justjoseph63

Done!

It was my pleasure, Andy, and proud you should be! You really did a great job on that build...an hour or two with a few tools and some E-6000 and I expect to see your level 3 submission soon after! (Once you are approved you can add the decal back to your shoulder bell, ).

Hi Andy, and thank you for your EIB application... let's get right into it! CRL and EIB Application Requirements: All submission photos are present, Trooper, and your armor displays all the elements required for Level 2 Badge. Congratulations and welcome to Expert Infantry!! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly: In this section we review observations made by us and your fellow Troopers. Suggestions made here are to improve the overall look of your armor. If these suggestions would effect an application they will be mentioned in the below sections. Really nice job on this build, brother, and thanks for the updated frown pics, tube stripes, adjusting the biceps and especially posting up the requested photos with the decals removed! As you know, the higher levels are all about accuracy and looking your best, so here are a few minor things that could be taken care of to make your armor look even better. The back to kidney connection could really stand to be closer in the center. The edges look fine, and it may be just a matter of tightening up the center connection. Reference image You might also do that on the kidney to posterior plate to keep it from protruding. Looks like you have some extra strapping material there that could be tightened up. Reference image The thigh ammo belt needs to be aligned evenly on both sides with the squared corner ridges. Moving them slightly (5-8 mm) should do the trick and not let the previous hole show. Reference images Note that they are spaced equally on both sides. Centurion Suggestions: Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all we can from what is seen but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. The return edges on your wrists will need to be removed with a little "Dremel love" and is an easy fix. CRL: "No return edge on the forearm is allowed" Reference image The gap on the right ab/kidney connection will need to be eliminated, and tightening up the strapping should remedy that. CRL: "Ideally there is no gap between the ab and kidney". Reference image The rivets on your ab kidney connection need to be parallel to each other. They look to be spaced correctly, but they are not lining up parallel like they need to because the tops of your ab and kidneys are not lined up at the top, (red lines). Reference image GREAT to see that you upgraded to a quality canvas belt, but the outside of your drop boxes will need to be lined up with the outside edge of your ABS belt. Another common issue but one that can be easily remedied by adding a bit of E-6000 under the rear straps that hold them on to the belt. CRL: "Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt". Reference image As mentioned in a previous post on your thread, the bottom ear screws will need to be replaced with the V-shaped flathead type as used on the top 2. CRL: "Ears screws shall be slotted, flat topped, countersunk and painted white". Reference image Your shoulder bells should be moved in at the top to where they touch (or almost touch) the shoulder bridges. Doing this will also help bring them in closer to your chest/back plates, but you can also remove all of the return edges from the bottoms if needed. CRL: "There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and chest/back plates" Reference image The control panel on your TD should face up, not to the rear, with the "O" on top. Also, it looks as if your clips are overlapping the panel a bit. This is a very common issue, but would be remedied by moving it up. You may also be able to do this by repositioning your clips, as long as there are no holes showing afterward. CRL: "The white control panel faces upward...". Reference image You have a little more work in front of you, but I have every confidence that you will do a fantastic job, and I look forward to seeing your Centurion submission soon. Now get out there and make the Empire proud, Expert Infantryman!

Nice job, Christopher, and GREAT to see that we have another HWT headed for level 3! One of us will be with you shortly, but before we can proceed we will need you to do a bit of adjusting on your sniper knee plate. As per the CRL for level 2, "Sniper knee plate is aligned with the ridges on the shin". Yours is just a bit off kilter, and I would also bring it in to where it has more contact with the shin. Reference image Reference image Also, just a heads-up on the 4 button ab plate. The large one in spot-on, brother, but the small one could use a little Dremel love to remove and square-off those return edges. Thanks, (and BTW I agree with Sarah about the pack... spectacular job)! For level 2 it needs some weathering, though: "Backpack is lightly scuffed and battle worn..."

