TheRascalKing

Belt

Spine Plate & Thermal Detonator a. 10 Spine Plate Trimming b. Thermal Detonator Accuracy Update The included resin TD is HEAVY. I might try to have a friend drill it out their drill press or mill if I can, but it's silly as is. Also, interestingly enough, though the rest of the suit is solidly intended as a "The Last Jedi/Rise of Skywalker" kit, but the solid TD is more appropriate for the TFA version. As such, I'll likely use the milled out DN TD for TFA, then print a more accurate TLJ TD with the separate interior cannister using Jesse M's files. c. Thermal Detonator Paint d. Thermal Detonator Decals e. Spine Plate/TD Assembly

Torso a. 09A Torso Front Trimming b. 09B Torso Back Trimming c. Torso Assembly d. Ab Box Paint e. Ab Box Assembly

Hand Plates a. 07/08 Hand Plate Trimming b. Hand Plate Accuracy Update

Forearms a. 05/06A Forearm Top Trimming Okay, one of the most important things on this kit... DO NOT TRIM YOUR FOREARMS AS SHOWN ABOVE. I've been led to believe that this particular forearm shape has not actually been seen anywhere in canon, even the "Finn Mod". I highly recommend cutting as below, or being prepared to rebuild the forearm shape with scrap and slurry. b. 05/06B Forearm Bottom Trimming c. 05/06C Forearms Box Trimming d. Forearm Assembly I E6000'ed the side of the forearm with the indents for the clips on each, then used clamps and neodymium magnets (alternating the polarities as I carefully place them) to keep the gaps tight while they dry. As always, I lightly scuff any surface that I'm gluing first, for maximum mechanical and chemical bond. Finally, I used some ultra-thin Velcro to secure the open side, so I can open them up slightly and still fit my hand through. e. Forearm Box Assembly f. Forearm Rail Accuracy Update Instead of using the included rails, which are more appropriate for use with a TFA-style suit, I will be using a set of the rails that I worked with mrpoopie to model and make available to the club, which feature a provision for the proper M5 domed hex-head bolt. These were printed in resin, then primed and sprayed with the Behr Premium Gloss White. Let's put some stickers on next! Lots of stickers on the forearms... I tried to frame it to show where the sticker came from and where it goes as best I can. I used an razor blade to pick up the stickers without touching the bottoms, then a mist of soapy water to "float" them into place, then squeegee out the moisture with a Q-tip. Each sticker reeeally only fits in one place, so you get the idea. Finally, I added two small clips to each forearm, with the heads facing TOWARDS the wrist box. And we'll call that done! Official pics will come with my eventual submission, but these should give you an idea of the completed forearms. Another unusual characteristic of this kit is the forearm shape, which is not particularly similar to how they probably should be shaped... but short of completely rebuilding and reshaping them, I've pretty much confirmed that this is how they are supposed to look as designed.

Biceps 03A/B & 04A/B a. 03/04A Outer Bicep Trimming b. 03/04B Inside Bicep Trimming c. Bicep Assembly Screen Reference

02A/B/C/D - Shoulders 02A/B Shoulder Trimming Though I believe the first wave of kits included shoulder bells that were still joined, mine had been separated and were pretty well pre-trimmed. There was additional material beyond the cut line at the top and in the curves that I removed, but very little. 02C/D Support Lip Trimming The shoulder lips had very clear cut lines and I removed all return edge, and rounded the edges with a emory board like most of the pieces of the kit.

01 Inner Chest Inner Chest Trimming 02 Outer Chest Outer Chest Trimming 01C Back Yoke Trimming Outer Chest Assembly Outer Chest Greeblies + Decals

