Pyrates

Right (taking a deep breath): ....................painting. So this is my attempt at painting the brow traps so I can get the brow trim on and fasten the helmet. I need honest thoughts on whether I continue painting or give Mark an email for another set of decals: Yes I did get the stencils from TB but found they didn't fit correctly - however they will still aid me in drawing the interior lines. I painted in my grey first painting just over the penciled line for the black area. Then using a .......#1 brush I painted in my black border. Once dried, I taped off my shaky brush strokes and gently used a toothpick to try and clean up my horrendous lines. I found that the toothpick was doing nothing to help me - I went into my TK surgery tools and pulled out my dental picks from Princess Auto. Using enough pressure to itch a fleas back I gently and slowly got the paint off and then used a Q-tip with a tiny amount of paint thinner to clean it up. Lastly, to thin out my black border I taped off what I wanted kept and painted the excess off with more grey. I let the paint sit for about 30 seconds and removed the tape. and here we are: Thanks for your opinions in advance, again painting is not one of my strong suits so I trust in you my friends. Decals or keep going?

One more timbit (lol) of information I wanted to share is TK Voice. "Themaninthesuitcase" has developed an app that I was very thankful to have the privilege trying on beta (oober thanks Chris). This is super beneficial to all who are tight on finances and or remedy the potential last minute failure of standard Aker/ iComm system before or during a troop. Big recognition to Chris and his personal dedication, commitment, and investment to making the magic happen. Absolutely brilliant idea! Check it out: TKVoice for IOS : Development Annoucement http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/index.php?/topic/32270-TKVoice-for-IOS-%3A-Development-Annoucement

So after some good old TK humor yesterday I have decided on a few changes. 1. I have a balaclava so I won't be using the screen from TB. 2. I'm going to try no Plastidip - my original intention was to help dowse the extra light and to better conceal me but after a quick test run on my heed I fill up the bucket quite nicely. None the less I am going to eat my words and follow my Captain's direction. Cheers Danimal!

Very kind of you good sir - I don't have any fx exposure but if there's any way I can help don't hesitate to ask [emoji106]

Very nice work!

Dan also has a stellar method using Velcro

Or maybe Mesh-Dip - "Just say No to Mesh" lol

Don't do that or you will get the name Minnie-Mesh[emoji23]

Figures[emoji23] We get the one Recruit Squad Captain who's Anti-Plastidip rofl

Kudos to you Dan - you always get me busting a gut [emoji23]

Patience for quality is a fair trade - I can relate to watching others pass you on the build schedule can be discouraging however it's not a race (as you already know) - it's the personal drive and determination to our goal of joining the old dawgs of the 501st that eats at us. When I went to school for my Journeyman Test, I was the last to finish, as a matter of fact 1 hour after everyone else, funny thing was I got the top mark in the class in my weakest area (fabricating sheet metal fittings). We will get there my friend and remember: you're not alone climbing this mountain - Whoo-Wahhh[emoji38]!

Time to kick-off this weekend with some groovy funk my fellow troopers in training - now get down with your bad selves [emoji12] http://youtu.be/fRr2kf84V2M I've always pictured a TK behind the turntables when I hear this song (Pyrates busting the moves[emoji23])

You're doing great Dave - I just didn't want you to cut yourself again [emoji106][emoji6] Keep it up mate!

That's some stellar work! Very nice job[emoji106]

Right then an update! First shin guard velcroed, thighs drying, tear decals on, upper cap trapezoids of helmet getting painted, forearms drying (again lol), elastics going onto shoulder bells, and a partridge and a pear tree - lots more to do this weekend and wee man is going to the Grandparents for the weekend!

Awwww yaaaa boyeeee! Looking pretty bad....uh... to the bone!

Both arms are identical- I asked Mark a few weeks ago [emoji2]

Sweet work mate and graduation isn't too far away!

I have started to try and paint but I cheated and got decal spray from TB in case I botch or if my paint job isn't good enough- I have to at least try for the experience [emoji23] Awesome tip again my friend and thanks!

Stellar progress Kris - brilliant work with that Blu-Tac stuff (are you referring to the stuff you put on the back side of posters?) I'm going to have to do that!

Beautiful job mate!

I have finished my modification on the kidney notch. It didn't come out as well as I had hoped imo - for now it will do and was worth the investigation. I will explore this again at a later time to see what other options are available but enough chitty chat here are the pics. I started with 200 grit, then moved to 600, 2500, then Novus 3 Scratch Remover Polish, and finally Novus 1. (3M will happen later when I get pick one up) Now to get the other side done Cheers mates and many thanks for your time!

I don't know about sleeping with it but it would definitely go on the mantle above the fireplace just below a wookie pelt[emoji23]

If you can score some red and green handled tin snips it will allow you to cut under control the major parts leaving some meat behind for you to fine tune out with a dremel and or micro file