MaskedVengeance Requesting Pre Approval Review for ANH Stunt (ATA)

[MaskedVengeance[Staff]]

Here it is, the moment you've been waiting for! Three years after beginning my TK journey, I'm finally ready for my 501st application. While recently speaking with @Morgi I realized that this build has taken me longer than the elapsed time from when my wife and I started dating, through our engagement, and to when we got married.  I've actually simultaneously submitted these photos to my GA Garrison GMLs this morning, but feedback is still very much appreciated, especially in light of my goal for EI and Centurion approval. The information and photos below are a combination of Pre-Approval and Centurion suggestions and requirements.

 

 

1. Name: Caleb M
2. Future 501st Unit: Venator Squad, Georgia Garrison
3. Armor: ATA Works (RIP Terrell Reber)
4. Thermal Detonator: AM (DDD)
5. Thermal Detonator clips: ukswrath
6. Helmet: ATA Works
7. Canvas Belt: Imperial Issue (Rob Kittell)
8. Neck Seal: Darman's Props
9. Boots: Imperial Boots
10. Hand Guards: justjoseph63 (silicone)
11. Gloves: generic rubber with handguards pre-attached by justjoseph63
12. Undersuit: Extreme Racing UK's Stormtrooper-Store one-piece
13. Strapping system: Justin's RascalSnaps
14. Holster: Darman's Props (8 oz leather)
15. E-11 Blaster: Hellhounds Props (rubber) circa 2019
16. Height: 6' 0" (183 cms)
17. Weight: 186 lbs (84.4 kilos) at time of photos.
18. CRL: ANH Stunt
19. Graciously assisted by @TKSpartan, @TheRascalKing, @justjoseph63, @Cricket, @zv288bot, among many others, for whom I'm forever grateful.
20. Dressing and submission photos taken with the help of @paradoxb3. He patiently spent hours making me look presentable!

 

 

 

Full Body

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 

 

 

Armor Details

 

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

Painted with Humbrol 5 Admiralty Gray and 14 French Blue

 

 

 

 

 

Helmet Details

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

     

 

 

 

Accessories

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

You guys didn't really think I'd let you off the hook with only the two required TD photos did you? Captive audience = unsolicited TD imagery. See my obsession HERE.

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

Blaster Details

 

Additional photos can be found on my rubber blaster comparison thread HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

Action & Profile Photos

 

And here I am, showing the face under the bucket for perhaps the first time here on FISD. Hello there!

 

     

 

     

 

And there we have it, everything I submitted to my GML this morning! Let me know if you see any areas that need to be addressed all the way up to L3! That, or if additional photos will be necessary for subsequent submissions.

 

 

 

 

Link to my Flickr album containing all these images: Flickr Submission Photos

Link to a Google Drive containing:

• Folder of all images for individual download
• Zipped file of all images for bulk download

 

 

 

 

Below is a link to my still incomplete WIP build thread. Worry not, I've still continued to document my build progress with entirely too many photos, and will update the thread and my PDF compilation in the coming weeks and months.

 

 

[revlimiter[Staff]]

I really don't think my own centurion application looked this good. Bravo sir. 

 

Are the back knee edges of your thigh armor sealed and abs pasted? I think I saw the seam there and maybe you'd be asked about it. Literally the only thing I found to comment on. 

 

Looking forward to seeing your TK number 

[TheRascalKing[TK]]

 

[Morgi[Staff]]

 

An insanely clean build, Caleb, and with that I don't just mean the shininess of your armor. Congrats, I'm sure you won't have any trouble with the basic approval! 

 

Now, as you asked for possible Lvl2 /3 adjustments, here's the few things that I spotted (might be more of a Lvl4 issue most of the time, but I'm sure you'll appreciate it anyways ):

 

- the shoulderbell gap to the shoulderbridge. Possibly the most common higher level mention. Due to the curve of your shoulder bell, there's a bit of a gap and visible black. Not a problem for basic, but something you might want to adress in the future. 

 

- on the full body back picture, your left shoulder elastic slipped loose from the shoulderbridge. Just a dressing mistake, I'm sure, as it's clearly in position in the close-ups.

