makerM13

The day has come! TK-17366 is approved! Thank you all for the help and suggestions with my build.

TK-17366 requesting access. https://www.501st.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=25421

So I'm sure this is a question that get asked a lot (and may be annoying!) but what is the typical timeline to hear back on an application? ("Dad, when will we be there!").

@gmrhodes13 yeah, I've since added the thin elastic straps to hold them down. Much better! Thanks

Well, the build journey is complete (for now!). I've submitted application and photos. Fingers crossed!

@TKSpartan thank you for that reference photo. That eases my mind! I'm definitely aiming for higher level if possible. I have since attached the thigh ammo pack, and it does help with the gapping.

Hello, I'm fitting my whole armor now, and am mostly concerned with knee gap. I have the taller thighs and shins from WTF. I'm thinking I need to have the shins sit a bit higher. Would strapping between thigh and shin be appropriate? Thanks,

@TKSpartan yeah, shins are backwards. I just kind of placed things on the ground to get a look at the whole thing!

The work continues, but a light can be seen at the end of the tunnel!

@riveting I am continuing to work my WTF armor. I think I can get everything to work out with some creative strap tightening! Once I everything together, I'll see if it works for me and go from there. Thanks for the suggestion. If the fit doesn't work out, I'll probably go that route. Thanks again.

Helmet coming together. First ear trimmed and attached. That first ear took me a couple of days! Wanted to be sure to take SLOOOOOW!

@gmrhodes13 thanks for finding this. Not really the route I'd like to go, but we'll see

I just read a post about a very tall trooper that added ab and kidney plate shims behind the belt to add height. Does anyone know if any pics of his build exist? There wasn't a name or TK mentioned. Thanks

Funny thing is when I started out I messaged WTF and Dave's Darkside. Dave never replied so I went with Walt! . I'm going to message Walt to see if he has any suggestions. He's away at a show this week I believe.

After more fiddling, I think I've come to the unfortunate conclusion that higher certifications are not in my future. The WTF kit is nice, but is just not going to fit. I'm disappointed because I specified my height and weight to WTF, and was sold the tall kit.

Yeah, I'm 6'1". I can try to 'tuck up' a bit more on the cod, but I don't want to risk any pinch!

Looking at the pics again I realize my chest plate should be lower with more overlap. I guess my main question is does the back neckline look OK? Just seems a bit low. Thanks

I'm starting to fit my torso. I've already figured out that I need kidney plate shims. My only concern is the placement of the back plate. With everything down below where it feels comfortable, the back neckline is much lower than the front. Feedback would be appreciated!

@Doggydocthat is awesome!

@gmrhodes13soldering iron is a great idea. Thanks!

Hello, simpleton question, but after cutting elastic straps, do you seal the ends with a flame like nylon webbing? I did one and the end doesn't seem to seal as well as nylon. I do get that nice burnt rubber smell however!

Hello, I was wondering if there is a 'recommended' flow for starting on strapping installation. I wasn't sure if there is one key piece of armor that other parts placements are referenced to. I've gone through a few other's build threads, but just looking for some guidance on where is best to start. Thanks

@TKSpartan awesome. Thanks for the clarification! I do straight across shims.

My real concern is related to this diagram I found, and how the notches on the WTF armor are formed: It looks like the extension from the notch should line up with the bottom of the Ab plate (red line), not the upper line on the Ab plate like my armor is (blue line): I know the notch is not required, but I would at least like to get EIB in the future, and hopefully Centurion! Thank you Mark

Looking for some help and suggestions for my ab to kidney plate fitting. I've already figured out I need to add about 2" per side with shims (I thought I was thin!). The notch on the kidney doesn't line up correctly to the ab. Any pointers would be appreciated.