MaskedVengeance

Looks great, Emma! Any not-perfectly straight cuts on the top and bottom of the ABS portion of the belt will be virtually hidden once it’s set on the fabric belt. But if you really want to try to straighten them, you could lay a long piece of sandpaper on a flat table and rub the belt on it. This will help produce an even sanding surface over a long stretch. Keep up the awesome work! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OP (MV) Post #23 More RAW UNCUT photos incoming. For those of you who don't know, ATA helmets are bumpy in the same fashion that the screen used ones were. Most helmets from approved vendors are like this, with a few exceptions where the armorers have smoothed out the details. Some of the bumps on the last two profile-angle shots below will also be invisible due to being covered by the ear pieces. Now, commence transmission. Qty 2 Sets of Stunt Ears (included by default) Included Hardware TD End Caps Qty 2 Extra ABS Sheets Helmet S-Trim Brow Trim That's all for now. Just a quick photo dump to document out-of-the-box pieces.

That blaster looks great, Christine! Printing one of the rifle version is on my to-do list, just for kicks, as I have no plans to build a FOTK. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As Joseph mentioned, Christine’s build is an excellent one to model, and she’s also very responsive to questions. I know, since I’ve asked her a ton about 3D printing in the past. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah Joseph is very quick to ship. I think I received my 421s something like four weeks after ordering. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OP (MV) Post #22 It's been almost two weeks since I posted an actual build update due to my efforts being temporarily redirected at compiling the resource list from my previous post. Which, by the way, has now been moved to its own thread in the Getting Started Forum. Here's the direct link for future access: But first, an outline of the items which will be included in this post, in case the extensive photos clutter up the format too much. Raw UN-cut and ROUGH-cut photos of the torso pieces, sniper plate, shoulder bridges, drop boxes, TD, and ab buttons Kidney orientation (top and bottom) Ab/button box dip clarification New equipment: Cut resistant gloves + Rivet tool Holster stretching results 501st donation Leaderboard reputation points? Lego TK template Some of you may be wondering why I continue to post raw PRE-cut photos of my armor pieces—the reason is simple. I want to provide future ATA builders or individuals on the market for any armor an idea of that to expect on their BBB day. To that end, here are some looks at armor pieces both pre and post rough cut. Note that in most cases I have simply approached where the final cut lines will be, and intend to cut and sand more as I begin fitting. As a reminder, clicking each photo will open a full-sized high-resolution version of the image, and my posts are also formatted to best display on a computer, rather than Tapatalk. Uncut Rough Cut Uncut Rough Cut Rough Cut Uncut Rough Cut Uncut Rough Cut Uncut and Rough Cut Uncut and Rough Cut Uncut and Rough Cut Uncut Rough Cut By the way, though I know I still need to trim the ab plates even more, a discovered a little trick for cutting right at the end of the curve so as not to accidentally remove too much of the flat area. As shown in the photo above, press your curved lexan scissors blade right up against the edge on the underside. I also discovered that a blister was starting to form on my thumb after all the scissor trimming of the ABS, so I grabbed the closest pair of gloves I had laying around, which were extra rubber gloves originally for my suit. Authentic armor crafting. I should also point out that I have yet to do any trimming on the kidney piece (and sides of the ab for that matter), as I first wanted to