kman

Question for the OP: Mike, what grit sandpaper belt are you using in your belt sander? The stock 80, or did you go higher for a smoother finish and slower (read more controlled) material removal?

The black edging along the brow line, that slips over the whole front edge of the top+back piece of the helmet, and horizontally across to the top of the ears.

Great shots on the disassembly and full kit, thanks! Question: Is the replacement black edging from the helmet something that's easily sourced?

I'm loving all these build threads. Mine is on the FedEx truck, headed here today, so keep the info coming!

No, the plan from very early on has been to ship two separate boxes. The armor is all one sized fits all, so no customization per order is necessary... just slap labels on the boxes from China and shove them out the door as fast as possible. The soft goods, on the other hand, will all be different according to user size selections, so MUCH more complex, from a shipping logistics viewpoint. It makes sense to separate them. I haven't seen ANY reports of anyone receiving their soft goods, as of yet. Of course, since it's just gloves and the body suit, I'm in no rush. It's the armor that takes time to build.

ukswrath seems to think very little needs to be done for Centurion. Of course, he did reserve the right to add to the list, but he also actually has the kit in hand. He doesn't mention the decals, however. I know you need to remove two chicago screws from the holster, but that barely warrants mention. That said, I would agree to stick to 200+ grit sandpaper, so you don't chew plastic too quickly. Perhaps 180 at the lowest. 400+ for finishing.

Can't wait to see it! Did you get your BBB yet? Is it your personal set, or for someone else? One thing that's really left out of the Anovos instructions is fitting advice, and sizing customization in particular.

The thread to watch is this one: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/35086-ukswraths-anovos-tk-build/ Tony (ukswrath) is one of the troopers in charge of costume approval for the 501st, and is building the Anovos kit to Level 3 / Centurion standards, in this build. If it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me!!!

I can't tell you how happy I am to read this, given that I ordered on May 4 as well. As to content in this thread, well, it seems to me that it's simply discussing the preorder. Ship dates and receipt dates seem pretty relevant to me, given the high interest and high numbers of orders. Comparisons and build threads belong elsewhere, at this point, IMO. For what my opinion is worth, at least...

One popular option I've read is to use the black plasti-dip coating and brush it inside the helmet. Nice thick durable layer that bonds well (but can be peeled up if need be). Available in spray or brush on versions.

The guy who posted the first unboxing video had the same issue on his. Looks like they didn't give quite enough time for the glue or tape to fully bond, so it came loose. Just needs to be glued back down and should be fine.

Looks like you're first to start an Anovos build thread, well done! I'll be watching eagerly while I await my shipment...

The belt sanders are only about $60 at Harbor Freight (on sale or with a 20% off coupon). Small change in the overall cost of one these things, all things considered, especially given how much labor they save! Handy for future projects, too. I'm going to buy one just for this project, but I'm sure it will come in super handy for other projects, too.

Any recommendations for a larger new trooper? I'm 6'3", 220# (hoping to get that down, but that's where I am today). Reading over this thread, I don't see anyone who is exactly my size and shape. I currently wear size 36 or 38 jeans (dep on the cut) (which means approx 42" around the waist, IIRC...a bit more in the gut), and much of my height is in my legs so I have a 35" inseam in pant sizing (so 34" is a bit short, and 36" needs to be special ordered then hemmed *sigh*). Size 7 1/8 hat, which is small to medium. (shaved bald) Would I be best served by the AM armor, or RT-Mod? Also, is there ANY chance that a standard sized armor would work for me, such as the Anovos kit (they told me it should work but I'm not sure now)? Some shimming is probably fine, but I'd hate to have to shim every dang piece, and I'd like it to look good, of course! And finally, I see very little reference to pricing info. Is there a reason why prices don't seem to be published anywhere? It's hard to fully compare options without it.

Have you watched TK1636's build videos? He goes over the sanding process pretty thoroughly. Here's one of the videos in the long series (46 videos total!): That one is for the shoulder bells and such but the same techniques apply. The video of sanding the thigh pieces, etc. was earlier in the series, shouldn't be hard to find, I think maybe video #4? In short, though, going by his method, the easiest way to get it done is with a stationary belt sander, which easily sands large pieces with rounded bits. And a dremel for detail work, if needed.

I could swear I read that delivery requires a signature, so I don't think that will happen.

Were pics ever posted?

Depends on how steady your hands are!

Probably best to just drill right through the middle. Once the post is gone, it should just fall off. I've never built armor, but that's been my experience with snaps on other things.

Yes. Yes it is. At least we'll have company! On the bright side, someone posted an unboxing video on the FB site:

Too late. I'm freaking out. In the best way, of course.