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Ah, ok. I used webbing, not elastic. But that's an easy fix, just a little velcro lost. I'm glad you're happy now So the left bicep (right in the photo) isn't actually bigger - it's shaped completely different - almost like a V. Maybe an issue with MTK's kit? Both also have the "thumbprint". Here's a couple photos, hopefully it shows the vast difference. The strange thing is that the openings at the bottom are basically the same diameter (same issue as the forearms).

Thanks for the compliments. I appreciate the criticism, too! I'll be honest - the forearms and biceps are indeed a little large on me, but that's a bit intentional, as I'm going through a weight training program right now, and will likely gain size in certain areas (the thighs are also a little large). I anticipating having to redo the shoulder straps to adjust for my chest. One thing on the forearms, though: I did adjust them down considerably to fit better - scary thing taking CA glue apart, haha. However, I can just *barely* get my hand through the wrist area now. I tapered them somewhat, but I can't really figure out how to make it taper any more to fit my forearms while maintaining the same width cover strip. Any suggestions here would be appreciated - I don't anticipate my forearms changing size as much as my biceps and thighs. Oh, and one last thing. I added Germain's dang straps to the arm pieces and it feels so friggin weird now, haha! I actually kind of liked the way the biceps looked before, though :|

Bobby Shively TK-31100 Georgia Garrison Armor: MTK Helmet: MTK Blaster: Hyperfirm E-11 Height: 6' Weight: 170 Boots: TK Boots Belt: TKittel Hand Plates: Sonneschein white non-latex Seal: Darman Holster: Darman Electronics: Echo fan kit, Aker voice amp

Those boots won't make it in, sorry

Oh yeah? Benning? Or you getting some weird assignment at Dobbins? My dad just retired from Lockheed three weeks ago, which is right next to Dobbins. Trying to convince him to come on down with me to Star Wars Weekends and watch my kiddos (my wife is boycotting Disney twice in a year, haha). If you're going to be here for a while, you need to join up with the Georgia Garrison!

Haha, I had one built *months* before I bought anything, and poured over ways to cut costs. I don't know about you guys, but it takes me a long, long time to make any purchase over $200 or so. Ian - I think you're forgetting a lot of things. Besides the armor, there's the glue ($20), elastics and snaps ($50+), velcro ($35), and paints ($15). Anything for assembly is extra cost, like clamps ($10), magnets ($15), and tape ($5). Then, of course, boots ($100+), HBelt ($35), neck seal ($35), holster ($40), and gloves ($8-25). Then, if you want upgrades, you got handguards ($40), strapping kit ($45), fans ($70), and helmet padding ($25). Finally, there's the Hyperfirm blaster ($250), an Aker amp ($50), and the iComm ($100). These are just estimates, and I might even have estimated low. Quite easy to go over $1500.

The great thing about CA is that it is indeed strong, and with Zip Kicker, amazingly quick. The problem is when you screw something up. See my build thread for a piece I had to fix after ripping the CA apart Honestly, unless you're super skinny in the legs, I'd say assemble the shins. It looks wonky at first, but once the cover strip is on, the rigidity of the cover strip pulls the back of the calves into line. Hard concept to grasp, but just know that I didn't do any heat shaping to my shins, and they turned out fine:

Hah, the new Georgia CO actually made that infographic. Good stuff.

Also, the cover strip adds some rigidity to the piece, as well. You'll see that it "warps" the piece a bit. BTW - I'd recommend E6000 for the front cover strip. CA glue can get brittle depending on how much you use, and the front may just give away when you're getting the shins over the boots. E6000 has some flexibility when it's dry. I used CA for the majority of the armor. E6000 was used at the sniper plate, front of shins, and the shoulder straps.

Hush, Germain. I will find another way! FINE, I'll add the stupid strap! Thanks for the tip Steve, unfortunately the original-style strapping doesn't seem to work for me. I'm only an inch taller than the screen stormies, and yet I have this issue Getting to cuttin sometime this week. I'll post more pics!

