AM Kit build[*AM]

[Dearmeat]

Hey Guys,

I have been working on the new AM Kit and have some questions if you can help. I will be working on the thighs this weekend and want to be sure exactly the way these things need to be cut. This is my first kit build and unsure of my ability. So I want to ask the experts here. On the new AM kits can anyone tell me approx. an average amount that has been trimmed off the thigh. I'm of average build 5'9'' 200 lbs. I have pics of the left thigh being tapped up where it fit comfortable and would like to get some input from you guys on or about how much you think I need to trim. I would rather ask questions and check all my options before I go chopping away on this kit.

Thanks guys!

 

Keith................

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bluehickey]

Are you planning on gluing the front and back permanently or putting velcro on the back?

[pandatrooper[TK]]

Most people try to glue the fronts to look more "screen accurate" and then adjust the back as necessary, if it will fit your thigh that way. Otherwise, the spacing at the front and back may need to be wider.

 

Most people would work with the "ridge line" on the front and use that as a starting point, and measure 10 - 12mm on each side for a butt seam join. That way when you butt seam the front, you could glue a 20 - 25mm cover strip over the whole seam. Ideally, there would be enough material at the back to allow for butt seam as well. You would put the armor on (I would recommend with your ab and cod sections on, as well as shins, so that you can see how they all fit together) and make some pencil marks where to cut / glue the backs of the thighs. Then take everything off, draw a line where to cut, then cut and glue the butt seam. Apply the cover strip. The thighs should not need velcro at the back.

 

If you don't plan on butt seam construction and just want to overlap, you would take the outer thigh piece, and measure out 20-25mm from the ridge and cut a line. This piece would over lap the inner thigh piece which would also be cut 20 -25mm. Then you just glue the overlap together. The back will need an overlap and gluing, just like the front.

 

*Remember, if you're overlapping make sure the gaps face the righ way - to the inside!! I describe this in my tips post re: shins.

 

Many build threads have pictures or descriptions of this, so it's not new territory.

 

Hope that helps!

[Wildabeast[TK]]

Most people try to glue the fronts to look more "screen accurate" and then adjust the back as necessary, if it will fit your thigh that way. Otherwise, the spacing at the front and back may need to be wider.

 

Most people would work with the "ridge line" on the front and use that as a starting point, and measure 10 - 12mm on each side for a butt seam join. That way when you butt seam the front, you could glue a 20 - 25mm cover strip over the whole seam. Ideally, there would be enough material at the back to allow for an overlap velcro closure (find my tip in the tips section regarding overlap).

 

If you don't plan on butt seam construction and just want to overlap, you would take the outer thigh piece, and measure out 20-25mm from the ridge and cut a line. This piece would over lap the inner thigh piece which would also be cut 20 -25mm. Then you just glue the overlap together, and velcro the back as described.

 

Many build threads have pictures or descriptions of this, so it's not new territory.

 

Hope that helps!

 

I second what Panda said, in fact used his and many other build threads for reference.....take your time search the threads and continue to ask lots of questions

[pandatrooper[TK]]

I second what Panda said, in fact used his and many other build threads for reference.....take your time search the threads and continue to ask lots of questions

 

NOTE: I edited my post above, you need to glue the thigh backs, not velcro them. At some point during my typing I started to think "shins". Corrected!

[Dearmeat]

I want to glue the front and velcro the back. This thigh just seems very large. I wanted to get some thoughts on it before I cut the first part on it. Thanks for the help guys.

[pandatrooper[TK]]

The Am kit is designed with extra material for bigger troopers, so you need to trim it down. As stated, glue the front first.

 

Is there a reason why you want to Velcro the backs? You shouldn't need to, you can just glue it.

[Dearmeat]

The Am kit is designed with extra material for bigger troopers, so you need to trim it down. As stated, glue the front first.

 

Is there a reason why you want to Velcro the backs? You shouldn't need to, you can just glue it.

Panda,

After looking at the other threads, I think I will glue both front and back. This being my first kit I value all the advice. After reading your post, I will work on the shins before the thighs. But now I have a basic understanding of the thighs when I go to tackle them. Thanks brother.

[SuperTrooper]

Also blue painters tape is priceless for getting a straight cut lime.

[TKittell[501st]]

I velcroed my backs. I found with the AM kit that the top edges of the back thighs are reversed. You want the overlapping pieces on the outside of the body. For example, the seams should be facing inward so that people to your left and right can't see the overlapping seam. Well, with the AM kit, the edges are not cut to utilize the pre-formed edges (that give the illusion of thickness). Make sense? Not a big deal, that's the only place I ran into that problem.