shashachu

Here's a photo of my shoulder straps as well https://photos.app.goo.gl/oNr1ozuqGPA2nwbw6

Really great progress on this build! I looked back at my build photos and I have about the same amount of overlap on the front, but I did not cut off the big tabs on the back. Yours look a bit short if I'm being honest but it depends a lot on how far apart the chest and back are, which depends on how they fit on you. I'd personally leave the shoulder bridges for now and instead work on getting the strapping between chest and back dialed in before deciding exactly where you'd like the shoulder bridges to sit. They're just decorative so they can be left until much later in your build. https://photos.app.goo.gl/oGxcS2ANssQ5kWcA6

I indeed have a WTF kit, but I'm on the other end of the high spectrum (5' 3") so I'm sure your build will come with its own unique set of challenges! I can see though you have a high attention to detail so I'm sure you won't have an issue getting your kit together. If you have any questions, just ask!

What a loss for the FISD and for the Legion as a whole. Like others I never had the opportunity to meet Dan in person but he helped me and countless others. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Congratulations!!

Wow I have been off the forums for a while - I had no idea Walt finally shipped his FOTK kits! I'll be following this thread closely.

You're an absolute monster, Ardeshir! Congrats and very very well deserved.

Congrats Justin!

Welcome, Crystal! I'm 5' 3" and an approved Stormtrooper so it can definitely be done. Glen already linked to my build thread above, but feel free to PM me if you have any questions. There's also a Facebook group called A Little Short for a Trooper for Legion and aspiring Legion members who are vertically challenged.

CONGRATS Chemi!!!! I'm so happy to see you on the DO team. What a wonderful addition.

Hi Jonathan, Thanks for your Centurion application. It's so clear you've really done your research and have kept these L2 and L3 requirements in mind throughout your build. CRL and Centurion Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to Centurion! On behalf of the DO team and myself, many congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we discuss areas that could benefit from additional improvement. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions Nothing more to add here other than what other troopers have pointed out. Again, an incredibly impressive application; you should be proud of your hard work. Finally, I want to point out that *not only* are you Centurion #501, but you were approved on TK Day: 4/21. On behalf of the DO team and myself, please accept our hearty congratulations on reaching the rank of Centurion!

Wow, +1 to that gap-filling job. It's like it was never there. I'll be taking a look at your submission today. Thanks for your patience!

Congratulations, Trina!! So excited to see us make Centurion #500 and echoing others that I'm also personally very excited to have another woman reach this milestone.

Hi Jonathan, Thanks for your application and the quick fix with the hovi tips. 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, your right shoulder strap is floating a bit high compared to the left, which is sitting nice and flat. You might be able to correct it by shifting the white elastic closer to the ends of your shoulder straps, or a quick heat bath to increase the curve could help as well. A tiny detail for sure, but these little details really improve the look of your armor. Reference Images: As was already pointed out, the look of your blaster could be improved. First, the Hengslter counter on your blaster is a bit far back and low compared to screen-used examples (the green box indicates the ideal position). You mentioned that the entire blaster is a resin cast so it wouldn't be easy to correct, but we felt it was worth mentioning. Next, it might be partly reflections, but it looks like the grip of your blaster has some metal weathering on it. As the real grips were black plastic, they should not have any weathering. This should be a very quick fix with some black spray paint. 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. The L3 CRL states: There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates. Your shoulder bells actually look quite good, but we still think the positioning could be improved to reduce the gap to a minimum. I also noticed that your shoulder bells are floating a bit high above your actual shoulders, as indicated by the arrow in the front photo. You should make sure that you have trimmed off all of the lower return edge on the shoulder bells, and you might also need to adjust the strapping holding the bells on. It could even simply be the way you're holding your arms and shoulders in the photos. This isn't an area we're extremely picky about, but we do think there's room for improvement. Reference Images: Finally, the gaps at the bottom of the rear thigh armor should be filled with ABS paste or backed with a square of ABS so that the black doesn't show through. This isn't specifically called out in the CRL text, but this is shown in reference images. Reference Image: And that's it! Just a couple small fixes and you should be on your way to Centurion. In the meantime, on behalf of myself and the rest of the DO team, please accept our congratulations on reaching the rank of EIB!