Helmet Options Discussion a. Anovos TLJ - Plastic or Fiberglass (Out of Production) This is the primary helmet that I will be using with this kit and am very lucky to have picked it up a New In Box plastic version off eBay recently, as they are getting rather difficult to find (and therefore, expensive!). If you see one, snap it up. I believe these were among the last items actually delivered by Anovos in limited numbers, and that they were briefly available for purchase the Disney Parks as well. I have a plastic version of both Anovos helmets and prefer them over the fiberglass version - I actually had one for a while that I got again on eBay for a great deal, but sold to a garrison mate, as it was too heavy for my liking, and the paint job was "good" at best, with a few spiderwebs and minor imperfections. The TLJ should be ready to wear right out of the box and features the correct "teeth" and more peaked nose that are the hallmarks of the TLJ update. They also utilize the correct TLJ-style helmet clips without the trapezoidal indent in the head and are very high quality, so I don't feel the need to replace them. I may try to heat and reshape the chin later, or look into replacing with a metal aerator at a late time. I also may mask it and try to paint the inside black, but the shape with the lip at the neck seal is daunting. At 767.1g = 0.8kg = 1.7lbs, it is the lightest of the several I have tried, and I think the best available that you can find... if you can find one. b. Anovos TFA - Plastic/Fiberglass (Out of Production) By contrast, the Anovos TFA in both plastic and fiberglass are readily available on eBay and can usually be had for $250-300USD, but often much cheaper if you keep an eye out. As mentioned in my previous thread, this one I picked up from @Oztrooper by happenstance, and features a reshaped chin, metal aerator from VaderPainter, and a "hero" style neck seal trim. These are also great helmets, and able to be had at a reasonable price point and possibly converted to TLJ....... but won't pair with this TLJ suit without swapping out some other parts, which I address here(LINK). c. KB Props TFA or TLJ - Slush cast resin I picked up this resin slush cast TLJ helmet from Kevin during a sale when he was going through recent hard times. I like supporting other makers and hadn't found the Anovos at the time, so at 1197.5g = 1.2kg = 2.6lbs, this was my next best bet and plan B, though I think @Gh0stxxiv is going to take this one off my hands for his build, so it stays close. As delivered, the helmet did have a fair amount of bubbles, pinholes, low spots, and other imperfections, but nothing unexpected and on par or better than my Jimmiroquai fiberglass ROTK helmet. It had a pretty big seam on the back of the helmet, probably from where he pulls them out of the jacket, but it was sanded down and addressed with some 2-part reinforced filler (too thick for glazing putty!) and is all but gone. I also got bored and recut all of the lines on the helmet with a file to even and straight them out a bit and to make up for detail lost in priming. A final coat of primer and wet sand are next, then final paint with the color matched white and black details. I also suggested Michael order a new lens from Ople Props, as the included flat piece of smoked acrylic was pretty thick and would likely need to be heat shaped. I'll update in a post below as we work on finishing the helmet out. d. Hasbro Black Series TLJ - Plastic (Modification required) These are also a decent option, but only if you picked one up at or near the original MSRP of <$100USD. These are getting pricey as well and DO require some significant modification to make approvable. At a minimum, you'd want to repaint it to match the kit, as the white is very bright with blue notes that are noticeably different than the DN white. There are also visible speaker vents from the voice changer at the rear of the helmet, and an accent line missing just above them. These mods have been covered excellently over here, and might be a challenge, but still a decent option. This is also the heaviest of the helmets I had on hand at 1428g = 1.4kg = 3.2lbs (stock), but could likely be lightened up by removing much of the interior and voice changer electronics, then gluing it back together. e. Denuo Novo TFA/TLJ - Fiberglass or Plastic Denuo Novo has confirmed as recently as 10 October, 2022 at New York Comic Con that they intend to release First Order Stormtrooper helmets in fiberglass TFA, TLJ, and TLJ-E varieties in Q1 of 2023, but that's still a decent ways out and up to you if you choose to pre-order. A TFA version will also be available, but not relevant to this kit as it arrives. f. 3D Printed There are a few good files out there if you look, and with large format resin printers being able to do helmets on a single bed these days, it might not be the worst idea to print and finish a helmet, but I'm personally wary of print lines and the amount of time and effort it often takes to be sufficiently rid of them. I can't imagine being an easier or likely even cheaper process when you factor in time than ordering one from KB, but it's an option.

Yea that was me haha I figure if it's getting regular inclusion in the Newsletter, it ought to be pinned

