Airborne Trooper

I saw your build and you did a great job. I just need to start my strapping system done for my torso/kidney/ab so I can accurately tell how much I need to trim.

Yeah, I've had a build thread HERE for a while. It mostly gets overlooked and thrown on page 2

I agree. I've been working on mine since the end of March. I just do a little at a time and mostly now it's waiting on stuff to come in the mail or ordering more things. I've done my tube stripes 3 times now haha.

Everyone is blazing by in their builds. I'm getting things down slowly because life, kids, and money. I did manage to buy some expensive MP40 leather and canvas pouches last week. Think my wife is going to kill me when I ask to start my second build, whether that's a TK or TFA TK.

Kyle, I think you're being too hard on yourself. I think you've done a fantastic job and you should be proud of what you've created. Don't be like Russell and nit pick too much or Tony will start busting your chops lol.

Super clean, Josh!

It never occurred to me to use a tactical belt. That looks really good. I may need to check my Army surplus store. All I have left from my Army days is a tan rigger's belt.

Echo provides the cap rivets? Do you know what size they are so I might be able to source them locally?

That's a great idea to glue the hand guards on. I love that t-shirt too!

You are blazing along! Love reading your detailed build

Just look at my build thread so you don't put them on the wrong side like I did

Try some mineral spirit or testors paint thinner

That looks really clean! The 7th rivet is for the cod piece.

Thanks, Scott. I have it fairly smooth now and the paint I bought is a lot darker so instead I did a very light abs layer and sanded it smooth. There's still a little ridge but no where near as noticeable. My weathering and my belt will basically cover any imperfections at the end.

Nevermind, looked at Tony's new thread and went with 20mm from edge and top. Now I need to buy a set kit because my dritz pliers doesn't work very well or can't reach parts of the armor.

Thank you. My Summer I term just ended so I had to bust my butt writing essays all weekend and I haven't got a chance to do much. I was able to sand, apply another coat of ABS paste, sand and shine and I feel that it's where I want it at. I was able to drill my holes for the 6 rivets, and cod snap. My son just flew in last night and I'm going to see if he would like to help me with my build tonight. The one thing I can't find is the specific location for the right internal snap. The reference photos I've looked at appear to be between 10 and 20mm from the top and side edge. I'm using Tandy Line 24 snaps so if anyone can chime in before I drill my pilot hole I would appreciate it!

I bought Tandy Line 24 snaps off Amazon and heard they are better than Dritz. Also, check out Darman's neckseals. $45 with the zipper option or $35 for the velcro option. http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/21385-darmans-neck-seals/

Hardhat liner might work better. That's what I use in my bucket and it sits perfectly so I can see out the eyes.

I smoothed it out the best I could put there are still a few little pockets. There's a distinct ridge but if I sanded it down further it would eventually expose the joint and leave it prone to cracking unfortunately. I'm on the fence if I should paint it white or not. The color isn't too far off since it came from the same abs my kit is made from. I'm going sandy so it may not be a big issue. Thoughts and suggestions?

Wow that looks awesome. I'm on this stage too. Did you completely remove the return edge on the bottom of your kidney plate?

So I've been cutting and trimming away and decided to work on the kidney and cod pieces. Realized it's a little too tight for comfort so I put some big shims on that I plan on adjusting after they are all joined completely. CA glued back support and the shim piece I started off putting my abs paste with a popsicle stick and it was kind of rough, used a paint brush on later layers with better results and less sanding After a lot of sanding with 100 grit this is the progress I got it all smoothed out and used some 800 grit wet sandpaper to get rid of the scratches but decided to paint another layer of abs paste on. It's drying until tonight where I'll sand it and wet sand it again. I'll add a picture of the final result. I'm really surprised how strong it is turning out to be and lesson learned: use a brush to apply it on as smooth as possible. This will save several minutes of sanding! I spent about 1 hour or so sanding one side.

Why hasn't this been pinned yet?! Your gloves look fantastic!

Congratulations! Are you going to Police Officer status next?

What a lucky guy to have you working on his armor! Are you planning on giving the bucket your electronic makeover too?

Ah, crud, I missed that in the picture. Sand them suckers down!