InfantryQuinn[501st] Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 ok so some of you know of my spur the moment kit build here in Afghanistan. I have little to no supplies and hardly any time to work but working I am with whatever free time I have. I have posted some pics from my newcomers thread (hello from Afghanistan) but I'd like to make this thread the one that follows my outfitting. and still for reasons unknown to me I cannot post pictures via direct upload from this site because it says there is no room to do so. So I will post links for now until I can figure this out. These government computers I use forbit alot of things. It may be the problem. but anyway here are pics! <a href=" title="100_0075 by quinn1287, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3530033371_c537cfa9c1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="100_0075" /></a> <a href=" title="100_0074 by quinn1287, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/3530032123_4377df4bb0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_0074" /></a> <a href=" title="100_0073 by quinn1287, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/3530031253_6c05e26959.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_0073" /></a> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Better yet, here are your pics. Welcome to the FISD Soldier boy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfantryQuinn[501st] Posted May 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Thanks smitty! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThayNerd[TK] Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Kiel, as I said in your other thread you are going to need to trim a lot on your kit. I think you can trim a little off the bottom of the shoulder bells. You can open the biceps and bring them in a little more. I think you are definitely going to have to trim the chest and back plate you can do a search on here for the chest mod tutorial. You’re going to need to add the sniper knee plate to your left leg piece. In addition, the belt should go around the back of the kidney/butt plate. I am sure this sound a little over whelming right now but we are all here to help you with your armor mods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8114[TK] Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Also you're going to need to get your hands on different gloves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandman[TK] Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Lookin great Kiel, fantastic work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfantryQuinn[501st] Posted May 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Not so much overwhelmed as relieved to get such feedback. All I have to cut the ABS with are trauma sheers. is there anything that would work better to get an overall straighter cut? I was thinkin of nomex flight gloves to the hands. they are easy for me to get since they are a military item. i have the sniper plate, just not the material to attach it. and thanks for letting me know about the belt. its just something i would of never even thought of, and i call myself a star wars fan haha. would i look in the same place as the chest mod for a mod for the thigh plates so i can bend my legs better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkrestonva[TK] Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 If you have access to a scalpel and a metal straight-edge, you can use the score/snap method for doing very precise lines. Trauma shears should do for fast work, but it's harder to get precise cuts using shears. A lot of us wear black Nomex flight gloves supplied by Smitty, so if you have direct access to a set in theater, so much the better. If you do a search for FX chest mod, the topic (along with a lot of before/after pics) should pop right up. As far as the thigh mod goes, it really depends on your specific needs. Do you need the thighs tapered? Do you need them trimmed? Do you need to open up the notch at the bottom? The mod details will depend on your wants/needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThayNerd[TK] Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 The nomex glues would be fine. That's what I use. For cutting if you can get your hands on an exacto knife that works the best for me. The score and snap method works the best for me. I used it on some of my stormtrooper suit and did nothing but that method on the clone that I am currently working on. Can you get your hands on a rivet gun? If you can, you can get that sniper knee plate on in a few minutes. No worries about the belt mate, we'll help you out as much as well can with your armor adventures. I wish I had found this place before I bought my first set of armor and assembled it, it would have saved me a lot of extra work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK-8290 Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Hey there Soldier! I too am in the Army and stationed at Ft. Hood TX. I was in Afghanistan from 2001-2002 and know what an incredible effort you are undertaking, and what an awesome addition you are to the FISD. For you to do what you have done thus far with your armor in a place that looks like the surface of the moon is a testimony to what a true S/W fan is. I would just like to say that your efforts are very impressive “most impressive”… Not so much overwhelmed as relieved to get such feedback. All I have to cut the ABS with are trauma sheers. is there anything that would work better to get an overall straighter cut? I was thinkin of nomex flight gloves to the hands. they are easy for me to get since they