humperdingle

But it's fugly

Picked up this assembled kit today - I'm really after advice as to what needs doing to bring it up to 501st clearance (Preferably level 2 at least) Plan A - Keep as is. plan B - Convert to the ridiculously cool Shock Trooper. Any tips and advice gratefully received. The armour is mounted on my mannequin. Please ignore his jaunty stance

Is the whole body connected together, so you put it on like a rigid jersey? Or does it still hinge open?

Weird, I was literally just thinking of that!

Yeah, that's exactly how I have mine. Still tricky. Just need practice, I suppose!

I hear ya with the pulled muscle I was definitely stretching muscles that haven't been stretched that way before Just trying to get my act together for my maiden troop

It wasn't easy Of course, I mean kitting-up in my ANH TK. The wife has assisted previously, but I had real issues with trying to pop the snaps from shoulder bridge to shoulder bells. My arm wouldn't easily cross my chest plate. I mean, I eventually did it, but can't help thinking there's an easier way than I did it. All the leg parts were easy enough, the ab, chest, back, butt and belt are all connected, so were easy. The arm parts, though. Not so easy. I watched (icestorm's?) video, and he kinda has problems with the 2nd arm. Any tips on the arm connections? I'm not the most flexible of folk, so that probably didn't help. Or do most troopers get a helping hand from fellow troopers/helpers.

It kinda depends if the leather (assuming they are actually leather) boots have any sort of coating, i.e. PU coating, wax, whatever, which would effectively repel anything you apply.<br><br> The ingredient in saddle soap which might help, is glycerine. To soften leather, I tend to use something called "Aussie Leather Conditioner'", which is a blend of various stuff, but mainly neatsfoot oil and beeswax.<br><br> To be honest, just working the leather in question with the fingers, bending, flexing etc, will help.

Where are you based?

Aah. Any word from the wonderful wizards of RS?

Suppose it depends how easy your boots go on... Mine are a 'Sit-down-and-struggle' effort I made a list for dressing procedure that I keep with the kit, just so I don't miss anything. Undersuit and neckseal, tucked-in Belt/garter Thigh parts (because the boots won't fit through them) Sit down, boots on. Shins Etc, etc. Everything sits on the sofa, cause it's a real pain to have to pick anything up off the floor

Cool. I think boots before shins is entirely normal procedure, mate, certainly the way I do it Good to hear about the quality and feel. I'm sure the fitting issues will get sorted

You can also make them from straight strips of ABS, glued into a T-section and sanded round at top part. Look for Kevin's E-11 pipe build thread

Yeh, I'm still very much swithering between RS, TM and a couple of other 'smaller' makers. Not only that but whether or not I get a kit or commission! Still leaning tentatively toward RS, self-build kit.

Aside from the sizing issues, are you happy with the armour quality and construction?

Lol sorry mate, just had to giggle at the image that created

What 'specifically', isn't as accurate? I've been looking for an expert opinion for some time on this subject. Please help!

Hmm... You should probably donate the whole thing to someone 6ft? (I'm 6ft, btw) <br><br> No seriously, buddy, that's not on, is it? How tall are you?

Gutting mate, but you'll get there Did you try it on down at the RS workshop? What's the plan?

Hmm, that's weird. Did they make them too long, or did they blame your measuring?

May the green lights be with you

Cool