MaskedVengeance

OP (MV) Post #8 Christmas was last week, and Imperial Boots came through with perfect timing. My 421s came in, and here they are! In my previous post I mentioned that I've come down with BFG syndrome, and some of you (@justjoseph63 & @TheRascalKing) will be happy to hear that my symptoms have fully developed into a plan to dual build my ANH TK Stunt as a HWT (CRL). For just a moment here I'm going to hijack my own thread and mention/ask a few HWT items. Pauldron Perhaps more so than wanting a large blaster, donning an orange pauldron has always been on my bucket-list, but I also want the ability to troop as a shiny TK. Lucky for me a HWT will allow me the option of choosing either while remaining within the CRLs. I've seen Troopers debate between Trooper1 and TB for the purchase of a pauldron, and I'm almost certain I'll be going with Trooper1 for my orange! MP-40 Pouches I likely simply need to do more research, but these recommended ebay ones from this thread are sold-out, so I'm seeking alternatives. I'd prefer to go pre-made, but any suggestions would be welcome. I have many more thoughts and questions regarding HWT TKs, but in the interest of staying on-topic with this thread, I've created my own link-heavy HWT build thread linked below: As my TK research has continued I also decided I need want more published print material, so I began searching for some books. Here are four books which I acquired for a grand total of $38.55 USD between two purchases on eBay and facebook marketplace. I really only wanted the first two books shown, but they were bundled with the latter two. I suppose there are worse things than having extra Star Wars books. A couple other notes regarding my TK build. First, I technically haven't pulled the trigger on my ATA armor yet, but obviously I've already been acquiring build components. I've had a mental barrier with officially adding myself to Terrell's wait list until listing my DJI M2P drone for sale, and I've been held up in photographing it for the listing. As of this morning, the ATA wait time is around nine weeks, so I really do just need to get my name on the list, regardless of whether or not I've sold my drone yet. By the time I have to pay for the armor I will have surely have already completed the sale. Second, as of today (1/1/20) I weigh 192.4 lbs. That's almost a record weight for me, and something that may be an issue with my ATA build, since the ab and kidney plates are not elongated like some other armors. Thus I'm officially going to be extra intentional about getting down to at least 175 lbs in the next couple of months. Not only will I feel better, but I'll also look better in my armor and I can hopefully avoid shimming. Lastly, for some compulsory non-build topics. (For those that don't already know, I'm using this thread to detail the story of my TK build—as opposed to solely documenting and detailing the specifics of my build). So, on Christmas Eve and Day my aforementioned nephew (the Jar Jar fan) had a bad cough, and we weren't sure if his family would be able to join us for our gathering. Remember, I have a nine-month old whose immune system is, well, baby-like. Thus, I made this mask: Additionally, in my increasing age (though I'm still young) I've lost both interest and the ability to stay awake for the New Years ball drop without something to occupy my time. This past week, after seeing TROS, my wife decided that she wanted to re-watch the saga, so we bumbled through the prequels (years ago I had already screened the saga to her in the Machete order) and started on ANH last night (New Years Eve). This image below shows exactly how far we made it before our daughter's sleep regression reared its rebel scum head, and the rest of our night until the ball drop was consumed with baby care. Further side note, watching Star Wars with my wife means I get non-bachelor style snacks—we had baked brie during Clones the other night. Yum. Thanks for bearing with me on this extended journey! Happy New Years Troopers! MV

