IG-41985 ANH Stunt TK Build Thread! (AM Armor)

[Artooritoo[501st]]

Hey all! Here is where I will document all my progress on my ANH Stunt TK build. I will be asking lots of questions and look forward to learning and completing this costume to join the TK ranks!

 

For reference, I will be aiming for Centurion Level! So will be trying to make sure I get everything correct for that.

 

Some info on my armor (I may update this if something changes). 

 

Armor Kit: AM armor                            Status: in hand

Undersuit: Purchased off amazon        Status: in hand

Neck Seal: DarmansProps                    Status: in hand

Gloves: Unknown at moment              Status: in hand

Holster: DarmansProps                        Status: in hand

Belt: TrooperBay                                  Status: in hand

Boots: KeepTrooping                           Status: in hand

 

Thanks for reading and joining me on this experience!

 

EDIT. Saw this on someone else's build thread and liked how it showed progress so I am borrowing it.

 

Sections:

1. Forearms Return edges cut, fitment started, glueing halves together, glued together. Needs reshaping before trimming down.

2. Biceps Return edges cut, fitment started, glued together. Needs reshaping before trimming down.

3. Calves/Shins (lower leg) NOT STARTED

4. Ab NOT STARTED, trimmed, snaps attached

5. Posterior NOT STARTED, trimmed, snaps attached

6. Strapping NOT STARTED, in progress

7. Thighs NOT STARTED

8. Chest and Shoulders NOT STARTED, trimmed, Chest needs strapping. 

9. Shoulder Bells Return edges cut, fitment started, trimmed, needs strapping

10. Thermal Detonator NOT STARTED

11. Belt NOT STARTED

12. Back Plate NOT STARTED, basic trimming, snaps attached

13. Kidney NOT STARTED, trimmed, snaps attached

14. Helmet NOT STARTED

15. Fitment Alterations NOT STARTED

16. Final Pictures NOT DONE

17. EIB Submit NOT DONE

18. Centurion Submit NOT DONE

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 27, 2025 by Artooritoo

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

A lot of information for the first time builder can be found here

 

Looking forward to seeing your progress, good luck with the build 

[Artooritoo[501st]]

I have attached pics of the armor along with some other soft parts that came with the kit I purchased from my garrison member. Seems to be only thing i'm missing is the handplates. 

 

 

Then here are the gloves that came with it as well. Front and back pics.

 

Canvas is from TrooperBay! Checked with my garrison member and he confirmed. Pics of it anyways.

 

Here is the separate plate with ab and belt details

 

Helmet came partially assembled. At a glance, it seems to be an easy enough finish of the helmet. Also came with the nice aerators/HOVI tips

 

HOVI Tips

 

Gasket for the brow

 

So next up... Going to order some tools to get moving on assembly. I'm planning on doing the forearms first, then biceps. Have to order material to start making the rigging for the whole thing. 

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

I'm gonna' start with one comment:  GREAT photos!    Clear and detailed, just the way we like em'!

 

My first question is are you going to be aiming for Centurion level? (hint hint)  The reason I ask is that it is MUCH easier to do during your build rather than after, and if we know this ahead of time we can better tailor our replies to your questions.  It takes a little more effort on your part, but is well worth it when you end up with a spectacular looking set of armor.

 

Looks like your kit is already pretty much trimmed, but have you ordered an undersuit yet?  Having it on hand will help during fitting (don't try to fit the pieces wearing regular clothes, trust me).  There are 2 options available, a full (one piece) set like this (link), or a two piece like this (shirt  Pants).  I prefer the two piece, as it makes it much easier to answer the "call of nature" when suited up, lol.  Whatever kind you use just make sure there are no visible markings (logos) that can be seen.

 

One last bit of advice-  Don't rush.  Take... your... time.  When in doubt, ask before cutting/trimming/gluing, and keep those pics rolling in!

[Artooritoo[501st]]

21 hours ago, justjoseph63 said:

I'm gonna' start with one comment:  GREAT photos!    Clear and detailed, just the way we like em'!

 

My first question is are you going to be aiming for Centurion level? (hint hint)  The reason I ask is that it is MUCH easier to do during your build rather than after, and if we know this ahead of time we can better tailor our replies to your questions.  It takes a little more effort on your part, but is well worth it when you end up with a spectacular looking set of armor.

