johnnycano Posted March 15, 2019 Report Posted March 15, 2019 (edited) It's been a long process, but I'm already itching to start another. I have to thank Rebecca, AKA Sharkbait for leading me through the process of acquiring my big brown box, answering all my ridiculous questions, and sharing her experience to help me get it done. Also Ukswrath for the amazing write-up! My first time in public in my TK is on Saturday and I cannot wait! Edited March 15, 2019 by johnnycano 3
TheSwede[TK] Posted March 15, 2019 Report Posted March 15, 2019 Congratulations and welcome to the Legion Trooper Have a great first Troop
T-Jay[TK] Posted March 15, 2019 Report Posted March 15, 2019 Congratulations on completing this beautiful armor. Have fun with it and enjoy your first troop - like the ones to follow. Stay hydrated.
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted March 15, 2019 Report Posted March 15, 2019 Congratulations and welcome to the ranks trooper. Just a couple of bits you could improve on. You have some bunching of gaskets at the knees. Shoulder bells could come in at the front. Forearms rotate inwards a little. Looking forward to seeing some trooping photos
johnnycano Posted March 18, 2019 Author Report Posted March 18, 2019 (edited) First troop was great! It wasn't officially for the 501st, just for a friends booth at Anime Con. But it was great practice for the first real troop this Sunday. I was able to fix some of the bunching at the knees by setting my spats up higher on my calves prior to this troop. During the troop, I found a bunch of other small things that needed addressing. 1. My fans died in under 30 mins off of 9 volt batteries. could have been just bad batteries, but I currently have my fan system apart to use a USB power bank in place of the 9 volts. 2. My spats had trouble staying together. I am replacing the velcro with some snaps. It just wasn't enough surface area for the hook and loop to grab. Easy fix. 3. Thermal fell off when bumped! I have it on magnetically to make for good Jawa-bait, but in tight spaces I was bumped into and it came off. Currently adding more magnets, considering hook and loop as well. 4. Per @gmrhodes13 mentioning, I moved the shoulders forward, after these pictures. 5. Bunching is an issue. When I can spend the time getting velcro placed correctly it is not, but when trying to hurry so other troopers can suit up, its not ideal. I'm thinking about hemming in places so that it stays tighter on me- any suggestions? 6. Forearms are very restricting in movement. I can barely reach my helmet, but I don't see any way to shorten them with the detailing on both sides. I'm only 5'7, so its just a size thing. I'd like to go for level 2 certification. Maybe starting that thread can help me with some of these issues? Anyway, I had a great time, and welcome any input! Edited March 18, 2019 by johnnycano bad picture 1
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted March 18, 2019 Report Posted March 18, 2019 Congratulations on your first troop, one of many more to come. Fan's won't last long on 9Vs, I converted to a 4 x AA pack and use one for each fan and separate switches, I find you can just use one fan at a time and keep the second as a backup, normally last all through a weekend convention. NOTE* if you post as a separate troop report in Field Exercises section your troops may get included in the monthly newsletter
Mworm1974[TK] Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 Awesome kit trooper you will make the first order proud! 1
CoatHanger[TK] Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 Looks great! Congrats on your first troop!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Novak Dimon[TK] Posted March 27, 2019 Report Posted March 27, 2019 Great Armor, great pictures! Congratulations
sharkbait[TK] Posted April 2, 2019 Report Posted April 2, 2019 On 3/18/2019 at 4:09 PM, gmrhodes13 said: Congratulations on your first troop, one of many more to come. Fan's won't last long on 9Vs, I converted to a 4 x AA pack and use one for each fan and separate switches, I find you can just use one fan at a time and keep the second as a backup, normally last all through a weekend convention. NOTE* if you post as a separate troop report in Field Exercises section your troops may get included in the monthly newsletter My fans have always lasted great on 9V- I get at least one long troop (3+ hrs), or two to three shorter (2 - 3 hrs each) out of them. Beginning to think I'm an anomaly...
sharkbait[TK] Posted April 2, 2019 Report Posted April 2, 2019 I knew I recognized that TKID... Looking good! Keep up the good work! I'm working on ideas for how to reduce the bunching on the gaskets.
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted April 2, 2019 Report Posted April 2, 2019 Just now, sharkbait said: My fans have always lasted great on 9V- I get at least one long troop (3+ hrs), or two to three shorter (2 - 3 hrs each) out of them. Beginning to think I'm an anomaly... I stopped using them as they would only last for shorter troops ie up to 3 hours, 4 x AA's will last me a whole 2 day convention with some to spare
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