justjoseph63

Those gloves/hand guards will get you to Centurion, but the boots may be another matter depending on how they are designed. It's preferable to have higher tops so that they don't slip out from underneath your lower calf openings. Many troopers have made their own TK boots using the Chelsea style ones in other colors. Here is a thread that may help (the pictures are kind of fuzzy, but the info, is there): https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/27565-how-i-did-my-boots-tkboots-alternative/

I'm not sure how strict the Deployment Officers at the MEPD are, but having those seam lines straight will certainly help get you to the higher levels there. If you look at their CRL for Basic approval, the photo shows them that way:

Welcome to the FISD, Curtis! First, don't worry about purchasing a set of Anovos armor. The main issues we have experienced with that company are slow delivery times (up to 3+ years) and horrible customer service, which is why they were removed from our "vetted" seller list. It's actually a decent set of armor (my Hero armor is Anovos) and can be taken all the way to Centurion level. Since most of the work is done already it's just a matter of fitting it correctly, which is where we come in! Looks like you may have some adjustments, but nothing that can't be fixed to get you to Basic (and above) approval. I realize you wanted to dive right in and get suited up (I know I would have!), and in looking at your photo most of the items are minor so far... just dressing issues. Below is a photo of some of the areas that could use some tweaking. 1. The shoulder bells should ride closer to the chest plate to help eliminate the gaps. 2. The top of the ABS belt should sit right at the bottom of the lowest button of the panel above it. 3. Drop boxes should be at the sides. 4. Sniper knee plate is riding underneath the calf. 5. ABS belt needs to be centered, All minor things, Curtis, I assure you. At this point, I would suggest concentrating on one or two pieces at a time and getting each one done before moving to the next. Posting LOTS of pics of your progress in this thread and asking any and all questions (no matter how small) will allow us to help every step of the way so you can get that TK number under your name. I'm in your neck of the woods, so who knows, we may be trooping together at some point! I have some tutorials at the bottom of this post which may help, especially this one: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48335-quick-crl-reference-guide-for-your-ot-build-pics-notes-tips/ but of course the CRLs are the "go-to" source: https://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:TK_anh_stunt

Never, ever be sorry about asking any question here, Adrian! We are a 100% judgement free zone, and our primary purpose is to help those who need it, so always feel free to hit us up if we can help. Many times future troopers run into issues/problems because they didn't ask questions, so keep em' coming! The RS blaster can be approved all the way to Centurion level with no major alterations, but there may be a few items that need some attention. In the photo below, there is a bit too much brass showing on the scope, and there is "weathering" (sliver color) on the T-tracks and grip. The original grips and T-tracks were plastic, and should not have this. Fixing this is super easy, just grab a can of black spray paint (preferably flat or satin) and touch up those areas. Ideally, the grip should be painted with a gloss finish, but that will not affect approval at any level.

The return edges on the calves can be trimmed, but I wouldn't go crazy. You definitely want to keep some to have that "thick" appearance. Just try to make sure the edges are even all the way around.

Once cleaned up and repainted, those split rivets will look fantastic! Han snap: Perfect. Cod snaps: I would round out those edges just a hair. Otherwise, they can cause chafing or snag on your undersuit.

Nothing wrong with re-purposing the elastic and snaps!

I would not use Velcro, Jonas. It wears out over time after repeated use and loses it's ability to connect together. Snaps, brother. Trust me on that one.

A bit here wouldn't hurt: Notice how thin the ones in the photos are. A few small gaps are fine (and expected), so no need to have them 100% flush against the helmet in all areas.

This may help with the teeth

ABS will stay pretty darned shiny. My Hero and Stunt are still glossy even after years. (can't say the same for my HWT, though, lol). One thing you can do is to make cloth sleeves for the various armor pieces. I made mine out of sheets and fabric glue (no ironing). This will help keep the scratches to a minimum during transport in your bin.

Some great advice from Eric there, James. Many Sandies visit here for advice on their builds (we are a LOT more active than the MEPD) and then go there for more details.

Forgot to add, if you have enough overlap onto the back plate, you can trim the large rear tabs from the back of the shoulder straps. Jonas. Some troopers need that extra length, but if you don't I would suggest eliminating them. It won't affect approval at any level, but would make them more screen accurate.

EXCELLENT advice from Glen there. It costs a bit extra, but I wouldn't do it any other way... (better safe than sorry)!

