-
Posts
112 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
2
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Articles
Media Demo
Everything posted by Ragtooth
-
Newbie (Ragtooth) Starts his TK Journey
Ragtooth replied to Ragtooth's topic in ANH (Stunt and Hero)
Thanks! -
Newbie (Ragtooth) Starts his TK Journey
Ragtooth replied to Ragtooth's topic in ANH (Stunt and Hero)
I received the Anovos Original Trilogy helmet and proceeded to strip it. Masked and then painted the interior: Three layers of Platidip: Next was installing the head restraint. I was back and forth between using a 3M hard hat liner or the MICH helmet pads. After about an hour of trial and error, I finally settled on using the MICH pads in the configuration in the pic. Note that I also had to install an extra layer of 1/2" foam along the brow line under the forehead MICH pads in order to create a bit of distance between my eyes/mouth and the interior front of the helmet. I was concerned that my eyes would be too close to the lens. I also wanted to create a bit of space for the air from the fans to circulate. Frankly it was a bit tougher to get right than I had expected. I wanted a firm & solid but comfortable fit. I hated the prospect of the helmet dancing around all over the place when I moved. Next up was the lens installation. I hated that the original lens was huge and spanned the entire interior of the helmet. I wanted to cut it down but was unsure as to how I wanted to secure it. I noted that the way to helmet was molded didn't allow a clean "lay flat" system. I didn't want to "over-engineer" it and install a bunch of T-nuts, etc. Luckily, I happened upon this thread: http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag4/negrese/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_c25_zpsfu7avrnq.jpg Spyder918 had a magnificent method of using JB Weld to create a sort of platform on which to attach the lenses. However, do his credit, he went truly "all out" with his system. It came out great but I was looking for a much simpler system. I merely wanted to add some area upon which I could just Velcro a shortened one-piece lens. He used JB Weld to create a frame around the lens area by applying the JB Weld and using vaseline as a release agent to remove the frame, etc. My plan was just to add JB Weld around the eye area to create a flat area to velcro the lens. So I dove head first and created this (before painting). It's not the prettiest but it worked perfectly: Now came the fun part and a heck of a lot more trial and error. I wanted to install UKSWrath's Fan kit (with band), Hovi speaker system and the SHA (hearing aid) along with the batteries, speakers, mics, etc. I strived for a nice tidy look. I used 3/4 flex tubing from Harbor Freight to manage the cables. I don't know how but I managed to use about 8' of the industrial strength black velcro. I ended up not installing the hearing aid for now. Partly because it was getting a bit "tight" inside the helmet AND it was about 3AM. I had a blast playing with the HOVI and the iComm system. I short - it works great. As soon as you realize the optimal placement for the mic, it sounds great. It's a perfect combination of your own voice "trooperized". The static burst also sounds awesome. I place the mic so it rests just over my top lip when I'm not talking. That way my breathing doesn't activate the system. When I want to speak, I just open my mouth a bit and bring the mic down to my lips and speak directly into the mic. When I'm done, it pops back up. I also had both fans going the entire time. You can't hear it through the speakers when you speak. In addition, the airflow doesn't activate the system. It's a great system. Great work UKSWrath!! (not a paid endorsement!). As I indicated above, I did play with the SHA system. I did drill the holes in the ear area of the helmet and rough-installed the hearing aid. The audio does sound great especially if you use insulated "in-the-ear" type buds. However, since that was third in my priority for upgrades, I left it out for now. I'll post a video of some audio testing I did with the system. I will obviously tweak as I move forward but I think it came out fairly decent for a complete "newb"! So that's where I'm at. Up next is probably the HWT pack build as that is the next most time consuming project. -
Hello All, I want in!! After Celebration 2017 I promptly started researching what it took to join the 501st. I decided to go "TK" at first and go from there. Specifically, I'd like to do the HWT as it both looks bad an impolite person (I get to carry a bigger gun!) plus adds a bit of versatility as I could switch b/t TK and HWT. Of course, as soon as I join and start trooping, this may all change. What I'd LOOOOOOVVVEEE to ultimately do is a Death Trooper. Anyhoo, since my "me" time is somewhat limited due to kids, family, work, business travel etc., AND I'm relatively impatient, I decided to order a full commission from RS Propmasters. It should be coming towards the end of this month (May, 2017). In meantime, I've been working on the following: - Obtaining a second TK helmet ("Original Trilogy" version) from Anovos do start installing UKSWraths' upgrades (Hovi Mic, Fan, SHA). - Obtaining a DLT-19 and doing a nice paint job so it looks heavily used - Building HWT pack with shoulder mag pouch - Ordering other HWT accessories (orange paulderon, leather mag pouches, etc.) - Making a second ammo belt for the two MP-40 mag pouches sans holster and drop boxes. I've been reading a ton of threads and posting a few questions here and there. Thanks to you guys I got the "411" on how to get started. I plan to periodically post my progress along with pics both to get some comments from you experienced TK's as well as provide some information for the next newbie.
