Gwithian Posted October 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 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. Hi Frank, thanks They are called Chicago screws over here as well .The UKG has confirmed that I should do what you have done and use the cap rivets... the same ones used to hold the ammo to the canvas belt I’ve done another trial fit today, I will post the pics later.... I would value your opinion on where to start re trimming the thighs and butt.... I can’t reduce the cod any more as I’ve cut an inch off it and can’t get it any higher.... though I could reduce the return edge around the cod.... would that help? As I said... will post the pics later Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Ok I’ve done some bits n bobs today..... I made the bracket to fit on the right side of the torso And glued in place..... you can’t actually see itOh and I stuck on the buttons... again you can’t really see it.... I used the microfibre cloths to protect the paint And I did another test fit..... now I really need constructive criticism on this.... I need to know what bits need improving..... I know I need to sort out the thighs and the butt ..... but I don’t know where to start......I can’t take the cod up any moreSo what needs work? Are the arms ok?Shoulder bells ok?Chest, ab, kidney, back , COD ok?Any advice on trimming thighs ..... front.... rear.... or both?Trim butt instead of rear thighs? Sorry.... I know it’s a big ask ..... but I’m in need of help....Life, being a small trooper, has its drawbacks ...... not only do we have to answer questions like “aren’t you a bit small to be a stormtrooper “..... to which we reply “aren’t you a bit big to be an Ewok” ..... But we have to trim our armour to fit our small limbs ......Unfortunately I’m now a bit stuck..... so please any advice is gratefully received Ivan lift my legs up this muchAlthough I couldn’t actually stand on the stool today..... Oh and that’s my confused / pondering face Oh and I’m going to pop around to RS Prop Masters next week..... I’m going to get some new white leather TK boots As I have said.... please tell me what’s wrong with my armour so I can put it right..... thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shashachu[TK] Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Hey Stephen! First, sorry about the bad advice re the cod rivet placement. As for your armor, I feel like the chest and shoulders look a little big all around. See how much the edges of the chest stick out from the ab armor? I'd consider heat bending the chest so it wraps around your torso more tightly. I believe Cricket did it, and I did it as well. What are the measurements of your shoulder bells? Somehow they look very wide as well. I might consider trimming them for width, or maybe wait until you've adjusted the chest to see. But in general your upper body looks bigger than your lower body, and I think it'd look more proportional if you brought your chest and shoulders in. For the legs, there's a decent amount of overlap between your thighs and both the cod and butt plate. In an ideal world I think your kidney could be a bit smaller but with the brackets, redoing the strapping will be a pain. Maybe trim the tops of the thighs? I'm not sure what the best solution there is. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragarock[TK] Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 6 hours ago, Gwithian said: Hi Frank, thanks They are called Chicago screws over here as well . The UKG has confirmed that I should do what you have done and use the cap rivets... the same ones used to hold the ammo to the canvas belt I’ve done another trial fit today, I will post the pics later.... I would value your opinion on where to start re trimming the thighs and butt.... I can’t reduce the cod any more as I’ve cut an inch off it and can’t get it any higher.... though I could reduce the return edge around the cod.... would that help? As I said... will post the pics later Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Looking at the photos I think there are a couple things happening here which makes the thighs look off a bit. 1. Freedom of movement is a great thing when walking and it looks like you can bend your knees quite well. But I think the thighs are sitting up a bit too high. You should drop them down a bit and reduce the gape between the top of the shins and the bottom of the thighs. Looking at reference pics from the movie, there are some troopers that have a large gap but most have a smaller one. This will also bring the top of the thighs down so they aren't up under your cod plate. 2. A right side photo shows a lot of slack in your but piece and it appears to be popping out beyond your kidney. If you shorten the strap that connects it to the cod, you can tighten it up and reduce that gap. You may have to trim the sides of this under piece if it's rubbing against your thighs. I had to. 3. Once the but is in position, take another look or photos. I'd leave at least a 1/2" gap between the top of the thighs and the cod. This will improve the look and reduce any clicking when you walk. Do the same at the back of the thighs. Start trimming the front around the cod, cut the top of the thighs and the inner thighs to make the gap. Remember to leave a bit of material for a new return edge, especially on the front. I would do a return on the inner sides too, don't want that area to be sharp. Also, I think seeing the black gap around and in between the pieces is important to the look of the finished armor, just don't over do it. 4. When you've sorted out the front, put it