Brattie

hurm.. see it depends on the buds for me. Some feel comfortable and don't bother me, others would drive my ears nuts. At the same time I like the idea of noise being cancelled out and being able to hear really well. I think it's a safety thing as well. If out trooping it would be good to be able to hear what's going on around you without it being muffled. I'll have to seriously consider this purchase when I get paid next and after I pay off my armor. If I'm lucky the CDN dollar rebounds a bit by then and it's not such a hit as I'm sure his prices are USD.

ooo Blood inside the bucket.. awesome! btw.. I found your thread.. hahahha.. So what shall we talk about - chuckles - Wishing you all the best on your build.. may you get started long before I do and run into lots of issues so you have the answers when I get lost in my build... KIDDING! Good luck Bonkerbot!

No worries about the paint.. About the Audio system: Which would you choose and why? Option 1) SHA PCB (v1 speaker) with Black or White sleeve, 9v, Black or White mic cables, 91db Speakers with additional volume control Option 2) SHA PCB (v2 ear bud) with Black or White sleeve, 9v, Black or White mic cables. No speakers, customer supplied ear buds

Hi Scott.. Thank you for your awesome &lt>br< response - teasing!! I never thought of a hearing assist setup.. sounds like an interesting idea. I will def. look into it. Why are you so against paint? I just think having the inside of your bucket black finishes it off and gives it that look of not being plastic. Help is always appreciated. Thank you. If you have links or such where I can learn more about the hearing aids for troopers.. please feel welcome to post them.

Alright.. Topics for discussion please: Interior Bucket Painting: what paint to use what paint not to use other tips and tricks Bucket Electronics: Fans How many fans is enough? Does Echo truly not answer PMs that often? (Kidding) Best positioning of Fans Voice amps / Icomms Placements Is it worth it or can it wait Sound choices Blaster Painting: What paint to use what paint not to use what glue to use when parts break from people touching things that aren't theirs even though they had been told to keep their tiny little fingers off of it and were reminded of the last time they got their hands on something that wasn't meant for them and how that broke and made someone really sad and it was very hard to fix. Possible items that could be used for the lenses in the scope Grip Weathering - is it worth it Speed tape (tin tape) used in ejection port (I love the look and may weather mine a bit to take away some of the shiny newness it has) (Still have some cleaning up to do etc. Etc. Stickers / Decals Best way to help vinyl stickers adhere to hard plastic Helpful tips for others: When painting with Plastic paint remember to use an exact-o knife to cut around the edges before pealing off painters tape or try to remove painters tape while paint is still wet. This will help reduce the ripping of the plastic paint on your item If you have painted your hard plastic container and you want to add "FLARE" through the use of Glow-in-the-dark Paint.. - fun and kewl btw - Never apply over top of plastic paint as it creates pitting and bubbles and will peel off your plastic paint. If you have a blaster, the most delicate part of it are the parts that stick out where small fingers want to play. Like the switch that doesn't move to turn the blaster from automatic to single, etc.

hehehe Thanks.. Have to remind myself to get these pads for my Helm // Ahh NVM.. ordered.. Laugh

BUILD UPDATE ATTENTION.. ATTENTION.. INCOMING UPDATE ON OP BUILD.. PLEASE DO NOT MOVE ALONG because these boots will do some stompin' cuz that's just what they'll do.. one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over with you!!! TA DAAAAAA I have tried them on and I picked right.. being with a wide foot I went 1 size up from my Docs and they fit great. I think once I work am in a little I could probably even put in some inserts to add to the comfy. Going to wear them off and on to work em in. Thanks TK Boots!

Alright.. a few more questions. And I'm not joking. People seem to think I'm being funny when I ask these.. WASHROOM needs: I was advised by a nice guy to " PEE before your troop, you'll sweat out the rest. IT all comes down to properly and completely hydrating PRIOR to trooping. Pounding down a water right before jumping in will not be enough. MOST troops that last longer than an hour or two will allow for breaks, so I would not worry about that too much." And I agree, but there is always that one time that you just have to go. So should I work my armor to ensure it is easy to use the washroom without removing most of my gear? Or does that cause issues with snaps remaining closed during troops? What do other women do? Having never worn the armor before I am wondering what others do.. And don't laugh guys.. just because you have it easy doesn't mean you can make fun of us!

Hey Brad.. Thank you so much for that information.. part of the reason I picked wearing a balaclava is because I have long hair.. I figured it would help keep it out of the way. Glad to hear the Black won't bleed or such.. I heard it was possible for the helm to go a grey color.. I figured perhaps a good white primer inside first and then black.. What kind of paint does everyone use.. have to be sure it adheres to the plastic well. How do you get to your backplate then if you need something from the holder? Maybe I will make a belt container as well. Laugh.

BUILD UPDATE Re: Helmet Padding I think I'm going to do like Danny.. I like the look and I'm sure that it would fit and feel nice. Re: Place to hold ID and Cards I like Brad's idea of the Passport holder under the chest piece. I also like the belt idea but worry about that falling open. Will check Walmart for a similar holder. This brings me to my next question: Bucket Paint - Interior not Exterior I think I'd like the inside of my bucket to be black. I have seen many with it and it looks very good... so to the question.. How do you go about doing this without running into the possible Grey effect caused by black inside a white plastic?

