shashachu

Hi Rob, Thanks for your application and for all of the fixes. It may seem nitpicky at times, but we really are trying to help you look your best. You've done a fantastic job fitting the armor to you. CRL and EIB Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to Expert Infantry rank. On behalf of the DO team and myself, many congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. Starting from the top, just a suggestion with the brow placement. Stunt brows tend to be a bit higher than you have hours (Hero brows are low like yours), so we're suggesting you raise it just a touch. Reference Images: ' Nice job sharpening up the paint around the vocoder, but you may have taken a bit too much paint off, so we're suggesting you add just a bit back to better match the screen used helmets. Reference Image: Next, just a simple dressing issue. Next time you're getting suited up, have a handler take a look and make sure your cover strips are aligned. It's a very small detail but it's the little things that really elevate your look Reference Image: ard Finally, it's a bit hard to tell from the photo, but your cod seems a bit longer than usual, so if you're feeling inspired, you could trim it down some. Reference Image: Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. Starting with the shoulders, the L3 CRL states: There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates. Your shoulder bell gap is a little larger than we like to see. Some suggestions are: tightening the strapping holding the bells on, trimming off any remaining lower return edge on the bells, and even just adjusting the way you're holding your arms in your photos. Reference Images: Moving along, the L3 CRL states: Back plate shall have no, or minimal overlap of the kidney plate. I'm not completely sure, but it does look like your back and kidney are overlapping. It's probably just a matter of some minor strapping adjustments. Reference Image: Next, the L3 CRL states: Abdomen armor buttons are integrated and painted directly on the armor. No separate buttons are allowed. It looks like you're using separate buttons, and you appears to be missing the smaller ab button plate, so you'll need to replace both. Reference Image: Finally, I can't clearly see the ab box alignment in your photos, but when you're taking your Centurion photos, make sure they're aligned with the ends of the plastic belt. Many troopers add a drop of glue to the white elastic holding the belt boxes on to ensure they stay in place. Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt with minimal gap between belt and box. Reference Image: And that's it! I have total confidence in your ability to make the necessary fixes for Centurion, but in the mean time, get out there and troop and make The Empire proud!

Hey Rob! Great job on the snap fix, and on the interior paint! Last tiny thing - looks like you painted the hovi tip screens white, but they should stay silver. Once you remove the white paint, we can proceed. You're almost there!!! -Sha Sha

Super speed! Thanks for the quick fixes. I'll be with you soon.

Hi Rob! Thanks for all the additional photos. We're going to have you make a couple more fixes before continuing. First, per the L2 CRL: Correct 'Hovi mic' aerator tips are present. Screens used shall be of a wide type mesh, with the rim of the mic and the inside white or painted white. You've done a nice job with the white rims, but it doesn't appear the interior is white. Reference Images: Next, we're requesting a fix on your posterior snaps. AM armor comes with a bit of a tab/extension on the posterior section, maybe to fit larger troopers better. However, that tab wasn't present on the screen-used suits, and although it's not something specifically called out in the CRL text, the DO team discussed it and we're requesting that you trim off the extra tab and move the snaps. Not only will it be more accurate, but we believe it will probably make your armor more comfortable to wear. Reference Image: You can also look a previous AM approvals for reference. Thanks for your patience; you're almost there! Please reach out to me or any of us on the DO team if we can be of assistance.

No worries, Ivan. We'll be here when you're ready.

Hello Rob! Thanks for your application! We'll need you to make a few corrections before we can proceed with your application. First, you'll need to replace and paint your thermal detonator screws. The L2 CRL states: Clips shall be attached with slotted type, flat or dome top style screws, and be black (two per clip). V head screws are not permitted. So almost any slotted screw will work except a v-head. You'll also want to use black screws, or just use a bit of black paint on them. Reference Image: Next, as @SirFalconian said, you'll need to close up that ab/kidney gap a bit. Any gap between the abdomen and kidney armor is no more than 1/2" (12.5mm) wide. Besides being careful when dressing, you can try tightening your belt, and many troopers have good success connecting the left side rivets with nylon instead of elastic. In the meantime, we'll also need some additional photos: * Helmet right side * Close up of hovi tips/vocoder * Close up of shoulder strap connection * Close up of ab buttons * Interior strapping * Sniper knee front, left, and right * Close up of cod and butt connection to show presence of rivet + 2 snaps * Belt interior * Closeup of inside and outside of thigh ammo pack rivet * Rear of blaster (to show D-ring) Thanks!

