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Been sitting on this news for a while, waiting on the official announcement, but word on the proverbial street is that this is legit, and that part of NECA taking over Anovos' license will be to either fulfill or 'make right' any pending orders before beginning new projects. There is hope. My guess is "interest list" and "pre-order" items are a no, but if they were formally "sold" and have your money, hopefully it will be fulfilled. Curious if they'll have access to Anovos molds or the same manufacturers. I actually really like the majority of their products, they just had bad business practices. Rubies reputation isn't stellar for quality, but they have the infrastructure and experience that Anovos was lacking. Fingers crossed they do right. The name is pretty funny tho XD https://www.denuonovo.com/pages/about-us

Hi Rick, I'm 6'4" and build my tk using RWA kit (so Ross gets another thumbs up from me). You can click the Centurion and Expert Infantry links in my signature to see how it turned out. Yes, I have a 'little' more black showing, but not too much. I have more behind my knees because of mobility cuts, but you may not need them. RWA have standard and XL parts, but message Ross and discuss your measurement first if you go with RWA. I ordered all parts in XL, and found that many parts I could have just used standard (and did end up replacing the back and butt sections with standard parts). Whoever you go with, message them first to be sure. Good luck mate, and we're all here if you need more help. Rich

Aaaaaand deposit paid for the armour still a few months away due to back log but still excited none the less.

Hello, my name is Jarocho, my goal is to get one of the first TK's to the recently established Panama Outpost. I have found a very supporting community in the 501st and hope to be getting my TK armor soon, Cheers LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE.

Start finalising the thigh and cod gap today. Have as been work on filling gaps etc pictures to follow Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you all, starting to get solid info and good tips around here, found the forums very user friendly. Great job!

Make perfect sense to me. Seems odd that at present we don't have a mandatory weapon at EI, and as you say, we dont see them with a blaster on screen. In my humble opinion, an action photo always looks better with a weapon. This also means the way the current CRL is written, an approved executioner would be required to ask their GML if they would allow them to troop with a Blaster as they are not part of this CRL. We need to close that grey area, making it easier for members and GML's .

This won't be included in the CRL here are a few situations were a trooper is seen with a variation or costume fail, here it's the inside/top of the forearm, no curve, cut straight and very close to the black oval detail, probably had shorter arms than most. We also see the curved overlap on the bicep Comparison Thighs open Backplate rising over TD Although we see what could be a TFA style cod I believe it was a twist as we see the cods bend quite a lot, if you take the jmage below you can see it appears to have curves on the sides but each frame it gets straighter like the TLJ style, also you can see a reflection of the raised/lines on either side of the cod, these are unlike the TFA. Some cods which appear to be narrower have just been trimmed in height to fit the wearer better so they appear not as wide as others, which gives a bigger gap between the cod and thighs. These guys really should have gone for the cod height trim Another one of those shorter TD caps, trooper on left

Hi everyone, Looking for advice. I recently have received a commissioned DLT19 blaster rifle and i need to fix wires in 4 places around the tracks on the barrel to pass the CRL. Does anyone know what thickness the wire should be? TIA, Colin.

Really hope they do actually fulfill previously paid orders. I sort of gave up on ever getting my money back so if this works out it will be a nice surprise. Not holding my breath though until I start hearing news of orders reaching customer doorsteps.

Lets hope some do actually get their outstanding orders filled.

EIB will probably be the next step. I should be in a decent position. All I’m worried about is just the helmet paint.

Just got an email saying that they will fulfil my order so I guess we will see.

Hey everyone! I have made some progress mostly trimming return edges and re-fitting everything. I tried (mostly) everything on together I did notice I was having an issue with the back plate falling i think i need to adjust the shoulders a little so they sit on my shoulders, Also my arm pieces kept rotating when I was trying to get pictures but nothing is attached yet, here are some pictures!

Here’s hoping

Welcome Rick and good luck with your TK build. I've seen some talllll troopers on here that look just fine. You're not kidding about Vader being expensive. You can buy like at least 3-4 complete TK outfits before you reach the price of a correctly done Vader.

My question would be, if you’re going to make a very imposing Vader, then why wouldn’t you want to do that? [emoji6]

Welcome to FISD Jarocho!!! Congratulations for your recently established Panama Outpost. I hope you will achieve your goal and become one of the first TKs Panama.... ¡¡¡Bienvenidos al FISD Jarocho!!! Enhorabuena por vuestro reciente Outpost de Panamá. Espero que consigas tu objetivo y te conviertas en uno de sus primeros TKs....

