justjoseph63

My pleasure, Evon. Glad it helped!

Welcome, Logan! As mentioned, waiting until you are 18 (or close to it) would be the best option for beginning your build. That said, however, once you have the money you can purchase your kit and get the helmet completed. I wouldn't suggest purchasing boots or an undersuit yet, as you may still have some growing to do, and boots are not inexpensive. You didn't mention what type of TK you are looking to build, but you could also source your weapon(s). There are 3D printed and resin kits depending on which type of TK you are aiming for, so by the time you are ready for your armor build you will one step ahead of the game. Choosing your armorer will be your most important decision, so be sure to check out this area and this one as well. If you have any questions about anything (including weapons) just ask.

They also make products designed to stretch shoes like this, but another alternative is to take them to a cobbler/shoe repair store to have them adjusted.

If they are still sitting tight against the biceps, part if the issue may be that the bottoms are pinched in a bit too much. As seen in another RS example, that pinched area is causing the bicep to ride too far away from the shoulder bell. Rounding it out with a hot water bath may help.

What I did with the shoulder bridges is to use the actual E-6000 as a filler. Just keep the bridge at an angle as it dries to prevent it spilling out and build it up layer by layer as needed. Looks like you already have a good start if you choose to do it this way. The small plate can actually be trimmed a bit more if you want. The raised edges of the mounting area should ideally show more on the sides. To get rid of the small bumps (arrows) and get the bottom flat (which will allow it to sit flat against the mounting area) you can lay a piece of sandpaper on a level surface and rub the bottom on it until sits flush. Don't make it too thin, though.

You nailed it. Looks GREAT!

"Aiming it to have a 1-2 cm gap between the thigh and sniper knee like I’ve seen in photos" Do you mean a gap between the top of the sniper knee and the bottom of the thigh? For taller troopers having that gap may be a necessity, but it is definitely not a requirement at any level. There are a few troopers in ANH that have that gap, but on the vast majority the sniper knee rides OVER the bottom of the thigh.

As for glasses not fitting, do you think it could be possible to buy spare prescription lenses, and mount them internally behind the visor? or would that break 501st reg. Not against any 501st reg at all. Another alternative is sports style glasses like these.

I think the TK I.D 421 may be taken, lol. However, there are a few others to choose from when the time comes.

Looking GREAT, James! If I could make a suggestion, it would be to eliminate most of the return edges on the cod and posterior plate tab and round them out a bit. The reason being is that the square(ish) angles and return edges can cause chafing in that area, making things... well, let's just say "mighty uncomfortable". Note in the last photo that the return edge tapers down to zero and ends higher up (yellow arrow) and the roundness of the tab (blue arrow). Keep up the fantastic work!!

No need for panic, Chris. There are no "problems"... only solutions! As I tell many new folks, treat your build as a marathon, not a sprint. 4 weeks should be plenty of time to get your tools/materials in order, and since you have the under-suit you are in good shape for now. I know you want to get out and get trooping, but don't rush it. The average build takes 4-6 weeks (or longer), so if you save the calves for last you will have the boots by the time you get to that point. While waiting, you can also work on your research. Hopefully, you will consider aiming for Centurion right out of the gate, so it will be helpful to look over some of the approved EI submissions here and the Centurion submissions here. These will give you an idea of the details we look for. You may have seen it already, but this thread will help as well, whether you are aiming for the higher levels or not. Again, I can't stress enough how important it is to have (and be able to use) an image hosting service. This will be especially important when you have an issue. This is your thread, so while you wait for BBB day, use it to ask anything you like.

At 6'1" you shouldn't have that sort of gap with RS. When you get the chance to post some photos, include as many as you can from different angles, including the shoulder bridge area (no shoulder bells). We can get you sorted, Shaun, not to worry.

Oops.. Thanks for catching that, Arthur!

CONGRATS on pulling the trigger with AP, Chris! As Aaron mentioned, you won't be disappointed and great to hear that you are getting your supplies in order. I would suggest getting your under suit as well, as this will come in handy for fitting purposes when sizing your armor. Also, before you get to the point where you are sizing the calves (especially the bottoms) it's better to have your boots on hand. I have seen many times where calves are trimmed and glued, only to be too small when the boots finally arrive afterward. Trust me on that one. If you are planning on going with Imperial Boots, they are closed now until Feb. 7th (they make them in "waves") but I would order them as soon as it opens. Also, I hope you have signed up with an photo sharing site like imgur. If so, get in some editing practice (cropping/reducing, etc.) here on your thread by posting pics of the build supplies as you get them. We expect to see a LOT of photos!

Welcome to the FISD, and I hope those answers help you out a bit. Research will be the key to building a great set of armor, but as I mentioned above we are here to assist you in any way we can.

It looks like you have the placement on the shoulder bridges just right, Jonathan, and glad to see you removed the large tab! As long as you have enough to go a few inches over the top tabs on the back plate (and it looks like you do) you are golden.

One thing I would do is ditch the under suit if it is from Anovos as well. There have been more than a few troopers whose armor has been stained black from the color bleeding onto it.