Hi Jonathan, Great to see your Centurion application! There are still some issues to take care of before we can proceed. Starting from the top, the L3 CRL states: There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates. Your shoulder bells look *much* better than in your EIB application, but we'd still like to see you bring them in further, especially at the top. Reference: Next, 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. Your belt is sitting just a hair too low. Reference Images: Moving on, the L3 CRL states: No return edge on the inside of the front of the forearm is allowed. Your forearms still have some return edge. I've indicated all the areas I can see, but you should take a close look and ensure there's nowhere where the forearm is bending in at all. Reference Image: Next, this was an oversight on my part in your EIB review as I should have asked for an interior belt photo, but it's actually a Basic requirement to have the dropboxes connected with white straps: The drop boxes dangle from the sides of the front plastic belt (ammo belt) via white straps and are aligned under the plastic tabs of the ammo belt. Many of us connect them with pop rivets, but you can also simply glue the white elastic to the back of the drop boxes, or use velcro as you are now. Note that when you're replacing the strapping, you should keep in mind the Centurion requirements as well: Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt with minimal gap between belt and box. Reference Images: Continuing on with your belt, as was pointed out in your EIB review, the corners of the plastic belt should come as close as possible to the edges of the canvas belt. I believe you can get close enough by carefully trimming off the end of the ABS belt. The corners of the plastic ammo belt shall be trimmed at a 45 degree angle that that meets the outer edge of the cloth belt. Reference Images: Finally, after a lot of discussion, the DO team has concluded that your blaster won't pass Centurion as-is. I love that more troopers are using 3D-printed blasters and I'm sure your blaster looks great at troops, but Centurion is our highest level of approval so our requirements are quite stringent. The CRL states: 3-D printed blasters can not contain visible print lines, and must be sanded smooth for a more realistic appearance. Your blaster has prominent print lines all over which will need to be sanded smooth. Additionally, your grip is missing the grip texture which is clearly seen in reference photos, so the grip will need to be replaced/reprinted. Your Hengstler counter also appears to have been printed in two separate pieces which is okay, but they should look more connected. In the photo there appears to be a pretty visible gap between the two halves. Some other non-blocking issues are that your Hengstler counter is positioned quite far back compared to reference photos, and there are a couple of indicated areas where you're using philips head screws where there should be none. Reference Images: So there's a few items to take care of, but we have a lot of faith that you can get there. Please reach out to us if you have any questions as we're here to help you. Also, when you post your corrections, it would be really helpful to post larger versions so that we can see details more easily. Thanks, Sha Sha

Awesome work! I also have a WTF kit and had to procure different mesh for my hovi tips. A couple final items when you have a chance - could you post photos of your sniper knee plate from the front, as well as a photo of your thigh ammo pack rivet from the inside?

Hi Guillermo, Thanks for your application and for the quick fixes. I'm glad you figured out a better way to wear your armor that closes the ab/kidney gap and also lets your helmet sit lower. CRL and Centurion Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to Centurion! On behalf of the DO team and myself, many congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we discuss areas that could benefit from additional improvement. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions We have nothing more to add other than the items that were mentioned in your EIB review. Congratulations again on reaching the rank of Centurion!

Hi Jonathan! We appreciate your patience as we work through the review queue. You have a beautiful build and it's clear you've done your research. There's one correction necessary before we can continue, and that's replacing your hovi tip screen with a wider mesh, which is an EIB requirement: Correct Aerators/Hovi-MIX 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. Reference Images: Let us know if you have any trouble locating the proper mesh. Otherwise, we'll be here when you're ready to continue with your review. Thanks!