-
Duh!! I didn't realize that it was attached to the strap of the HWT pack. Nice attachment method. Thanks for the response. It's very helpful indeed.
-
Quick question: How does one attach the shoulder mag pouch to the shoulder area? I have these (leather - I know I have to blacken the white threads). Thanks
-
THANK YOU! I've been looking for those pads. I'll experiment with the various harnesses and pads -- hard hat, MICH and I also have a few old motorcycle helmets that have "expired" that I could repurpose. I'm installing some electronic bells & whistles so I also need to adapt for that. I'm thinking that if I'll be trooping is S. Florida (meaning that it's freakin' hot!) that the hard hat band may provide a bit more circulation. As far as the paint, is there any particular "best" type of paint to use? flat? Rattle can variety? enamel? Thanks again!
-
Another newb request for information! Is there a thread within FISD that discusses some common "comfort" internal modifications or upgrades (NOT the electronics, fans, etc.) to the standard TK lid? I'm particularly interested in the various options for head bands (I've seen a few 3M hard hat bands as well as just padding from a bicycle helmets, etc.) and also lining on the inside of the entire helmet. Also, I've seen a few pics of lids that appear to have been painted black on the inside. Is there any benefit to this? Any pics would be fantastic! Thanks
-
Anovos "Classic Trilogy Helmet" mods?
Ragtooth replied to Ragtooth's topic in Getting Started - Read this First!
Thank you! I continue to be impressed with this group's attention to detail! -
Anovos "Classic Trilogy Helmet" mods?
Ragtooth replied to Ragtooth's topic in Getting Started - Read this First!
Awesome! Thanks for the quick response -
A little help here guys and gals.... I'm considering purchasing the Anovos helmet for 501st approval. The now-53 page "The Various Types of Armor and Where to Find Them" thread indicates for Anovos gear that "some tweaks to the frown paint are required for 501st approval". My questions are: 1- What exactly needs to be done to fix the frown paint for 501st approval? 2- Are there any other mods necessary to this particular helmet for 501st approval? I ask because there was an Anovos helmet up for sale where the original owner also replaced the lens with an "accurate thin green lens", cut excess material from eye sockets for accuracy and painted edges of frown for accuracy... Thanks!
-
I'm still waiting for my armor from RS and am assembling my kit for HWT in the meantime.<br><br> I'd love to be able to show off my kit (pack, DLT and all!) on a mannequin in my "cave" in between troops. It'd be great to see everyone's reaction when they walk in and see a stormtrooper!! I'm thinking of permanently dressing it with an under suit and neck seal. <br><br> Do any of you do this as well or am I insane? Are there any pro's/con's?<br><br> Thanks
-
Yes sir! All that stuff is on the way! I had to re-order the mag-pouches in leather as I misread the CRL and ordered all canvas. I also secured an extra belt so as not to have to deal with removing the holster and drop packs. I have 90% of the pack material and I'll be starting on that this week. That'll keep me busy while waiting for my armor.
-
Battlefront Shocktrooper Pack Build Thread
Ragtooth replied to CrookKnight's topic in Build Threads Requireing Maintenance
Nice work on the build. <br><br> I also like the Shocktrooper and the kit/color. I may go that way in the future as a second (third, ?) costume. -
I need to work on weathering the blaster a bit.
-
I don't even have my armor yet but I secured the most critical (to me, at least) component! I need to take it out to the range this weekend to sight it in and fire some bolts downrange in anger!
