I liked. 1. Both thigh cover strips go right to the bottom. I can trim this back 2. Thigh ammo strip is rounded both top and bottom. Any easy way to remedy this? a) The ammo strip is attached with screws. Easy to fix. I have found the Forum thread about all the snaps and rivets used and just have to pick out the info concerning proper type. I am only going for basic build right now as I am eager to troop. I won't be adding all the needed rivets to the rest of the armor right away. 3. Shoulder ridges are attached with white Velcro front and back. For basic approval I believe this is okay? Not a huge issue as this is easy to remedy. 4. Holster is actually ESB style (very good quality in my opinion), with black strapping that fits over the belt. I am trying to source some correct colour and thickness of the tan leather to make the strips. Any ideas? 5. Belt does sag as it is only held up by a very small piece of white Velcro on the front middle (about 1/2" square). This is an easy fix. Biggest issue with the SDS is that the entire belt (ammo front and main wrap around portion) are ABS. Yes, SDS has faults, but this is a glaring error. I do have an Imperial Issue cloth belt waiting in the box and will transfer the front panel to it once I source rivets, etc. The entire armor is held together with veclro pile strips on the armor, with black elastic straps. I am torn between replacing allot of the strapping for more accurate stuff, such as the white shoulder straps.

I only have one pic so far, but will be submitting more this weekend once the wife can help. I just wanted to get the post started. Information: 1. Dave Galant 2. Future Garrison: Capital City, Canada 3. Armor maker: SDS 4. Helmet maker: SDS 5. Cloth belt maker: Imperial Issue (With SDS front panel) 6. Neck seal maker: SDS 7. Boot maker (SDS) 8. Blaster maker (SDS) 9. Gasket maker (unknown) 10. Height: 5' 10" ish 11. Weight: 190lb 12. TK Type: ANH Hero 13. Assisting Trooper: TS 9223, Andy Pegan, Capitol City GML

Basic pic of me. This is the first time in my armour so it isn't fitted exactly. Through more digging on forums (grrrr....) I've found more detail about the issues I mentioned earlier. Like I said, most are easy fixes. PhilBobTheFish, I am happy with the look overall and love the armour. Just one of the little buyers remorse issues. Hey, I have a TK armour and what kid wouldn't be happy!? Allay, Thanks for the reminder of my imgur account. Didn't even think of that. I also will start a build thread. Once again, time has been an issue. Frank 75139, I haven't had the chance to apply yet due to family commitments and battling a wicked cold for a while. Project was put on hold. I am starting up again this weekend doing some adjustments to straps and modifications of the most glaring errors.