 

- your Forearms seem fairly compact compared to the rest of the build. Especially in the front and back view. Perhaps there's some return edge to be cut off and a slimmer fit possible? I mean, this is just my personal preference, but it might look a bit closer to screen-used armor. Although they do look good from the side, so I'm not 100% sure about that one. Might just be me being used to RS armor having a different shape.

 

- is it just me, or is the bottom kidney return edge turned towards the outside a bit? Honestly not relevant for any level, but I spotted it on the pictures and therefore felt compelled to mention it.

 

- in the side-view it appears as if the front cover strips on your thighs might be a bit long. Might be the angle, loose glue or a bit of a different shape:

 

 

Everything looks perfect from the front though, so you'll have a better insight on this than I have, Caleb 

 

- and, another possibly-the-angles-fault thing I wanna point out:

 

 

There's possibly a bit too much paint on the tooth in the middle, as it appears to be on the bottom gums. So, yeah, that's either the angle or two minutes with some paint remover.

 

---

 

All in all, I was struggling to find anything to point out and was oftentimes left just admiring the clean work. Really, a fantastic armor you got there, you should be proud of yourself!

 

Gotta get some memes ready for your Lvl 1, 2 and 3 Approvals -- they are gonna take no time at all with that armor! 

[revlimiter[Staff]]

I truly do not know the rule for the kidney notch or even the proper name for it. But you don't seem to have it? It's often hidden by the belt anyway.

 

^ mine. It does actually line up with the butt plate when worn vs laying on a table, this was just one of the few photos I could find of the notch in my own armor.

 

 

Lastly...

You may be asked to have this shot without the blaster present. Hopefully not, but maybe.

[Morgi[Staff]]

vor 19 Minuten schrieb revlimiter:

I truly do not know the rule for the kidney notch or even the proper name for it. But you don't seem to have it? It's often hidden by the belt anyway.

 

^ mine. It does actually line up with the butt plate when worn vs laying on a table, this was just one of the few photos I could find of the notch in my own armor.

 

 

Lastly...

You may be asked to have this shot without the blaster present. Hopefully not, but maybe.

 

Looks cleaner to me with the notch, but I took a look at the ANH Stunt TK CRL, and here's what it says regarding the kidney notch:

 

• Abdominal and Kidney Plate align horizontally at top
• Cut-out notches at the bottom of right and left sides of the Kidney Armor are optional.
  • If present, each notch is approximately 22 mm tall and the back of the notch ideally is aligned with the front edges of the Posterior Armor plate..

[MaskedVengeance[Staff]]

Thanks for the feedback Adam, Justin, and Luca! Some items are perspective (angle) related, but yeah the ATA kidney has a slightly odd return edge on the bottom which I've attempted to harness to assist in aligning/joining with the posterior. I had decided against the kidney notch since it's not required and I didn't quite have the kidney surface area to cut the notch size I wanted, but it certainly might help obscure that return edge, so I may change my mind on that. The right forearm runs extremely large on ATA kits, so I reduced it's circumference to more closely match the left forearm, and I believe they also measured very close to RS's original standard-sized suit (yes, I watched all their videos and recorded all their measurements, haha).

 

And Adam, I thought exactly what you did while shooting. I liked the look of the holstered blaster, but shot an empty holster version of several poses just in case. Here are some of my images in reserve:

 

     

 

 

And a BTS look of my shooting checklist. I recompiled a document in which the photo examples are on the same page as the written list text, instead of at the very end of the long list, for easier reference. I think I may want to add some additional text and photo examples to those the Joseph had in his original content, such as the mention of green lenses and photos of split rivets.

 

 

 

Edited January 19, 2023 by MaskedVengeance

[revlimiter[Staff]]

ALTERNATE PHOTOS!!! Nice job sir.

 

And I hate to mention this, but if you ONLY took Centurion photos like I did in my first photo session, you're missing a couple of the required photos for EIB. 

 

... looking at the requirements, I think the ones that tripped me up were the close up of the ab/kidney, the inner strapping, and the neck seal photos. I lacked all of those and had to setup my backdrop again for them. They're not needed for Centurion but are needed for EIB.

[MaskedVengeance[Staff]]

5 minutes ago, revlimiter said:

ALTERNATE PHOTOS!!! Nice job sir.

