THMAustin

Great thread! I used spray Flex-Seal in my Jimmi R1 TK last summer and it has worked well. Definitely cuts down on the inching and for some pieces appears to strengthen the integrity. I'm curious how you find the liquid application.

It would be great to see pic of that. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No problem. I don’t have the problem only because I wasn’t as successful closing the gap at the right knee as you so I don’t have horizontal stress you describe. I also seem to have more flexibility in the material than you describe because I’m able to slide my foot in without issue. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We don’t have snowmen in Texas so this is the best my kids could do. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sorry for delayed response. The flexible fiberglass is easy to cut. I've even made cuts with large scissors for upper thigh adjustments. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think my wife would kill me if I decided to mass produce kits but I'd be happy to provide advice and a shopping list to create suspenders, snap points and straps. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looking forward to seeing your progress. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In the end I did trim the straps but I don't experience the problem because my breast plate is weighted down by a speaker and battery I use with the TK TALKIE system. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Can you describe your experience in more detail? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's been awhile since I've updated so am including pics from Halloween party and my kit on my TK Products mannequin. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, it covers seem on back. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No problem, glad to help. If you magnify the picture you’ll see at the 12 o’clock position there is a gap at the back that is hidden by the back plate that attaches as final step. Before I step into it and raise it up over my big butt by the suspender straps. Unlike the original trilogy costumes where you had an abdominal and back pieces connecting at sides with elastic or strapping, the R1 screen suites and Jimmi’s suites have a combined front and back as single cylinder as you see in the pic. The slash is not functional and my guess is included as a decorative element. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can't answer whether this method is indeed screen accurate, however due to fact the R1 suit's torso piece must hang from something internally i can't image the screen method could be that different. It seems to me that if the heavy flexible fiberglass torso hung from breast and back plates the weight would be distributed to the connection straps which at least in my build would be uncomfortable and make it more difficult to suit up. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

If you take a look at my build thread you can see pics of my suspender, webbing and snap combo in my Jimmie kit. Ping me if you have follow-up question. Good luck! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

I'll upload more after I make dinner alterations which include: - harvest tears from Black Series helmet to more closely match R1 screen - replace elastic straps attaching cod and butt with nylon to torso to minimize movement and gaps I excited in first wear - add more snaps and elastic straps to close torso (or go on a diet) - trim shins length. I bought Jimm's tall version but despite being 6 feet 1inch I only have 32 inseam which makes shins rise too high above my knees. Kit isn't really made for this alteration so I'll tread lightly. - watch more YouTube painting tutorials and try again. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

I learned first hand the need for an mindset. Below you'll see I drilled out a channel to interior where the mold has an indention. There I used abs to create a bracket bridging the indention, drilled hole and fitted mics suspended so they didn't directly touch exterior and pick up vibrations. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

The torso hangs off the suspenders via snaps front and back. Yes, Velcro used to close forearms and shins which proved to be more than adequate. Finally, yes Jimm includes a green lens that I cut down. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Thanks Bluey. I appreciate the compliments and especially the advice. NO MORE BDAY PARTIES. I bought a lot of nylon strapping and snaps then glued with E600 which slightly melts the Flex Seal that I sprayed on the interior for a better hold. The held up to 45min at 93 degrees and 80% humidity. They held up better than me in fact. Two more "troops" in that weather and I'll be down to goal weight.

Apologies for the many typos above, I didn't catch all the autocorrect mistakes on my phone.

Quick update on my build. I had a deadline mid-month for a neighbor kid's b-day. First, I have come to the conclusion that in a bad painter especially with a deadline. As a result a went with a slightly weathered look using water and preferred powdered graphite to hide my many mistakes. Simply mist water and and blow graphite into pooled crevices. Rub into areas for more written look. Original in went heavier but pics below 95% has been removed with rough sponge. I like the look so much I'll probably apply again after another, hopefully better, paint job. I dont have the time to ask each kid's parent for permission to upload their pics here so that is only croppable photo I have. Weathered helmet with some borrowed posts from Black Series. Bits and pieces Torso strapping with suspenders. Final note. I'm not yet a member of 501st and this was my first attempt at something approximating a troop. Wow I was unprepared for the reaction from some children. Some pulled at my E-11 and TD and a few punched and kicked me. Apart from this being an example of bad parenting in Texas, has anyone else had similar experience? In general I found it difficult to converse with the little ones because I'd lose them in the blind spot below me. Thank goodness for Ukwrath's HA system. I heard the kid sneaking up behind me with a tree branch whispering "I'm going to kill the evil Stormtrooper" before he had chance to hit me. I really meant it when I yelled "HALT". Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

No worries, have fun at Dragon Con Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Chris, I'm curious if you met your goal to complete your build in time for DragonCon? I'm sure others are as interested as I am to see your progress. I hope to complete my painting and begin strapping over labor day before I have to go to india. Regardless, I'll get my updated pics posted before I leave.

You'll definitely pass me, I'm home only 4 days by end of month. I'll be watching your progress. BTW, really like your idea of using different color primer between coats, I'll have to give that a try. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Yeah, darthcue appears to have started with building before painting but all in all about the same. I wish you guys were way ahead of me so I could just copy your progress. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Looking great Ted! Keep those pics coming please. Especially those detailing your strapping and connections. Thanks!