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HWT Pack Build Thread


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I am just getting started on my Heavy Weapons Trooper Pack Build.  I recently obtained approval on my first build TK ANH Stunt and am now going to convert to HWT.

 

I will be posting each and every step in order to get any comments or feedback or so this can help someone after me, with their build.  I am using ideas from others, including Ukswrath, so my pack may look a little different.

 

7/1/2015 - Today I ordered the oil pan, plastic containers, and radio antenna.

 

Oil Drain (22"x 15"x 4") or similar $17, Amazon > http://www.amazon.co...o Oil Drain Pan

Plastic Container kit $23, Amazon > http://www.amazon.co...Food Saver Set)

1' Radio Antenna (rubber or plastic) with swivel base, $9+. Napa Auto. http://www.napaonlin...5903_0361152922

 

This weekend, I will be going to the hardware store to get some more of the supplies and get started with painting.  I will post as many pictures as I can during this process.

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GREAT to see another HWT in the making, Shawn!  I am glad to see that you ordered the Pop-It storage containers...  the sizes are perfect!  I am assuming that you got the idea for these from Tony's (ukswrath) build, http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30036-heavy-weapons-backpack-build-part-2/ the same as I did, but.....  I would try to follow his method of using them exactly.  It may seem like a bit of extra work, but the results are well worth it, I promise you.  If I can be of any help, just PM me.

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GREAT to see another HWT in the making, Shawn!  I am glad to see that you ordered the Pop-It storage containers...  the sizes are perfect!  I am assuming that you got the idea for these from Tony's (ukswrath) build, http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30036-heavy-weapons-backpack-build-part-2/ the same as I did, but.....  I would try to follow his method of using them exactly.  It may seem like a bit of extra work, but the results are well worth it, I promise you.  If I can be of any help, just PM me.

 

Thanks for the info.  Ukswrath HWT thread is definately what I am going to use.  Tomorrow I am going to Lowe's to get some of the supplies so I can start painting.

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7/6/2016

 

While I await for the bulk of parts and materials to be delivered, I am working on some miscellaneous items.

 

The first item is the tube that is on the right side of the pack.

 

Just so everyone knows, I am mainly using Ukswrath's HWT pack picture and build thread to build my HWT pack.  Since I may need to very my pack a little, based on material and part availiabilty, I am also using the CRL image for reference.

 

Both images are shown below:

 

Ukswrath HWT Pack

Ukswrath%20Pic_zpsimc2wkdn.jpg

 

CRL HWT Pack

300px-HWT_Backpack_zpsido49vyr.jpg

 

I purchased a 2 foot long 2 inch diameter PVC pipe and (2) 2" PVC slip caps.

 

Applied 2 coats of black primer spray paint (rust-o-leum).

 

Next I will be glueing the caps and cutting as required.

 

HWT%20Pic%2001_zps0dd1niwi.jpg

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7/10/2016

 

Painted the oil pan flat black.

 

Cutting the 3 boxes (pop it boxes) lips off.  Sanding down and preparing for paint.

 

Antenna came in and preparing.

 

Headed on vacation now and will really get things moving when I return in 1 week.  Ready to get it completed.

 

HWT%20Pic%2003_zpseax0fqfc.jpg

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7/17/2016

 

Back from vacation and ready to get this thing completed.

 

I trimmed the 3 clear boxes with a hack saw (yes, a hacksaw).  I tried an exacto knife, but it was taking too long.

 

I cut the lips off and then sanded with a power sander.  See picture below:

HWT%20Pic%2004_zpsumhbzwuk.jpg

 

Once sanding was complete, I took the thick plastic sign (No Parking Sign - already painted one side black) and traced around them.  I did not round the corners, I left them square (90 degrees).  This will be the base plate for the boxes.

HWT%20Pic%2005_zpspacj5sit.jpg

 

 

Then I glued the base plates to the open side of the clear boxes (the side I just sanded down).  I used the E6000 glue and place weights on the boxes to keep pressure on.  After about 6 hours, I took them off.(see below)

HWT%20Pic%2006_zps3tjihl95.jpg

 

Once dry, I took the remainder of the "No Parking Sign" and cut the parts for the top of the boxes.  This time I did round the corners.  Traced the other side of the boxes. I then glued the plates to the bottom portion of the clear plastic containers.  This will become the face plate.

HWT%20Pic%2007_zpssknywzef.jpg

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The glue is only glued to the paint. So I'm not saying it could fail but that's not as strong as scuffing plastic and bonding to that. Give em a tug. If they stay, cool. Nothing worse then something falling off while trooping. I know my pack gets a workout. Especially with door frames. Doh!

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  • 2 weeks later...

7/28/2016

 

Finally back at it after a nice vacation.  I am wanting to finish this within the next 30 days, so I plan on stepping it up.

