Doughboy's ATA Build[*ATA]

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

Hi everybody!

 

My ATA armor arrived today! (I decided on ATA over FX because I am smaller guy, and darn just holding it up against me untrimmed is close darn perfect fit) I personally recieved the GIANT brown magical box from the postalwoman, thought it wouldn't fit in my front door! I am still a padawan when comes to TK knowledge, but man I am impressed! Just taking out the pieces overwhelmed me for sure. Lots of trimming to go, and basically the coolest thing I've ever done! The bucket particularily stands out IMHO.

 

Thanks Terrell!

 

Its here, its here, it's here! Opening this while listening to the Imperial march is something I will never forget.

 

Just like a kid on Christmas. Here it is!

 

So, time to re-read all the awesome build threads on here...though I need tips on getting all the right needed materials-

 

So far I know I need to get,

-Industrial grade Velcro

-The magical white paint, and thanks to kwdesigns for great advice via pm

-Sand paper (what kinds, and the different between wet and dry sand paper?)

-Snaps

-black elastic type material

-Lexon curved scissors

-blue and gray paint for the frown, ears, and ab buttons

-TK-4510's awesome decals

-Underarmor suit

-E6000 glue

-Rubber or Nomex gloves? I am leaning towards Rubber ones

-Ankle boots...Caboots is out of 9.5's darnit, maybe a 10 can suffice if they still have them. I am not looking forward to dying Jodhpurs then keep dying them after a couple troops. Anyother makers? I saw a pair on eBay, but they didn't look legit to me...

-Neck seal, found one just waiting on it now.

 

For the blaster I am modifying a Hasbro E-11 with a resin kit from Doopydoos. Electronics will be later down the road once everything is put together, a ROM/FX if I have the money. I was thinking putting it together, then painting the suit? I noticed some troopers paint the inside of the bucket black, is that needed for the Expert Infantry designation later down the road?

[firebladejedi[TK]]

Opening your box to the Imperial March, now thats a new one on me

[GosHawk[501st]]

You have a really good list of things to get, that's basicly all of the supplies you'll need. May I recomend for the snaps. Get Tandy leather snaps, and don't fear the setter and anvil that you use to make them, it releases lots of stress heh.

 

Have fun and take your time! Measure twice and cut once is what I learnd....the hard way

[TK-743[501st]]

Take your time, measure twice- cut once and you should be fine. Nice looking set there!

[Darth_Finger]

Right on Take your time when building. So many builds going on, love it

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

Thanks guys, I am pumped! I was concerned on the snaps, found great tutorials on here, so the brand to get is tandy. Understood, thanks for the tip! Hopefully picking up most of the stuff this week, can someone explain to me the difference of the wet and dry sand paper? And Firebladejedi, it was probably one the coolest experiances...ever

[TK-2126_MD[TK]]

Thanks guys, I am pumped! I was concerned on the snaps, found great tutorials on here, so the brand to get is tandy. Understood, thanks for the tip! Hopefully picking up most of the stuff this week, can someone explain to me the difference of the wet and dry sand paper? And Firebladejedi, it was probably one the coolest experiances...ever

 

Wet sand paper u can use with water to let the sanding go smooth, u can dry sand with it or wet sanding ( no plastic dust to breath in!!!)

Dry sand papar turns to wet toilet paper if u wet it.

As far as sanding goes use fine or high grade paper 350 and up

 

Do about every thing with the Imperial march as back groud music.......... thou the ladies can find it odd if u use it to often

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

Thanks Joey, that helped! Again, following your advice the Imperial march was played during trimming :headphone:

 

Update: Parts are being trimmed, had some trouble deciding if I should've cut to the 2nd line present on ATA armor. I started at the butt piece, and went to the second line. I just finished the Ab piece, and followed to the second line. I am tracing the rest now since I'd rather do more reseach and do it right the first time. There are some impressive builds going on now. I am thinking referencing Stukatrooper's build, so far has been good! I will have to wait to trim more tomorrow, Dremel'ing in the late night, not the best idea...

 

Since my last update, I have got a few things done, the latter of the lot this weekend.)

-Ordered a cloth belt (Thanks Mark!)

-Bought boots from TKboots (High hopes)

-Neckseal being made (Nikkimat)

-Got neoprene coated latex gloves in my size (it fits like a glove! Pardon the pun...acquired from Home Depot)

-320 and 600 grit sanding sponges (Home Depot)

-Ordered a Holster (Thanks Bernard!)

-Ordered New lens (Thanks Smitty)

-Ordered TK-4510 Decals (Oh yeah )

-Got black strap material, 1.5" and 2" (Jo-Ann fabrics)

-White industrial velcro (Jo-Ann fabrics)

-14 snaps and hammer tool (Jo-Ann fabrics)

 

Still need,

-Krylon White Primer

-Krylon Glossy White paint

-E6000 clear

-Humbrol No. 21 black gloss enamel or Testors No. 1747 black

-Humbrol No. 5 Dark grey gloss enamel or Testors No. 1138 Grey (Was that meant to be or what? )

-Humbrol No. 14 French blue gloss enamel or Testors No. 2715

-Undersuit, might go the Underarmor route because I have a plain compression top w/out logo. I divesuit if it's cheap

-Blaster, Target and Wal-Mart you have failed me for the last time. Probably get the toy and Doopydoos Resin kit through the bay.

-And of course, one always needs more cowbell!

[GosHawk[501st]]

you might need more then 14 snaps, I had bought I think a 40 pack from tandy and I still have about 20 left over hehe. I will use them I swear!

 

for the undersuit I just picked up Champion Double dry shirt and pants.....they are on sale now?!?! I just bought them a few days ago for full price! bummer!

