TK-14056 Reporting for Duty

[Erice3339[TK]]

Hello everyone, 

 

Referencing the pinned post in this thread, I'll start out by offering some advice that I wish I had known myself when I first purchased my first TK kit: 

 

The price you see on the ANOVOS website is not the price of the kit. There have been a lot of purchases since then that were needed to complete my build. 

 

Next, a top five list of things I have learned: 

 

 

1. There will always be something that can be improved on the kit. Especially as a first build, no kit is perfect and relentlessly striving for perfection, although admirable, can sometimes create unnecessary stress that soils what should be a fun experience. Plus, sometimes being madly driven by a desire for perfection can actually have the opposite result (i.e. maybe you took a bit too much off an edge that didn't really need trimming in the first place.  
2. Buy these Du-Bro scissors: Amazon
   1. I cannot iterate enough just how much of a luxury these scissors are. They are designed for cutting plastic and, to me, offer an advantage to first-time builders who may be wary of the score and snap method.
3. It is unlikely that, especially if a TK is your first costume build, you'll be approved in the first go when you submit for basic approval. There probably will be changes that need to be made. Maybe others will dispute this one or had an easier time getting approved. I had to resubmit once myself and rebuild the thighs. 
4. Measure thrice, cut once. Enough said. 
5. Wear PPE! Despite yet another cost, it is worth it to get a respirator like this. I was hesitant to get one myself because of the price tag, but, reading of some of the symptoms and long-term complications of E6000, I am glad I did. Most come with the organic vapor cartridges which is what you need. 
6. And one extra thing I learned: Accuracy isn't everything. Yes, I said it. I am an accuracy hag myself, but if getting that belt rivet cover just right or aligning the belt takes a toll on your happiness while building, take a breather and realize that, at the end of the day, enjoyment comes first. 

  As for challenges, I've already mentioned the thighs. My legs still continue to give me problems despite being approved. I am 5' 8" at ~145 lbs., so I have had some difficulty getting the thighs to not only close in the rear with no gaps (I used ABS paste; shoutout to Kalani for his tutorial here: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/42866-how-to-make-abs-paste/), but also some difficulty to keep them from hitting my posterior plate. More work to be done. Like I said, always something you can improve somewhere on the armor. 

 

I received countless warnings while building, so please simply consider all my acknowledgements later on as thanks for said innumerable warnings.

 

To give some anecdotes, I'll provide just two to keep this short of a master's thesis. Firstly, my most embarrassing one stems from an acetone accident. I did not attempt to intentionally clean or even touch the armor with acetone, but I was cleaning some paintbrushes with my ab plate nearby and, unfortunately, splashed some on the armor after the lid came off surprisingly fast causing acetone to splash out of the top, in the air, and then down onto the surface of the armor. Long story short, I have managed to restore the finish using Novus products, sanding, and extensive buffing, but it was still a setback/scare nonetheless. 

 

To close my post, I'll offer my inspiration for joining the 501st and offer thanks to everyone who helped me get here. Upon attending my first Star Wars celebration with my father, I was fascinated with the atmosphere. The franchise of which I had been a lifelong fan of, albeit only being seven years old at the time, was literally standing in front of me on the show floor manifested in armor-clad people that seemed to have jumped right off the screen. So when my dad purchased a child's Jango Fett costume (nothing fancy; probably ripped off honestly) from a vendor, I was proud to wear it and walk among those who I quite literally looked up to. And then I found it. The 501st room full of costumes and members, and, ever since then, I've been dead set on joining once I mustered enough savings that I could spend on a kit without jeopardizing my financial integrity. 

 

This story is not even to mention the time when Marvel superheroes visited my younger brother in an oncology ward at a Florida children's hospital. The way terminally ill children light up when they see their heroes in front of them, despite all their adversity, is enough to even bring a grown man to tears. It was at this time that I knew I'd be joining the 501st sooner than later. 

 

A year later and here I am. I would definitely like to thank @justjoseph63 and @ukswrath for all their help with the latter providing an amazing build thread suited for beginners. I would also like to thank @Commander Gree @menschie @BrinkHouse and @kman to name just a few in addition to the countless members who made a dream a reality. And a huge shoutout to members of the Florida Garrison Everglades Squad who are a joy to be around and have provided invaluable pointers and recommendations. I know I could not have made it here without them. Thanks for reading. 

 

For the Empire!,

 

Eric 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 20, 2018 by Erice3339

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

My pleasure, Eric, and a big CONGRATS on your approval! So when are we going to see your EI submission?  (hint hint, nudge nudge).

[Commander Gree[501st]]

Great write up Eric, and I am glad to see your driven. I cant wait to see where you go from here, and to watch you grow as a trooper.

[ukswrath[Staff]]

Very nice Eric. Always good to read builders experiences. Troopers Helping Troopers 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Congratulations trooper, a great read

[Erice3339[TK]]

6 hours ago, justjoseph63 said:

So when are we going to see your EI submission?

Thanks for the congrats, Joseph. It might be some time before I am able to set aside the time necessary to apply for EIB, but I intend to eventually. My work schedule has me away from home often and working frequently. Anyways, appreciate the encouragement! 

Edited August 21, 2018 by Erice3339

[TK-40996[TK]]

Welcome !!! 

[DEVOLVER[501st]]

Congrats and great job!

Have fun trooping!

[magni[TK]]

Congratulations Eric!

 

Great story. Have fun out there!

[kman[TK]]

Late to the party, but extremely pleased I was able to be helpful for you.  You look great!  Happy trooping!

[CableGuy[TK]]

Well done, Eric. Looking great! :-)

[sharkbait[TK]]

Looking sharp, trooper!  Welcome to the ranks!

[Erice3339[TK]]

Late to the party, but extremely pleased I was able to be helpful for you.  You look great!  Happy trooping!

Of course, your ABS paste tutorial was/is a godsend. Thank you!