Obey Wann

True enough... but after getting several raw kits in the past, this seems like it will go much faster, with a lot less waste. It's enough to cut off a few hours worth of effort. That's all. The rough work is done, now, it's just the fine tuning. (And in my case, I live in a 31 foot class C RV. The less mess, the less fuss and the less space, the better. )

I just bought lenses, too. Oh well, no worries. You're absolutely right, no trimming needed, except to trim for fit. Wow. They even did the eyes on the bucket face. I must be used to fairly basic builds with rough trimmed kits. I think the last trimmed kit I got was my Snowtrooper from Mon Cal. I think that once we all get a feel for what the velcro parts are, we can really fly in the builds.

Belt, ammo boxes and cover strips... Sorry, we were losing light... More impressions... I've done several clone kits of varying types. This build is fantastic, and should be very easy for even a new person to build. I can't believe that they sewed Velcro onto all of that elastic. It'll take me a bit to get to know what it's all for, but... wow. Serious attention to detail in making this n00b friendly. I'm fairly husky right now. I'm 5'8" and about 230lbs, with a 48" chest. It looks like this kit will fit my frame very nicely. I didn't test fit it with under armor on, but I did a quick check against my chest, and it looks like it will fit me perfectly. After having done clones, I am so excited about doing something that is fit and sized for a human being. No seams to make seamless, no expensive add on foam belts. Pretty much everything to get the hard parts going. I didn't even need as much extra stuff from Joanns... but I'm glad I have it for now. Yes, you still need to get the canvas belt, holster, boots, gloves, under armor, etc. But this looks like it will be a very straightforward build. Far less trimming, cutting, and work than I'm used to in clone-land. They even included these lenses: Here is my canvas belt and my neck seal: And my haul from Joanns: And my haul from Harbor Freight: I just need gloves and white fabric paint for the boots. Some of my garrison mates have the paint, so I'll hold off on buying that. I think I'm ready to roll. Now I just need the time to Git 'R Done!!! ED: also, my Evilboy fan set came in today.

Thanks, guys! Christmas time in TK land... check out the album for pics of everything that came in the box. My kit came in tonight. Initial impressions: Wow. Wow. Wow. The attention to detailing is amazing, from the packaging to all of the parts included. The armor is super sharp, well trimmed, absolutely amazing. Did I mention that it's trimmed? Very well packaged. Kinda like a tent that never fits right back in the bag that it comes in. The attention to detail in the wrapping and protecting of the kit is awesome. Yes, it comes with aerators. ??? Not the Thermal Detonator. They even included the hard hat liner!!! OK, this impressed me the most. Seriously???? Wow. That is a lot of attention to detail, and will no doubt make things go faster. Sheesh, it's almost like they want people to build these kits or something. More attention to detail. Backs for the drop boxes?!?!?! Impressive! All the detail bits for various troopers... Did I mention that it is trimmed? More in a bit...

Quick question: Is it acceptable to use velcro on one side of the forearms if you need to, so you can get your hands through? Basically, a clamshell design, with the outside glued, and the inside with velcro? I'm not sure if mine will need it, just wondering if this is done. I'm curious on this comment: I did a couple of screen caps from his video and placed them against a tutorial pic from FISD along with some of the screen caps from ANH. It looks to me like the center box should line up with the finishing strip. Is this correct? ------- Am I missing anything, or misunderstanding what the error is in the video? Thanks!

My armor kit should arrive this afternoon. I'll be working on it as much as I can in the coming days, as I hope to complete it by May 31st for Denver Comic Con. My goal is EIB, I will not be going for Centurion. I won't be able to go EIB until I replace my blaster, as it is a Hasbro set up for my old ESB Snowtrooper. I'm also ordering parts for a backpack-less Heavy Weapons Trooper for informal troops. I live full time in a class-C RV, so I don't have the room for the backpack... I barely have room for the TK as it is. I ordered a whole slew of parts: NE Armor Kit - Tupperwaretk Dual fan Kit - Evilboy Holster - cyodarun Neck Seal - Darman Canvas Belt - RobK Green lenses - TK-1422 Compression suit / Under armor - Local - target, sporting goods store, etc. (I already had these) Black nomex flight gloves - Local surplus store Boots - Amazon Bass Men's Boots Banker's clips for thermal detonator - Office Depot Shoe dye products - http://www.shoecaresupplies.com/ E-11 blaster – Already had this Web straps, clips, snaps, snap gun, velcro, etc. - Joanne's Clamps, soldering iron, rivet gun, rare earth magnets, clamps, etc. - Harbor Freight Grand total: ~1,300 Pouches (geting from a fellow 501st'er on the main forums) Pauldron - need to pay for it, getting from a source on the MEPD I recommend getting the JoAnn's app for your phone --they have 40 or 50% off coupons, it makes getting the Dritz snap tool a bit cheaper --they run $27 each normally. After ordering that metric ton of stuff --enough to make the wife, and the bank account, have conniption fits --I started working on the boots while the armor was en route. I ordered these boots from Amazon and Whote Tarrrago Color Dye and White Meltonian Nu-Life Color Spray Paint from Shoecaresupplies.com. I got these steps from MG member Garbz, I think it is a great tutorial. The steps are his, but I'm using my own pictures: Step 1. Scrub the Acetone or the leather prep liquid that is supplied with the dye over all of each boots. I did three go-arounds Step 2. In a circular motion apply the dye. Let dry and repeat. The more layers of dye will prevent black scratches fromshowing due to wear and tear. I recommend 2 bottles of the dye. I only had one bottle, and I kinda wish I had more. Step 3. Evenly spray the Nu-Life paint over the dyed boots. I did 3 layers. Beware: It took 2 weeks to get in the spray, as they have to ship it ground. Step 4. Military Polish with the Neutral/Clear polish to seal and protect the painted/dyed leather Step 5. Use white fabric paint to touch up the Elastic. I need to get the fabric paint today, gotta love 40% off coupons at Hobby Lobby. And that's it for now.

Thanks for getting me excited --my kit gets here today!

Good reason --thanks! Now I know.

Looking good! Keep it up!

Quick question: Why the dislike of superglue? I've done 3 clone kits and a snowtrooper with CA glue and accelerant, but everyone here swears by E6000. CA and accelerant really sped up my build processes.

My kit comes in today. I'll try to document it as much as possible, start to finish. Question: Is it Ok to list specific makers of the pieces/parts that I use? Or is it best to go generic in listing sources?

I will be trying out those MICH pads as well. I'll post up once I have them.

Awesome! I get my kit on Monday. I'm so glad I get my mail delivered to the UPS store. I never miss a delivery when i'm at work.

Personally, I always painted it assembled, with the exception of an MG-42, and that's because I painted the barrel silver separately so it would show up as contrast in photos. ---------------- I never have done an overcoat, but it shouldn't burt if you did.

I usually paint it flat or satin black, then use a silver paint marker, and hit all of the common wear areas.

Congrats on the quick approval! I can't wait to get my kit!

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. Keep it up!