all on and review again. You'll want to trim the top of the back of the thighs around the but plate. I did this but later realized I also needed to trim some off the but piece too. There was just too much extra material there, especially on the sides where it touched the thighs. Again leave some material for a new return edge. Look on my build on page 5 about 1/4 of the way down. You'll see how I trimmed the back. Here you can see how the thigh is down tighter to the shins. Here you can see the clearance around the butt plate. Keep up the great work. It's these final stages where you spend much of the time finessing the pieces and fit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 29, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 Shashachu .... no need to apologise about your advice on the cod placement , my armourer on the UKG gave me the same advice as you I will look at the chest and bells , the bells do seem a tad big and I know what you mean with the chest sticking out, the thing is I’ve already messed so much up with the heat gun in this build , based on past performance, I think I would have a good chance of completely messing the chest up.....Frank, thanks for your detailed reply, that’s just what I needed , I will try lowering the thighs slightly to see how that looks... I will tighten the elastic between butt and kidney and take it from there.... I will also be checking your build thread and Christine’s again Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 It has been a very good day today.... I popped over to RS Prop Masters to get some very nice new white leather TK boots.... the size 7 were too big, size 6 a tad snug..., but I know from my bike leathers that leather does stretch so I plumped for the 6 The guys at RS we’re great, I spent almost all morning talking to Rob about my build... this is RobAnd the guys working hard on imperial businessI told rob about my button mishap Yes I over trimmed it, but Rob very kindly provided me with a replacement set ... for free I also told Rob about a few problems I’m having ... in the chest and right thigh.... he suggested I realign the right thigh.... which I’ve now done.. I pulled it apartRealigned it and stuck it back togetherI told rob that my chest piece was sticking outI do have a broad chest and narrow waist.... Rob suggested that the elastic could be pulling it out of shape....?he suggested I remove the brackets and see how it sits when hanging free..... I’ve removed the brackets and will check it’s fit tomorrowI also fitted the holster today As I say... it’s been a good day today, Rob at RS has been so helpful and encouraging today, the guys even made me a brew.... well I was a tad cold as I went on the bike and it was only 3 degrees this morning.... still I had a good ride..... I’m so pleased I went with the RS armour.... it’s amazing and Rob, Si and the guys really do have a limitless amount of pride in the costumes that make.... amazing Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steftroop Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 It has been a very good day today.... I popped over to RS Prop Masters to get some very nice new white leather TK boots.... the size 7 were too big, size 6 a tad snug..., but I know from my bike leathers that leather does stretch so I plumped for the 6 The guys at RS we’re great, I spent almost all morning talking to Rob about my build... this is RobAnd the guys working hard on imperial businessI told rob about my button mishap Yes I over trimmed it, but Rob very kindly provided me with a replacement set ... for free I also told Rob about a few problems I’m having ... in the chest and right thigh.... he suggested I realign the right thigh.... which I’ve now done.. I pulled it apartRealigned it and stuck it back togetherI told rob that my chest piece was sticking outI do have a broad chest and narrow waist.... Rob suggested that the elastic could be pulling it out of shape....?he suggested I remove the brackets and see how it sits when hanging free..... I’ve removed the brackets and will check it’s fit tomorrowI also fitted the holster today As I say... it’s been a good day today, Rob at RS has been so helpful and encouraging today, the guys even made me a brew.... well I was a tad cold as I went on the bike and it was only 3 degrees this morning.... still I had a good ride..... I’m so pleased I went with the RS armour.... it’s amazing and Rob, Si and the guys really do have a limitless amount of pride in the costumes that make.... amazing Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkPleased you had a great time at RS Stephen..I'd love to go myself for a look and throw hundreds of questions at them lol.. I'm sure you'll agree that the boots are superb.Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragarock[TK] Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 It has been a very good day today.... I popped over to RS Prop Masters to get some very nice new white leather TK boots.... the size 7 were too big, size 6 a tad snug..., but I know from my bike leathers that leather does stretch so I plumped for the 6 The guys at RS we’re great, I spent almost all morning talking to Rob about my build... this is RobAnd the guys working hard on imperial businessI told rob about my button mishap Yes I over trimmed it, but Rob very kindly provided me with a replacement set ... for free I also told Rob about a few problems I’m having ... in the chest and right thigh.... he suggested I realign the right thigh.... which I’ve now done.. I pulled it apartRealigned it and stuck it back togetherI told rob that my chest piece