Hi Todd, and thank you for your EI submission! In the following review I will be going over a few items pertaining to your current submission, as well as those that will be required for Centurion level should you choose to apply. (Hint- You should)! That being said, let's get started! 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 ANH Stunt Expert Infantry. On behalf of myself and the entire D.O.Team, 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. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. First, let me say SUPER nice job on this build, and don't be alarmed by all the photos below! Most are just simple dressing issues, but there are a few small concerns that need to be addressed. The ears on your bucket should ideally line up as the ones seen in the reference images, where the screws follow the line of the rear of the trap above them and allows the bottom of the ear to sit back a bit more. I know Anovos sends their buckets pre-built (so I know it wasn't something you did) but they usually do a much better job of lining these up. The left one looks pretty good, but the right could be moved back a bit if possible. Reference images The shoulder strap on your left side is raised pretty high in the back. Some gentle heat-shaping should give you a better arch that will allow it to lay much flatter against the tab on the back plate. Reference images The front cover strips on your left line up fairly well, but your right forearm is twisted out, causing the cover strip to roll outward. Moving the strap would help tremendously and give you a better look. Clever idea by using gaffer tape on the posterior/kidney connection, but I would really suggest adding a strap there instead. We would rather see a small gap there instead of the tape. Reference image The top of the calf on the left needs to be lined up like the one on the right. Again, a simple dressing issue, so not a huge deal. However, it may be the photo, but it looks like the cover strip on the right extends too far down. If this is indeed the case, 5 seconds with a set of ABS scissors would fix this. Reference images Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. As with all Anovos buckets, for some strange reason they use the correct ear screws (V-head slotted) for the top 2, but for the bottom ones they use the pan-head style. Those will need to be replaced (which I know you are working on). Reference image The left side is spot-on, but the outer edge of your right drop box needs to alight with the outside edge of the ABS belt. A dab of E-6000 between the box strap and the canvas belt will knock this out in no time! Reference image Although the CRL states that the top of the ABS belt should sit "...just at or above the bottom of the central and vertical abdomen button plates", we are asking that you bring it up at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch or so. It's a small fix, but it will definitely make a big difference toward screen accuracy (which is what Centurion is all about). If you need any help, just PM me (I had the same issue)! Ideally, the top of the ABS belt should touch (or even overlap a bit) the bottom ab button(s). Reference images The gap below the cover strip on your left thigh front needs to be either filled with ABS paste or have a scrap of ABS glued to the inside of the ridge. Easy fix! Reference image A few issues with your arms that should be pretty straightforward to fix with some strapping adjustments. The right shoulder bell should be dropped a tad to where it is even with the left. You have quite a gap between the end of the forearm and hand guards (especially on the right), and dropping the forearms an inch or so would greatly reduce that. Again, twisting that right forearm in would certainly help, Last up, the ab-button paint. You did a CRAZY nice job on fixing those teeth, but the paint on the buttons could use some more of that talent. They should have a more rounded shape and should not extend all the way to the bottom of the raised part. Reference image That's it, trooper. I have every faith that you can take an hour or two and get these small issues fixed so that we can see your Centurion submission right after... chalk up yet another great looking EI for the SoCal Garrison!!

Daniel's advice is spot-on. Removing all the return edges on those bells will not only allow them to ride closer, it is 100% screen accurate. Many troopers like the "thicker" look the return edges give their armor, but in reality those were pretty much non-existent in the screen used armor. This thread may help explain that:

As Glen said. Andrew, nice job on this RS armor! Getting Basic 501st approval should be fairly straightforward with the suggestions you have been given so far, but to be honest, if you take it just a bit farther I can honestly see you reaching Expert Infantry and even Centurion! It will take a small bit of work, but considering the time you have invested in this build it shoud be a piece of cake to take this to the next level(s)! If we can be of any help in this, just ask.

Fantastic job on the shoulder placement, Jonas! Removing the return edges on the bottoms of the shoulder bells would reduce the gap between the bells/back plate a bit. The cover strip alignment on the biceps/forearms could not be better, Textbook work, sir!

We can definitely help you out with this, James, but pictures really are worth a thousand words. Try to add detailed and full shots of the area, as well as the strapping you currently have. At 5'11, you shouldn't have any trouble getting them to line up, and we will help you make it happen!

Welcome to the FISD, Katie! The supply list Glen gave will help you get all your build items in place before you start your build. Having them on hand during your build will assure thaat you don't have to stop because you need a particular item. He also mentioned the CRLs. I have a thread that will help with a lot of those details here, and there are some tutorials at the bottom of my post that will answer more questions for ya'.

AWESOME, and thanks for getting those done so quickly! I'l be with ya' shortly, brother...

AWESOME job on that kit for your friend, Cricket (and yours as well, of course)! I am totally going to steal that photo for my reference archives to show what can be done for those who may be a bit vertically challenged. My question is: Why haven't we seen an EI submission for her? (Seriously... that armor looks fantastic)!