SuperTrooper

There isn't a right and left, at least not that I could tell on mine. I just paired them up to get the best fit as parts can vary just from trimming.

Great idea, I like the overall look. Pretty sharp rig you have there, aren't you about ready for elite?

I wouldn't trust tape for that. It can shift slightly while you are working on it.

I've done it both ways, and here are the pro's and con's. If the armor is glued together first, you don't have to worry about the 2 helves matching up (because they are glued). But you have to be really really careful when cutting through 2 layers of plastic because even though I am very experienced with a dremel it was a bit unnerving. Obviously if you cut the 2 pieces separately, cutting goes easier, and I think it is easier to sand because there is less bulk to manipulate. If you do it this way triple check your measurements so your 2 pieces line up after your cut them.

I've found it's easier to trim the thighs at the top and the shins from the bottom. To keep the curve, use painters blue tape to mark where you want to cut and keep the profile. Use a dremel to get as close as you can and then sand the profile you want. ABS sands really easily, but make sure you don't sand the outside surface by accident.

In case I missed it in another thread. What kind of paint did you use on the bucket?

For now, and in the foreseeable future the elite standards will not specify a particular paint job on a blaster. Even in the movies there were differences in the actual sterlings, the stunt blasters, and the promo blasters. When we have hundreds of elite troopers, we'll start to get that picky .

You may have to take the same approach as those with accurate armor...............paint it.

Thanks for the pictures Boozel, I may have to get a set of RT shins now.

FX calves are the same size as they have always been.

The FX has larger shins than most. Thing is I'm 6'2" and I don't have nearly as much black showing at the knees and hips. It's possible that your mannequin has overly long legs and a short body since it looks like the chest piece is covering some of the ab buttons and is almost touching the belt.

The RT armor is the largest of the more accurate armors. I don't know how the thighs and calves compare to the FX, hopefully someone will post the outside circumference to compare. You can do a seamless shim if you have the patience and a little skill, but most folks use the time honored techniques that have worked for so many.

While Skull Works does have a business license, I don't believe the design is copyrighted. It's generally a nice gesture to give credit to those that gave you the inspiration to take the next step. Keep in mind if you ever borrow ideas from Hyperdyne Labs, they copyright everything and do keep an eye on the prop boards.

Mine are Testors Model Masters: Blue Angles Blue.

Way to go Jim .

Way to go Mark.

Blue painters tape is you best friend. I found it very helpful to lay a strip where I was going to cut to keep me straight. Also make sure you cut from the inside of the piece, that way if your dremel jumps and marks will not be seen.

Patience, there isn't a need to bump a thread after 7 minutes, 24 hours maybe. Alot of putting a trooper together is personal preference, and the answers to all your questions can be found on this forum. You can find a wealth of knowledge here if you spend some time scrounging around the threads, and some of the best tips are not always on the first page of a given area.

Both work, but I used a dremel. Also cut on the inside, that way if the dremel jumps the mark won't be seen.

Most armor makers sell parts. You could always get a set of accurate bells for your FX kit.

There is a template on the MEPD on how to make your own ab plate and sniper knee plate. Might be worth checking out.

The new elite standards got posted over the weekend. I'm sure Scott will be along shortly with an update.

Hey, the belt has buttons. I think you've got everything covered.

In the SE vhs Greedo shoots first, in the DVD they shoot at about the same time.

Thats why I value my original low quality laser disk to dvd transfer that came out 2 years ago. Now if Lucas would put the 1996 THX version on dvd or HD I'd be in heaver.