[It begins]

Yes. I am using the E6000 glue.

Here are some pics with some strapping done.

[It begins]

This is my first build so other more experinced builders can chime in. With that said, I cut 1 inch by 1-1\2 inch plates, bigger for double snap plates, and put the snap in the center. I then glued another plate to the back of the other one to cover the back of the snap. I read soemwhere that a reaction could occur between the glue and the metal snap that could melt the armor. I then trim the snap for the area, spread on the glue evenly, put it on the armor and let it sit with a clamp over night. The magnets are the best thing ever and in my opinion essential.

[It begins]

Some random photos:

[It begins]

More snap plates have been added. Biceps and forearms are togther. I am now ready to start adding the straps to link the chest, back, shoulders and arm pieces together. So far the hardest thing to glue are the thighs. I finally got the front of one done last night. On a postive note my thighs are big enough that I do not need to trim them.

 

-Gerrit

[Boots, Pauldrons, and others from this guy]

Received the boots and they fit perfect.

 

-Gerrit

[Velcro Color]

I am building an RT-MOD suit for a ROTJ build.

[Velcro Color]

I wonder how they got their hands thru if it was sealed on both sides. I would not be able to.

 

Do you use velcro the entire length or a few pieces?

[Velcro Color]

Thanks for the info.

[Velcro Color]

On my ROTJ build I glued one side of the forearms and the other side I will Velcro. Is there a rule on the color I need to use? I was going to use white or clear Velcro, but just want to make sure.

 

Thanks,

 

Gerrit

[It begins]

So far the blue tape is working fine. No residue. I made one mistake of accidently overlapping the bicep piece on the blue tap. It is going to take me a little to clean that up. I have more pieces drying now.

 

The picture is just a random one I found in a post. I copied all the build pictures I could fine on the site and put them in a word document to print as reference.

 

-Gerrit

[It begins]

Does everyone break out in a sweat on their first build? I started gluing the snap plates in. Made sure not to use a lot of glue and smeared it on evenly. Figure I would start off slow with a couple of pieces.

 

-Gerrit

[Boots, Pauldrons, and others from this guy]

Just to confirm would the following be okay for a starting ROTJ Stormtrooper (would still need to paint the sole white) or just a sandtrooper build?

http://www.ebay.com/...=item4600376994

 

Thanks,

 

Gerrrit

[It begins]

After further review, yes I am eager for the NFL playoffs, I will be velcroing them instead of glue. I see for ROTJ they need to be affixed front and back. Plus it is easier to remove once I see some member suits up close. My wife got home and she held the back plate on and I held the front. When I place the ribbed shoulder plate, counting the big flat part, I get two on the back and two on the front. So I am no where near the 5 ribs that I read. Yes, I have a wide chest and broad shoulders. In another 30 years when I cannot lift the heavy weights I will be able to adjust towards five

[It begins]

I shall post many pictures. It would seem I need assistance already. While I cut out the snap plates I thought I would glue the ribbed shoulder strap to the front of the armor. How many ribs should be on the armor? Also, should there be a gap? Should I add a piece of abs to the underneath of the strap to give it a bigger gluing surface to the armor?

[It begins]

I received my armor from RT-MOD today. Now the fun begins. I need to remember to be patient and to take my time. I will start making some snap plates this weekend. I have also printed out every armor setup I could find on the site so I have many references to refer to.

 

-Gerrit

[New from Mass]

It is alot to take in at first, but break it down into smaller sections and it starts to flow. I have a lot of stuff on order to build out my suit. I made an Excel spreadsheet of all the parts I needed. I would research that area then place an order. For example I researched the suit, then boots, belt, communications, etc... Now that everything is on order, I started researching the building process. I made a word document with every picture of a strapping system I could find. I have purchased some snaps and straps to experiment while I wait for the armor to come in. I figure once I start trooping and see other costumes I will then start to make modifications to improve the build.

 

-Gerrit

[Review of items I have for Stormtrooper suit]

It was not a list to sell, it was a list to verify I have everything to build a suit. Stuff is starting to arrive, but your wife will eventually throw something at you if you follow her around talking thru the communication system with the radio static

[Shouder connect to Bicep?]

When building strapping can the shoulder attach to the bicep piece? I see under expert it states "No shoulder bell straps across the biceps", does that mean the shoulders can flop around?

 

Thanks,

 

-Gerrit

[Hello from New York]

I am glad to hear they do a lot of events and you have a great time. Makes me wish I had all the pieces so I can start building my suit, but I will be patient. I am very familar with Washingtonville. I like the ice cream at Weir's. To bad the hurrican took them out. Once I start building I may be contacting to you so I can see the armor up close.

 

-Gerrit

[Hello from New York]

I have been up thay way for a car show I believe. I was going to join the Empire Garrison, but I can see why you questioned which to join. The Emprie Garrison states on the site that it covers all of New York City, Long Island, and the five boroughs. While the Garrison Excelsior stops at Albany. Does not matter to me which one. I will join both froums to keep up to date with events. I have already joined the Northeast Remnant forum to keep up to date with events in NJ, since I work in NJ and it is close to Orange County. We are probably in a good location since it is easy to get to NJ, Upstate NY, NYC, PA, and Conn.

[Snap Size and Plate Size]

Thanks for the info. A Hobby Lobby store is opening down the street from me on Friday, which is good timing. My wife already has the heavy duty drtiz snap tool. Now all I need to do is steal her Joann Frabric coupons and go shopping.

 

-Gerrit

[Snap Size and Plate Size]

Reading a lot of the forums I plan on buying good snaps, but is there any preference on 5\8 or 5\16? I see both listed in articles. Also, it was noted that people use styrene as the plate. What thickness is recommended? I could not find that in the articles I was reading or is there a better material outside of left over parts from the suit?

 

Thanks,

 

Gerrit

[Oh Snap...I'm confused about snaps!]

From what I am reading I would be going with the E6000.

 

-Gerrit

[Oh Snap...I'm confused about snaps!]

I am thinking of using the snap plate idea. The amount of glue being used is it just a dab or a brush stroke of glue? Trying to picture the amount in my head. I am worried I may use to much and when you clamp it, the glue will squish towards the center and under the snap. I may have to use that duct tape idea.\

 

Thanks,

 

Gerrit

[Basic Question on build]

I was going to follow the instrutions on RT-MOD which uses all velcro to build the ROTJ suit. Reading some posts I see alot of people using snaps to attach everything together. Just curious if anyone has built using all velco and if they had success and have had no issues with the suit falling apart.

 

Thanks,

 

Gerrit