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Alay

Imperial Attaché[TK]
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Posts posted by Alay

  1. That's crazy cheap! I paid almost $50 for a dozen at Princess Auto! I demand a do-over! I had no idea Home Depot carried them. Do you recall what section of the store? I'm not sure if they're hardware or tool and their website isn't being exactly helpful.<br>

    Just noticed now that you're in Windsor, CT, but I misread as Windsor, ON. Big difference in our dollar right now. Probably explains a lot.

     

    Dollar difference shouldn't be that huge though!  I believe they were by the screws/fasteners/etc in the store.  They didn't have a huge selection though!

     

    I figured I'd start on the Biceps!  But I don't have my black elastic yet (tomorrow) so.... Forearms it is!

     

    Also... I do have the correct pair there.. yeah?  I heard the left-side inside has some curve to it, the right arm is more straight on

     

    Bit of masking tape to hold one edge side by side.  I lined up the wrist edge roughly... should I do it from the other side instead?  

     V5aQQcK.jpg

     

     

    It's also pretty long on my arm, but not awful... should I trim it shorter?  If so from what side?

     

    yrOqRxd.jpg

     

    There's also a fair bit of gap between my arm/the armor.  Obviously I need enough room to slide my wrist in and out.  Should I trim it back to about the overlap?  Which side should I take the material off (I assume the inside?)

     

    dK0nOyR.jpg3TcbTo7.jpg

  2. I've seen many posts from disappointed and frustrated troopers that didn't properly heed this advice.  No experience with either, but everyone always says if you're going to go the heat gun route then to make sure you get comfortable using it on some scrap ABS first.

     

    Consider it heeded, warm to hot water seems much safer.  Would a hair dryer on low work as a light duty method too or too hot?

     

     

    Got some more tools for the job from home depot.  These videos have been great: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeDunMes3e0wQn8_ns-ma4g 

     

    iK9HnjU.jpg?1

    • Like 2
  3. Start with a celebratory dance.

     

    Already done!  I swear I'm on cloud nine today!

     

    I'm definitely going to have to resize a fair bit of the kit though, so off to buy a heat gun!  The kidney plate looks enormous on me haha

     

    Any suggestions?  What sort of heat does ABS melt at versus get bendy?

  4. Got my neck seal today from Veedox and it fits perfectly!  Great quality and feel!

     

    That takes care of all the soft bits so far.  Now we wait for the hard bits and construction.

     

     

    All-together pictures gloves/undersuit/neckseal/balaclava.  

    The compression bra worked perfectly too under it all so any fears of having an non-uniformed chest in armor have been put to rest.

     

    1FDlbga.jpg?1

     

    p3IaiZC.jpg?1

     

    Only concern I have now is my glasses fitting under my helmet.  Might need to get some tiny specs or day use contacts for trooping

    • Like 1
  5. This is exactly the approach to take. The wait will seem to be super long, but having the time to gather items and research, research, research will pay off. 

    Congrats on your order, and enjoy the build!

     

    Thanks :D

     

    Just got my undersuit today!  Pictures to come... I been having too much fun with this iComm on skype though!

    • Like 1
  6. Just finished up my AP build it was a lot of fun. There is absolutely a ton of knowledge and help on this site, you are off to the right start. So, to answer a couple of your questions. I do not believe (20) line 24 snaps will be enough I bought a hundred pack, ruined a couple not hammering incorrectly and I messed up sizing some nylon strapping so I lost a few that way as well. As far as E6000 I ended up using a tube and a half of glue. Hope this helps.

    It does!  I'll grab some more snaps in advance :)

     

    Just got my first box of construction bits from Amazon!  Never played with a Butane lighter before, but it's pretty cool... now to get over to fear the damn thing is gonna pop in my hand like a gun casing.  :laugh1:

    • Like 1
  7. Hey All,
     
    Still a bit of time on my AP armor, but I figure I'd start up a thread as my stuff comes in.
     