determine which sides are the top and bottom. I reached out Terrell, the ATA armorer, and he informed me that the edge with the extra ridge is the bottom, which is what I expected. Better to ask for clarification than be sorry later. Here are some images which show the proper orientation of an ATA ab piece. Rough Cut In that same vein, I also checked with Terrell about the dip in my ab piece which I observed and made note of in a previous post. I'm not sure how I missed this in my research, but apparently this dip is a "feature" of TE-derived armors—at least on suits in which the armorers haven't altered that feature. As this is apparently intentional, I'm now wondering if I should leave it as-is, or ever so slightly bend it a little closer to flat with a hot water bath. My OCD self wants flat, or at least flatter, so at least the button plate will sit more flush. Here's a quick shot I sent some of my work buddies yesterday. Slowly I'm growing a stormtrooper! In other news, yesterday I received two more tools, shown below, which will help me with my build. For months I've fought the advice to get cut-resistant gloves, but I finally broke down and decided my safety is worth the money. I opted for the NoCry Ambidextrous Level 5 gloves on Amazon; 14,000 customer reviews must be a good sign. The other tool was a TACKLIFE Hand Rivet tool from Amazon, and frankly I'm not sure how I left that off my shopping list months ago. Now for an update on my E-11 holster stretching, which I first documented a couple posts ago. It appears that my single round of water soaking my 8oz Darman holster will actually be enough, as there are only a couple small rub spots left (front sight tips, bayonet lug, and edge of folding stock). I fear that if I stretch it out any more I'll risk the blaster wobbling around, or worse, invite pesky rebels to grab it if I don't have the strap engaged. For now I will try applying some Quick Draw Holster Lubricant (from Amazon, shown below) to see if I can alleviate that little bit of rubbing on my rubber blaster's weathering. I also want to take a moment to bring attention to the current Legion/Detachment fundraising campaign which Glen posted about the other day. In light of the fact that many of us spend hours per week (or day!) on this forum, I would ask you to consider donating a small amount to the drive, which is specifically for Legion and DETACHMENT web hosting. Want to continue to see whitearmor.net as your homepage? Step up and give a little, as I did. There's no amount too small, and every little bit counts! Moving on to a weird, and practically unimportant question. This morning I noticed that on my FISD profile there is now a "DAYS WON: 1" note. I've seen this on the profiles of other troopers, and understood the numbers to indicate days in which that individual received the most liked posts. Is that correct? I spent a little time on the "Leaderboard" section of the "MORE" navigational tab and saw the rankings are related to "reputation points," nine of which I earned two days ago. Are those simply accrued via likes? Again, I know this is of little importance, but I'm just curious about the system. And finally, my semi-traditional non-build anecdote. Recently I went on a search to locate a digital copy of a Lego stormtrooper helmet template which I first came across in a Lego Club magazine when I was a child. I had actually stumbled across a digital source about half a year ago, but failed to save it properly. Alas, many google searches later, I found it, and behold, the template and the actual Lego helmet I built as a 12-year-old back in 2001! Yes, this piece has been on first my parent's shelf, and now my own, for the past 19 years. Looking at it, I can really see how white ABS apparently yellows with age. Quote Responses: @LTM and Christine - I'm counting down the days until I can finally meet and troop with you guys in person!

