Rich330

I don't think so (if anyone wants to correct me, feel free), I just think it was a case of marking the extra parts for the belt assembly.

As promised, some side-by-side shots of TM and AP. Only the thighs so far but I'll take pictures of other parts tomorrow if I get time. TM on the left, AP on the right, of course. ---------course just a bit of extra trimming by me.

Probably my favourite part of the TM sculpt; the thighs.

There's more ... I just love the legs on thsi kit. Amazing definition ...

Wow, that's a big compliment. I feel like a total beginner still but am more than happy to share. Show and tell and all that ...

Still some final trimming and sanding to be done to the parts once I've done a test fitting by the way, so some of those inside edges will be smoother. Pressed on with a goo dfew parts today and was really impressed at how easy the thighs and shins were to assemble. I left quite a lot of material on the backs of the calf pieces so I have a nice overlap. I've glued the finishing strip to one side and a quick test fitting confirmed I'll be able to wear the backs open. It all lines up so perfectly! Amazing work from TM. It makes me look liek I almost know what I'm doing. Some more finished parts (apart from the final trimming and sanding)... And I currently have the finishing strips on the thighs and calves/shins drying. Really productive day. I can start gluing in snaps and assembling some of those small parts of the armour, maybe tackle the belt.

I was up bright and early to day and headed back into the workshop. My workshop and my security guard .... Before I got the plastic weld and the glue working, it was time for some preparatory measures. A 20mm strip and a 15mm strip cut to use as a template for my finishing strips ... I started with the biceps, welding a reinforcement strip (roughly 10mm) onto the inside of the join first ... Running plastic weld down the seam ... At this point I was already struck by just how well the TM parts go together. The ABS is very rubbery but eberything lines up so beautifully. It really makes it an easy kti to put together. And I'm really not the most gifted or tidy builder. Preparing the 15mm finishing strips ... Here are both sets of biceps armour, clamped and drying off under the watchful eye of my wife in her wedding dress! The first finished parts a good few hours later. Not fully dry but firm enough to remove the clamps and magnets ... The pink hew to the insides is from the plastic weld. I have a red brush and the plastic weld took on some of the colour. No big deal as it's all invisible and it actually helped me see where I'd applied weld and where I hadn't. Time for a big mug of Earl Grey ...

One box of TM armour, fully trimmed ... One sore hand ... A day of gluing and welding planned for tomorrow. Right, I'm off to watch the footie and have a few beers

In one of those infamous leaked photos it looks like a hook with a strip of plastic (off-cut from the armour) was also used.

Do I see blood on one shin/calf piece?

Thanks, man! I should be quick getting this finished too (ESB first) and I'm due a trip to the mainland anyway, so I should see you at a Madrid troop pretty soon.

I think we'll find it's not just clever but also very close to the original screen-used techniques.

Brilliant! Exactly the reference shots I need before I start work on my TM. Thanks!

It's officially Big Brown Box Day at our house today. My TM kit arrived today and I'm absolutely chuffed to bits with it. I also have a second helmet coming soon as I intend to make up two separate helmets, two belt assemblies and two sets of gloves (with different handguards) so that I can rotate the armour between ESB Stunt and ANH Stunt. I intend to go ESB with both and will be documenting my build here along the way. Let the armour porn commence ... It's the care and attention and minor things like proper packaging that also make the difference ... Two sets of belt armour for two belt assemblies (ESB on white canvas, ANH on natural canvas (belts by Rob)) ... Two sets of handplates. (I will actually be using Karin's imitation latex handplates for ANH though) ... As I say, the attention to detail, e.g. marking up all the parts as "L" or "R" and including little tips and instructions, counts for a lot as far as I'm concerned ... I have a feeling this weekend is going to be fun!

I really like the animation on that. Reminds me of my favourite Star Wars lego clip ... Original here ...

Now you're just showing off! And so you should! Looking superb!

Yay! Go D! Go the SG!

Count me in! If he needs any materials, let me know. I might have stuff left over. I still have 4 strips of the T-track you kindly donated, for instance, in case he or anyone else needs to convert a blaster.

I think the TK boots push the shin/calf armour up a bit because they are looser/broader round the ankles. I have a bit of trouble closing the armour over the top of them but I do have a very large shoe size for my height. You know what they say a botu guys with big feet though ... ... big shoes!

That's what I call a happy ending. Great kit, great build. You can be proud, mate.

Magoamb? Anyway, good work, feller! I'm not even a 501st member myself yet but I've already joined you on your crusade to get more TKs in the Spanish Garrison up to EIB standard. Looks like you'll be No. 3 (after Javi and Mrs. Rick330 ) ¡SÍ PODEMOS!

Not wanting to take credit for the advice on the forearms (almost all of what I know I have picked up from chaps who are much more experienced and better at this building lark than I am) I dug out the original post from Pete Stukatrooper about the trimming becasue he included this very helpful picture. I figured it might help you too ...

Hey, skinny is screen accurate!

Trim the area inside of the elbow to adjust the forearms armour to the length of your forearms. I wouldn't go shortening the parts themselves. I wouldn't try and trim the seams short of the natural lines either in an attempt to make assembled armour narrower. It would kind of defeat the object of buying screen accurate armour if you then go and change the overall shape. If you're slim and you think the armour rattles about on you a bit, you can always pad out the inside with foam. But please don't go altering those beautifully sculpted lines.

Looking good, man. I do notice you have a large return edge on the forearms. That's obviously fine if that's the way you like it but the screen-used suits had little or no return edge at the wrist openings and you may find you need to remove all your return edge to get your hand through comfortably. Is that maybe what you meant above? If so, have no fear: the less return edge, the more screen-accurate (and easier to get on the arm).