TK Monkus

If you say so! So today was a bit overwhelming to be honest. I am still very excited but after looking through a bunch more build threads and seeing people with full on machine shops I got a little worried as I have never really done anything like this or used these tools before. I ended up watching the RS build videos, which duh why wouldn't I since I bought an RS suit, and felt a lot better. I am definitely more of a visual learner so seeing a video is very helpful for me. All that being said, I didn't make any cuts yet but have taped a few things up and am ready with some questions, so here it goes. First I am going to be starting with the biceps and forearms as it seems those are the best intros into it all. I am pretty skinny, as you will probably see in the pictures, so I think a lot of what I will need to be doing is sizing everything down to fit properly. I apologize in advance for some of the pics as I am doing this on my own and trying to take some of these pics alone isn't easy. So the biceps. Again I haven't made any cuts or cleaned up any edges yet, just taped things together as is. This is the left bicep. The right is in a similar state. I am pressing it against my body so I can get the picture, but it obviously needs to be taken in a lot. In the RS video, he mentions leaving some of the return edge so as to give it a bit of a bigger look while still slimming it down. If I cut the return edge from this, it will make it even bigger correct? I am trying to go Centurion and know on my forearms the edges need to go. Can I leave these on? This is the side view. I know I need to flatten out those butt joints (is that the correct word?) but on the other side, the ends don't even touch, they overlap. See pic below. Do I need to just trim from all sides evenly until 1. both long ends sit flush with each other and 2. it is a lot tighter on my arm? I feel like if I do that, it will be very small? Also in the RS video he had mentioned to line up the bottom parts of the biceps as the tops will be covered by the shoulder bell.

Hey Dan! Thank you very much! I actually have your build thread as one that I am following and gleaning info from! I actually just went and watched the first couple RS videos which I will definitely be following. I am actually probably a bit smaller than the originals at 5'10 and skinny so I think my problem is going to be sizing things down. Yep, I will probably be posting a lot of questions and pictures in my thread which hopefully after a little bit maybe I will get the hang of things.

Oops, rookie mistake!! Yes I meant the hovi tips, thank you. I am going to look super green to RS haha. I looked up the RS build videos put out by RS as I am a very visual learner. I think those will be helpful but I am also going to look at a few build threads as well as probably over posting in here with my million questions. I will look at the centurion and EIB apps and see what the locals have to say, thanks for the tip!

Thank you very much, excited to get started!

BBB has finally come! I am starting my build thread and will post anything in there from here on out. Thank you all for your help this far, I know it is only just beginning.

Well the day has finally arrived where I got to see those BBB's at my door. I ordered a set of ABS armor from RS Prop Masters and after about 4 months, due to a fire at the RS shop, it has arrived (minus neck seal which is still en route)! Luckily everyone at RS is ok and all of their original molds are safe. At first glance it looks amazing! Being my first ever build and not actually ever interacting with any armor before, I initially thought it would be thinner, but I am very glad to see it does feel sturdy. First sight Bucket parts. Probably will save for last...if my will power will hold Everything all laid out Strapping pack from RS even though I think I ordered everything separate as well since I want to try and go the double snap way I had done a good amount of research before purchasing, and then even more after and while I was waiting for it to a arrive. I decided to go the route of build it myself even though I have never done this, and have received a good amount of support already before even starting. I have also decided to go the route of Centurion right from the start. I will say after opening it all up and seeing it all...it is a bit daunting. I know this is the place to ask questions and I'm sure I will have plenty but just want to say I am super excited to get started! OK so I already have some questions. 1) I am planning on following build threads, but do I need to necessarily follow a thread to my type, ie RS? I saw the top build thread is for an Anovos set going for Centurion and briefly skimmed through and can see differences. I would guess it is pretty much the same, but maybe finding an RS thread would be better? I also have Diana's thread marked to follow and I think she went Centurion? 2) I got a big piece of what I think is ABS, see in the back of the picture of everything all laid out. What is that for? 3) There are a couple pieces that seem like one is a lot bigger than the other. Forearm and thigh (I think) come to mind. Thanks, Matthew Edit: I just realized that I think the vocoders are missing on the helmet. I have emailed RS and expect they will send them, but if anyone notices anything else is missing please let me know!

Thank you, it does. I'm sorry it was such a hassle.

Thank you!

How long did it take to get your blasters? Also did you need to specify what blaster you needed?

Did you order through the Etsy shop? I am considering ordering one for ANH build I am starting but wasn't sure if they are configured that way already or if he needs to do any modifications. I reached out through the Etsy message system but haven't heard anything back from him yet. Also about how long did it take to get after you ordered it? Thanks in advance!

I could ask if they would allow me to purchase one, however when I ordered I seem to remember they only would sell them if you did the full commission. I went the route of self build. I will email them anyhow as you are right, it couldn't hurt to ask.