This is an All-In-One compilation of various resources for ANH Stunt Stormtrooper builds which will hopefully be helpful to prospective troopers as you get started and begin your research. Many TKs over many years have spent countless hours documenting their tips, tutorials, and builds, and this index includes posts and links which have been helpful on my own journey to the 501st. Printable PDF documents are included with select posts. This index will be updated as additional resources are created and identified by troopers helping troopers. 501st Legion Links: 501st Legion - Member Application 501st Legion - Available IDs 501st Legion - Garrison/Outpost World Map TK ANH Stunt CRL FISD Forums Getting Started - Read This First ANH (Stunt & Hero) Forum Tutotials, Tips, and How-Tos Vader's Valkyries (women of armour) Getting Started Forum Pinned Threads (selection) Various Types of Armor (Vetted Vendor List) by Daetrin Vendors to Avoid by RogueTrooper [NEW ADDITION] Common FISD Acronyms & Glossary by justjoseph63 Steps to Join the Legion by Dark CMF Cost of a Stormtrooper by Dday Imperial Attaché List by Pretzel Supply Lists OT TK Supply List by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) List of Soft Parts by justjoseph63 Build Tips and Resources Quick Reference Guide OT TKs by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Armor Party 101 by justjoseph63 Return Edges 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Paint Color Guide by themaninthesuitcase Billgrams One Stop Shop (some diagrams may be outdated) Things/tips you wished you had on your build by DTKC and others How to paint ab button plates by JBar Magnets 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Butt-joining Armor by ZacMuleer Sanding Before Gluing by Shinyarmour1 Make Heat Gun Return Edges by pandatrooper Make Return Edge Sealing Iron by Daetrin Making ABS Paste by kman (Print PDF) Resize Armor with ABS Scaps & Paste by Harbinger (Print PDF) Armor for Bigger Troopers by ELP Altering Armor for Shorter Troopers: See Cricket's builds (WTF, RS Props) ATA Armor Sizing by Thrawndike bar Armor Fitment for Skinny OTTKs by Morgi V-Tabs for Kidney & Butt by gmrhodes13, Cricket's implementation, Colin's implementation Kidney Plate Shimming by Bullseye Fix Back Plate Kidney Overlap by A.J. Hamler (also in his build thread) Reinforcing Super Strong Shoulder Bridges by A.J. Hamler (Print PDF) Arm Armor Assembly by pandatrooper [ARCHIVED] Forearm Alignment and Shoulder Bells by CableGuy Thighs Assembly by pandatrooper [ARCHIVED] Thigh Trimming by Cgarduc Fill Thigh Ridge Gaps with Sugru by justjoseph63 Angled Mobility Cuts Behind Knees by ABS80 Attaching Flexible Hand Guards by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Tips for Using E-6000 by jeebus68 and others E-6000 Safety Precautions (PPE) by cm325i Cover Strips threads: gazmosis, I'm Batman, sith_241, & Falciform13 ANH & ESB Cover Strip lengths and Ends by CableGuy Scribe technique for Cover Strips by chiefbonan Bending the ABS Belt by gazmosis, Boba_Skywalker3 Heat Bend Belt by pandatrooper Attaching Belt to Abs by GnrlGrievous Holster Placement on Belt by CableGuy Current (2021) Holster Placement by gmrhodes13 (follow-up to previous thread above) Belt Assembly by ukswrath Removable Holster with Snaps by Harbinger Belt, Holster, & Drop Boxes video tutorial by RWA (youtube) Combat a Fraying Canvas Belt by CallMeMrTibbles Thigh Ammo Pack Positioning by CableGuy Armor Thickness: 1.5mm, 2mm, Capped by Jakebullet Shoe/Boot Stretchers by justjoseph63, OneStrangeCyka GO TO Resources by ukswrath Strapping Systems Rivet