Pyrates

Absolutely nothing wrong with that mate! Really looking forward to watching this all come together - subscribed! [emoji38][emoji106]

Time to prep the numbers. I'm using CA glue to secure them to the post

Once I finished drilling, I used the Dremel to clean everything up.

Next, drill a pilot hole and mark off the drill so I don't go to far. I used a small drill bit to create the pilot.

Because they are so small I chance scratching them up before installing them and chance a hack job so I'm taking the road less traveled. To begin I traced out the diameter of the number wheels.

Moving along, moving along... To make the numbers fit I have two approaches. Cut the numbers out and glue them into place or... Core a hole in the counter then fill it in with the number secured into place.

I absolutely love the determination and dedication mate, and by no means am I trying to discourage you in your quest. I myself was prepared to do an entire kit from pepakura. Then I started to get concerned with weight, maintenance, and all the extra heat generation and overall appearance. Those kits aren't as expensive anymore, and for around the same cost as what you are about to invest in doing. https://www.anovos.com/collections/star-wars-the-force-awakens/products/star-wars-the-force-awakens-first-order-stormtrooper-standard-kit-pre-order Super stellar work so far mate, and can't wait to see how it turns out. Here to help if I can as well so don't hesitate to ask!

Time to break them down

Next, was to find some decal numbers for the counter. Then I came across some counters.

With a little stretching of the spring, this detail is ready.

Right then, I needed a spring that would fit my QuestDesignCanada. I was in to one of my HVAC suppliers and low and behold there was some copper pipe bending springs. Quick test of the 1/2" O.D. bending spring and it fits like a charm!

Now I don't know about everyone else but I swear part of the fun for me is finding a way to make it work. Maybe too much MacGyver as kid, I don't know - none the less here's the progress...

Cheers mate [emoji482]

As I sit here waiting for items to dry, I'm chuckling to myself. I'm reminded of last year working to get my 501st membership and some of the first help I received was the abs paste recipe Joseph passed along to me. Here I am again making a fresh batch without having to research - wow safety tip: Stay away from the fumes of acetone, they cause flashbacks and chuckling when not in a well ventilated area

Stellar job you two [emoji38][emoji106]! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks kindly mate!

Right then, the plan of attack for the numbers area. I'm going to go looking for some decals that will fit the space as the ones from TrooperBay are a bit on the large side for this counter. For the viewing area I have a plastic face shield lens ready to be cut. That will be a story for the next update. Cheers my fellow Troopers and keep rocking! [emoji38][emoji106]

Now the first initial coat of paint using semi-gloss.

Once I was happy with the size I secured it in place using more CA glue and let it sit over night.

Dry fit showed that the button needed to be shaved down a bit more.

For the "reset button" I went into my abs scraps and found a suitable size piece to cut and file down.

Back to the counter, I need to grind out the area for the numbers and install a faux "reset button". I then used a micro file to clean up my edges. There was some chipping of the resin, however I have some bondo to fill that later.

Then with a toothpick I applied CA glue in the holes and anchored the wires just to the power cells, as there's still more work to be done on the counter.

Next was drilling the holes in the power cells. Again preset the holes using a sharp nail then slow and steady.