Help Needed: TK FX armor build want to get wearable by May 17

[mjrose927[TK]]

On 3/7/2019 at 9:59 PM, fragarock said:

Here are my photos for reference. How tall are you? Would be helpful to know when it comes to trimming pieces.

 

The top of the kidney and top of the ab sides are to align. Looks like you need to reduce the height of the kidney. Since you'll have to cut it off from the butt piece, do the trimming on the bottom along that cut line. That cut line will be covered by the belt anyways an that way you maintain the return edge along the top of the kidney.

 

This may force you to trim the sides of the ab so they align with the trimmed kidney. The key is to get the bottom of the butt and the cord aligned so that its comfortable when you walk and doesn't collide with your thigh pieces. Then look at how that placement looks in relation to the chest/ab interface. Meaning, are the buttons on the ab still visible? Is the ab too high or low? If too high, you may have to trim some more off. A lot depends on your height.

 

I'm short so had to trim a lot. I trimmed off the top and bottom of the kidney to get it the right size. Also trimmed and repositioned the cod to move it up. And trimmed off the top of and sides of the ab. Sometimes you just gotta cut.

 

The butt piece is pushed out in the photos due to my mannequin. Obviously not supposed to look like that.

 

Are you local to the Detroit area? There are lots of us in the Great Lakes Garrison to help. I'm in Royal Oak.

 

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I am not sure I answered your question, but yes, I am in Farmington, MI.  I have stalled a little because I am trying to figure out how to harness my torso pieces.  This is new to me and kind of stuck in analysis paralysis of how to do it.  I am starting to feel the pressure now that Motor City is a month away today.  

[NoZoupForYou[TK]]

I am not sure I answered your question, but yes, I am in Farmington, MI.  I have stalled a little because I am trying to figure out how to harness my torso pieces.  This is new to me and kind of stuck in analysis paralysis of how to do it.  I am starting to feel the pressure now that Motor City is a month away today.  

The best advice I can give you is to look up your local garrison and see if any members live near you and would be willing to assist. Analysis paralysis is not a good thing. Your time frame is doable, but if you rush it the likelihood of mistakes rises. You really need an armor party.


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[mjrose927[TK]]

Ok. Today’s the day. I will be starting torso assembly and helmet assembly today. I especially want to thank Al Tong TK-76239 of the Great Lakes Garrison. He has let me examine his armor a couple times and answered questions and put me in contact with a couple experts.


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[mjrose927[TK]]

Well, I didn’t get as much done as I was expecting, but I did start tackling next hurdle. Here is what I got done. I made the webbing to attach butt plate to kidney plate. The snap installation I thought went well until I did test snap. Then had some would not connect. I ended up having to redo half of them. Then I glued one side of elastic to shoulder bells.


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[mjrose927[TK]]

Tomorrow I should be able to separate butt plate from kidney plate. Happy with how middle strapping turned out. Made me super confident to do the outsides. I left 30mm gap from side edges in case I have to cretae notch and trim butt plate.

Gluing other side of shoulder bell elastic straps.


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Edited April 25, 2019 by mjrose927
grammar errors

[mjrose927[TK]]

Still working. Got eyes roughed out. I have pencil lines to fine sand to.

I tried to use exact-o knife to trace along pencil lines but that did not work well on right eye. I found I have a pretty steady hand to do fine grinding with dremel tool. Used smallest sanding stone I had. I’m happy with initial results.

Any suggestions to square off the smaller smile holes??


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Edited April 25, 2019 by mjrose927
grammar errors

[NoZoupForYou[TK]]

Coming along nicely!


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[mjrose927[TK]]

Ok. Thanks to my wife, Rachael, I have started initial fitting. Open to any and all constructive criticism. I have it fitted with industrial Velcro. The breast plate and the backplate are touching at the shoulders. Will I need to trim these back?

