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Testing the waters in Ohio


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Greetings all.   I am almost finished building an ROTJ Vader (build thread on the SLD) and poking at the idea of an OTTK standing alongside him since I do not expect there to be much if any trooping for some time.  Not sure I will take it anywhere yet but thinking about it and wanted to say hello.  


 

In the meantime, here is a quick pic of my first suit up of my WIP Vader (12SEP2020).  I have a litany of small things to address but very pleased so far.   I custom built the chest box and belt boxes.  

8Ic6AAz.jpg

 

 

 

Edited by SB_Sneetch
Updated WIP picture
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Looks great, Chris, and welcome to the FISD!   The good thing is that you probably have most (if not all) of the tools you will need... now it comes time to choose your armorer.  First, as you probably know I would avoid 99% of the ones on ebay/Etsy.   We have a thread dedicated to those armorers who are tried and true located here, and you are always welcome (and encouraged) to ask all the questions you have..  we are here to help every step of the way!

 

Since you are doing an ROTJ Vader, you probably want to go with ROTJ TK armor.  For that, you can't get any better than a kit from Mark at CFO, and you can PM him here:  @sskunky.  

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to the FISD, Chris.  The boss absolutely needs some quality protection flanking his side. :smiley-sw013:  Keep in mind that the ROTJ TK is a bit different than the ANH or ESB TK - if you are trying to match movies.  Not that any of us suffer from that sort of OCD. 

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Well, some of us do...

OCD on FISD?! Never! Also, Chris, do or do not - there is no testing. Jk. You should go for the ROTJ TK, as there are far fewer of those around!

 

 

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LOL, yeah, OCD has its own name on the SLD... OVD.  Obsessive Vader Disorder.  :)  I have been suffering that big time as I have done a plethora of iterations in my chestbox modeling and still have more to do... it is a slippery slope indeed.   I really appreciate the insight and be assured if I do go down this path, I will be every bit as focused on building a proper TK no matter which version I choose.   

 

Wait, did I just read a jedi teaching??  Say it ain't so!! :lightemperor:

So is there a correlation on fewer ROTJ TKs and difficulty of acquiring parts to ROTJ TK?   And for curiosity, what is the most popular TK around?

Edited by SB_Sneetch
Q on ROTJ availability
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3 minutes ago, SB_Sneetch said:

LOL, yeah, OCD has its own name on the SLD... OVD.  Obsessive Vader Disorder. 

LOVE IT, but I am SO going to steal that idea, Chris....  :D  OTKD.  You heard it here first, folks LOL.

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Ok, so.. been wondering.  Rubber gloves and those with normally sweaty hands, how does that work out for you??  

 

When I need to wear nitrile gloves even for a few minutes I end up with a lot of captured sweat.   Seems if I build out a TK, I would not be a fan of the rubber gloves.  Yet maybe there is something magical about rubber vs nitrile gloves?  (Not holding breath waiting to hear the answer to this one. :) )

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Some TKs wear cotton liner gloves inside their rubber ones, and others just wear nomex gloves instead of the rubber ones. Rubber gloves, at least for ANH, are required for higher levels of approval, but once you pass the approval, you can wear what you want at troops.

Some wear cooler options. Others swear by rubber all the way, and pour our sweat at the end of troops.


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LOL, I would guess you are in the latter group?? 

 

That is a perfect response too, for approval I would opt for the rubber, but if option to wear something else during trooping, I can definitely swing that.  I would even try to tough it out with the proper attire first.  ;)

 

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33 minutes ago, SB_Sneetch said:

Ok, so.. been wondering.  Rubber gloves and those with normally sweaty hands, how does that work out for you??  

 

When I need to wear nitrile gloves even for a few minutes I end up with a lot of captured sweat.   Seems if I build out a TK, I would not be a fan of the rubber gloves.  Yet maybe there is something magical about rubber vs nitrile gloves?  (Not holding breath waiting to hear the answer to this one. :) )

We wear cotton inner gloves inside the rubber gloves, they tend to soak up the sweat well, keep your hands cooler too. Does help having several pairs so you can swap out during long events, nothing worse than having to put a soaking sweaty pair back on ;) . 

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Hmm, nothing worse....   safe to assume while being a TK?   I used to white water kayak and I think the worst thing there was putting your neoprene suit on the second day.... always had to tell myself if I am going thru that experience it meant I was going to have an amazing day, which was true, but man, cold and wet neoprene sux.  :)

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Well I am getting close to being done with my Vader costume and been more focused on researching being a TK.   Biggest issue I see however is my size (6'1" and 260lbs).   I did send an email to Pandatrooper with my measurements inquiring about the feasibility yet not sure I would make a good TK.  I am probably past that option unless I go on a diet, which of course would not be a bad thing.  :)

 

I will keep my hopes up in case it is possible, yet if not may either choose to build a kit for a mannequin only or go and focus on building an R2.

 

In the meantime, last Vader pic I will share here (since he is not the focus).  My helmet, armor and a temp ESB cape/robe arrived (on wait list for a proper ROTJ cape/robe), I am working on a better revision of the chestbox so that will be changed out too along with some other minor tweaks:

VpkOAb4.jpg

 

 

 

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Coming along nicely, you may find you will need to go for a larger armor AM is pretty much the largest

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  • 4 weeks later...

Update:

Ok, I have done some more research and understand what shims are all about and expect that RT/Mod would work yet may still be better to go for the AM kit as I understand it is a little larger.  

 

What I have to add is Vader was an easier build!!  LOL, while I chose to DIY some parts, a proper TK is all about the effort one does getting it put together for their body type.   You all are rock stars for the efforts you have put into your gear.  :)

 

Original Post:

I see in the personal sales thread a new set of RTMod armor yet just don’t know if it would work for me and hesitate as a result.   I am 6’1”, ~270lbs and wear a 43” waist pant.   I sent a note to RTPanda a month ago asking if his kit would fit my size but never got a reply.  

 

Insights from anyone if that would work, or would the AM armor be the better bet would be greatly appreciated.   I don’t wish to make any costly mistakes and don’t have enough awareness in the kits/fit...


 

for anyone interested, I also replaced my vader pic in the first post with my first full suit up from yesterday. :)

Edited by SB_Sneetch
more educated update after initial post.
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So build or commission?    I am trying to weigh the pros and cons and it seems the cost difference alone may be a wash due to acquiring the extra tools and components to build the armor.    That and the vendor I am considering also includes the belt and holster in the commission build.   So from cost It seems commissioned is the winner.  
 

Yet I would miss out on the experience of building it (cuts, anxiety, satisfaction).   
 

so. Back to So build or commission?    what say ye?

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Well if you have the ideal body shape and height a commission could work for you, many find they still need to do some adjustment. Building from scratch can be very rewarding and you have a sense of pride that you built yourself BUT it does take a lot of research and work. There are pros and cons for both, really comes down to price and experience, if you can build a plastic model kit you can pretty much build a Stormtrooper ;) 

 

Good luck which you decide, remember you have a whole detachment ready to help if required :salute:

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