Daetrin

I think that's about as good as one can get. Sweet!!! I'm ashamed to say mine hook is still wrapped - no time for side projects this month

When I was an IC (individual contributor) developer at Microsoft I wore a polo & jeans in summer, sweater & jeans in winter. Or a t-shirt if I felt like it. Now that I'm a lead dev at another company I'm *trying* to dress better, but can't seem to muster the energy to iron, esp. when everyone else wears whatever they want unless they are Director or above.

Fascinating! You'll have to post pix now, you realize?

Sorry for missing this thread earlier - these are awesome submission shots and a job very, very well done. I think the only think to make it more sweet would be Mike A's. ANH decals I'll get the Elite page updated in moments. Great job again!!

Looking good there John

Actually that's a great idea Chris - you up for a "HOWTO: Pimp out an FX" thread? I was starting on one, but if you want to beat me to it, feel free. I'll make it a sticky when done.

Holy smokes! One beautiful site. Thanks for posting GINO

Yeah - canvas is even better still In truth the main point is to have respect for the costume. A well done FX kit (e.g. correct ab plate buttons, etc.) that's properly fitted to the wearer will win out overly a poorly fitted/done any-other-armor. The focus of this detachment is to promote quality costuming overall, regardless of armor make.

Yup, that's totally fair too. Perhaps it's how your build is? Pix would be great

A good start, but some clarifications: 1. I've seen TE armor look good on guys up to 6'4" and 240lbs. Every make can be made to work, some lend themselves to certain body types though 2. You need a neckseal as well. 3. TM while very accurate is still a fan sculpt, unlike TE/TE2, AP, & GINO (though parts of all of these are really sculpted and not 100% screen accurate) Below is pretty standard in PM's I send:

I'm 6'0" and have worn both FX & TE2 w/o any problems.-----------

Hey Mike - did you talk to Brian S. about this? He had a similar issue and was able to get rid of it. I think he used some kind of sticky tak.

TK-4510 does runs of completed TE2 - you may want to ping him first.

CMANavy was 6'4", 240lbs, and managed to make TE(2) armor work for him, so it really is all about fitting it. I'm 6'0 - the only downside really is the shins. The differences between all makers for shins is miniscule in length and they'll all be too short. Phillip's solution is the best I've seen so far, but I'd really prefer one of those guys starts making longer shins, and perhaps even thighs. The rest of the armor (all makes) scales really well (I've owned FX, RT, and TE2 shins). As Terrell says - all will work, some just take a little more work to "work" than others ;-)

The MRCE is 501st approved as long as you make some upgrades to it. Personally I'd rather spend the extra $100-$150 or so and get a nice AP or TE2. But for those just looking for a cheap bucket to get away from FX, it can't be beat.

The one. Sorry my computer is down, else I'd have one me sans helmet. Carlos was super cool - I know he's very busy these days but I do miss him here on these forums.

I've only gotten a few parts from him, but for my own experience and that of others the quality is top notch.

True enough! I met Carlos there though - FISD was still pretty new. I was the black pauldron wearing TD at the front right most of Bravo Company.

Absolutely!

Nice Rose Parade patch too - I keep mine in my bin as well

Sweet! Next stop: Elite

I have almost nothing in my helmet - even less padding than Steve I think - and in some respects it's better than a lot of pads and fans. There is a ton of room for airflow. Once you start adding pads it gets "comfy" in there and you'll need fans to move the air, which further restricts room. I'm starting to think it's best at the extremes - have nothing or pimp the heck out of it. Thoughts?

Excellent tutorial - the Emperor is pleased.

Yup, nothing you can't buy direct. Resellers like this offer mainly convenience. However, as a TK you'll never need a pauldron, the flight gloves you can get anywhere, and many people prefer two piece underarmor. Also, you'll ditch the helmet straight away. Thus why we suggest an FX Lite kit if you want FX armor.

Sorry for chiming in late. Paul, I have to say this is perhaps the best RT build thread on the boards, and that's one fantastic suit you have. It shows just how good the RT suit can look (yes, ab plate buttons aside). The only recommendation I have is to glue the plastic shoulder bridges to the chest plate. I've personally tried and see on many others using just velcro, and it never really sits or looks correct. I'll be gluing mine on my new TK for sure. You can use little white pipe cleaners to wrap them to the fabric shoulder straps that do connect the chest/back for a great ANH look. Can't wait to see the Elite pix