TheCrazyKid

Yes, I will be posting a build thread as well. Everyone her has been a great help already.

I got the ear screws painted last night. On my way to Star Wars Celebration. Looking forward to meeting some of the 501st finest and get some in person feedback. Maybe some pointers as I start the build on the rest of my armor next week.

I bought the kit trimmed from Mark at AP. I didn't question it and just figured he knew better than me. I'd be interested to hear what others have to say. Thanks for the feedback!

So I got my AP kit a few weeks back and decided to work on my bucket first. I'm looking for some feedback on my build so far. This is my first build. I upgraded the mic tips, the lenses and got the correct S-trim. The ears and nose frown are hand painted. The rest are decals. I know I need to paint the ear screws white still and work on the small patch on the bottom of the right ear where I miss drilled a hole. So I'd like to hear your feedback. I'm fortunate enough to be going to Star Wars Celebration tomorrow so I plan on wearing it and getting some in person feedback from the 501st also.

Pics

Update: I ordered the "S type" trim, darker green lens material, helmet paint and helmet liner from trooperbay today. I also contacted Mark about screen accurate mic tips and ordered military helmet padding from amazon. Step one today was to paint the inside of my bucket black. Worked out pretty good. I have a little overspray to clean up but that's easy.

Just what I needed! Thanks!

I found a pic of the "S" type trim on trooperbay's website. Thank you for the suggestion.

Thanks BullDog

Second question: Regarding the teeth: I've seen several builds where a black mesh of sorts has been installed on the inside of the helmet which can then be seen in the openings of the teeth. I don't see anything in the CRLs regarding this. Is this acceptable for 501st approval. I really like the look and want to do it but only if it's approved. Again, thank you for your time.

First question: Regarding the neck trim: What does the "S" trim look like before it's installed on the helmet? My kit came with what I would call the "U" shaped trim (see pic). I'd like to go with the recommended "S" type however I can't picture in my head what that should look like uninstalled and so far I can only find pics on here of it after installation.

I guess I should mention that I'm doing an ANH Stunt build from an AP fully trimmed kit.

So my brown box full of white plastic arrived today. Thank you Mark from AP! BTW, his customer service through the buying process has been outstanding! I'm 98% excited and 2% overwhelmed...or maybe it's 98% overwhelmed and 2% excited...it's kinda hard to tell at this point! Either way I'm going to start this build. My starting point of choice is the bucket. I'm an ask three times, measure twice and cut or glue once kinda guy. I'd prefer to take the extra time to thoroughly research it, upgrade it and do it right the first time rather than correct and/or upgrade later. I have been spending a lot of time on the forums here doing research but nothing beats direct input from you guys. I welcome any and all input and the more specific the better. So let's start with my bucket build. Any specific tips, advice, pitfalls, etc you have to share with me? Thanks in advance for your time!

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think I'm going with AP. For those of you reading this thread to help you make your own decision on armor let me note how awesome the customer service from Mark at AP has been through this process. Going well out of his way to provide me with answers and resources before I have even spent a penny with him.

Hello troopers. I'm in the process of choosing my first armor and was hoping to get some feedback regarding the vetted suppliers I have narrowed my choices down to. I'm fairly confident at this point I am either going with AP or CFO. I'm hoping for some constructive advice from people who have experience with these two kits, since I have zero experience, to help me make my final decesion. Things to consider: this is my first build, I'm 5'7" and 165lbs (slight belly but otherwise fit), fairly handy with tools, looking for basic approval into the 501st at this point so I can participate in the charity work they do, might look into upgrading in the future to higher certification levels but I don't want that to be a major consideration for my first set of armor. Let me know if any other details would help determine the advice given. I look forward to your feedback and thank you in advance for your help.

Thank you! The only one I have reached out to so far was RS and they were much higher than $500. I'll reach out to the others. I am definitely aware of the additional items that are needed. I'm just excited that there is hope I can get started on my journey with my $500.

So now that I know I need to send this eBay junk back when it arrives, get my wife's money back and thank my wife for her effort...I will then be armorless again with $500 or so laying around. Any suggestions of where I could apply my $500 to get started in my journey to becoming a trooper? Anyone know what the ATA kits are going for these days?

Thanks for the info! I'll look into my options.

So I've been trying to save up over the past couple years to purchase an RS set of armor. My wife knows how much I've wanted this and for how long. So being the sweet girls she is she thought she was being the worlds best wife when she bid on an armor set on eBay for me and won. From the photos and information posted on the auction I cannot tell who the manufacturer is, only that it's manufactured in the UK. Does anyone know anything about this armor or have any information on it? My biggest concern is if there is anyway I can modify it to be Legion Approved. I can't wait to join the legion and participate in all the great things it does out in the community. Here is a link to another set of armor being sold by the same person my wife bought mine from. Any help will be greatly appreciated. ebay

Brand new potential trooper here. I'm armed with plenty of passion and some funds dedicated to getting me started. If I am reading the supplied information correctly one of the biggest factors in choosing the right armor for myself is my body size/build. I see a lot of notes regarding which armor type is best or easily modified for taller or bigger troopers. I'm looking for advice on which armor brands would be best for a smaller rounder trooper. I'm 5'6" and weigh about 155 lbs. I'm in good shape but I do have a bit of a beer belly. I enjoy my beer =) I am strongly leaning towards ABS since it's a product I've worked with before and I'm familiar with polishing techniques. Knowing myself I will end up getting very involved with this and ultimately wanting to perfect my armor to achieve the different certifications that are offered. So who ca recommend an armor kit that will fit me at 5'6" and 155 lbs., made from ABS and accurate enough to grow with my desire to be accurate? I appreciate all help and suggestions. I posted this as a comment on the pinned board for where to buy armor. Afterwards I thought I'd get a better response by starting a new topic. I apologize for the double post.

Brand new potential trooper here. I'm armed with plenty of passion and some funds dedicated to getting me started. If I am reading the supplied information correctly one of the biggest factors in choosing the right armor for myself is my body size/build. I see a lot of notes regarding which armor type is best or easily modified for taller or bigger troopers. I'm looking for advice on which armor brands would be best for a smaller rounder trooper. I'm 5'6" and weigh about 155 lbs. I'm in good shape but I do have a bit of a beer belly. I enjoy my beer =) I am strongly leaning towards ABS since it's a product I've worked with before and I'm familiar with polishing techniques. Knowing myself I will end up getting very involved with this and ultimately wanting to perfect my armor to achieve the different certifications that are offered. So who ca recommend an armor kit that will fit me at 5'6" and 155 lbs., made from ABS and accurate enough to grow with my desire to be accurate? I appreciate all help and suggestions.