Looks a lot better, Jim! It's entirely up to you, but I would also remove more of the return edge on the inside of the tops. The reason I mention this is that on a troop, you will be carrying your E-11 a lot (arms bent in) and that extra return edge can cut into you causing "armor bite" and doing that would make them more comfortable and increase your range of movement. It is also screen accurate. I noticed that you removed all the return edge on the top of the thighs. This is also screen accurate and something I always recommend to prevent chafing in your cod area. Nice job! Reference image

Nice going on that armor, sir! This should pretty much get you to basic level (depending on your GML), but since you did such a great job on this I am hoping to see your submission for EI and then Centurion! There are a few items that may or may not affect basic, but are easy fixes for the next levels. There are a few other tiny things for L2 and 3, but we can go into more detail at some point. The return edge at the top of your right forearm could use some trimming. The left one is good to go. Reference image The left drop box appears to have a strap that is too short, causing it to ride behind the belt (close-pic 2). This should be extended just a tad to match your right one (which is perfect). Reference image The right thigh could come up a bit to where it is level with the left. The sniper knee plate could be rotated toward the center, allowing the cover strips to line up. A piece of 1 x 1 x 10 inch foam inserted on the inside behind the inner cover strip works great to keep it in place. Reference image The bottom ear screw will need to be replace to match the ones at the top, (V shaped flat head). Reference image Overall a fantastic job, Jim, and once you are approved, don't forget to request your Legion access here: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/16-501st-trooper-status-requests-include-link-to-your-501st-profile-in-your-request/, which will insert the TK number you have worked so hard for beneath your name!

Hi Brett, and thank you for your ANH-Stunt EI application. CRL and EIB Application Requirements: All required submission photos have been posted, and I am very pleased to announce your armor displays all the necessary elements to qualify for Expert Infantry. On behalf of Tony and myself, congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly: In this section we review observations made by your fellow troopers and ourselves. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. You have done an absolutely spectacular overall job with this ATA kit, and your attention to detail is to be commended. Just a few small issues, Brett. Nothing major, just a few items that can make this build look even more screen accurate. The 4 button ab plate could use a bit of trimming. I realize that the buttons on the ATA armor are a bit larger than those used onscreen, but a small gap around the plate would look even better. Reference image It looks as if your left shoulder bell could come up a bit to match the right one, evening out the appearance. Definitely an easy fix! Reference image I gotta say that I am glad to see that you trimmed all the return edge from the tops of your thighs, and it may just be the angle of the photo, but it appears that your cover strips could use a tiny bit of trimming at the tops to even them out. Reference image While you have your Dremel out, I would also suggest trimming of the excess part of the cover strips in these areas (below) as well. All should be even with the edge of the armor it is attached to. Another easy fix! In most of your full suited photos your posterior plate is riding over your kidney. This is a very common issue and may be resolved by adjusting the connections. Reference image Lastly, although your drop boxes line up in the photos, in your rear belt photo they do not. Perhaps it was an older image, (and you may have done this already) but you may want to move them to where they line up correctly add a dab of E-6000 on the rear strap to hold them in place. Reference image Centurion Suggestions: Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all we can from what is seen but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. Nothing to add here, sir. Again, an utterly fantastic job... now get out there and be a shining example for the NEG!

AWESOME job on that pack (great weathering), but don't forget that the antenna will need to be removed for your basic 501st approval photos. Your armor could use a little weathering as well, (hint hint ). If you need any tips on that just PM me.

Great to see that we have another future HWT! In looking over your pics I noticed a few things... For approval at any level for HWT there can be no drop boxes or holster present on your belt. Looks like Daniel is helping you out with the photo posting, (thanks!), so once you get it mastered don't forget to post up the required photos, which you can find on this thread. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/43831-tk-pre-approval-program-overview/ Looking forward to seeing the final product!

It may be the angle of the photo, but your coverstrip looks a little wide. Ideally it should be 20 mm, but some go for 25 if needed. The gap on the ridge is just right, and assuming this is your left calf piece the Velcro should go where the green lines are. Hint: Attach the "fuzzy" side facing in. The other "hook" side can snag on your undersuit otherwise.