Thanks so much for the input! I am planing on finding a few builds here and mainly following them, so thanks for the additional people to check out. I think I am going to alter my snapping and go the double snap route so am ordering the necessary supplies for that, but good to know they come with everything just in case.

Thanks for the input and good point. I am planning to go the double snap route and so could just make both a nylon and elastic version.

Thank you all for the input. As I wait for the everything to get here I am flip flopping back and forth. While I do want everything to stay in place while I move, I also want to be able to move semi freely haha. I think I will order both and use mostly nylon for the "torso" and then elastic for the "extremities". Would that be a decent compromise or is there still a lot of movement needed in the "torso" areas? Torso being the chest, back, kidney, etc. I also realize it really is personal preference and being that I am not that big of a guy, only 5'9 130lb, I may be able to get away with nylon. Thanks.

Thank you very much Joseph! I think I will probably do similar and go mostly nylon but may use elastic for the forearm, bicep and shoulders and of course the white elastic for the chest/back. PM sent for the shoulder strap elastic, thank you!

Well I just put in a pretty big order with amazon for most of the tools I will need. What do you guys think? I am going to go with the double snap option for connecting and have looked at @justjoseph63 guide on how to do this, https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/44617-snap-setting-101/, and am wondering if I could just buy all elastic instead of elastic and nylon? For reference I am about 5'9 130lbs and think the elastic will give a bit more for when I am moving in it? I also was looking at getting two strips of the 1/4" white elastic bands that will go around the shoulder straps as I would like to go for centurion from the start, but also don't really need to buy a whole 6' roll of it. Is there anyone on here that sells those strips already done? Same with the mesh for the frown. I heard window screening works but don't need to buy a whole roll of that for such a small piece. Thank you! https://imgur.com/lJDEirx https://imgur.com/7J5NaUb https://imgur.com/ou1EsVF https://imgur.com/wXcIQpX

Thank you that is helpful. I think you had sent this to me before, which I watched, but didn't quite understand it all then. I think I will look at going with snap strapping instead of the original way as it seems to be more sturdy and better for the armor.

Yes, thank you! Put in my order to RS so now I prep all the tools and wait for that BBB!

I finally made the decision and put in my order for a set of RS armor! I am super excited and can't wait for it all to arrive. While it is daunting and already a bit overwhelming, I would like to shoot for centurion right off the bat. This is my first time doing anything like this and will need to order pretty much everything tools wise. I have already had so much help in another thread when I was trying to decide which armor to get and am very thankful. I have a link to a post from justjoseph63 that shows all the tools I will need and am going to start ordering pretty much everything on that list. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/31404-supply-list-for-your-ot-tk-build/ I did order the RS strap pack and am wondering if anyone knows if that comes with the rivets (is that the right word?) needed to reach centurion or if I need to look at ordering others from that list? I had seen a picture of a strap pack but think it may have changed a bit since. Also wondering if anyone can recommend a good build thread, or couple, to follow of someone with RS that went centurion from the start. I saw Diana's RS build pinned and have looked through that and it seems to be very good. I am going to order by boots from Imperial Boots and will order my undersuit probably from someone like underamrour that has something that could help with heat. Neck seal, Gloves, Holster, and canvas belt are all coming from RS also. I do need to get an E-11 still. I see that certain makers are no longer in production and am looking to probably just get a pre-built blaster that will pass centurion. I would like one that I don't mind giving to someone and not having to worry they can break it. Hopefully that BBB comes soon and I can make my official build thread! Any other tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Matthew

I know this thread was started years ago, but I am looking at getting RS armor and I have looked at a few peoples build threads and seen that some of them say the armor is thin, which I know is good because it means less weight, but I don't want to get something that feels "cheap". I have heard that some of it feels as if it could break in your hands, they were specifically talking about the bucket. I would like a little weight to the armor. I had asked some questions in another thread and had been told RS is usually a bit on the thin side, but being totally new to this I don't fully understand how thin that is, especially compared to other makers. My question is has the armor really changed at all? Does someone have some pics of the difference in thickness of the different armors? Buckets specifically? Thank you.

Thank you for the heads up, I will make sure to do that!

Thank you very much!

Thanks so much. That video was very helpful as well. Looks like buying it is a good idea, and then customize a little from there. Thank you.

Hello, As the title says I am wondering anyones thoughts who have gotten and built with the RS strapping pack, or know of people who have. Was it sufficient and is it worth getting? I am guessing it is but just want to see what other peoples thoughts are on it. For reference this is my very first build and I am planing on getting a self build kit of ANH-S ABS. Thanks, Matt

Thank you. I am pretty sure I am going to go with RS and am thinking of getting his snap pack. I will stock up on the others while I wait!