It works now thanks

may be something like this.

Here is another new. https://www.iconvsicon.com/2021/08/18/neca-and-rubies-join-forces-to-launch-denuo-novo-high-end-star-wars-collectible-online-store/

Super interesting! Fun to see that these were given the greenlight despite being completely non-canon and not set within any specific time within the SW universe, but rather just using those worlds as inspiration. I enjoy the "Love, Death + Robots"-style setup too - multiple studios and animation styles for several unrelated episodes. Still, possibly some cool new CRLs coming from it for other detachments. Please no one try to submit a 2D Anime trooper XD (or maybe?)

The series looks cool. I’m fascinated that Disney gave these 7 studios such creative leeway given Disney’s approach since assuming control of the franchise. It’ll be interesting to see what the studios came up with and how they took advantage of the opportunity. Looking forward to seeing it.

Hi Rick, Welcome to the forum. Another vote here for RWA Creations who you will find on FB. Ross is super helpful and his kit is [emoji108]. Good luck whichever way you choose. Regards Mark Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

Wow! great info and very fast! thanks gents!

Yep, if they're covered you should be good (and shouldn't have any from ESB anyways). More proper to replace the belt since you have to remove the drop boxes anyways, but if the holes aren't visible, no one will know.

Who told you you were too tall, RS? Their armor is good if you're 'standard' stormtrooper size, but you can find other makers whose armor is slightly larger and will fit better (check out AM and Panda-MOD to name a few). But even then, there's a good deal of adjustment for height that's available in any kit and a little extra black showing at the knees and elbows isn't the end of the world. We have several extra tall troopers in my Garrison. If it's a total no go, I'd build a Deathtrooper, personally Hope that info helps!

There is no actual size listed and no clear images, most use a black coated wire, here is a replica which some have been using as a reference

Impressive job trooper. Good luck Pipertrooper TK-27056

For the TLJ-E I propose we move the laser ax from L3 down to L2, in all other costumes a weapon is required for Expert Infantry and above, (this is also used as an action photo for the Expert Infantry Honor Gallery). But he TLJ-E CRL only allows a Laser Ax as an option as they are not seen with any other weapon so using a blaster is not an option. For level 3 we could add working lights as we have with TFA and TLJ blasters, only issue I see is they aren't as easy to mod like blasters, that may have to be a DL call or vote. Optional Accessories Items below are optional costume accessories. These items are not required for approval, but if present appear as described below. If adding in an accessory after initial approval, the item still needs to be submitted to local GML for approval before use. First Order Stormtrooper Laser Ax Scratch-built or a 3D printed laser ax. Details to be painted black, white and silver per reference photos. OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable): Laser ax must be present. OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable): Laser ax must be present. Laser ax must have working Lights???

I'm starting to think that the cap extension difference occurred based on how far the inner tube was inserted into the carriage on the TD's. They are clearly two separate parts, well 3 if you include the back plate. Also after reviewing TroS yet again, 90% of the troopers seen have the narrow TLJ style COD piece reinforcing the fact this is the most common used by far and that is also similar to the numbers seen in TLJ. Therefore this is the cod to be used for both those CRL's without a doubt. TFA parts were an anomaly and most probably because they required more armour for a couple of scenes. The exception and not the norm.

Oh I forgot that detail. Easy update

Hello Chemi, I am also going to post this in the actual body for future reference. I will unfortunately not be able to take photos for sometime. So I am going to ask grace on my Centurion submission with this updated photo. My work schedule is not permitting me to be able to spend time right now on this. In this photo, you will see my removed TFA Cod Piece and the replaced TLJ Cod Piece. While I do not agree with this particular change, I respect it and appreciate it. Furthermore, let me just say, I appreciate all that you do and your guidance and please do not in any way take my challenge to the cod piece in any form of challenge to FISD or You or any other DO. It is just something I saw first hand. Anyway, this is the quickest I can get this photo to you guys and I am submitting this remotely. I hope you guys understand because I will be submitting the same photos for my Centurion. I will explain a year from now why I am not able to spend more time right this minute.

Thanks for the great feedback! I really appreciate it. I'll make those alterations and adjustments before submitting to my GML. I'm definitely planning to go for EIB and Centurion in the near future.

