Johnny Cab's RT Mod ANH Stunt Build

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Thanks guys. Good advice. It looks like I'm gonna do snaps and straps. This build is going a lot slower than I though it would, but it's turning out to be mucho fun. Woulda been nice to have the suit for a Halloween party tonight, but as I've seen multiple times on these forums, Troopers get Halloween throughout the year!

 

Here's my list of stuff left to do:

Finish the shins

Finish the thighs

Fit and measure

Strapping system

Make thigh garters

Attach holster and assemble belt

Get TK boots to take me off the backorder list and send me some boots

 

Writing it all down helps to motivate me to start making some checkmarks and get this build finished! I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but that's ok.

[Darth Aloha[Admin]]

Writing it all down helps to motivate me to start making some checkmarks and get this build finished! I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but that's ok.

 

You should see my prioritized excel sheet

 

Good luck! We're rooting for ya.

 

Aloha,

 

-Eric

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

The shins are done! These were the hardest part to make so far, because I decided to use the hook and elastic to close the backs. I shimmed and cover stripped the fronts like every other piece so far, and put a cover strip on the "outside" of the back of the shins. The worst part was trying to get the elastic inside the curve of the shins without 1) getting glue everywhere and 2) getting enough tension on the elastic to hold the back closed. Once I figured out to tape the backs closed before trying to glue anything (facepalm) it was much easier.

 

 

 

 

 

And in other news...

 

This arrived today from Dirty Boy over on the MEPD forums, for my future TD/HWT builds.

 

 

And even though the armor wasn't ready for Halloween, formal trooper still had a good time.

 

Edited November 2, 2011 by Johnny Cab

[tbo]

Our Halloween costumes are very similar!

 

I'm very curious to see how your elastic hook system holds up. Keep us informed!!

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Our Halloween costumes are very similar!

 

I'm very curious to see how your elastic hook system holds up. Keep us informed!!

 

Yes, they are!

 

I'll keep you informed. So far, they seem to work well. At first I was afraid it wouldn't be enough tension, but it works.

[troopermaster]

You have the hooks in your shins facing the wrong way. I think you will find it hard to fasten them now.

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Paul, you're right. Easy fix, though. I'll just take the hooks off and sew them on the other side. This why I appreciate these forums. Troopermaster helping troopers!

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Well, it's only been 6 years, time to get back to it! I just found a local 501st member who is going to invite me to an armor party soon. Hopefully I will be able to finish what I started so long ago and far away! More pictures soon!

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

I was able to go to a Carolina Garrison member's house the other day for a workshop. It was great meeting all the guys and gals, and I was able to make some progress on my armor. Rusty (cidyank on the forums) got me back on track with my build, and provided a lot of information. All said, I had a great time learning from people who have done this before, and it was great to see the comradery between everyone. I am looking forward to completing this build, and becoming a part of the 501st Carolina Garrison.

 

Regarding the build, Rusty helped me setup the majority of the snap plates on the underside of the armor. Here are some pictures, I know there's not a lot of detailed shots, but I was more concerned with getting it done than documenting it. The first couple pics are of Rusty's garage, just because I had garage envy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The snap plates are attached with E6000 or Goop, depending on who attached it. The plates were clamped for a few hours, and they seem to be holding well.

 

There should be another workshop in a couple weeks, and if I work on anything before then, I'll post updates.

Edited January 9, 2017 by Johnny Cab

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Well, I got all the straps put into my right shin, and started working on the left shin.

 

 

Left should be done by tomorrow. I'm going back to Rusty's tomorrow to continue working on snaps and straps, so I'll have more pics soon!

Edited January 14, 2017 by Johnny Cab

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Got a lot of work done yesterday! I didn't say I got a lot done, but the master TK builder, Rusty, helped me immensely. 98% of the snaps and straps are done. Preliminary sizing completed. I was able to finish my other shin, except for the bra straps being glued in. Thighs have been connected in the front with the interior finishing strip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am now waiting for more ABS plastic, because all mine has been used.

 

I was also able to finally get some TK Boots ordered, and they are on the way.

 

I feel good about the progress that has happened so far, and I can't wait to start trooping!

 

Checklist remaining:

Paint ab buttons

Finish shins

Finish thighs

Place remaining snaps

Make thigh garter

Adjust sizing

I'm sure there's more, but can't think of it.

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Well, as I said, there was more that I forgot. The belt being one thing, and the thermal detonator is another.

 

Oh well, steadily progressing. The local Garrison guys and gals had another workshop yesterday, so there was much accomplished.

 

Thighs are done! I used the butt join coverstrip method for the front and back. 20mm strip in the front, and 25mm strip in the back. They are a little tight when they're pushed all the way up, but not uncomfortably so.

 

 

 

I was able to make a thigh garter using an old rigger's belt and some thin black elastic with snaps.

 

 

Shoulder bridges are glued and clamped right now. Rusty actually cut and shaped some metal plates to put behind them for reinforcement, because they are a weak point. I put the loop side of some velcro over the metal so it wouldn't scratch anything.

 

 

 

I still need to put the elastic straps with the bra closures in my left shin, build the thermal detonator, paint the ab buttons, finish the belt and drop boxes, and fine tune the sizing. I'm getting so close I can taste it! (Or there is E6000 in my mouth.)

 

 

Sent this picture to a jealous buddy of mine, edited for family content

Edited January 23, 2017 by Johnny Cab

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

Awesome to see you getting back at this John!  Never enough RT-Mod Troopers!!!  

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Awesome to see you getting back at this John! Never enough RT-Mod Troopers!!!

Thanks man! Your thread has been a huge resource!

 

My signature has better things to do than sit here and let you read it.

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

Thank you.  Just doing my part to share the love.  Yours is shaping up nicely thus far!  Keep up the good work!

