Hermanator

I found out some new information on PVC and ABS in terms of uses and durability: First of all, this link explains the differences in ABS and PVC for plumbing usage: http://www.diffen.com/difference/ABS_vs_PVC ABS is coated with a UV protectant to keep from being degraded by the sun. ABS is used for a lot of impact-resistant lightweight plastics, such as protective helmets and car bumpers. It will crack when pushed past its limits, but the fact that it's the chosen affordable plastic (versus PVC) for those applications tells me something about its long term durability. ABS is also used to make Legos, which surprised me. I did some additional research on PVC online and learned a lot about it that I did not know. PVC is a polymer resin that is filled with liquid Plasticizers. These plasticizers are what you smell in a "new car" because they rise to the surface and evaporate into a gas, while clustering in confined areas. The plasticizer is what gives PVC it's flexibility and durability. Plasticizers evaporate with exposure to the heat and UV rays, and they wash off surfaces when washed. As the plasticizers evaporate, it leaves the PVC less flexible, more brittle, and more prone to impact damage. PVC becomes soft/flexible from the increased use of Plasticizers. Plasticizers tend to evaporate with exposure to heat, rain, and UV rays. This leaves the PVC less flexible, more brittle, and more prone to damage from impact. In essence, PVC is a brittle resin that is filled with liquid plasticizers, which improves flexibility and durability. It is very easy to cut through PVC pipes.. I accidently broke one in half when using a weedwhacker on medium speed against my sprinkler pipe... whoops! It cut a portion of th epipe, but most of it was snapped off very rough. When I was cutting some pipe out with my saw, it wanted to chip and leave jagged edges when the saw entered and exited, rather than cut smoothly like it should. Here is another mention of ABS and PVC durability in plumbing applications: https://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/t31607/ I'm not badmouthing PVC at all, just explaining properties and experience with it, in terms of durability. Sounds like both will be fine as long as they're kept out of UV rays for extended periods of time. Both ABS and PVC deteriorate with UV exposure. Water based Latex paint is considered one of the best UV protectants for both plastics. Hope this helps someone else like it did me. Does anyone have information on how quickly ABS ages and deteriorates from the UV rays? When it comes to durability, both should last a long time if taken care of. If you troop a LOT in the middle of the day in heavy UV ray areas (closer to the equator), you may want to consider this factor. White PVC and ABS both discolor due to UV, ABS deforms when exposed but maintains it's flex. PVC doesn't deform, but it becomes more brittle. I also posted this on RPF, since there's so many original prop builders there. They had this to say: http://www.therpf.com/f9/pvc-v-s-abs-material-prop-making-196465/#post3066927

Thanks Turrican. How does Sskunkys compare in size to Marv's and Gino's?

What is the most accurate T-track that we've found so far, and is it still available somewhere? I see that Marv offers one on the sales thread, and gazmosis posted a rake version up a few years ago. The Blaster Conversion blog used some drawer t-tracks from Malaysia, but I have no way of contacting the writer Paul. Both the ones available from Marv and gazmosis are considered slightly off in measurements, so I'd like to know if anyone's found one with the exact measurements (or closer than these two)? I'm converting a Sterling, and I don't want to skimp on the parts if I don't absolutely have to. Thank you all! Also looking for an M38 1942 scope, if anyone has one available or could tell me where to get one.

Accidently Posted

Thanks all! I was thinking for some reason that she made Latex, but now I see that she makes both kinds.