-
Do charitable appearances have to be pre-approved?
Ragtooth replied to Ragtooth's topic in Getting Started - Read this First!
Thanks for your responses! Very helpful. -
HWT CRL Changes - Your input is requested
Ragtooth replied to Daetrin's topic in Heavy Weapons Trooper
Tony Thanks. I went ahead and just pulled the trigger on two pairs of the leather ones so I don't have to worry about it in the future. I just need to blacken the stitching. Anyone need some canvas pouches! LOL! -
HWT CRL Changes - Your input is requested
Ragtooth replied to Daetrin's topic in Heavy Weapons Trooper
OK - thanks<br><br> So I'll drop the antenna from my pack (thankfully hadn't purchased it yet).<br><br> On the mag pouches, I just realized that I misread the CRL requirements. I didn't notice that the BELT packs had to be leather or leather-like yet the SHOULDER pouch allows canvas. I bought 2 pairs of canvas pouches that I was planning to use. <br><br> So can I still use the shoulder one in canvas and have the belt ones in leather and still qualify for L2/L3 or do all three have to be leather/like?<br><br> I ask because there is no blue/red text underneath the mag pouch section on the HWT CRL.<br><br> Thanks -
"Lightly Scuffed (Battle Worn)" for L2/L3
Ragtooth replied to Ragtooth's topic in Heavy Weapons Trooper
So if I want the best of both worlds, I'll simply need a second costume! One for "Mr CleanTk" and the second for battle-worn HWT. <br><br> Done ... seed planted! -
"Lightly Scuffed (Battle Worn)" for L2/L3
Ragtooth replied to Ragtooth's topic in Heavy Weapons Trooper
LOL - That's what I thought but had to ask!<br><br> Speaking of BFG's, I'm thinking of tracking down a T-21. I already bought a DLT-19 but love the look of the T-21. Can't have too many guns, after all! -
"Lightly Scuffed (Battle Worn)" for L2/L3
Ragtooth replied to Ragtooth's topic in Heavy Weapons Trooper
BFG? I'm still learning all of the acronyms! LOL -
-
I'm currently assembling my kit and will be applying for HWT fairly soon.<br><br> I love the "battle worn" look as it no doubt gives it an increadible sense of authenticity. I note, however, that one the benefits of going HWT is that one could drop a few accessories and go "regular TK". I know that I could probably clean up the armor but I'd hate to have to do that.<br><br> So I'm wondering whether there is any benefit to keeping all "shiny white"? Will there ever be a "need" to ditch the HWT and go only Stunt TK? I mean if George Lucas calls us in Miami and says, "Hey, I need 50 of your best TK's", I am tooling myself out of an appearance (I know that's never going to happen but you know what I mean, LOL). <br><br> Also, am I technically not qualifying for Stunt TK if the armor is battle worn (no mention in the Stunt TK CRL re being battle worn)<br><br> Thanks again guys. This journey into the 501st is fun!
-
HWT CRL Changes - Your input is requested
Ragtooth replied to Daetrin's topic in Heavy Weapons Trooper
Interesting and fun thread but I'm uncertain as to whether the CRL has been updated based on this discussion. Is the CRL for HWT updated as of today (April 20, 2017)? <br><br> There are also a few items on which I'd like a definitive answer:<br><br> - On the TD, I note that TD's are NOT to be put on when using a pack but are listed in the "optional" section. If it's an option when the pack is off, then without the pack, you are also not fulfilling the requirements for HWT. So why is it an option at all under the HWT CRL? So if it's truly an option, shouldn't the following sentence be omitted: "Note: The Thermal Detonator is omitted from this costume when a pack is worn". Or more simply put, it should indicate that a TD can be worn as an option when the pack is on. <br><br> - Antenna's for the pack: no mention in the CRL. Is this still optional? <br><br> - Leather v. Canvas - there was discussion above regarding requiring leather for L2/L3. I just bought the canvas version but would ultimately like to apply for L2 or L3. So do we need leather?<br><br> Sorry to nit pick but need the 411 as I'm in the midst of pulling this all together.<br><br> Thanks to all you guys! Can't wait to start troopin'