[DISCLAIMER: THIS THREAD WILL INCLUDE MANY LINKS, FOR BOTH MY FUTURE REFERENCE AND USE BY OTHER TROOPERS] I've always wanted to wear an orange pauldron. I've always wanted to be a stormtrooper. Yes, sandtroopers are cool, and I imagine someday I will make the conversion (ABS yellowing?), but right now I'm still drawn to shiny white armor. I recently began my journey to join the Legion with an ANH Stunt TK kit and in the past couple of weeks I caught the BFG bug. DLT-19 and T-21 build threads consumed my Tapatalk time, and then I discovered the HWT. Eureka! Yes, I'll have to shell out for some MP-40 pouches, and build a backpack, which sounds fun, but—ORANGE PAULDRON and BFG!!! So much like Kman's side track, here is my semi-tangent. For kicks I'm going to have to boot up my old Battlefront games to check out some of the heavies, but luckily there are already some great screen caps here on the forum, and of course there's the CRL (link). I'm aware that there has been discussion on building packs to match the games vs the CRL, and my plan is to stick to Joseph's CRL model image as close as possible to maintain continuity (guide link), but there are several areas in which I will differ / provide my own interpretation. My plans, including the small variances which I believe will be approvable, will be noted by category in the next section below, and in general to plan take inspiration for my build from the following trailblazers: Tony's (Ukswrath) three part series Charles' (Templar) two threads Shawn's (@CrookKnight) thread (he also sells them) Kalani's (Kman) thread Zac's (Devolver) thread Bradley's (@AngryEwok) thread. My goodness, I particularly love the analysis on this one. Rick's (Caligari) thread Sarah's (Alay) thread Eric's (@Eric Ostendorf) 3D printed pack and files. Amazing work and very generous to share. [NEW ADDITION] Pauldron I've seen troopers debate between Trooper1 and TB for the purchase of a pauldron, and I'm almost certain I'll be going with @trooper1 for my orange. Is there any reason for me to reconsider other options? I'm still waiting on an email response from Jay for pricing, and hopefully I won't have to change plans based on the cost. MP-40 Pouches I likely simply need to do more research, but these recommended ebay ones from this thread are sold out, so I'm seeking alternatives. I did reach out to the ebay seller, and he hopes to have them back in stock sometime in the new year. In general I'd prefer to go pre-pade for these pouches, but any suggestions would be welcome. Oil Pan Base The oil pan used as the base of the backpack is perhaps the area in which I'm most curious about, in relation to the CRL. In the CRL photo Joseph is donning a pan from Bavarian Autosport, but unfortunately they closed shop earlier this (2019) year. [Anybody have an extra Bavarian pan they'd like to sell?] This means that all Heavies from now on will no longer be able to perfectly match the CRL, and we are instead left with two primary options—the Wedco 12.5qt model 83150 or the GarageBOSS 12.5q model GB150 (also available here). However, I believe there is a third, and possibly a fourth option. Here are the specs of the aforementioned pans, and the two others I am considering. CRL Model: Bavarian 16qt, dimensions 22" x 16" x 6.5' (photos by Templar (2) and justjoseph63) Wedco and GarageBOSS 12.5qt identical options, both with dimensions of 21.5" x 15.75" x 3.5" There are the most commonly-used oil cans now, since Bavarian has closed shop. I'm not a huge fan of them due to their shallow depth and their angled handle, which isn't accurate to the game or the CRL (see section right above). GarageBOSS 16qt discovery, dimensions 22.75" x 16.75" x 5.5" This is the first alternative option which I am considering building with. I especially like that it is deeper than the Wedco's, but not quite the the larger depth of the Bavarian. I'm quite bummed that I didn't pull the trigger on one of these the other day when Walmart had them clearanced for $12.32 shipped, since they're also out of stock on Amazon, but they can be found on eBay. The other aspect I like about this pan is that is has the larger cutout which would lay very well onto the backplate [ O II ] of TK armor. You can see how tight Joseph was able to cinch this same cutout style in his Bavarian photo above, which I'm not sure would be possible with the Wedco. Midwest 9qt discovery, dimensions 20.5" x 13.25" x 5" Finally, here is the most bold of the two alternative options I'm looking at. Most obvious, from the photos, is that there is no built-in handle, so I'd have to afix my own. Two potential options are shown below, and considering the fact that two different types of handles are already approvable, it seems like these (especially the first one) should be too. Such and add-on would also be more game accurate, but of course, I need to stay within the confines of the CRL for continuity. The two features I particularly like is the large recession, similar to the Bavarian and GarageBoss are the large recess which would lay against my backplate, and the non-flat surfaces on the sides, also like the Bavarian. This pan would also be deeper than the Wedco, but not to the extent of the Bavarian. The height