SB_Sneetch

Thanks guys, I appreciate the encouragement and support. Two immediate questions I am wondering after reviewing the TK Supply List: For the velcro (1" & 2" black and white), is that adhesive backed or non-adhesive backed? What general size(s) are beneficial for the small plastic containers? Are they to separate the armor into sections, just keeping other supplies together, all the above and more? I have assumptions, yet as the phrase goes, it is not good to assume. Thanks!

I just placed an order for an AM 4.5 kit and I am full of competing emotions! I am not convinced I am going to be able to do this, yet guess that is a good place to be on the start of my journey. No idea how long this build will take as a one person job, yet I also don't have any specific deadlines I am attempting to drive towards at this time. Just looking forward to the process and I am sure I will be asking for guidance along the way. Settle in as this will for sure be a wild ride. Now excuse me while I go

So build or commission? I am trying to weigh the pros and cons and it seems the cost difference alone may be a wash due to acquiring the extra tools and components to build the armor. That and the vendor I am considering also includes the belt and holster in the commission build. So from cost It seems commissioned is the winner. Yet I would miss out on the experience of building it (cuts, anxiety, satisfaction). so. Back to So build or commission? what say ye?

That is crazy and a shame to hear. I am trying to think of anything I have printed a couple years ago to see how they are holding up. I am wondering if it may also be related to any finishing/painting that was done that may have compromised the PLA. Yet regardless, it is a good cautionary note to be prepared to print another if using something printed for trooping.

Update: Ok, I have done some more research and understand what shims are all about and expect that RT/Mod would work yet may still be better to go for the AM kit as I understand it is a little larger. What I have to add is Vader was an easier build!! LOL, while I chose to DIY some parts, a proper TK is all about the effort one does getting it put together for their body type. You all are rock stars for the efforts you have put into your gear. Original Post: I see in the personal sales thread a new set of RTMod armor yet just don’t know if it would work for me and hesitate as a result. I am 6’1”, ~270lbs and wear a 43” waist pant. I sent a note to RTPanda a month ago asking if his kit would fit my size but never got a reply. Insights from anyone if that would work, or would the AM armor be the better bet would be greatly appreciated. I don’t wish to make any costly mistakes and don’t have enough awareness in the kits/fit... for anyone interested, I also replaced my vader pic in the first post with my first full suit up from yesterday.

Well I am getting close to being done with my Vader costume and been more focused on researching being a TK. Biggest issue I see however is my size (6'1" and 260lbs). I did send an email to Pandatrooper with my measurements inquiring about the feasibility yet not sure I would make a good TK. I am probably past that option unless I go on a diet, which of course would not be a bad thing. I will keep my hopes up in case it is possible, yet if not may either choose to build a kit for a mannequin only or go and focus on building an R2. In the meantime, last Vader pic I will share here (since he is not the focus). My helmet, armor and a temp ESB cape/robe arrived (on wait list for a proper ROTJ cape/robe), I am working on a better revision of the chestbox so that will be changed out too along with some other minor tweaks:

Hmm, nothing worse.... safe to assume while being a TK? I used to white water kayak and I think the worst thing there was putting your neoprene suit on the second day.... always had to tell myself if I am going thru that experience it meant I was going to have an amazing day, which was true, but man, cold and wet neoprene sux. :)

LOL, I would guess you are in the latter group?? That is a perfect response too, for approval I would opt for the rubber, but if option to wear something else during trooping, I can definitely swing that. I would even try to tough it out with the proper attire first.

Ok, so.. been wondering. Rubber gloves and those with normally sweaty hands, how does that work out for you?? When I need to wear nitrile gloves even for a few minutes I end up with a lot of captured sweat. Seems if I build out a TK, I would not be a fan of the rubber gloves. Yet maybe there is something magical about rubber vs nitrile gloves? (Not holding breath waiting to hear the answer to this one. )

LOL, yeah, OCD has its own name on the SLD... OVD. Obsessive Vader Disorder. I have been suffering that big time as I have done a plethora of iterations in my chestbox modeling and still have more to do... it is a slippery slope indeed. I really appreciate the insight and be assured if I do go down this path, I will be every bit as focused on building a proper TK no matter which version I choose. Wait, did I just read a jedi teaching?? Say it ain't so!! So is there a correlation on fewer ROTJ TKs and difficulty of acquiring parts to ROTJ TK? And for curiosity, what is the most popular TK around?

Greetings all. I am almost finished building an ROTJ Vader (build thread on the SLD) and poking at the idea of an OTTK standing alongside him since I do not expect there to be much if any trooping for some time. Not sure I will take it anywhere yet but thinking about it and wanted to say hello. In the meantime, here is a quick pic of my first suit up of my WIP Vader (12SEP2020). I have a litany of small things to address but very pleased so far. I custom built the chest box and belt boxes.