wingnut65[Staff] Posted January 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2016 Glad it could help, Mike. I improvised with what I had when I found the big 2" Velcro and 2" elastic to hold the shins down to my boots. For the other, I was looking at Jo-Ann's to see what they may have that could possibly work and found the Velcro One-Wrap. Since I made this up, I have had absolutely no issues with my boots. Go for it! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucnak[TK] Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Hey just wanted to say thanks for the really detailed documentation! I am awaiting my ATA armour arriving in a few weeks and I am definitely using this as a resource when putting mine together! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLilTK[TK] Posted February 19, 2016 Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 This build thread is amazing!! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain your process so thoroughly. I've been reading a lot of threads to determine the best way to build my straps and I am thrilled to try this one. Do you have any updates since you have worn it for awhile? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingnut65[Staff] Posted February 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 I'm glad you found my build, Luc and Christina. When I first started this build thread, I thought it would be just another build showing what everybody else shows, but there were steps and details that I could not find anywhere. Maybe it's that being an architect, that I am a very visual and detail oriented person that wants to explain everything so I can understand it. Good luck with your builds! Yes, I have been wearing this a few times. My TK Troop #7 was Saturday night at the church where I first encountered the 501st and started this adventure. Things I have learned: 1. Breaking in the boots before painting them white was not the best idea. Or maybe I was too impatient when prepping and cleaning the boots, but now the white paint comes off all the bends and creases and I need some white fabric paint to touch-up every so often. 2. Visibility in a TK Bucket is Awesome!!!. That is my first thoughts from wearing a Tusken Raider bucket for 8 months. A TK is much better than looking through toilet paper tubes all the time. Granted, there is no visibility straight down in front of me, but I have learned that tilting my head will allow me to look out the outer corners of my eyes to be able to see most of what is down in front of me. Little arms wrapping around my legs is another good signal that there is somebody in front of me who I can't see. 3. A TK has it's privileges. jj63 made me aware of this when we escorted Lord Vader past marching bands, cheerleaders and many others to our staging area for the Christmas Parade. I've been able to be a Vader Escort several times since, including at the TFA premier and even through a Walmart during a Toy's For Tots collection drive! I even escorted a Bride and Groom into their wedding reception. 4. Stairs are much, much easier in a TK than in a Tusken! 5. Using some sort of Anti-Fog on the lenses is most critical. Follow the directions or suffer the consequences! 6. A fan in the bucket helps me. Right now, as I wait for the next fan run, I am using my single, 70 mm fan from my Tusken to give me a breeze on my face. Without that little air movement, I really feel the heat. I'm hoping to get real fans before the weather warms up. 7. Hydrate! Even at an inside troop with air conditioning, I perspire in my TK. Be sure to drink plenty before trooping and during breaks! Thanks for asking the question, Christina. I didn't know I had learned so much in such a short time. I also learned some assembly steps for putting on my TK that works for me. I'll share when I finish getting it all together. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingnut65[Staff] Posted March 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 Ofishal Update: Now that I have a few troops under my TK belt, I have learned a few things that I posted above. I also learned the hard way that there is a proper method of putting on TK armor and other ways that are more difficult. I’m sure there are many ways to do it. I know that some TK’s can do it all by themselves, but either I don’t know the secret process, or I am not flexible enough to do it myself. Until I learn something new, here is what I do… Putting on TK Armor The process noted in the next steps work for me to assure everything is all tucked in. Let’s Go… I’ve found that it is easier and less uncomfortable for others in the room if I am already wearing my long black pants under my street clothes when I show up at a troop. Especially if this is a parking lot change… Preparation before Suiting Up: First, I get everything up high enough so that I don’t have to bend over as that function is greatly reduced the more pieces you have on. If a table isn’t available to spread everything out, I’ve put my bin up on chairs or even lay out my armor on the hood of my car. (Don’t drop your hand guard on the floor, unless there is an Officer, TIE Pilot or Biker Scout nearby. Lesson learned!) Make sure my bucket lenses have some sort of anti-fog solution applied. This week, I used Rain-X Anti-Fog and had no issues. Snap the Chest and Back together with only one shoulder strap and set aside. Snap the Abdomen and Butt plates together completely along one side and at the crotch. Snap the forearm together with the bicep and shoulder bell. (I keep my shoulder bell and bicep snapped together in my bin.) Some troopers