troopermaster

Thank you Let's see some pics!

You also have the shoulder straps assembled incorrectly. The snap on the right shoulder should connect to the chest - not the back plate.

I would guess RS armour that cracks would be PVC which is more rigid than ABS. I would guess the 1.5mm ABS RS uses is very similar to my ABS and it is a lot more flexible than 1.5mm PVC which feels like my acrylic capped ABS. 1.5mm is very rigid but you can bend it with force unlike 1.5mm ABS which bends very easily and far better suited for the original strapping. I just want to stress the original strapping works better than any other system as long as you have the correct ABS. I am not familiar with ATA ABS but at 2mm I would say it is not suitable.

Please do not take offence but I find it incredible that you would drill your armour without checking where you need to drill. And it is not just you. I see most of the rivet placements are just placed anywhere and it baffles me why you (or anyone) would go to the trouble of adding the rivets without putting them in the correct place. Again, this is not a jab at you but I struggle to comprehend what people are thinking when building armour to Centurion level. Like "I must have this" so I will put it on my armour, but without checking where it realy should go. Strange

The CRL needs changing. A lot of troopers are over weight these days and a bit of a gap at the sides of your armour should not jeopardise an application. Adding ugly shims to great armour is an insult. There are no shims on screen so why on earth would anyone insist of having them on a screen accurate replica costume? Ban shins. Seriously!

Frayed ends FTW!

Awesome! Awesome!! Awesome!!! That smile says it all

Why not just overlap the abdomen and kidney plates? I have seen skinny guys try to tighten the armour to their body instead of keeping the belt loose. I guess photos would help to see what your problem is.

Great job on the build! Considering your height, I think everything looks awesome. Well done

Looks like it could be gloss black on the soles and yes, paint the sides too.

You can paint the edge of the soles black and it will tidy up the seepage.

It's okay. I have it covered

Does the TKC use a different detonator panel on the TD too? Just curious as I be having to make one soon.

Good call with the cracks. I would not encourage anyone to crack their armour purposely. If they happen then deal with them as you say with gaffa tape like in the movies. And if any straps come loose, use a safety pin to keep in place. Or if they go missing, replace them with vintage string

7.5" is roughly 19 cm which is what his TD looks to be.

Ever seen original armour? You have to accept your armour could crack with the brackets or do not bother going for screen accuracy. There is no compromise if you really want your armour to be like the ones on screen. If you do not wish to go the whole hog then settle for Centurion.

FX would be an absolute no-no. There are some better kits out there for the same price that are much better looking an FX. To go for an award for ultimate screen accuracy the FX just does not cut it. Simply put, FX is not screen accurate in any way, shape or form so why would you even try to go for an award that strives for screen accuracy? FX is dated. It is a fancy dress costume and cannot be taken seriously.

To you they may not look great. To me they look awesome. The oddities are what makes an authentic trooper. AP is not the best armour for ANH. Too many of it's ROTJ origins shine through to make a convincing ANH trooper unfortunately. But, if you was to try the brackets, there is no reason why you could not mount the brackets on the face of the armour if there is no return edge. There are no excuses not to use the original strapping on any armour if you want screen accuracy. And if you find an excuse, maybe you have the wrong armour or you do not really want to go the next level of accuracy. It would be cool to have a new status to achieve, even if it is outside of the 501st. Somewhere mismatched parts or gaffa tape is encouraged. I know it probably is not going to happen but I believe an authentic looking, screen accurate replica should not be perfect looking and go against what most people want. That is fine. Not everyone will want to achieve such a level but I bet there are a few out there that will.

I believe Luke's chest simply had straps glued inside and they were glued inside the abdomen too. Maybe there could be a higher level of Centurion that calls for ultimate screen accuracy? A level that demands an accurate strapping system, PP or khaki painted helmets with white top coat. Basically anything seen on screen goes kind of thing. Just a thought

Awesome photos!!! Both kids look fantastic in their mini suits. Love the attitude Leo is giving while posing. I wonder where he gets it from? Great job Steve

The paint will work for the elastics. I use this paint on the elastics in my boots -

I agree with you. If you are going for screen accuracy then the screws should be compulsory for Centurion. By only adding the side rivets and snaps you are only doing half a job at replicating the original strapping so screws should be used whether you have the brackets inside or not. Personally I think you should have the original strapping inside because it really works. It makes your armour hang on your body as it is supposed to and feels great too. Just my thoughts on the subject