Setting 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Snap Setting 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Snap Setting Hardware Solutions by TheRascalKing E6000 and Snaps Discussion by Harbinger, Snap Options by ukswrath Snaps with Rivet Heads by TheSwede Split Rivet Placement by DroidHunter How to Use a Rivet Tool by huttman How to Make Snap Plates by stukatrooper Elastic ABS Reinforcement by Cricket Magnetic Shin Closures by Cricket (Print PDF) Magnetic Shin Closures (supplement) by Zugor Alternate Magnetic Shin Closures by OddViking327 Types of Inner Strapping by Shinyarmour1 Internal Strapping by justjoseph63, nrgband RascalSnaps by TheRascalKing Thigh Garter System by Pencap510 Making Thigh Garters by Spectre Bicep Hooks by Pyrates and Brent Shin stabilization by Cricket and themaninthesuitcase Helmet Assembly ATA ABS Helmet Assembly by pandatrooper (Print PDF) ATA Stunt Helmet Assembly by Ales (Print PDF) ATA Helmet Build by maxsteele ANH TE2 Helmet Build by TK-4510 Helmet Ear Tutorial by gazmosis (Print PDF) Draw No Gap Ear Line by bpoodoo (Print PDF) Ear Trimming Foil Hack by trooper96 Choose Your Brow Height by CableGuy (Print PDF) Helmet Alignment by CableGuy (Print PDF) Template Painting 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Tube Stripes by CableGuy (Print PDF) Vocoder Paint Examples by CableGuy (Print PDF) Helmet Painting Tips by CableGuy Replicate the Screen-Used Look by CableGuy Hovi Tip Found Part Groundbreaking Discovery! by Dan_O and Sly11 Helmet/Bucket/Lid Interior Attach Lenses Using Sugru by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Mounting Lenses by Solcar23 Helmet Padding by Boba_Skywalker3 Hard Hat vs Foam Helmet Liner by han_solo1 Interior Painting #1 and #2 Post by Staffa359 Truck bed-liner vs plasti-dip by TheRascalKing Helmet Fan Placement by RLH2515 What's in Your Bucket by Ragtooth Helmet Interior Build by kamikaze Helmet Internals Purchase Options by JZYL Clean frown mesh install by Toothdoc & others TrooperTalk iOS App by BrinkHouse Voice Changer Suggestions by nick007 Voice Amp System by JFarwell iComm + Aker Volume by kaa1304 iComm Help by endy iComm 3D Box Holder by Garbz Modding an iComm with External Battery by Sly11 Video Tutorials (youtube) RS Prop Masters' series Pandatrooper's series TK-4510 (Trooperbay) Password to access scruffynerfherder CableGuy's build video series Armor Building with TK1636 (forum post here) RWA's Youtube Channel How to put on Stormtrooper Armor (dressing tips) by CableGuy Stormtrooper Series by Nairy Photo References FISD Gallery LFL Archive Photos: Part #1, Part #2 538 HD Screen Grabs by dashrazor (2010) 1059 frames of TKs in ANH by Jeklynhyde (2020) Armor Cleaning, Sanding, & Shining Wetsanding and Polishing by Ensi (Print PDF) Best Way to Clean Armor by Daetrin Novus Plastic Polish by Darth Aloha Armor Yellowing Yellowing Preventative Measures by Brandon Make Aged ABS White Again by dashrazor Reversing UV Damage on TK ABS (external) Trooperbay Whitening Gel (external) Password to access scruffynerfherder Additional Yellowing Discussion and Resources Combat holster staining thigh armor: suttontech post & Daetrin post Image Posting Photography Tips for Posting by CableGuy Posting Imgur Photos 101 by justjoseph63 Post images on Imgur by Ensi **NEW** Post images on Flickr by Nairy E-11 Blaster FISD E-11 Blaster Reference (Print PDF by Blaster Team) Rubber Blasters: Hyperfirm vs. Praetorian by kman Rubber Blasters: Hellhounds (vs. Hyperfirm & Praetorian) by MaskedVengeance Another Hellhounds Props E-11 variant review by Toothdoc Hellhounds Props