are a military item. i have the sniper plate, just not the material to attach it. and thanks for letting me know about the belt. its just something i would of never even thought of, and i call myself a star wars fan haha. would i look in the same place as the chest mod for a mod for the thigh plates so i can bend my legs better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murray1134[501st] Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Looks like you are off to a great start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK-2126_MD[TK] Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 I disagree about the shoulder plates, could be wrong but from the pic it looks like if the shoulder plates should be closer/ higher to the ribbed shoulder harness, that would actually raise the entrie plate. As well as the front and back plates ( as seen in your side ways pics) it looks to me like they are to low, as if the previous trooper was larger/big. At least for me i use my front plate ( top/neck line is at my collar bones meet) and my back plate is 1-1.5 inches lower then my 7th cervical bone ( the one that sticks out, about at same hieght as your ear lob) General question to all: whats wrong with the chest plate? at least for me is to low and not that the front plate is to big on Kiel Any way great u found your way here, welcome And the only tarnished pearl of wisdom i can give u is ...... " be paciente and read all u can here at the FISD first" Pax man Joey PS whats that piece over to your left on the top bunk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfantryQuinn[501st] Posted May 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 I looked into modding the chest plate. I noticed that one thread was on the curvature of the bottom. my seems to curve decently as well. not sure if that is a problem with everyone else? On the legs, all I want it to be able to sit normally (once I mod the cod and butt pieces). I'll have to wait on my other supplies to bring the chest, back, and shoulders up and closer. as for finding a rivot gun. I was looking on amazon and there are so many different types and sizes. Is there are certain type I should be looking for? getting an air one will be out of the question for me, even tho we have an air compressor here I won't be fixing my kit in the sand. Could anyone provide a good place to purchase parts for armor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfantryQuinn[501st] Posted May 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 I disagree about the shoulder plates, could be wrong but from the pic it looks like if the shoulder plates should be closer/ higher to the ribbed shoulder harness, that would actually raise the entrie plate.As well as the front and back plates ( as seen in your side ways pics) it looks to me like they are to low, as if the previous trooper was larger/big. At least for me i use my front plate ( top/neck line is at my collar bones meet) and my back plate is 1-1.5 inches lower then my 7th cervical bone ( the one that sticks out, about at same hieght as your ear lob) General question to all: whats wrong with the chest plate? at least for me is to low and not that the front plate is to big on Kiel Any way great u found your way here, welcome And the only tarnished pearl of wisdom i can give u is ...... " be paciente and read all u can here at the FISD first" Pax man Joey PS whats that piece over to your left on the top bunk? Sorry Joey, No Offense but we have had problems in the past with info leaking out here about this and that. so I try and keep thing quiet as much as possible. I'm running a risk even posting these pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-MAC Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 It looks like the bells just need to be mooved to the front a little and maybe up a fraction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daetrin[Admin] Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 I looked into modding the chest plate. I noticed that one thread was on the curvature of the bottom. my seems to curve decently as well. not sure if that is a problem with everyone else? On the legs, all I want it to be able to sit normally (once I mod the cod and butt pieces). I'll have to wait on my other supplies to bring the chest, back, and shoulders up and closer. as for finding a rivot gun. I was looking on amazon and there are so many different types and sizes. Is there are certain type I should be looking for? getting an air one will be out of the question for me, even tho we have an air compressor here I won't be fixing my kit in the sand. Could anyone provide a good place to purchase parts for armor? For a rivet gun you can use a manual one like this: http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/arrow...521.html?ref=42 For parts for armor - what exactly are you looking for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daetrin[Admin] Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 I'll also agree that trimming up the shoulder bells and chest plate (see the chest plate mod - it's stickied in the armor mod section) would help the look a lot. Rivets can also be used for the little "ammo belt' that is affixed to your right shin. Realize that stairs and sitting are not necessarily easy to do in armor. The goal is to cover as much black as possible to look good, however this limits movement. Cutting plastic away helps with movement, but too much black showing around your legs decreases the visual appeal. Alas these suits were made to look good, not necessarily allow total freedom of movement. When trimming it's best to do a