NEW In Memoriam Detachment Leader Merchandise Hall of Fame Just For Laughs In the Media Costume Totals Wanted INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS Common FISD Acronyms and TK Glossary Pre Approval Forum 3D Section Field Exercise Award Imperial Attaché Program Fire Teams EIB & Centurion: What do these terms mean? Advanced Tactics Awards Public Relations Staff List 2020 Follow FISD It is with great sadness that we share that Jeff Ritzman, TK-423, passed away on February 24th, 2021. Jeff was one of the founding members of Old Line Garrison, and served as the CO of the Maryland Squad when the territory was part of Empire City Garrison in 2001. While the territory was part of Garrison Carida from 2002-2003, Jeff was instrumental in the transition of Maryland Squad into Old Line Garrison as it is today. Jeff was a talented designer and created many of Maryland Squad and Old Line’s first logos that are still used. Additionally, Jeff had one of the most accurate Episode IV Vader costumes and was an avid prop collector of screen used items. Our condolences go out to his family, friends. "Buckets Off" On 23 July 2021, our dear friend and trooper Marc Lim (ID 70666) passed away. Marc fought bravely, and never gave up. He will be deeply missed by all of us in the Singapore Garrison, and also by those whose lives he touched. Your zest for life and ready smile will not be forgotten. Our condolences go out to his family, friends. "Buckets Off" Greetings fellow members What a huge month July was, with our anniversary kicking off and the special edition coin run. Almost 1500 coins order from our membership making it one of FISD's largest coin runs based off the legion coin data base numbers. Hopefully in a few weeks these will be arriving in the mail, putting smiles on faces. We will continue to celebrate our anniversary through to June next year, and are currently working on what other special anniversary merch items we can bring you, so please keep an eye on the forums as this is where all the announcements and juicy information is posted. We have plenty of merch slots left to fill, and some really nice ideas for different items we hope you will love. All runs will definitely have interest threads posted in advance so make sure you visit the boards monthly and remove the possibility of missing out. August is here, and we continue through the year with great attendance on our forums and chatter in our social media channels so thank you to all who participate. August brings with it the start and ramping up of CRL work. This will continue through the next several months with varying degrees of change. Some of this work is simple maintenance of existing CRL's, the rest will be considerable overhauls and also new to legion CRL creation. There will be notification and grace periods for any amendments that may effect approval on some costumes, so those working on any that do undergo treatment will have the option to run with the current version or the update. Members Database update I have been working with the LWM team (Legion Web Masters) to assist in some bulk updates to clean up our data base. I don't expect any issue to arise from this work, and it should yield some cleaner results on how many members FISD have. These updates mostly took place at the start of the month so there is only minor adjustments now left to complete the task. Something new We have been working on an Idea/project since February this year, so keep an eye out for a post requesting good quality troop photos. I shall explain more when the post goes live in the Notifications section of the forums. Thanks again to all of you for keeping our forums busy, interesting and exciting. The team look forward to bringing you as much fun, information and improvements we can over the next 6 months. Lots more to come so stayed tuned. See you on the forums. With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK11469 "Sly11" Detachment Lead FISD 15th Anniversary Coin CLOSED Run is now CLOSED, with almost 1,500 coins ordered. Sample has been produce and production will shortly be underway, for more updates head to the sales thread here Talk about a heat wave for Canada Day and The 4th of July! Stay hydrated and safe out there troopers as the world starts to turn again.This month’s inductee redefining “Classic TK” please welcome TK - 12879 Douglas to the Stormtrooper Hall of Fame!https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/51173-tk-12879-daz0128-troop-log/ With Unquestioned Loyalty Aaron Gibson TK-99725 "Pyrates" Curator Hall of Fame The Bad Batch's New Stormtrooper Design Pays Off A Very Early Lucas Idea The Bad Batch just faced their first Imperial Stormtroopers, wearing prototype versions of their armor inspired by early Star Wars concept art. In the latest episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, an early George Lucas idea is finally paid off with familiar Ralph McQuarrie armor designs for the Empire's first Stormtroopers. In the new episode, the Bad Batch receives a request from Captain Rex to rescue the Clone Commando known as Gregor who's been held against his will on the planet Daro. While there, Clone Force 99 gets their first real look at their Imperial replacements, the recruited Stormtroopers that make up the bulk of the Empire's forces. However, their armor looks to be in an early and almost prototype stage, resembling the earliest pieces of concept art created for the first Star Wars film. In the new episode, "Project War-Mantle" is underway, and the Empire is making preparations to leave Kamino after shutting down their operations and taking their research and lead scientists. Not only that, but they've been using highly skilled clone troopers such as Gregor to train their newly recruited Stormtroopers who've enlisted from all over the galaxy to replace the clones. However, Gregor is trying to escape his new Imperial masters, which is where the Bad Batch comes in to attempt an extraction. While using unused art and ideas from Lucas for the new Stormtrooper proto-armor is pretty fun, it's not the first time showrunner Dave Filoni has integrated Mcquarrie's work, as several elements in Star Wars Rebels were directly inspired by specific pieces. For example, the series' central planet of Lothal was based on several pieces, including one that depicted Lucas' vision for the Capital City of Alderaan. Not only that, but discarded designs for R2-D2 and Chewbacca made their way to becoming the core Rebels Chopper and Zeb, both crew members of The Ghost piloted by Hera Syndulla. In any case, using Mcquarrie's work in this latest episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch is a great nod to the past while providing a brand new chapter that aids in the transition between the Republic's fall and the Empire's rise. Furthermore, it's more than likely that these proto-armored Stormtroopers will be seen again, seeing as how the Bad Batch's Hunter was captured himself by the episode's end. As a result, it's more than likely that a new rescue mission will be staged as the new Star Wars animated series reaches its finale on Disney+ Story from Screenrant Concept Data sheet Currently (as of 5th August 2021) there are 31,911 approved costumes in the legion, out of these homed under FISD there are 5,783. Interestingly the larger the legion costume totals grows the smaller amount of TK's there are with now only 18.12% of all approved 501st costumes. Attention all Imperial citizens of the FISD We have been working on a project which has been under discussion since the start of this term and are preparing to move forward with this initiative. It will form part of our 15th anniversary celebrations and part of detachment history. We can;t announce exactly what it is as yet, but we are sure you will love it. We want your troop photos from around the world. Local troops, Cons, Celebration etc. If you are a TK and 501st approved, you can submit photos. Photos of TK's both OT and First Order, any of the costumes in our CRL to be honest. Can be a single trooper but group photos are very welcome. What you consider you best troop photos or most memorable can add more meaning to this project so select carefully. Ultimately we are after High quality or resolution photos, but