E-11 Review/Experience by KaiserintheHood Completion Sets for E-11 Resin Kits by T-Jay Sterling SMG & E-11 3D Print Files by trooper96 [NEW RELEVANT POSTS] Full Aluminum Parts Kit by fieldmarshall Previously Unknown E-11 Prop Detail by Joe and gmrhodes13 TroopaCoola JMC E-11 Build by CableGuy Sterling Sub-Machine Gun Diagrams / Handbook / Images by gmrhodes13 Sterling Main Spring Forming Tool by trooper96 E-11 Suppliers 2021 by gmrhodes13 How to Smooth Out a 3D Printed E-11 by justjoseph63 Gun Rack for Blasters by T-Jay ANH E-11: Sterling vs Bapty Differences by justjoseph63 Scope / Hengstler Decals by gmrhodes13 The Leia Leveller - A Mr. No-Stripes E11 Recreation by revlimiter Armor Storage/Transport TK Storage Bin by Garrett803 Husky Cog Wheel Covers by GoofTrooper Add Shelves to Husky Bin by TK21999 Husky Bin Modification by VancouverTrooper Customizing your Transport Cases by OddViking327 FISD and Stormtrooper Supplemental Posts Armor Tree History by Locitus ATA Armor History by c6dy A Sad Day for FISD by Sly11 FISD User Ranks & Awards by Harbinger Your First Troop Tips by justjoseph63 Emergency Trooping Kit by justjoseph63 Tips for Hot Weather Trooping by justjoseph63 Talk Like a Stormtrooper by Thrawndike bar Christine's PVC Mannequin by Cricket Adjustable PVC Mannequin by TK4205 Terry's Duct Tape Mannequin by pandatrooper Trading Card Holster by swagger What does your TK ID Represent? by gmrhodes13 How did you choose your TK ID? by humperdingle Story Behind Your Nickname by Snaps Re-Introductions by CableGuy Differences Between OT TKs (Post #1) & (Post #2) by sharkbait Rogue One TK vs OT TK by 11b30b4 Joseph's TK Mancave by justjoseph63 Help Fix FISD Dead Links & Photos by Sly11 Using a Torch/Flashlight to Find Armor Cracks by CallMeMrTibbles FISD Memes by Morgi Recasting What is recasting and when is it bad? by Sonnenschein TM Troopermaster recast CFO by sskunky ANH Stunt Build Threads (WIPs) ukswrath (Tony) - ANOVOS (Print PDF by harris.adp) Harbinger (Brien) - ANOVOS kman (Kalani) - ANOVOS Uxorious (Fredrik) - ANOVOS Rat (Jim) - ANOVOS Blast 'Em! (Shane) - ANOVOS unfinished ukswrath (Tony) - AM 1.0 pandatrooper (Terry) - AM LTM (Lou) - AM A.J. Hamler (A.J.) - AM (Print PDF by MV) OddViking327 (Colin) - AM 4.5 AsBlondeAsLuke (Diana) - RS Props tsongololo (Jennifer) - RS Props DudeSidious (Wayne) - RS Props unfinished Cricket (Christine) - WTF, RS Props, RS #2 (Mr.) shashachu (Sha Sha) - WTF StrmTRPR85 (Jeff) - WTF LadyInWhite - AP (google doc) Pyrates (Aaron) - AP wook1138 (Greg) - AP zv288bot (Jorge) - AP Scimitar (Eric) - AP Bud Spaklur (Matt) - AP MechaPumpkin (Danny) - AP SpiceCredits (Rick) - AP batmanmike (Mike) - AP unfinished Shinyarmour1 (C) - AP unfinished (photography) rwmead10 (Ryan) - AP unfinished MightyAtom (Mark) - AP Sly11 (Andrew) - AP Dark CMF (Tim) - TR-Mod LEGOeatPokemon (Jonas) - SDS dereferenced (Brian) - T/MC unfinished Redforce (Anthony) - NE maxsteele (Ron) - NE CableGuy (Dan) - RWA CTID (Mark) - RWA NOTE: Many of the Pre-Approval, EIB, and Centurion request threads below are for ATA armor, as that is my armor type. Threads from other makers are included for their valuable content ATA Build Threads (WIPs) ukswrath (Tony) - rebuild Ensi (Daniel) DStep (D'Angelo) echo327 (Erick) StarTrooper (Jayke) TheLorelei (Lorelei) Bazz (Adi) Quixotic5891 (Antonio) RampantLion (Leo) REAPERofDAISYS (John) Zarlon (Kyle) gmrhodes13 (Glen) wingnut65 (Jeff) pandatrooper (Terry) - MEPD TD FIVE (Noel) - MEPD TD Flykiller (Jerome) - thigh question timecyspace (Clay) - unfinished MaskedVengeance (Caleb) - unfinished (Print PDF) Pre-Approval