My First Stormtrooper Build! (help appreciated) - WIP

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Hello fellow members of the Empire. My armour kit ordered from RS Prop Masters arrived today and I am very excited to take my first step into a larger world!

I was wondering if I could get any advice on trimming through upcoming photos I will post and I was also hoping if anyone knew of any recommended videos out there.
I will be posting the current pieces I have down below (including the strapping packs). There are lots of pieces and its leaving me very flustered hehe. I would really appreciate your help in helping me to understand the pieces better and guidance in my journey to complete the armour. The tools I have (and will be acuiring) are: a sharp knife, rotary tool, sand paper and glue. Let me know if I would need more.

(I will be posting a similar post in the UKG forums)

I am trying to upload photos but their size is too large. Where should i upload them? Thanks

 

[kaa1304[TK]]

I just imageshack for images.

 

Who are you on the UKG?:

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

I'm evan_loh in UKG. I have been told to use photobucket and I am currently uploading my photos in photobucket

[nai-retep[TK]]

Hi Evan,

The UKG Armourers will give you lots of help and advice and you will also get great assistance here at FISD.  There are a great lot of TK build tutorials available here. As they say upload your WIP photos on your build thread and let the guys help you.  Remember try not to rush and if in doubt ask!  

[FunkyTrigger[TK]]

Hi Evan.

Once you load your pictures into photobucket, there is an option per pic to copy the IMG code..

Once you do this, the code to show the picture is stored in your computers memory.

Simply paste the IMG code in the next line

 

etc

 

And the picture will automatically show in the post once your submit it.

Pretty easy really.

All forums tend to work this way and it will also work like this on the UKG site.

 

There are, many, many build threads on here,

And tutorials

And take a look in the advanced tactics area at EIB and Centurian applications to see the higher standard applications.

 

Good luck and I look forward to seeing your pics and build thread.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Looking forward to your photo's good luck with the build

[SW1]

And please dont forget to look at the original sets of ANH Stormtrooper armour and helmets as reference for your build

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

 

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

I will continue building this thread as my WIP. I don't think I can change the thread topic to add a WIP so if that is required let me know.

 

Currently I have trimmed the ears on my helmet to keep the curves closer to the tube. I have trimmed a little too much on the right ear curve and so it looks a little bad. I have tried trimming the round parts more but still try to leave the distinct bump of the Stormtrooper ear.

 

Left

 

Right

[FunkyTrigger[TK]]

Changed to WIP as requested.

[bluehickey]

Looks good so far! You could probably sand the edges of the eye holes a bit more, they seem a bit rough still.

[Rezablad3[TK]]

Off to a good start....Looking forward to seeing your build...

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

I have read to keep "a fingers width all the way around if you want to taylor to fit" as quoted from one of the armourers in: http://www.ukgarriso...=43446&start=30

 

So with that in mind I taped the biceps to give an estimate on how it will fit and look on me. Currently I've managed to keep the "finger width all the way round" rule:

 

Right bicep

 

 

 

Left bicep

 

 

 

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

I'm also wondering if it is advised to follow the builds of the following individuals: http://s880.photobucket.com/user/dashrazor/library/joeR%20pics?sort=3&page=1 and http://s381.photobucket.com/user/gcl2g5/library/LFL%20Photos?sort=6&page=5

 

*edit* I have found a good link on this thread http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/24122-rs-props-armour-build-by-rs-props-reference-pics/ for RS builds. So I guess I'll use that as my main reference

Edited June 2, 2013 by evan_loh

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Does any know how much space there should be inside the fore arms? The estimate in the picture is very loose in my opinion but I want some advice before trimming more

 

[FunkyTrigger[TK]]

Loads of people add foam inside the forearms to take the baggy ness out.

The forearm sizing fit rule of thumb is...

 

Make it as small as you can, so you can still fit your hand through,

But it should balance, and look to be around the same diameter as the lower end of your biceps.

 

Yours look ok in the pic.

 

 

 

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

These are the pictures of the biceps and forearms I've been working on. Trimmed it to fit and glued the cover strips. Unfortunately I don't have an electric saw to give a clean cut on the cover strips:

 

 

 

 

 

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

For the thigh ammo pack: Which of the two should I use?




I know I should use the split rivet but I've seen from different sources that they used the one with the hole in the middle and I don't really know how to use that one as it doesn't seem to have the split:

http://s196.photobucket.com/user/joker1231978/slideshow/Armour%20Details

http://s196.photobucket.com/user/joker1231978/slideshow/RS%20Props%20Armor

Edited February 18, 2014 by evan_loh

[ravinousbunny[TK]]

I think the rivet with the hole you are thinking off is this type of rivet with this type of tool.  Obviously this is way to big a rivet, just an example.  I don't know the exact size rivet right off hand.

Rivet gun

http://www.lowes.com/pd_45272-412-RH200S_0__?productId=1087313

Rivet example

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=44294-37672-513136&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=4192179&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Ah I see. These rivets were part of the accurate strapping pack that I purchased from RS Props. I believe the split rivets are for the abdomen area. After some research the rivet that I couldn't identify was in fact a double cap rivet

 

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/1371-12.aspx

 

I think it's what was used in: http://s196.photobucket.com/user/joker1231978/slideshow/RS%20Props%20Armor

 

I'm still figuring out what rivet goes where :S

Edited June 5, 2013 by evan_loh

[ravinousbunny[TK]]

Yea I hear ya.  I am in the process of ordering a kit at the end of the month, maybe sooner.  Just ordered a TM helmet.  Been doing hours of research for about two weeks now.  Seeing the differences between builds, preferences, what is and isn't acceptable.  If you look on the 501st site for the armor requirements here http://www.501st.com/databank/Costuming:TK_anh_stunt

It mentions on the different areas with rivets that they are either Bifuricated rivets or split rivets on the chest and kidney.  Split on the ammo pack on thigh, or brads.

As a side note, that requirement appears to be for level 3, no mention of type is made for basic, or level 2.

Edited June 5, 2013 by ravinousbunny

[Echo[TK]]

Cap rivet for the thigh pack is most accurate. Split rivets are allowed under the current CRL for centurion level.

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Cap rivet for the thigh pack is most accurate. Split rivets are allowed under the current CRL for centurion level.

Thanks! So I've got the cover strips for the thighs and will start working on the shins when I can get more glue for the cover strips

 

As Echo has stated I've decided to go for the capped rivets:

 

 

 

[ravinousbunny[TK]]

Hey no arguments from me.  I am just a spectator at this point its your armor, I do like the look of the rivet though.  Its nice seeing all these build threads to get ideas of where to go when I get my kit.
Looks good so far

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

If any armourers could help, I've been trying to find some good links and tutorials or WIPs to see how the back of the shins are made. From what I've seen so far the shins aren't glued to the cover strips at the back and I've seen some pics of straps inside but I haven't found one clear enough to have a good look. Any suggestions? :S Thanks

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Am I right in saying that these straps are glued to the insides of the shins (3 a side and with an equal distance between each) with the hooks hooking on to 3 drilled holes per side? And with the cover strips glued only to the outer side of the shins.

 

 

 

My references are from these links:

 

http://s196.photobucket.com/user/joker1231978/slideshow/Armour%20Details

http://s381.photobucket.com/user/gcl2g5/media/LFL%20Photos/ainsworthlowerleftlegrearseamdetail.jpg.html?sort=6&o=6

http://s196.photobucket.com/user/joker1231978/slideshow/RS%20Props%20Armor

Edited February 18, 2014 by evan_loh