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

A few things were accomplished last night.

 

First, I wanted to trim the plastic belt with the 45° angles. I measured 13mm from each of the corners, and trimmed straight across.

 

 

Next, I painted the ab buttons. I started by using a metal washer that was roughly the same size as the buttons and used an exacto knife to cut around the washer onto a piece of painter's tape to use as a template. However, the tape was impossible to place right, and wasn't sticking well when it was. So I said forget it and broke out the q-tips. I used Humbrol #14 for the blue and Humbrol #5 for the gray. Not perfect, but good enough for now.

 

 

I then sanded the pipe for the Thermal Detonator, to prepare for painting and construction. I also drilled a hole in the pipe to prevent the caps from getting airlocked on when I put it together, just in case.

 

 

That's all for right now!

 

My signature has better things to do than sit here and let you read it.

[magni[TK]]

Looking good fellow RT Trooper!

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Alright, let's talk helmet fans! Waaaaaaaay back when I started this project, I got a couple of UKsWraths 9v battery fans. I decided recently that I don't want to have to keep buying 9v batteries, so I wanted to use USB power packs instead. I already had the fans, so I didn't want to buy new 5v fans, I wanted to boost the USB power up to 9v.

 

To do that, I got 2 USB 9v boost cables. They have the amplifying circuit built into the connector.

 

 

I just velcro'd the Power Packs in, put a 2 pole switch into the circuit, and connected everything together. Here's an EXTREMELY rough sketch.

 

 

I mounted the switch onto a spare piece of ABS with gorilla glue, and secured the plastic using the Hovi tip screws. I then ran all the excess cable through a piece of split flex tubing and tucked it away.

 

 

The fans have been running off the Anker PowerCore+ Mini 3350mAh power packs for around 4 hours and still going. I am pleased with the result.

 

 

 

My signature has better things to do than sit here and let you read it.

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Looking good fellow RT Trooper!

Thanks!

 

My signature has better things to do than sit here and let you read it.

[68Brick[TK]]

Looking good trooper. Your fan setup is "all day" good.

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Thermal detonator is done! Sorry I didn't take more pictures during the process. If anyone wants more info on how I put it together, let me know. I used Testor's #1238 spray enamel for the pipe.

 

 

In dealing with the belt, I was trying to figure out how I could attach the canvas belt to the plastic belt, because Rob's belt comes with the rivet covers built in. I was looking around at some other RT-Mod build threads, and it looks like the belt is longer than it needs to be. I trimmed off the ends with the rivet covers, and then used my lexan scissors to cut out the covers. This way I can use rivets for the belt and use the covers like any other build. For the middle cover, I cut a square of ABS approximately the same size to cover the rivet. I haven't attached anything yet, so we'll see how it works out in practical application. Pictures to come soon!

 

After the belt is complete, (and I finally glue the bra straps in my left shin) I believe all I should have left is final adjustments and sizing! Hopefully it will be done today...

 

My signature has better things to do than sit here and let you read it.

Edited January 29, 2017 by Johnny Cab

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

Super nice job on that button paint, John.  A lot of people go overboard and make them too wide, which would need to be removed later on if (hopefully) aiming for levels 2 and 3.  Using a Q-tip was a smart idea, since it gives more control.  I'd be really interested in finding out how those power packs work out for you, and how long they last.  (I get tired of spending a small fortune on batteries)!  Also, don't forget to paint the screws on your TD black.  Looking GREAT so far, so keep up the good work!!

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Super nice job on that button paint, John. A lot of people go overboard and make them too wide, which would need to be removed later on if (hopefully) aiming for levels 2 and 3. Using a Q-tip was a smart idea, since it gives more control. I'd be really interested in finding out how those power packs work out for you, and how long they last. (I get tired of spending a small fortune on batteries)! Also, don't forget to paint the screws on your TD black. Looking GREAT so far, so keep up the good work!!

Thanks! My plan is definitely to give an update on the battery packs after trooping with them. Good call on painting the TD screws, I totally forgot about that!

 

Rusty is hosting another workshop today, and I hope to accomplish the majority of my remaining work. These workshops have been a treasure trove of information. If anyone is reading this and doing their build by themselves, I HIGHLY suggest you contact your local garrison and try to meet some of the people. Everyone I've met so far has been extremely friendly and inclusive. I feel like I have known these guys and gals for years! It has also been really cool seeing all the projects other than TK builds. Today, "Arty" the AT-ST is getting fiberglass reinforcement.

 

 

My signature has better things to do than sit here and let you read it.

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Another successful workshop! I was able to complete my belt. Luckily, Rusty had a spare rivet cover that I could use for the middle rivet. After all, I'm hoping to be a Centurion someday! I closed the drop boxes with velcro, because I wasn't sure I wanted to glue them yet.

 

 

 

The shin straps were installed and glued in, with the help of those super handy rare earth magnets.

 

 

 

 

I was trying to figure out how I wanted to rig up my Aker and iComm, so I searched the forums for a bit. I stumbled upon this thread, and basically stole the idea of a GoPro chest harness modified to hold the comm system.

http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/index.php?/topic/28793-My-experience-using-a-throat-mic-and-source-for-a-mic-only-version

Right now I have it setup with a Xiaokoa wireless mic, but I think I'm going to follow suit and get a throat mic. At least I can play around with them and see which one I prefer.

 

 

 

 

 

Down to adding velcro to forearms, and sizing. The next time you hear from me, I should be sharing pictures suited up! Here's one for the mean time.

 

 

My signature has better things to do than sit here and let you read it.

[Johnny Cab[TK]]

Ok, pictures have been sent to the GML. We'll see what happens!

 

Thank you to everyone who helped me! This community is awesome!

 

 

My signature has better things to do than sit here and let you read it.