 

Once the glue dried on the sign backing, the screws were installed.  Only installed screws in the large and small box.

 

HWT%20Pic%2008_zpsf3xgwa9j.jpg

 

Once this was completed, using the flat black spray paint, I painted all 3 containers.  Did about 3 coats to ensure good coverage.

 

While I waited on the paint to dry, I cut out a 4" x 6-3/4" sheet from the "For Sale Sign".  This will be used to create the the design on the lower right face plate.

 

HWT%20Pick%2009_zpsfmhezrdw.jpg

 

I then cut out the 3 arches to match the HWT pack design.  I did not really use any specific dimensions.  I just made sure they were evenly spaced with the same amount of border.

 

HWT%20Pic%2010_zpswccr8jnp.jpg

 

At this point, I glued the face plate to the top of the container and painted again.  Need a little final touchup, but overall turned out good.

 

HWT%20Pic%2011_zpsntcubypp.jpg

 

More to follow...

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8/4/2016:

 

 

Started on the faceplate for the button box I call it.  Chamfered the edges and painted gray.

20160730_141335_zps81ct7b2y.jpg

 

Painted the clear bumpers black.

 

20160731_204005_zps0mm13nsp.jpg

 

Once dried, glued everything together.

 

20160731_204443_zpsczgtz8te.jpg

 

Began working on the radio box.

Purchased the photo box from Micheals.

Cut it down to size, per Ukswraths tutorial.

Removed hardware and sanded down.

 

20160730_142240_zps2alq5lpg.jpg

 

Drilled screws into the 4 corners.

 

In lieu of black construction paper, I used a plastic "For Sale" sign.  Cut pieces to correct sizes and glued to box.

 

20160804_060035_zpsxl6yxxpw.jpg

 

Applied 1 cost of the flat black paint.  Glued on plastic bottle caps.  Set to dry.

 

20160804_061058_zpsx5msfjou.jpg

 

Will paint the entire box tonight

Edited by CrookKnight
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8/7/2016:

 

Found some time to work on the build today.  Below is the picture of the finished product for the radio.  I was going to clean it up some more, but I like the imperfect look.

20160807_171937_zpsziwm0vng.jpg

 

Next I worked on the vent plate, so I call it.  Not sure if that is the name or not.

 

First I cut out the center and glued the first vent into position.

 

20160807_153022_zpshqxun8je.jpg

 

Between each vent, i cut about a 1/8" strip to allow the bottom vent to raise up, giving the appearance that the vents were functioning.

Once I saw this appeared to be working, I glued the others into place.  Below is the finished product.  Getting closer to completing this thing.

 

20160807_171551_zpsxmq39utl.jpg

 

20160807_171545_zps4zrqdalx.jpg

 

A little cleanup and I should be good to go.  I hope.

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8/15/2016:

 

Getting very close to being complete.

 

Created the center canister from a handiwipes container.  Sanded it down and applied base gray paint.  2 Coats.  Taped off canister to allow for black rectangle.  Drilled in screws.  Applied many coats.  When I removed the tape, I had a few issues with the paint being pulled off.  So I had to re-apply some paint.  It is not perfect, but it will do for now.  I will apply it to the base of the pack with velcro so when I create a replacement, I can easily switch them out.

 

20160813_080149_zpsxmoorhve.jpg

 

Next I worked on the cone portion.  I followed Ukswrath thread the best I could.  I took a tapered (SpongeBob) cup, cut it per his measurements.  Cut sign material for top portion and used a coke bottle cap for the top.  For the cone, I made it out of the sign material, and connected to the cup.  I will also be connecting this to the base of the pack using velcro, so it can be removed when transporting.

 

20160813_080117_zpsfqla6tbk.jpg

 

 

I added the backpack staps and connected the antenna.  Below are 2 pictures of the current state of the pack.  Still have to add the piece of shoulder strap to it (purchased a heat gun so I could accomplish this).  Have some clean-up to do.  Will take final pictures when complete so I can get some feedback on the fit.

 

I appreciate any feedback anyone may have.

 

IMG_20160814_193100%201_zps8yrymrlf.jpg

 

20160814_131748_zpskiszgrvy.jpg

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Anyone know how to keep the side tube secure on the side of the oil pan?  I have glued and used velcro and it keeps slipping off.  Also, I am having trouble keeping the cup/cone attached to the oil pain.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

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Finally finished the pack.  See picture below.  Will replace the center canister (gray canister with the black stripe) shortly.  

 

Have a little bit of cleanup on the side tube where some glue leaked over.

 

Thank you to everyone for your feedback and most of all Ukswrath's build thread.

 

20160820_133101_zpssojp7xzp.jpg

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