Loving the "can do" attitude, Jeff! You certainly can remove a lot of it (or most of it). Again, not required, though. Reference images

Hi Jose, welcome back and thank you for your Centurion application. CRL and Centurion Application Requirements: All submission photos are present. Your armor displays all the necessary elements to qualify for Centurion, so on behalf of Tony and myself I would like to say congratulations, Trooper. Other-Armor Fit/Assembly: Thank you for addressing of all the various issues, Jose.

Hi, Jeff, and thank you for your EIB application and your patience. Let's get to it, brother! CRL and EIB Application Requirements: All the required submission photos have been posted, and your armour meets all the necessary requirements for level 2. With that Tony and myself would like to welcome you to Expert Infantry. Congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly: In this section we review observations made by your fellow troopers and ourselves. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. If any suggestion affects any application, it will be listed separately in the above or below sections First, we seriously appreciate for all the updated photos/corrections so far... so I am basing this review on your original ones and the ones you resubmitted. Not a ton of issues, but some items that could use your attention and get you ready for your next step, so let's get started! The paint job on your left tear is a bit small. It should fill in the indentation more, just as the one on your right does. Reference image The square buttons on your ammo belt could be cleaned up by removing the excess E-6000 that seeped out. (I had the same issue). I suggest (carefully) using a razor knife on the edges and then a popsicle stick or your thumb to scrape it off. Easy peasy. Reference image Your latex hand guards have turned yellow due to sun exposure (it happens). In the films, they put a coat of white paint on them so that they would match the armor, which is my recommendation to give you a sharper appearance. Reference image Your left drop box strap is a bit too short and sits on the front of your ammo belt. I noticed in almost all of your photos that it hangs up on your thigh armor causing it to tilt. They should hang below with a minimal gap. This should be an easy fix! Reference image Not a deal breaker by any means, but if you want to you can remove more of the return edge from your back plate. Centurion Suggestions: Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all we can from what is seen but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. We add these as a way to enhance the overall look of your armor and get you looking sharp(er)! Not sure if you noticed, but your shoulder bells are on the wrong sides, and will need to be changed for level 3, (another easy fix). There is a "swoop" at the bottom of the outer ridge of each which should face forward. Reference images The paint on the teeth needs to be cleaned up on the edges. A cotton swab and some NON ACETONE paint remover should take care of this easily. CRL: "Frown area is painted gray and does not leave the teeth area". Reference images The gap on the right side is back in your last set of updated photos. This will need to be eliminated for level 3, and could just be a matter of attaching some strapping on that side to hold it together. CRL: "Ideally there is no gap between the abdomen and kidney armor". Reference image I see that you put some glue on the straps in the rear of your drop boxes to keep them in place, but they still need to align with the outer edge of the ammo belt. I had the same exact issue and I ended up just eliminating the loop and gluing the strap directly behind it. CRL: Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt.." Reference image I see that there is a larger than normal gap between your shoulder bells and chest/back, that they should sit closer to the shoulder bridge, and that you may have trimmed too much off of the sides, but you have attempted to correct this by reshaping them and eliminating all the return edges. It will not affect you at level 3, but I suggest looking into replacing them at some point. (Don't forget the direction of the swoops)! You have done a really nice job on this build, brother, and I applaud your pursuit of perfection. Just a few more steps and then I expect to see your submission for Centurion!

Hey, Andy, we realize that the use of these decals is permitted in the UKG, but for the purposes of EI and Centurion it is not screen accurate so we will need you to remove the one from your left shoulder bell and resubmit the photos it is included in. (You can re-apply them after your approvals). Thank you, and we look forward to seeing the updated submission!

Really nice work on that ATA build, Brett! Tony or I will be with you shortly.

Tony is spot-on there, Eric. Even the added weight of a few pounds can really cause the straps on the pack to dig into your shoulders after a few hours.

