Bootlegger137

That’s one of the “wonky” ones to which I was referring.

Thanks. I was a little concerned about the knee not meeting that bottom corner of the "return edge" area on the shin proper...but I hoped, from looking at screen caps, that so many of these were constructing in some really wonky ways that it wouldn't be a critical fail.

Sniper knee question(s): Does this placement look "ok" for Centurion level approval? If you look closely, you'll see a faint pencil mark where I intend to trim down the thickness up to the corner. I assume that will help with the appearance as well.

Ok...I know it's been a bit, but just because I haven't posted doesn't mean I'm not working on the build. In fact, I prefer to have significant progress on something before posting...so, here we go with the shins! First off, cover strips...now's as good a time as any to cut them. Measure once, cut twice...or something of that sort. Once they're cut, I mark the backs (hopefully ): And bundle them together: On to the meat and potatos (potatoes? Dan Quayle, is that you?)...matching up the lefts and rights: Marking them (I mark all the parts on the inside with a Sharpie): Then I determine the width of the fronts based on the 20mm (10mm each) cover strips. I'll cut the bulk off with my Lexan scissors first, and then Dremel sand right up to the tape: The areas at the ankle get no return edge at all, but the tops of the shins get a minimal one: Again, cut with the Lexan scissors and sand with the Dremel: All cutting and sanding is done...ready to glue. The front edge isn't pretty, but since it'll be covered by a cover strip () I'm not worried about it: The AM kits come with a healthy amount of extra material, which is perfect for the "interior" cover strips: Before gluing the other side to the interior cover strip, a quick tape job and "test fit" of the actual cover strips to check width: I'm a fan of bar magnets for long runs, but I don't want my shiny whiteness () to be marred...so wrapping them in tape to protect the finish on the ABS is in order: And glued: Once the glue has dried for both halves on the interior cover strips, it's time to mark the final length of the proper cover strips. I rounded the corners by eye with a file : And glue. I'm not worried about glue squeezing out the sides...I've got a plan for that (see below): I very carefully cut along the cover strip with an Xacto knife, and then rub the excess glue with a tongue depressor (saves the thumbs/fingers from friction burns) to get the glue to ball up: And voila...the fronts are more or less done! Still debating on how I'm going to do the backs...magnets or velcro. Also, see next post for sniper knee question(s).

I’m not on Facebook...did away with it some 2 months ago (and haven’t missed it one bit). If you’d like to post them, please feel free (I’d just ask you to share any pertinent feedback here).

So...an interesting "development" regarding the AM kits. As I mentioned previously, I have an AM2.0 kit that I built into a Sandy: As it's a Sandy, there are a few leftover bits. As I unboxed, unwrapped (Dave does an amazing job in wrapping and protecting all the pieces!...although I abhor the "packing peanuts"), and inventoried the new kit, some of the pulls seemed "off." So I dug out parts from the kit I purchased in 2016 to compare. In this pic, the top row is 2016, bottom row is 2020: Shoulder straps...2020 on the left, 2016 on the right: Belt...2020 top, 2016 bottom: Belt...top view...both 2020 with 2016 on the bottom: This isn't meant to slag off Dave, as I don't believe he actually does the pulls (as I understand it...I could be wrong). This is more of an informational/"isn't that interesting" post. Still, the quality of the ABS is great, there are a lot of extras, including plenty for cover strips. But, I'll be using my left over pieces as needed over the newer versions.

YOU may have received the “Master Armorer” award...but I sure-as-heck haven’t. I promise nothing other than my best effort.

Apparently FedEx was having me on...as this arrived a couple of hours ago!

Well, what was supposed to be a Saturday FedEx delivery then turned into a Sunday delivery...and now has become (allegedly) a Monday delivery.

Stephanie, if you’re doing the Hero TK, I think I might have some bubble lenses laying about. I’ll check when I get home in the morning. You’re welcome to them if they’ll work for you.

Got a shipping notification from Dave today. BBB arrives Saturday! Build begins in earnest on Monday.

Good luck with your build! I’m also awaiting my kit from Dave, and agree with you...he’s very good to work with, and responsive to messages.

They certainly do look the part, but I’m hardly an expert.

You’ll probably want to find a photo hosting site, such as Imgur. Check this thread for tips...

Well...not a whole lot going on until the full kit arrives. I still have the left over parts from when I built my Sandtrooper, so I decided to get the Thermal Detonator out of the way. Gave the grey tube a quick measure to make sure it's not 2 feet long. Also, drilled a hole to relieve the air pressure when the end caps are put on (the hole will be hidden by the "control panel" plate). Then, I measure the end caps to 20mm. This photo is post "scribe" of the line...and the ruler isn't exactly in proper position. To give a consistent line around both end caps, I "scribed" the pencil line using a compass. I double checked the measurements at a couple of points to ensure nothing got too wonky. A quick cut with the lexan scissors. Scrap/waste goes right into a shoe box to save for ABS paste down the line. Then, a quick sand on a flat surface to even them out. That's the backside of the sandpaper...I did turn it over. Quick test fit. I'm using the belt clips from @ukswrath, and numbered them so I knew which one went where after marking the holes for the screws. Instead of the screws that come with the belt clips from Tony, I'm using the screws from @justjoseph63...and securing them with some self-locking nuts. Belt clips secured, it's now time to glue on the "control panel" and then the end caps. And finally, what do you do when you don't have your paints yet? Improvise! And hopefully I can cross this off the list as well.

