justjoseph63

Congrats on your EIB level, Blayne! You have a great build there, and with just a few minor changes and additions you will be ready for Centurion!

Once in a while, right after someone takes a photo or selfie, I'll say "Sorry, I blinked", or "Oops, had my eyes closed". This is so absurd it always gets a smile or a laugh.

I used these exact magnets, and found this to be the perfect size (for me, at least). If you are using rare earth magnets for the first time, know that these things are strong, as in don't get your fingers pinched between them, (they can break the skin), and they will jump up to 6 inches to connect to each other. TIP: When separating them, you will need to slide them apart, and I suggest wrapping them in blue painter's tape, so as not to scratch your armor.

Way to go Brandon!! A well deserved honor, sir, and welcome to the rank of Centurion!

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Gran trabajo , Luis ! Esto debería ayudar a mucha gente nueva , así como los destinados para EIB y Centurion . ¡Bien hecho!

First, congrats on your upcoming submission! Troops can vary widely, Eli, depending on where you are and what type of event it is. At some, you just mill around, some you do a lot of walking, some not. Just be prepared to pose for lots of photos! As for drinking lots of water, this is a MUST. But... I suggest getting completely hydrated the day before the troop as well, as you will find that it is not so easy answering nature's call when in armor. I would also advise walking around your house/yard with your bucket and/or armor on to get a feel for your range of vision, depth perception, and movement capabilities. Most larger troops do have at least one person as an "official" handler, who's duties include advising you of obstacles, (curbs, stairs), keeping an eye out for kids, taking photos for the crowd, and watching for armor pieces that may come loose, etc. Just let the person in charge of the troop know that your wife will be there to help, and they can give her some pointers. Some other things to think about: 1. Never, EVER point your blaster at a child. 2. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. 3. If someone asks "Can I hold your gun"? , (and they will) this will be entirely up to you. If you carry a Hyperfirm, no problem. If you carry a resin blaster, you take the chance of it being dropped. Of course you can say something to the effect of "Imperial regulations (or the Emperor) forbid it from leaving my hands" (in a nice way). 4. Some very small kids may actually be afraid of you. I always bend down a little, and give the "little kid wave", (fingers up and down) and tilt my head to the side. Makes you look less threatening and more friendly. This works more than you would think! 5. If you need a break, tell your handler. They can escort you back to the changing area or restroom. 6. Most important of all, HAVE FUN, and know that you are about to make someones day much better!

It's about time, Ben, LOL! Looking great, sir, and I look forward to welcoming you to the rank of Centurion!

Great to see another Anovos kit up for Centurion, and it looks great, Brandon! I noticed the frown as well, which is a super easy fix. They may ask you to remove the paint from the single snap on the ab plate, though... Looking sharp, trooper!

Looking good, trooper!

Way to go, Steve!!!!! Welcome to the EIB, sir... next stop, Centurion!

Looking great, Allan! Like Roy mentioned, for Centurion you will need to narrow the gap on your ab/kidney connections, and perhaps your butt/kidney connection. It looks as if you used elastic for these, which will stretch, of course, but you can remedy this by replacing it with nylon. I also noticed that you have a "shift" in the side connections, which can also be practically eliminated if you use 2 inch nylon with double snaps, as in the photo. If you need some of the 2 inch wide black nylon for this, just let me know via PM, and I'll get it in the mail to ya'. Heck, I'll even throw in the snaps if you need them.

That's actually a very good point, Mark. Kinda twisted, LOL, but good!.. It would be advisable to take some small strips of blue painters tape and put them on each of your armor pieces with your name on it. At the last AP we had, there were over 10 Anovos kits in close proximity, and this would help identify who's is who's.

While you can certainly remove most (or all) of the return edges on the tops of the thighs, Derek, I would leave it all on the bottom parts. Since the under suit will fit pretty much skin-tight, you can actually do the fitting wearing just your underwear. Have you had the chance to check out Tony's Anovos build thread yet? It has become the "go-to" source for most of the questions about this kit, and can be found here: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/35086-ukswraths-anovos-tk-build/.

Way to go, Roy, and welcome to the ranks, brother!

This reminds me of my favorite motto: "If all else fails, use a bigger hammer".

That is too funny, Travis! All I can think of now is that poor Sta Puft marshmallow guy taking a few hits from a T-21. If you could only find some giant graham crackers and a truckload of chocolate..... ---------

Not a problem, Ade!

The return edges on the top of thighs can definitely be completely removed, Ade. Some of the other places you can safely remove it, like the wrist openings, bottom of the calves, sides of the chest plate, etc., and some places you need to leave it, like the top of the butt plate, bottom of the back plate, bottoms of the thighs and top of the calves, et al. The best thing to do is look at some of the builds, and also look at the EIB and Centurion submission photos. This will give you a better idea of what to leave and what to remove, and if you can, always try to add photos. It will make it much easier to get a response, and give us a better idea of how to help you out. Best of luck on your build, and feel free to ask any more questions you may have!.

Darman's neck seals can be found here, Steven :http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/21385-darmans-neck-seals/, and you can reach him here via PM for info. on the holsters: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/user/1656-darman/

Hola! I am need of someone who has the ability to make a quick design for me, (FISD related). I have the actual artwork, but my knowledge of computers would fit on a postage stamp. It would probably take all of 5 minutes to complete for someone who has Photoshop or similar. If you can help a trooper out, please PM me. Thanks!

The short definition is that it is an event held at someone's home or garage, in which experienced TKs assist new folks with putting their armor together. These are normally held by those who have an above average knowledge of armor in general to provide some "hands-on" experience for the first time builder. Most times, there are many "senior" TKs at these events, who are more than happy to pass on what they know, share their tips and ideas, and get folks started on the right track. Some AP hosts may provide certain tools, i.e. belt sanders, Dremels, etc., but if you attend one you should bring all the tools and supplies you have just in case, (as well as your armor) as there may be a LOT of folks there. If you do not have your armor yet, you are still more than welcome to attend! At these events, you are not only welcome to, but actually encouraged to ask questions... as many as you would like. Speaking of which, there are NO "stupid" questions... we were all in your position once, and are here to help. These are also a great way of meeting the folks you will be trooping with, and get an idea of what sort of TK goings-on and troops that are planned. You can also volunteer to be a "handler" for certain events before you finish your armor and get it approved. This involves assisting folks before, during and after a troop with costuming, photography, and keeping an eye out in general... (A TK's field of vision is limited at best when wearing a helmet)! Armor parties are normally listed on your local Garrison/Squad site, sometimes in the "Newbies" section. If you see one listed and are interested in attending, get in touch with the person hosting it and let them know you will be there. Some hosts provide light snacks, pizza, etc., but be sure to ask if there is anything you can bring.

You will need the same size bit as whatever size PVC pipe you are using, i.e. 1 1/2 inch. If the edges look a little rough after you glue the pipe in, you can glue in a rubber washer around it to cover them before you paint.

Do you have to bend it in or out, Jefferson? A photo of it with the calf would be a big help to more define an answer for you.

GREAT looking pack, Jeff, and I'm really glad to see that you weathered it! IMHO HWT packs need to look a little battle worn, and not so "new out of the box". For weathering my armor, I purchased some women's black "pancake" type make-up and a "blush" brush from the dollar store. It stays on really well, but can be removed with some spray cleaner when I have to troop as a regular TK. Just don't go overboard with it! Side note: For the barrel of my Hyperfirm T-21, I (carefully) drilled out the end using a spade bit, cut off some short pieces of PVC pipes and glued them in. This would also work in the DLT-19 using a 1 1/2 inch wide pipe. It just adds that extra touch of realism...