I'm Batman

Not sure I understand what you mean Mathias. I understand anyone can build armor to whatever standards they want (which is fine - I had FX armor on a manequin for 10 years before upgrading), but once they start applying for EIB or higher is it not up to us to enforce the CRL's, which as you say "are what they are". The waves may come and go, but CRL's don't therefore approvals for EIB/Centurion shouldn't either.

Are they slipping? There was a major overhaul 6 months or so ago and some silent changes since (no scuffing on boots, TD clips don't need to be 3mm, etc), but are the ones that are there being followed and upheld? I'm building my armor at the moment so am constantly watching build threads and EIB/Centurion threads and am seeing more and more sets of armor 'make the grade' where they just don't seem to. No names or references to when, but some examples: - wrong scope on E-11 - thigh pack fixed half way up the thigh (slight exageration) - big gaps in ab/kidney joins - ab buttons no where near 11mm ( different buttons way different sizes on same armor) - button plate not but correctly - 'unusual' (to be nice) painting on helmet - uneven TD clips So, have the standards slipped? Are we being more flexible to increase the numbers? Do we need to tighten the approval process? Do we need to slacken off the written CRL's? I realise that some elements of approval are subject to opinion and this can be flexible, but the black and white requirements, surely are black and white. I remember reading a while ago that someone suggested Basic Approval should be tightened and not EIB/Centurion. Is this what has happened, we've focused elsewhere?

Good thinking with the belt, John. I wonder (now I haven't researched at all - just thinking out loud), do you need loops at all for the drop boxes? Could you just sandwhich a piece of elastic between the plastic and canvas belts? Also, not sure if you'll get picked up or not, but I remember seeing one Centurion application get recommended to repaint their buttons because they were too perfect. I struggled with purposely painting mine 'not neat'. Using your masks might be too neat?? (oh, you'll need solid headrivets for your knee ammo pack if you intend to go for Centurion - fine for basic though)

Haven't done it myself yet, but I think a few build threads show drilling a hole in the metal bracket, then pre drilling a hole in the counter and using a combination of glue/screw to hold it on. Not saying this one is good/bad/best/worst, but here's one example - post # 14 about half way down on page 1. http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/24823-another-doopy-doos-e-11-pimped-build/

I don't see this requirement anymore. It used to say 'minimal' for EIB I thought and '3mm' for Centurion. No 3mm reference at all now???

Amazing work Tino. Congratulations.

Probably not worth the jail time....... Probably just a solid pipe, or plastic pipe in there so there's definately no confusion.

There's no way Steve should throw his blaster away. He should give it to me! This is awesome Aaron. I wish I learned to weld. It would come in so useful. I reckon I could understand how heavy that thing will be. Very nice to have though. Not that I know much about guns, but it looks like you only need the inner barrel to have a completely re-furnished machine gun. Can I say awesome again. Good idea with leaving the welds, if you don't think it will detract from the look once painted. Oh, and you hack saw blade with a plastic handle - is called a plastic handled hack saw

Yes, sorry. I actually have bought elastic for everything myself. It's been sitting in the box for so long I forgot...... I do remember reading one persons EIB thread and his was sagging, so someone suggested webbing instead of elastic. But I'm going to do the same as you - elastic the exact length so it pulls back together. Good luck - looks like you'll get there before I do.

My build has been on hold for about 3 weeks until I could get over to a mates house so he could hold up the chest/back on me and measure the exact distance for the straps. Did that last night, so full steam ahead! I thought the plan was to use webbing so it didn't stretch and create gaps in the armor? Just about to do mine, so I better do some more research......

This is going to be one sweet E-11!

And the tension builds........

Here's one http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/26474-hengstler-number-readout/ Not sure about the clear material, but there's a few build threads out there.

Coming along great Adam. I used the hot water trick on my calves. Might have to do it to the biceps too.

Ouch! You've put enough bits together with great success, I'm sure you'll do a fine job with this little additional project.

Yeah, thanks guys. Makes me not want to do one now. I'll be too embarrassed to post pics!

And you might need a few more tools than just scissors Research, ask, research, measure, measure, cut! Check out all the build threads and EIB/Centurion applications, not just teh ATA ones. A lot of information and procedures cross over to all the kits. Good luck an enjoy the journey.

As long as it doesn't involve Steve in his sexy underwear Well done. As you know, you've been an inspiration to many. This thead should be stickied up the top as one of great reference threads so it can continue to be an inspiration to others.

Good luck with the anti bullying campaign Adam. Such a worthy cause! I did notice the knee plate trimming Germain (after the fact of course). I think I'll get to my basic 501st as is , then consider a new one for future certification. Might need too hit MTK up to see about shipping one to me.

Very good Tim! I've got mine (thanks to Steve) waiting to go too. Have you planned how to attach it yet?

Haha, not at all, probably more my lack of general knowledge.

It actually took me a bit to understand what you mean - am I right now? The below pic seems to be a good example. If you measured up from the bottom of the kidney, your rivet would have ended up on the cod, not the ab. Is that what you mean? So by evenly spacing it on the ab, the lower rivet actually ends up higher on the kidney.

Looking good Greg! Should the drop boxes be aligned at the edge of the belt or where the 45 degree angle is?

Yeah, looks the the 3 posters here are the holders of most of my ideas, sorry plans. I reckon I'll be struggling to come up with any fresh ideas. We'll see....... I'm leaning towards the new DVH pipe build about to become available. Apart from the obvious weight difference, any pros of cons for using steel/aluminium pipe instead of PVC. Steve has already touched on acrylic tubing to match ID & OD dimensions.