Alleged

I eventually found the WTF Hovi tips, so I have them as spares. I have a feeling I am going to want to start a kit of replacement/repairs/extras!

Thanks ukswrath, your (and everyone's) good advice is noted and deeply appreciated. So here is the progress. Thanks to ukswrath, I have located hovi tips, and I have secured them until they are needed. I got a complete data dump on snaps, and had "Fasnaps" recommended. So hardware is on the way. Like many, my thinking is to begin with an easier section; many seem to start with the forearms, I read up on the "butt joint and cover strip" method (located on a thread here --> ) and viewed a video discussing the trimming of the forearms (located here; --> ) I have identified the left and right forearms (left and right, the left part being the "bulged" part and the right being more or less straight. Using a dry-erase marker, I have marked the appropriate places for rough trimming. It seems like the cut is made all the way to the "end" (i.e. no "lip" (return edge?) remaining for this section.) ...and the opposite side: It looks like leaving 5/8" of the flat side before fitting seems to be a conservative approach. Here was one dry erase marking, measured 5/8" from the "bend" to the main part of the forearm. Nothing will heppen in the next few days due to the day job, but this looks like my next weekend session. Appreciate all of the kind and helpful feedback. - Brad (ID99611)

Well, here we go! I purchased a kit from WTF last November, and I received it earlier this month. I've done only a small percentage of the research that I need to do, and at this point all I have done is open the box. I was pleased with the timeliness of the WTF armor, it was approx 10 weeks as promised up front. Everything was very carefully and thoughtfully packaged. I have been wanting to build this for a while, and now is the time. I am a teacher and my time is at a premium, and while I would like to be finished within a year, I am setting no particular timeline. This will be done correctly with love for the source material and for the smiles this brings people. Today I am in process of reading through build threads, assembling soft parts and necessary tools - here is what I have so far: Soft parts: 2 pair of black gloves, white belt (both from Trooperbay), top and bottom undersuit (no-name eBay). Tools: cutting mat, aviation snips (yellow), curved Lexan scissors, assorted screwdrivers, utility knife, soldering iron,, sandpaper, sand sponges, hand sander. assorted Testor's paints, electric drill. assorted drill bits). Blaster: I have a beaten-up and slightly damaged Master Replicas E11 that I was thinking of repairing using, but it's REALLY heavy. Incoming: E6000, belt sander, aviation heating iron (not necessary I know but I would like to try this). Need to think about: how to put this all together - strapping? straps? Rivets? Snaps? Questions on my mind (still reading build threads). I see that I will need to procure aerator tips; Etsy seems to have a few options, but of course I want to do this right (and support fellow troopers' manufacturing efforts where possible.) The thermal detonator - there is approx one half of this attached to a piece of PVC, with two end caps. This seems correct, but want to make sure there isn't a reverse side that is missing (see below). First, the "big box" because today is the day: Looking forward to this process.