Alay[TK] Posted June 13, 2016 Report Posted June 13, 2016 (edited) Hey All, Still a bit of time on my AP armor, but I figure I'd start up a thread as my stuff comes in. I'm a total noob at this stuff, and not particularly handy with tools, so this will all be a huge learning experience for me. I'm going to post as much of the process as I can so maybe others can learn from my inevitable mistakes and get some info along the way ----- Now that my build is mostly done, I've decided to try and detail everything here in the OP for quick navigation, as well as provide links for purchase to things that helped me a lot. Trooper Information:Height - 5' 8"Weight - 125lbBuild - Thin as a railFeet - Huge Here's a rough list of what I purchased for this project... Armor Components: AP Armor Kit (Trimmed) + Prebuilt Helmet Rubber Gloves (Centurion) from Mark Holster from Mark Canvas Belt from Mark TD Clips from Mark Rubber Hand Guards from Mark Nomex Gloves for Trooping Silk Glove Liners for Rubber Gloves Neckseal from Veedox Boots from Imperial Boots Undersuit White Pauldron from Trooperbay Electronics: Throat Mic iComm and Amp Helmet Fans by ukswrath Weapons: SE-14r Pistol from Shawn Morgan E-11 from QuestDesignCanada DLT-19 from Hyperfirm Supplies: E6000 - About 75% of a bigger tube. 1" width Black Elastic - This is for all the strapping. You'll need a lot of it. 2" wide White Elastic - for shoulder connections. You'll need maybe two feet of it at most... I bought a lot so let me know if you need some 1" Nylon - For garter belt making. White Velcro - back of shins. Boots. Black Velcro - Various uses Tandy's Line 24 Snaps (about a billion of them) Split Eye Rivets from Joseph Plasti-Dip Spray (optional) Fine mesh from Home Depot (optional) Tools: Husky Razor + Replacement Blades Needlenose Pliers Snap Setter + Anvil - Useful if you're good with a hammer, can make a racket, and have patience. Didn't work well for me. Snap Setting Pliers - These were very helpful and cheap, but I had to fiddle with cutting the female post. They don't work very great so you gotta hammer the studs down after... Gold Star Snap Press - Wish I bought this to begin with. Sets them perfectly, no fussing around, no loud noise, and works great on the ab snaps for belt/etc. You want the Die Set for Ring Snaps (double cap) 24 Ligne/15m set. Tin snippers Hammer - setting split rivets. Power drill Soldering Iron - Used for searing holes in nylon, elastic, etc. Might want to get a plug-in one next time around. Careful they get very hot. Storage: Storage Bin from Target. ~50gal and it has wheels :3 The story thus far: Test fittingThermal DetonatorChest/Back snap plates and arm construction.Forearm part 1Forearm part 2Completed arms + back/kidney/butt strapping.Test fitting #2Shin construction + shoulder coverstrapsHelmet improvements part 1Helmet improvements part 2Drop box constructionShins test fitting with bootsThighs construction and ammo belt attachmentButt snaps and rod rivetLeft side rivet installation (w/ details)Helmet S-Trim installation (centurion requirement)Rubber gloves and rubber guard installation (centurion requirement)Fitting the kidneys and the butt plate to my tiny frameOverlap stopperCompletion and first full wear501st Membership SubmissionSubmission ReviewThighs refittingReshaping the butt plateShoulder and Bicep adjustmentsBelt Assembly Part 1: Belt Face & HolsterBelt Assembly Part 2: Attaching the BeltBelt Assembly Part 3: Drop Boxes Edited February 7, 2017 by Alay 1 Quote
Alay[TK] Posted June 13, 2016 Author Report Posted June 13, 2016 Just did a bit of weathering today on the SE-14r. Not sure if I'll do much more before giving it the gloss/clear matte coats, I kind of like the semi-pristine look of the black coat. 2 Quote
Pretzel Posted June 13, 2016 Report Posted June 13, 2016 Good Luck on your build. You are in the right place. Everyone here is very helpful. I will be watching! 1 Quote
Strength Posted June 13, 2016 Report Posted June 13, 2016 One thing to keep in mind with the armor, it's okay if you make some mistakes. The original movie pieces were too literally handmade. So it's expected that things will not be absolutely perfect. Take your time, think before you do anything, and if you're still unsure then talk to some people in your Garrison. Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk 1 Quote