The screws at the bottom of the ears will not affect your EI application, Andy, but will need to be replaced for when you take the new pics of this awesome set of armor for Centurion!. Although it may seem like a trivial matter, the typical "Anovos overspray" on your frown is not in keeping with the CRL, which is why I asked for a close-up pic. As you know, the higher levels are all about accuracy and the pursuit of "TK perfection". Were there variations in paint jobs in the films? Of course! But for our purposes we have to follow the CRLs, which state Frown is painted gray and does not leave the teeth area I suggest using a toothpick and some non-acetone paint remover (like Goo Gone) to clean them up, and then you will be golden!

Now THAT's the spirit!

Nice job on that Anovos armor,Andy! Tony or I will be with you shortly, but in the meantime could you post a clearer photo of the frown for us? There are a few other issues that will be addressed when you (hopefully) submit for Centurion, some of which have been pointed out by your fellow Troopers. Speaking of which, you will eventually need to replace the lower ear screw. It must be the flat V head slotted type like the ones that are presently on the top part. I would also suggest eventually repositioning the thigh ammo pack. The back sides equally spaced from the back edges of the ridges of the lower thigh (see lines). T-Jay (Tino) is absolutely correct about the undersuit. I can see that it is already staining the edges of your armor.

A small gap is acceptable for basic approval, and half an inch is O.K. for Expert Infantry. For Centurion level there is no gap allowed.

This would probably not get approved at even basic level. The lenses must be the bubble type, and the frown must be black, not gray (and filled in for higher levels). The tube stripes and tears would also need to be filled in and repainted. For a display piece this is nice, but I would recommend getting an ROTJ helmet.

Hi Jenny, and thank you for your EIB application, let's take a look, shall we? CRL and EIB Application Requirements: All submission photos are present and your armor displays all the elements required for Level 2 Badge. On behalf of the D.O. Staff, congratulations and welcome to Expert Infantry!! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly: In this section we review observations made by us and your fellow troopers. Suggestions made here are to improve the overall look of your armor. If these suggestions would effect an application they will be mentioned in the below sections. Thanks for adding the additional photos... I'm sure you are proud of this AP build, Jenny, and so you should be! I can see that you took your time and payed attention to detail, and with a few minor items you will have an even better looking set of armor! Levels 2 (and especially 3) are all about the details, of course, and there are a few things that were noticed: If you could take a few minutes and remove the excess E-6000 that seeped out from under your ab button plates that would be great. I suggest (carefully) cutting along the seam with a razor knife and then using your thumb (or a popsicle stick) and rub or scrape off the excess. Easy-peasy. Reference image BTW, liking the kidney/posterior plate connection! A lot of troopers have trouble with this area, but you nailed it! It seems that your shoulder bridges could use a little help, and I believe the issue may lie in the fact that your chest plate is riding a bit low due to your height. If you have the room (A) (and still be comfortable and breathe, lol), I would suggest shortening the white elastic between your chest and back armor at least an inch or so to bring the plate up You can then use a hot water bath to give the bridges more of an arch (B). (Yes, this can be done with them still attached). This would also give you a little more overlap in the back as seen in the reference image. You should be able to scoop out the neck a bit more if necessary. Reference image Centurion Suggestions: Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all we can from what is seen but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. As mentioned, a fantastic build, but you will need to align those pesky drop boxes with the ends of the ABS belt. A super easy fix using a few small dabs of E-6000 under the straps in the back should keep them in place. There were some concerns regarding the size of your TD screws. They may be a bit larger than normal, but they do indeed meet the guidelines for level 3 (flat pan-head, painted black). Other than that, nothing more to add here except to get out there and make the CCG proud with your new rank, and looking forward to seeing your Centurion submission! Reference image

The screws shown in the photo are unfortunately not the correct ones required, Jose. They must have a flat head and not a round head. Thanks!

Just a quick note to add that those were not the silicone hand guards I make, but were from another mfr. Mine are imbedded with heavy duty duck cloth to give the glue something to adhere to.

I suggest using Chicago screws, double cap or pop rivets.