TK3202

Shins or thighs?

Would RT thighs be bigger than these fx ones? And do they look less like tree trunks? lol. I already ordered a chest plate from him.. if the thighs are bigger, I'll just add that to my order then! Thanks guys.

lol screw that . But seriously, Ive run the gammot on weight.. everywhere from 155 to 225 (now 195) and every where in between, and my legs are always the same size lol. Not an ounce of fat in them, which ... in situations like this, becomes a slight pain in the ars. Definitely helped play defense in soccer though back in the day .

Whew, great, good to hear! The sad thing is that I'm not a heavy guy, ya know? It's just my build. I tried widening up top in a V like you suggested last night actually on one of them (i think it's the left...), but, while it felt a little better, it really didn't make it come up any farther really. And I'd think the shim would make it look kinda ugly for such a small adjustment, ya know? I'll try to get the thighs smaller down towards the knees, but it's good to know I'm not alone out there. Can't wait to finish all my upgrades. Thanks for the support in the last few weeks helping me through this, everyone!

Hey guys, I must be doing a good job at slowly getting my TK to elite standards(most parts ordered, just waiting ), because I'm finally seeing all the probems with FX armor lol. I already have an RT mod chest plate on the way, but what I'm noticing in pics now, bothers me. I've always known the thighs on the FX armor kits were stocky, but I needed this as my thighs are bigger than any of the brits in the actual suits. I'm not a big guy, but my legs are just really muscular, which causes some issues... I can't seem to hike them up to make the top of the thigh only an inch or two from the side of the cod piece like other types of kits. However, I've noticed that other FX kits being submitted for Elite status seem to have the same issue, and were accepted.. but it doesn't mean it doesn't erk me. I don't know if I should be able to hike the thighs any higher, but i know my legs simply won't allow it lol. It looks fine by itself, but next to other kits, I have a larger black void below the waist line, ya know? Anyway, I was wondering if there are any thighs out there that would be better for me, and if not, if there's anything I can do with my thighs or if it's just how FX kits run. I'll try to get some pics here for you guys from my last troop this past weekend. I tried to show the thighs here at all sides. Please tell me what you think I should do.. I've already put a new set of snaps in my thigh straps, and I don't think I can go any higher here...:

Yea, there was one guy recently who got in with just 2 like I did and with snaps . Thanks for lookin out for me though.

Ok, I am SO proud of myself . I used the existing holes in the ab plate where the bolts were in holding the old plastic belt, and used that to put the snaps in on either end. I put snaps in either side of the fabric belt.. it's PERFETLY level and the holster is done too! Thanks guys for the help!

Thanks bud. I just attached the snaps to the holster tonight... it's so awesome not to have the slots that you put the belt through anymore . I'm debating if I want to use snaps on the front, or just do velcro. At the very least, since I can't sew it by my troop this weekend, I'll use sticky velcro on the fabric and the ab plate/back plate to make it stay for the troop. I'd think it would stay on the cloth long enough for the troop at least... if not, maybe use rivets to hold the velcro in since I can't sew... Hey, it's something!

Thanks guys! I'm hoping to do the snaps in time, but if not... I could always put some sticky velcro on the belt to last just the one troop before I get something more permanent done. I just hope it stays on haha.

Hey guys, quick q. I'm on the long, tedious road to Elite class, and one of the many things I've done was to get myself a cloth belt (kudos to Fitz btw). Thing is, now it moves. And this is without the holster, which I'm afraid will make things even worse. It will want to sag down, even when the belt is tight. My old plastic belt was fastened to the ab plate, so I'm not used to this kind of movement. What's a simple way to make this stop? I'm sick, and I only have about a week till my next troop, so I need something that can be done in house, and quickly. Thanks guys.

PM sending in about 2 minutes...