have foam inside their forearms to be able to slip them on and off, without using any snaps. Make sure the holster is snapped/fastened to the belt. Set the thermal detonator, gloves, hand plates and blaster somewhere within a standing reach. Go to the restroom now, while you still can! Suiting Up Steps: Balaclava. Although not required, I’ve seen a TK trooping from just the right angle while he was bending over for some kids, where his chin or side of the face was visible under his bucket. Since then, I’ve started wearing a balaclava just to be safe and completely covered. Neck Seal goes over the balaclava and holds it down. Black Compression Shirt. Make sure the shirt goes over apron of the neck seal. Thigh support belt with elastic straps. Make sure to have the strap snaps facing out. I learned… Thighs. Put them up over your knees, but don’t snap them yet to your thigh support belt. Boots. This is done while the thighs are loose and I can still sit down to bend over and reach my feet. Calves. It’s a little tricky with the thighs flopping around, but much harder if they are snapped. Snap the thighs in place. Ab/Butt Plate Combo, slipping one foot into the leg slot and pulling into place and snap the open side snaps. I find it easier to snap the lower snaps first, then the upper. Chest/Back Plate Combo goes over the head and the remaining shoulder strap gets snapped. Chest-to-Ab Snaps/Velcro gets connected to hold the front together. Back-to-Butt Plate Snaps/Velcro gets connected. This is the first step where you will need some help to reach the middle of your back. I even had a Wookiee help me snap these this week! Belt goes around the waist with two snaps to the Ab plate and Velcro’s closed in the back Blaster goes in the holster, usually. If it is permitted to carry blasters, it is easier to put it in now, while I can still move my arms! Thermal Detonator gets slipped over the belt. I can do this by myself, but it’s easier with help. Arms (Shoulder Bell, Bicep and Forearm) slides up the arm and a helper secures to shoulder strap. This is your last chance to hydrate before trooping… Gloves and Hand Guards are easy to slip on. Finally, the Bucket. Be sure to turn the fan(s) on before screwing the bucket on your head! Go Troop! Have fun and make plenty of people smile! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingnut65[Staff] Posted March 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 (edited) Things to Do While Trooping: Photobomb whenever possible! - If you see people lining up in front of you, look over their shoulders or around them and make sure you see the camera. Did I Smile? – After they take your picture, ask them, ‘Was I smiling?’, or, ‘Did I blink?’ Sometimes, they will actually go and view the photo and start to laugh when they realize the joke. Walk Funny! - When I’m called to join others in a group line for a photo, I may walk over like a penguin, waddling back and forth, or like Charlie Chaplin and the Keystone Cops. However, when I’m with a group, it is a formal military walk! Ask for Blue Milk at food establishment order lines. When they don’t have it, say something like ‘What kind of a planet and I deployed on?’ Get Selfies with Mom/Dad! - After they take pictures of their kids with you, walk up to them and say “You need to be in a picture, too. Selfie time!” Works every time! Look for Droids! - Walk up with another Stormtrooper to middle-aged to teenaged people, look at their phone, hold it if they will let you, shake your heads and hand it back, saying “This is not the Droid we are looking for” and walk on. Especially if it is an Apple iPhone. Join the Activities that are going on, playing Bingo, coloring pictures, reading books, anything that the kids are doing that can be done in costume, the kids are thrilled if you do it too. Quote the movies! – Most people from teens and older, know the movies well enough to recognize a line from them. Many times, they say lines first. Good ones I’ve used are: “I have a bad feeling about this!” “Move Along!” “Do I talk first or you talk first? I talk first?” “The Force is strong with this one!” “I find your lack of _____ disturbing!” (fill in the blank with something going on – cheer, decorations, refreshments, customers or use the original, faith) Although not spoken in any movie, a line that is understood and always gets a laugh is, “Don’t make me shoot in your general direction!” At last week’s troop at a church, a lady thought we were members there and asked me “Who are you?” I couldn’t resist and replied “I’m no one”. She then asked, “What’s your name?” I just had to answer, in my male voice, “Rey!” She chuckled. Act Goofy behind the camera man - Try giving bunny ears to a photographer who’s taking a picture of other Troopers and family. Or play with their hair, or make any other funny gestures to make those getting the picture to smile, or laugh! Give Bunny Ears! - People are so excited to be standing next to such a celebrity from the movies that all they want is a picture. They start laughing when there are two of you in the picture and they see bunny ears over their head. Works great in group shots, as well. That should give you a few ideas of how to make Trooping even better! And, funner! Now, Go forth and create Smiles! Edited June 6, 2019 by wingnut65 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComradeDave[TK] Posted June 22, 2016 Report Share Posted June 22, 2016 Great thread Jeff this is really going to help me finish my tweaks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daetrin[Admin] Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 