 

Looks like your kit is already pretty much trimmed, but have you ordered an undersuit yet?  Having it on hand will help during fitting (don't try to fit the pieces wearing regular clothes, trust me).  There are 2 options available, a full (one piece) set like this (link), or a two piece like this (shirt  Pants).  I prefer the two piece, as it makes it much easier to answer the "call of nature" when suited up, lol.  Whatever kind you use just make sure there are no visible markings (logos) that can be seen.

 

One last bit of advice-  Don't rush.  Take... your... time.  When in doubt, ask before cutting/trimming/gluing, and keep those pics rolling in!

 

Yes thanks for asking that! I meant to add (and I'll add it in an edit here in a moment) that I will be going for Centurion level. Almost every post i've read says the same that its easier to do immediately. So why not?!

I have an undersuit! I have a two piece already and fits great!.

[Doggydoc[Staff]]

Welcome David. Looks like you are off to a great start. Looking forward to following your build.  

[Artooritoo[501st]]

Hey all, I will be starting on the forearms, biceps, and shoulder bells this weekend. So obviously the TK is not symmetric. However, is there a "correct" LEFT and RIGHT for the forearms? I saw the shoulder bells should basically be interchangeable (per the CRL) so that shouldn't be a problem.

 

Here are pics of the shoulder bells. I will be leaving them AS IS. Aside from just washing them to give them a clean look again. The return edge is very minimal and acceptable in my opinion. Or is it recommended to fully remove the return edge? 

 

Next up are pics of the forearms. I labeled the inside with L and R with my best guess and just wanted to see if I got it right? or if it matters? as long as it gets assembled correctly? 

Then I have the return edge marked on the front of the forearms (closest to wrist) and that will be fully removed from the parts. I also plan on doing the same on the other end as well. Just didn't mark it.

 

And then I included pics of the biceps as well. Those i'll also be removing the return edges and then sizing to me.

 

Thanks all for the help!

I hope to get through these parts this weekend and start sizing the next parts! Most likely the ab piece, butt piece. and kidney plate.

 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

I'm just walking out the door, but here are a couple of links which may help you, a really nice AM build thread, @ukswrath documented a lot of helpful information, well worth having a look even though it's an earlier AM version kit there will still be a lot of similarities https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/31920-ukswraths-am-10-build/#comment-411249

 

Quick CRL reference guide: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48335-quick-crl-reference-guide-for-your-ot-build-pics-notes-tips/

 

Return edges: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48166-return-edges-101-ottk/

 

 

Cover Strips threads: gazmosis, I'm Batman, sith_241, & Falciform13

 

 

 

[dblcross[TK]]

I love the look and feel of AM. I'm not familiar with this piece. What is it? 

 

[MaskedVengeance[Staff]]

3 hours ago, dblcross said:

I love the look and feel of AM. I'm not familiar with this piece. What is it? 

 

This large ABS pull includes the typical ANH ab plate, belt buttons that need to be trimmed out, and additional pieces for alternate builds. Some armor builders include extra items that are needed for sandtrooper builds or even ANH-Hero ears for the bucket.

[Artooritoo[501st]]

16 hours ago, gmrhodes13 said:

I'm just walking out the door, but here are a couple of links which may help you, a really nice AM build thread, @ukswrath documented a lot of helpful information, well worth having a look even though it's an earlier AM version kit there will still be a lot of similarities https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/31920-ukswraths-am-10-build/#comment-411249

 

Quick CRL reference guide: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48335-quick-crl-reference-guide-for-your-ot-build-pics-notes-tips/

 

Return edges: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48166-return-edges-101-ottk/

 

 

Cover Strips threads: gazmosis, I'm Batman, sith_241, & Falciform13

 

 

 

Got it. I had the return edges link up, but just wanted to confirm. Thanks! 

 

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

Looking good on the trimming so far, David.     If I could make a few suggestions:

 

As mentioned in my "Return Edges" thread, the ridges on the inside front of the biceps can cause discomfort after wearing them for a while.  While not all troopers experience this, it may be the reason they removed them entirely in screen used armor (second pic).

I would also steer shy of marking the pieces in (what looks like) permanent marker.  Although ABS is not generally considered to be porous, it may bleed through on thinner pieces.  What I would suggest is to use a regular pen and strips of our blue painter's tape. On the areas like the wrist openings a soft lead pencil works great and is easy to remove. 