 

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[Digz Graavz[TK]]

I use a small set of hand files for a lot of the sharp corners/details.  They're easier to control than a rotary tool.

 

Something like these:  https://www.amazon.ca/Titanium-Coated-Diamond-Needle-Metal/dp/B014A17M8C/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3BAI1SKT9QFY1&keywords=micro+file+set&qid=1556202828&s=gateway&sprefix=micro+file%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-5

 

[mjrose927[TK]]

I use a small set of hand files for a lot of the sharp corners/details.  They're easier to control than a rotary tool.
 
Something like these:  https://www.amazon.ca/Titanium-Coated-Diamond-Needle-Metal/dp/B014A17M8C/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3BAI1SKT9QFY1&keywords=micro+file+set&qid=1556202828&s=gateway&sprefix=micro+file%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-5
 

Thanks. I am planning to use files as suggested to square off corner.


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[mjrose927[TK]]

16 hours ago, mjrose927 said:

Ok. Thanks to my wife, Rachael, I have started initial fitting. Open to any and all constructive criticism. I have it fitted with industrial Velcro. The breast plate and the backplate are touching at the shoulders. Will I need to trim these back?

 

 

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I posted this last post on FISD facebook page.  While I am grateful for tips and comments, it is a little discouraging because I was feeling really good about fit before heading to bed.  I am still sticking to the May 17 deadline.  I would appreciate any suggestions or direction on what to do to get basic approval.  If you are in the Metro-Detroit area and willing to meet up and provide some hands on guidance and help, food and possibly tasty adult beverages could be supplied.   Getting this done has been on my to do list TOOOOOOO LOOOOOONG.  I am determined to get it done and done right AND by MAY 17!

 

Here are additional notes and information I have determined over the last couple months thanks to TK-76239, who btw has be extremely helpful:

1.  When compairing my FX kit to an ANOVOS kit:

        a. the butt plate and kidney plate are the same exact size.

        b. the chest plate and back plate on the FX kit are larger, I would say estimated up to an inch longer.  This may be contributing to the chest and back plate alignments above.

2.  On the facebook page, it was suggested to heat the back plate tabs so they are less obtuse.  IF they were a smaller curve, this would pull the back plate up.  

        - This armor was made in 2005.  It was stored in cool basement, but it is possible that over time packed in the box in same position that the tabs could have relaxed.

        - Nervous to use heat gun to shape parts.  I nearly ruined one of my forearm trying to reshape it.  Luckily, I was able to use boiling water technique to fix back to acceptable level.

3.  I found a thread on this site on suggested cut lines for FX kit for chest and back plate, but I did not follow it and now can't find it.  If anyone knows what I am talking about, the link would be appreciated.

4.  I have AP helmet I bought to use for approval with armor.

 

At this point, I am looking for direction to get approved with what I have.  I don't have the budget to buy a new kit at this time.

Edited April 25, 2019 by mjrose927
grammar erros

[TheSwede[TK]]

Don’t know what you been told but back plate overlap is approvable, what you have there is good to go

If it’s a matter of the back plate ”stickning out” at the bottom and your GML calls you on it just use some strapping to the kidney or run straps back to chest, just make sure it goes high enough not to be seen agains the ab/kidney

[CableGuy[TK]]

Hi Michael,

 

Firstly, you’re documenting this well so keep up the good work.

 

I can see that responses are a little thin on the ground at the moment and, to be honest, I would imagine that it’s because many of us are not overly familiar with the FX armour these days. I would put myself in this category so please don’t go cutting your armour just based on the below.

 

To my eye, it looks like you could possibly lose approx an inch from the bottom of the butt plate. This would allow it to come down by that inch, allowing more room for the kidney.

 

 

The back plate, as you mentioned, is quite oversized. Again, perhaps an inch could be lost from the bottom of it.

 

 

From the front, I wonder if you could potentially lose and inch or so from the neck and shoulder tabs? This would allow the chest to lift up by an inch and give a little more room over the ab.