Jeff, been enjoying your posts and I hope more take the time to read through it. It's been great! Say "Hi" to Carlos Diaz some time for me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingnut65[Staff] Posted June 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2016 Great thread Jeff this is really going to help me finish my tweaks! Glad it can help, Dave! When I did my research, there were some pieces of the puzzle that I just could not find and I included those details in my build, just to make sure it is covered. Jeff, been enjoying your posts and I hope more take the time to read through it. It's been great! Say "Hi" to Carlos Diaz some time for me. Thanks, Paul! My TK Adventure has been amazing and I hope this build can help others on their path into the World of FISD! Since I play architect in my other life, I am a very graphic oriented person and I spend my whole day drawing pictures and writing narratives to tell contractors how to build things. Creating a well detailed build thread, is the same process. I am thrilled that this has helped so many Troopers along in their build process. I've even seen a few times this build was linked on the Anovos FB build page. Troopers Helping Troopers is what this is all about. Glad you had the vision from the beginning! I will pass along the message to Carlos when I have the opportunity! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthanael Posted September 27, 2017 Report Share Posted September 27, 2017 Hey Jeff! Currently in the middle of my build and I've been soaking up your build thread and taking notes! Thanks for being so thorough! As it relates to your strapping system (Which I'm copying!), I wanted to know if you you glued the nylon pulls to the elastic pieces or did you just allow the snaps to connect them? Your help would be appreciated, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Btabc[TK] Posted September 27, 2017 Report Share Posted September 27, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, darthanael said: Hey Jeff! Currently in the middle of my build and I've been soaking up your build thread and taking notes! Thanks for being so thorough! As it relates to your strapping system (Which I'm copying!), I wanted to know if you you glued the nylon pulls to the elastic pieces or did you just allow the snaps to connect them? Your help would be appreciated, thank you! I believe what he did was punched a hole (used a soldering iron) through BOTH the elastic strap and the nylon strap and then set the snap through the two layers (Basically sandwich the nylon and elastic between the snap). I've copied his method as well and it's a life saver Edited September 27, 2017 by Btabc clarification Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingnut65[Staff] Posted September 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 (edited) On 9/27/2017 at 9:52 AM, darthanael said: Hey Jeff! Currently in the middle of my build and I've been soaking up your build thread and taking notes! Thanks for being so thorough! As it relates to your strapping system (Which I'm copying!), I wanted to know if you you glued the nylon pulls to the elastic pieces or did you just allow the snaps to connect them? Your help would be appreciated, thank you! On 9/27/2017 at 11:02 AM, Btabc said: I believe what he did was punched a hole (used a soldering iron) through BOTH the elastic strap and the nylon strap and then set the snap through the two layers (Basically sandwich the nylon and elastic between the snap). I've copied his method as well and it's a life saver Thanks for checking in, Nate! I'm glad my build is still being used to help other's on the path to a TK. The path is long, but the rewards are out of this world! When I did my strapping, I wasn't convinced that E6000 would really hold nylon to elastic when the elastic stretches so much, so I sandwiched them together as you mentioned and Bryce confirmed. Here's a better shot of the assembly process BTW, I would love to be back in Miami this weekend to Troop at the Marlins game. But since I drove down last week to bring my mom back after evacuating, I won't be able to get away this weekend. I will be down sometime to Troop with Everglades Squad! Edited June 4, 2019 by wingnut65 photo linx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthanael Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 Thanks for checking in, Nate! I'm glad my build is still being used to help other's on the path to a TK. The path is long, but the rewards are out of this world! When I did my strapping, I wasn't convinced that E6000 would really hold nylon to elastic when the elastic stretches so much, so I sandwiched them together as you mentioned and Bryce confirmed. Here's a better shot of the assembly process BTW, I would love to be back in Miami this weekend to Troop at the Marlins game. But since I drove down last week to bring my mom back after evacuating, I won't be able to get away this weekend. I will be down sometime to Troop with Everglades Squad! This is a huge help man thank you so much! I'm pretty much copying your strapping system haha! I love the nylon pull idea. Hope your mom and her house are doing okay after the storm. Very grateful it didn't hit us head on like it was supposed to!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cam Airburn Posted April 24, 2018 Report Share Posted April 24, 2018 Great Thread Wingnut - I am just starting out and this will be a huge help. You never did explain this polishing system you have - and I would love to know more if you could oblidge Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.