DocDan's FOTK Build (Back Stage Props)

**DocDan[TK]** · October 5, 2021

After reading/researching other build threads here, observing and talking to local garrison members I am starting one of these threads! My first official build step (other than acquiring the kit).

I just purchased a kit from a fellow garrison member here in VT who lost interest in the build . The good thing is it is staying within our local squad and most of the trim work is done (only the belt, ab boxes and ankles left). All the soft goods came with the purchase as well . The kit is from Back Stage Props, that I believe, has since gone out of business. I have two other members @ShadyP here that bought this run a few years ago who I will be working with. The known issue with this early kit is the lack of a return edge on the chest yoke. I am in communication with a few vendors to see if I can get a replacement part instead of trying to build an edge.

Here is what I have so far with a few pics:

Boots: Imperial Boots

Belt kit: Belts of The First Order

Pouches x2: Trooper Bay

Gaskets: Geeky Pink (he and I are are ironically close in size- 5'6" and slim)

Tactical vest

Gloves: Endor's (I think)

Under suit: UK Extreme Racing

Helmet: Anovos

"BBB Day" for me was the day I got to pick everything up from my fellow squad member!

Nice boxes of pre-trimmed armor :duim:

I started to lay everything out and label L/R

Belt Kit

Blaster base and shoulder bell hanger

Greeblies (I think everything is here?)

Gaskets

**TKSpartan[Staff]** · October 5, 2021

Good luck Daniel, looking forward for your advances ! :jc_doublethumbup:

**gmrhodes13[Staff]** · October 5, 2021

Looking forward to seeing your progress, good luck

**ShadyP[TK]** · October 5, 2021

We're going to make this happen bud! Thanks for relighting the motivational fire for this project.

**Sly11[Admin]** · October 5, 2021

Exciting times ahead for you Dan, good luck with your build.

**DocDan[TK]** · October 7, 2021

Tried the under suits on (3 came with the purchase). I was surprised that I had to go with the XL size! The sizing in the UK is obviously different than the USA. Here is the obligatory pic of me in it.

Tactical vest and the upper gaskets

**DocDan[TK]** · October 10, 2021

I started some armor work today. I chose to work on the biceps as those seemed simple enough. I really do like this kit as everything is pre-shimmed. It went together nicely.

Test fit:

Tested like this and on me but they were to large and the gasketing could not reach all around the inside of the biceps.

I ended up trimming .25” off of each bicep and it fit better.

It should be perfect when I install the Velcro around the inside of the biceps.

Do the “small” greeblie clips get installed where the outline is on the biceps now?

**gmrhodes13[Staff]** · October 10, 2021

Some great references in the gallery sections

Some glue their clips prior paint some after painting, just depends on what paint you will be using and how it covers, I use automotive acrylic paint which dries quite quickly so very rarely drips in raised/sharp areas while enamel based paints take longer and you may find drip and run

**DocDan[TK]** · October 11, 2021

Thanks @gmrhodes13 That helps.

I took a good look at the gallery shots. Am I correct in assuming the "small" sized clips get attached to the biceps (1 each) and the forearms (2 each)? The CRL only states "greeblies" and does not mention size. The rest of the larger clips get attached to the thighs, ankles and spats-correct?

**TKSpartan[Staff]** · October 11, 2021

6 minutes ago, DocDan said:

Thanks @gmrhodes13 That helps.

I took a good look at the gallery shots. Am I correct in assuming the "small" sized clips get attached to the biceps (1 each) and the forearms (2 each)? The CRL only states "greeblies" and does not mention size. The rest of the larger clips get attached to the thighs, ankles and spats-correct?

Small Clip Greeblies: Biceps and Forearms

Large Clip Greeblies: Thigs, Shins and Spats

**DocDan[TK]** · October 13, 2021

Worked on trimming and sanding the edges on the shoulder bells...

I almost cut along the "straight line" on the bell extension bit and glad I did not as it would not have had the correct curve!

**DocDan[TK]** · October 17, 2021

I’ve been working on the bracers all week a bit each night after work. Taped them up to do a mock-fit today. It felt nice to actually have something that I can wear :shok:

They seemed really big on me and did not fit the circumference of the gaskets. With help from one of my GMLs, I decided to cut them down .25” on each side piece of both of the bracers.

By doing that, it made them a bit smaller and once the Velcro is attached to the insides I’m hoping it will be just right! All ready for glueing…

**DocDan[TK]** · October 20, 2021

Worked on the hand plates

Should the indent above the index fingers be cut out or leave “as is” and use a decal?

These gloves have no velcro on top so I'll have to sew some patches on each glove.

Edited October 21, 2021 by DocDan

**DocDan[TK]** · October 22, 2021

Sanded all the edges on the shins. Mocked them up for a test fit.

I still have to do something with the spats as they are one piece right now. I plan to cut them on the inside of the ankle where a "visible seam" is required. I want to get the shin glued up first then I'll know better how to size the spats. I will add velcro to my inside cut and add another piece of ABS and make that the point of adjustment.

They seem really big on my tiny legs!

**DocDan[TK]** · October 27, 2021

Glued the forearms

Edited October 28, 2021 by DocDan

**Sly11[Admin]** · October 30, 2021

This is coming along nicely Dan, good clean build sir.

**DocDan[TK]** · October 31, 2021

I worked on the shins today. I got the left unit all glued up.

**DocDan[TK]** · November 2, 2021

The right shin is glued up!

Next up is working on the thighs…

**DocDan[TK]** · November 4, 2021

Taped up and fit the thighs. They seemed to fit fairly good without much trimming down. I can lift my leg up with not much binding.

I made some markings where the armor overlapped when fitted to my leg (leaving a bit of room for gaskets and under suit.

Right thigh

Left thigh

Once the seems are glued, I always like to run a bead down the inside seem using gravity to get into any gaps.

Then I like to hit it with accelerator and use my compressor to blow some air over it to fix it instantly. In essence, it creates a plastic bead-weld down the whole seam

These look normal? I did not glue the insides. Do these get Velcro installed on the inside?

Edited November 4, 2021 by DocDan

**gmrhodes13[Staff]** · November 4, 2021

1 hour ago, DocDan said:

These look normal? I did not glue the insides. Do these get Velcro installed on the inside?

Look normal to me.

Thighs are normally glued, although they are seen coming apart in a few scenes, here's just one from TROS

**DocDan[TK]** · November 10, 2021

Started on these shin pieces. Are these considered ammo packs?

Test fit

Quite a chore getting them to match the contour (both ways) of the shin!

Finished piece:

**DocDan[TK]** · November 13, 2021

Tried on the girdle for the first time!

Finding center on the back and making a cut line. First going to glue the front and back together and work on the 7 boxes. Have to trim those and start contouring them. I have my nylon bolts.

**DocDan[TK]** · January 30, 2022

Well, it’s been longer than I thought it would be being back here posting progress. I did get sidetracked dealing with pandemic related things at work and has taken a lot of time lately. I was able to work on my helmet, coating the inside with plasti-dip last fall. It really deadened the echo, plus it looks cool from below.

Masked up