Hi Ivan, Thanks for your application! I apologize for the delay in your review; sometimes real time gets in the way. Thanks also for the quick fixes. Let's get started! CRL and EIB Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to Expert Infantry rank. On behalf of the DO team and myself, many congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions Starting from the top, this is totally a matter of personal preference but I'd consider trimming just a bit more out of your helmet eyes. While there's nothing wrong with the way you have them trimmed now, your trooper does have a bit of a sleepy look. Reference Images: Next up, your biceps are pretty uneven, with your left one sitting quite a bit lower than the right. Not only will raising your left bicep give you a bit better arm mobility, but it will also keep your left forearm from running into your handguard. Reference Image: Moving along, we're suggesting you touch up the white paint on your left side ab/kidney rivets. While the scratches probably do actually better match screen-used armor, we tend to lean a bit more towards that idealized 'fresh off the Death Star' look. Reference Image: On the opposite side, your 'Han snap' is sitting a bit low. It's not so off that we'd block for Centurion, but if you're looking for ultimate screen accuracy, you could replace the snap and fill the old hole with ABS paste. Reference Image: Finally, just a dressing issue. When you're getting suited up, it really takes the look of your armor to the next level to have your cover strips aligned. So when you're at your next troop, just have a handler give you a once-over to make sure things are lined up. Reference Image: Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. The L3 CRL states: There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates. Your shoulder bell gap is quite wide, especially in the front. You're a bigger trooper so it can be hard to minimize the gap, but some tips include tightening the strapping connecting the shoulder bells, and making sure all the lower return edge of the shoulder bells is trimmed back. You may also want to consider rotating the bells forward so at least the front/rear gap is even. Reference Image: Moving to the rear, the L3 CRL states: Back plate shall have no, or minimal overlap of the kidney plate. The 'wings' of your back plate are overlapping the kidney a decent amount. I actually think that a bit of heat bending to point them out may do the trick. We also noticed that the strapping in the center of the back/kidney connection looks longer, so tightening that may position the back in a better place. Reference Image: Moving along, great job with getting that gap down for your EIB approval; glad the nylon strapping did the trick. For Centurion, however, there should be no gap. Ideally there no gap between the abdomen and kidney armor. Abdominal and Kidney Plate align horizontally at top. A single visible seam line is present. It may again just be a matter of dressing, but you'll need to eliminate that last bit of gap if you apply for Centurion. At worst, you may need to shim your armor some, but just note that for Centurion the shim must be seamless, so you'll have to fill the seam with ABS paste and sand it smooth. Reference Images: Finally, a couple issues with your belt. The L3 CRL states: The top of the ABS ammo belt should sit at or just above the bottom of the central and vertical abdomen button panels. Note in the reference images that the plastic of the belt should touch or even slightly overlap the last ab button. Next, the L3 CRL states: Canvas belt must be firm / sturdy in appearance. No creasing or sagging  Your belt seems to be creasing/sagging at the holster connection. I don't have personal experience with Trooperbay belts so I'm not sure if that area is a little thin, or maybe if you just need to flatten out that area? Worst case you may need to replace the canvas belt for Centurion. Reference Image: And that's it! Great job on your build, and congrats again on reaching EIB. We hope to see your Centurion application soon, but until then, get out there and make The Empire proud!

Thanks Ivan! I'll be with you ASAP. Pass on our thanks to your daughter for helping you out, too!

Paint looks great - thanks for the fix. I'll keep an eye out for the other fix. Great work!

We'll be here when you're ready!

Hi Ivan, The first of photos (the ones Q replied to) I agree look good on the top but I agree there's a bit of paint on the gums on the lower middle teeth. (Apologies for the rough photo; I'm on my phone) Let me know if you're still not sure and I can try to clarify. My intention is definitely not to frustrate you - we're just trying to help you look your best! Hope this helps.

