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Just pushed the button... so it's official. Went with the RS Props: ANH (stunt) - ABS (going old school) Stormtrooper. Let the wait begin for my BBB In the meantime. I'm beginning to research some of my customizations and get ready for next steps. Armor - RS Props ANH Stormtrooper E-11 Blaster - Just ordered this one from TRamp. I had to have this! - https://fb.watch/7Tw06PUqT_/ Helmet Customizations - I've spent the last few days reading about: Audio System w/Voice - I've been looking at Ukswraths iComm package - https://www.etsy.com/listing/525718278/stormtrooper-audio-system-wvoice?ref=hp_rf-5 Fans: Looks like Henry's Dual is the way to go? - https://www.etsy.com/listing/542571379/dual-modular-ball-bearing-5500rpm-fan?ref=shop_home_recs_2&frs=1&crt=1 Comfort - Ordering some Helmet Pads to customize - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PGF4CTH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A1CED60143DOXT&psc=1 Hearing assist? Will I need this? Anyone have an opinion one way or the other? That's what I've got so far. Anything I should check out that I haven't listed above or some customizations I should research that I haven't thought of? Thanks! Bobby

Kia Ora! My name is Georgia Haywood and I became a member of the 501st legion this morning! I have waited many years for this day. Ever since I was young I wanted to be apart of the 501st Legion, and when I was old enough to join that was my goal. Well now at 18 years old, I finally am. I ordered my RS Prop masters TK ANH STUNT Commission all the way back in Jan and after many months, it arrived last week. Its been a long journey and my biggest dream, I can not wait for the many troops, memories and friends I make along the way. Its surreal that I am an actual Stormtrooper, the ones I looked up to for all those years! I might be one of the youngest and shortest troopers out there (at 5'3) but I have one of the biggest hearts. Georgia Haywood Outpost 42 New Zealand Garrison

A couple of threads you may find useful about forming return edges, using a plug/mold can be quite helpful too Example

So I’ve taken the plunge and started doing exactly what I said I would do here: lowering the kidney plate to shorten it and trim the bottom off instead of the top. Used compasses to scribe the original bottom line. WIP. After cutting and cleaning up, I’ll create a subtle return edge to match the original.

Great decision. ATA is a little thicker than most, I find a dremel really handy for trimming. Here is a great helmet tutorial to study for when it arrives. Last I heard ATA was waiting for a shipment of ABS so hopefully the wait isn't too long. Looking forward to seeing some BBB photos in the not too distant future

Nice work, a few tweaks and you should be good to go

Yep, decided to take everyone’s advice and got on the ATA bucket waitlist instead.

One of the features of this pre built Anovos armor is a nice black lining on the inside surfaces. I have been pondering if it's worth the effort to remove it and all the sticky goo left behind... Well yesterday, I noticed that my chest plate neck was starting to crack, and I haven't even work it yet! After a close inspection why, I noticed something... The person who built this, used a sharp knife to cut out the area with the Anovos logo. scoring the ABS in the process... So I cut away a portion of the liner near the edge to help with getting in there to repair it... you can clearly see the score lines here. nice... ultimately this pushed me over the edge, and I just ripped out the liner to see if other areas where also compromised similarly (none found) Then, proceeded to use Goo Gone to clean things up before adding a bit of plastic welder glue and tape to help keep things from separating again while it cured. took about 30 minutes, with scraping and then a bath in the tub with soapy water... There is a bit of staining from the black fabric, but the glue came off. Time to consider my options for adding further reinforcement to this area and others I may find... And I will be removing the liner in many places, to enable my reworking of the strap system... not overly happy with the Velcro solution. it may be fine in some places... I haven't decided if it's worth removing the liner everyplace... yet.

Lol no concern now, someone bought it.

If you zoom in on the top of the helmet it looks like it’s been brush painted. Finish is awful compared to the lower half of the helmet. I think as already advised , buy your own kit and build it yourself. eBay- ( stay away). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Second what Glen said. Getting a self-built kit from RS might be a better path. There are plenty of resources and video on the forum to get yourself familiar with the process, it’s not as difficult as it might seems. I think the only thing I need to stress is “measure twice and cut once”.

coming along nicely, almost there.

All photos withing each post have also now been numbered for tracking in the review process. More updates to come soon.

Welcome, Bobby, and GREAT to hear that you pulled the trigger on ordering your RS armor! While you "hurry up and wait" for BBB to arrive, I would suggest a few things: 1. Get all your build supplies lined up and on hand. Nothing worse that having to stop in the middle to order or buy something. Link here. 2. Once your kit arrives, start a build thread. Trust me on this one. Does it take extra time? Yep, but there you can ask all the questions you like (no matter how small), and add photos. Lots of them. Adding pics is especially important when you have an issue. 3. Hopefully you will be aiming for Expert Infantry and then Centurion levels after Basic 501st approval, and this is MUCH easier to do during your build rather than after, and not as difficult as you may think! I have a thread here which will answer a lot of questions as well as show you what we look for when approving those. 4. Most importantly.. take....... your....... time. I 'm sure you want to get it done so you can get out and troop, but rushing leads to mistakes. Consider it a marathon, not a sprint, and you will have one awesome looking set of armor when you are done. We are here to help every step of the way, all you you have to do is ask.

Still trying to hit my target weight of 170-175 pounds. So hard.

Don't forget to paint the back of the helmet as well, those two trapeze looked like they were still missing some paint Crazy nice work on the ears! I must admit, I'm a bit jealous at how well they fit... Is it just me, or does your cover strip on the left thigh extend past the thigh...? If so, I'd shorten that a bit to align better with the top of the thigh.