vortex512
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Posts posted by vortex512
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Now for today...
I am beginning the part that has me the most anxious. Trimming! I have my guide printed (@ukswrath) and am going to trim it all out before beginning the sizing. Once trimmed I'll post pictures of the pieces for feedback and directions. I know there are parts where there should be no return edge (i.e. the wrist end of the forearms), but if someone is able to list all the parts and which ends of each part, should not have a return edge for the Centurion level, it would be of great assistance!
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I have a doopy E-11. But I want to take my time on that build as I would love to make it as real and functioning (lights/sound) as possible. The completion kits and sound kits will require some more purchases, but for now that will be my afterwards project. In the meantime I ordered and just received my E-11 from Praetorian Blasters. A bit of nerd out time occured as I walked around the house with it and then watched a show while using it to point to things for my wife and daughter.
It's well made and if you didn't know some of the parts look like real metal! This appears to be L3 ready.
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My other accomplishment has been the installation of the electronics set-up from @ukswrath. Let me say, if you need anything like this I am quite impressed. Hearing assist, hovi mic speakers, cooling fans bracket. Added a Bluetooth transmitter and Bluetooth earbuds to keep me from being "plugged" into the bucket with traditional earbuds.
Here are the hovi mics from the speaker system. The plastic ones simply unscrewed from the bucket. I had to then drill a slightly larger opening for the speaker posts, but was very easy to put in. Aside from the sound ability, I believe these make my hovi tips Centurion rated. The original ones were going to need some interior painting if they remained in place.
Interior electronics. I wish I could make them look a bit more organized. Good news is no one really looks inside except when I'm showing it.
After playing around trying to fit it to my ear. I remembered that this could be mounted in the bucket. That's what I've done here and I much prefer that set-up.
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Thank you everyone! Since the last post I've accomplished tow projects. First is the Husky Storage bin. It was time to move the kit from the BBB and into its new home.
Here is the before and after pictures.
Yuu can barely see the top of one of cat's head next to the bin on the far right. Open box seems to be an invite to them!
Found this foam at Wal-Mart. Depending on how much space is available once the kit is trimmed, I am considering adding another 1/2 inch of foam on the bottom.
The fabric came from Jo-Anns Fabric (3 1/2 yards long for those like me who are fabric shopping challenged). After measuring the interior we (my daughter is my official build-assistant) cut the foam to fit. In hindsight, cutting foam with a retractable razor on your dining room table is not smart. After a small cut line on the table, all work shifted to my portable workbench!
We then used the foam to cut the fabric to size. The Fabric was attached to the foam using spray adhesive (see below picture). This was bought at Wal-Mart. Cost less there than the fabric store. It starts drying quickly so had to spray over the foam surface and then we placed the fabric on the foam holding it tight and then smoothing out wrinkles. You definitely need to do this outside as the spray makes everything it touches tacky, plus has a somewhat strong odor.
Attached velcro to the back of the foam on all four corners. The top, and front/back sides also have velcro in the middle along the top edge and bottom edge due to the overall length.
Here is the final product.
And with the tool box (soft goods holder) inserted.
All in all rather happy with how this turned out!
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On 4/5/2019 at 5:44 PM, ukswrath said:
Awesome. Can't wait to see your build. BTW Gaz was my inspiration and my DO predecessor. You're in good hands here.
I received all the electronics and have placed them in the bucket. Let me say, I'm very impressed. If you see any issues with my set-up in the pictures I'm about to show, please let me know.
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On 4/5/2019 at 6:19 PM, gmrhodes13 said:
Ear alignment at the moment is only a suggested "ideal look" and not a must for Centurion. If you did want to adjust these (depending on how Anovos helmets are assembled) normally you remove the ears screws and see if the angle can be adjusted, take not of any gap between the ear and helmet and if any sanding will be required, you will need to either elongate the current screw holes or drill new ones.
