BBQTrooper ANH Stunt NE Arrmor TK Build

[BBQTrooper]

Hey Everyone!  This is surreal....I've read so many posts that I never thought my day would come to become a Stormtrooper!  I have researched many vendors and decided to go with NE armor.  The price and availability was good but it was TupperwareTK that really helped me make my decision.  He was very professional and answered all my questions very quickly.  So THANK YOU TupperwareTK!!!  Well, today my armor came in...gotta admit it was very moving to open the box to see MY armor.  I've been wanting to do this for almost eight years!  To see the white shinny armor up close made me feel like I was five years old again seeing the Stormtroopers for the first time on the big screen!  Yes I did my happy dance and called in some help to even open the box (more on that later)... am looking forward to tackling this project (even the bucket) and making a lot of new friends along the way.  So thank you in advance for your comments and instructions...Lets get this party started...So here is the introductory pic of the infamous brown box.

 

 

 

Of course I asked a future 501st Vader to help me with the unveiling of the armor.

 

 

[BBQTrooper]

I called in more future troops to help me out!

 

 

 

Here is Vader helping me opening up the box

 

 

Well the open box is impressive with everything wrapped up beautifully!

 

 

 

Finally my armor laid out...it is a thing of beauty isn't it???

 

 

 

[pattrooper]

enjoy your build and don't hesitate to ask any questions if you have any.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Awesome photo's well done, good luck with the build

[LeMaxim[TK]]

TK's little helpers. Nice!

Have fun!

[Redforce[TK]]

Hey, good luck with the build! I completed my NE armor build with the exception of the helmet. Here is the link to my build thread...if it could be of any help!

 

http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/23285-ne-armor-build-thread/

[BBQTrooper]

I am working on my list of supplies that I need to construct this armor.  Here is what I have so far...combed through many threads to put a "basic necessity" list together.  It is not an exhaustive list so. please feel free to add to it. 

 

Purchased items:
 

Lexan Scissors - I've learned that lexan is a type of plastic that are used in RC model building...Folks at Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics just looked at me weird when I asked them if they had any lexan scissors.    Got them on Amazon here and with being a prime member you really can beat it!
Rivet Gun Kit - Found it here also on Amazon...I thought the price was great.
Heavy Duty Plier Kit (applies heavy duty snaps - #5 & #105) - I picked this up at JoAnn's Fabrics.  Had a 40% coupon so I saved some $$$ on the plier kit.
Heavy Duty Snaps - 24 count 5/8 inch - Also picked these up at JoAnn's Fabric

Non-Roll Elastic - 1" x 2.5 yrds - JoAnn's Fabric - - Not too sure what I am going to use this for. Looking at other strapping options but I wanted to play around with making snaps. 

E-6000 - This is supposed to be the holy grail of glue.  Picked it up at Michaels

X-Acto knife with #11 replacement blades - Picked up at Michaels and if you download their app for your smartphone you get a 40% coupon so I saved $$$ on the knife.

Bodysuit - Ordered the shirt and pants on Eastbay.com.  They had a sale 2 for $30 and I got free shipping.  Under Armor at a sporting goods store went around $70....I read many other troopers wear this.

E-11 Blaster - DoopyDoo's Complete ANH E-11 Blaster Kit bought it on their EBay store and should be getting it next week.

 

Things that I am still researching/waiting to buy:
 

Heating gun...Do I really need one?  I see many on Amazon and I only see smaller ones that will melt plastic wrapping for gift baskets.  Any recommendations??

Boots - Heard that TKBoots are a very popular choice but are in between suppliers.  At the time of this post there were 8 - 12 weeks away from another run.  Saw these boots on another post and am thinking about getting them.  Only thing is that you have to paint/dye them white.  I've read that the original TKs in ANH had black boots painted white so I don't mind doing it for the sake of being screen accurate.  Anyone has other suggestions or other boot sources that won't break the bank??