 

And I hate to mention this, but if you ONLY took Centurion photos like I did in my first photo session, you're missing a couple of the required photos for EIB. 

 

... looking at the requirements, I think the ones that tripped me up were the close up of the ab/kidney, the inner strapping, and the neck seal photos. I lacked all of those and had to setup my backdrop again for them. They're not needed for Centurion but are needed for EIB.

 

 

Actually, I had mostly thought of that, but admittedly, not completely. I remembered the ab/kidney rivets and included those above, but I wonder if my exterior shot is too tight. I also took some strapping photos, but apparently the chest and back weren't attached! And no Han snap close-up or shots of my neck seal other than those I took for my build thread post. I suppose my backdrop will be making another appearance in the near future, and then I'm more closely review the EI requirements again.

 

Keep on with the feedback, friends!

[equuspolo[TK]]

Absolutely beautiful brother.  Very very nice work and so nice to see it 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Nice work Caleb, should be a walk in the park, good luck with approval.

 

[MaskedVengeance[Staff]]

Update from my speedy GML team!

 

I'm being asked to lower the front of my thigh ammo pack to not obscure the lower ridge of the thigh and effectively bring it parallel with the ground. I've been under the impression that, though both variations are present on screen, the raised posture if preferable. Thus I suppose I will pull up the E-6000 at the center point and drop the pack for some new photos. Hopefully I can simply photograph the updated thigh, or perhaps just dress one leg. 

 

 

Here are the references that I'd built my kit to, from the FISD Gallery:

 

     

 

     

 

 

[TheRascalKing[TK]]

19 minutes ago, MaskedVengeance said:

Update from my speedy GML team!

 

I'm being asked to lower the front of my thigh ammo pack to not obscure the lower ridge of the thigh and effectively bring it parallel with the ground. I've been under the impression that, though both variations are present on screen, the raised posture if preferable. Thus I suppose I will pull up the E-6000 at the center point and drop the pack for some new photos. Hopefully I can simply photograph the updated thigh, or perhaps just dress one leg. 

 

 

Here are the references that I'd built my kit to, from the FISD Gallery.

 

Not in the CRL = should not be nitpicked by your GML at basic unless it's pretty flagrant, IMO. Having it kicked up is much better for actual wear and well within canon. It's their call at the end of the day, but I disagree. Send them your reference.

[TheSwede[TK]]

20 minutes ago, MaskedVengeance said:

I'm being asked to lower the front of my thigh ammo pack to not obscure the lower ridge of the thigh and effectively bring it parallel with the ground.

As a GML myself that was a harsh call indeed. 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

If you go by the CRL it does show the the ammo strip lower, albeit I would have let it through as is BUT every GML is different  

 

 

[MaskedVengeance[Staff]]

8 minutes ago, TheRascalKing said:

Not in the CRL = should not be nitpicked by your GML at basic unless it's pretty flagrant, IMO. Having it kicked up is much better for actual wear and well within canon. It's their call at the end of the day, but I disagree. Send them your reference.

 

It's all good, though! Yes, I disagree, and yes I made my case with the Gallery images I included above, but I very much like my GML (or at least the one I know from the team), so I'm happy to make a temporary adjustment. Then back up the pack the go. Heck, it took me over three years to get to this point, what's another three hours of waiting? 

 

 

5 minutes ago, gmrhodes13 said:

If you go by the CRL it does show the the ammos strip lower, albeit I would have let it through as is BUT every GML is different.

 

Yeah Glen, this was mentioned in the message I received, though I was initially confused after looking at the CRL model. Only now that you posted the individual component does that make sense.

 

 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Just now, MaskedVengeance said:

Yeah Glen, this was mentioned in the message I received, though I was initially confused after looking at the CRL model. Only now that you posted the individual component does that make sense.

 

 

Unfortunately we see this happen with a few CRL's, the model having different details to the images of parts.

 

I guess you could send the model image back as well as some screen shots, should be enough to let you pass (in my mind anyway)

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

FYI FISD let them through for Centurion  Here's a few recently approved

 

      

[Chemi[Staff]]

Congratulations Caleb.

What I like the most is your helmet.... The angle of the ears... Details like this are what we like to see...

 

Regarding the thigh ammo pack, well, it's a GML decision, and it's up to GML to decide... Anyway, I'm sure it's something you can discuss as friends.

