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Scimitar

501st Stormtrooper[TK]
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Posts posted by Scimitar

  1. It looks like you're attaching your knee the way I did mine originally, focusing on centering the notches across the cover strip and lining up the side ridges, which results in a slightly crooked knee plate. Unfortunately this was not acceptable for Centurion approval, so to straighten it out you'll want to offset the knee a bit.

     

    Before:

     

    30898112327_f4dae96421_b.jpg&key=5563d38

     

    After:

     

    46734762191_8e6dd9107c_b.jpg&key=99966ad

  2. 38 minutes ago, snorcross11 said:

    So is anyone else backing out because of how bad anovos has screwed everyone over in the shipping estimate or are you just waiting since we’ve waited this long? I was tempted to leave before they sent the last update with photos but now idk if I can put up with this for another year.

    I'm waiting to see if it actually ships per their last estimate (shipping prior to Celebration in April). If it does not, then I will be cancelling. Of course a week after I get my refund they'll start shipping. lol

  3. Keep it up! You'll appreciate later that you curved the plastic ammo belt when attaching it. I didn't do that the first time I built my belt and there was stress on the plastic reinforcement inside the canvas belt and quite a bit on the rivets when I snapped it to the ab. It's a small detail but it will help with the longevity of the connections.

     

    Regarding the garter belt, I think it's just fine where you have it, you want to be as comfortable as you can be. And when you're fully kitted up it won't be very visible as the ammo belt almost completely covers it up. Most of the general public won't even notice it. When it comes time I'd also recommend running the garter straps along the sides of your legs instead of the front, this allows for more flexibility and movement. You can see how the belt and straps sit in my setup below:

     

    31966828168_7ef0a4a313_b.jpg

     

    • Like 1
  4. Thank you Dan! And thank you to everyone else for the support and helping talk me down from my frustration ledge!

     

    And I'll make the change on the E-11 pronto, mine (chain link from Home Depot) was inspired by other people's build threads but it is definitely different and a detail that I had overlooked.

     

    2 hours ago, wook1138 said:

    Ah, the sniper knee...

    The great rite of passage to the AP Brotherhood.

    Haha! No kidding!

    • Like 2
  5. 38 minutes ago, ukswrath said:

    If I may interject here. We understand your frustration, what Dan (and the DOs) are more concerned over the heavy lean to one side. We're not expecting perfection. If you take a look at the last 4+ AP Centurion applicants you'll notice they don't have that lean, not to mention some of them are relatively centered. We believe If you repositioned it a bit it would look more accurate. You can do it brother :duim:

      

     

    Thanks Tony, I do understand. And I used other AP Centurion apps for the adjustment, this is trimmed, glued, and curing. Will retake front, left, right shots when I can take the tape/magnets off.

     

    39766064983_69aae8f8eb_z.jpg

    • Like 1
  6. Hi Dan, thanks for the feedback first and foremost! But I'm a little flustered at the moment about this, when I was researching my build an item I noted as continually called out in Centurion applications was that the knee plate was not centered over the shin cover strip. The only way to get the AP knee plate centered over the coverstrip is to have it at an angle as I have it (which isn't as obvious when I'm kitted up). But the only way to mostly straighten the AP knee plate horizontally is to offset the knee's center over the coverstrip (image borrowed from Greg's (wook1138) build thread):

     

    46677343782_6a584ef3f7.jpg

     

    For reference, with the knee plate centered & level and aligned to the other shin ridge, this is the resulting alignment on the left shin ridge (right when viewed from the front). The angles are obviously different and getting the ridges to align will pull that left side down no matter how much the knee plate is trimmed.

     

    46005396544_f259f917f7.jpg

     

    So I'm feeling a bit stuck between a rock and a hard place with this but I've just removed the knee plate and am changing it to the offset position to mostly level out the knee plate. I'll post again when it's complete.

  7. Yup! Using a template is very helpful in getting everything to line up when you go to put the snaps in the straps. At first I was punching holes though my template and then heat sealing the edges but I switched to just using the soldering iron to make the holes. That removed a step and, with the properly sized iron tip, it made the holes just the right size for the snap posts.

     

    Build is looking great! Keep up the good work!

  8. 11 minutes ago, Bud Spaklur said:


    The guy who owns voicebooster (sells the iComm and amps) sells full body mannequins that can bend to how you want them, FYI.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    Thanks, I had seen his mannequins before. I spent considerably less to try this one out and fortunately all was not lost as I can still use it but I guess I'm going to have pony up a bit more to have a reliable setup.

  9. 2 hours ago, Bud Spaklur said:

    Flippin awesome armor, Eric. And again, great professional-grade photography! Good luck! (I don’t think you’ll need it, though.)


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    Thanks Matt!

     

    11 minutes ago, CableGuy said:

    Welcome back, Eric.