 

                         

 

When cutting out the sections for the Ab plate buttons, take your time trimming them.  They should sit on the raised rectangle ridges but not overlap the tops.

Hint:  Paint these BEFORE attaching them to the Ab plate.

 

             

 

Here is a good example (AM armor).

  

 

Lastly, if you are going to use interior cover strips on any of the connecting areas, I like to do these first.  This is because if there is an issue with fitment, it's easier to remove them without potentially damaging the exterior of the armor.  E-6000 can be removed, but it's not a lot of fun, lol.

Even if you decide not to use interior strips on the other connections, I highly suggest using them on the inside fronts of the shin connection.  They don't have to be pretty (no one will see them) but the added strength in that area will help when opening and closing them a lot while suiting up.  Trust me.

 

Keep up the great work, keep those questions and awesome photos rolling in!

 

 

 

[Artooritoo[501st]]

Hey all! Just some updates from last time.....

 

removed the sharpie from all the pieces. The R and L are now in expo marker. Also went ahead and fully removed the return edges on all the arm pieces.

Pics below of that...

 

Also my Tandy 24 rivets arrived today! Along with other supplies. Yes, I did get 2 tubes of E6000. Just didn't want to put both lol.

 

 

Also it seems I chose the wrong width when ordering the white elastic strap (meant for the belt boxes). I wanted to get 0.75" but ordered the 1-1/4" instead. That shouldn't be a problem right? And the black elastic is for the bicep loop to go around my arm and also for the straps that attach arms together.

 

 

Next, I got a little bit ahead of myself. Just wanted to tape the main body armor parts and see how they fit on me. Haven't done any sort of cutting on these yet.

Wanted to get some thoughts on fitment. I prioritized the back section and keeping as minimum of a gap between butt, kidney, and backplate as possible. Also for reference, I am 5'6" and I couldn't find the black underarmor style pants so disney shorts it was.

 

 

My Current TO-DO List just from putting this on..

I'll have to trim the Chest and Backplate shoulder sections to the appropriate length.

Lose weight!! LOL but seriously seeing the gap between the kidney plate and the codpiece the way it was really motivates me to step it up some at the gym.

Trim out the kidney plate and butt to align with this diagram since I am on the plus sized range.

Also add to trimming, but to angle the codpiece cut near the leg so it angles up more. Right now its just kind of straight.

I need to buy some wider nylon strapping for connecting these. I have 1" nylon which will work great for some areas, but I need to pick up the 2" for the beefier connections.

 

Just a short list off the top of my head..... But I'm hoping tomorrow to start fitting forearms and properly trimming them to correct fitment and also adding the elastic straps to shoulder bells.

 

Thanks again for reading and the help!!

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

Great job so far, David!  I am spending my morning today working on the strapping for my new build as well!  When it comes to snapping systems, I have a suggestion.  On my very first troop, the connections on both of my shoulder bell/shoulder bridges failed.  I was using one snap on each of the bells and they came undone.  After that, I changed all the connections to the double snap type and have used that method ever since with no issues.  Many troopers successfully use one snap, but I like to be extra cautious.  I blame it on my OCD.   

 

Yeah, it costs more for the extra snaps an takes more time, but well worth it IMO.  I have a thread here which may help.

 

Here is a pic of the way I personally do it.  These snaps are not set yet, (burning holes in the nylon/elastic stinks so I can't do that part inside) but it should give you the idea.  The second photo shows a good example of the finished product.

 

    

 

Here is a pic showing my shoulder bell to shoulder bridge set up.  I have 2 inside the bell as well,  May be overkill, but that's just me...

 

 

SUPER nice job on those return edges!  

[Artooritoo[501st]]

Hey all! Minor update. But the Holster and neckseal from Darmans Props arrived!! They look amazing and neck seal fits great!! Also the 2" wide elastic arrived so i'm hoping to start making and placing some snaps this weekend.

 

Pics below:

 

I saw that Praetorian blasters have a really nice looking E-11. 

Their E-11 Stunt Blaster ANH - Legacy. I am considering purchasing that to go with this. I like that its a hard rubber and the detailing looks GREAT on it. I am working to size the forearms and biceps and hope to have pics this weekend.

 

Thanks for reading and the help!

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

A couple of threads you may find helpful making snaps.  Also using a soldering iron or a heated metal screw helps prevent fraying and hole elongation. 