Great advertising Juan lol jk. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration.. I plan on building the best ANH tk I can here at FISD, except for the missing and different parts.. Then go to MEPD when its time to weather and add accessories. Wtb reptile riding lessons and large prod Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

Lol that is true, was just gathering opinions based on experience. Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

Thank you guys!!! The questions about my favorite scenes and such helped me decide. I know that deep down i will always love the sand troopers, so i am going to go that route. Very excited about it. They stand out to me as both iconic, unique enough, weathered, and available for plenty of upgrades and options. It also helps that my wide is building a Jawa, but i didn't want that to persuade my choice. TD here i come!!! Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

Newbie here. I have read the forums, and I know a lot of people make latex handguards for screen accuracy. Does anyone's stand out in particular as being the best or the worst? (you can PM me this if you don't want to publicly post). Does anyone make flexible Urethane or Silicone rubber handguards that are accurate and approvable? Latex will last awhile, but Silicone and Urethane rubbers typically have a longer lifespan on them. Does anyone do them with color mixed into the batch, or is it recommended to paint them to better match the armor color? How long does it take for the paint to crack and wear off as the handguard flexes? Thank you all!

Lol I'm most definitely overthinking this; having a hard time turning it off though. Especially since these kits are so darn similar lol. This is why I had to post something, to help back off from overthinking it. I overthink a lot of things, and it's sometimes difficult for me to just chill out. I guess the differences are so minimal, that I need to decide based on what is Fun to me. Who wouldn't ride a dinosaur? I've always preferred more weathered Star Wars costumes. My Mando is a heavily Tattooine weathered, Boba Fett style merc. Tattooine is easily my favorite planet in Star Wars; no other planet comes close. The Death Star is freakin' awesome too though. Aside from the TK/TD suits being some of the cooler temperature costumes to wear here in FL, one of my other main reasons to wear it is the Iconic status & attention it gets out in local events. I wonder if a TD gets more attention than a regular TK since they are less common... or if a TK gets more attention because they are more iconic. There goes that thinking again lol. Anyone ever wonder what Sandtroopers look like when they have a Change of Station and leave tattooine? Do they clean their armor, lose the pauldrons and backpacks; or do they keep it all? lol