 

Otherwise, leaving as it might be okay. Perhaps check with your Garrison’s GML regarding basic approval. :-)

 

[TheSwede[TK]]

There are some good suggestions made but just so it’s clear, FX armor is clear for basic as it is, unless it’s clearly not fitting right on the person (as with any other armor make). 

For basic approval you don’t need to do any of the suggestions Dan made BUT your kit will definetly look alot more like the movie Troopers if you do, if that’s your thing. I know it’s mine

 

But again, for basic you don’t need to.

[CableGuy[TK]]

There are some good suggestions made but just so it’s clear, FX armor is clear for basic as it is, unless it’s clearly not fitting right on the person (as with any other armor make). 

For basic approval you don’t need to do any of the suggestions Dan made BUT your kit will definetly look alot more like the movie Troopers if you do, if that’s your thing. I know it’s mine

 

But again, for basic you don’t need to.

Spot on advise, Daniel. :-)

 

Michael, just to clarify, my suggestions were relating to your comments of the oversize and the alignment. They’re not required changes. :-)

[TheSwede[TK]]

21 minutes ago, CableGuy said:

Spot on advise, Daniel. :-)

As were yours  (just wanted to clarify for him)

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

Michael, I have just found your build thread (due to the activity here today) after providing some comments for you on Facebook.

You are doing just fine.  I feel like your May 17th goal is really quite easily attainable.  Just don't get discouraged with it.  Anything that slows you down is just a learning experience that will pay off in comfortable skill usage somewhere down the line, so you'll make up the time elsewhere due to what you learn.

Be sure to take a look at some Centurion Approval submission threads.  The reason that I suggest that is because you will be able to see good examples of what each piece should look like before you begin reshaping or altering your kit.

Stay the course, you're doing great.

[mjrose927[TK]]

1 hour ago, TheSwede said:

Don’t know what you been told but back plate overlap is approvable, what you have there is good to go

If it’s a matter of the back plate ”stickning out” at the bottom and your GML calls you on it just use some strapping to the kidney or run straps back to chest, just make sure it goes high enough not to be seen agains the ab/kidney

Well, the comments from facebook version of this post are implying a lot needs to be done to submit.  I was pretty happy with this fitting and look last night before I went to bed.  Some of the comments are making me question the fitting above.  I plan to have straps to keep chest-to-ab closed and back-to-butt closed.  I posted pics to see what needs to change for approval.   I understand it is far from EIB and I can never get Centurion with this kit.  I just want to join the Empire!

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

2 minutes ago, mjrose927 said:

Well, the comments from facebook version of this post are implying a lot needs to be done to submit.  I was pretty happy with this fitting and look last night before I went to bed.  Some of the comments are making me question the fitting above.  I plan to have straps to keep chest-to-ab closed and back-to-butt closed.  I posted pics to see what needs to change for approval.   I understand it is far from EIB and I can never get Centurion with this kit.  I just want to join the Empire!

The big thing to remember is that in general, all of the comments are offered in the spirit of legitimately helping you to have the best armor that you can.  We all want you to be one of us, and we are working with you as part of your team to get you across that line. 

[mjrose927[TK]]

1 hour ago, CableGuy said:

Hi Michael,

 

Firstly, you’re documenting this well so keep up the good work.

 

I can see that responses are a little thin on the ground at the moment and, to be honest, I would imagine that it’s because many of us are not overly familiar with the FX armour these days. I would put myself in this category so please don’t go cutting your armour just based on the below.

 

To my eye, it looks like you could possibly lose approx an inch from the bottom of the butt plate. This would allow it to come down by that inch, allowing more room for the kidney.

 

 

 

The back plate, as you mentioned, is quite oversized. Again, perhaps an inch could be lost from the bottom of it.

 

 

 

From the front, I wonder if you could potentially lose and inch or so from the neck and shoulder tabs? This would allow the chest to lift up by an inch and give a little more room over the ab.