Hi Ivan! Thanks so much for your EIB application. There are a couple corrections needed before we move forward with your application. First, your frown paint needs to be cleaned up a bit, as the CRL says Frown is painted gray and does not leave the teeth area. It seems to just be on the upper teeth, but the paint shouldn't be on the 'gum' area. Reference Images As you can see, you can even err on the side of underpainting the teeth. A few minutes with some mineral spirits or paint thinner and a toothpick or cotton swab should do the trick. Next, regarding the ab/kidney gap, the L2 CRL states: Any gap between the abdomen and kidney armor is no more than 1/2" (12.5mm) wide. I think you're very close and it seems to vary a bit from photo to photo, but your ab/kidney gap appears to be too wide, especially on the left. Reference Images: It may just be a matter of tightening the belt or being more careful during dressing (that may be what you meant by missing a snap), but it also appears that your ab and kidney are attached with elastic instead of nylon. Swapping to a nylon strap, maybe even just at the top, should help keep the ab/kidney gap to a minimum. Just a couple small corrections and then we can proceed. Let us know if we can be of assistance! -Sha Sha

DO IT DO IT

Loving this thread! Sorry about the crappy comments on imgur... And re elastic etc, Joanne's usually has a pretty good selection of sizes and colors.

Hi Matthew, Thanks for your application! You have a very clean build and you have clearly done your research. CRL and EIB Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to Expert Infantry rank. On behalf of the DO team and myself, many congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions Starting from the top, a couple suggestions for your helmet. First, although there was a fair bit of variation on brow height, Stunt TKs tended to have a slightly higher brow than yours is, while Hero brows were lower. So we're suggesting you scoot up the brow just a touch to get that classic Stunt look. Reference Images: Next, as was pointed out by your fellow troopers, your vocoder could use some cleanup. We're not asking for perfection, but just a few minutes with some paint and mineral spirits could really improve the look. Next, it looks like your right side ab/kidney closure could be closed up more tightly. You could try tightening the strapping, or perhaps a little heat bending to help the kidney wrap around your body a bit better. Reference Image: Additionally, it looks like your canvas belt is a bit loose. Note that if you do tighten it, that may leave the end of your belt peeking out from behind the Thermal Detonator; if that's the case, we'd also recommend shortening the canvas belt. Reference Images: Finally, it looks like your shins are riding a bit high. I see that you're on the taller side, so you don't want to pull them down so low that you create a big gap between your thighs and shins, but if the problem is that they ride up as you walk around, you can consider adding a stirrup to the inside, or adding a bit of velcro to your boot. Reference Images: Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. Again starting from the top, the L3 CRL states for the helmet screws: Ear screws shall be slotted, flat topped, countersunk and painted white. Your upper screws look great, but your lower one is sticking out a bit. Maybe just a couple turns, or you can use a deburring tool or drill bit to countersink the screw hole so that the screw head sits more flush. Reference Image: Next, your shoulder bells. The L3 CRL states: There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates. From the front things look pretty good, but there's still a gap at the top of your left shoulder, and I also pointed out an area where your undersuit is peaking out, breaking up the clean lines of the armor. From the back there's a bigger gap, so you should do your best to minimize that. Finally, I noticed that you have quite a bit of lower return edge on your shoulder bells, so removing all of it will help your shoulder bells sit closer to the chest and back. Reference Images: Next, this is definitely just a dressing area, but the L3 CRL states: Abdominal and Kidney Plate align horizontally at top Yours are misaligned in most of the photos, so just be sure to get those straightened out when you take your Centurion photos. Next, your ab button plate is *super* clean, but unfortunately will need to be adjusted for Centurion. The L3 CRL states: Ab button paint shall not extend beyond the bottom of the actual raised button. Reference Image: If you take a look at the reference photo, the paint stops just short of the edge of the plastic button. Next, an issue with your belt. The L3 CRL states: Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt with minimal gap between belt and box. This may just be perspective in the photo, but it looks like your drop boxes are not quite aligned to the ends of the plastic part of the belt. Adding a drop of glue to the white elastic holding them on usually keeps them from wandering. Reference Image: Finally, we will need you to adjust your sniper knee position before applying for Centurion. The ridges are very well aligned, but unfortunately that's left the knee very far off center. Although this isn't something that's explicitly stated in the CRL text, we do consider images when doing our armor reviews. Looking back at other AP applications, it does seem like this kit is particularly difficult to get the sniper knee in place, but we do know it's possible to get closer overall alignment. Careful clamping and gluing should do the trick. Reference Images: And that's it! Although there are a few adjustments needed for Centurion, most of them are relatively minor, so we hope to see your application soon. In the meantime, get out there and make the Empire proud!