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Congrats man!! Looks awesome! What's even funner is that I'm wearing that exact same shirt today!

Armor maker: TE2 Height: 5' 11" Weight: 198 lbs Chest: ?? 40" Abs: No Waist: 32" Thighs: No Biceps: Small one on the right Forearm: No Any other mod? Right calf has a small shim.

I'm 5'11" and 200lbs right on the money and the TE2 fits like a charm. I had to shim one calf a bit... but the sides close and everything. Maybe I'm a small 200lbs. (people think I weigh less when they see me... if that matters)

Look how they look closed off with the finishing strip on. You can hardly tell it's shimmed...------ Is this the part you're talking about?

I don't have an AP kit, but I do have a TE2 and I also have big biceps. You just have to shim those bad boys! And then, luckily, we have the "cover strips" to cover the shim up with. I literally rivet mine together and then cover them with a strip. Here's the inside of one of mine...-----------

Yes, E-6000 won't melt your plastic either! Much better choice for sure.

Just like our changes at the MEPD this has been a long time coming man! Good on ya!

Sweet!!!! Wow. Crazy good!!!! Thanks for this tutorial... I'm off to build one of my own now! EDIT: I gave up. haha Seriously man. This is brilliant. If you ever go crazy and want to sell these bad boys let us know!

You're right... I just primed the helmet. This was, however, for my sandtrooper... so letting the paint "chip" and look "worn" after a while is part of the point. On my ESB I will probably prime the entire thing. I don't think everyone does though.

Thanks man! Yeah... you get used to everything being dirty all the time it's hard to clean up your act. haha And yep, already have armor "on the way"... second set of TE2! Edited this because that second set of TE2 is becoming my 2nd TD... and I've ordered a set of TM armor for my ESB.

Here are some more pictures of my blaster. After re-watching the movie again the other night, I repainted it to match more of the look from ESB. Not nearly as much weathering, but it still has a little.

This page has all about the color... scroll down a ways and you'll find it.

Thanks for the pics Richard! A lot of the things you pointed out have been talked about before, but that's some good observations! Isn't it amazing how long ESB can take to watch when you're obsessing over every detail? haha Of course StarWarsHelmets.com has a great page all about the ESB troopers. And, TK-4510 is THE place to get decals that are accurate in every detail... INCLUDING color! Look forward to your build man! If you count doing my blaster and getting my holster I've already started mine. haha

You can see my entire modding "tutorial" on the FISD here.

That's a great job there man! Really nice for sure. That HALFORDS appliance paint is sweet! I've never heard of it... probably a UK thing. But man that's shiny! Great pic with the FX lite too. Oh yeah... and nice blaster! Thanks for posting!

Yes, there are a lot of options on getting a good bucket if you don't feel comfortable assembling one yourself. Getting someone else to assemble one for you is probably the best idea. TM's can come assembled — as others may too — and there are plenty of people on here that love doing that for people. The "problem" with the MRCE is that it will take work to modify and get it up to snuff... and, believe it or not, that work can be as tedious and difficult as assembling one yourself. Truth is, I don't know of a single thread on here where a novice / noob has gotten a bucket to assemble and then botched it so badly they had to trash it. Usually it goes... 1) get it... 2) work on it get excited... 3) think you've ruined it... 4) realize you didn't... 5) finish it and show it off. So, if you're wanting more accurate, find a way to go more accurate. Don't just settle. That's my advice.

I was one for a while... and will be again soon!!! The Emperor did it (senator / sith lord) why not us?

At least you have your priorities right. ESB = rockin' though! (I'm on my way there now as well.)

Yeah, we know there are plenty of great "which is better" threads on here... but it really comes down to personal preference. I love the flexibility, sharpness, strength (only have experience with TE2) and ease of workability of the HIPS. Plus it's lightweight and just darn comfy!

While it's true that many people get ABS simply so they don't have to paint it, it's VERY possible to get a GREAT coat on HIPS! In fact, I've seen many paint jobs that make ABS look dull and flat! Are you using Rust-Oleum paint and following all instructions — including humidity and temperature requirements? If not, are you following the directions on whatever you're using? Practice on some scrap pieces. Be willing to sand it all off and do it again! Also, for tutorials, you can check out TK-4510's TE2 Helmet Build starting at part 19 he shows how to paint. You'll get there man!

I've already repainted mine. I will add back SOME weathering. This time too I can do "copper / gold" on the scope. I need to smooth down the side just behind the cartridge clip where I removed the counter. It's kind of "rough" right now, and with the gun more black than "scratched up" looking it stands out. Good suggestion on the site too. I also considered cutting out the section between the "bar" that the scope sits on. But I doubt I try that anytime soon. Thanks for the pic! Nice blaster!!

Straightforward is great! I've actually been thinking I'm going to do it one more time. After watching ESB last night (and pausing on every-single-shot of blasters) I decided this was "too much" weathering for me too. I always love hearing what others say! To each his own is right... but, we ALSO do this for each other too... right?! I mean the praise of the "501st" as a whole is certainly desirable. Otherwise I'd be making all kinds of random garbage.

These pics are copied over from my ESB trooper build thread, but I wanted to post these specific ones here since they deal with my blaster. This is my Sci-Fire E-11 that I modded for ESB. I removed the counter and cylinders (which were very easy to "snap-off"). I drilled out all the holes so they're actually holes now and not just "indentations," and I then repainted the entire thing... first silver, then black, then added battle damage "weathering" of silver on top of it all. I also drilled a hole in the back for the "d-ring." I was happy with this blaster before... now I'm ecstatic!!! And what's cool is this works for my sandtrooper still as the counter / etc. aren't required for a TD!! Here are the pics... Here you can see (sort of) the holes I drilled out along the barrel... Here's the hole I drilled out for the d-ring...

My Sci-Fire E-11 with proper modifications for ESB. I also reapinted it and drilled out the "holes" along the barrel. Also drilled a hole in the back for the "d-ring." What's cool is this works for my sandtrooper still as the counter / etc. aren't required for a TD. Here you can see (sort of) the holes I drilled out along the barrel... Here's the hole I drilled out for the d-ring

And now I see this one. Hey, it was AT LEAST 2 posts below where I asked the question. Come on!