[equuspolo[TK]]

Caleb I have to be honest that’s ridiculous.  Your kit is stunning and leave it be.  It looks great and it is well represented.  Stunning build and this is going to be an easy walk in rhe park for you 

[Doggydoc[Staff]]

Congratulations Caleb. The years of trial and tribulation have really paid off.  You have a beautiful set of armour that you will wear with pride.

awesome job 

 

 

[revlimiter[Staff]]

kneelol. That's gotta be for the memes only. That can't be a serious thing.

 

But back to Caleb's build... I noticed this.

 

 

 

Look at the ear gap. That seam. Just look. Perfection.

 

 

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

OK, here are my personal views..

 

First, in looking at these photos I would have no issues passing this at Centurion.  Heck, if every pre-approval looked this sharp we D.O.s would be out of a job, lol!

 

Although technically correct, one thing that jumped out at me was the size of your rubber gloves.  If you find them comfortable that's awesome, but I myself prefer them to be a little more form-fitting which gives me a bit more dexterity.  I have those available in smaller sizes, and if interested just shoot me a PM and I'll send you a pair (no charge).

 

 

Now, as for the thigh ammo pack being raised that is 100% your GMLs call.  However... I have passed many a Centurion showing part of the lower thigh ridge..  As a matter of fact, in looing at the reference image below only one is showing it otherwise!

 

 

You nailed it on so many levels, Caleb.  It's always heartening to see when folks take their time to "do it right" right out of the gate as you have.  Your hard work and attention to detail have paid off in spades, sir, and for that my bucket is off to you!  

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

Forgot to add:

 

                                                      WOW!

[MaskedVengeance[Staff]]

14 hours ago, Chemi said:

What I like the most is your helmet.... The angle of the ears... Details like this are what we like to see...

 

Regarding the thigh ammo pack, well, it's a GML decision, and it's up to GML to decide... Anyway, I'm sure it's something you can discuss as friends.

 

7 hours ago, revlimiter said:

But back to Caleb's build... I noticed this.

 

Look at the ear gap. That seam. Just look. Perfection.

 

3 hours ago, justjoseph63 said:

Forgot to add:

 

WOW!

 

Thanks Chemi, Adam, and Joseph! I spent an excessive amount of time on the ears, which I photo documented for my build thread. In fact, that specific post has already been nearly completely drafted. One might say I'm as obsessive about ears as thermal detonators...

 

Oh, and you're spot on, Chemi! I really like my GML and we had friendly correspondence for quite a long time yesterday. The angle of the thigh ammo is certainly not something worth tarnishing a relationship for. 

 

11 hours ago, equuspolo said:

Your kit is stunning and leave it be.  It looks great and it is well represented.  Stunning build and this is going to be an easy walk in rhe park for you

 

Thanks Ardeshir! That means a lot coming from you!

 

 

11 hours ago, Doggydoc said:

Congratulations Caleb. The years of trial and tribulation have really paid off.  You have a beautiful set of armour that you will wear with pride.

awesome job

 

Thanks Gerald! It certainly wasn't an easy, or quick journey, but well worth it in the end! Thanks for your kind words!

 

 

3 hours ago, justjoseph63 said:

First, in looking at these photos I would have no issues passing this at Centurion.  Heck, if every pre-approval looked this sharp we D.O.s would be out of a job, lol!

 

Although technically correct, one thing that jumped out at me was the size of your rubber gloves.  If you find them comfortable that's awesome, but I myself prefer them to be a little more form-fitting which gives me a bit more dexterity.

 

You nailed it on so many levels, Caleb.  It's always heartening to see when folks take their time to "do it right" right out of the gate as you have.  Your hard work and attention to detail have paid off in spades, sir, and for that my bucket is off to you! 

 

I really appreciate that Joseph! Interesting note about the rubber gloves which I got from you (actually the pair you did as a model for your hand guard attachment guide!), as they seem to be already form-fitting. I wonder if the material bulges when I make a fist? But we'll see, I may take you up on that and grab a smaller pair to try out. My goodness this certainly was a long-winded project! I think by now you know I sport some OCD tendencies of my own.  Once again, thanks so much for your feedback and assistance!