RS No longer producing PVC

[Zinfer[TK]]

Hey guys!  On my 3rd year in the Legion, about 52 Troops under my belt.  So probably still a newb.

I've really enjoyed my RS Propmasters Re-imagined ANH Stunt Stormtrooper over the years.  I enjoy the post troop ritual of Clorox wipes over all the insides and Novus polishing, White shoe paste buffing. 

I have had a couple of issues.   Some fractures I had to cut out, some I've done the superglue/cloth fiberglass internal repair method with gaffers tape over it.  One was really bad at the lower wire of the kidney plate.

So much so I got a new care package of a brand new kidney plate from Rob.

A new series of fractures has been taking place where my inner left thigh is clacking on the butt plate.  About 4 fractures in that one area (superglue/t-shirt cloth method) and it doesn't seem to be relenting.  So I talked to

Andrea about perhaps replacing that piece.

To my shock I was told they no longer make the PVC version.  Now I'm like - how hard is it going to become to get replacement parts? 

The idea behind my investment was regular periodic maintenance and replacement of individual parts should it be necessary.  But now to hear this.  I am very concerned for the future of my beautiful costume.

Is it going to get more difficult?  Should I consider starting all over again with ABS?   I mean the key selling point of the PVC was that it was UV Resistant.  And I'm outside ALOT in my TK.

I shudder to think of PVC and painting as I can't just buff out a scuff, not to mention paint chipping.  I've really, really enjoyed my PVC so much.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Wow that's a shame, could be many reasons why they are no longer supplying PVC.

 

Unfortunately RS is very thin and prone to cracking, I've seen a few really bad examples locally. Although ABS can yellow over time I still have a 13 year old ABS set and it's only recently started yellowing on the top of the helmet, I uses some Retr0bright and it's back to white again, it will come back but I'll just go over it again when it does.

 

You could beef up your cracked areas, using fibreglass and matting, it's quite strong, just have to make sure you don't use too much hardener as it does build up heat when curing.

 

My FOTK is painted, I have to be a little more careful with it, occasionally I get a scratch or chip from parts hitting other things but overall paint can last quite a long time. I prefer automotive acrylic paint, dries quickly, thin coats and can be buffed/polished again and again.

 

An option could be convert your TK into a TD, weathering can hide a lot of damaged areas and you don't need to be as careful with it. 

 

Ultimately if you can't fix or replace PVC pieces you may have to look at purchasing an ABS set. 

 

A conversation on ABS yellowing here you may find of interest 

 

[Zinfer[TK]]

This is the first time I feel like I've been had with RS.  They've always been straight up.  Just coming out with PVC, then killing it 3 years later...man.   That just stinks for those of us that went that route.

[joebee[TK]]

On 7/12/2025 at 9:56 PM, Zinfer said:

This is the first time I feel like I've been had with RS.  They've always been straight up.  Just coming out with PVC, then killing it 3 years later...man.   That just stinks for those of us that went that route.

 

They’ve offered the PVC for a very long time, I ordered from them back in summer 2015 and they offered it back then too.