TD2802

I went to the OMSI event last Saturday. Well worth the drive too. Before trooping it however, I'd suggest seeing the displays sans armor first to get a better appreciation of the exhibit. Oh, I've also been pm'ing CCG command for their input to include in the legion e-zine but curiously no responses yet.

I actually used td1536's fine diy site for reference. Basically though I took some 2" white elastic strapping cut to size to bridge the shoulder area and used E6000 to bond the ends to the abs. Next I used E6000 to attach some loop velcro on the underside of the straps so that the hook velcro on my shoulder bell straps can attach to it. See td1536's pics for ref: http://www.tk1536.com/images/te_sandtroope...ild/build10.jpg http://www.tk1536.com/images/te_sandtrooper_build/build7.jpg

I wouldn't recommend using CA and accelerator to attach velcro to a strap . CA/accelerator works better for bonding resins and other hard plastics like styrene, or as a gap filler. Its great for maintaining rigidity but not for tension bearing parts, and definitely not my first choice for textiles like velcro and nylon strapping material. It also has a tendency to degrade over time. Try stitching the velcro and strap material together instead reinforced with E6000 .

You did good. Welcome to the ranks of the empire.

Yep, a lot of us have been there before so no need to feel embarrassed. Literally in this case . I remember as a kid building my first scale models how I'd try to assemble everything in a couple nights. The obvious result was a piece of crap that looked nothing like the box art. It took several years of trial and error to get where I could compete in contests and actually win some awards. I went from a couple days to several months to finish a project. Some kits do assemble faster than others depending on the material or how its parted out. Aside from the higher accuracy level, the TE2 is not FX simply because its altogether a different material. Moral of the story is 'Patience' as with any kit. Along the way you pick up some tips from fellow hobbyists or learn new techniques to share with others. This thread is a good example of that so keep us posted.

I've used E6000 to hold my shoulder bells and upper arm pieces together. Used it for parts on my TD pack as well. Highly recommended.

I may break down and get a heat gun. The hair dryer doesn't get hot enough to effectively reshape it after several tries.

Never tried but actually read about it in other forums. Realistically, don't think i'll do it anyway since the missus would have a fit.

I thought about cutting the edges but really think it just needs to be reshaped. I'll give the heatgun/hairdryer a go and see how it turns out. If not, I may have to sneak it into the oven. Thanks for the tip!

Anyone ever try using a heat gun on ABS; would it work on resizing the ab plate?

I'm afraid that may be no different from trying to cinch it from the interior as I've tried before. ABS is rather rigid in that respect and was thinking of literally tightening the belt or shortening it to apply exterior pressure instead. But your suggestion is appreciated and worth a try.

I've posted my hate-hate relationship with the FX ab/kidney plate in other forums with no luck getting any tips about modding it to fit smaller framed guys like myself. With a 32" waist, i'm almost swimming in the thing and looks barrel-like. Someday I'd like to replace it entirely with something better (TE for example) but for now I have to make do with what I already got. I tried using nylon cord strapping to cinch it tighter without any noticeable difference. Now I know there are some people with a similar build where the FX seems to fit just fine; what i'd like to know is there some way to mod it for a tighter fit? Would it involve cutting? Thanks!

I recently put out an order for RT mod ANH chest/back armor. The rest of my suit is also FX except for the helmet (a TE2). I found that the FX is chest was just too large for me since i'm a skinny guy. One word of caution however if you go the RT mod route, the ABS may be not an exact white match to your FX. This isn't an issue for me as its a replacement on my TD suit.

I can attest to that. For the lid, I heard someone suggest punching holes in the the lid and running a nylon rope through it for easier pulling.

I wonder if the kamas were inspired by Scottish kilts or the Samoan lava-lava. Both have that tribal warrior antecedent thing going for it.

Traviss definitely knows her stuff and good writing to boot. I hope she writes about the TKs someday instead of relegating them to peripheral roles like most of the other writers. So Paul, are you going to don a kama and start the Mando war dance? Don't forget the chanting (j/k! )

TKs are the empire's backbone (eyes are something else) but Stormtrooper Detachment is fine. Imagine the terror any reb or associated scum would feel when its announced a stormtrooper detachment has boarded their ship, and its not to hand out candy either. Its been said before but on a practical note, it all about 'brand recognition': short and simple wins out in the end.

I like the design personally. A simple design can be menacing and belies the discipline and mercilessness of what a TK is without having to rely on a lot of visual gimmickry or flash.

Its almost tempting to hijack the names used by some of those fringe groups that thrive on low self-esteem and ignorance. If it weren't for SW, 'stormtrooper' would probably still be associated with the Third Reich in a lot of people's minds. Just goes to show how terms with heavy political/historical baggage can be transformed in the public's perception

Or another variation: Rapid Assault Imperial Detachment

Also when it comes to how accurate you wanna be, consider the practicality of what you're getting or how you mod it. Remember that those suits used in the film were probably worn for a brief scene lasting less time than what we do on an average troop. You obviously don't want to use gaffers tape for your calves for example. Also despite someone having garrison 'seniority', it doesn't mean he's the ideal person to consult. A lot of newbies are finding that with the more accurate kits out there now, they can exceed someone who got his armor years ago but which is less accurate.

1. spare batteries 2. spare ABS (my old belt) 3. velcro when I remember it 4. hasbro E-11 w/stock 5. spare acrylic lenses 6. electrical tape 7. CA 8. extra neckseal

Just a thought but to take another cue from MEPD, are there any plans to start any non-English forums considering the majority of troopers out in the world are TKs?

I was 12 in '77 so was the idea target audience. The scene where they blast aboard the consular ship is one of my favorites too. No emotion or passion, just sheer discipline and faceless efficiency - to me those were the good guys in contrast to a bunch of mystics in robes spouting new agey feel-the-force-and-feel-good-about-yourself blather. It was a kid's interpretation anyway and I still kinda feel that way about it. Now nearly 30 years later I never imagined I could be like one of those 'good guys'.

Hey I've seen that guy in the banner before. Mark Hamil, right?