for this thread, you need simply only add a lower res version using Imgur or other photo sharing 3d party services. Just make sure you have a good version to supply for the project if requested . Based on how many submission we receive, the final selection will be made by the staff. We are looking for the best and most varied photos old and new. If selected, you will receive a PM from myself or one of the staff requesting you email, share the high res version image (email will be supplied in the PM) Google doc or other sharing services can be used. What info do I need to supply with my image post? You may post as many photos as you like. Date or year the photo was taken and location. (state or country etc) Photographer name if known for each photo. Garrison/Squad/Fire team name. Photos must contain TK's predominantly, we are Stormtroopers after all. Both old and new photos are welcome, history is a great thing specially in our anniversary year and we can't wait to reveal what this is all about in the coming months. If you have any other questions, please ask in this thread to benefit others. Looking forward to seeing some awesome Troopers on assignment. You can find the thread HERE INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS For a full list of FISD awards head here Are you new to the FISD and wondering what the heck all those abbreviations and strange sounding terms mean? To help you @justjoseph63 has started a list of the most commonly used ones that will give you some insight. If you have ANY questions about a particular term that is not listed or suggestions for new ones please contact Joseph. You can find the list here Pre Approval Forum allows future Troopers the opportunity to submit photos of their completed build to be reviewed by the Staff, Imperial Attaches and others in preparation for forwarding it to their GML for approval. Any and all advice/suggestions given will be specific, constructive, helpful and respectful. Please note that this program will NOT take the place of your local GML, as Detachments are not chartered for costume approval and can not override a GMLs decision, but is instead a peer review program designed to help you look your best and offer guidance and positive feedback. For more information on this program, please visit the link here Don't forget to visit our 3D section when next surfing the FISD forums, there is plenty of useful information to potentially help you on your next TK adventure. You might be feeling may generous and share with our community a new TK related 3D file and maybe win yourself a 3D contributors award so check out the details below and be part of the in house 3D community. Here is a link to the FISD 3D Contributor program. Don't forget to create a troop log here on FISD and get awarded for your adventures The list of accomplished troopers keeps growing, so get on board and register your troops today Simply start (or update!) your troop log, keep the running total in the title, and post (at least!) a date and name for the official 501st event where you wore your TK! Once you've hit a milestone count, go over to the "Field Exercise Awards -- Post your milestones here" thread to request your profile be updated! Simple, right? Award Recipients July - August TK19155 "tsongololo" Jennifer - TK76271 "MissionTrooper" Andrew - TK74259 "RickyBoyBlue" Ricky - TK75392 "dak" Angela - TK20177 "Cybergrunt" Bill - Well done all of you, great to see some able to get out and troop once again. Are you an approved TK that spends more time on the boards than the average Trooper? Do you enjoy using your knowledge to help out future and existing Troopers? If so, we would like to invite you to join the Imperial Attaché program! Members of the I.A. team are chosen to help out not only those here on the boards, but on a local level as well. Our aim is to have at least one in each and every Garrison, Squad and Outpost in the entire legion to be the eyes and ears of the FISD on a local level. For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here Some of the benefits: Access to exclusive Attaché merch., including patches, IA patch , IA Rocker For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here You may also be in the running for an Imperial Attaché Award Imperial Attaché Award for those attaché's who have gone above and beyond [minimum 1 year of service]. You can find a list of prior recipients here Want to setup a "Fire Team? the Fire Team program is completely optional, and is intended to help form a common identity and spirit of camaraderie among 501st Legion Stormtroopers in the same geographic area/garrison that troop together. Fire Teams are not officially recognized by the 501st Legion nor the FISD, although they will be able to access a Fire Team sub-forum on the detachment website. You can find more information here So what exactly are and levels? These programs were designed for those who choose to take their armor above and beyond the minimum requirements for basic 501st Legion approval. It gives you the chance to show a level of dedication and pride that takes your armor closer to being as "screen accurate" as possible, without as much extra work as you may realize! You can find more information on the programs here This area lists all those who have gone above and beyond basic approval toward screen accuracy and obtained EIB or Centurion or both. FOR July - August the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: Expert Infantry Badge Award: Wayne "W99YNO" TK81319 EIB 1027 James "fishgoh0nk" TK83751 EIB 1028 Tim "TrickyT81" TK24881 EIB 1029 Georgia "Georgia Haywood" TK54815 EIB 1030 GREAT job on your approval, now on to Level 3! Request your free EIB certificate here --------------------------------------------------------------- Centurion Badge Award: None this period Outstanding job on reaching Centurion, Troopers! Request your free Centurion certificate here If you see any of these Troopers around your Garrison or Squad, be sure to congratulate them! Newsletter If you have any interesting stories or photos or something you think newsworthy please send them to me via pm. For anyone interested in having a look through any of the older newsletter they have now been moved to a new archive sub forum which you can find Here With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Staff List 2021 Detachment Leader (DL): Andrew Franke (Sly11) TK11469 Executive Officer (DXO): Tim Waychoff (Dark CMF) Chief Deployment Officer (DCA): Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Mario E RT (TKSpartan) TK-48117 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Jose Maria Sanchez (Chemi) TK-30173 Lead Provost Marshal (DCOG): Steven Sheades (starsaber25) TK-10466 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Chris Pearson (themaninthesuitcase) TK-10911 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Dan Branton (CableGuy) TK-42911 Personnel Officer (PER): AC (Novatie) TK-5597 Fire Team Relations (PRO): Mark Ryner (Captsafe66) TK-4584 Content Editor At Large (PRO): Christoph (Danny) Lauber (Ripper_L) TK-55550 Content Editor Support (PRO): Tony Jobe (ukswrath) TK-10116 Content Editor Awards (PRO): This will be handled by the XO Newsletter Publisher Forum Clean up Director (PRO): Glen Rhodes (gmrhodes13) TK-85421 HOF Director (PRO): Aaron (Bronx) Gibson (Pyrates) TK-99725 Attaché Ambassador (PRO) Frank Peranteau (Frank75139) TK-75139 Social Media Relations (PRO): Teresa Nuthall (Soulart) TK-41307 Social Media Relations (PRO): Jim Ferrell (Rat) TK-95970 Systems Administrator (DWM): Eric Brager (Darth Aloha) TK-9674 Systems Administrator (DWM): Mathias (Locitus) TK-2959 Detachment Founder (DF): Paul (Daetrin) TK-8020 Trading Cards Content Support (IPM): Eric Ho (Hoda) TK 77520 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Brien Edick (Harbinger) TK 92802 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Jeff Salt (wingnut) TK 50297 Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor Facebook Group: 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment (FISD) Official Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st Instagram: www.instagram.com/fisd501st On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff and the Imperial Propaganda Department