Requests Actionsdower (Jim) - RS iEmpire916 (William) - AP husky68 (Robert) - AP TKModder421 (Greg) - ANOVOS Jared (Jared) - ATA REN2100 (Ryan) - ATA Hotel (Jim) - ATA MissingNo (Peter) - ATA echo327 (Erick) - ATA 31-9 (Jayson) - ATA unfinished snipedoc2001 (Cody) - ATA Swarzo (Cory) - ATA unfinished Cesarisamisfit (Cesar) - ATA unfinished EI & Centurion Informational Threads Advanced Tactics: EIB and Centurion by justjoseph63 ANH Stunt EI Visual Checklist by Sly11 and Wingnut65 ANH Stunt EI Photo Submission Guidelines by justjoseph63 (PDF by Sly11) Multiple EIB Award Recipients by gmrhodes13 Expert Infantry Honor Gallery by gmrhodes13 ANH Stunt Centurion Visual Checklist by Sly11 and Wingnut65 ANH Stunt Centurion Photo Submission Guidelines by justjoseph63 (PDF by Sly11) EI Requests TKittell (Robert) - 100 AM Dargas (Richard) - 163 ATA gmrhodes13 (Glen) - 291 ATA Boba_Skywalker3 (Dominic) - 310 ATA TK6682 (Michael) - 337 RS Props Warwitch (Gabriel) - 340 TE2 EnemyZero (Tom) - 355 ATA ukswrath (Tony) - 435 ATA sylverbard (Mark) - 456 ATA YESSRAM (Yessid) - 465 ATA CrookKnight (Shawn) - 638 AP Cricket (Christine) - 700 RS Props TheRascalKing (Justin) - 807 ANOVOS Wargasm (Joshua) - 810 ATA lucnak (Luc) - 815 ATA Jared (Jared) - 841 ATA TK 71627 (Jose) - 850 WTF REAPERofDAISYS (John) - 944 ATA echo327 (Erick) - 948 ATA equuspolo (Ardeshir) - YR2019 ANOVOS Ruffalo - 949 RS Props husky68 (Robert) - 953 AP revlimiter (Adam) - 1037 AP benthemonkey (Ben) - 1044 RS Props Starkiller (Marek) - 1047 Anovos Nairy (Jonatan) - 1051 RS Props (also Hero) Doggydoc (Gerald) - 1052 AP MaskedVengeance (Caleb) - 1055 ATA Centurion Requests gazmosis (Steve) - 32 ATA Solcar23 (Carlos) - 52 ATA JEDISTAR (Charlie) - 60 ATA niugnep (David) - 76 AP piklz36 (David) - 86 ATA Jancelot (Chris) - 92 AP Techne (Chris) - 108 ATA RampantLion (Leonard) - 115 ATA Vader's Wingman (Jason) - 123 ATA ukswrath (Tony) - 144 ATA DarkOrder66 (Christopher) - 160 ATA YESSRAM (Yessid) - 165 ATA justjoseph63 (Joseph) - 167 AM2.0/ATA Squimspickle (Aaron) - 213 ATA Cricket (Christine) - 316 RS Props Daetrin (Paul) - 326 TM Soulart (Teresa) - 335 AP jamihal (Jim) - 344 ATA Ruthar (Taylor) - 354 ATA TheRascalKing (Justin) - 396 ANOVOS menschie (Colin) - 404 ATA Scimitar (Eric) - 425 AP (photography) Bazz (Adi) - 436 ATA MissionTrooper (Andrew) - 454 AP Ruffalo - 457 RS Props OddViking327 (Colin) - 485 AM MightyAtom (Mark) - 488 AP (photography) revlimiter (Adam) - 508 AP MaskedVengeance (Caleb) - 522 ATA Purchase Options (my build) Armor and helmet: Affordable Trooper Armor (ATA) Undersuit: Trooperbay One-Piece Double-Zipper (courtesy of a GA Garrison mate) Password to access scruffynerfherder Boots: Imperial Boots 421 (NAME CHANGE: KeepTrooping) Gloves: See hand guards below. (mine) Hand Guards: justjoseph63's kit [NO LONGER AVAILABLE] Strapping: TheRascalKing's kit Holster: Darman's 8oz leather (tan straps) Neck Seal: Darman's Premium (zipper) Belt: TKitell's Imperial Issue TD Hooks: ukswrath's kit Mounting Hardware: justjoseph63's kit Hovi Tip Screen/Mesh: ukswrath's kit Helmet Fans: ukswrath's Cooling Kits by ukswrath (Etsy) Voice Mod/Amp: iComm + Aker amp Blaster: Hellhounds Props E-11 Alternative Accessory Options: TrooperTronix Helmet Fans Henry's Helmet Fans DIY Neck Seal by BrinkHouse Making a TK Neck Seal by Doggydoc Geeky Pink's Neck Seals Making a TK Neck Seal by Doggydoc Also see Joseph's Soft Parts List above Other External Resources Ukswrath's Website Less Intimidating Build by imperialbrewer TK41973 Blog Tony Barnett TK300 Website (snaps) | FISD wordmark used with Command Staff permission |