was sticking outI do have a broad chest and narrow waist.... Rob suggested that the elastic could be pulling it out of shape....?he suggested I remove the brackets and see how it sits when hanging free..... I’ve removed the brackets and will check it’s fit tomorrowI also fitted the holster today As I say... it’s been a good day today, Rob at RS has been so helpful and encouraging today, the guys even made me a brew.... well I was a tad cold as I went on the bike and it was only 3 degrees this morning.... still I had a good ride..... I’m so pleased I went with the RS armour.... it’s amazing and Rob, Si and the guys really do have a limitless amount of pride in the costumes that make.... amazing Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLove it. Im very happy with my RS kit. Those guys are fantastic. Wish I was close enough to visit them.Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 Following on from yesterday I tried all my armour on again today.... the chest is currently not attached to the ab..... I wanted to see how it fits and now it’s not sticking out so I must have made the elastic too tight? Anyway I think I’m almost there with the thighs .... I managed to walk up and down stairs no problem.... the drop boxes were clanking about thoughOh and the new TK boots ..... they are amazing .... soft, comfy and a lot narrower around the ankle which means that the greaves fit better around the ankle...Anyway here are the pics .... let me know what you think..... I think the right greave needs to be moved up a tad .... perhaps half an inch.... also the left greave was a bit twisted....I just needed to move it around a bitThoughts appreciated I need to replace the button plate... sort out the ab / chest fastenings and I think the butt needs trimming.... oh and fit the outer cover strips to the thighs.....Other than that I think I’m almost there Hopefully Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSwede[TK] Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 Look!! It`s a stormtrooper! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragarock[TK] Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 Look!! It`s a stormtrooper! Looking great. How are the back of the thighs? Looks like a bit more could be trimmed for clearance at the but plate if its rubbing.The sides of your chest plate look to flare out a lot. You could hot water bend these inward for a more form fitting look. Probably not necessary but its an option.A few pieces of foam in your shin can help with the twisting.Overall I thinks its really looking good.Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted October 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 Foam in the shin is a good tip, thanks Frank I’m going to trim the butt slightly and also the knee ammo... as you said the other day a bit needs to come off the top and bottomI know it seems to be a lot of faffing about but it will be worth it in the end Oh I also need to tighten that elastic on the butt you mentioned ..... that’s on my to do list Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted November 2, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2017 I’ve spent the majority of this afternoon trying the armour on, taking it off (well the torso) trimming the butt and trying it on again.... I’m not going to post pics as I still have more to do, but I’m just trimming it a bit at a time.... so I will probably be doing this all weekend..... ho humm .... I also removed the knee ammo and trimmed it down a tad, took 2mm if the top and bottom leaving the area above and below the bumps at 3mmTrimmed and sandedClose up of top and bottomAlso trimmed the return edge on the inside of the thighsAnd these are the markings on where to trim the butt.... as I said I’m not there yetA little trim of the buttAnyway will carry on Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted November 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2017 I’ve been tweaking the butt... up to now I’ve removed 1cm off the butt... I really don’t want to take any more off..... this is what it’s looking like now.... oh it doesn’t catch when I’m walkingThe chest isn’t fitted properly I know It looks ok from the side but still looks big from behind.... anyway it’s easier to walk...Over the next week I aim to fettle the armour, clean and polish it , to get it ready .... hopefully.... fir clearance in the next couple of weeks..... I will do the odd update on progress I’m still getting there Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68Brick[TK] Posted November 3, 2017 Report Share Posted November 3, 2017 (edited) Looking better Stephen. Your chest seems to be the biggest offender now. You know it's sitting a little too far out and needs to be retained somehow. A hot water bath could also help its shape so it doesn't look so broad on you. A little padding in your shins and thighs will help lock those pieces in to place. You can also put soe Industrial Velcro on the front of your boots and inside your shin armour to keep them down and from turning. Keep it up! Edited November 3, 2017 by 68Brick 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted November 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2017 Thanks, I plan to look at padding in the shins and thighs and yes ..... the chest..... it’s driving me nuts ..... it needs a lot of fettling ..... One thing though.... my armour has been on and off so much over the past couple of days I’m getting a dab hand at putting it on ..... so something positive has resulted from all of this Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragarock[TK] Posted November 3, 2017 Report Share Posted November 3, 2017 Thanks, I plan to look at padding in the shins and thighs and yes ..... the chest..... it’s driving me nuts ..... it needs a lot of fettling ..... One thing though.... my armour has been on and off so much over the past couple of days I’m getting a dab hand at putting it on ..... so something positive has resulted from all of this Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Agreed, the up and doen fitment looks good and it doesnt seem to be stickimg too far out from your chest. I think you need to roll the sides in tighter around your sides.Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted November 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2017 Agreed, the up and doen fitment looks good and it doesnt seem to be stickimg too far out from your chest. I think you need to roll the sides in tighter around your sides.Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk Thanks Frank , I will sort that chest out if it kills me lol..... hopefully I will survive Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mworm1974[TK] Posted November 5, 2017 Report Share Posted November 5, 2017 On 27/10/2017 at 4:41 AM, troopermaster said: 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. The kit that I ordered from RS had the code, side and TD screws already installed, if anyone is attempting for accuracy I would suggest asking RS not to install any parts like these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted November 6, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2017 A little more progress... I’ve fitted an outer cover strip to the right thigh.... sorry no pic...I’ve also been working on the ab/chest fastening..... now I know this isn’t screen accurate on the inside .... but it does work on the outside.....You will recall that my chest was sticking out a bit, Rob at RS suggested that I stick the elastic on the chest and fasten to the abs brackets and leave the chest brackets as dummies .... I’ve .... well.... done my own thingI’ve made some abs brackets to glue to the chestThese have been glued to the chest and the elastic also used the chest brackets, by keeping the elastic close to the chest it stole it popping out..... it was the elastic that was originally causing the chest to stick out....It’s threaded like thisFastened to these bracket... sorry no picAnd looks like thisI’ve removed the buttons and painted the new ones RS gave me I’ve also taped some additional snaps on the butt and cod, this actually brings them together better than the han rivet and elastic / snap..... will it be ok to use these, if not I’ll revert to the han.... either way the han will remain in placeThat’s it for now Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted November 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2017 New buttons in placeAnd I’ve given the rivets and screw heads their first coat of paint Almost there, just a bit of sanding and polishing to do, oh plus a second coat of white paint Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted November 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2017 Tried part of the armour on todayIt fits really well and it’s easy to walk in...I’ve given the rivets a second coat of paintI’m king they may need a third....The left greave is digging in my leg a bit, is it ok to trim the return edge to the line I have drawn? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSwede[TK] Posted November 11, 2017 Report Share Posted November 11, 2017 You are getting closer and closer and I agree with you about the paint and regarding the return edge there really isn`t any that you can`t trim of if it bothers you...having returns isn´t a requirement in the CRL so it`s up to personal preference...if you aim for Centurion then there can`t be any at the wrist ends of the forearms...so...trim away personally I like to keep as much as possible for that "thick armor look" the chest piece is looking great by the way 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shashachu[TK] Posted November 13, 2017 Report Share Posted November 13, 2017 Chest is looking *much* better! Bravo. You're almost there! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwithian Posted November 14, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2017 Ive posted the following pictures on my build thread in the UKG and asked if they are ok for clearance Lid off Front Right side Right arm up (I’m not happy with the slight gap between kidney and ab) Back Left side Left arm up Action photo I have noticed that when I wear the armour the shoulder bells and biceps come out of line, so I need to sort that out, I have asked the UKG if that would prevent clearance, if it does then no worries as I’ll have to sort it either way. also the right greave digs into my kneecap so I guess it needs some padding. I hope you like them, please suggest any areas that need improving .... I do want to go for EIB and eventually Centurion..... But before I do that I need to sort out a voice changer , I have TrooperTalk on my iPhone but it keeps draining the battery ... and I’ve not been using it but it’s doing something in the background.... Also I want to replace the current foam I have only lid with a better solution to hold the helmet in place .... Oh and I want to get rid of that gap on the right hand ab/ kidney area ..... So still loads to do but hopefully I can do these tweaks as a TK and not a builder As I say, your comments are gratefully appreciated Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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