 

Otherwise, leaving as it might be okay. Perhaps check with your Garrison’s GML regarding basic approval. :-)

 

Dan and everyone,

 

Thank you for clarifying.  When I went to bed last night, I was really feeling encouraged that the end was getting close.  I think that suggestions you made above are worth pursuing at some point.  I have been following the EIB guidelines as I have been building the whole way through.  So, I plan to go for EIB after initial approval.  I realize if I don't make some of these corrections suggested now that it might mean some added work and tearup when I do.  However, I am really pushing to cross completing my armor and joining your ranks off my to-do / bucket list.

 

I was already heading down the path of the reshaping the neckline, but I did not consider the butt plate.  Thank you for the pictures and cut line reference.  In the pic, I can see that the FX butt looks a little long compared to picture.  I did compare it to ANOVOS kit before separating it from the kidney plate to make sure it was proportional.  Do you think that the shoulder tabs on back plate need to be more rounded?  If so, that would also pull up the back plate.

[TheSwede[TK]]

4 minutes ago, mjrose927 said:

Well, the comments from facebook version of this post are implying a lot needs to be done to submit.  I was pretty happy with this fitting and look last night before I went to bed.  Some of the comments are making me question the fitting above.  I plan to have straps to keep chest-to-ab closed and back-to-butt closed.  I posted pics to see what needs to change for approval.   I understand it is far from EIB and I can never get Centurion with this kit.  I just want to join the Empire!

For EIB you would need to shim the sides as the gap between the ab and kidney can’t be bigger than 1/2inch and if memory serves you’re already aware of that but other than that there’s nothing more you need to do on the torso for EIB and as i said, for Basic you are good to go 

 

 

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

I do think that both halves of the neck line (chest and back plates) and shoulder tabs should be properly re-shaped.  The neck is just too "flat" on both pieces, which lends immediately to the shape of the shoulder tabs.

Dan did some great work in helping to define a better shape for those parts above.  I do feel that the neck opening on the back plate should probably be reshaped a bit as well as the bottom as he indicated.

[mjrose927[TK]]

2 hours ago, CableGuy said:

To my eye, it looks like you could possibly lose approx an inch from the bottom of the butt plate. This would allow it to come down by that inch, allowing more room for the kidney.

 

Does your red line at the bottom of the butt plate take an inch all the way around except the mating edge to the kidney plate OR just the bottom edge of the armor?  The reason I ask is if you look at profile shots, the butt and kidney plate meet evenly without having the notch in the kidney plate.  What are your thoughts?

 

The other issue I just thought about is that if Ab plate looks correct, then if I cut an inch off of butt plate, the top of the ab and kidney plate will not line up.  I had my wife make sure those were aligned during fitting.  I don't know if this would be allow, but since I have to put in a shim to fill gap between ab and kidney, I could taper the ship at an angle so there is no step, but it would not be straight across.  I know that is only a requirement for centurion, but I want it to look as good as I possibly can.... even I wait to do it until after basic approval.

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Edited April 25, 2019 by mjrose927
Additional comment on subject instead of starting new post

[mjrose927[TK]]

Here is a link to my original build thread before life happened..... if anyone is interested..

 

 

[CableGuy[TK]]

 

Hi Michael,

My thought for the red line on the bottom plate was just to reduce the overall height of the butt plate. If the sides match up, it will probably be better to leave it at the sides.

Is your butt plate correctly overlapping the kidney? Not easy to tell here but I think it might be?



If so. It should be possible to have the kidney and butt touching at the back without upsetting the side alignment of the ab and kidney. It’s possible that your ab plate could drop by an inch or so. Once there’s a strap from the cod to the butt, that should hold things in place. :-)

For the butt plate, just follow screen reference butt plates to gauge the ideal shape (if you choose to trim any parts, that’s is). :-)



Dan