and width are a little more narrow, so I'll need to examine those aspects. Rick has some great diagrams of the existing options, and I'm very interested in hearing feedback on these two other oil pans I'm investigating. Purchase sources: Autoplicity, Farm&Fleet Top Left Button Box As much as I am tempted to build the button box to the game-used ratio relative to the middle tube, I will be sticking with the commonly-accepted Popit! storage boxes. I don't recall which thread I saw it in, but somebody had cut squares in the octagonal pace plate in which they set the buttons (Amazon) to add a little depth and the appearance of functional utility; I may consider this. Too bad I have to buy 35 buttons when I only need four, but then again it may be useful to have spares. I think I will screw them into the box top from underneath for added security. Middle Tube This one will be easy to source, since we already use these wipes here at home. I'll just need to sneak purchasing the smaller, 35-count and less cost-efficient, tubes next time. =) Vent Box No rocking the boat in this area either. Popit! box with hopefully very clean-cut vent covers. Uniformity will be mandatory. Radio Box I'm not yet sure how much time I want to spend on this section, but I really like what Devolver did with his, and I do plan on using the Michael's box as the base. I grabbed three of them in black clearanced for $1.99 USD (plus tax) each. I like the idea of depth, and the framing on the sides of the box, but I want to ensure I remain CRL approvable. I think I will also reinforce walls of the cardboard box by adding some extra framing on the inside. There is an off-chance I may look into using Radio Shack project boxes in the same fashion that Charles did. Bottom Right Box I'm going to look into two alternative methods to make this box, though I still plan on using the Popit! boxes. I really REALLY want to angle the front of this box down like Templar did, but I'm not sure if my GML would be ok with it. I wonder if it would help my cause that the CRL model himself wished he had done it? I'm also interested in Bradly's cutout method to pride more depth than a sheet cover would. I am considering making two versions of this box, in case I get denied during my first submission. Drop Siphon Funnel Since the siphon will be the lowest point of the pack, and perhaps also the least sturdy due to the rounded mounting surface, I've decided that I want to go with a rigid structure, rather than a handmade / rolled piece. I checked out both of Devolver's options at Walmart and went with the floral vase due to it's larger taper, and the shaker cup having flat edges on two sides. The vase is nearly nine inches tall, so I know I will need to shorten it to reach the required six inch height. I'm also considering Bradley's nalgene bottle top portion, since I have tons of those laying around, and I might even look into a screw-removable siphon, to protect it from damage when laying the pack down. Antenna Tube There's not much up to interpretation and deviance in this area, and my goal is to close the ends of the tubes with flat caps. I've seen some Troopers mention that the home improvement stores only had curved-top caps and that they found flat ones at Walmart, but thus far I've had no such luck. Do any of you have purchase links to such caps? I briefly considered investigating a latching attachment mechanism for the tube for removal in transit, but I don't think any space benefits will be worth the hassle. E-11 Mount This may, perhaps, be the most controversial aspect of this pack build. I LOVE the idea of mounting a Rubies blaster on the left side of the pack, but I definitely will not be doing so before submitting for approval. If I do eventually elect to implement such a mount, I will go with a very simple, removable design. Other notes: No, I will not be including the previously-accepted antenna on top. It looks cool, but I understand it is not game or CRL accurate. Yes, I will be utilizing a "less is more" approach to armor weathering, especially since I want it to be removable. Joseph will be proud to hear this, and that I purchased the makeup brush set in the photo above for $2.49 in Walmart's Christmas clearance section. Now I just need the dollar store eye shadow. I purchased a thin $0.88 cutting board at Walmart with the intention of reenforcing the bottom of the radio box, but I may end up getting more and use it to create the framing / paneling on the entire radio box. The cutting board also has a texture to it, which may look better on a weathered radio than smooth cardboard. I may also have a fellow