Hey everyone. I have a pic of me in my armour, but can't upload it cause of file size... I seriously thank all of you for taking the time to answer, and I hopefully I don't come across as bashing or demeaning to anyone. I like having honest and frank discussions with people, and it is difficult doing it through forum posts. The forums are great but become a serious information overload. I guess part of my frustration is the fact that possible problems with the armour I chose were my own doing. I've been wanting to join the 501st for years, and finally had the $ and wife's very enthusiastic approval to start the ball rolling. It is hard when you think you researched something to death, only to realize you possibly dumped a ton of cash on something that may not get approved. I really don't want the hassle of shipping everything back, so will live with and improve on what I have. Right now I'm torn between trying to do screen accuracy and go for Centurion in the future, or keeping the armour like I want it and staying basic. I actually like the armour with all black strapping, and no rivets on the side. I also don't like the rubber on the back of the gloves and prefer the ABS. Looks a little more sleek. If I set aside all the lawsuit stuff, I thought I had picked a good armour in the SDS offering. As I stated in earlier posts, once you go through the hundredth page about armour builds, everything blended into one and I just bought something where I could open a box and put it on. I recently did unboxing video reviews of everything I received. With the help of my talented niece, I am editing the vids and will be posting on Youtube within a month or so. I saw a notification that the CRL's had recently changed. I can't open the link though as I don't have access for some reason. Is there a way to see these? I'm not sure if there is an all encompassing list of things to do with the SD armour, but so far I have seen the following by looking at my set: 1. Hero helmet : - Seems accurate for hero helmet in every way, except it has 4 ear bumps. This precludes me from going Centurion. This may be a hard fix so I won't go through the trouble unless I can source complete new ear pieces. - I've painted the inside black and am attempting to fit in all the various electronics. Added to this is the fact I am attempting to scratch build all the components that are displayed in famous cut away pics of what a "real" Stormtrroper helmets would have. I like the looks and feel of it instead of keeping it purist movie quality 2. Armour overall: - Very good mouldings (in my mind) Crisp details from what I can tell - I believe all the open ends of armour are rounded over slightly. I think this is not accurate for Centurion, but okay for basic builds? - Abdomen button panels have correct colours and are separate pieces glued on. - I've read posts saying this is a mish-mash of armour from all movies, but not exactly sure what the issue is. From ANH screen grabs, this looks accurate. - Everything is held together with black elastic and Velcro, 1.5 or 2" wide. Pile is on the armour, and the hook Velcro is sewn to each end of the elastic. This is good to accommodate various sized people. - Until I start adding snaps, I will need to add additional pile Velcro in select areas to aid in fitting my body style (5' 10.5", and 190lb) - No rivets or snaps on either right or left side of abdomen / kidney armour. - Shoulder belles and bicep armour is held together with drop down black 3/4 ish elastic and snaps - Front / back armour has black elastic joining them at the shoulders. This is an easy swap for white straps if requires, but I actually prefer the black - Cod piece is attached with elastic and to posterior piece. One snap each end of elastic. Additional snap would be needed - Shoulder ribbed armour is attached on both ends with white Velcro to chest and back armour. Easy to glue front down, and tie down the rear end with white elastic band as per movies 3. Belt: - Sort of a let down. Came as a complete ABS belt, front attached to the wrap around back. Wrap around back portion has very strong secure Velcro. There is only a small tab of white velcro on back of front of belt to attach to a small Velcro piece on abdomen and is meant to stop the belt from sliding down. The front ammo bump belt is attached to the back wrap around part, but not sure how. I ordered and received a white fabric belt and should be is a fairly easy mod. - The drop boxes are made of a smaller inner box sitting inside the larger outer. It is attached to belt with 3/4 " white pile Velcro strip. Easy enough to source white strapping to let them hang. 4. Holster: - Nice quality, black leather. Has black belt loops a-la ESB or ROTJ. I just have to source some small strips of plain brown leather and will attach it to back of belt with rivets 5. E11 Blaster - I thought it was okay, but after reading posts I now think the SDS is overpriced for what you get. HOWEVER, some people were describing big issues with the casting and moulding of the gun (which I agree with. It is rough in places) but the alternatives they listed also look rough in places. Blaster does not have sling loop at back. Easy to add one. I'll try to post more info in a bit

Totally agree. I can't wait to see my armour beside someone else's at a 501 event. The comparison pics I've found online don't seem to show that much difference, if any at all. I want to see the quality of the molding, sharpness of casting, etc. It may be splitting hairs (and I ABSOLUETLEY LOVE STRIRRING THE POT!!!!) , but I do find it funny how people say that certain armour is not screen accurate, but theirs is. Then you find that their armour has added straps and buckles on the inside to make it fit better. They've added a helmet suspension system inside to make it more comfy, as well as comm boxes, micro phones, screen mesh behind the teeth, black fabric gloves instead of rubber, on and on and on... None of that was on the screen. My little dastardly soap box 2 cents. I'll be doing an unboxing review with a ton of pics this weekend. I'm just deciding whether I should do a Youtube video of the unboxing. Never done one before. I'll have to source new ear caps. Hopefully not too hard to find. Things like the complete plastic belt (if it is still that way as I haven't opened the box) will be an easy fix. I'm still waiting to hear back from my local Garrison to see what they require.