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted June 14, 2016 Report Posted June 14, 2016 Always remember measure twice and cut once, when in doubt either refer back to the CRL's or post a question, there are no silly questions, only silly mistakes . Good luck with the build 2 Quote
Alay[TK] Posted June 14, 2016 Author Report Posted June 14, 2016 Thanks guys Can't wait for Brown Box Day Quote
zv288bot[TK] Posted June 14, 2016 Report Posted June 14, 2016 (edited) Just finished up my AP build it was a lot of fun. There is absolutely a ton of knowledge and help on this site, you are off to the right start. So, to answer a couple of your questions. I do not believe (20) line 24 snaps will be enough I bought a hundred pack, ruined a couple not hammering incorrectly and I messed up sizing some nylon strapping so I lost a few that way as well. As far as E6000 I ended up using a tube and a half of glue. Hope this helps. Edited June 14, 2016 by zv288bot 1 Quote
Alay[TK] Posted June 14, 2016 Author Report Posted June 14, 2016 Just finished up my AP build it was a lot of fun. There is absolutely a ton of knowledge and help on this site, you are off to the right start. So, to answer a couple of your questions. I do not believe (20) line 24 snaps will be enough I bought a hundred pack, ruined a couple not hammering incorrectly and I messed up sizing some nylon strapping so I lost a few that way as well. As far as E6000 I ended up using a tube and a half of glue. Hope this helps. It does! I'll grab some more snaps in advance Just got my first box of construction bits from Amazon! Never played with a Butane lighter before, but it's pretty cool... now to get over to fear the damn thing is gonna pop in my hand like a gun casing. 1 Quote
spyder918 Posted June 14, 2016 Report Posted June 14, 2016 Congrats and curious on when you placed your AP order? I ask because I'm still waiting for mine as well. Quote
Alay[TK] Posted June 15, 2016 Author Report Posted June 15, 2016 Congrats and curious on when you placed your AP order? I ask because I'm still waiting for mine as well. About a week ago... it will probably still be a bit. For now this thread will be more about me detailing weapons/gathering the supplies (and probably not all that active) until the AP kit makes it 1 Quote
Sentry71[TK] Posted June 16, 2016 Report Posted June 16, 2016 About a week ago... it will probably still be a bit. For now this thread will be more about me detailing weapons/gathering the supplies (and probably not all that active) until the AP kit makes it This is exactly the approach to take. The wait will seem to be super long, but having the time to gather items and research, research, research will pay off. Congrats on your order, and enjoy the build! 2 Quote
Alay[TK] Posted June 16, 2016 Author Report Posted June 16, 2016 This is exactly the approach to take. The wait will seem to be super long, but having the time to gather items and research, research, research will pay off. Congrats on your order, and enjoy the build! Thanks Just got my undersuit today! Pictures to come... I been having too much fun with this iComm on skype though! 1 Quote
Strength Posted June 16, 2016 Report Posted June 16, 2016 (edited) You got a good iComm! Mine was malfunctioning, it's being fixed. It makes for fun times talking to others. I can't wait to talk to my neighbors about the empire when my armor is done, using the iComm. Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk Edited June 16, 2016 by El_Pablo 1 Quote
Alay[TK] Posted June 22, 2016 Author Report Posted June 22, 2016 (edited) Happy Birthday to me indeed! Just found out my kit is shipping very soon! In other news, helmet padding came and looks very sturdy Edited June 22, 2016 by Alay Quote
Alay[TK] Posted June 22, 2016 Author Report Posted June 22, 2016 Got my neck seal today from Veedox and it fits perfectly! Great quality and feel! That takes care of all the soft bits so far. Now we wait for the hard bits and construction. All-together pictures gloves/undersuit/neckseal/balaclava. The compression bra worked perfectly too under it all so any fears of having an non-uniformed chest in armor have been put to rest. Only concern I have now is my glasses fitting under my helmet. Might need to get some tiny specs or day use contacts for trooping 1 Quote
