cm325i

Made some progress this weekend but have run into some hurdles... The canvas belt I ordered is 2 inches too short (unless my ab/kidney plates aren't trimmed correctly). So, I've ordered a replacement. Also not happy w the rear seam placement on the backs of my shins. Unfortunately, other than getting new shin parts, there's not much I can do about it. They looked centered when I marked the cuts. Not really sure why it's off center.

Yes, I will remove those returns at the bottom (haven't gotten that far). I was indeed looking at the seam down the back. It should have been more to the left, esp since I'll have the strip offset to the inside for the velcro closure.

right shin front (looks good) ------ right shin back (a little off center, but passable I think) ---------- left shin front (looks good, other than the sniper plate pulling the E6000 apart at the sides) ---------- left shin back. Totally got this one screwed up. The cover strip will be so far off center. Not sure how I did that ------------

My GF sent me this link cause she's cool like that... Such a great photo! source: http://imgur.com/LILwzgD

I bought an FX from a member on here to have as an extra "fun" bucket. My kids can play w it and I can use it at work functions while not having to worry about messing up the more expensive helmets that I've put so much time and $$$ into. I also have an MTK and an AM 2.0 helmet.

You could always just put on a real scope? DarkCMF drilled out his and added lenses. Look for his E-11 build, it's awesome.

Correct. The ONLY parts that velcro closed are the shins.

that was my initial plan, but now I'll have to do gloves after forearms. No biggy. Hopefully tonight I can get the outer strips on the arm parts and do some sanding & clean-up on the edges...

True. The hand guards were the last thing on my mind while fitting these. I just wanted them to look good without removing a layer of skin from my hands. Regardless, gloves after forearms will have to be the way to go.

This is great advice. Looks like you're off to a great start James!

Outer biceps are identical, inners are different. Forearm parts are all unique with this kit. I'd have to double check the shoulders. *yes the shoulders are identical in this kit

Ok. I tore apart the forearms and made the wrists a little smaller. It hurts to put them on but small price to pay, no? Also got the bicep inner trims glued in. I tried to reshape one bicep with boiling water but that was a giant fail. Good thing I could trim off the warped edges and cover w strips... Sent from my ComLink

I don't think my hands will fit thru if I make that opening any smaller Sent from my ComLink

The tops of the forearms feel good. Not too loose or snug, still has some return edge. But the wrists seem extra large. Unfortunately they're just big enough to fit my gloved hand through.

Forearms trimmed and inner strip glued. Will add the outer strip at lunch today. Shin fronts have both inner and outer strips. I started to trim/fit the biceps last night, but am having an issue. If they fit my bicep correctly, then I can't slide them over my forearm. I remember a build that someone posted a pic of Popeye. I need to find that...

Yes sir, That's the plan. I have everything mapped out w drawings of my own and from FISD in a reference binder for my build.

So, last night I literally jumped in feet first. I trimmed and glued the front of the left shin. I did that since I knew what the cover strip needed to be and where to trim based on the ridge at the front of the shin. I think it will be easier to test fit and trim the back now, then add the back cover strip. I did the other shin front on my lunch break today. Maybe some arm parts tonight...

Unwrapped everything and labeled some of the R and L parts. I have that "where do I even begin" feeling. Sent from my ComLink

My goal is ANH Stunt EIB. I'll be busy getting this thing assembled so I'm not sure how much detail this build thread will have, but... Obligatory brown box photo... and contents... more to come later when I can think clearly through all this excitement!

Regarding the mic tip question above... Are the tips shown in the application images the same as supplied with the MTK kit? Were they modified or replaced? Armor looks fantastic! Congrats!

Great photos! The one w R2 is perfect.

You can see my first and second attempts at the left ear here. http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/28434-small-brown-box-arrived-mtk-bucket-content/

I personally prefer the hand painted look as they were used on screen. It's just a preference. As for the ears, the shape of the right ear lends itself to trimming and fitting easily. The cast of the left ear is very different and much care should be taken to trim small amounts for fitting. I managed to over do it.

I second the brushing over spraying paint. Be very careful with that left ear on MTK's kit (I had to order a new one). It took some fine tuning and many swear words, but overall I'm happy w mine. I'm looking to upgrade the lenses and hovi mics over what was provided. Paint reference: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/8117-helmet-ab-paint-detail-reference-guide/

I must have ESPN! Looking forward to the build!