First official troop today for 3 hours, and I have a host of adjustments to make. First off, the cod piece: it pinches my right thigh and just generally rubs poorly in one spot. Should I trim it to contour to my body, or install some foam behind it? It is sanded and the edge is rounded off as much as I can... Secondly, my left forearm slides down constantly. Unfortunately, I cannot trim it any further - I can just barely get my hand through as it is... so it's not the sizing, but I guess the placement of the foam. Any recommendations? Strangely enough, my right forearm (which is bigger) stays put even though it's no tighter than my left. Foam is basically placed in the same spot on both. And lastly, my biceps pinch right on... my biceps. I'm thinking of removing the return edge on the insides of the biceps altogether. Is there any glaring issue with this?

Looks good dude! It's amazing how much this site has ruined my childhood, all while enhancing it. Get to cracking on those teeth sir!

Damn fine job on those ears. Don't worry about the gaps at all - they're accurate, and hardly noticeable when it's all put together. (Honestly, did you ever notice them in the movie before joining this nerdery?) I actually left a lot more edge on the cap. After observing some of the guys at the Legoland troop here in Atlanta, I didn't want to deal with kids peeking up into my lid, so I left just enough for me to get my giant Asian melon into the bucket. I did, however, have to trim a considerable amount off the end of that ear. I shaped them so they sit flush on the bottom. The rubber s-trim covers all of it fine. Looks like you have the same wonky issue on the left side ear as my lid. MTK - any chance in the future that you can extend the base of the left ear just like the right one's excess?

Thanks all. Working on EIB bits, I think I'm just about ready. Waiting on the D-ring for the blaster and I should be set to submit. I'll post up new photos here first for inspection

James is absolutely correct - I actually had to trim the "round" part in the lid cap/back when I was trying to fit the left ear on. But honestly, I'd prefer that than having already cut too much off... And definitely put the brow trim on before you rivet. You'll get a 1/8" play at most once the rivets are in.

Nothing yet - I've just gotten 501st approval this week. I'm going on my first troop this weekend, so I'm trying to get these installed before then so I can test out run time (it's potentially a long troop) to determine whether or not I want to go with a rechargeable solution. I'll update soon!

It's looking great - you're working fast! Eyes look good, and yes, don't worry about the bottoms of the lid parts not lining up. In fact, I'd use the weird overlap to pop the bottom rivet in so you know it's out of the way of the screw. Here's what the bottom of my MTK lid looks like: As you can see, it doesn't 100% cover the bottom of the ears because of the way they're shaped, but it does cover the split of the helmet. It shouldn't be an issue - it's not noticeable unless you're looking directly at it. One last thing, use your TD pipe as the radius for the curve of the ammo belt. And yes, the new main belt looks way better!

It's a fantastic kit - went together quickly especially using MTK's videos as a guide (and of course this enormous resource here). Good luck!

I started out with my butt plate like yours. I cut off almost the entire return edge where it goes under my butt. Armor bites on the heiney are the complete opposite of AWESOME.

TK31100 of Georgia Garrison requesting the tractor beam activated towards Hothlanta. http://www.501st.com/members/displaymember.php?userID=16710&costumeID=124 Forgot to add the link to my profile!

TK31100 reporting for duty!

Ooh, a Fett pauldron!

That's awesome. Congrats on way exceeding your original goal, and for supporting such a great cause.

Hey James - had my first experience with ABS paste this weekend, it worked out pretty well. Just go to the drugstore and grab 100% Acetone nail polish remover (the less ingredients, the better). I used shavings from my ears and a few small bits, probably a teaspoon-full in a skinny glass jar. Just barely covered the shavings, and in two hours or so I had ABS paste ready. Check out my build thread for the results on the back of the thigh: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/26157-tk-build-mtk/?p=333469

Thanks for the assist Leo - can't wait!