Lookout great, Lou! Someday when I'm done with my TK, HWT, and T-21 builds I'd like to do one of these 5th Horsemen blasters. That and some Mando stuff. Goodness my to-do list is long. Looking forward to seeing your final product!

This is fantastic! Goodness I spent so much time researching components for my build, but I definitely want to implement some of your designs! Particularly the vents, radio box plate, tube mount, and possibly the top portion of the siphon. I can't wait to see the final version two STLs! Keep up the great work!

I'm glad you're finding my thread helpful, Echota! There are two schools of thought in regards to TK gloves. Some folks troop in their suit in their exact approved configuration, while others may change things like the type of gloves, or throw a pauldron on their shoulder. For the most part, it's up to you what to do at troops once you're approved, unless you're at a canon event. I haven't decided what to do myself, but I do have an extra set of Joseph's flexible hand guards which I'll probably add to some nomex gloves, to at least give me the option.

I actually have pretty narrow feet myself, and still opted to go a full size up from a US 11 to a 12. I figured I can always wear extra socks, particularly for colder outdoor events. The extra space could also accommodate extra insoles. Here's a link to my unboxing of the 421s, in case you're interested in seeing close-up photos.

This is very exciting, as the film was excellent! Will Samuel Kim be scoring the series as well? I’ve LOVED his recent Star Wars arrangements. Keep up the great work! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

But we all know that Joseph and his OCD inclinations definitely colored in the threading on the back anyway. But I’m the same way myself, too. ;-) In fact, I checked my pouches this evening and was horrified to see that I didn’t do the backs of them. Maybe next time I’m watching a movie... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, yes. To Glen you listen [...] save you it can... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You've probably already seen Dan's excellent post on brow height, linked below. There were lots of inconsistencies even within the Hero and Stunt styles, so I do not believe the DOs really mind what type of brow height you have. I plan on going relatively low with mine, in fact. I like the menacing look. =)

Yeah Shane - Armor building is a test of patience, for sure. When I was using my black G-2 pen on the threading I was very careful to stay only on the threads. However, if I did over-ink, I immediately wiped the excess off with my fingers. There were actually a couple grey sharpie cut line marks left on the leather from the crafting process, which I colored over with my black pen (and rubbed the ink around to diffuse it). Needless to say, my fingers were definitely black when it was all said and done. I suspect the pressure, and perhaps even heat, from using my fingers resulted in better cleanup then paper towels might have. My pouches have now been sitting untouched for 2-3 months, so maybe I should check them again; surely the ink is completely dried by now. I don't recall if I colored the threading on the back of the pouches or not, since they wouldn't really be seen (except possibly the shoulder pouch), but I definitely wouldn't want any ink to rub off onto my armor. I'll want all my weathering to be washable, so I can switch between shiny TK and battle-worn HWT.

I'm not a Legion member yet, but I intend to be this year, so I donated! I'm glad to be a supporter of this fine group! When we pool together we can do great things!

I'm still working on my own build, but from all I've seen there can definitely be mobility issues when suited up. You're on the right track with cutting into the raised section behind the knees. I plan on utilizing angled mobility cuts (if necessary), to maintain a clean, uniform look. Check out this post:

UPDATE: This post has been moved to a separate thread (linked below) within the Getting Started forum. Topics covered on that post remain below in green for reference. Here is a direct link: OP (MV) Post #21 In addition to documenting my journey and seeking help with my TK build, another one of my intentions with this thread is to provide future builders with a helpful resource for ATA and general (any armor maker) OT TK builds. To that end, this will be a RESOURCE POST containing reference links and documents which have been insightful to me, as well as helpful build threads. My intention will be to continue to update this list as my progress continues and I come across additional resources. NOTE: I am considering starting a new thread with this content. Would that be more helpful to the general TK community? Perhaps this post could serve as a draft, and feedback could be given? What do you think, @justjoseph63, king of TK tutorials? Getting Started or Tutorials & Tips forum? Working title: "2020 Index of Tips, Tutorials, and Build and Request Threads for OT TKs" 501st Legion Links: FISD Forums Getting Started Forum Pinned Threads (selection) Supply Lists Build Tips and Resources Strapping Systems Photo References Helmet/Bucket/Lid Interior Armor Cleaning, Sanding, & Shining Armor Yellowing Image Posting E-11 Blaster Armor Storage/Transport FISD and Stormtrooper Supplemental Posts Recasting ANH Stunt Build Threads (WIPs) ATA Build Threads (WIPs) Pre-Approval Requests EIB & Centurion Informational Threads EIB Requests Centurion Requests Purchase Options (my build) Alternative Accessory Options: Other External Resources Quote Response: Justin - Thanks for all those notes; super helpful! I've seen several people mention reinforcing shoulder bridges, so that's definitely on my to-do list. I'm also going to do my best to stay true to screen-used ANH armor return edges (or lack thereof), while also balancing that with ensuring the armor does look like cheap flat plastic sheets. Oh, and obviously comfort will play a part as well, and I'm planning on using the clean angled mobility cuts behind the knees which Mark from AP employs. And lastly, a belt sander is on my wish list, as I currently only have a palm sander, which won't be good for maintaining straight lines.

