geronika

http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/23314-swine-week-hog-jog/ Pics from this weekend where I ran a 5k. Tips: I wore long socks instead of the shins. I also bought some soft white vinyl (pleather) to make my thighs and ab/cod piece. Since these were the main moving parts, it allowed me to run freely. I used paint to add detail for the abs. I then snapped everything to the remaining armor (butt, backs,shoulder, biceps). I left my belt, forearms and hand pieces off, I wore my gloves because it was rather chilly that day. I ran only about 200 yards with my helmet on, then took it off and handed it to my wife. Running with the helmet is too dangerous, plus one of my fan batteries bounced out. I swapped it with a bandana. The run wasn't too difficult, the biggest discomfort came from the chest wanting to ride up on me. I constantly had to keep pulling it down or away. I didn't get hardly any sore spots from armor rub. It was a chilly day and that kept me from overheating, but I was prepared to sweat excessively. I'll definitely do it again.

I've never sat in my armor. You have to know in advance if there is a secure changing area. At a parade there usually isn't so I come dressed with my undersuit already on, then I can armor up right next to the car. "Can we take a picture?" Being asked to join a group of people to have a picture taken, I tripped and nearly fell over a bunch of bags I couldn't see. Handler was too far behind me to warn me.

I step into the thighs and hold em around or below my knees and then put the boots on. Then pull the thighs up and snap the garter. Then add the shins. It's a dance. The Trooper Hop. It's all the rage on the Death Star.

At a parade I once locked all of my stuff in the car and gave my keys to a handler. Got dropped off at the car and realized I couldn't get a hold of the handler because my cell was in the car. Had to walk back to where everyone else was (quarter mile away) and retrieved my keys. Next time I wore a lanyard with my keys around my neck.

TK20736 in honor of February 7th, 1936 my late father's Birthday.

My thighs pinch the back of my knees. I'm 5'9" with short legs so I can't seem to get my thighs high enough up so they don't pinch when I walk. I'm going to redo them and trim some more after my next appearance.

I have ATA and I love it. But I have nothing else to compare it with. I've trooped in it ten times including two parades and it has held up well. I haven't got into any imperial battles with it but I haven't exactly been delicate with it either. Fits me well, I'm 5'9" and around 210. I have a little trouble with my thighs pinching me because of short legs but everything else fits great. As for looks, I think it looks awesome. One other guy I troop with was remarking on how sharp it looks. I haven't seen but one other TK and mine looks as good or better. I say check the EIB and Centurion threads. Take a good look at their pictures to get a better idea. All I can say is I'm very happy with ATA and would buy again if I needed another.

I just celebrated the first anniversary of my 50th birthday. I plan on trooping for as long as I can walk.

My goals: Gain EIB status. Get my thighs to quit pinching.

Can you get on the 501st forum? there's these: http://www.501st.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=69570

Well, I'm going to do it. It's an event to raise money for The Special Olympics. It doesn't require swimming, just jumping in a pool and getting cold and wet. There will be plenty of people at the event in case I need help. The worst that could happen is I have to reglue or restrap the armor. Once I set up my donation page I would hope that maybe everyone could spread the word, share it with friends so I can raise money for a worthy cause. It happens in February so I'll post pics when it happens. Thanks everyone for the input.

Maybe neck deep at most.

I'm thinking about doing the polar plunge for Special Olympics in my town and doing it in my full armor (minus boots). I used e6000 and except for possible weakening of the straps from chlorine I don't see how it could affect the rest of my suit. I wouldn't be in for more than 30 seconds. Anyone think in would be problematic?

Surprisingly comfortable also, I walked two miles in a parade a week ago and my feet didn't hurt at all. BTW I wear a 9 1/2 in athletic shoes and bought a nine in TK boots and they fit fine, plenty of room.

Lock everything securely in the car, wear keys around my neck with a lanyard under the armor.

The other day I was trooping at a non 501st function, a school fundraiser, and this little kid runs up to me and throws his arms around my legs with the biggest bear hug he could muster. He then rattles off a string of sentences in such a high pitched squeal of delight that I couldn't understand a single word he says. Turns out neither could anyone else because he has downs syndrome. For the next five minutes we posed for picture after picture until they literally had to pry him away. If I never strap on the suit again, every penny I ever spent was worth it to me just for that one little boy. That is why we do it.

TK-20736 reporting for duty requesting 501st access please http://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=15021

Okay here's an update and my current problem. My sniper plate catches the thigh when I walk. You can see it the picture that it has already worked it's way under the thigh. The right shin just twisted when I put it on, no real problems there. I wonder if I can shorten the tops of my thighs so they will pull up higher. As they are now they pinch the backs of my legs like a lobster. But they're pretty snug and I can't hardly pull them up any higher. Consequently I can barely walk. The other problem is I can't lift my arms up high enough to put my helmet on without something (usually a shoulder strap) popping loose. I'm also concerned about the battery? pack around the right thigh, it seems like it's not centered. Would moving my bicep plates up another inch help? Thanks everyone.

I used the hand painted templates found here. http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=14867 Thanks for the help everyone, I shortened my chest to abs straps and it's working out much better.

backside

Here's where I'm at so far. Asking for any and all help. I still have to add the sniper plate, thigh piece, belt and accessories. I have a gap in the sides to fill. My biggest problem is the chest piece won't stay overlapping the abs. Dang, that armor really makes me look fat.