bluebantha Posted October 20, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2022 I'm still worried about the lower curve on my helmet, although I couldn't leave any more room, as there were mold lines the ears wouldn't cover. Here is my helmet versus the one posted in the "Helmet Ear Tutorial" thread Any thoughts on this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doggydoc[Staff] Posted October 20, 2022 Report Share Posted October 20, 2022 1 hour ago, bluebantha said: I know that I’m the only one who would really be able to tell, but could someone with a better eye let me know if my cuts look incorrect? Again I’m still concerned with the angle that I had to put the ears at, I feel like it’s too steep. Also, does the brow need to be taken up more? If you look near my traps, I still have cutting room. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! it’s tough to tell with the 2 pieces separate. I found that it helped a lot to build the helmet and hold it together with the magnets to get a feel of what it looks like to see if the brow is good or not. RS propmasters has a great tutorial video for the helmet. My kit is an AP one , so not exact but it still helped a lot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 20, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2022 OH! one more thing. Does anyone know what size rivets are typically used on the helmet? I have my rivet gun and some rivets, but they all look too large or too small. Id like to order some correct ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted October 20, 2022 Report Share Posted October 20, 2022 I prefer using bolts which allow you to adjust when assembling. References 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 Hey guys, ok, so, I’ve done some work on the ears, and attached the left one. Here are some photos:So, the angle of the ear doesn’t look as egregious as I initially thought. Although, I do think my ear is too thick. I’m struggling with figuring out where to remove material Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 I feel even better with the neck seal on Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doggydoc[Staff] Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 31 minutes ago, bluebantha said: I do think my ear is too thick. I’m struggling with figuring out where to remove material Here is a photo of the screen used helmet. It is much thinner throughout the entire ear. Just trim slowly and keep testing the fit to see where to trim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 Here is a photo of the screen used helmet. It is much thinner throughout the entire ear. Just trim slowly and keep testing the fit to see where to trim I did some more trimming, and I think this looks much better!:Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 Both ears have been trimmed, teeth have been cut out, and mics installed:Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doggydoc[Staff] Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 Now that is looking like a proper stormtrooper helmet 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 Ok, so, I’m feeling really good about this helmet! Later this afternoon I’ll go back to working on the arms and legs. I have $50 worth of magnets coming in today lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 It's all about fine tuning, small areas sanded at a time just to get gaps a little bit closer, can take some time. Your ears are a tad large and could be trimmed a little more, if you wanted. Also note your angle of the ears, not a requirement just noted for higher level approval This ear angle is great the other is a little over OK Over Also not sure if the bottom screw is being pulled in too tight, there appears to be some distortion behind the lower screw. To reduce the gap around the top of the ears a step is added so it brings it further inwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 It's all about fine tuning, small areas sanded at a time just to get gaps a little bit closer, can take some time. Your ears are a tad large and could be trimmed a little more, if you wanted. Also note your angle of the ears, not a requirement just noted for higher level approval This ear angle is great the other is a little over OK Over Also not sure if the bottom screw is being pulled in too tight, there appears to be some distortion behind the lower screw. To reduce the gap around the top of the ears a step is added so it brings it further inwards. Thank you VERY much for all of this information, it’s incredibly helpful. I will try to make changes, as I am aiming for higher levels of approval. I should have posted another update however. The photos you are referencing are from last night, I did a lot more work on it this morning where I brought in the ears a bit, and attempted to fix the angles. Here it is, with decals as well:How do the ear angles look now? Personally, I think they look better than last night, but I don’t have the eye you do! I did add the steps at the top of the ears to minimize the gaps. Let me know what you think! (Are they still too thick?)Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 (edited) Looks much better. As an example and it's not a requirement just a suggestion DO's aren't that strict on this item. Note: Top ear screws should ideally be located directly below the rear of the trap. Edited October 21, 2022 by gmrhodes13 Updated text 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKSpartan[Staff] Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 22 minutes ago, bluebantha said: How do the ear angles look now? Personally, I think they look better than last night, but I don’t have the eye you do! I did add the steps at the top of the ears to minimize the gaps. Let me know what you think! Indeed, As correctly Glen stated "it's not a requirement just a suggestion" as it's not exactly detailed in the CRL for level 3, but CRL States for Centurion level : Ideally, placement of ears (and screws) should closely follow the rear angle of the trap above them Honestly, you're almost perfect, if you can do de last adjustment it will be Great, but you can leave it as it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2022 Looks much better. As an example and it's not a requirement just a suggestion DO's aren't that strict on this item.Note: Top ear screws should ideally be located directly below the rear of the trap. Awesome, thank you so so much! I have two new sets of ears coming from trooperbay, so I’ll be practicing on those Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2022 Got my magnets today, and I started installing inner cover strips on the biceps and forearms:I have also just ordered extended forearms from Walt, as I believe I’ll need them. I’m gonna be using 18mm strips on the forearms and the front of the biceps, and 20mm strips on the back of the biceps.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 Hi everyone! Its been a few days since my last update, so I figured Id let you all know where everything currently stands. I received a package from Trooper Bay yesterday, which included all of the elastic and nylon Ill be using in my build, the holster, all necessary paints, and 2 extra pairs of ears so I can try to make some improvements on my helmet. I've been in touch with Walt from WTF, and am purchasing extended forearm armor. In addition, he is finishing up his extended shin armor molds this week, so I will be placing that order once he finishes those pieces up. I believe these will really help with minimizing the gaps on my limbs I have been painting the frown and vocoder on the helmet, and would love some input on that! Lastly, I have just finished one of my biceps, and am currently cutting out cover strips for the other. My magnets came in, and have been really helpful Photos will follow later on today! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKSpartan[Staff] Posted October 25, 2022 Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 Great to read of your advances Carter, looking forward for the photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 Here is the bicep and the helmet! Tips and advise are appreciated as always! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKSpartan[Staff] Posted October 25, 2022 Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 The bicep looks ok to me . for the Frown and vocoder it would be great if you can post a closer photo and front angle like below Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKSpartan[Staff] Posted October 25, 2022 Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 BTW you're in the Helmet painting process Consider the crl for higher levels - Ideally, the tube stripes are positioned approximately a pencil width from the side of the cheek. - Fall of tube stripe tops ideally lean toward the front. - Correct Aerators/Hovi-MIX tips are present. Screens used shall be of a wide type mesh, with the rim of the mic and the inside white or painted white. Some references Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebantha Posted October 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 BTW you're in the Helmet painting process Consider the crl for higher levels - Ideally, the tube stripes are positioned approximately a pencil width from the side of the cheek. - Fall of tube stripe tops ideally lean toward the front. - Correct Aerators/Hovi-MIX tips are present. Screens used shall be of a wide type mesh, with the rim of the mic and the inside white or painted white. Some references Here’s some close ups Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKSpartan[Staff] Posted October 25, 2022 Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 Hey that tube strips look great . The vocoder paint job looks good , just a little refine in a couple of spots as per the crl for basic. The side view photos have too low resolution so I couldn't see in detail. Frown is painted gray and does not leave the teeth area May be my eyes but it looks like there are some pencil lines or white marks on your vocoder? The hovi tips should go white inside and the rims. keep on doing a great work trooper! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted October 25, 2022 Report Share Posted October 25, 2022 From memory I think the MTK hovi's come like that, not sure how hard it will be to remove the mesh or if the inside has the "nipple". Some more references, note the rim, inside wall and inner center are white Vocoder center strip is a little high Comparisons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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