troopermaster

I don't have a photo handy but you want something just like the white highlighted strip you put in your photo. Basically you just want to bridge the gap using some matching ABS.

Simply put wide joining strips on the backs like everyone else does. It may not be screen accurate but at least you will be able to wear the armour. Just out of interest, what do the tops of your thighs and calves measure?

This could be CAP-W. I know Scott was doing some modding to the moulds (posted on MEPD) and that ab plate looks just like his. I believe CAP made most (if not all) of his moulds in resin and looked just like these.

This test suit is being pulled in 1.5mm pinseal ABS. The texture is on the inside and the outside is not as glossy as my standard 1.5mm gloss ABS which is what I will pull the final suit in. I have been working flat out again trying to finish work on all the moulds and I am getting close now. Looking to pull some more parts this weekend

A few better photos now the helmet is finished. Proto #2 coming soon now I have made the changes I wanted.

Have the gap between the bicep and forearm as short as possible (around 1"). This is a pivot point for the arm and the longer gap between the parts allows the forearm to slide down when you straighten your arm as opposed to just bending with a short strap. The bicep needs to be offset from the forearm. Have the forearm turning more outward than the bicep. Cutting an inward arch on the wrist of the inner part of the forearm can help too if you still have problems pinching your hands.

Can't argue with that

Biceps are naturally larger than forearms on anyone's body

I couldn't agree more. The whole suit just looks like an original in those photos. The shapes and colour of the plastic is just look so different from other kits out there. Notice the doubled up left forearms, how the chest is trimmed short and how the left thigh top is trimmed. All characteristic of the original Luke suit. Are those your original boots in the photos Steve?

I use the stone grinding tool attachment to sand the edges of armour. The good thing about these is that they do just as good a job as the sanding drum but hardly ever wear down. You can get various shapes but this one is my favourite. You can clean up any rough edges with fine grit sandpaper to leave a nice, smooth edge.

ROTJ TD's will be available very soon. I have the forming tools and hardware, just no time to make them just now.

Shoulder bells.

Okay, I managed to pull the first prototype helmet last night and got it assembled this morning. I am very happy with the way it went together and quite happy with the look. I immediately noticed a few small areas that I am going to change before I make another helmet but overall I am loving it I also managed to pull the new shoulder bells. These look so awesome and are virtually identicle to the real deal. The parts are made from 1.5mm pinseal ABS though I will probably use the 1.5mm smooth gloss ABS for the final version. I have taken some photos with my phone so they are not the best, but will have to do until I can find the lead for my camera. Bear in mind this is a prototype helmet and not the final version.

Looking good fellas

Steve, You look absolutely incredible. The details on this replica are spot on to the original Luke suit and it looks so awesome on you. Looking forward to seeing more mate

Your making very good progress but I have a suggestion about the left ear cap. The way you have it is too long and the lower edge that is designed to be trimmed is left on as seen below. --------- What I suggest you do is trim it more (shown in RED) and it will fit and look much better. ----------- Keep up the good work guys

Oh. I see

Okay then. It will be interesting to see your final sculpt before you cast it. I was just thinking of something simple made from clay and cast in plaster.

I hope you're not overthinking the sculpt again Karin

You don't have to be a Sandtrooper to have weathered armour. You can apply weathering to Stormtrooper armour to give it a used look. That doesn't mean you have to blast it with sand and dirt, just rub some grey pastel dust into the plastic and then wipe most of it off to leave a weathered look. That should at least hide the different colour plastic a bit but I don't think completely. A few black marks on the armour will add to the weathered look.

These guys in ESB certainly don't wear a balaclava. -------- You can see a troopers face/neck in the Carbon freezing chamber scene in ESB so no balaclava there either. The only trooper I have ever seen with a balaclava on is Joe Johnston as the space trooper in ANH. There may be behind the scenes photos of troopers wearing them in ANH and ESB but I have never seen anything.

Happy Anniversary :happy and cheerful birthday: Don't forget John (Pugman/Stormtrooper). I believe he was the first to make latex hand plates