    I'm a total noob at this stuff, and not particularly handy with tools, so this will all be a huge learning experience for me.  I'm going to post as much of the process as I can so maybe others can learn from my inevitable mistakes and get some info along the way :)
     
    -----
     
    Now that my build is mostly done, I've decided to try and detail everything here in the OP for quick navigation, as well as provide links for purchase to things that helped me a lot.
     
    Trooper Information:
    Height - 5' 8"
    Weight - 125lb
    Build - Thin as a rail
    Feet - Huge
     
     
    Here's a rough list of what I purchased for this project...
     
    Armor Components:

    Electronics:

    Weapons:

    • SE-14r Pistol from Shawn Morgan
    • E-11 from QuestDesignCanada
    • DLT-19 from Hyperfirm

    Supplies:

    Tools:

    • Husky Razor + Replacement Blades
    • Needlenose Pliers
    • Snap Setter + Anvil  - Useful if you're good with a hammer, can make a racket, and have patience.  Didn't work well for me.
    • Snap Setting Pliers - These were very helpful and cheap, but I had to fiddle with cutting the female post.  They don't work very great so you gotta hammer the studs down after...
    • Gold Star Snap Press - Wish I bought this to begin with.  Sets them perfectly, no fussing around, no loud noise, and works great on the ab snaps for belt/etc.  You want the Die Set for Ring Snaps (double cap) 24 Ligne/15m set.
    • Tin snippers
    • Hammer - setting split rivets.
    • Power drill
    • Soldering Iron - Used for searing holes in nylon, elastic, etc.  Might want to get a plug-in one next time around.  Careful they get very hot.

    Storage:

    • Storage Bin from Target.  ~50gal and it has wheels :3

    The story thus far:
     
    Test fitting
    Thermal Detonator
    Chest/Back snap plates and arm construction.
    Forearm part 1
    Forearm part 2
    Completed arms + back/kidney/butt strapping.
    Test fitting #2
    Shin construction + shoulder coverstraps
    Helmet improvements part 1
    Helmet improvements part 2
    Drop box construction
    Shins test fitting with boots
    Thighs construction and ammo belt attachment
    Butt snaps and rod rivet
    Left side rivet installation (w/ details)
    Helmet S-Trim installation (centurion requirement)
    Rubber gloves and rubber guard installation (centurion requirement)
    Fitting the kidneys and the butt plate to my tiny frame
    Overlap stopper
    Completion and first full wear
    501st Membership Submission
    Submission Review
    Thighs refitting
    Reshaping the butt plate
    Shoulder and Bicep adjustments
    Belt Assembly Part 1: Belt Face & Holster
    Belt Assembly Part 2: Attaching the Belt
    Belt Assembly Part 3: Drop Boxes

    • Like 1
  8. Thanks for all the warm welcomes everyone :)

     

     

    Welcome to the FISD Sarah! Have you sighed up with the CTG? I'm up the road in the NEG. Good luck with your build!

     

    I have not!  I haven't really looked into Garrisons at all yet.  Is that something I should do even before I'm suited?

     

     

    Welcome, from Texas.

    Just remember 2 things:
    - take your time, rushing leads to huge mistakes.
    - small mistakes are okay. The original costumes literally handmade, so they were not perfect.

    Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

     

    Thanks and will do :)

     

    Hey Sarah and welcome to FISD! AP is a nice kit and you will be very happy with it. Make sure you do a ton of research and ask any questions you may have. Have fun and good luck!

     

    The pictures I've seen of it so far are absolutely lovely!  Can't wait to get my big brown box :D

  9. Hi All,

     

    Signed up ages ago for this great source of information.  I finally bought an AP kit.

     

    I'm a software developer in Connecticut, working on getting into the aerospace field.  I'm also a huge Star Wars nerd... but that's probably to be expected here ;)

     

    Build thread to come soon :)

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