Here’s a few to get the gang going:

Thanks! And that's my jersey from Shark-for-a-Day (Shark's Fantasy Camp) 2018. My girlfriend and I are big fans (she lived in San Jose for 10 years before moving to Philly for me). The canvas was won in one of the Shark's Foundation auctions a couple of years ago. Hertl and Jones are the reason for my TKID...14831.

More busy work...the Darman's Props holster and Hyperfirm E-11. Firstly, the holster was a might bit too snug on the E-11. I debated on options on how to soften/loosen it up. I finally settled on shoving a plastic drink cup in the top end of the holster, and tossing it in that wonderful greenhouse my car turns into in the summer time. It actually worked pretty well, although a second round wouldn't be such a bad idea. I did flip the cup around and let it spend a couple of hours sitting in the bottom end as well. On to the Hyperfirm... My understanding of the CRL and requirements for Centurion (the ultimate goal of this build), the Hyperfirm's are passable with the addition of the D-ring on the end cap. So, D-ring ordered from Trooperbay. I laid it against the end cap to figure out how much to cut out of it (the Sharpie marks) so I could attach it. Next, drill out the holes in the end caps: Cutting wheel attached to Dremel, and pliers to hold the D-ring (that sucker gets HOT!): With both cuts made, time for a test fit: I wasn't entirely happy with the weathering on the Hyperfirm, and especially the weathering on what should be plastic Hengslter counter...so rattle can time! Also, the D-ring required painting, anyway...sooooo. After a bit of research, I settled upon the Krylon Fusion as it should adhere to the rubber and metal. One coat done, and hung to dry for a couple of hours before the next coat. And...finished product. Came out pretty good, if you ask me. Pro tip...don't forget the underside of the D-ring. For a bit of fun, I added a "sight" sticker. And, in a moment of "what the heck"... So, hopefully, I can cross this part of the build off the list.

To keep myself entertained () while I wait for the BBB to arrive, I've committed to do as much prep/busy work as I can to speed the build along. First up, how do I want to strap the armor together? I used the bracket system for my Sandy, and that was a bit of a pain, if I'm being honest. So, I decided to use a snap plate/strapping system using @justjoseph63's thread on Snap Setting as a guide: To give my armor a bit of flexibility, I'll be using 2" wide elastic (since I have it on hand), rather than the webbing in the thread above. But I won't start that part until the armor arrives and I know exactly how long to cut the elastic. In the meantime, I've made all the "plates" for the torso using 1.25” webbing (also had it on hand). First, sort all the snap parts : Then, cut the webbing, using the lighter to seal the ends from fraying. I made a cardboard template to make production a bit quicker : Finally, add the male side of the snaps : And you wind up with a bunch! Up next...fixing up my Hyperfirm E-11 and holster!

As the wave doesn’t open for a few days, might be worth emailing them asking about doing a size 13. Worst they can say is “no,” which is always the answer to a question not asked.

Build thread has been started.

Ok...my first official build thread...so here goes nothing! Currently waiting for the BBB to arrive. In the meantime, I've collected many (if not all) of the other parts I'll need. Some will transfer from my AM2.0 Sandy (Police Officer/Level 2) that I built a couple of years ago (Undersuit and neckseal, primarily...along with sound system). I've got the undersuit from Stormtrooper Undersuits; neck seal from Veedox; belt (measured using my Sandy armor) from Imperial Issue; boots from IB; paint stencils (which I may or may not use...to be decided) from Trooperbay; holster from Darman; flexible hand guards and nuts/bolts from JustJoseph63; non-audio mic tips from ukswrath (not shown are his TD brackets), and various bits of elastic and velcro. And here is where the magic happens (will happen)... Spent the last week or so cleaning it up, organizing it, and getting ready for the build. This is the lap of luxury compared to my previous builds (Sandy and Scout), which were done in a one bedroom apartment using the coffee table or kitchen counter as work surfaces. More to come...

The 421s from Imperial Boots are white leather.

I love ‘em. Thanks for the hard work, @gmrhodes13!

Or is it "Old New Member?" Eh...anyway...I've been a forum member for about 4 years now, and have posted occasionally. I primarily joined so I could research my AM2.0 kit build for MEPD : Now, I'll finally be building a bright, shiny white ANH Stunt TK to Centurion level (AM4.5)...with a stop at EIB1K along the way. I'll be starting a build thread, and hope to keep it updated. I'm very bad at taking pics of things in process...be it vacations or builds (this will be my 6th costume overall, and 1st build thread ). Thanks for reading my rambling. BTW...looking for a basic, current FISD patch or 2 for my helmet bag.