Dark Green Lens - Found them on Trooperbay.com. This is a really cool site. Will most likely pitch the ones that came with my kit pick this up from there.

Gloves - Also on Trooperbay.com.

Holster - Still researching...

Clamps - Either Lowes or Amazon
Rare Earth Magnets - Ordering some on Amazon

Scope Railing - Still researching...Looking at Evilboy's product
Helmet fans - Also looking at Evilboy's product

Paint / templates for Bucket - Probably Trooperbay.com

Neck Seal - Still researching...Would love recommendations.
Belt - Still researching
Clips for TD - Still researching
Bucket padding/liner - Got one with my kit...would love to have some other padding.

Mic / Amp for Voice FX - Saw this here and think it is really awesome.  Researching vendors...would love recommendations.

 

Things that I already have on hand:
 

Rotary Tool
Sandpaper - various grits

Pencils
Ruler
Blue painter's masking tape

Lots of prayers so that I won't mess it up!  ;-)

 

So that is what I have gathered so far...please let me know other tools that I might need.  THANKS!! 

Edited July 14, 2013 by BBQTrooper

[BBQTrooper]

Starting with my biceps...the front and backs seemed to go together pretty well.  I have identified them here.

 

 

 

I am about to start cutting and wanted to make sure I am on the right page here...I am to have them fit "snug" around my biceps when flexed??  When I trim do I trim only one side (i.e. back side) or do I trim both sides (i.e. front and back)??   How do you know how much to trim??  I've measured my arms and then measured the inside circumference and try to do the math...is it more cut a little and see how it fits?? 

 

I've noticed that the mold does not line up perfectly...am I supposed to trim that off??  I have excess on the right / left bicep that does not line up perfectly with the front side...See pic below....I am sorry if these are dumb questions I just wanted to make sure I am doing this right.  Thanks for your help!!

 

[Neltor]

Hi Roger,  I'm getting ready to start my first build also as soon as my armor arrives.  I'll be following your progress to prepare.

 

Have you seen the trooperbay videos on building armor?  I was planning on using those tutorials to get started.  They even have a video on what supplies you will need.  

 

http://trooperbay.com/videos/assemble-accurate-stormtrooper-armor/

 

About your supply questions, I got the iCOMM and it works great.  I was disappointed however that the VOX (Voice activation)  did not work very well with the wireless system. You need to use PTT to use wireless, which is another wire, so why use wireless?

 

I got my neck seal from Darman:  http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/21385-darmans-neck-seals/

and was very happy with it. Good price and fast shipping.  I would probably go with the velcro instead of the zipper, because there is no way I can get the zipper on without someone else's help.  But it looks great.  

 

Cheers

[FunkyTrigger[TK]]

I would diagonally cut off those bits that you are referring too.

Cut the armour so it is comfortable for you and so that the shape flows.

 

You have assembled the armour as lined up at the bottom where it can be seen. The parts by your armpits will not be seen.

[BBQTrooper]

Hi Roger,  I'm getting ready to start my first build also as soon as my armor arrives.  I'll be following your progress to prepare.

 

Have you seen the trooperbay videos on building armor?  I was planning on using those tutorials to get started.  They even have a video on what supplies you will need.  

 

http://trooperbay.com/videos/assemble-accurate-stormtrooper-armor/

 

About your supply questions, I got the iCOMM and it works great.  I was disappointed however that the VOX (Voice activation)  did not work very well with the wireless system. You need to use PTT to use wireless, which is another wire, so why use wireless?

 

I got my neck seal from Darman:  http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/21385-darmans-neck-seals/

and was very happy with it. Good price and fast shipping.  I would probably go with the velcro instead of the zipper, because there is no way I can get the zipper on without someone else's help.  But it looks great.  

 

Cheers

Thanks for the recommendations!  I have heard good things about Darman and the Trooperbay videos makes look too easy!  LOL  I am really interested in the iCOMM and good to know about the wireless issue.  Good luck with your build!