little, then wear it like that for some hours. Do this repeatedly. Some people get lucky and hit it off the bat, others (like myself) took months to really get our suits dialed in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfantryQuinn[501st] Posted May 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 ok so this is decided so far to further along my kit. I will be modding the cod and butt pieces. I will be looking into shoulder bell, chest and thigh mods. Im still waiting on the neck seal and boots to get it. I just purchased a rivot gun. I know that movement will be difficult, I obviously wont be able to go to a track meet in this armor but sitting will be a big plus! I admit I rushed into getting the armor, but since finding this site and talking to you all, I will be taking my sweet time on this. From reading the site there are very few TK commanders, that is if that is their designation (TK) I read a thread debating this that it should be FU. Also Im getting positive remarks from my armor but I dont see much of my paint scheme around. does 501st allow such armor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daetrin[Admin] Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 You know when 200 of us marched in the Rose Parade we took buses back and forth from the event. On the way there almost everyone stood. After 5 miles of marching in armor, everyone found a way to sit on the way home. Most can do it w/o much modding at all though it can take some practice. There are very few TK commanders now - we're still working to define the CRL. I believe they are being admitted on a case by case basis of the Legion Membership Officer. To be honest - the staff have been swamped lately and we're a bit behind in getting this out the door. Part of the problem is that it's really hard to get a set of firm screen caps. I think we have all the info now - just need that final push on the Legion side to make it official. One of the last things though is for us to codify how the striping should look. There are a few variations, and we have to decide what is acceptable and what is not, and how to write it up so that it's easy and unambiguous as a guideline. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfantryQuinn[501st] Posted May 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 haha I know the feeling of wanting to sit after a long march!! I was hesitant on gettin the commander version, and I slept on it for a while but after looking at it alot the kit grew on me and I had to get it. I have a bad habit of being an individual (even in the army, gets me in trouble) But whatever the regs on the commander paint scheme become I will totally be with it, there is nothing more than being accepted into the legion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfantryQuinn[501st] Posted May 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 ok so I took some more pictures of my kit. Changed a few things, brought the chest plate in closer to my body. still need to add the sniper plate and thermal detonator holder on the back. Tried uploading the pics but for some reason the site just doesnt want to work at the moment (flickr) and this site still refuses to let me upload pics straight to the thread, so sadly from now on I will only be able to post links, unless someone comes along and puts them up for me (thanks again smitty). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfantryQuinn[501st] Posted May 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 oh and another question that is racking my mind. the grey stickers on the bucket... on the back where there are two, the blue stripe on my bucket goes right thru one of the places where the grey sticker should go. what should I do about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK-2126_MD[TK] Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 Sorry Joey, No Offense but we have had problems in the past with info leaking out here about this and that. so I try and keep thing quiet as much as possible. I'm running a risk even posting these pics. None taken, makes perfect sence!!!!! & Thank u for what u are doing over there, take care! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK-8290 Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 As most of the guys have already hit on, I would cut butt piece along the seam which connects it to the back to make it flexible. I use Velcro on the inside to hold two strips of strong elastic which connects them. Then I cut-out a "U" shape off of the back of the thighs so you can bend your legs. I will post some pics later. There are also references here in the FISD that one of the members posted, but I just can't remember where it is. It is screen shots of the storm troopers entering the princess’s ship in EP IV. haha I know the feeling of wanting to sit after a long march!! I was hesitant on gettin the commander version, and I slept on it for a while but after looking at it alot the kit grew on me and I had to get it. I have a bad habit of being an individual (even in the army, gets me in trouble) But whatever the regs on the commander paint scheme become I will totally be with it, there is nothing more than being accepted into the legion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK:TK Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 Kiel, great job on the armour. There is something bewilderingly funny about a soldier building armour for a different war while in a real theater of war. I am astounded you're able to pull this off. Well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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