Hello all, I'm hoping you all can help me decide between building a: TD Sandtrooper, ANH TK, or ESB TK. I just can't seem to decide on which TK or TD I want to build. I'm asking here because all TD's and TK's start here at FISD. I know that I don't want to spend the money or time building multiple kits, so that is out. I know that I don't want to build a ROTJ kit, because I don't like how skinny looking the torso and helmet are. I don't care for the ANH Hero's bubble eyes, so that's out. I've spent a lot of time overthinking my trooper build, honestly. I plan on buying a TM kit, which makes a great TD, ANH TK, and ESB TK, imho. I just don't know which style I want. Originally, I was leaning towards ESB, but now I am considering Sandtrooper and ANH. I have always loved both the Sandtroopers and Stormtroopers (never was a big Snow or Scout fan). I'm told that there's not a big difference in trooping the TD, versus the TK, except for the backpack and the big gun (which are both optional). I built a Tattooine style Mandalorian with a dirty look, so I'm sure I could build the TD. Here are my primary pros/cons for the builds: Weathering: I love the TD weathering; it's nice to not have to worry about getting a scratch or dirt on the costume while trooping. The ANH TK seems scratched up a little bit too, so a little less concern there. The ESB TK's seem to be Pristine, New looking in the movie though. ESB might be hard to keep looking good. Gloves: I hate the rubber gloves that ANH TK and TD use because of the sweating, but I would only use them for photo shoots. The Nomex Flight gloves or UA Lycra gloves are what I would likely wear. I love the ESB Silk/Lycra gloves, but they aren't very durable supposably. I will be trooping with a deactivated Sterling conversion SOMETIMES, so the gloves may get tugged at some. Handguards: I like the idea of having flexible latex handguards (ANH style), but I am concerned that they might deteriorate over time (I'm ok with repainting though). The plastic ESB hanguards are larger, stiffer, and seem like they may be more noticeable to wear. Neither style really grab the average person's attention, so comfort & durability is more important than appearance to me. Frown: The ESB black is more menacing, but the gray adds a nice balance of color to all the black. Holster: I won't lie; it'd be nice to have a holster for trooping, when I need my hands free. The TD doesn't have a holster, but the bigger guns have slings. I could also rig up a mount on the backpack to hold the E-11. I like the look of the ESB holster on the right side, but it doesn't offer anymore of an advantage because the blaster sits in it backwards. So it's going to be an awkward draw no matter what. Pauldron: From the TD folks I talked to, this doesn't make much difference on comfort or movement restriction (if elastic is used). I love the look of it because it adds some color and variation to the kit. Pouches or Drop Boxes: I like the pouches better because they add some color & texture, as well as functionality. The inner drop boxes give you a little bit of awkward storage space, but the pouches are more functional. Variety: TD wins hands down on this. You have so many gizmos, guns, and variations. You could be 20 different on-screen troopers with just a few changes of pouches, pauldrons, and blasters. Thermal Detonator or Backpack: Thermal Detonator is obviously more comfortable. I like the simplistic detail of it. The backpack is really cool, but I'm not going to be wearing it for long periods probably (it's 10 pounds for an accurate one supposably). On the other hand, it gives the option of storing water, personal items, blasters, etc. The backpack is optional for some TD builds, but I think it is lacking something (like a detonator lol) without a pack. Various other nuances: the TD is missing the plastic shoulder straps (this is probably slightly more comfortable?). Different knee plate (both look good imho). less helmet detail (not noticeable with all the weathering and other details). less abdominal detail (looks fine with weathering imho). The electrobinoculars are a cool addition, but not something I'd want to troop with all day unless I mounted them to the backpack. E-11 Blaster: I love the simplistic look of the ESB style, but I love electronics... and the Hengstler counter on the ANH style gives so many options for mounting LEDs, display screens, etc. for a fun trooping blaster. I plan on having two E-11 blasters: one for looks, the other for fun. Other things about my SW likes: I love Jawas, Tuskens, and Tattooine in general. I also love the Sith, Boba Fett, the Empire, Star Destroyers, and the Death Star. So I could definitely fit into both environments well. It's such a tough decision! I want to order my kit soon, but I don't know which style lol. Two days ago, I was 100% planning on going ESB. Yesterday and today, I'm leaning towards a TD with Nomex gloves with plans of trooping both with and without the backpack. And my second choice today is ANH instead of ESB; where did that come from!?! Anyway, sorry for the long post. Hope you guys are able to help me decide.. based on experience and judging from my likes/dislikes. Thanks guys!

This is all great advice, and your reassurance has inspired me to build it myself. It was tiring but fulfilling to build my Mando. I love bring able to say i built it when people ask. Thank you all for sharing your experiences. Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

Your armor did fit you quite well from appearance. It looks fantastic!! Thank you for the reassurance. Anyone else have input on a first timer building a TM or similar to CEN standards Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

This is my first build; although I have experience molding, cutting, and sanding my Mandalorian armor (sintra armor, resin helmet, and ABS gauntlets). I've been reviewing some of the HOW-TO's, Builds, and finished armor sets. This all helps, but I'm still left with the question: Should I assemble the ABS armor myself, or should I pay for it to be assembled? I would obviously like to save a large chunk of money by building it myself; but at the same time, I have no experience with it. I don't plan to build multiple kits, but who knows what the future holds. Are TK kits (such as TM) hard to build to Centurion level with screen accurate attachment methods? Am I going to be racking my brain trying to get this built as well as he does it? I'm selling off a good portion of my collectibles in order to save for the kit, so the money does not come easy... but it is obtainable eventually. i.e. get the kit sooner and build it myself, or spend more money and get it later.. to have someone with more experience build it for me? My only concern with the armor builder building it for me is that.. I'm not there for fitting. Measurements can do a lot, but they aren't the same as being physically present for fitting. At the same time, TK armor might just need measurements for a great fit... I don't know the answer to that. Thank you all!!