Alay[TK] Posted July 1, 2016 Author Report Posted July 1, 2016 (edited) GUYSSS! It's hereee!!! :D I got the helmet pre-built because I didn't want to screw up the center piece. Well worth it. The trimmed kit is fantastic! Now the question is where to start... This weekend is going to be fun Edited July 1, 2016 by Alay 4 Quote
Strength Posted July 1, 2016 Report Posted July 1, 2016 Start with a celebratory dance. GUYSSS! It's hereee!!! :D I got the helmet pre-built because I didn't want to screw up the center piece. Well worth it. The trimmed kit is fantastic! Now the question is where to start... This weekend is going to be fun Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk Quote
Alay[TK] Posted July 1, 2016 Author Report Posted July 1, 2016 (edited) Start with a celebratory dance. Already done! I swear I'm on cloud nine today! I'm definitely going to have to resize a fair bit of the kit though, so off to buy a heat gun! The kidney plate looks enormous on me haha Any suggestions? What sort of heat does ABS melt at versus get bendy? Edited July 1, 2016 by Alay Quote
Strength Posted July 1, 2016 Report Posted July 1, 2016 (edited) Personally I use the hot water bath. Depending on the piece this might be a lot easier to do. Of course, if you're really familiar with the heat gun then by all means it's a great method. Already done! I swear I'm on cloud nine today! I'm definitely going to have to resize a fair bit of the kit though, so off to buy a heat gun! The kidney plate looks enormous on me haha Any suggestions? What sort of heat does ABS melt at versus get bendy? Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk Edited July 1, 2016 by Strength 2 Quote
pewpewpew[TK] Posted July 1, 2016 Report Posted July 1, 2016 Personally I use the hot water bath. Depending on the piece this might be a lot easier to do. Of course, if you're really familiar with you done then by all means it's a great method. Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk I've seen many posts from disappointed and frustrated troopers that didn't properly heed this advice. No experience with either, but everyone always says if you're going to go the heat gun route then to make sure you get comfortable using it on some scrap ABS first. 4 Quote
Strength Posted July 1, 2016 Report Posted July 1, 2016 Hot water bath saved my butt...literally. i used it to curve the butt plate a bit more. Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk 3 Quote
pewpewpew[TK] Posted July 1, 2016 Report Posted July 1, 2016 Hot water bath saved my butt...literally. i used it to curve the butt plate a bit more. Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk I don't know why, but I always picture people wearing the armor while doing this in some cartoonish fashion, when in reality I know it would be absolutely horrific. Or, for example, I need to bath my forearms, but imagine myself just wearing them while in the shower or something. 3 Quote
Strength Posted July 1, 2016 Report Posted July 1, 2016 I don't know why, but I always picture people wearing the armor while doing this in some cartoonish fashion, when in reality I know it would be absolutely horrific. Or, for example, I need to bath my forearms, but imagine myself just wearing them while in the shower or something. Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk Quote
Strength Posted July 1, 2016 Report Posted July 1, 2016 Wearing armor while taking a shower would be hilarious. Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk Quote
DK5IDE[TK] Posted July 1, 2016 Report Posted July 1, 2016 Yep, practice on scraps for heat gun. Go easy with heat from a distance. Check if ABS bends where you need it, if not, repeat. When I did use my heat gun effectively, I also tried to create a heatshield using wood or other materials to protect the surrounding areas and isolate the heat. This worked for bending the back of shin overlap so it laid flush on Velcro. But, It is not an exact science. Water bath is safer. But again, practice. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.