Some ear fitting tutorials:
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/29238-my-helmet-ear-tutorial/
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/41250-ear-trimming-made-easy/
Tube stripes should be a pencil width from the side of the cheek, this may be changing in upcoming CRL updates so you may need to address those but you could apply for EIB and see if you receive centurion feedback for those
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Can't quite make out your hovi tip mesh but the standard Anovos mesh needs to be changed for a more accurate mesh. Also the insides of the hovi tips are white and have a white rim.
I would also look at adding a little more paint on your teeth, they are quite short (Anovos helmets sometimes have overspray which would need to be removed also)
Good luck looking forward to the progress
Thank you for all of this information. Very helpful!
I'm about to upload some new photos of the recent activity I've been up to. In it will be a few more bucket pics.
I'll hold on the tube stripes for now.
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On 4/6/2019 at 3:07 AM, justjoseph63 said:
GREAT to hear that you are aiming for Centurion!! In addition to what has been mentioned, for L3 you will need to change out the lower ear screws. For some strange reason Anovos uses the correct (slotted, flat topped countersunk) type on the top 2 but not the bottoms.
As Glen mentioned, the Hovi tip screens in the photo are not too clear, but as seen in the above images the mesh should be of the wide type. I would also highly suggest painting the interior white. (
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I know you haven't got to this part yet, but the Anovos supplied canvas belts (unless they have changed them) were saggy due to no interior support system, and also came with 4 rivets attaching the holster (Hero style). If it did indeed come this way, for level 3 the belt will need to be replaced, as it will need to be rigid and can not have any extra holes (even if they are patched). (
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My last suggestion would be to take the Velcro strapping system they supply and toss it. Velcro can (and will) lose it's connective properties over time after repeated use, so I would go with the snap connections. Better yet, use the double snap system. This is what I and many others use, and although it takes a bit of extra time and supplies, you can rest assured that no connections will fail. Ever. If you need more info. on that just PM me.
Would you happen to know the size of those slotted screws? If not no biggie, I'll just take one of the upper ear screws with me to the store.
I do intend on ordering a belt from Kittle. BUt need to complete the trimming and then measure.
For the strapping I was going with the brackets from @Mr. No Stripes I was originally considering the snaps. I suppose if these should fail me then I'll need to go to the snaps.
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On 4/8/2019 at 10:34 AM, wook1138 said:
Hi Chirs. Congrats on getting to the build! You already got some feedback on the helmet and other items. Keep in mind that these modifications are much easier than it sounds. Check out the build thread section if not done so already - there are some very detailed Anovos builds in there (see ukswrath's build). If you are feeling stuck - let us know. The information here can seem pretty daunting so don't be afraid to ask any question. Take your time and enjoy the ride. Good luck!
I appreciate it. It is great to have this group for guidance and encouragement.
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On 4/9/2019 at 8:41 AM, Commander Gree said:
Yet another reason I hate Anovos...Those teeth look horrible...to me anyways. wish they didn't leave so much white and the top and bottom. Welcome though, and glad you finally got your stuff. Your in good hands here, and we will help you reach your goal of being amount the very best at L3.
Thank you! What's interesting is the poster they packed with this kit shows full teeth not like the actual bucket. So apparently somewhere along the line the "less is better" mantra must of kicked in.
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On 4/9/2019 at 3:41 AM, justjoseph63 said:
You will also need to get some gray paint (Humbrol # 5 or Testors # 1138) and redo the teeth as shown:
That diagram helps greatly! I have ordered the Humbrol paints and once they arrive I'll get to those teeth.I was happy this bucket doesn't seem to have overspray, but felt something was off with the frown, but wasn't completely sure.
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To begin I've done tons of forums readings and have a question/concern regarding the bucket. I have the brow spacing that has been discussed recently so feel good there. It's the ear rotation and stripes I'm curios about. Are these good to go for Centurion? Or am I looking at some modifications that must be done for approval at this level? If so advice and guidance on how to accomplish it will be greatly appreciated. Remember, I'm not as skilled yet and would hate to damage or ruin it by some silly mistake!
