djmatrix09

Whoohoo! Thanks so much. This is totally awesome. Super stoked. [emoji16] Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Beautiful! Turned out great. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Looks awesome. Very happy with the result! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

I ran out of large clamps to do both side shims, so here's a quick pic of the right side shim curing. Used the same butt join method like the LHS, and all the other major joins. EIB is so close! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Curing on the bench now. I ran out of large clamps last night. Lol Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Turned out pretty well. Thanks for the help, everyone. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Finished product! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Build log updated. Waiting on my E6000 to cure. Also added Centurion snap on RHS of Ab plate. Picture tomorrow. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Got some great feedback on the ab shims, and got back into my shop to update the left side. Pulling three Rivets was a pain, but I got it figured out. Since I was working the ab plate anyways, I installed the right side snap as well. Here's hoping EIB is in my sights! Cheers! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Okay guys. I'll figure it out tonight. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Contribution sent! 3CP76263W4883143V Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

While baby was catching some Zzz's last night, I trimmed my forearms' return edge. [emoji16] Getting to Centurion will take a bit longer, but my wife is encouraging me to achieve that level of detail. Motivation comes from anywhere, you know. Lol Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Perfecto! Thank you. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Congratulations, Tom! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

I noticed my Chicago Screws are loosening on my belt. Any tips for keeping them fastened? I'm not sure if permanently fastening with glue is a good idea. Looking for ideas... Thanks! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Congratulations! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Congratulations! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Also, for those of you following along this holiday season... Inform Lord Vader that BB-61515's shuttle has arrived. Mom and baby are doing great, so happy! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Link to my EIB submission: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/applications/tapatalk/index.php?/topic/43776-TK-61515-Requesting-ANH-Stunt-EIB-Status-WTF Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

It's looking good! Hand painting the bucket is definitely the way to go. I've never been good with models, so it was a whole new endeavor for me. Yours looks great. And if you flub up, it's easily fixed. Just keep working at it a bit at a time. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

I never knew a suit of plastic space trooper armor could make me so self conscious of my love handles. LMAO [emoji16] Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

I've been doing some research into the ab/kidney shim EIB requirement, and it stems from early pre-2010 troopers with canvas or vinyl shims in that region. The intent, from previous discussions and CRL polls, was to encourage like-material shims and eliminate black peeking through the armor. Another concern was wrinkled fabric or wavy velcro/plastic which didn't provide a finished, closed look. To that effect, I think my solution is adequate to fulfill the spirit of the accuracy requirement. Another option would be to use ABS paste, and spare trim stock and hopefully not ruin my armor. The risk, to me, outweighs the reward because potentially scrapping my armor doesn't seem like a reasonable trade. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the comments, Magni. I think you're right, I'll just need to wait on Tony and Andy. This shim situation is becoming a frustrating endeavor. I'll keep the sniper idea in mind, though I think the picture makes the overhang worse than it actually is. At the last armor party, I learned to pitch the sniper forward a bit, to ensure my kneecaps aren't sliced open. Great tip! Though as a result of the forward tilt, it makes the lower edge pucker out. Something to tweak before Centurion. In my build log, I went back to the ears a few times. My hugenormous noggin is partially to blame, when I was fitting the cap and back to the face plate, I pitched it so my head would fit. I've seen a couple of EIB WTF passes with thicker ears, so I'm confident it will hold up. Definitely going to trim them way down before Centurion (as well as upgrading my blaster per Tony's input). Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Thank you shashachu and illusionz_09 for the feedback. I suited back up and had my wife mark where the shim overlap occurs. With my trusty xacto knife, I scored the lines and snapped the material. They're goofy trapezoid shapes, but they fit the gap flush now. I also made the slight belt dressing adjustment as well so it sits just below the ab buttons. It is challenging getting the shim perfect once the belt is on, but it looks really good. I will say the WTF armor isn't necessarily built for a person thicker in the waist. My body type is just slightly thicker in the mid section and thighs. Again, thanks for the sharp observations, and here's hoping my EIB passes. Cheers! Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Tony, that looks amazing! We'll done, Sir. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk