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Whoa! That's really good looking from what I can see. Wish I'd known about that trick when I had to redo my MR CE last year. Very nice for sure! I may use this as my "TIP" in-----------

Yes... it's just personal taste. Plus, to do it really well you need to strip it all down and fill in the gap with putty then repaint it... and I think that step alone has led people to go ahead and do the brow. Again, preference, but the idea of, "Since I'm doing all THIS work... might as well..." creeps in I think. You will fill "the gap" on the frown, right? I don't know of anyone specifically that's done the MR CE into a Hero... but I'm SURE there has to be SOMEONE! Good luck, and post pics when you do it!!

Sounds like you're learning a lot and have a great road ahead man! I'm a TE2 fan through and through, so the one thing I'll say about that is that you're only a master who hasn't yet done his work. We were all where you are before we did our first set of armor... now we are the masters. AP armor is great too though, so go with what you like / are comfortable with for sure! Snaps can sure be a bugger, huh? Try Lowe's if you have one. Or I've even found them at Target before. They don't have to look just like the pics either. Just get what you deduce will work, then take pics of your own and let the next new guy after you worry they can't find ones that look like yours. After all... at that time you'll be the master too! Good luck... and we'll be here if you need us!

The original tube stripes were painted on as well. I'm sure they had some sort of "mask" they used... but you can see how wonky they are in the pics on SWH. And yes... in ANH all the traps were hand painted as well. ESB went to decals... as you probably know. (love that sig btw! hadn't told you that yet...)

Thanks for the pics! Looking forward to this build for sure!! Oh... your link was goofy... here's the right one.

Yep... E-6000!

First one I've seen... yeah, should be good! *pops popcorn*

Very cool! Thanks for this man!

Wow... just saw this. That's what happens when I let life interfere with the internet... durn it... Very cool man! I'm going to add this to the next "Imperial-News.com" newsletter!

GREAT post man! Great questions! Would you mind if I added it onto my site? I'll give you credit!

You're in the right place... and while all your questions are answered other places throughout the forums I'll give you the quick answers here. 1) Asking what kit is recommended is a bit like asking a group of soda drinkers which is their favorite... everyone has their own opinion. Again, there's plenty of info on all the kits on the forum here, and you can also do things like look at StarWarsHelmets.com as well as my "Armor 101" page to get basic run-downs of what's available. 2) Most kits come with just the "shell." There are those who will sell the underarmor with it, but it's not common. 3) Again, there are some kits (like TM) that can come pre-assembled and ready-to-wear... but most kits come in "kit" form and you have to do the work yourself. This is a good thing, however, because then it fits you when you're done which is a necessity to not only look good but to get your TK ID# in the Legion. Hope that helps! Now, spend some more time reading and searching the forums!

Hey man, lookin' good here! Yes, keep posting pics... and a late welcome to the boards!

Anyone have a good screen used ESB belt photo? Was the belt like WHITE... or was it "off white" like ANH troopers? I'm thinking I'll try and do mine WHITE white... but I wanted to know what everyone thought / see pictures. Thanks!

The gauge of the armor is only one part of it though... you have to also consider what it's made of that you're gauging. ABS is different than HIPS and / or of course fiberglass (which there's not really much of anyway.) But I think you're getting the jest of it.

Yes, the ears looked a little "thick" to me too. Especially at the top / circular part. I would also "square" off the teeth a bit more. They were / are pretty open on the original buckets. Getting rid of the little 'swoops' in the corners of yours should do it though. Get a triangle shaped fine tooth file to do that finishing work with. I have no doubt you have 100 reference photos pulled up on your computer and taped to your walls while you're working... right? If not, do that too. Great job so far though man!! Even if you didn't change a thing it looks really good!

Dude! -----

Great tips man! I'm sending this to him actually! I know I'll be using HIPS as it's TE2 armor I'll be painting. And yeah, no way I'd have a whole suit painted before testing!!

Yeah, I'm talking about having it done by a full-on automotive sprayer. My friend owns a full auto-body painting set up. Good tip on the additives!!! I will test it on some pieces first for sure. Thanks man! (If I do it / tests of it, I will post pics / results!)

I'm interested in this very same question. I have a friend who has offered to help me paint my next set of armor (also going to be ESB) when I get it. It will be a bit more expensive than buying spray paint, but if the results are better I think it would be worth it. If anyone HAS done it (even on a bucket only) and has pics, that'd be great. Or yeah... I wonder what the durability / etc. is like as well.

----- Start with where he starts painting... -----

Measure twice, cut once... is good advice. Measure twice, ask questions here, measure again, ask again, measure, ask, measure, ask, cut once... is even better advice.

Great reference pics in this thread guys! Fun one to read through too. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "Baskin Robbins" analogy! Great one there doug. It's so true, no matter what armor I think best I can still look at other's and say, "Mmmmm... that looks great!" And vice versa. It's also good to see that we all agree TE2 is the best out there. haha... (sorry, had to throw that in)

Ditto on all that's been said so far... They were a good bucket for $80 - $100... but if you're paying closer to $200 then I agree with nathan... get a TE2 or AP or something more accurate to begin with. UNLESS you want a totally idealized bucket (which I did at one point)... then you can get one and do all the mods and make it pretty sweet. ---------

Yeah, I meant with shims... but whatever you want / works for you.

Lookin' good man! My biggest suggestion is to connect the sides so you breath in when you put the armor on and breath out when you take it off. Seriously though, it can really help the look if you connect them. Keeps the ab plate from "leaning." I have my armor connected and because of that put it on in this order: 1) shins 2) ab / kidney / butt plate 3) thighs 4) biceps 5) chest / back / shoulder bells 6) backpack 7) pauldron 8) gloves 9) forearms 10) hand plates Just FYI. haha Good work so far though! And YES... if you haven't yet, post on the MEPD? already man!