Saw that on fb the other day. Talk about a full-coverage face shield! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’m starting to wonder, “How many TK builds will Justin start and complete before I even finish my own first build?” Haha. Looking forward to following your progress! Someday I’d love to grab an Anovos helmet myself and paint it ESB style. I love the crisp lines they have! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

AWESOME! Congrats for real now!

Great progress, Shane! At some point you'll need to tell me what your favorite tracks of the saga are. I'm pretty sure mine are all from the OT, though there were also standouts in Phantom. As for shin velcro, my understanding is that most of the Anovos strapping should be replaced, but I think you'll find @TheRascalKing to be the expert on that front. Maybe he'd even sell you some of that ultra-thin he got, assuming he has excess. I might even be interested myself. A bathtub could work for a heat bath, but you'd lose a lot of volume due to the large surface area of a tub. Perhaps a 5-gallon bucket would work better? Might not be tall enough for the calves, though, depending on how much reforming you need to do.

Wish I could give advice on shortening those screws, but I haven’t gotten that far myself yet. Perhaps you could find shorter screws at your local hardware store? Depending on whether or not your screws are actually too long to safely coexist with your head in your helmet, you might be able to simply put some sort of screw guard or glue on the ends to smooth them up. However, if they actually poke you, you’d definitely need a better solution. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OP (MV) Post #20 So they don't get buried after all my photos, I'm starting out with some QUESTIONS I have: I never rinsed my armor pieces after receiving them, so would it be helpful for me to do that now, to remove any lingering release agents, or after all cutting and sanding is done but before gluing? Water with mild soap of some kind? Rinsing after rough-sanding, on cover strip adhesive surfaces for example, is probably a good idea too, correct? To remove ABS dust? I'm planning on reinforcing many, if not all, of the edges on my chest, ab, back, kidney, and butt pieces, since most of them won't have return edges. My concern is that such extensive reinforcement may completely restrict the flexibility of the ABS and actually result in stress creases and cracks. Are there certain areas which I should leave UN-reinforced in order to provide stress relief? Below are the pieces with edges numbered for identification; which areas should be: Reinforced with ABS strips? NOT reinforced, but instead left flat? Left with a return edge, but still L3 approvable? [Note: the piece below are all exterior facing down, but the perspective may give the illusion of being face up] Actually I do have another question. Yesterday I noticed that part of my ab piece appears to be warped, and I'm not sure if that's normal with the molding process, or if it was a defective pull. Notice that the button box angles downwards toward the top, and also isn't level with the other ab protrusions. Thoughts? Save your ABS trimmings I keep reading, so save them I have. These pieces shown thus far may come in handy if I need to make ABS paste, and I also intend to keep the excess from the butt-joint portions of the arm and leg pieces to hopefully use as inner cover strips. As long as I don't make too many outer cover strip cutting mistakes, I should also have extra ABS material from the two sheets I received with my ATA armor. So two days ago was arm day, and then yesterday I was on leg duty. Boy were my fingers hurting at 2:30am after hours wielding lexan scissors, and the tops of the shin pieces were definitely the most difficult due to the angles. As with the arm pieces, I trimmed the leg parts close (actually not really close, just closER) to where the final cuts will be, with the exception of where the butt-joints areas, where I left a lot of material. I will soon begin rough sizing and then determine exactly where return edges should be adjusted to and also cut the long edges down for the joints. The bells have a TON more material that needs to be removed. Everything is finally beginning to look like real armor components, rather than blobs of white plastic. Right Thighs Left Thighs Calves (duh) Bells (double duh) I suppose that's it for my photo dump. Hopefully future builders will find all this documentation helpful. =) Quote Responses: Joseph - I will definitely make sure to take off the edges of the humps either with my lexan scissors or while sanding. I wanted to initially play it safe and plan on sanding them rather than cutting too far, since there's not much material between the edge and the first dimple. I'll also plan on taking more off on both the forearms and bicep scoops. Ain't nobody got time for armor bite. lol.