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Hey Everyone,
I had the long wait for my Anovos armor. When it arrived it was the day before our family moved from Orange Park, FL (Jacksonville area) to Columbia, MS (30 minutes west of Hattiesburg). That was July 3rd 2017. Fast forward to today and I am finally settled in and able to begin my first ever build. To say I'm excited, nervous, and all the rest is an understatement. I have been acquiring items, tools, and a workbench. Plus I have recently ordered additional items to further assist and hopefully improve my build (I'll be listing these soon).
The aim is building to Centurion from the start. The struggle will be shims for the abs (6' 240lbs makes for some adjustments required) and my limited experience from model car building and miniatures painting. However, with all the encouragement and directions (not to mention awesome supplies/products) I've received so far from people like @ukswrath, @justjoseph63, @Darman, @gazmosis, my friends I met in Squad 7 of Florida, and what I know the rest of this community will be able to offer, I believe I'll be able to make it to the goal.
So to begin I'm posting the following picture.
The initial bucket on (July 2017):
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Two quick questions regarding the gloves.
First: I have read numerous posts on Nomex gloves being good for trooping. Does anyone disagree with this after having trooped with them?
Second: Reading the CRL am I correct in assuming that the Nomex gloves are also valid for approval at the EIB and then Centurion level (since there is no level 3 additional requirement with the CRL)? Or must I have rubber/latex gloves? (I have seen a pair on trooperbay)
My goal is Centurion ANH-S, but don't want to buy the wrong item and be off on the wrong foot as I await the armor to arrive. Thanks for all the help so far in the process!
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Thank you for the reply. I'm leaning towards staying ANH, but everyday I think I've decided, then ESB sounds good again! It's all prepping and waiting right now. You have to love "Q1" shipping date.The ROTJ helmet and armor make is very different. The armor is joined via overlap rather than butt-join and cover strip. There's also a trim of some sorts around the chestplate. The shoulders are puffed out/pinched a bit. The helmet is shaped different (some are partially "caved in" due to a break on the original ROTJ mold)... There's a great deal of changes. As far as I'm aware, the Anovos kit is ANH styled and they do not offer a ROTJ kit as of now.
As for the ESB vs ANH, the only major differences are the frown color, and the handguards. if you wanted to do an ESB you could easily just re-paint the frown black, and buy ESB handguards on the forum.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
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Thank you everyone! The info was very helpful. Following your advice I'll hold off for now on the dremel and pick one up only if the need arises and there's no other path. Of course, I could still use the "I need it to complete the armor" reasoning to simply buy one without much debating with my wife for more tools!
TK and Kacrut, now I just need to see which option will work out the best (ANH or ESB). This will help me to better focus my aim for Centurion. Leaning towards ESB, if it isn't too much modification.
Skylar, I considered RS Props, but when the time came I had met the Anovos folks and had a few recommendations for their kit. But who knows what the future holds for the next one when this completes!
Kman, great advice corded was where I was leaning as well. I specifically liked the "working in the middle of a field" comment! So I guess I'll stick to the garage then... Lol!
Thank you again everyone and now the waiting for the shipment begins (Q1 so we'll see how that lands).
Sent from my QMV7B using Tapatalk
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I apologize if this post is in the wrong area. I am currently awaiting the arrival of BBB Day with the Q1 Anovos shipping. In the mean time I had two issues I can't seem to find the answers for and would appreciate your help resolving!
1) What speed (rpm) Dremel do you all find works best for the armor work and do you prefer the corded or cordless? I know some of this is personal preference, but curious what experience has shown seems best.
2) With my awaiting the arrival of the Classic Trilogy Stormtrooper kit from Anovos, I want to ensure I follow the right directions to Centurion. Is it merely my choice as to whether I go after ANH, ESB, or ROTJ? Or is the Anovos kit only for one particular set?
Thank you in advance and I can hardly wait to finally get my hands on this armor and take another step closer to my first troop!
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My online name came while in the US Air Force. I was a weather forecaster and Xbox had just launched its live service (pre-international release). So being the "highly creative" individual that I am I used two weather terms.