BUILD UPDATE Magnets: Gary - Thank you so much but I need a good strong square magnet that will connect with another magnet in order to close the Binders. Your offer is appreciated. The Home Depot's in the USA have the bar magnets I wanted however the CDN Home Depots do not carry them. It is why I started looking elsewhere. I will keep you in mind though if I can't find another source. I will want these for other items down the road as well so I want to find a good place I can go to over and over again. Dan, Aaron, Brad - Thanks guys Thank you everyone for the info on the magnets. I drove by the Melanie Drive (industrial area) yesterday and didn't see a store. I'll continue to investigate further but am going to try Princess Auto just off Queen this weekend. Fergus Festival: Awwww that sucks about the festival.. that would have been fun! Some people have no imagination.. oh well their loss. Will just have to find another place. I would have contacted them as well before going. I think it just shows how professional we are to ensure we are in touch with the event organizer or such before we just appear at places. Re: Helmet: I think I'll do some padding. I'd want my bucket to fit well so I can move my head around without bucket wobble. I'd like it to have some snug-ability but I would be moronivous if I didn't leave some venting area or space to allow air flow. (Moronivous: The act of being Moronically Oblivious) Re: Stories : I can just imagine the chat back at the station over those stories. Too funny. It is sad that this is the way of things these days. What person in their right mind that is up to something bad or evil would dress up as a Stormtrooper in bright white with reduced vision and commit a crime. Sometimes I just shake my head. I have heard stories similar to this in the past. I almost wonder if all blasters should have a stripe painted on them or have the end cap a different color so even when Holstered the police would know it was a toy. Great stories though, would have been funny to watch. Please feel free to share stories guys.. I don't mind them in my build thread. Just adds to the passing of time and such while we all wait for parts. I'm not too organized am I? Laughs.. Hope I covered all of the posts.. thanks guys

Yeah I'm going to hit Princess Auto this weekend for sure! Thanks for the reminder and welcome all that haven't migrated from my Massive 8 page long Intro thread... and welcome back to those that have.. thank you for the wonderful stories.. made me laugh so hard! Good news to report today.. my NECK SEAL has ARRIVED and is carefully put away where Cats can't get it! I am truly excited to be joining such an awesome and large family and I really look forward to meeting everyone and having some fun.. Eric and I are already discussing a possible Fergus Scottish festival troop.. but that will depend on when my AP armor arrives. With that said I'm tossing out another question.. these have made my threads very long but I enjoy the discussions.. chuckles.. BUCKETS... Helmet.. whatever you're calling it.. Foam - Padding - adjustments - etc... What should you do first? What about adding in snapping chin straps? Just thinking aloud so fire away with ideas and thoughts.. THanks

Now for what I've got or done for armor thus far... I already have under shirt and tights as I help teach Judo and have to wear them under my Judogi so I don't get Gi'burn. Working on TK Binders Struggling to find good solid and strong magnets to help with holding them closed. and finally... My Blaster... yes the end cap isn't on right.. It fits on with some slotted sections and I didn't line it up because I was so excited to get it together and have a look at it! Laugh I have added some Speed Tape recently to the area above the trigger - Shell exit port? Not sure what it's called.. anyway.. the Speed tape makes it look like metal which is awesome. Have more work to do on it but will show a picture when I get that done. And now you are caught up on where I am.. oh... well.. I do have a little guy to keep my spirits up while I wait for my armor from Mark..

Alright.. to catch everyone up on my Build stuff... My Storage Container - A Husky Mobile Job Aid.. seems to be the favorite among troopers... The Painting begins: Placed on the front. And.. Inside...