SW enthusiast friend print me some of Kman's templates. Question for @justjoseph63 or @Templar726: Which specific sticky floor tiles from Lowes did you use for your box covers? Here is my ANH Stunt TK Build Thread which will document the armor to be used for my HWT. My plan is to build it to Level 3 specs, submit for 501st approval, attain Centurion status through FISD, then transition (at least temporarily through Joseph's temporary weathering technique and Charles' styling) to HWT and submit for approval. Wow. I think it took me sessions (squeezed between baby naps and diaper changes) over four days to hammer this out. Hopefully this compilation of links will be helpful to future builders! MV

@ukswrath - Is there any chance that this thread series might be one of those being "cleaned up" here on FISD? I'm wondering if the photo links may be fixed, or if, perhaps, the original files are accessible in some other gallery. I've gotten sucked into HWT mode and am researching backpack build threads. =)

OP (MV) Post #7 Hey there all you popcorn lovers! Grab a bucket—this is going to be a lengthy (or perhaps simply photo-filled) update! I've been busy putting together my Reference Guide folder, with formatted copies the 501st CRL, [just]Joseph's quick reference guide (PRINTABLE), @Billhag's excellent diagrams, Cricket's magnetic shin closures, the GA Garrison's Handler Training Guide, and several other documents. More will be added as my research continues, and it won't be long before I outgrow my current binder! As for the continuing receipt of items for my build, I was excited to hear that my ImperialBoots 421 boots order from the December wave has already shipped and is anticipated to arrive tomorrow. That's far earlier than I expected, and it means I'll have another pre-Christmas MBB day! I also received some mounting hardware the shiny flexible hand guards from Joseph, and boy do they blow away at least some of the competition. Add me to the list to builders who initially ordered some from TB only to find theirs to be thin and dull—generally not matching the color, shine, and lines of TK armor. Below are some comparison photos, and keep in mind that I did not correct the white balance on these phone images, so they appear more tan in color than they actually are. TB on the LEFT (or first), Joseph's on the RIGHT (or second) Observations of these two sets of guards: Those from TB are of even thickness throughout, and have overly crisp lines which will not match TK armor. Their color is also slightly off-white (not enough to be intentionally for a Sandy), the finishing is dull, and some molding lines are visible. On the contrary, those from Joseph are very white, have shiny finishing to match TK armor, and have no visible molding lines. Joseph's are also quite a bit thicker, featuring a tapered design with the greatest thickness at the the base of the fingers. See the last photo above to compare the thickness of the two guards at that same point. I suppose my pair from TB will now serve as a backup on troop days, but boy do I wish I had found Joseph's sale thread before purchasing the more expensive ones. I thought I'd also take a moment to mention my method of posting photos, since this build thread will feature quite a few of them in the coming months. I have already been a Flickr user for many years, so I decided to utilize their services for photo hosting, as opposed to Imgur, which seems to be the most popular service here on FISD. However, instead of using the normal image sharing links provided by Flickr (or Imgur for that matter), I found a back-door method to link to the original high-resolution images hosted on the Flickr servers (AWS). This means that the FISD DOs or other users can click on my embedded thread photos, and instead of being redirected to an actual Flickr page or album, the full-resolution image opens immediately in the browser. This will hopefully make it easier for the DOs and other users to zoom in on the tiny details and provide accurate feedback. Also worth noting is that Flickr was recently acquired by Smugmug and the storage capacities for free users have already been decreased (similar to the Photobucket debacle), so I'm hoping that no further action will occur in the future, and that my galleries will remain intact. Then again, the Flickr CEOs letter to users could be interpreted in a less positive light... As I've continued to wait on my TK items I've also been further exploring scratch-builds of several larger blasters such as the DLT-19 and T-21. I think I've come down with BFG syndrome. In fact, I just received this pair of "Build