[BBQTrooper]

I would diagonally cut off those bits that you are referring too.

Cut the armour so it is comfortable for you and so that the shape flows.

 

You have assembled the armour as lined up at the bottom where it can be seen. The parts by your armpits will not be seen.

Thanks!!  Good to know that the upper part is not going to be seen! 

[BBQTrooper]

Quick update...Finally got the nerve to trim my biceps...the feel great and hopefully looks good as well...

 

 

Next onto forearms...

 

 

[Redforce[TK]]

I think you are on the right track and looking good for the most part.....on the right bicep....it looks like you trimmed your inside piece more on one side (the bottom) more than the other side (top) . Watch that.....my concern is how the cover strip will fit on the bottom of that right bicep. It looks like it will just fit....if you trimmed it a hair more....your cover strip would sit over the fold in part...and that wouldn't be good...On the other side of that piece...you look just right...there is enough meat there.....I think you're ok. My point is...just watch the trimming...I hope that makes sense... (:

Edited July 16, 2013 by Redforce

[BBQTrooper]

I think you are on the right track and looking good for the most part.....on the right bicep....it looks like you trimmed your inside piece more on one side (the bottom) more than the other side (top) . Watch that.....my concern is how the cover strip will fit on the bottom of that right bicep. It looks like it will just fit....if you trimmed it a hair more....your cover strip would sit over the fold in part...and that wouldn't be good...On the other side of that piece...you look just right...there is enough meat there.....I think you're ok. My point is...just watch the trimming...I hope that makes sense... (:

I see what you're saying...Do you trim both pieces (inside & outside) or only just one??  How did you do your measuring??  I put them on and overlapped the inside piece over the outside piece...taped...marked..then cut.  I thought about cutting both parts but didn't know for sure.  Thanks!!

[Redforce[TK]]

I trimmed both inside and out. First I took the 2 pieces and wrapped them around my bicep. One overlapping the other. Then I marked the amount of extra. Then I trimmed both pieces little by little until they were sized right and so there seemed to be an even amount of meat on each side of the cover strip..... does this make sense?...the way I worded it? I posted the link to my build thread a few posts up on this thread if you want to check it out.....

[BBQTrooper]

I trimmed both inside and out. First I took the 2 pieces and wrapped them around my bicep. One overlapping the other. Then I marked the amount of extra. Then I trimmed both pieces little by little until they were sized right and so there seemed to be an even amount of meat on each side of the cover strip..... does this make sense?...the way I worded it? I posted the link to my build thread a few posts up on this thread if you want to check it out.....

Thanks!  Enjoyed reading the thread...did you have to cut your forearms inside U shape or was it because you cut the wrong end??

Edited July 17, 2013 by BBQTrooper

[BBQTrooper]

Do I need to cut the forearms to match??  It seems like I do but wanted to make sure...wondering why they came this way.  Also do you cut off the return on the open elbow end??  I did on the wrist end.  Thanks!!

 

Edited July 17, 2013 by BBQTrooper

[Redforce[TK]]

I think you should. That's what i did....The way you have it drawn out looks good to me

Edited July 17, 2013 by Redforce

[Daetrin[Admin]]

Just remember it's easy to trim off more. It's not so easy to add more. So, go careful. Also, you may want to finish off final trim until you have the suit more together to see how the parts really fit on your body.

[quigonjim]

Nice looking build. Hope to get mine soon.

[BBQTrooper]

Still working on the forearms...the right one seems easier than the left one...I will try to post a finished pic soon.  On another note...I just got my blaster kit from DoopyDoos.  No instructions???  I am sure glad that I love this movie called Star Wars!! 

[DizzyStormtrooper[501st]]

i like that you posted what tools you bought and where you got them, not many people do that anymore    a heat gun has been my best friend, picked it up for 8 bucks at Harbor Freight. ive mostly used it for forearms and shins because afterall we dont all have the body of a 70's british guy in tights. the NE is for bigger people but all the more reason to get a heat gun