Hi Guillermo! After a lengthy discussion among the D.O. staff we need one small favor before we can get that badge under your name, sir. In your EI submission, we suggested that you extend the paint on the second ribs, but that will now actually be a requirement. The reason being is that is does not match any ESB reference we can find, and it actually is closer in appearance to the ROTJ style as seen below in the reference images. This should take you all of 2 minutes (or less) to touch up, and as soon as that is done we can get that badge under your name, brother! Yours ESB ROTJ

Hola Guillermo! Good to see your application. There are a couple changes that will be needed before continuing with your approval. First, thanks for posting new photos. However, your shoulder bells are sitting too far away in the front (they look fine from the rear). It might be a dressing issue, or you might need to shorten the strapping that is holding the shoulder bells on in order to bring the tops in closer. There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates. Reference Image: Next, I know you're struggling with the ab/kidney gap, but it's still larger than we'd like to see for Centurion, so we're asking you to try to reduce it furtaher. The gaps in the full-body photos look better than the closeups, so again it might be a dressing issue before you take your photos. Ideally there no gap between the abdomen and kidney armor. Reference Images: Finally, I think you have corrected it, but can you post new close-up photos of the backs of your thigh armor to confirm that you've filled the gaps? Thanks!

Hola Guillermo, Thanks for your application and for the quick fix with the helmet tube stripes, as well as the adjustments to your shoulder straps, shoulder bells, and cover strip alignment. 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, the tear decals are quite a bit smaller than the molds of the AFP helmet. Not a big deal at all, but if you're able to find decals that are a bit larger, it would look cleaner: Reference Images: Next, the rank bars look better, but they could still be thicker. Additionally, the outline on the left one is a bit squareish, and could be repainted to be rounder. Reference Images: Additionally, the shape of the vocoder paint could be adjusted to better match the screen-used examples. The AFP molds may simply have a different vocoder shape, but you could consider extending the paint as shown. Reference Images: Next, your helmet is sitting quite high. This may be necessary for visibility, but if you could remove some of the padding at the top, there would be less of a gap between the bottom of your helmet and the top of the back armor and will make it less likely people are able to see into your helmet while trooping. Reference Images: Moving along, your belt is sitting a bit high in the rear. Of course everyone's body shape is different, but if you could move it down in the rear, that would better match screen-used examples. Note that the position of your belt in the front is perfect (barely overlapping the lower ab buttons) so moving the rear down would also change the position of the front of the belt, you shouldn't do it. Reference Images: (Edit: looks like you've already fixed this since I wrote this review!) Next, as was already pointed out, your butt plate isn't fitting you as well as it could. I think you might be able to add or tighten some strapping, but I'd also consider using a hot water bath to increase the curve of the piece so that it wraps around your body better. Especially viewed from behind, you can see the armor piece is wider than your waist. Reference Images: Next, we're suggesting you touch up the paint on your thigh ammo pack rivet. Reference Images: Finally, your blaster grip should not have any weathering on it, as they were black plastic. 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. Starting at the top, the L3 CRL states: Ear bars shall have only two to three bumps painted in black (rank stripes). Since your ear bars have only one painted black, you should paint one or two more. Reference Image: You've already posted updated photos for two issues that would have been Centurion blockers: the shoulder bell gap and the lack of the shoulder strap white elastic: There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates. The plastic shoulder straps need to be held down in the back via a white elastic band to the white fabric that connects/bridges the chest and back piece. However, please note that you should take new full-body photos with the corrections for your Centurion application. Next, for L3, the gaps at the bottom of your thighs should be filled or backed with a small square of ABS. This isn't something that's called out in the CRL text, but it's clear from reference images. Reference Images: And that's it! You're essentially already there, so we hope to see your Centurion application soon. In the meantime, please accept our congratulations for reaching the rank of EIB!

Yup! Glen is correct that on ESB helmets the tube stripes should be a single decal. I know Trooperbay sells ESB decal sets, but I'm unsure if there's a better supplier for Europe. There are a number of your fellow Spanish Garrison troopers who have ESB armor, so hopefully they can help you find a supplier.

