plushie

I know we were steered away from clear coating while we were on a super time crunch in the event of spider webbing, or potential setbacks to the paint jobs. But now that we're no longer under that C7 deadline... I'm thinking of putting on a protective coat when I repaint during warmer weather.

Has anyone put clear coat on their TFA armor? If so, what kind was used? I know scuffing on the armor and dings to the paint job are inevitable, however, I was thinking of adding that layer of protection to try and minimize the constant repainting that might be needed.

I finally got to wear my armor this weekend! My belt was accidentally put on me in the wrong place. I do need to raise my thighs. The cod needs to be secured, as I really looked happy to see people at times! There are other adjustments to be made, such as the chest piece, bicep and forearm securing. Day 2 was much easier than Day 1 in regards to moving around. I did find that my yoke/back developed surface cracks due to the stress of flexing over the rubber gaskets.

D'oh!!

and looking forward to FINALLY getting to troop in this kit at Denver ComicCon this weekend! Anxious, nervous and I have handlers lined up!

I think I'll be right there with you when the weather finally warms up here in Colorado! I can't wait to sand and try to repaint in warmer conditions.

Yeah, the contoured design makes trimming almost impossible for resizing.

Ooof, welcome to the stress! This was my first build and not something I'd recommend to other first timers. HOWEVER, it's been rewarding and a huge learning experience. All I have left to do is attach those knee plates, then make adjustments as I wear the costume. Then make more adjustments when my fabric gaskets arrive! I have a feeling I'll still be working on this kit for quite some time!

Belt's done. Now to re-attach the knee plates to the gaskets! I like this second pouch having the function of hiding the buckle and remaining belt length.

While I'm average height for a trooper, my legs are on the short side. I'm finding I really need shorter thighs and calves. The way this kit is designed, there are no places to trim without destroying the armor. #501stProblems

I've been sick with a sinus and double ear infection too. So taking pictures kinda was at the bottom of my to-do list over the weekend. (Sorry guys!) It was more, want to get this done so I can go lay back down. I should pull pieces out and take pictures as I tweak things like chicago screws and velcro. Spent a couple of hours wiping parts down as there was still a nice coat of dust clinging from wet sanding. I also added a coat of polish for convention prep.

So far so good with my helmet. It's been handled a few times and transported in a padded helmet bag, but no trooping yet.... (This will be remedied this coming weekend! Denver ComicCon!)

It's nice to be back to work on this, without the pressure of CVII!

SHOW OFF! LOL Thanks for the display! I can't wait for the fabric gaskets and the new latex ones!

So far no. But then again, I've only been test fitting. Today was the most stressful day on the yoke as we test fit with and without gaskets, sliding the back/yoke over my head and shoulders multiple times. We were also pretty darn careful. My adhesive and filler on this part was also devcon plastic weld with 3500 PSI. We went that route just because we knew the stress that was going to be placed on the back and yoke. I'm sure with more wear and stress there may be a cracking issue, as that seems inevitable. However, I'm sure different adhesives/fillers will have varying degrees of durability.

Today, work commenced! Shoulder bells now have straps attached to the yoke. Belt boxes are ready to be attached to the belt. We spent a lot of time having to trim down the shoulder gaskets so that the biceps would fit over them. That took up a chunk of time as we trimmed a little at a time. Better to start small than go big and realized you cut too much. We did have to do the triangle cut, as well as the first two 'ribs' across, and then a little more out of the 'triangle' we cut. We also found we needed to trim off one side of the velcro tabs on the elbow gasket. We're now finalizing parts, such as velcro on the cod, butt and chest. (I forgot my compression bra today, oops. Ladies, I found this a necessary item. That or SPANX to flatten the chest.) I found that my head looks SO disproportionate to my body in the armor when I have the armor but no helmet on. I also noticed this on other people. So for others, when you're test fitting without the helmet do not panic at looking at yourself and things do not look proportionate.

We went through close to 20 tubes of the DevCon. We hardly touched the CA glue at all.

What was the PSI on it? My scout belt had a pretty bad crack that I used DevCon plastic weld on and it has held up beautifully. We used the same DevCon on my TFA armor in lieu of CA glues. Denver ComiCon will be my test of the DevCon plasticweld as an adhesive AND filler.

YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!! Ahem.

Thanks Wyatt! I plan on buying a set of these along with a fabric set from your wife

I think it's bad form to have turned around to sell the kit so quickly. It's available only to select 501st members at this point in time, it is not available to the public. We have so many members who are chomping at the bit to have this armor. I fully understand now that the NDA is over, this person can do with their armor as they please, but it doesn't stop me from feeling this is just poor form.

I could NOT have managed this without the more experienced and talented members of my garrison helping me out and guiding me. I would still be staring at plastic pieces and crying with frustration. LOL

This WAS my first build. LOL. My scout was bought second hand from a retiring member, so boy have I really learned a LOT. I was so nerve wracked during scoring and snapping. "No replacement parts, no pressure," was rolling through my head. LOL

Thanks Brian! I was thinking of just the major pieces! And yes Peter, it's a LOT of work! It's definitely not a kit for a first time builder.

The forearms puzzled us greatly when we were trimming the pieces and getting ready to assemble them. So this is normal