Great thread guys. I was originally planning on using Plastic Epoxy because it bonds plastics and has a higher strength rating (though you cannot disassemble). E6000 is more flexible and easier to apply, but I wasn't sure of its durability. Has anyone had many problems with parts popping apart with the E6000? I like the idea of being able to disassemble it for adjusting the size. Does 180 to 200 grit sandpaper not work well with it also? The epoxies I've used recommended this, and I had very good luck with that. Haven't had a whole lot of experience with E6000. How do you disassemble parts that are joined with it anyway?

Thank you guys!! Sounds like a true compression fit is the way to go. Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

Kind of a strange question... Should there be any wrinkles in the fabric? A Medium and Large Compression suit fit me. The Medium has no wrinkles and fits tighter (actually compressing). The Large is a loose compression, but it has some wrinkles in the bends of the elbow and knee. I know Medium is "the fit" and I'm most likely going to go with that... but now I'm curious: what is the 501st's take on wrinkling/rolling of fabric in the elbow/knee creases?

Yes that makes a difference too, but everything in the cast is scaled larger on the one to the left. it's not just at the assembly points. I'm flipping through the rest of this photo album, and there's quite a few differences!! Thanks for posting this; this really details the differences. I didn't realize how much the molds have been sanitized till seeing this. I like the sanitized look though.

Holy cow, the one on the left could eat the one on the right!! This is confusing because the RS and TM buckets I've seen looked similar in size. I can't imagine TM using a bucket that much smaller than the screen used suit. Perhaps one of the buckets were specially made for a smaller/larger person?

Yes, i was hoping to get a good pic of the holster cut, where the magazine rests on both sides. Vern pm'd me and said the leather is just bunching up in the scenes i posted, making it look different at the cut. Thanks for all your interest and help. Still curious to see a good ESB shot of the cut, if anyone comes across one Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

They are film based, just wondering if they found a good reference to base it on, or just cut and paste from ANH. Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

Thanks for the additional info. Do you know how the CRLs came to this conclusion? I.e. what source? Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk 4

I see ESB holsters, i.e. ANH holsters with loops, sold all over here, but I have yet to find an ESB reference image that clearly shows the shape of the holster as being this. The best reference image I have found so far have been the ones here in the Photo References (Blu Ray Captures). I cropped and changed the brightness/contrast some to highlight the holsters better. Does anyone have better ESB-specific reference images? Are the majority of ESB holsters in-fact reused ANH holsters with new straps, or is this just assumed since the armor was reused? ----------- Looking for a template or clear ESB holster reference, so that I can either make my own.. or assist in my purchase. Thank you all!

I'm in the same boat as the OP. New to TK's, planning my build, etc. I'm buying up some parts here and there... but the fact remains: I still don't know specifically what I want yet. Having said that, my favorite TK's in order of most to least favorite are: ESB, ANH Stunt, Shadow Stormtrooper, ANH Hero, ROTJ, then all others. The Hero's bubble lenses look strange to me, but I otherwise love it. Like clonetrooper buckets, the ROTJ helmet looks too formfitting to me; I'm a fan of the original bobble head buckets. I'm going to build either an ESB, ANH stunt, or Shadow. Leaning towards ESB or ANH because A) they're iconic to the original films and are movie canon. I don't have any movie canon suits (just a Mandalorian and working on Darth Revan), and I feel like I'm going to be left out of certain events if I don't have one. The shadow is very slick and eye grabbing, but lacks some of the detail... and I'm afraid that plastic will get too hot or fade in the sun here in FL. I like ESB best because ESB is my favorite film, the black frown looks menacing, right side holster is practical for RH people, the gloves are more breathable while remaining screen accurate, the E-11 is more streamlined, and the slightly larger eye holes look better imho. Many ANH stunts enlarge the eyeholes anyway, I'm noticing. Plus I see the ESB troopers as being some of Vader's elite troopers (along with the Tantive IV troopers) because he could only bring a select few along with him on his mission to cloud city (or the tantive IV in ANH). When it comes down to ANH stunt vs ESB, it comes down more to blaster, holster, and gloves for me.

Lol yeah I figured that out after I posted and couldnt delete. Mods, feel free to delete this one. :-) Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 4