Soft Goods & Accessories Discussion Placing this section a bit out of order near the top, because I'm sure many people are will be wondering... what else do I need order to finish out the suit? Well, let's get into it. 21. Gloves As far as I am aware, there are currently two options for gloves - either Endor Finders on the left, or TrooperBay on the right. Both have their benefits, which I'll get into, but overall, I think I prefer the Endor Finders. Endor Finders In general, I feel the Endor Finders are ever so slightly higher quality, though the soft inner lining will likely get removed, as I did with my all black Rogue One TK gloves from them. I'd rather have cooler hands in the California heat. Both sets of gloves had visible purple staining on the white leather as delivered, from the black thread in the palms and likely just transfer from the material, and the EF gloves also had a clear imprint where the outline of the thumb left a slight impression on the leather of the palm as well. If I purchased these again, I would go for the option to have white palm thread, and while less accurate, I would likely (painstakingly) color in the thread myself with a black paint pen or something that would not stain purple (NOT SHARPIE). TrooperBay These were an older pair of gloves from TrooperBay that came with my fiberglass kit purchase years ago, so I will say I am unsure of the quality when new. They're decent gloves overall, but pretty thin and they are also stained purple on the white leather all over. The handguards are resin cast from original, from Dantooine Props and attached with velcro to the gloves. 22. Boots I have had a pair of boots from Imperial Boots Keep Trooping since I started my ROTK project and will be utilizing them. They're high quality, fit great, and are more comfortable than disco boots. 23. Neckseal, Undersuit/Gaskets & Shiny Shorts I'll likely be using my neckseal and shirt from Sheev's Emporium (which has the awesome and accurate angle change on the arm gasket ribbing), and knee gaskets. I originally ordered them with pants, but I think I'm just going to cut the pants part off of it and have them be sleeves with velcro on the ends like the Denuo Novo ones, but so that they match. The pants were a good idea and they are generally well-made, but make things more complicated. The shiny shorts are from Teresa at Geeky Pink's Phantastic Gaskets, who also make excellent soft parts for FOTKs. The included Denuo Novo gaskets actually look okay but would need to be tailored and are oddly just like... inside out. They have a more shiny/rubbery interior and a cloth exterior - I would just wear them inside out, but would need to remove and resew the velcro, and turn the seams inside out as well. Maybe if I'm having them tailored to fit anyways, but probably not worth the time when I have my Sheev ones. I have no interest in owning actual rubber gaskets at this time and consider their specific mention unnecessary even at L3 - no way would I survive trooping in the Southern California heat anyways. If that's your thing, I believe they are available from Thorsson and Associates. 24. Belt Pouches It should be noted that the tallest pouch that Denuo Novo included does not really fit the largest belt box plate (38A), so I will be utilizing one from TrooperBay instead. 25. Blaster 26. Accessories

https://www.homedepot.com/p/reviews/Barrette-Outdoor-Living-3-ft-x-6-ft-Optic-Black-Polypropylene-Decorative-Screen-Panel-73050083/315970643/1 Another idea for ya...

No promises, but I'll look into modeling it since it is in fact a FOTK Greeblie and may help people... despite my previous projects not being received well by some.

I have a spare VaderPainter one laying around... I don't think he's making them anymore, but would it be accurate enough to use as reference, and valuable to have that modeled?

Below are the parts I'll be using for my build and a few prices and links: TLJ Armor Armor = Denuo Novo ($700*) Helmet = Anovos TLJ plastic Boot Maker = Imperial Boots Keep Trooping "Trooper" ($120) Gloves = Endor Finders ($55) Belt = Denuo Novo Belt Pouches = Denuo Novo + Trooperbay ($68) Neck Seal = Sheev's Emporium ($65) Holster = Dantooine Props (€75*) Handguards = Dantooine Props Spats = Sanotized Creations ($35) Greeblies = 3D Printed, mrpoopie/TheRascalKing files Thermal Detonator = 3D Printed, Jesse M files Gaskets = Sheev's Emporium F-11D Blaster = Classified Shoulder Bell Support Brackets = @ukswrath Chest Pill Mesh = @ukswrath TFA Conversion Helmet = Anovos TFA w/ VaderPainter Aerator Forearms = Imperial Surplus ($105) Cod = Imperial Surplus ($45) Thermal Detonator = Denuo Novo Executioner Conversion Helmet = KB Props ($150*)? with Ople Props Lense ($31) Back Yoke = Imperial Surplus ($160) Shoulders = Imperial Surplus ($55) Decals = Trooperbay ($8) Primer = SEM 39133 Flexible Primer Surfacer and SEM 42043 White High Build Primer Paint = SprayMAX 2K DTM Gloss White Topcoat Custom color-matched aerosol white Behr Premium #52 White Gloss Paint + Primer ($6/can) BPrices and links are for US and do not include shipping, but might help to know when available! *'s indicate the list price, but that I purchased them at a discount.

67. Orange Public Library Comic-Con - Orange, CA - Sat. 9/17/22 (ANH-S TK #40, FTE #49)

66. Zion Lutheran School Star Wars Lego Night - Anaheim, CA - Fri. 9/16/2022 (ANH-S TK #39, FTE #48)

*"Andor" Hollywood Red Carpet Premiere Disney+ Launch Event - Hollywood, CA - Thu. 9/15/22 (ID by LFL invite)

We'll see if it's the case or not, but I think I can actually build the other kit faster than I could finish repairing this one. I'm debating whether I want to invest the remaining time to paint this one first, but I believe my intention is now to sell it and troop the DN kit... you know, since it actually exists now haha I may post a final update, but I think I'm done documenting over here, though much of what I learned and developed here will be incorporated on the new thread.

