justjoseph63

Hi Rebecca! It all depends on what level of accuracy you are looking for, how much time you want to put into it, how much fun you want to have building it, and how much you want to spend! Like Art said, T-Jay, Gazmosis, and Playfulwolfcub all have great upgrades, and I would recommend checking out Dark CMF's E-11 build, (the one I mainly followed). Lots of pics, and crazy accuracy. There are many builds on here, just check out the E-11 threads, and that should help you out. I would also recommend starting a build thread, so you can post your progress pics and ask as many questions as you need. One last thing... Stay organized! It helps immensely to get some small plastic containers to keep everything where it needs to be, and so that you don't misplace the small parts. All the best on your build!

AWESOME job, Mike!!! Sounds like you are going to end up with your own mini-squadron!

Hey, Brian... Sorry to hear about your paint problem. I use spray paint a lot, and like Tino said, I think the problem is the silver. Matte finishes can have a problem adhering to shiny ones... What I would personally suggest is to (and I hate to say this) lightly "rough up" the silver finish with sand paper, prime it, and re-paint. I know it will be a pain, but well worth the effort. There is a special sandpaper I use from 3-M, which is made from a thin, flexible silicone sheet instead of actual paper. It is almost impossible to tear, lasts 10 times as long as paper, and you can "mold" it around things to get into the tight spaces. I realize that it may be hard to find over there, (I was stationed in Japan as well) but I would be happy to send you some, no charge. It's the least I could do, as I used you thread a LOT on my E-11 build. Let me know, and all the best...

I agree with Mathias, Rob... the chances of you needing to remove it are slim. I would suggest putting a few applications of Scotch-guard fabric protector on the canvas belt, this will make it much easier to clean. Also, even if it does get a bit dirty, it will lok "battle worn"!

LOVE my Hyperfirm DLT-19! Using it today on my first troop as a HWT, and like Scott said, "kiddo proof"!

I have a place on my bucket bag all ready for one of these bad-boys! Going on my first troop as a HWT tomorrow, and submitting my EIB photos right after!

Hi Matt! I have ABS, and it is pretty shiny, I must say, but others should weigh in. I have read that there are products to protect it from discoloring, and have not heard anything about it warping from heat. I live in central FL. (also pretty hot), and have had no problems with that. Also, no problems in keeping it clean. I double as a HWT, and have to put charcoal dust and hairspray on it, and it comes off well, and for minor smudges, (like when my bucket neck seal rubs on the chest plate), a Mr. Clean magic eraser sponge works great. Hope this helps!

Many thanks for all of your responses, and now, I'm off to get some of the good stuff!

I would suggest purchasing an inexpensive rasp type file at Lowe's or Home Depot. Get one that is flat on one side and curved on the other, (for the contours), and, like Hans said, use sandpaper or a sanding sponge to smooth it down. Just take your time, and I am sure it will turn out great! Remember... small increments...

Hola! I need to whip up a small amount of ABS paste, and am having a bit of trouble... I know the recipe, but the only acetone I could find is nail polish remover. The problem is that it simply does not dissolve the ABS. I have let it sit up to 6 hours, and it just gets a little sticky. Is there a source for something stronger, maybe? Thanks for any info.!

Is it just me, or did anyone else notice that that looks an awful lot like an incinerator troopers chest plate? I am also digging the helmet, but you are right, Ryan, movement would be minimal. I would like to see more pics of the backpack as well.

My apologies for the mix-up, Charles, it is the HWT patch I am interested in.... (Applying for HWT EIB next week)! Thanks!

Nice job, Pascal! I am no expert, but I did notice a few things that might help you out... It looks like your belt is not centered at the front. I believe the center button should line up with the center line on the lower ab plate. Also, if you look at the CRL's, you will notice that the thigh amamo pack rides higher than what you have, covering the bottom. I had the exact same issue, and E-6000 worked out great to hold it up. I would suggest using painter's tape to mask off any areas that you don't want the glue to get on, though. (I found this out the hard way, LOL). Lastly, I think Gazmosis will need to see a photo of the single split rivet on the lower ab from the bottom view. Great job on the build, my friend, and veel succes on your EIB quest!

Nice build, Ben, best of luck!!!

One word... WOW! Great job, Hans!

I was going to say the same thing, Mike! Eric, there is a recent post in the Death Trooper category by 2Thin, called, (strangely enough) My Death Trooper. REALLY nice job on it, and would be an alternative, depending on how damaged your armor is, and how much fun you are willing to have with a Dremel saw. Probably not too many events you could wear it to, but it would make one helluva cool Halloween costume!

Congrats, Manu, and AWESOME photo! Welcome to the fold! Going for EIB in a week or so, Tony....

Any word on these, yet, Charles? Thanks!

First, you gotta' reach EIB, Danny! Do you have the correct rivets you need for the ab and kidney plates? If not, just PM me and I will send you some. Always glad to help out a future HWT! On a side note, I have found that one of those "Mr.Clean" white sponge things does wonders for removing light scuffs from your armor.

GREAT job on the pack, Danny! Not sure if it will pass HWT, though.. Apparently, the pack in the main HWT CRL photo is going to be changed to reflect the one pictured towards the bottom. Also, I would seriously consider adding some "blaster residue" to your armor. It only takes some charcoal dust, a ladies "blush" brush, and some hairspray to keep it on. (All easily removable with some Windex). For a perfect example of this, check out Tony's (ukswrath) HWT Centurion submission photos. He also has a great tutorial on building an HWT pack. But there is a major problem I see, though.... It looks like your T-21 could use some work.... If you want to send it to me, I can make the necessary changes, and have it back to you in about, oh, 3 years or so. Just kidding, outstanding job! I am jealous as hell!

Awesome idea, Charles!!!

I think it is largely a matter of comfort, Andy... I did end up trimming down the tops of my forearms, but left a small return edge. Since the tops of the biceps can not be seen, I trimmed those as well, which stopped them from biting into me. I wouldn't go crazy on them yet, though, until someone with a lot more knowledge weighs in.

Thanks for the input! I was going to model the pack after the one shown in the top photos of the HWT CRL, but apparently that will be changing. I was told that the one in the lower photo would be the one that they are going with, so that is the reason I went that direction.

I actually ended up using 10 inch sections of 1x2 pine board. I spray-painted them black, and used electrical tape on the top 2 inches to "dress it up" a bit. To be honest, the weight is next to nothing, and they fit perfectly! I also used Tony's (ukswrath) method to attach the shoulder pouch, and it worked like a charm!

Yes, it got approved for basic, Ed. Had to fix a few things after I got my TK EIB, and planning on submitting it for HWT EIB after my first troop with it later this month.