 

 

If you have any issues with loose snaps 

Also for any areas under strain it's recommended to use double snaps, in case one lets you still have a spare.

General layout 

[Artooritoo[501st]]

1 hour ago, gmrhodes13 said:

A couple of threads you may find helpful making snaps.  Also using a soldering iron or a heated metal screw helps prevent fraying and hole elongation. 

 

 

If you have any issues with loose snaps 

Also for any areas under strain it's recommended to use double snaps, in case one lets you still have a spare.

General layout 

yessir thank you very much! I basically have that pic of the armor and strap locations memorized at this point xD I'm pretty excited to make progress on it this weekend! I've already tested out the snaps and how to apply them and they came out pretty good! 

[Artooritoo[501st]]

So made a bunch of snaps! I ended up 3D printing a hole locator to keep a consistent distance between holes. Made a good bit of these!

 

I also ended up glueing a couple to the butt/kidney plate. I need to get more clamps haha!

 

Also while doing some reading, I forgot to trim the return edge off the chest plate and back. So I marked off where I will be trimming. Also just confirming that is correct. Basically all of the chest piece gets return edges fully gone. and the backpiece gets all but the part that comes into contact with the backplate.

 

 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Hopefully the first photo is prior to setting the snaps  I use a guide made out of plastic for hole position, it's great to keep them a common size then you can swap out with others if any stretch over time.

 

Try to attach your snap plates closer to the ends of the armor, you won't need as much elastic then and also it will keep the pieces together better, with large gaps they can push backwards.

 

Or this can happen 

 

You can leave some return edges on most of your armor pieces. 

 

 

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

2 hours ago, gmrhodes13 said:

You can leave some return edges on most of your armor pieces. 

 

[Artooritoo[501st]]

On 7/28/2025 at 12:04 AM, gmrhodes13 said:

Hopefully the first photo is prior to setting the snaps  I use a guide made out of plastic for hole position, it's great to keep them a common size then you can swap out with others if any stretch over time.

yes it is haha. I was starting to prep them and took a picture then. They're all properly snapped now. 

 

On 7/28/2025 at 12:04 AM, gmrhodes13 said:

Try to attach your snap plates closer to the ends of the armor, you won't need as much elastic then and also it will keep the pieces together better, with large gaps they can push backwards.

okay i'll push them closer on the next snaps. Right now I had them set 1" from the edge. I'll bring them in closer!! And i'll leave the others where they are for right now and then see how it goes.

 

Thanks for the pics of the armor and return edges! I'll be sure to trim accordingly. Will definitely post pictures as I go.

[Artooritoo[501st]]

 Hey all!  A couple more updates on the TK since last time. I added in the 22mm square cutout on the kidney/buttplate as shown below

 

After cutting:

 

 

I also ended up adding more snap locations and adding the reinforcement piece of plastic on inside of cod piece and kidney plate. I need to get some split rivets.....

 

My boots from KeepTrooping arrived! They look and fit great! Glad those arrived safely!

 

And then I totally forgot to take pictures while I did the first half. But forearms got fitted and I have started glueing them. Going one at a time, but so far so good.

 

Once forearms are completely glued, i'll clean them up, and add the outer cover strip. I am planning on doing the Shoulder Bells next since they should be fairly straightforward.

 

Thanks for reading!!

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

GREAT photos, David, and fantastic to see that your build is coming along so well!

 

If I could make a small suggestion, it would be to round out the inside corner of the cutouts a bit  The reason behind this is that any sharp angles can be a possible source for splits/cracks in the future.  Just a few passes with a round needle file or some sandpaper wrapped around a nail in the corners should do the trick.

 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Whenever cutting into corners I like to use a very small drill bit first, this lowers the chance of it cracking after cutting.

 

Also should mention (in case you haven't) rough up both surfaces with coarse sandpaper before applying glue to coverstrips, helps give the glue something to grip to.

 

 

Looking good 

 

[Artooritoo[501st]]

9 hours ago, justjoseph63 said:

GREAT photos, David, and fantastic to see that your build is coming along so well!

 

If I could make a small suggestion, it would be to round out the inside corner of the cutouts a bit  The reason behind this is that any sharp angles can be a possible source for splits/cracks in the future.  Just a few passes with a round needle file or some sandpaper wrapped around a nail in the corners should do the trick.

 

Okay thank you! I do have some round files and i'll be sure to do that!