Your Own Blaster" bases which I found on eBay for $30 shipped, and I'm considering trying two variations of a DLT-19 build based on Astyanax's and HappyTrooper's builds. Perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself. First I need Trooper status. So now back to popcorn. Literally. This weekend was the Episode IX premiere, and obviously I had a ticket to go with the guys. Below is a photo of my opening night (Thursday) ticket, taken yesterday (Saturday). Notice anything odd? Some of you will remember that I have an almost nine-month old baby girl, and this was also the last week of the semester for my wife who teaches kindergarten, so let's just say that a MASSIVE sleep regression coupled with an immeasurably difficult week and semester meant I needed to be home to support my family. I joined the guys at our traditional pre-premier Chinese buffet, right next to the theater I might add, then went straight home. This was a new experience for me—not participating in the opening night festivities—but throughout the day (before my plans had changed) I had a little fun at work. My Rogue One Black Series helmet was a gift from my wife, and the first stormtrooper helmet I ever wore, so it holds a special place in my heart and served as a catalyst on this 501st journey. I'm looking forward to seeing what a completed ANH stunt bucket looks like next to this one! And while we're on the topic of gifts, for Christmas this year my nephew asked for the Jar Jar figure shown below, which I was slightly embarrassed to purchase for him. Then again, he is only seven years old, so I'll give him a pass, at least until I can properly indoctrinate him. Final thoughts. My build is becoming more and more real with every component package which is dropped on my porch. This immersion into TK armor has also really opened my eyes to details I previously missed when screening the OT. When recently watching ANH and ESB I was shocked at all the dropped biceps and taped armor! (Also what was up with the bubble wrap strips on the should straps of the Rogue Group snowspeeders on Hoth?!). I'm looking forward to continuing this process, and intend to continue to document my progress with lots of supporting photos and questions—pre-cut and pre-adhesion. Next up, photos of my 421 boots when they arrive. MV

Correct - Adjacent to and butted up against each other. Not overlapping. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Letting it dry for 24 hours then rubbing it off with your fingers is effective. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

At official troops the 501st organizer will have coordinated with the event sponsor whether or not weapons are permitted. It will vary by location, and some events may will also require tagging the blaster in some way (the local PD did that at a recent Atlanta event). Different states and localities will have different laws and regulations regarding public display of replica weapons. As for pauldrons, at canon events they are reserved for Sandys and HWT if you’re an OT TK. At non-canon events you can do what you want, but keep in mind that, for better or for worse, a pauldron will make you stand out from the TKs around you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Definitely don’t buy a laptop just for photo posting. Did you say Flickr won’t work for you? Have you tried forcing the web pages (imgur) on your phone to show in “desktop” mode, rather than the “mobile” mode? This should enable viewing of websites in the same fashion as if you’re on a computer. Granted, it may actually be more cumbersome than the mobile pages, because you’ll likely have to zoom in on the larger view, but it may provide you with the image link features that you’re having a hard time accessing on your mobile device. See the attached screenshot, which I’m actually uploading with Tapatalk (app), for the first time, so we’ll see if it works. As a previous commenter mentioned, uploading via Tapatalk appears to keep the image on Tapatalk servers, which should also remedy your issue of maximum file size allotment on FISD. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Congrats sir; great work! I hope to be joining your ranks sometime in the new year! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As Joseph said, you only need a single account on imgur or Flickr to use their services; not one for each image. Any web-based image host will require you to create an account, in the same way that social media platforms do. If you’re continuing to experience problems on your mobile device, I’d highly recommend using a laptop or desktop computer. All the features of imgur, Flickr, and even FISD for that matter, will be more easily accessible that way. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Automatic Centurion status for each of those involved now, right? [emoji12] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I went with a rubber blaster from Hellhounds / Trooperbay. It is similar to the Praetorian blaster that giskard8 mentioned; shipped troop-ready. Below is a link to a comparison review of three different rubber E-11 blasters so you can compare options in the US (assuming you’re from here). Note that Hyperfirms are no longer made and would, therefore, need to be purchased used. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48449-rubber-e-11-blaster-hellhounds-photo-review-vs-hyperfirm-praetorian/ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Are those the forearms? If so, you’ll definitely need to take all of the return edge off on the wrist side. Joseph has a great thread on return edges, though there are differing opinions on the matter: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48166-return-edges-101-ottk/ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I literally saw this one with the almost-off helmet for the first time about an hour ago. Funny how paying attention to tiny details here on FISD has opened my eyes to wardrobe malfunctions. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You may considering trying Flickr. Maybe it’ll work better on your phone. I don’t think you’ll want to delete older photos from your thread because you’ll lose all that history. Additionally, compressing images may not allow other FISD members to zoom in and see smaller details for feedback. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I, too, initially purchased the ones from Trooperbay, so I’m interested in the outcome of what it will take to get them to stick, since I’ll use them as backup. I would have thought that sanding word work, but maybe really scuffing them up with a blade will be necessary. I’m already following this thread, but will pay special attention to this issue. =) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I like the height of your brow; I’m going to be going on the lower end too myself. I think it looks more menacing. Haha. While I’ll let the true pros give the final word, I suspect they’ll say that for upper levels you’ll want to remove some of the paint from the gums (tops and bottoms) around the teeth. I’m still trying to work out myself exactly how I’m going to ensure I don’t overpaint. Also, looking back at your armor laid out, it appears that you have the Sandy hand guards. Did you also get the Sandy knee plate, or the one for a TK? Keep up the great work! You’ll be a trooper before long! I didn’t get a pre-trimmed kit due to financial limitations, so I’m going to have a lot of legwork just to get to the point you’re at! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Exciting! Making quick work of that bucket. I can’t quite tell from this angle, but are your screws countersunk into the ears? They’ll need to be flush with the surface of the ears for higher level approval. Keep up the good work! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks guys. I will likely end up hollowing out some of the scope, but probably not the entire length since I suspect the foam and rubber would lose structure and strength, at least to a greater degree than resin. The solution I have in mind to deal with the transparency or translucency of the lenses it to cut out a circle in a white (or maybe orange/red) index card and then place a piece of semi-reflective material like silver/mirror cellophane on top of it. This would then be installed behind the lens—likely at the back of the hollowed out scope section, not touching the lens. I intend to use E6000 for this, and everything on my armor build, since I'm expecting to make some mistakes with this being my first build.

Thanks gents - That's been my experience as well. I was just hoping that I could continue drafts on multiple devices, since I use up to four different ones. It took me a couple days to put together my E-11 blaster photo review since I had to wait to get back to my desktop at home late every night. Cheers.

I'm not even an approved TK yet, but I love reading this newsletter! @bishopdonmiguel - Great work on that tabloid. Also, I can't help but wonder if your OT TK is designed to mimic that of the infamous head-bumping TK in ANH. The horizontal mark above your brow made me think of it, though I do not recall if a similar mark was left on the TK's bucket after the Death Star door bump.

