DroidHunter

Fixed my last post. Check out the pics there and let me know if you think the gaps are okay. Thanks guys.

I finished up both ears and mounted them with 3 screws each. I also went ahead and used a second screw assembly to anchor the left side of the cap to the face. This made the ear fit better. So, the right ear has the gap in the front and the left ear has a gap in the back. The question is, will this pass approval? Let me know what you think. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Well, I will chime back in on my original thread. I'm 44 now, and I have my TK kit in hand (got on the list in January when I started this post, and received it in September!) It will probably be Spring again before I get this thing in any kind of trooping order, what with work, kids, etc. But I've squired a few events,and I fit right in as far as age is concerned. I will be 45 when I finally get to troop, but I'll be 8 at heart again when I do! Now back to my build....

When painting the traps, do most people mask off the area (assuming templates are not purchased) or simply paint free hand? Seems like tape would be necessary in order to get those nice straight lines. If so, is there a recommendation for either blue painter's tape or sign vinyl? I have a large sheet of vinyl I am going to use to make my own templates for the trap stripes, and just wondering if that would be better to use than tape.

I mounted the top two screws after finishing about 90 percent of the ear trim. Overall, the ears are ok, but still need some work. On the left ear as you look at the helmet, I plan to trim more around the front of the upper section (red line) in order to close the gap at the cheek area just above the tube. Then I am going to bolt the face and cap along the edge of the tube under the ear in order to bring the two section together. Hopefully that will pull the front gap along the tube closer in. Eventually I plan to rivet the parts together and cut down the screws along the inside, but not until after the lenses and the painting is done.

I plan on painting them by hand, so I will take care to make sure they are as flat as possible. I also saw a post that recommends painting the tube stripes white first in order to seal any possible bleed points in the template. Here is the gap I mentioned. Just wondering if I should put another anchor point (that will still be under the ear) in order to help with the mounting process. I would trim the cap back more in order to get rid of the molding ridge, but then it won't overlap the faceplate.

Thanks my friend. I appreciate the advice. I am having trouble with the second ear because the face plate and cap back don't fit together at all on that side. I don't want to rivet anything down right now but am considering putting a second screw about 2 inches below the first in order to pull the pieces together. Any reasons why that might be about bad idea?

Good luck with the build my friend. Sorry to hear about all of the bad luck but it looks like you will be able to turn this thing around.

Yep. I figure, why not go all the way. I can't paint for squat, but I'll give it a try.

Is this correct as far as which set of templates goes on which side of the helmet?

final shot of ear with 3 screws. If the gap is OK, then on to the next.

I couldn't find anything thin and long enough to so through the hole in the ear to mark the cap. I should have just outlined the ear itself. I finally ended up using a toothpick that I dug into a crayon. I then used the small bit of crayon on the end to mark the second hole .

That's a relief. I attached it last night and will post pics later. Don't know how to do it from the phone. I put the top screw in and it wasn't sitting right so I took it out and drilled again. Everything is covered by the ear but if I had to start anew, it would be a bit swiss cheese like under there. I will post pics with the top 2 screws in a bit.

Fear of messing up the most visible part of the build! Seriously though, I appreciate the feedback.

Like this one kind of...

Is it OK if the holes in the ear don't match up with the marks on the cap? I really trimmed down the ear (perhaps too much) and my left ear (right as you look at it) measures up a little forward and below the mold marks. I have seen some pics if movie buckets and that ear seems to sit a little low with a slight counter clockwise turn. Mine will as well. Will post pics shortly.

I agree Keith. Just had to take a step back and look with fresh eyes. Gotta break the Dremel back out!

Ear question for you guys. First, let me point out as others already have, that the ears are unholy buggars forged in the fiery pits. Second, I started to work on the left ear (right as you face the helmet) last night. I believe this is the more troublesome of the two. Anyway, I am curious if I have trimmed this enough or if I should shave it down more. I am rather happy with the shape right now as it sits nearly flush without being secured in any way. Let me know what you guys think.

I like the clean look of two lenses, but was planning to go with a single lense. The TK's I have squired for both had two separate lenses. Didn't want to do something that was perhaps outdated or considered inaccurate if I went with the single lense..

Is there any real preference here? I know some of it is just personal preference. I was curious if there was more of a tendency to build one way as opposed to the other based on comfort, fogging, etc. My understanding is that neither method is required for acceptance.

I'm working on it my friend! Can't wait to get out there. When I get done with the helmet and move on to the armor, I'm going to grab a six pack and drag you down for some assistance.

Always check the sale ads here and at your local garrison as well. Might get a good deal on a used pre-assembled suit that is of much higher quality. Just a thought.

Got out and squired again this past Saturday at the Allentown Public Library in PA. A good time was had by all, troops and cadets alike. We even managed to snag a few seconds on the local news station. Here are a few pics of the event and a link to the news feed. My phone was taking lousy pictures so I only have a few, but maybe Keith will post up his image link later. Not sure who let that Skywalker guy join the troop.

Thank you my friends. Couldn't have done it without your advice! Now on to the ears and eyes. From the frying pan......

As promised above -- and thanks again for the assist. I'm very happy with the result and the advice was spot on. Let me know what you guys think.