Doing some test fitting today Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok, we all know the things we like and dislike about the new Anovos helmets. I know they were going for replicating a specific helmet they saw in the archives but I still like my ears to have as little gap as possible. This is going to be a challenge because of how much they already removed. I am also particular about hand painted details so I need to do some transfer stripping. This helmet is paper thin. The ears are, too! Clearly NOT the same thickness of plastic used on the body armor. First the disassembly: The first thing I noticed was that the ear screws were the kind we are all looking to use on the thermal detonators. They are flat bottom, pan head slotted screws. Because Anovos provided wedge head phillips screw for the TD, I will replace those with the helmet screws and replace the helmet screws with the correct angled screws. After removing the hovis, I am going to swap out the fine mesh screen with the better stuff on the right. Nice hovi tips, though. Well done. No markings on the side, but well done. Anyway, I am also going to swap out the brow trim. Their brow trim was too loose and cut to mimic that trooper whos brow trim ended within the trapezoid. I like going to the ends. Just my preference. I will use the UK -US52 trim seen on the right. It is almost identical but just a tad less shiny and tighter fitting to grab the brow. With the helmet apart, I can start stripping the transfers. I only found two things that took them off: alcohol and goof off. The goof off required a little elbow grease, but worked much quicker. With the helmet clean, I can start trimming. First I opened up the eyes a bit. Then started work on cleaning up the tooth openings and making the recessed ones on the right side (as you are looking at the face) a little larger. While I had the face exposed, it was a good time to polish it. Note the reflections of the twin bulb worklight. and after polishing: At this time, I also constructed the lens mounts from the hockey helmet screws. After building a stack of scrap ABS around each and some trimming I glued them in place. I used the provided lens material to make individual lenses. I removed the lenses and set them aside. I needed to lower the main cap on the face slightly so the ear position would move down as well. I cut my new piece of brow trim and tried several positions on the helmet before settling on one I was happy with. I am happy with this placement. I removed the temporary screws and riveted down the cap at the ears and around the cheek. I got to work on the delicate job of re-trimming the ears out. The round portion was already thin so I had to really watch how much I took out. I was not entirely happy with the right ear, but it was a lot better than it was. The left one came out a bit better. Painting is next!!!