Hey all, Thanks for the info. It is truly appreciated. I will post detailed pics of the pieces and how they fit together by this weekend. I'll aim for a new post in the build section? I'll also copy and paste allot of this info there. I am 5' 10, and about 190 lbs, so the armour should fit okay. This is incentive to lose that extra 10 or 15 lbs to get closer to that typical British actor size they used in ANH After getting home I only unboxed the helmet (of course!) before heading off for a work function. People have complained about the odd shape of the SDS helmets. And I can attest to the fact that it seems warped. However, from my readings most of the original helmets were all oddly shaped and individual. No matter how much I love the movie, I've never had the opportunity to even be close to a set of armour before. I've gone all these years thinking all the armour was the same between all the movies, not realizing there were differences in design, fit, shape of helmets, paint jobs, etc. I hadn't even noticed after watching all the movies dozens of times that the teeth colour had changed! I thought I had researched this to death before buying. I downloaded pics of the SDS, plus images from 501st, movie screen grabs and other sources. From online, I could make out some of the differences, but some other differences described by users eluded me. As I mentioned before, there is way too much info out there. Many forum discussions go back and forth "No this armour had this feature" " No, you are wrong. This armour was different during this scene, with features such as this..." All very confusing. Things like the complete plastic belt will be fixed before trooping. I'm pretty handy and this should be an easy fix. From my reading, it seems like every original suit was an individual work of art and not the same as any other suit. That's what makes this confusing. Some sites I've gone to briefly describe what is wrong with the SDS, but from my understanding it is a recast of ROTJ and ESB parts. After talking with the VERY HELPFUL customer rep in the UK, he told me the suit was based off of ANH armour. I have noticed the following: 1) This is listed as a hero helmet and has most of the features, (like the bubble eye lenses) but there are 4 ear bumps not 3. 2) Tear drops, rear vent trap details are very neat decals, not painted 3) The holster is a ESB design. Black loops meant to fit over the belt I'll know the quality of the molding once I get everything unpacked and laid out, but even if I think it looks good, somebody may say "Nope. It's wrong" As to the licencing and claim for design rights, that is a topic which I don't really want to discuss in depth. But like details about the armour, from what I've read (and it is not an exhaustive study by any means, so be gentle on me) there are many varying stories about this saga, some which go along with the theory everyone states of AA lying. However, I've also read parts where AA states he didn't do the complete design, he just designed the molds to better suit production. Anywhoooooo, More to follow this weekend. Cheers

Hi all, Kind of a long rambling post with some questions near the end, so please be patient. I've never posted here before, but have been creeping this and various other armor sites for a long time. This may not even be the proper place to post this. This is not a true criticism of this or any other site, but there is such a thing as way too much info. LOL I became overwhelmed with the amount of separate forum topics, criticisms and comparisons of one armour over another, and trying to get past peoples biases. Also, some of the info was several years out of date. I originally thought to purchase a good quality set of TK armour for display and occasional wear. Not that money was no object or that I'm lazy, but I wanted something with minimal fuss that I could pay for the convenience of having it pre -assembled and look decent. People consistently posted that you should order the basic pieces, be willing to trim plastic, source small snaps and buckles and build the armour from scratch to truly enjoy this amazing hobby. Sorry, I don't buy that. I was not sure of joining the 501st for various reasons, so absolute complete screen accuracy was originally not too much of a concern. I soon learned, amongst other things, that there were various definitions of what screen accuracy is / was. Who was right in this respect? Anyways, after I had gone down every rabbit hole I thought I could find, I decided to take the plunge and order a complete Hero set from SDS. (Some of you probably just spit out your blue milk...) Only after paying for it and having confirmation of shipping (more on this in a bit) did I go down further rabbit holes. I then discovered mostly older but some new posts from various sources saying the AA / SDS armor is " No good! Stay Away! Avoid at all costs! Not screen accurate! Cobbled together from ESB or ROTJ pieces with lots of inaccuracies" Also, no matter what many people think of AA's business practices, he eventually did win the legal right to make the armour. Lets please not harp on this in this post... Various reviews I've seen on other armour manufacturers listed worse problems, so I felt relatively safe ordering this armour. Yes, the SDS armour is expensive, but: - The customer service was excellent - The complete armour, boots, body glove, neck covering, gloves, E11 blaster and holster plus display stands were ordered from the UK last week on Wednesday and just delivered to my front door in Canada. They are sitting in my dining room waiting for me to get home from work. - SDS seems to be one of the only makers that has the correct colour for the armour (once again, I'm not a complete expert here) Anyways, the questions are: 1) Is SDS sill considered bad? 2) More importantly, why? 3) It looks like a very good representation of TK armour. It may be missing a few rivets, snaps or buckles here or there, but these are easily added if I choose to. Is the basic armour still acceptable for 501st? 4) I think the armour comes with a complete solid / ABS belt. (main bad point I've noticed) This will be confirmed once I open the boxes. Was the movie TK armour only supplied with a fabric rear portion? It is hard to discern in movie stills. Sometimes it looks like fabric, other times it seems to solid and plastic like Thanks for any help you can provide. Dave (Hopefully future TK.........something.... something ......something......)