Daetrin

Don't feel bad. How it was - 2005 Later, for a book photo shoot. This one has been used for FISD merch. Should look very familiar. So, it gets better

Well I'm not an expert, but at the least using velcro is an interim solution. Heck that is what we had for years before someone thought to use snaps instead.

Totally, don't worry about perfect. Get 'em good enough for 501st approval and then tweak as you have time. It is not uncommon to continually tweak your suit after approval. Whatever you do, don't give up! There are always ways to fix these.

Welcome to FISD

This is actually coming out really well - keep up the great work!

Great question - TBH I'm not sure who is current anymore, but I have a bunch of ammo pouches I can sell for a song.

I'm really happy for this too, as FISD stuff can be traded here easily and doesn't require a FB membership.

You should be fine. Basically "hand painting" could be re-worded as "no decals". Trooperbay used to sell decals that looked hand-painted which are fine for EI, but not Centurion.

It's really a personal preference. I use velcro all the way up, but also don't feel bound to have it close perfectly. In ANH they do not, so I don't sweat it either. Also at my height (6'0 and long legged), I could never get TE-derived shins to fit me so simply got a set from RT and later TM instead. I'm impressed by all the work you are putting in - way beyond the usual.

Welcome! Do create a build thread, we'd love to follow along and provide advice and enouragement.

Welcome back and do share some pix. We always like looking at builds and new suits.

Man, you are putting in a lot of detail and it looks great. Can't wait to see how the rest turns out, as spring is almost here.

Nice! Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. It speaks a lot to how outstanding you are doing that the election was this close ;-)

Wow, that is *sweet*

Man, you guys are all hard core. I think I just used blue painters tape. These are much nicer ideas.

Wow, you look amazing!!! 太棒了

Well, the patch was made in 1989 - over 30 years ago, so I think any terms of use have long expired. Use it as you please

It's how I paid for college. I didn't have the eye sight to be a military pilot so had to go a different route in life.

That's totally cool. How are you guys planning on celebrating this year - are you still going to travel home? I hope everyone remains safe over there. I like what you did for figures, it's pretty creative and I'd do the same thing though I don't think my wife would appreciate me putting them on the dining room table.

Totally sweet! The OH-58's I worked on back then were A+ models. Unarmed & unafraid! So, very different from the D models that folks are enjoying nowadays. I actually have a patch that shows that from the day. I'll see if I can find it.

Tell me more! I worked on OH-58's for a long time - you got me curious.

Everyone has a preference, but having done both I use elastic for everything. Actually I go even further - in the beginning when it may take a few troops to get everything dialed in I make the straps a little longer than I may need and then put in knots or pins to adjust it little by little. After a half dozen troops where I'm no longer making adjustments, then I can make net new ones from scratch knowing they will be perfect. Others put in loops where they can literally adjust them on the fly. The downside of cordura/nylon is that there is no give at all, which puts more stress on the armor when you are doing something more than just standing around looking pretty.

Outstanding!

Stay safe everyone and let's hope we can get back out trooping!