     

    Thanks for such a wonderfully presented application. We'll be with you soon. :salute:

     

    BTW... I really want a mannequin now! ;)

    Thank you Dan! I can't wait! :)  

     

    You'll love having one if you get one! I'm still trying to find a good full body mannequin, my first one stayed standing for about 12 hours before it tipped over in the middle of the night (likely due to flexing plastic + foot mods needed to slip the thigh armor on). Fortunately no major damage to my kit, I just had to get the Novus out for a couple of scratches. It was summarily transferred to TIE Reserve duty. But the half body mannequin I use is very stable and it looks like a 1:1 Gentle Giant bust sitting in the room. My wife wants it back at some point though. lol

    • Like 1
  10. Name: Eric Ripley

    Height: 6'0”

    Weight: 160 lbs

    FISD Forum Name: Scimitar

    Legion ID#: 17529

    Garrison: Georgia

    501st Member Page: 501st Member Page - TK-17529

    EIB Application: EIB Approval Thread - #875

     

    Armor: AP

    Helmet: AP

    Blaster: HyperFirm E-11

    Boots: Imperial Boots

    Canvas Belt: AP

    Hand Plates: Rubber (AP)

    Electronics: Ukswrath (Hovi-tip Speakers, Hearing Assist, & Fans)

    Neck Seal: Darman's Props

    Holster: AP
     

    Build Thread: Scimitar's ANH Stunt Build - AP

     

    --------------------------------------------------------------------

     

    The visual improvement that was suggested in my EIB approval was to correct the ab return edge to match the kidney return edge. I made sure to do that but haven't had a chance to wear my kit since then, so here's pictures on my mannequin:

     

    45742535755_f7112ae045_b.jpg

     

    39692580953_f7112ae045_b.jpg

     

    Something I noticed after I posted my EIB application was that I had forgotten to bend my shoulder bridges down in the back to contour better with the back plate, so here's updated photos for reference:

     

    31065558807_cdb2d7e16e_b.jpg&key=1d399bf

     

    31065558837_c750553e42_b.jpg&key=4d81ee9

     

    --------------------------------------------------------------------

     

    Now, onto the checklist!

     

    Front:

     

    30898113727_17ec20f282_b.jpg

     

    Back:

     

    44924924195_2cfcb62698_b.jpg

     

    Left:

     

    44924924615_fd01ca2559_b.jpg

     

    Right:

     

    31966828168_7ef0a4a313_b.jpg

     

    Ab Detail - Buttons:

     

    30898113667_100d9d63ee_b.jpg

     

    Hand Plates (Flexible):

     

    45113095774_50228308c3_b.jpg

     

    45788520792_0fde2a6b12_b.jpg

     

    Shoulder Bridge Back:

     

    31065558677_5e9858d486_b.jpg&key=b3990ad

     

    Shoulder Bridge Front:

     

    45788520762_5feb1ae0df_b.jpg

     

    Back/Chest Connection:

     

    45113095624_c55a9696ce_b.jpg

     

    Thigh Pack Attachment (from right & left):

     

    30898112177_2088d49929_b.jpg

     

    30898112277_b7fb42fdb8_b.jpg

     

    Knee Plate:

     

    30898112327_f4dae96421_b.jpg

     

    31966827368_01186266de_b.jpg

     

    30898112307_ea1f716c46_b.jpg

     

    Drop Box Back:

     

    31966827158_071079d87b_b.jpg

     

    Cod & Butt Plate Attachment:

     

    30898113607_9f51ae9fed_b.jpg

     

    Cod Split Rivet Inside Snap:

     

    44924923885_7f5c93e848_b.jpg

     

    Interior Strapping:

     

    31966828018_0b06f593c1_b.jpg

     

    Arm Strapping:

     

    31966827088_1f94184571_b.jpg

     

    Kidney Plate Notches:

     

    30898112117_b6e43de347_b.jpg

     

    30898112067_b35f8173b1_b.jpg

     

    Wrist Side of Forearms:

     

    46605449072_dbda909f35_b.jpg

     

    Helmet Front:

     

    45788521442_d7cb8e5652_b.jpg

     

    Helmet Right/Left:

     

    45788521372_ffb70b5003_b.jpg

     

    45113095924_37aaea9e92_b.jpg

     

    Back:

     

    45113096334_e114001c0e_b.jpg

     

    Hovi Mic Tip Detail:

     

    30898111677_834d8d662c_b.jpg

     

    Lens Color (Backlit):

     

    31966827768_351b4d4e57_b.jpg

     

    S-Trim:

     

    45788520992_06a0b5afdb_b.jpg

     

    Blaster Right:

     

    31966827698_e47b538ddc_b.jpg

     

    Blaster Left:

     

    44924922645_d1503a37b9_b.jpg

     

    Blaster D-Ring:

     

    45113095134_7eb3b635e7_b.jpg

     

    Neck Seal:

     

    45788520882_1541e207ae_b.jpg

     

    Thermal Detonator - Back:

     

    45837999171_5b7af8b86b_b.jpg


    Holster Attachment (Front):

     

    30898112807_402706a5ba_b.jpg

     

    Holster Attachment (Back):

     

    31966827478_f4884f72fd_b.jpg

     

    Thank you in advance!! Please let me know if anything else is needed!

    • Like 1
  11. I've sorely needed to update this thread, it's been a crazy month to say the least.

