justjoseph63

Good call, Jason! Didn't think about that.

Those would definitely work, but you would have to carry your bucket separately, (which some people do anyway). I know the larger ones such as mine take up a bit more space, but it is worth it to me because it holds my armor, bucket, blaster, boots, and accessories all in one place. The tray is cool because before suiting up, I take it out of the bin, extend the carrying handle, and it sets right inside for easy access to my gloves, neck seal, repair kit, etc., without having to set it on the ground. It also has a built in lock. I keep the key in a tiny key box attached with Velcro to the inside of my chest plate.

Really nice, clean build, Carlos... should be an easy pass!

I'll second what Jason said, as I have that same one as well and it holds everything perfectly. Plus, it has the removable tray inside to hold small accessories, (gloves, repair kit, neck seal,) etc. I lined the inside of mine with 1 inch thick foam padding so things don't get banged around during transport.

Are you going to start a build thread for this, Ed?

Great job, Josh, welcome to the ranks!!!

Way to go, Carlos! Next stop, Centurion!

I'm not too sure about the lighting, Stuart, they do seem to be a bit blue, but If you look at the ear bar, (great paint job, BTW), it definitely looks gray. Then again, the paint on the frown looks gray as well, instead of solid black. Might want to get some different shots in various lighting.

I went to Jo Anne fabrics an purchased some 1 inch thick "Chair cushion padding", Scott, and cut it to fit in the places I needed it, including the inside of my bucket. Like the other Scott said, I used Industrial strength Velcro. I would suggest this over any sort of glue, as over time any sort of padding can absorb sweat, and start to smell pretty bad. That way you can either replace it or remove it for cleaning.

Congratulations on a really nice job, Jose! Looks great!

The size of the elastic is not important to reach Centurion, Ken. I used the 1 inch wide, and it has worked out great. I have seen a few people use Velcro for this connection, but I would highly recommend using snaps, as that area gets a lot of movement.

My AM bucket measures in at 13x13x11, so you should be fine with the box, Kev. I believe those usually run about 14 or 15 X12. I like my padded motorcycle helmet bag, though, as it fits perfectly into my bin, along with my armor.

Thanks for the update, Yassine!

Looking good, Pete! I noticed a few things that may need to be addressed, but great job, (especially on that blaster)!! Like Andy said, it looks as if the outside piece of your right thigh is a little longer than the inside piece, which is causing the cover strip to overlap the top. Also, your sniper knee plate seems a bit low to me. It looks as if your calf may be too high, overlaps the thigh, and might need to be trimmed at the bottom in order to make room to raise it up, but I would get a second opinion on this.

There are several differences, especially where the bucket is concerned, Mitchell. Your best bet is to look under Costume Requirements (CRL) on the top bar, and compare the differences. Some items that will get you approved at basic Hero level can change if you want to move up to EIB and Centurion, i.e. number of ear bars (3 vs. 4) and lens type (bubble vs. flat).

For the frown screen, you can literally use a piece of fiberglass widow screen, (not the metal kind). I got my lenses and masking templates from Trooperbay, and am really happy with them. While you can certainly use Zap-a-Gap, I can't recommend it for your first build. Once it is set, that's it... no turning back, no "re-dos". The E-6000 takes a bit longer, but is much more forgiving. Once you get your kit complete, and approved, you can (and should) keep some in your armor bin with an accelerant for emergencies that can will happen occasionally.

I agree 100%, Jonathan!

GREAT article, Brian, thanks for sharing this!!!!!

Also available in white!

E-6000 is pretty runny, Ferg. You may try making the opening a bit bigger to allow it to come out more heavily, though. One word of advice, if I may... E-6000 will run if put on too heavily. If you are in doubt, mask off the areas that you absolutely don't want it on with blue painter's tape before applying it. If it dries and does have some runs, you can cut along the seam with a razor knife (gently) to break the seal and actually rub off the remainder with your thumb.

I KNEW I would be seeing this submission soon, Charles! I am sure your approval is just a formality at this point, and will be well deserved, my friend.

Way to go, Charles, FANTASTIC job! Do I see a Death Trooper EIB in your future?

In a word, Tim,... WOW! Fantastic job, sir, I think you have this one nailed. Incredible job on the paintwork!

I am 5'10, 155, Andrew, and I made it to Centurion with AM armor, (except the chest plate), so it can be effectively cut down.

Congratulations, Jordi, way to go!