justjoseph63

Do you mean the outside strips, Ed? It will depend on who your armorer is, as there are color variations in the ABS from maker to maker.

U.S. orders are here! Please see first post for update!

Unfortunately it looks as if it will be Saturday before it will arrive. The mail order was delivered today, and I just got finished packing them up to ship off tomorrow.

If you don't have any spare ABS, I would try asking some of your Garrison mates. Someone is sure to have some they can spare. Also another hint... For the endcaps of the tube, these will be "reducing" couplings, and you will need to cut the smaller end off. Be sure to attach them to the PVC pipe with PVC glue before cutting them. It makes it much easier... trust me.

Mine looks almost exactly like the one you show in the photo, Tom. I just used some spare ABS pieces and CA (super) glue. Here is how I did it: 1. Cut out the main (back) piece to size, sand the edges smooth. 2. Have a clean, dry dish towel ready. 3. Have the large (unpainted) PVC pipe nearby, and immerse the back piece in a VERY hot water bath for a few minutes or so to soften it. 4. Using a set of tongs, remove it from the water, and place it on the PVC pipe in the correct position. 5. Using the dish towel, (doubled over) press firmly on it to "mold" it to the shape of the pipe. It will be HOT, so be careful not to burn yourself. 6. Once you get it to conform to the shape, (it may take a few tries) run cold water over it to set the shape. 7. Cut out the strips of ABS to the correct size and sand the edges. Also sand the backs for better adhesion. 8. Attach the now curved back piece to the pipe with either CA glue or E-6000. Allow it to dry completely. 9. Attach the strips to the back piece with CA glue after marking where they should go. 10. You may need to hold each strip while it dries, or use elastic bands to hold them in place. If you notice that the strips are separating or not conforming to the shape, you can heat them up and bend them slightly if needed. It depends on the thickness of the ABS. You will notice that I suggested attaching the plate to the tube before painting it black. This is so the plate will adhere better. You will need to mask off the plate with painters tape before painting it, and I also suggest sanding down the PVC tube, cleaning it thoroughly, and then using enamel spray paint for better durability.

Awesome, Arthur! You should post up a pic with all of you wearing your shirts!

That's a nice looking pack that Bowman built! I noticed that he did not use a ribbed shoulder bridge on the vertical black tube, though. While not necessarily a requirement, I feel it is an integral part of the pack. I didn't have one to spare on my build, so I ended up making one out of spare ABS I had, and it worked out fine. Best of luck on your build, Tom, and if I can be of any help just let me know, future HWT!

Right there with ya', Mark. Once the bucket goes on, I become TK-10963, ready, willing, and able to interact and bring a few smiles!

GREAT to see another HWT in the making, Shawn! I am glad to see that you ordered the Pop-It storage containers... the sizes are perfect! I am assuming that you got the idea for these from Tony's (ukswrath) build, http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30036-heavy-weapons-backpack-build-part-2/ the same as I did, but..... I would try to follow his method of using them exactly. It may seem like a bit of extra work, but the results are well worth it, I promise you. If I can be of any help, just PM me.

AWESOME! Congratulations, Joseph, you are the first to report in with your new shirt! (Cool name, by the way, LOL)!

Also, I was wondering if anyone who ordered outside the U.S. besides Garry (nilrem) received a tracking number from Sundy at Keepsmile Trading co., (the manufacturer). Apparently they sent tracking numbers to the phone #'s provided.

Here is the most recent update, if anyone is curious... All packages are being shipped via DHL... The ones tracked below are part of the order (6 boxes) being sent to me for the U.S., and it looks as if they have made it to Ohio! I will be using the USPS to send them out Priority Mail. Waybill: 7888641375Customs status updated Saturday, July 02, 2016 at 02:45Origin Service Area:EAST CHINA AREA - NANJING - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC Estimated Delivery:Tuesday, July 05, 2016By End of Day 2 Pieces Further Detail: Next Step: Destination Service Area:ORLANDO - HERNDON, FL - DAVENPORT - USA Saturday, July 02, 2016 Location Time Pieces 8 Customs status updated CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 02:45 7 Departed Facility in EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 08:30 2 Pieces 6 Processed at EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 00:21 2 Pieces Friday, July 01, 2016 Location Time Pieces 5 Processed at EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 05:21 2 Pieces 4 Arrived at Sort Facility EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 04:25 2 Pieces Thursday, June 30, 2016 Location Time Pieces 3 Clearance processing complete at EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 23:46 2 Departed Facility in EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 23:24 2 Pieces 1 Shipment picked up EAST CHINA AREA - CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC 16:41 2 Pieces

How did you get that, Garry? I did not include email addresses with the order, lol..

When I first built my bucket, I installed a 1 inch thick foam liner in the top, as this seemed to be the popular way to do it. I noticed after my first troop that I was constantly tilting it forward just to be able to see anything below the horizon point, so I removed the top liner and bingo! I can see MUCH better

No, I have the tracking numbers for international orders, but I will only provide them if needed. The reason being is that I would be SWAMPED with requests, so please allow a bit of time. THANKS!

See update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad to help!

Holy crow... I just checked, and the British pound is about .68 cents to the dollar, although I am sure it will bounce back with a vengeance. In theory, right now you could save almost $250.00 on an RS armor/bucket kit.

And the 22.5 degree angle of the ab/kidney connection, with a ridge. and no Rivets.

Done!

Hope you have a spare afternoon available, Andrew... and a sense of humor.

I agree with you, Josh. I have had more than one person (usually kids, but sometimes adults) recognize me as a HWT instead of a Sandy, and even quiz me on the details and firing power of my T-21. Does the average person know that there are differences between Hero and Stunt? Probably not... they are just exited to get their photo taken with "real Stormtrooper", but there are always die-hard fans who will call us out on the details if given the chance, especially at Cons. This is what separates us from those who want to be TKs, but have not yet learned about the 501st and the FISD.

Congratulations on your new rank, Lee, well done! The coating of good life, Trooper!

"Somehow manages.."? LOL You can bet your butt-plate that I am going to be there, Tim! I am planning on printing out all the "I owe you a beer" PM's and cashing them in, (although they will probably be used for bottled water).

Always a pleasure seeing a great looking set of RS armor, David. My concerns are the exact same as the other David's (illisionz_09). The chest plate does seem a little flared out on the sides, and you can remove the paint on the cod and butt plate rivets with a bit of NON ACETONE based paint remover. Awesome job, Trooper!