Alikh

04/06/2024 - Star Wars in Concert, Bethesda, MD

3/23/2024 - CulpeperCon, Culpeper, VA

3/9/2024 - AwesomeCon 2024, DC

Hit that first milestone, 10 troopings!

3/2/2024 - MoComCon, Germantown, MD

Welcome aboard Connor! Looks like others have gotten you started here with some great links, but just wanted to echo that we're all here to help out with any questions you may have along the way!

Welcome! Others have already provided the links to get started, but don't be shy asking any questions that come to mind while you are planning or eventually building. That's what we are here for!

Congratulations Attaches!!

Bonus video from the STEM parade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clmIZWh-ye8

11/04/2023 Maryland STEM Festival Parade, Frederick, MD

I had to resize my thighs (among many parts). If you do end up needing to, I found that it was more intimidating than difficult! I got some good advice in my build thread, linked below.

Great work on the build so far! I had a little issue myself figuring out the velcro calf closure- mine were initially a little thick as well. I went to the hardware store and was able to find some very thin but high strength velcro so it was able to hold firmly the spots on the calf where it wants to pull away. It took a few suit ups and a troop or two but it also did adopt the form of the armor curve and also became more compressed.

10/28/2023 - Freitas Wedding, Frederick

10/21/2023 - Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, Potomac, MD

10/19/2023 - Elementary School Literacy Night Wolfsville, Myersville, MD

Thanks for the advice, all. Issue isnt so much the fit once its on, just getting my head through it initially. I'll start with gluing the trim, and see how it goes from there!

After a number of troopings under my belt in this kit, I've been wrestling with the fit of my bucket. It feels like its too narrow when I put it on sideways before the twist to center it. I can get it on, but scrapes across my ears so much I risk pulling off the S trim (which obviously becomes a pain to fix when suited up). Let alone trying to get it on while adding a mic that sits over the ear. Front to back opening is currently a tad over 6.5inches, a little less than that when the trim is on. Based on the pics below, can I widen the opening any further, or is this tightness to be expected? Most obvious place to trim would be near the vocoder/chin area, but not sure how much of that squared out shape is required to remain. Also I assume I'd need to fix the paint with some thinner and redo the rounded bumps after cutting into it. I haven't been able to find much info here so far on this topic, so appreciate any links or advice anyone has!

Congratulations!!!

Hi Christian! I had the same problem with my blaster when applying for EIB- specifically the print lines on the back of the blaster and D ring. I'd recommend putting on a coat of Bondo. For my D ring, I removed it, sanded it down as best I could, gooped it up with bondo, sanded back down, and repainted. It was probably the most difficult part of the blaster for me to get right. The flat surfaces, like the back of your blaster in the pic above, will be very easy to fix with a light coat of bondo, sanding, and repainting. My EIB thread below, if you wanted references of what a blaster with visible print lines looked like before and after EIB approval.

#5 - 08/20/2023 Surprise Visit to a Terminally Ill Fan, Emmitsburg MD

Welcome! The links posted above are a great place to get started. And there are plenty more pics, threads, and builds for reference when you are ready for them!

I didn't care much about snap brand/quality when I was building- I liked the convenience of buying snaps down the street when I needed them instead of ordering online and waiting. That said, I'm sure off brands vary a lot in quality. I did break a few of mine hammering them together, but it could have been my own skill issue at the time or poor qc on that particular snap. Either way, the only issues I've had so far with snaps coming loose is my ab/chest connection, but I'm 99% sure that is because of the angle and tautness of my strapping (which I need to adjust), and not the snaps themselves.

I've had good luck with the snaps in stock at my local Michaels- They are also 5/8". 75+% of the snaps in my kit are their generic brand.

Welcome!! There's a wealth of info to be had here, but it can be a little daunting to comb through the first time. Don't hesitate to ask questions!

Welcome back, and nice to meet you!