Alright, well I have loads of stuff I have already done from my Intro Thread and some of the guys mentioned I should move it all over here and start with my build thread here.. soooo.. here it is.. *** Sorry for any missing photos... lost a lot due to Photobucket being dumb and changing stuff.. *** I completed TK Binders and will be working on a 3D printed Blaster assembly in the near future. I received EIB!! I am now also working on a MSE Droid (Mouse Droid) To read more about me visit my Massively Huge Intro Thread.. one of the longest around... Laugh ========================================================================= Updated: 07/28/2016 Became a Member of the 501st on June 16, 2016. Completed and approved Jawa on -> June 16, 2016 Completed and approved TK on -> August 16, 2016 Regularly updated Build Progress: Orders Received AP ITEMS: ( ) ARRIVED!! AUG 2nd 2016 - Let the build begin! AP TK Armor Holster (Holster Reference) Gloves Ordered Det. Clips Cent. Hand Guards Armor Related: AP Helmet TK boots Darman Ribbed neck piece Foam Military Padding for Bucket Other Fans for helmet - built by Knockerbot 1st E11 Blaster - Resin - Quest Designs - Weathering Completed 2nd E11 Blaster - 3D print kit with working Folding stock and Mag Clip Trooperbay - Blaster Decals for scope and counter - Assembled / adjusted / added glow in the dark paint Husky Mobile Job Aid - Storage bin - Painted and modified to fit Black split tubing for wiring LEXAN curved Scissors Shawn's Audio Assist - Tested and awesome SOLE inserts Bucket Bag Aker System Sound system with TK and Jawa chatter ____________________________________________________________________________ Already Owned Under-armor 2 Piece suit Future Planned Orders Icomm system DLT-19_heavy_blaster_rifle - Purchase or Build ========================================================================= Other Recommendations on Items Washroom during Troop - Go before you suit up. Battery: 5V 1A External Battery to power fans (It even has a flashlight!!) ID Holder ID Holder I purchased has RFID blocker Hanging parts on Belt - use socks to create pocket and velcro to close. Mount on AB Plate - With gloves removed possible access . Magnets 1/4" x 1/4" x 7/8" magnets work best for binders strong rare earth magnets is Lee Valley Glue Zap-A-Gap is the glue / Zip kicker is the accelerate helps speed up glue process but not recommended as unforgiving - E6000 is the best option OAKLY Fix-it-Stick is not available at Crappy tire - Advised location plumbing section of Home Depot - Prepping for way to mount lenses. Ensure loads of fresh air moving around you while using glue - very toxic Recap of Recommendations within this Build thread Bucket Screen door Screening for frown - make it removable to avoid being Kenified and paddled for it Paint - Brush on plastidip at Crappy Tire (caution on over-spray) Fix-it-stic for creating posts for lens mounts - can also be used like bondo Body Any Armor bending or re-working should be done with care and NOT A HEAT GUN! Hot - NOT BOILING - water dips work best Test drive armor by walking up and down stairs Mannequin out of Duct Tape Great idea but must have 2 people Novos Polish - Found at Harley dealers - 1, 2 and 3 good for armor polish. Boots Velcro on boots to help prevent twist Loop on boots used to snap to inside of Calf armor SOLE inserts from Marks work warehouse are the best inserts for TK Boots. Storage Husky Job Aid storage bin is huge and works well - Be aware of trunk size - For Reference -> It fits but fills the back of a Jeep Compass Blaster Quest Designs Blaster recommended through AP is Ontario based. Less is more for Paint and weathering Wires for Blaster Very tricky to drill - not necessary Spring in Bolt section - Coat Hanger not recommended as it's hard to bend. Fence Tie Wire works well - Home Depot. Mod Podge exterior sealant works great for giving handle a glossy look as well as protecting scope decals and giving them a shine Glow in the dark paint makes the Counter numbers look awesome Comments When people type "******Schhchckt******Schhchckt*******Schhchckt" you don't actually have to make the sound while you read but it is fun. Video Links My Favorite Video First: Other Funny Videos Funny Scots song For a Laugh watch this --> Emperor Favorite band of all time ---> The Tragically Hip - Miss them!

Hi Kevin, Coming from another new recruit to this.. the people here are great. I too am excited about getting my new armor and luckily found the forums here before I did exactly what you did. But don't fret.. just take deep breaths. There are tons of interesting small builds you can do to help get you into the spirit of things as well as cover your time until your armor arrives. I haven't come across a single member of the forum that isn't willing to offer some helpful advice. Did you know you can put Fans in your helmet!? Laughs, I thought that was so neat! You'll find interesting chats on that and other items in the Build sections and stuff. If I had my way I'd fly out to see Mark of AP and get my Armor immediately... but it doesn't work that way. Armor takes time to build. Some suggestions of things you can do while you wait are: - read the forums for information - do smaller builds as mentioned before of other items that are fun - get to know all the amazing people here - find your local garrison (there are lists n stuff on here of that as well) I'm looking to make my first set of TK - binders (they are like handcuffs that were used on Chewy) this weekend. Instructions are on the forum here for that.. looks like a fun project. Good luck on your Journey.. I'm excited and am looking forward to getting started... but as with all good things.. HURRY UP and Wait! BLAH! Happy New Year!! move along... move along...

Yeah Dan, They'll probably charge a small amount.. like $50.. but it's worth it to help ensure I get my Armor right. Also I'll have all necessary measurements on hand then.. which should help with other mods etc. I like the look of those "In bucket" fans.. but do we need them in Canada? Maybe in-bucket Heaters? Laugh

With the amount of effort and work being put into the Armor I'd rather have the measurements done by a professional .. I think I'll find a tailor shop and ask them. I'd rather have it done right especially with money riding on it.. Besides in the long run it would be beneficial to have all my measurements right?

Alright, here is a funny question on the topic of Armor and best type yadda yadda yadda... move along... Where is the best place to go to get yourself measured up for armor? Yes I could try to measure myself, but that doesn't tend to be accurate...

Exactly!

Yeah.. good idea.. I know height won't be an issue.. I'm 5'10 grins.. not short.. but yeah.. will have to find a good place to go and get my measurements.. BLAH!

Hey guys, This is for the female troopers out there.. I am looking at purchasing AP armor in the new year and have email with Mark as well..(nice guy) Someone told me once that it is a good idea to see a tailor for all the right measurements... is this true? Just wondering about the chest piece... Advice is appreciated