SmilesLikeJoker

I ran across some pretty harsh reviews about their customer service and quality of products. I'm looking at some ammo pouches for my HWT. Anyone run across them? Thanks! Patrick

I did some checking around. Thanks for the suggestion on the Miraluka race. Come to find out, there is are written guidelines for this race. Luckily, it allows for completely custom outfits as long as you're not trying to be one of the known Miraluka. Woot! I'm just doing some pricing and planning. I've got an idea of what I'm going to need and where to get it. I found something that would be perfect to cover my eyes! Unfortunately, I can't even find any knockoffs lol. Check these out: They are Oakleys that were made a couple of years back. I've looked for some knockoff, but had no luck. Along with something like these, I'm thinking of black sclera contact lenses. They're expensive so the lenses might get cut from the project.

The title is a little weird. I know. I didn't know how else to put it. Since my armor is almost done, I've decided I wanted to do a soft costume for when we're in need of handlers. So I decided on a Sith Master/Apprentice. I'm looking at going custom with it though. I've got a general design in mind. I'll work with some people on a good matching color scheme. I'm thinking Sith with a touch of med evil mixed in based off some drawings I seen. Here's my problem. What to do to my face? I'm not into painting or wearing latex or stuff like that. It hit me. A visor! Make it look like I've been blinded and I use the dark side for my vision. The thing is I don't know what would be a cool yet evil look. I checked out Cyclops from X-Men and Geordi La Forge from Star Trek trying to get an idea of something. Cyclops was close to what I had in mind, but I'm wondering what else is there? Does anyone have any suggestions on this approach to my face? I'm just brainstorming here.... If you think the visor method is a bad idea, please speak up. Maybe an eye patch or something similar? Thanks!

I know I read a post awhile back on this, but do not remember the result of the conversation. I know the amount of left-handed people in the movies was slim to none. For left-handed troopers to actually be functional, some things would need to be reversed. Even certain weapons would need modifications. What was the final word on this in reference to Standard Entry, EIB and Cent?

I'm trying to get the last pieces I need for my build right now. Unfortunately, boots are one of those items. I've always wondered, but never seen someone say. Is there a deposit or pre-payment required for the waiting list? The reason I ask is that I would have the money when I asked to be put on the waiting list, but you never know what life is going to throw at you. I'd rather just pay for them upfront that way it can't become an issue later down the road. On a side question, I wear 10.5 US standard. No extra wide or anything special. Should I go with 10 since they seem to run a little big or just go with the 11?

Hey Quartermaster! I'm finally getting back to working on my suit. The military had me take a different path for most of the year. Once I'm all suited up, you'll see some pictures of your pack in action! Everyone that has seen the pack absolutely loves it! Thanks! Patrick

Well guess what was sitting on the porch when I got home from work The pictures say it all. It's awesome! However John, I have to compliment you for something that is not shown in the pictures. Your packaging and other little touches. There are a lot of companies out there that could use some pointers from you on how to package items. You are as thorough packaging as you are building. The letter, Imperial emblem patch, and card was a nice little touch. There is no doubt who will be designing/building my 'custom' pack down the road. I've got to get all the weapons first lol. Thanks again! Patrick

You've hit the mark, John! Thanks for all your hard work and attention to detail on this pack. I'll be like a kid on Christmas when it arrives lol. :D Now to get back on assembling my armor. I've been lazy lately >.<

Rgr that. We were talking about the return edge on the cod and how much room that would add. Adding the elastic will add small gaps. I was telling my friend who is helping that gaps (minimizing of course) is ok. We just don't want overlap. EDIT: I haven't trimmed any area off cod section thus far lol. I'll double-check the kidney plate. I'm not too sure if the 'bend' is at the top or bottom. Thanks everyone!

Ok... we taped together everything and basically put it on like a pair of shorts. Trust me when I say it was easier said than done lol. The chest area and waist were spot on where I wanted. This issue is still the cod area and butt plate. The only way I could walk was to spread my legs out. Since I want as little gap as possible when wearing the thigh pieces, I haven't even begun fitting them. I want to get all the upper armor first. This will let me know if/how I might need to do some trimming to the thighs. I've circled areas that are way way too uncomfortable to even walk. I don't know if this is the best area to trim or not. On a side note, my ab and cod piece is still one piece. Recommendations?

We've been fitting and trimming for awhile. After our last cut, we did another test fit. This is what we are running into. Advise? We're thinking that the cod piece is causing most of the gap, but still. We didn't want to cut any further until we got some eyes-on. Thanks!

Bummer..... I was thinking about trying to carry two weapons (three in the long run). I would have had a T21 in my hands. On one side of the pack would be a bazooka, and the other side a RT-97C (http://starwars.wiki...y_blaster_rifle). The RT-97C could be switched out and the T-21 put in it's place. The bazooka would come off also. I'm going for a Heavy Weapons Trooper so I wanted to carry plenty of heavy weapons. T21 for standard fighting, RT-97C for long distance sniping (b/c of special scopes), and the bazooka for vehicles. Bring on the rebels!!!!! Ok...plan for the standard HWT pack for the moment. Maybe the above (long term) for non-cannon events. Thanks!