Quick question about the hand guards- Are you sure they are silicone and not latex? E-6000, CA(super) or 99% of glues/epoxies will not adhere to pure silicone**. If they are latex, E-6000 is the perfect thing to use. I never recommend using super glue, as it can (and will) get brittle over time and will eventually peel off of the rubber of the glove. ** I make my hand guards from silicone, but I embed the backs with canvas to give any glue a porous surface to adhere to. (That is actually a set of the hand guards I make used in the strapping photo Glen posted).

Walt's Trooper Factory makes a child sized helmet, and you can contact him here: @walt Not sure if your son wants "real" (ABS plastic) armor, but there are some fantastic build threads using other materials.. Here are 2: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/31324-tk-jr-astyanaxs-foamtrooper-kids-armor-project/?tab=comments#comment-402658 https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/42538-fragarocks-tk-foam-build-for-even-shorter-peoplekids/?tab=comments#comment-569531

Nice start, Alan! If I could make a few suggestions at this point, they would be: 1. The ear is sitting pretty far forward and should be moved back, and the bottom angled back just a tad. Ideally the center of the top should be centered with the back line of the rear trap above it... the screws should follow that line as well. It shouldn't be too difficult to do, especially if you have the cap and faceplate attached underneath. Nice trimming on those ears!! 2. The brow should extend a bit farther to where it ends at the rear of the trap (or very close). See above photos. Don't worry (honestly) about getting everything perfect the first time. It's a learning curve each and every one of us went through, but I would suggest posting up pics before gluing or permanently attaching anything. That way, if there are issues we can head em' off beforehand! I am following this thread, so keep up the great work!!

Hi Philip, and thank you for your Expert Infantry application! 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. (With this awesome set of RS armor you should ace it)! 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. Although (like I mentioned) that is a spectacular set of armor you are rocking, there are a few small areas that will make it look even better! The space between the tops of the thighs in the rear and the posterior plate could be evened out more. The gap you have on either side is fine, but they should match. I suggest lowering the one on your left for more comfort when walking, but the choice is yours. This is a simple strapping issue, and should be an easy fix! Reference images The cap rivets on the thigh ammo pack could definitely use another coat of paint (or two) to make them appear less gray looking and stand out. Also please note that the placement is pretty far off and they should not be up in the far corners. 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. You are almost there, Philip. As noted above, we must consider not just the CRLs, but screen caps and other references when approving at higher levels. The ab/kidney gap on your left side is spot-on, but although it is SUPER close, the one on your right needs to be closed up. Considering it only needs to come in just a bit this will be a fast fix with some strapping adjustments. Reference images Adding another (tighter) strap may be all you need. Although it's pretty close, for a much better screen accurate appearance the top of the ABS belt should sit just under (or slightly overlap) the bottom button of the large ab button panel. Raising it half an inch will make a big difference! Reference images Last up, the gaps between the lower ridges of your right rear thigh will need to be less noticeable. In a perfect world this should be done with ABS paste, but (more easily) can be achieved by gluing small pieces of ABS or white plastic behind them, similar to what was done on the front of the right thigh. Yeah, it seems insignificant, but it's those small details that will set you apart as a Centurion! (If you need ABS scraps for this, just PM me and I will get them to you, no charge). Reference images And that's it, brother. You are going certainly going to make the GA. Garrison and the Empire VERY proud as it's newest EI, and I look forward to seeing that Centurion submission soon! Side Note: If when you submit for Centurion, we ask that you use imgur or another photo hosting site and not Photobucket, as the the logo (as seen below) obscures many of those awesome details. Thanks!! Example

Nice job on the rivet placement, Jonas!

You certainly don't have to get 501st approval on it, but it can't be used on an official troop with your Garrison/Squad unless you do. I still think it would make a cool Death Trooper, though, and approval may be an option if you went that route. My buddy Charles @Templar726 did one that will knock your socks off! https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/31683-templar-726-death-trooper-build/ You can't go wrong with RS.

I am guessing you have read my Supply list thread, and since you are making your own, one item from that list I would highly suggest picking up is the woodburning tool. These are available fairly inexpensively at Amazon or the like and will save you a TON of time. They can be used to burn the holes in the straps for inserting snaps as well as sealing the ends of the straps so they don't fray. Hint: If you do use one of these, use it outdoors or in a well ventilated area. Burning nylon stinks to high Heavens.

If you don't have any scrap ABS I can send you some no charge. PM me if interested,

However you decide to attach the lenses, do NOT us CA (super) glue, as it will permanently fog up the insides of the lenses, (trust me on this one). I would go with @T-Jay's method and Dremel out a recess.

Almost done, Philip. Thanks for your patience!