I did a test fit of the M3.5 screws I purchased last night and have now got the image. Testing the fit of the M3.5 screws by Christopher Pearson, on Flickr They look right to me and fit the pre-drilled holes nicely. The shafts are bigger than the supplied screws. I got mine here, they also do the matching brass nuts and washers, you want the metric course nuts (that confused me a bit and I had to google about a bit to work out if I wanted course or fine). Delivery was pretty fast but no idea if that's helpful to anyone out side the UK. http://www.spaldingfasteners.co.uk/metric-brass-countersunk-slotted-head-machine-screws-m3-m4-m6/

I was noticing on my photos the sides of the newly added kidney shims were 'flaring' out too much, as the bend matched the inner contour of the kidney plate, but did I did not shape it correctly for the bend to match to the abdomen. You can see on these pics how it is bending out away from body rather than matching the abdomen. So after consulting with FISD search forums, decided to give the boiling water trick a try rather than the dreaded heat gun. The water seemed more forgiving in case I screw up. I dipped it in the pan while boiling (just the end part of the shim that I wanted bent, not to the part of the actual weld) for about 20 seconds. It took a couple of dips after the initial one to get it to start to move, but then I slowly was able to bend the sides in a bit. You have to be careful not to press too hard near the area of the weld, or this would pry apart! Pretty happy with the results! I need to tighten my strapping a few mm still, but the bend is much better now between the kidney and abdomen! Sorry about the sorry pics, used the phone and not the good camera.

Thanks a lot guys! The little secret I must share which will save you a lot of mental anguish, is to dust the seam with some spray paint lightly. I probably could have done this after the first round and gotten close to the same result, but it does make the difference if your seam is smooth after the ab paste sanding and not still a physical gap for the paint dusting to help hide it if still showing in spots. It took trying out the third can on some scrap of different brands of white gloss before I found a match, but it sure helped finish it off. Just do not get in a hurry, lots of coats, a couple of dustings at a time, a couple of times of day, and the seam got lighter and lighter. You can then polish around the outside edges of the areas where the paint and natural plastic meet to blend it in, but it matches so well you hardly have to do this at all. Good luck everyone! This is the brand that matches AP-

Not 100% when you get up close to it, but I had to get on with the suspension so I am going with this right now. Pretty happy with it, just frustrating that it seems the more I sanded the more I then started to see the seam again! It's finding that happy medium where you are OK with the contour of the paste vs wanting to get it sanded back completely down. Added the rivets- no gap!!!