Vortex for the rotation of elements (air, various indexes, etc) and 5 for the proximity circle surrounding areas of responsibility (warnings, watches,and all that jazz).
I received several offers to buy my gamertag and that caused me to like it more. It's still mine on Xbox and the basis for the rest. Since then I've had to add a few numbers on new sites and the 12 just works out.
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Being it was my first time attempting to build and my inexperience with my knowledge of where to get a blaster, I bought it and figured I might as well build it since it was in hand. I also had a lot of pieces that split or delaminated while trying to sand. Very time consuming project that I wouldn't want to do again. And I have 31yrs of working with my hands and tools. I would have rather attempted an aluminum build.
Seeing yours and everyone's comments, I am glad I checked first. I'll plan on picking up a hyperfirm soon (if able I'll go elite, but the B-Grade sounds like it will be fine). My bank account was hacked this morning, so have to resolve those issues first...But thanks again!
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That's great advice. Thank you for the heads up on the issues and info on your prior post. I just sent a pm to Hyperfirm for their elite to check on the price. Thanks again!
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As I am beginning to acquire my armor kit and pieces I have been reading forums and searching the web. I found this blaster kit and would love advice on whether I should purchase or not. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Storm-Trooper-Uber-E-11-Blaster-Rifle-Model-Hero-Kit-ANH-Screen-Accurate-Replica-/231925095346?#description
I am aiming for centurion level, so I need to know if this will be approved for 501st and whether it'll be good for my goal? Any and all help would be appreciated! Looking to buy today if looks good.
- Chris W
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Thank you all for the great welcomes and concerns! I truly look forward to getting to know you all.
I will definitely be sure to read the suggested posts as well as follow-up on contact with the Florida group. There is a current invite for an armor party and if my schedule works out I intend to attend. Keep thinking I want to go classic trooper, but after reading several posts so far I am going to try and aim for centurion. Seems that it is best to work that direction from the start then after the fact.
Again thank you all for helping me feel welcome!
- Chris
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I recently joined the forum for the FL501st. My favorite character has always been the Storm Troopers. I liked other characters as well, but they simply had the "cool" factor that I liked. I may in the future venture to another Imperial character, but currently there is no doubt. I'm really excited about being a part of this group and look forward to many years of fun! Below is the same introduction I posted there...Seems best as it says it all.
Hello, my name is Chris and I live in the Orange Park area (outside of Jacksonville). I'm 39, married for 15 years and have a 10 year old daughter. served in the Air Force for 4 years as a Weather Forecaster and even used to do Civil War re-enacting until I had a severe injury (non military related). Now the camping and marching on battlefields has become a bit too much.Like many I grew up watching Star Wars and until recently did not realize there was a group such as the 501st. I love the idea of being in costume, making others smile, and having a good time. I especially find the charitable work of the 501st top notch. Having lost my first daughter when she was 2 1/2 I know how important and uplifting encounters with people such as the 501st are for those who are struggling. So what better option could there be: dress up, limited "combat soldier" portrayal, and help others. A real win/win! So official 501st membership is on the radar.I'm looking forward to being an active member and being able to troop soon. I am of course in need of a kit (looking at the storm trooper ANH, ESB or ROTJ are all fine). So any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. I was told of one supplier, however they are currently "sold out" so I am on a contact list for the next available. Yet, if there is something available sooner I would love to know and start towards that direction. Considering working on the E-11 and boots in the meantime if nothing else.Lastly, if there are any get togethers or gatherings happening in my area keep me posted. Will do what I can to meet up.As I have told my family..."I'm enlisting to be a storm trooper. They are the real good guys anyway!"
Opinions on Ulkswraths TK Audio System?
in Electronics for Helmets / Blasters
Posted
I would recommend it. I'm building my kit currently, but I knew I didn't want to be wire connected. Also, I liked the idea of the sound coming from the hovi's instead of an external speaker mounted behind the chest plate.
As for wiring inside, it's really how you lay it out. I may adjust mine a little more on the inside. (I have a few other items inside as well.
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