Starting down the road...

[SemperParatus485]

Hey all! I've just started down the road towards putting together a set of TK armor, and I'm looking for some general advice. IE: Types/"brand" of armor to consider, and to avoid, advantages/disadvantages of ABS vs. HIPS, attachment system's, construction do's and don'ts, Maintenance tips, and things such as that. I've been really impressed by this entire community as a whole, and I'm very grateful, and excited to be becoming a part of it! Thanks in advance!

 

David

 

*Also, if this is in the wrong place, many apologies, feel free to move it to a better home!*

Edited August 7, 2010 by SemperParatus485

[Tech151[TK]]

Well you've definitely come to the right place for all those questions. A lot of them can be found by searching through the boards. For example there are plenty of discussions about ABS vs. HIPS. Welcome aboard. I've just recently finished my TK and can't wait to start on my next kit. The only advice/tip I can offer is: After you finish your first kit, don't stress about minor dents, dings, scratches and paint transfer. It just adds to the look! Good luck and have fun!

[DoubleTap]

There is a lot of good info on this site. Start by doing a lot of reading and if you want to know about armor start here:

Getting Started

Edited July 23, 2021 by gmrhodes13
link not working removed

[snoberg]

From what I noticed starting my suit a few months ago, there are going to be two major factors in your selection.

 

1.) Availability

2.) Durability

 

I wanted my costume to be able to be worn, trooped in, beaten up and abused and still look great, for this reason I went AP. There are lots of reasons to go with the other makers, but it is my opinion that I would much rather have a durable suit than one that I need to constantly touch up and babysit like I would have to with a painted HIPS suit (though HIPS does typically bring out much more detail due to its thinness compared to ABS).

 

If you just plan to do formal events, and casual trooping, I would totally go TM and get a really crisp looking suit, but AP looks almost just as good in the details, and it holds up much much better.

 

Those are my 2c!

[SemperParatus485]

Thanks, guys! I've been reading over the forum pretty much constantly over the last day or so. I really appreciate the help, and the pointers. Since I'm on such a tight budget, I was considering HIPS, however, like you, Snoberg, I'm thinking I'm going to want something a little more durable. My Garrison adviser recommended an FX kit. How does an FX kit compare to yours, as in, an AP? I know that the questions I'm going to be asking have been asked before ad naseum, and I have a lot of reading, and learning, to do. But I think I'm going to enjoy the challenge! And I can't tell you all how excited I am to be doing this, with such a great group of people

 

As I said, my budget is fairly restricted, so, it might even be December before I can actually purchase the kit itself, and start construction, as I save up money for it. I don't want to just jump in and purchase a cheap kit that I'm ultimately going to be unhappy with. And, I figure, with all that time, I can learn as much as I can, and then take my time during construction, so I'm ultimately happy with the end result.

 

I do, however, have one question that has been bouncing around inside my head.....

 

How do you go to the bathroom with this stuff on???

[snoberg]

Well, to be completely honest, in my personal opinion, FX is cheap armor. The body is passable with some modifications, but the helmet will not pass for expert infantry, and it really does stand out. I am finishing up my AP now, and I am in awe every time I look at my helmet sitting on my workbench, even in an unfinished state. The problem with FX is that it is a fan sculpt, and the helmet is WAY too big. Additionally, FX is no longer sold as FX, it is now called AM.

 

The AM kit does not include a helmet, so a possible route for cost effectiveness would be a suit of AM, and an AP helmet. That way you have a full ABS suit that does not require painting, and will be very durable.

 

One last consideration is the movie that you are going for, ANH, ESB or ROTJ? There are subtle differences to all of them, and the reason I say this is because ANH uses finishing strips on the joints for the legs and arms, while not required, they really do give your armor that ANH look apart from the other versions. If you are going for ANH I really would suggest TM or AP, because they are easy to make with these finishing strips, and come with material to do so, FX did not, and to my knowledge nor does AM.

 

CHeck out TK-2177's armor here...

 

Notice those nice looking strips down the front of the shin? That is what I am talking about. I almost went ahead and opted out of using them, and that was a mistake, they really do give you the ANH look.

[SemperParatus485]

Thanks, Snoberg, that's great information to have! I'm deff considering the AP armor now, from looking at TK-2177's armor. As for the movie I'm going for, either ANH or ESB. Something about the ROTJ just doesnt...well, do it for me, I guess, haha. I'll have to talk all this over with my Garrison Adviser, but I think in the end I'll be happier with the AP armor, rather than the FX. Again, I'm on a budget, so, the FX armor still is sort of whispering in my ear, but I want to do this right, and have something I'll be happy with, so the voice saying "AP, AP!" is getting steadily louder, haha. And I see what your saying about those finishing strips. That really does look like a nice touch!

 

What are your opinions on the MRCE bucket? My adviser let me try his on, and it felt like a pretty good fit, in terms of comfort, and weight, and I was able to move pretty freely in it. Snug, without being claustrophobic.

 

And that WAS a serious question...how DO you go to the bathroom with armor on? Lol

Edited August 8, 2010 by SemperParatus485

[snoberg]

If anyone can correct me if I am wrong, please do so, but I believe the MRCE helm requires some mods to pass. I think the front mouth is a separate piece like a Master Replicas helmet, and the hovis and frown need to be reworked, but yeah I am sure it is really comfy. Honestly though, any helmet can be made just as comfortable, and some even prefer a stripped down interior for air flow.

 

Here is my AP helm, it feels like a freaking pillow, I love it...

 

I would not rule out TM as well, though I cannot tell you much about it since I don't own it.

 

It all really comes down to what is going to make you happy, you are right. This is a suit you can keep for years and get lots of great memories out of, the difference in price between all the suits is not terrible, especially if you are planning on saving up for it, knowing you aren't going to drop all the money right now.

 

Back to the movie selection, just about every kit is going to be able to pull off ANH, some better than others, and the differences going to ESB are easy mods. ROTJ is a little different, it is supposed to have a lip on the edge of the chest pieces and the seams are supposed to overlap and stuff. If you want to save some money, I would honestly go ANH since that is the most supported format, meaning all the spare pieces for the costume are readily available. Besides, it is the movie with the most reference material for stormtroopers anyways in ANH, they occupy a lot of frames compared to the other two. **slowly steps away from the ESB troopers here... DON'T HIT ME!**

 

As for the bathroom... um, I would suggest going before you suit up, you pretty much have to take off the entire torso to take care of business. Also make sure you get an undersuit with a double zipper, or wear an underarmor (or similar) shirt and pants, again for obvious reasons.

[SemperParatus485]

Dude,the inside of your bucket LOOKS like a freakin pillow, haha! And again, thank you for the advice! Your points about ANH are very valid. As is your advice on the 'business' I'll have to remember that, lol. The reason I ask, is that there is an X-Wing series book, where one of the characters see's a stormtrooper comming out of a refresher, and asks that very same question, and it sort of struck me as a question that might have a serious answer, lol!