I'm building toward EIB, but had an idea for something I haven't seen on any pack. It would not by any means be 'cannon'. I'm still building my armor and still have several components to get. I would only like to have to worry about one pack instead of either borrowing one for official pictures (if allowed) or getting a second. Yes...I'm trying to do as much planning as I can. Thanks!

lol. Buddy sent me link.

Quick update. Got the biceps measured and cut. I was slightly off on my measures and made just a tad too snug (at least in the final test fit). I pretty sure that when I glue/velcro, it will turn out fine though. What's funny was afterward I decided to take another look at my forearms. Yep....way way to loose. Adjusted them and now they fit a lot better. Other than minor sanding/cleaning, biceps and forearms are ready for final assembly. Time to start looking at chins and thighs. Wish me luck!

Thanks Kevster and Pandatrooper!

Yea.... your biceps are totally different from mine. You look like you have some pretty defined trimming areas, and my circle indents are a lot more noticeable. Both my inner pieces are just like the letter C w/no defined trimming area and are the same for left and right. I think my kit is FX. I got it second hand pretty cheap.

I gotcha. It ended about 1.5 inches so .75 off each side. Yea.... I have small arms lol. Last question. What's the best way to eliminate the 'evenness' of the pieces so that attach together seamlessly? I read where one trooper cut about 1/4 inch off the ends of the inside piece (basically removing the return edges). However, the picture of his biceps looked somehow different. Maybe that cut he did just made it look weird. He did the same thing on his forearms. Is this the common fix?

I started on my biceps tonight, and immediately had a problem. They line up exactly. I don't have that unevenness I had with my forearms to make sizing easy. I started clipping away at the ends just to try and get it where I can size it. It hit me to stop before I do damage that I can't reverse. Measure twice and cut once, correct? I can't get them measured without cutting them first. Please...anyone have any tips? It's just me so I don't have another set of hands. Thanks! Patrick

I started working on my suit today. Needless to say I'm nervous. Here's what is bothering me. I'm looking for a good fitting guide. For example, when I put together my forearms, I have no clue if it's too big and should be trimmed it down further. Are there some general rules on finger spaces between armor and skin? I found tons of videos on actually assembly, but nothing on actual fitting. How is your armor generally suppose to fit? If someone could point me to something, I would be most grateful. If I overlooked some good links, I apologize.

No pictures just yet. It's, or I should say will be, one of Trooperbay's MTK helmets w/ANH Stunt decals. I'm pretty sure I'm covered lol. Like I said, I was just reading into it probably too much lol. Me being a newb, the lack of the term 'physically cut' just threw me off mainly because I've never noticed they were actually cut out. Yea.... I haven't seen much armor in person. I'm building towards Centurion standards. However, the gloves are definitely going to be a no go for me personally. Being military, I know too well how much those rubber gloves actually cause sweating lol. That's why I'm shooting for EIB. EDIT: Pulling requirements from here: http://www.501st.com/databank/Costuming:TD_hwt

It's not the FX so I'm good there. Just wanted to double-check that the teeth have to be 'physically' cut out (as in using a dremel or similar tool) and not custom decals or painted. I should have been able to answer this myself considering the black mesh screen is option lol. I'm reading too much into things I guess. I just don't want to screw up lol. Thanks!

This should be simple for someone to answer. I just want to make that I'm reading it right. - Frown is painted gray and does not leave the teeth area. Eight total teeth on the frown are cut out. So.... full black and gray decals are not acceptable? I just want to make sure. Other than this and being battle worn, my helmet should meet Expert Infantryman. Thanks! Patrick

This is a great thread, and great idea! I'm pretty sure this been mentioned before, but here it is anyway. I fluctuate between 180-195 lbs. I've got a little stomach, but not that bothers me too much. I wouldn't say I'm in the best of shape, but I'm slowly improving while maintaining a decent level of fitness. I did hit about 220 a couple of years back, but the military frowns upon not being able to meet fitness standards. One of the biggest mistakes I make, even to this day, is actually under eating. Eating healthy is a great thing, but there is still a certain amount of calories your body needs daily. It varies person to person based off the individual and their goals. I struggle to hit 1800-2000 calories a day with my meals. Don't under eat! Do some research and see how many calories you should be shooting for daily. Second.... water. I can't say enough about water. Drink it daily and often. Along with my cardio stuff I do, I also do the '200 Sit-ups' and '100 Push-ups' workouts and the occasional group exercise session. A quick google search and the workouts pop right up (all the same website). The program covers some standard 'core strengthening' exercises. I can vouch that the guide is pretty close, but you have to put forth the effort to hit the numbers. I would recommend the Iphone/Ipod app. That's what I use. That's all I got. Patrick