Hola Guillermo! Could you please post a close-up photo of your helmet tube stripes? I can't tell if they are painted on or decals; for ESB helmets they should be decals: Traps/tears and tube stripes shall be decals (with the correct ESB details), no hand-painting or decals that replicate hand painted. Thank you

Hi Craig, Thanks for your application and the quick turnaround with the frown paint fix and additional photos. 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, we noticed that your tube stripe decals are lifting a bit, so just make sure those are laying nice and flat: Reference Image: Additionally, your ear screws could be countersunk to sit more flush. Reference Image: Next, as was already pointed out, your shoulder straps are floating a little high. You might be able to correct this simply by making sure the white elastic is over the rear of the straps, or you can do a hot water bath to increase the curve of the straps. Reference Image: Next, your shoulder bells are sitting a little high. Note that on your kit the tops of your shoulder bells appear to be floating above your shoulders, when ideally they should sit on top. Reference Images: On the rear, your back plate and shoulder bells are overlapping each other. It's correct that we want minimal gap between the shoulder bells and back/chest plates, but we should avoid overlapping. Reference images: Continuing down, there appears to be a bit of elastic between your hand plate and the forearm. Not sure if this is necessary strapping with the way your kit is assembled, but I'm not aware of the existence of this strapping on the screen-used suits, so worth mentioning. Reference Image: Moving along, as already mentioned, your TD is sitting a bit high: Reference Images: Next, the paint on your TD screws could use a light touchup. It's certainly screen-accurate to have them weathered, but in general we tend more towards the 'fresh off the Death Star' look. Reference Image: Similarly, it's screen accurate to have a worn/weathered belt, but it's a bit sloppy to have loose threads hanging out, so we're suggesting you snip those off. Reference Image: Next, similar to the TD screw paint, your thigh rivet could use another coat of white paint just so in blends in better. Reference Image: Finally, a couple dressing issues on your leg armor. First, your right thigh is hanging a bit lower than your left, and ideally everything is as symmetric as possible. On my own kit, I had the same issue so I added an additional piece of strapping to the rear of my right thigh only to keep it from sagging. Of course once you take a step everything is going to shift around, but we like to have everyone looking their best in their L2 and L3 applications. And as was already pointed out, your right calf closure has come open, so just make sure everything is closed when you take your Centurion photos. 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 with the helmet, the L3 CRL states: Thanks for the updated photos of your ab/kidney. For EIB it's ok to have a slight gap, but for Centurion, there should be no gap. Additionally, the tops will need to align, as stated in the L3 CRL: Ideally there no gap between the abdomen and kidney armor. Abdominal and Kidney Plate align horizontally at top. In your case I think this is definitely just a dressing issue since we already know you can close the gap even more than necessary, and of course everything will sit better when you're wearing your actual undersuit. So just double check the alignment before taking your Centurion photos. Reference Images: Next, the L3 CRL states: Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt with minimal gap between belt and box. As was already pointed out, your dropboxes tend to wander a bit inwards sometimes. They actually look perfect in your Pajama TK photo, so it could be simply the photo angle, or you might need to add a drop of glue to the drop box elastic to keep them in place. Reference photos: Finally, unfortunately your ab snap is placed too far inwards. This isn't something that's explicitly pointed out in the CRL text, but we do use reference photos when doing our reviews. In order to fix this, you would need to drill out the snap, set a new one in the proper location, then fill the old hole with ABS paste. It's a bit tedious but many troopers have done similar fixes and if done correctly, it's totally invisible. Another slightly unorthodox suggestion would be to trim some excess off your ab plate so that the snap is sitting in the correct place relative to the edge of the right side of the Ab. This is a relatively drastic change and I'm only suggesting it because you appear to have a lot of room in your ab/kidney area based on the amount of overlap you had in your submission photos. Again, I'd think pretty hard before doing this because it could also misalign the right side seam, but it's an avenue you can consider. We won't break out the ruler to confirm the placement for your Centurion submission, but it should look visually correct when compared to the reference photos. Reference photos: And that's it! You have a great build that fits you really well, there are just a few items to take care of before your Centurion application. Until then, please accept our hearty congratulations in reaching the rank of EIB!

!! My mistake. You're completely right. Be with you soon.