Pull_and_Twist

Took awhile... but here we are all kitted up. Next up is the daunting task of putting together a T-21.

That's not too bad. I didn't realize people where shaping those with files by hand. That may actually be doable. If I can't figure it out, Rick is right, I can just get some help from one of my many talented Garrison buddies.

That's the resin set I've been eyeballing. I'm kinda on a budget so it makes more sense to build one then drop half a grand on a hyperfirm. I'm just a little nervous as I'm not a big woodworker and the butt end of the stock could be problematic.

I have my pauldron, chest ammo pack and one side ammo pack. Since I only have one belt when I remove my holster it'll leave two visible holes that I plan to cover with a third pack. That pack i don't have yet... I'm waiting on TB to get the canvas packs back in stock so that they all match. They said they're expecting more by either the end of this week or early next week. After that I was planning to submit and then start working on a T-21.

I can't get over how good these look. Job well done.

I think I can consider this build effectively done. Straightened out the antenna tube last night... still looks a little off in the pic but is actually straight on when you look at it in person. I also attached craft foam to the back to protect the armor. One large sheet is all it took... and at $1 was more cost effective then felt and easier to install (just hot glued on.) When I get home from work today I'll kit up and try it on with the armor and post some pics.

I know exactly what you're talking about... lol, I have a ton of it at home but none in black. The large size like this is the exact size of the rectangular part of the pan so it should work real well. I'll have to cut out slots for the straps to make it fit perfect. Thanks for the idea.

Thank you.

Today I made a ton of progress on the pack... attached the shoulder straps. Then I went ahead and screwed/glued everything together. The side tube kinda twisted on me... so i'll be remounting that tomorrow. I think it turned out pretty well, looks like the game version (plus an antenna that makes it look way better)... And here's a closer look. Tomorrow I also need to pick up some thick felt to line the back with so it doesn't scratch the armor. Overall it was a fun build and following UKsWrath build thread took a lot of the guesswork out of it.

Thank you. I'm not sure if I want to weather it yet... I'm kinda liking the clean look.

The Wedco Oil Pan is always doing that on Amazon, had it on my list for quite a while before I started my pack build... it'll come back though. I picked mine up here though cause it was cheaper even with shipping included... and it took 3 days to get to me in Washington state with standard shipping. http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/wedco-12-5-qt-recycle-drain-pan/0000000036264

I managed to finish the final box for the pack. I'd have to say that this one was the most tedious to assemble... glad I saved it for last. And of course I had to place them all on the base oil pan to see what it will look like. Loving it so far, can't wait to finish it. Tomorrow I'm going to work on attaching the straps and start attaching some of the pieces together. For the straps, I scored a backpack from Goodwill for $2 that should work real well once I switch out the adjusting bracket for latches.

Thank you, looking forward to joining the HWT ranks. It's been fun piecing it together.

I'm getting closer... finished two of the boxes today. I think they turned out pretty good and of course I had to put everything on the oil pan to see what it looked like. The finish line is definitely in sight.

Thanks, after staring at it for a little too long I decided that the right option would indeed look better... and you're correct about it looking more like a textured strip then buttons if they're squished together. I've looked at the pack specs in that thread and I have a few issues with the tech drawing in the thread... especially with the radio box that has some weird dimensions that wouldn't produce the result pictured if you were to follow them. So I've just been using it as a pseudo-reference and making my own calculations as I go.

Now I can't make up my mind on button positioning either... i'm leaning towards the left (first) setup but UKsWrath build thread uses something along the lines of the right (second) version. Anyone have an opinion??

Thanks Rick.

What do you guys think looks better?? The larger dials (2.125") on the left or the smaller dials (1.5") on the right?? I'm leaning towards the bigger ones even though there's less space between the top and bottom edges of their respective boxes.

Made some further progress... The plastic face plate still needs to be glued to the radio box and then i think i'll need smaller caps for the dials. I found the size quoted in UKWraths build thread and used his measurements but for some reason they are huge compared to the boxes they're supposed to fit in, i think i may have to go with 1.5" Snapple caps. Three more boxes to go and final assembly.

Yea, that's what I was thinking. Luckily, I was finally able to track down the Valspar Silver Fox today and picked that up. Looking at the colors side by side the Silver Fox is far greyer with only the slightest tint of blue.

I wasn't able to find the Valspar Silver Fox and picked up Rustoleum Wildflower Blue as it looked like a close match in the store... but now that it's applied i'm having second thoughts. Is this ok for approval and does it look close enough??

Thank you, will do. Thanks, can't wait to get it all put together.

I've made a bit of progress on my build since the last post and have acquired all the supplies I will need for its construction. Started out by trimming everything of off the oil pan and installing the antenna. I've also managed to cut the lips off of the containers and have cutout 3 and applied two of the backing panels. I also shaped and trimmed my shoulder strap. Then I assembled my tumbler cup and used a bit of math to make the cone. I've since drilled the rivet holes and now the pieces are done with primer and drying. I also cut the end caps and primed my tube. I also got my wipes container primed and drying but didn't take a pic of it, I'm going to chug along and see if i can finish it within a week.

Also... if anyone wants a template for creating the cone on the back pack, this is an awesome tool I use for creating transitions for model rockets and should work for our needs as well. http://www.payloadbay.com/index.php?page=Tools&action=TRANS

So i've started down the path of putting together the materials needed to turn my TK into a HWT. I procured a white pauldron and a canvas pouch set from TB before they went on hiatus, still need to pick up a third pouch for the left side. My drop boxes/holster are removable for when I rock the HWT pouches and the left pouch should cover the holster holes in my belt. The main aspect I plan to tackle during my winter break from work is the HWT back pack. I've ordered most of the items from UKWraths build thread and they should be filtering in over the next few days. So far I've received my antenna and pop-it containers, plus I picked up a TK shoulder strap from ATA Works and a photo storage box. My Wedco oil pan should be arriving today, tomorrow I get my KYDEX V Sheets (that I plan to use instead of the poster-board paper) and Monday i'll hit up the hardware store for everything else. The photobox felt a little flimsy after I cut it down to the correct depth so I reinforced it with some wood so it can take an accidental knock or two. It's a lot sturdier now... I hope it holds up against any wear and tear. I also decided to keep the lip on the lid as I think it adds more character to the entire piece and plan to use screws to keep the box and lid connected. It's been going slow and steady so far but I hope to pick up the pace as I gather the remaining materials I need. Let me know if anyone see's me making any mistakes that may prevent approval.