OP (MV) Post #4 In my previous post I mentioned that I'd received my rubber E-11 from @Hellhounds Props / Trooperbay, and this week I completed my photo comparison review (thread) of it verses the two other main rubber E-11 suppliers: Hyperfirm and Praetorian. Below are some of the images I took of my blaster and utilized in the review. It's my first E-11, and as such I'm giddy with it in-hand, but I think others would also find that Hellhounds holds their own with their rubber blaster. Now back to my actual armor build progress. In my previous post on this build thread I added several photos showing my thigh height (knee to belt-line) versus the armor thigh piece height from ATA, and I'm still hoping to hear some feedback from some of you Troopers. The right-side ATA thigh piece is 16" tall with the recommended trim lines, and the left-side piece is a little over 15" tall, I imagine to accommodate the sniper plate. The distance from the top of my knee cap to my belt-line is 18", but since I've never worn armor before I don't know how far below a Trooper's normal belt-line the top of the thigh pieces should end. I know the black gap is supposed to be minimal. In that previous post above you'll find diagrams of what I'm attempting to describe. That's me on the left, and the Legion ANH Stunt TK CRL model on the right. I'd assume that a TK's normal belt-line would be somewhere underneath the actual armor belt, but my question is, would the thigh armor end any closer than two or three inches below said belt-line. I don't want increased gaps to disqualify me from Level 3 status. This week I also spent a lot of time pouring over @justjoseph63's Quick Reference Guide for armor from the OT. While compiling research for my build I've used a combination of electronic files and printed pages from FISD, and I felt the extensiveness of that AMAZING thread deserved to be printed out. Unfortunately, unless I'm missing something (I probably am), FISD posts don't print well, and I also wanted to remove the repeating post signatures and create clickable links in an index. After many hours of copying, pasting, image resizing, font coloring, and page formatting, I completed a PDF version of the guide which I can then easily use as a resource on my iPad throughout my build, and also print out for my research/reference folder. (Joseph, I sent you a PM about all this). An added benefit of doing all this is that I was staring at and reading the content repeatedly, and thus I have a better understanding of all that will be required for me to reach Level 3 Centurion status. Seriously guys, Joseph is amazing. But I'm sure you already knew that. This week I also received some new materials for my build, shown below. The snap fastener kit came from Amazon, and I do not intend to actually use any of the snaps for functional purposes. I really just wanted the fastener tool, and the bonus snaps will just be used cosmetically (think Han snap). The snaps and strapping will be of high quality from TheRascalKing. The monocular will hopefully be the source of the optics for the E-11 scope, per @T-Jay's research/poll thread. My hope had been to simply jam the lenses into the both rubber ends of the scope, but unfortunately upon disassembly I discovered that the lenses are thicker than I anticipated, so I may need to bore into the scope ends a bit for added depth. Big bummer, since I had hoped to avoid cutting into the rubber and foam. It also appears that the smaller lens may be a bit too large for the front of my scope. Might anybody have some alternate lens piece suggestions that aren't too costly? Yesterday I also stumbled upon the DLT-19 threads here on FISD and on MEPD, and I'm now kinda hooked on the low-cost scratch build idea. I have a bad feeling about this. I should probably concentrate on my first TK build first before foraying into the world of blaster construction. Side note related to this: Where have folks sourced their T-tracks? It seems that Super6Props is one of the more popular ones, and I know that @SlyFox740 also found what appears to be the screen-used RO variant. I do have one last question, related to FISD forum posts. Is there a method to save drafts of posts or responses to be opened later on a different device? It appears that when I close a draft response on my desktop computer the typed text and images remain when I next go back to it on that same browser and machine, and I've experienced the same thing on Tapatalk, but the draft content doesn't appears to be saved for retrieval on a different device. Am I missing something? Finally, if it isn't obvious by now, I'm considering this TK build process as a journey, and as such I want to integrate some semi-related (but not always so) personal notes along the way. Last week we finally finished decorating our Christmas tree, and I chuckled at the juxtaposition of Fett next to the angel. I'm surprised my wife continues to give me Star Wars ornaments, but hey, not gonna complain. Until next time. MV

@HappyTrooperDotCom - This thread and youtube video are GREAT! I think I may try it myself. Is there any chance that you've weighed your finished plaster? I'm curious about how it might compare to some other options.

I just read through this entire thread, and now really want to investigate the possibility of making my own, since I am also on a poor man's budget. This is FANTASTIC WORK, Bill, and I hope that someday you're able to complete the project. I'm sure many of us would love to see the end of all your work, since it's so impressive! Mark (@Stormageddon) - What methods did you utilize to create a two-part system?