Cricket[TK] Posted October 18, 2017 Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 You're looking great, Stephen! Sorry I haven't been able to comment lately. Up to my eyeballs in Halloween right now and rarely on the computer. Just a few things I see that might need adjustment (although you may already be aware of these): Your greaves are riding up and over your boots. If they're doing this just during your photo session, they will absolutely give you issues while trooping. Have you made stirrups yet? (I might have missed that post if you have) Your belt is sitting too low in the front. While I know you don't have your ab buttons installed just yet, the belt should just touch the bottom of the blue button or box. Your right thigh is missing the ammo pack (I'm sure you know this). It's also rotated outwards, with the center seam not lining up with the seam on the front of the shin. Do you have any foam in there to reduce this? So glad to see all your progress! Almost there!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 Hi Christine, thanks for the feedback . I remember the Halloween pictures you posted last year.... they were amazing . Yep thigh ammo belt working on today, don’t k is why the right thigh is playing up? Need to take another look at it.... hope I haven’t cut it wrong The belt fell off the snaps so I’m going to fit some industrial Velcro like you advised frank Now a very important question.... do I need to cut the cod? I’m thinking it may just give me a bit of room around the thighs? What do you think? Stirrups... I haven’t done them yet... tried snaps and couldn’t snap them.... also thought if magnets? May have to go down stirrup route I’m getting there slowly but surely I appreciate all your help Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cricket[TK] Posted October 18, 2017 Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 (edited) Stirrups. Velcro stirrups. Make some. Easy, and your boots will thank you. The belt. Industrial velcro works great to keep the belt up in the front. I have just a small bit of velcro on the front of the ab, and also one piece on each side of the kidney in the back. It helps to keep the belt from sliding around in the back, too.The cod. Yep, it was looking a little long to me (ah... well, that was awkward...), so you may want to consider cutting it to bring things up. Go conservative on it just to be on the safe side. Measure how much space you have between the inside edge of the cod and your family jewels to get a better idea of how much to cut. There shouldn't be too much of a gap in there- maybe just an inch or so. Don't trim/adjust any more off the tops of the thighs until you get the cod fitting correctly. Thanks for the kind words about our Halloween setup! This year's display is bigger and more elaborate than years before. Took this pic last night. Blurry because it's a cell pic, and my camera freaked out because of all the differences in colors and light. Can't get everything in one shot because we have too much stuff! Edited October 18, 2017 by Cricket edited for spelling, dammit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 Hi Christine, I will do as you suggested.... your post was very delicately put.... do you work in the diplomatic service Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 Ok today I’ve been trimming the shoulder bridges, the abs button plate(the small one) and the thigh ammo beltFirst the shoulder bridgesI believe the shoulder bridge widest bump goes to the front and five bumps (or us it ridges) goes on the chest piece like this Then onto the ammo thigh TrimmedDoes this radius look okBut what is the length from the last ammo block to the end? Ab buttons trimmedAnd taped on the ab.... is this looking ok?Following on from yesterday ..... I think I need to cut the cod..... to help to give a gap between the cod and thighs....I guess I will have to bite the bullet tomorrow ..... Another step forward Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragarock[TK] Posted October 18, 2017 Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 Ok today I’ve been trimming the shoulder bridges, the abs button plate(the small one) and the thigh ammo beltFirst the shoulder bridgesI believe the shoulder bridge widest bump goes to the front and five bumps (or us it ridges) goes on the chest piece like this Then onto the ammo thigh TrimmedDoes this radius look okBut what is the length from the last ammo block to the end? Ab buttons trimmedAnd taped on the ab.... is this looking ok?Following on from yesterday ..... I think I need to cut the cod..... to help to give a gap between the cod and thighs....I guess I will have to bite the bullet tomorrow ..... Another step forward Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkYou can cut the cod or trim off the top of the thighs. I had to do both. You do want a it of a gap between the thigh tops and thr cod as well as a gap the but piece. It will look better and you can reduce the clicking when you walk.On your thigh ammo pack, trim the top and bottom edges to be closer to the boxes. Looks like you have a bit too much material left on there.Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 Thanks Frank, I appreciate your help Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2017 Well I’ve finally bit the bullet and cut the cod.... measured 1inch in (bottom line) then half an inch in (top line) And decided to go fir three quarters of an inch (middle line) Started to cut... no going back now.... oops I’ve been well and truly snipped now And taped in place.... Had a quick try and it seems ok.... will do another fitting in the next few days .... This is something that I was hoping I didn’t need to do but sadly it’s been necessary..... Next job may well be to trim the butt.... does the butt need a return edge in the side / bottom edge? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68Brick[TK] Posted October 19, 2017 Report Share Posted October 19, 2017 Right now it looks like your shins are sitting high (and under your boots), and I can't tell if your thighs are hanging in the correct spot either, but they do look long on you. It looks to me like you might have to trim both your cod, and the tops of your thighs. Before you tackle your thighs, get those shins in the right spot, then make sure the thighs are hanging right. Looking good trooper. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 A bit more progress today..... I was prompted by Christine aka cricket on FISD to make some stirrups for the greaves..... I’ve followed the instructions she gave me and hopefully they will keep them in place And In the boot The Velcro will be attached to the soft part inside the greave.... it needs sewing onto the elastic before I use them The soft bit inside the greave I’ve also cut out the rivet covers fir the belt, 1” square They just need gluing on the belt now Also I’ve painted the buttons for the ab,... I did a dry run on some scrap abs before I started hopefully they are ok... are they big enough? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Some more progress today.... I’ve fitted the knee ammo pack, marked the curves with the TD pipe Outline marked Then cut, sanded and centralised on the thigh and riveted didn’t take pic... doh Anyway job done..... hope it’s ok I also fitted the covers for the rivets on the amp belt Oh and made the buttons a bit bigger than yesterday .... I think they look better Before And now Do they need to be any bigger? Anyway.... before I did the last two jobs I had another test fit..... I can now attach the shoulder bells myself.... well chuffed..... and actually getting the kit in and off is getting easier every time So the pics.... oh the stirrups work really well , they kept the greaves in place as good as if they had been nailed to my legs ... lol I have cut the cod down 3/4 of an inch not too sure if it needs another 1/4 of an inch? The thighs.... well left thigh is up as high as it will go without cutting me in half .... actually I think it’s a tad too high and could be lowered a tad...... The tight thigh was as high as the left initially, but the snaps are only taped in place at the moment and it came undone .... it dropped a bit, probably a bit too much .... so I’m guessing they should not be as high as the left but not as low as the right.... saying that though the right actually felt better? I would appreciate your advice on how it all looks... are the arms ok? Shoulder bells? Is the torso ok? I know the ab and kidney are not properly aligned on the right.... I think I need something to make that fastening better Oh and is the chest ok? Is it ready for me to fit the shoulder bridges ? Anyway here I am ...... And some action shots Oh and one of a stormtrooper thinking.... I appreciate all your help, advice and support Finally I’m so so glad I decided to build the armour myself..... I was initially thinking of getting a commission .... I’m glad I didn’t.... I have learnt so much and enjoyed the journey to boot...... I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel...... I’ve still got a lot to do so I guess I’m looking through the channel tunnel lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steftroop Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Well done Stephen you've done a cracking job... almost there!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Thanks Stefan , I’ve tried my best, the way you have painted your lid is 10 out of 10 in my book... my lid is probably a 5 or 6 if I’m lucky ... still chuffed with it Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2017 A little more progress today....I’ve started to glue the snaps on the arm in placeOh the glued buttons on the beltAnd started to polish the armour, with auto glym high resign polish, don’t the tight thigh and right greave.... will give it all an initial polish with this and finish off with a final polish with the stormtrooper polish I got from the Imperial Supply Depot Pleased with the results so farSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mworm1974[TK] Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Looking very sharp there Stephen. matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Ok... I’ve been gluing the snaps in place..... this is after they have been gluedI also glued the shoulder elastics to the back armourFitted the split rivets to the ab / kidney piece.... various picsI think it took longer to take the photos lol Also glued the shoulder bridges to the chestOne question if I may.....Are there any special measurements to place the split rivet on the cod piece? .... just not too sure where to place itThe next few days will be gluing and riveting ..... getting there Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shashachu[TK] Posted October 26, 2017 Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 Ukswrath's buiild says the cod rivet should go 1 to 1 1/2" from the edge of the cod, and the posterior snaps should be about 5/8" and 1 3/8" in from the edge. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 A bit more progress today Fitted the cod rivet, about 1 1/4 inches from the endTried on the thighs, greaves and torso, managed to step up onto a stool but the tops of the thighs dug in.... so I decided to take 1/4 of an inch off the top of the thighs.... used the heat sealing iron...yes they look a mess but I will trim them and fill them with abs paste and sand them down .... so this is what it looks like.... warts and allI also fitted the rear cover strips to the thighsAnd glued the cod in place having cut it down by a further 1/4 of an inch .... so that makes a total reduction on the cod of 1 inchI’m getting there ...... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troopermaster Posted October 26, 2017 Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 1 hour ago, shashachu said: Ukswrath's buiild says the cod rivet should go 1 to 1 1/2" from the edge of the cod, and the posterior snaps should be about 5/8" and 1 3/8" in from the edge. The cod rivet is less than 1/2" from the edge. No wonder I am seeing all these badly placed rivets with advice like this from Tony. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 Opps Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 27, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2017 A bit more progress today ....I’ve refitted the left shoulder bridgeIt wasn’t quite lining up at the back, I know it doesn’t look level but I haven’t cut the chest bit right so on it’s looking ok .... if you follow my logic I also glued the snaps on the chestAnd stitched the elastic fasteners.... they were fraying so I thought this would stop it fraying .... I will do the other elastic to stop that fraying also..... it’s a tiresome job but needs doingA bit of sewing doneAlso I’ve started to make a bracket to fit on the inside of the right side of the ab/kidney... to keep it in lineThen stuck on the inside of the abOnce I’ve sorted the torso out I will do another test fit to check the thighs / butt : cod area..... I did do a test fit this morning.... sorry no photos.... but I was able to negotiate the stairs in our house.... both up and down..... but there is some rubbing between the thighs and cod / butt..... I think it’s slowly slowly catch the monkey as far as sorting all of this out Also I was going to fit the holster today.... but on the holster there were these fastenersI’m not too sure what they are for as I thought these were used to fit the holster to the beltI appreciate your advice on this Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragarock[TK] Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 20 hours ago, Gwithian said: Also I was going to fit the holster today.... but on the holster there were these fasteners Hi Stephen, The holster is attached to the canvas belt using the small screws. I believe the slotted screw head should face the inside of the belt so it's not visible when you wear it. These are called Chicago screws here but I'm not sure what you'd call them in the U.K. On my build I used these screws but the kept coming un-screwed so I removed them and used the small cap rivets for a more permanent connection. May not have been accurate but nobody seemed to have an issue with it. Check with your local garrison, they may be more picky about it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSwede[TK] Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 If you want screen accaracy then go with rivets 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSwede[TK] Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 (edited) However the straps are supposed to go on the inside..that belt is somewhat one of a kind...just to be clear something like this: Edited October 28, 2017 by jedha-trooper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Thanks Jedha Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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