C0bra_M3nace

I could kiss you right now.

Shower humidity isn't going to ruin the armour. Think about the condensation inside from wearing it to troops. Besides, even if it does "yellow" over time, which it likely will. There's tons of polishes and cleaning solutions to help.

I know but I'd sooner hand paint it then buy a template with this exchange rate and then add $15 shipping.

Another question regarding helmet painting. I'm going to tackle the tear and trap stripes and I may even try my hand at a homemade template for the tube stripes. My question is this; does anyone know the "circumference" of the tube stripes? I thought doing the tube stripes would be very easy if I had something to carve around to make the curves just right?

I used JB Weld plastic repair putty and it worked flawlessly. My placement, however, differed from others. I also used motherboard posts in my putty. Had tons laying around from old computer builds.

Plugging away at it! As per feedback I tore the right thigh apart and trimmed it up some more. Focusing on the lower section around the knee. It was too loose and appeared to swallow the shin so I tightened it up! PS: Pic was taken in the mirror so it looks like the left leg but it's really my right

Alrighty. Chris and I got a lot done yesterday. And it's ALMOST complete. I do have some work to do, like pulling in the shoulders a bit tighter. I need to put straps from biceps to forearms and from chest to ab plate. I'm ask just waiting on delivery of my holster, neck seal and handguards. But this is my almost final product. It will look way better for my final submission photos I promise!

Minor update! Plans fell through with Chris last night, but I'm heading over there tonight instead to finish up my straps. Worked on it a bit last night and its going fantastic. I do notice that elastic straps on the sides isn't a good idea, unless I shorten them up because I get about a 1-1.5 inch gap. So instead I'll try nylon strapping for the sides and hopefully that'll help. Other than that, Chris and I will be working on my straps and sizing tonight. It's going to be great to get a second eye on it while it's being done and we'll likely have some pictures to show. I'm just waiting on my Darman neck seal and holster in the mail; based on where it is, it should be sometime this week! Once I get those two things I'm ready to rock for 501st approval, then onto EIB and Centurion!

Careful though, if you're referring to TK1636. His videos are great but he also shows experienced methods. I don't recommend using CA glue unless you're very comfortable, I would also stray far away from a belt sander lol. I even ditched the Dremmel idea as soon as I touched plastic with it and realized it's no joke. Just take your time, trim tiny bits at a time and sand. There are some excellent build threads in here. One of which is basically a step by step tutorial. Just read as much as you can, soak in info and frequent the Expert Infrantry Applications threads. They're full of useful info and tips. Most of all, don't worry too much. Once you get going all stress starts to alleviate. I recommend starting a build thread though, and just ask as many questions as possibly. There's plenty of helpful hands here to get you finished and ready to rock for May 4th.

Yeah, I don't think you'll be able to do cover strips from the excess you cut off but if that's all you have then you may have no choice. It's not hard to find "cover strip" plastic though from Trooperbay or other sources.

Thanks man! I should have it finished tonight, just have a tad more strapping to do. Then I'm just waiting on my holster and neck seal which should land sometime this week and boom.

Ahh wasn't aware he only did E-11s. I figured he did others as well.

Brett at Quest Designs Canada makes and sells a resin kit. Going to be ordering mine soon! I've heard great things about them. Brett.fulford@sympatico.ca I'm sure he'd be happy to give you more info.

I know a buddy of mine went to a local Fastenal and they had some in stock lol. Just a matter of luck.

The tops of the ankles on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th link look a little too low. You want them to be tall like the first link. Hope I explained that well.

Hard to see from the pictures but is there a return edge along the bottom?

Hey that was me!! Lol. Actually I asked that just before receiving my armour, which I did on the 22nd of February. I'm not almost done. I'm heading over to a fellow 501st members tonight so we can "hammer" off the snaps. See what I did there? Hahaha. Anyways. I did mine very quickly but I had a lot of support from my wife and, of course the members here, and was able to put at least 14 hours a week into it or more. Just do your research, find you references and have them handy and you should be more than done by May; Given you can spend the time at it. Good luck with the build my friend!

Yeah! The only holes made are for the split rivets. The snaps are placed on nylon webbing or scrap abs then glued to the inside of the armor.

I highly doubt magnets will hold up to trooping. I'm concerned the snaps, which are really hard to press together, are not going to hold up.

So you recommend elastic for mounting? I'm getting my hands on a sewing machine tomorrow so I can properly attach everything to the belt. Hopefully it goes well, all else fails I'll just look at other options.

Almost exactly what I did. Was recommended to me by about half a dozen other troopers.

I was going to go that route but I decided not to with the Canadian dollar the way it is. It makes it a bit too expensive. I may grab it eventually but we'll see how things go.

Another question. Nylon strapping vs. Elastic for the thighs. I have a nylon belt that I'm going to use. I just have to make the snap and strap from thigh to belt but I'm torn between elastic and nylon. Maybe strength is my big issue. I want it to hold up to the troops. I do plan on glueing the snap together with a support piece on the thigh so the thighs are permanently attached to the garter. Any pros/cons or preferences and why?

Awesome so it shouldn't be a problem. My kit fits me really well and I just want some extra hold on the sides to keep them aligned. Maybe I'll try it out. Worse that can happen in out six snaps and have to change to straps or elastic. Big whoop. Thanks man! You've been such a huge help during this whole build!

Quick question: What are your guys thoughts on ABS "Plates" for holding the Ab and Kidneys together at the sides. I would glue black elastic along he seem line on the inside so it would be black. I feel like it would just hold everything much better.