(Please bear with me as I update and reorganize - it is a TON of additional work to document... a ton of work! I decided to commit to a more thorough build guide if it helps people, but wanted to get some work done and a framework set up before inviting comments. I will be continually editing the original posts as well as adding, then linking in the OP, more information as I go. Thank you!) Sections, Navigation & Check List: Helmet Options Discussion a. Anovos TLJ - Fiberglass (Out of Production) b. Anovos TFA - Plastic/Fiberglass (Out of Production) c. KB Props TFA or TLJ - Slush cast resin - KB Props TLJ Helmet Project d. Hasbro Black Series TLJ - Plastic (Modification required) e. Denuo Novo TFA/TLJ - Fiberglass (Potentially Available Q1 2023) f. 3D Printed 1. Chest and Back Yoke a. Chest and Back Trimming - 01A Inner Chest - 01B Outer Chest - 01C - Back b. Chest and Back Assembly c. Shoulder Bell Support Bracket/Tab d. Seams? 2. Shoulders a. Shoulder Bell Trimming - 02A/B Shoulder Bell Trimming - 02C/D Support Lip Trimming b. Shoulder Support Lip Assembly c. Shoulder Bell Strapping 3/4. Biceps a. Bicep Trimming - 03/04A Outer Bicep Trimming - 03/04B Inside Bicep Trimming b. Bicep Assembly c. Bicep Strapping 5/6. Forearms a. Forearm Trimming - 05/06A Forearm Top Trimming - 05/06B Forearm Bottom Trimming - 05/06C Forearms Box Trimming b. Forearm Assembly 7/8. Hand Plates a. 07/08 Hand Plate Trimming b. Hand Plate Accuracy Update c. Hand Plate Attachment 9. Torso 1. Torso Trimming - 09A Torso Front Trimming - 09B Torso Back Trimming b. Torso Assembly c. Torso Rear Closure d. Torso Strapping (Suspenders) e. Ab Box Paint f. Ab Box Assembly g. Roman Skirt Strapping 10. Spine Plate & Thermal Detonator a. 10 Spine Plate Trimming b. Thermal Detonator Accuracy Update c. Thermal Detonator Paint d. Thermal Detonator Decals e. Spine Plate/TD Assembly 11. Belt 12. Cod a. 12 Cod Trimming b. Cod Strapping/Mounting 13. Posterior/Culet a. 13 Posterior Plate Trimming b. Posterior Plate Strapping/Mounting 14/15. Thighs a. Thigh Trimming - 14A/B Thigh Front Trimming - 15A/B Thigh Back Trimming b. Thigh Holster Mounting c. Thigh Holster Accuracy Update d. Thigh Strapping 16. Knees a. 16A/B Knee Trimming b. Knee Mounting 17/18. Shin/Calves a. Shin/Calf Trimming - 17A/B Shin Trimming - 18A/B Calf Trimming b. 25 & 26. "Kit-Kat" and Shin/Calf Assembly 19. Spats a. 19A/B & 20A/B Spat Trimming b. Spat Accuracy Update Soft Goods Discussion 20. Belt 21. Gloves 22. Boots 23. Neckseal, Undersuit/Gaskets & Shiny Shorts 24. Accessories

All new generation troopers use the ribbed undersuit as standard. Only question is if it's ribbed at the thigh/seat, which did change between Rogue One and the TV shows from my understanding.

850's suits are of lower quality and are made in ABS, which is unable to capture the sharp edges and details that are the hallmarks of the New Gen suits. They also have refused to accept feedback from the FISD and are unlikely to be approved at any level other than basic. I'd avoid them, but judge for yourself - one of theirs completed in-house on the bottom vs a Jimmiroquai suit on the top (admittedly mine). Ah gotcha, those might work then if they have the right shape, symmetry, and raised/beveled coverstrips!

Every single piece on a New Generation/Anthology/Non-Saga/whatever you want to call it Stormtrooper is substantively different than on the Original Trilogy suits and nothing should really cross over (including biceps), especially if you're aiming to be the first and set the standard for this new costume. I'd hate to see you put work into parts that won't really be able to be used. Best to wait for Jim, or if you have access to a printer, consider Mr. Paul's excellent Shoretrooper files for the arms and a few other pieces, or start with Nico Henderson's helmet.