Trooperdad

I like the ones on the ears, but not sure about the one near the edge trim. Like Paul said, use nuts (lock/nylon nuts best) and recess them as much as possible to be near flush. Good job. I love mods!

There are no dumb questions. To answer your "inquiry" I don't know. I would search the screen cap archive to see if you can tell. I imagine it would be difficult since the TD covers it. However, I just thought of something, review the scene where they exit the trash compactor and Luke is putting on the TK belt over his tunic. That might give a clue. On the other hand, the scene could be reversed....the search continues. Don G.

Yeah, don't use the rubber washers. I also painted mine instead of using the decal AND I tried using more accurate screen material. Don g.

Thayne you also might want to try Indusrial strength velcro too for the canvas-to-ABS connection. I made my son's canvas belt and used a combo of snaps and IS velcro (the snaps came undone so I added the velcro too). Also, the canvas belt is a 1 piece type that completely surrounds the torso of the trooper and the ABS front of the belt just attaches on top of that via snaps and velcro. I also added a stiffener inside the belt where the holster attaches. Be sure to curve it to your body too so it blends in well. Lastly, I added some velcro to the back inside of the belt in the back and opposite that on the armor back piece so it doesn't slide down. Good luck! Don G.

1) fan since first film, but had a resurgence lately with more time and money on my hands. 2) the unique Sci Fi story-telling of GL 3) saw TKs on the internet and thought, "Hey, I could do that and it would be very, very cool!" 4) Internet is a vast warehouse of knowledge and the ability to access it makes it easier to communicate with people via forums, tutorials, and project builds. It's critical for a fan to keep up with the lastest stuff available and where/who you can get it from. Don G.

Our garrison participated in the 97th Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco Sunday. This year 2 of my sons joined in the fun and we had a great time. Hardest part was the one large hill on the course. Besides braving the 60,000 participants, usual naked people (mostly old men), endless photos, flying tortillas, Elvises, and throngs of costumed/drinking participants, we complted the 7 mile course this year in 2 hours 35 minutes beating our record last year of 2 hours 48 minutes. We wear running/tennis shoes for comfort. This year at one of the water stations a woman there doused me with a cup of water which was partially atomized by my cooling fan adding to the already humid conditions in my helmet. Besides pinching in the groin area, my right thigh armor scraped the skin from my knee. Here's a photo of my sons and I, I'm on the left, Zach (16) in TB, and Jordon (TK-8288) or right. We had almost 30 people from the garrison attending in soft armor and as handlers including 9 in armor. It was a great day for a walk across the city by the bay. Don G.

I used a small band saw to cut my back piece of my FX armor to detach the butt armor. It worked great, but I needed to cover the saw table to prevent scratches. A jigsaw would work similarly. Don G.

I use the holster spring clips from Tandy Leather ----- In addition, I add some industrial velcro to the inside of the clip and my belt so that it stays in place and will not work itself loose. Good luck. Don G.

I am truly amazed by the modeling skills in our group. Your work looks fantastic! Don G.

48 is great! Though it's harder to stay in shape.... Hey, that rymes!

17 years old 1977 Century theaters on Winchester Blvd. in San Jose, CA (those domed theaters) Went with my brothers and we were blown away by the complete originality of the whole thing (and we were sci-fi fans). I remember going back several times that summer and waiting in looong lines that stretched out to Winchester Blvd (before advance ticket sales were available). We would bring paperback books and read them while standing a full 2+ hours in line! I remember an enterprising guy who would entertain those waiting in line by doing back flips and stunts in the parking lot. It's hard to believe I'm playing in that universe today and I'm having a blast doing it! Don G.

You can also really see the rubber-like gloves too. You know why he is touching his helmet--he's angling it down so he can see the little kids in front of him! Don G.

Thayne: Looks great. You talked to me at the photoshoot at Wondercon about changing your ab buttons and looks like you did. Nice job. Don G.

Let me add one thing. Paint the inside black before assembly. It makes the overall look better. And, If you're thinking of making the vents in the top back of the helmet functional for better ventilation and less overheating your head, cut them before assembly too. See related topics for cutting the vents. Don G.

I wear glasses with my FX oversized helmet without a problem. To make sure they stay on and don't slide down my nose, I put one of those lanyard-type straps (chubs?) on the ends of my glasses and slide it tight so it stays on. Problem with wearing glasses in any enclosed helmet is that they will fog up AND the lense to your bucket will fog up so it's key to have good ventilation (fans or open slots at the top back of your bucket). For keys and stuff, I have a custom-made holster that has an enclosed bottom (it's made out of soft black buffalo leather so sometimes I just throw them in their or use my modified TD cannister to hold keys, money, cards (one end is held on by industrial strength velcro). Never had a problem. Don G.