     

    Troop #: 9

    Date: December 3, 2018

    Location: Atlanta Hospice Center

    Event: Private Family Visit

    Event Charity: N/A

     

    We were asked to come visit a 17 year old girl who had beat so many odds but who was facing the end. The family was determined to celebrate every moment and had asked us to come visit her in the midst of all their activities as they are big Star Wars fans. This was definitely one of the more emotional visits I've done so far, but the family was so happy to see us (especially the dad who had no idea we were coming) and our presence seemed to bring a bit of comfort to them. It was a tough but amazing experience.

     

    46481342991_68cb43820d_z.jpg

     

    ---------------------------------------------------------

     

    Troop #: 10

    Date: December 7, 2018

    Location: CHOA Egleston Hospital - Atlanta

    Event: Snapshots with Santa

    Event Charity: CHOA

     

    My last troop for the year was Snapshots with Santa, as always, the kids there loved us and Santa was a lot of fun himself. Each time I do an event like this I marvel at how strong these kids (and families) can be considering what they're facing. It's truly amazing. And I always hope that we make their day a little brighter, even if just for a moment.

     

    45757909474_2707dd876e_z.jpg

     

    45568257825_32b500352b_z.jpg

     

    44664386950_0d406c7625_z.jpg

     

    45568257985_7d0de83eed_z.jpg

     

    31541464417_f22dd1df29_z.jpg

    • Like 1
  12. 20 hours ago, Bud Spaklur said:


    Curious about the effects the rain had on your electronics. I keep mine in my chest, but I think if I were to be in bad weather, I’d elect to not troop with all the electronics in the chest. Was it cold as well? Appears so.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

     

    20 hours ago, Cricket said:

    I had my electronics turned off.  I don't think anyone had electronics on that day.  If they did, I don't think they would have been working by the end of the troop. 

    I had my fans and Ukswrath hovi-speakers on for the duration of the parade, no issues and fortunately everything is still working as it should, which is a real testament to the speakers themselves as they are exposed. My electronics "boxes" are mounted to the sides of the helmet near the ears, so I think that kept them unexposed to the water that did get in. And man, was there water everywhere. I dumped quite a bit out of the helmet at the end.

     

    19 hours ago, Bud Spaklur said:


    Wow, that’s dedication. I feel like you guys should have a special patch just for that troop. That’s one I would’ve been like, “oh, yeah, ummm, my kid puked....uh, I can’t make it today. Sorry guys!”

    Nice job, though. Now I’m thinking I need to buy some real deal, thermal undersuit...


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    There was a lot of stopping and standing during the parade, so to keep myself distracted from the wind and rain I was mentally designing a vinyl/patch to represent the event. I need to sit down and put it on the computer at some point.

     

    I was joking that day that I should have worn a diving suit under the armor. Seriously though, the cold weather compression gear by Tesla works really well. But I'd only recommend it for a colder, outdoor event, anything else and you'll likely get too warm. Not sure how it would do in a rainy event, it might get pretty soggy with the additional lining.

  13. Troop #: 7

    Date: 11/25/18

    Location: CHOA Egleston Hospital - Atlanta

    Event: CHOA Egleston Visit

    Event Charity: N/A

     

    After almost a month without trooping a last minute request popped up for this visit. I feel that visits such as these are why we do what we do, bringing smiles to kids (and adults) faces. Helping these amazingly strong kids to forget their reality for just a moment makes a huge difference. I was the only Garrison member with a costume able to attend, fortunately I did have a Garrison handler come too, so I mixed it up with the other group that was there.

     

    45150882255_f742f9e521_z.jpg

     

    32191430248_74bb332e91_z.jpg

     

    ---------------------------------------------------------

     

    Troop #: 8

    Date: December 1, 2018

    Location: Peachtree Street, Atlanta

    Event: CHOA Christmas Parade

    Event Charity: CHOA Charity Event

     

    It was cold. It was raining non-stop. It was windy. That didn't stop a group of around 80 members and handlers from going out and marching down Peachtree Street. And we were very well received! So many happy kids and parents calling out characters or yelling thanks for being out there. Definitely a memorable event just due to the weather. A group of us decided to remain as canon as possible (candy cane blasters were the only non-canon items as blasters were not permitted this year) and it turned out very well with the way the groups were organized in line.

     

    45430878604_24d69642d0_z.jpg

     

    45430878624_105894c69d_z.jpg

     

    Some soaked folks decided to bypass the group shot:

     

    46154660901_4ea6c9b5e1_z.jpg

     

    One of our members is notorious for wandering during the parade, so pre-parade we showed him what we'd do if he decided to wander off...

     

    46154661671_6b8a608406_z.jpg

     

    Here I am mostly center/right screen (with the binders) on TV. :).

     

    45568024375_3841ed0068_z.jpg

     

    • Like 3
  14. 1 hour ago, Cricket said:

    I use FogTech Anti-Fog solution on my TK lenses and have never seen fogging show up!  I even used it in my plague doctor mask at DragonCon this year and my lenses stayed clear for the entire 5 hours in it (no fans in there).  The stuff works and works well.  :duim:

    Second the FogTech solution, worked extremely well yesterday in a very rainy parade!

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