tkrestonva

I have both kits. AM is considerably bigger than FX. My FX required shimming to fit me in the arms, legs,and waist. On the AM, I actually had to trim away plastic in those areas. For someone of your screen-accurate size, I would highly recommend TM or one of the TE-derived kits (AP, ATA, TE2, T/MC, etc.)

Another well-executed TM build.

Sweet!

Happy Birthday, bro. Hopefully we'll get to troop together sometime. So, how old are you again?

If you're willing to go slightly off the beaten path, I recommend checking out the Fremont Street Experience. I was there for New Year's Eve - every bit as fun as I imagine NYC's Times Square would have been but without the frosbite. Besided Vegas itself, there are other local attractions such as Hoover Dam, at least one nearby ghost town (forgot the name), Nellis AFB (they occasionally have air shows), etc. If you're REALLY feeling adventurous, you can find your way over to the Air Force's classified aircraft test range, better known as "Area 51". I couldn't tell you how to get there or if you won't end up spending the night in a jail cell, but it's an option.

Congratulations, Pat. Have you posted your request to the Legion board and/or gotten in touch with the Neon City Garrison?

Yes, and it will become a non-issue once you cut off the crotch tab on the butt plate - one more reason to get rid of it.

Looking at the screen-used pic, the TM armor build picture, my own collection of build photos from other kits, and the photos from my AM build & EIB submission threads, I now think you had it lined up correctly the first time. For me, it's easier to think about aligning the ab and kidney piece by ensuring the bottom of the kidney plate lines up with the top of the leg opening on the ab/cod piece - again, just like you originally had it. Do that, and the tops will naturally fall into place. Thinking back on my AM build, I now remember initially trying it the way I originally suggested and wondering why the pieces didn't seem to fit properly - until I placed them as you did in your first photo. As for the area you marked for trimming, I'd actually never noticed that small difference in the shape of the butt plate until now, but it is clearly there and an easy mod to do. I'll have to jot that down on my list of armor improvements. Thank you for asking your questions and forcing me to go back and take a second look. Just goes to show - there's always more to understand.

Hi Mike, welcome to the FISD. How about posting an intro in the New Member Introductions section? As for your questions: 1. No - unless it's really uncomfortable, and if you have the parts aligned correctly that shouldn't be a problem. Which leads me to . . . 2. The tops of the ab and kidney pieces do not align as you show in your photo. The butt plate and cod plate should be positioned such that the leg openings are cleanly aligned front and back. Basically, you need to shift the combined kidney/butt piece up by several inches relative to the ab/cod piece, all the way to where you have the corner taped off. 3. Personal choice, but I trimmed mine off. Having the full tab there irritated the hell out me as I tried to walk around during test-fittings. I used the joint where the flat part of the tab begins as my cut line, cut the whole thing off, and replaced with with black elastic. No more chafing, and a lot more accurate.

It depends on the event. Some events last a couple of hours at best, other (such as major cons) span over the course of days. As far as actually being in the helmet, it not only depends on the event but also who you're trooping with. Some units are pretty laid back about de-helmeting (as in whenever and wherever you feel the need), other units are very strict about keeping the helmet on at all times unless you are in a "backstage" changing/rest area and well away from public view. If you want to do a field test, you could accompany your local garrison on a troop as a handler and loan your bucket to one of the troopers for him/her to test it out.

Welcome - it looks like you're off to a great start.

I suggest you move the drop boxes out more, such that the outer edges of the drop boxes align with the outer edges of the belt. Also, your utility belt should be raised some and made level - I have mine such that the top of the belt is touching the bottom of the ab button box. Of course, you already noted the thigh ammo belt. Overall, good job,

I'm 6'1", 210lbs. An AM Lite kit with your choice of helmets would also work well - trust me.

There is a link posted on the main Legion board.

Love the bazooka! How much does it weigh, and can it be broken down for transport?

Other than become official with the 501st Legion, no. Sorry - the file's creator was very clear on his instructions for use - 501st use only. Ditto for posting the file on third-party websites.

How timely - I was just looking at my comlink last night wondering how in the heck I was going to create an attach clip for it. Quoted from the CRL: The simplest way to attach it is with a simple spring clip affixed to the belt. Any ideas on where I can get a spring clip that I can slide on and off the belt?

You may have gotten the 30mm and 20mm from my AM build thread: If you can make it work for you, definitely use the more accurate specs - especially since you're building TE-derived armor.

As part of my excessively opulent home, I'd have a section like this: http://current.com/participate/vc2/vc2-uk/89083363_star-trek-apartment.htm Then I'd have another section that was designed after the Death Star, complete with an exact copy of the Emperor's Throne Room.

Unless you plan on going screen-accurate with the internal strapping (i.e. all the straps are glued in place or affixed with fasteners with no snap plates at all) you'll need to ensure you have enough plastic belt strips left over for the snap plates. Personally, I'd prioritize that ahead of redoing the joining strips.

Hard to tell whether or not you've trimmed the corners of the utility belt - the photos are pretty fuzzy. If not, definitely do so. Other than that, so far - so good.

Again. great job - especially on the collar. I like the ISB costume, it really does stand out from your typical monochromatic imperial officer.

Just wait until you get the rest of the armor on . . . Although I don't have fans in my current helmet, I have used them before. They do make a difference, primarily in terms of humidity control. The tradeoff is the extra weight (including batteries) and fan noise.

Great job so far. My clone needs some shoes - your pics are definitely keepers.

Karin's response was funnier.