I'll be upgrading my TK belt to the cloth kind. I currently have the plastic FX belt (that I hate) but I have some questions... First, the "rivet caps" on the end and the middle of the belt are molded into the belt design. How am I supposed to put the cloth belt on the abs part if I can't put these caps on the rivots to hide them as they are part of the mold itself? Second, my belt is attached to the ab piece itself via what looks like a small screw or bolt or something (shrug). I'm not at my suit right now to look, but one on each end of the plastic belt holds each side in so it can pivot on that one bolt. Should I just cut the cloth belt so it attaches in a similar way so i dont have to deal with taking the belt off the ab piece? Third, where do I get the metal clips for the thermal detonator as I'm only using velcro atm? I didn't assemble my belt part (was done for me) so this is why I know so little about this area of the gear. If anyone knows what the heck I'm talking about, please help . I'll provide pics if I can tonight. Thanks Darryl TK3202

Of course! Glad I could help

I think a question on many people's mind: What does the back look like? The only one I can find with a back pic is actually for sale atm on the main boards. However, the ab paint job looks a little innacurate (ugh.. and the fx bucket..): ------------- Thanks! Darryl-

Btw, if it means anything, I think your trooper was done beautifully, and if it's not accepted it's a real shame. I for one am one of the "tks should be left crisp, white and clean" but I also don't see the point in saying other people can't do what they want. If there are many shots of all the sides of the trooper, and he's in multiple sources.. it should be able to be done. Even if it will never be 501st approves.. always remember it's YOUR suit. Any good garrison leader will tell you that, and if YOU are proud of it.. since it's your property and your love and joy.. that's all that matters my friend . Darryl-

Hard hat liners work wonders as well for an MRCE. Check out my thread for pics of how to set that up. It stays with your head, which was my biggest complaint with the cheap foam padding in the MRCE bucket.

Awesome, now I can have a total redo of the bucket without painting it white again . It won't hurt the white finish will it? (IE: smear the blue all over the white) This thread is turning out to be pretty useful! haha Thanks for the tip! I'll be sure to upgrade them and post when I do. Darryl

Great job . And you have to paint the screws... they come standard silver .

Finished pictures!

Here is my process of the last part of my MRCE no paint mod! First draw a line with pencil where you want to cut. Take a thin piece of cardboard and put it between the dome and the face plate so that when you cut off the plastic, it will hit the cardboard.. not the face plate. Cut out a curve so that it fits the ear cap: Take a hacksaw and very slowly start to make a groove towards the middle of the bucket. Be sure to work towards the ear but not get too close as if you hit the plastic you may make an unwanted groove or something with the metal saw. We'll take care of the last part of the dome later: Once it's cut.. snap it off at either end by pulling.. you should have this: Take some wire cutters and cut the rest of the curve: Now, put the rubber strip on the bucket and glue it to the side of the bucket on the ends, and other various spots.. not the whole length: Oh NO! What's this?!?!?! It's a little dimple mark from the mold that was hidden by the brow! Oh well.. you know the drill. Caulk it! Put some caulk on some thin cardboard you used for the protective piece and use it as a straight edge to smear it on flat. Wipe clean with paper towel. Paint after 2 hours of drying with Testers #1145:

It's 501st approved because I've seen countless MRCE and other buckets for that matter with tube stripes the same color. I'll do them one day, but honestly, I don't like the toy blue as much. And hey, they approved me! So I guess it's all gravy. While I'm by no means trying to recreate the move along trooper, it will be raised similarly to his yes. No don't just pull it off bud . There's super glue every once in a while. SLOWLY pull off the black brow from one corner to the other, and use a hobby knife anywhere where it seems to snag from the glue. There was only one spot on the right center that I had problems with.. but it still came off with some love. Just be sure to go slow. Pictures tonight!

Yep it fits your head great that way and is very comfortable . It you do it the other way than you can't see as it blocks you lenses . Try it out! Works like a charm.

Hey, no problem. I got the white hard hat from here and just ripped the part that I showed you from it. I had the hard hat with the bill dremeled off in my AT-AT Driver bucket before I put padding inside it. http://www.aosafety.com/diy/head_main.cfm The Testors is #1145 Good luck! Can't wait for the brow to be done

Raising the brow.... Check in tomorrow night

It looks great for a while. Problem is there's no way of cleaning it and for some reason dust and dirt are almost attracted to it. After a while a suble color change is evident. Painting over it with latex not only looks better and stays that way, but it also acts as a way to make it more glossy to better match your abs bucket. Trust me, it works