<a href="http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Catego...n-Champion.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Catego...n-Champion.aspx</a>

 

keep posten pics!

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

Pics are on the way...albiet it just my phone's camara. Gos, were there any logos on the back of the Champions? I was thinking of paying them a visit tomorrow. I was thinking about getting more snaps, darnit, should've! Also picking up Jo-Ann's jean rivets too. The two pieces I trimmed (after a little nervousness was overcome) were just cut out. I sanding the rough parts that were cut with the Dremel as well. Have to still fine tune with the sanding sponge. When I finish that, pics you will have

 

BTW Great build so far Gos, helpin'me out for sure.

[GosHawk[501st]]

only logos on the champs are one small one at the base of the leg and base of the arm.

 

For those late night trimming sessions lexan scissors are great!

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.p...Curved-Straight

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

I was dissapointed at Jo-Ann, first thing I looked for was Lexans, no lexans. I plan on getting some eventually, for the finer points that Xacto'ing can't accomplish. Thanks for the link and info on the Champions.

[runewolf]

I bought my Humbrol paint from http://www.squadron.com/ if you need a source for it.

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

Thanks man, I was actually able to order some Testors out of Ace, also where I bought my paint and the E6000, sorry I haven't updated this thread in a while, I finally have all the materails for this project, which is awesome. Infact, I got my decals today, thanks TK-4510! Now it's just a matter of putting it together.

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

Finished trimming the helmet this evening, I went for the square teeth look, now to find some black mesh to go under it...tell me what you guys think!

 

 

[GosHawk[501st]]

Looks interesting with the trimming you did on the teeth. Might just be that I like the look of the teeth to be more 3d-ish.

 

Can't wait to see it compleated

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

Sorry to resurect my thread here...but I have a few updates. For some reason I kept forgetting to post my progress here as well on the MWG boards where I am a bit more active...sorry!

 

 

 

The legs weren't even assmebled, calfs and theighs, so I just used industrial velcro to close them up since no one around my town would even know the difference. The helemt is off white because it is still being painted, as the rest of the suit is still unpainted or unprimed. I need all the cosmetic touches too, like the shoulder straps and belt buttons to hide the rivets...and drop boxes too. Everything else above the legs is strapped and mighty comfortable. I am really happy I bought some 1/2 inch foam, makes a world of a difference I might add! So disregarding the obvious, here's my jerry rigged TK that I patroled the streets with!

 

So obviously there's alot that needs doing and even fixing. My helmet is whiter than the suit at the moment because it's still being painted, the rest of the suit I am painting once it's finished. The teeth are thiner than I would've liked to make them, but in the end of things I am happy on how it came out. It still needs the plastic mesh behind it...

 

So I will be working on the legs more today, and calfs as well, and I can fit without the need for shims on the sides of the AB and kidney plates. So I can rivet one side and the other with two very small strips of black fabric to connect the other? I really want to thank Edlitmus over at MWG for continually helping me out!

 

One more question ( I am chalk full of'em!) Is the holster attached with 1/8 rivets, jean rivets or snaps to the belt? I going Stunt, so two of the little buggers, but which kind? I am lucky enough to have Mark's canvas belt and Bernard Cushing's wonderful holster, so I thought I'd inquire from the pro's first before I touched a rivet

[GosHawk[501st]]

heh awesome pics. with what you have completed so far how did everything feel?

 

I believe the 1/8 rivets are what your going to use, but Im not sure. Best to take advice from someone who knows TKs heh

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

Hey Gos, yeah it fit beautitfully! Every thing was solid and very comfortable to say the least, the foam in the forearms really made a difference. The last thing would be to close the side gaps and the upper half of the suit is done, save adding the strips over the joins.

[Fool_of_a_took!]

Congrats!!

 

Keep this thread updated.

 

I too am considering ATA. You happy with everything so far?

[pandatrooper[TK]]

One more question ( I am chalk full of'em!) Is the holster attached with 1/8 rivets, jean rivets or snaps to the belt? I going Stunt, so two of the little buggers, but which kind? I am lucky enough to have Mark's canvas belt and Bernard Cushing's wonderful holster, so I thought I'd inquire from the pro's first before I touched a rivet

 

 

If you want to have the holster permanently attached to the belt, you can use rivets. I used 3/8" rivets on mine with the rivet facing outwards (rivet gun on the outside of the belt). If you want to make it removable, use snaps. You can have one side of the snap on the underside of the belt, and the other on the straps.

 

You could also use Chicago screws, which are like a short bolt, and a T nut on the the other side. Also removable if you want.

 

Personally, I plan on trooping with my suit, so I riveted the holster in place. I don't want it to fall off if some kid pulls on it. But the choice is up to you.

[FIVE[501st]]

Hey man, lookin' good here! Yes, keep posting pics... and a late welcome to the boards!

[RogueTrooper[TK]]

Sweet looking ATA build!

 

 

MORE PIC!!! PLEASE

[Rebel Doughboy[TK]]

Returning from falling off the face of the Earth!

 

UPDATE!

 

Since my first troop this past Saturday, has inspired me to pick up on the trooper and just get down and dirty. In the days leading up to the Wauconda troop, I quit procastinating and finished my E-11!!! And that shall be our first order of business.

 

It is a Hasbro mod, only I took it a bit farther than the usual mods. Note: I still have to drill some more holes and slap some T track on, but thats it to be EIB approvable, are Hasbro's even applicable to EIB? I hope to make a blaster worth of the Dark Side Sith Lord's or TK-Dueno but I horribly lack skills to do so as a mere 17 year old...

 

I didn't have time for the T track to arrive before the troop, so I left on the inaccurate fins on the hasbro. Some 6 year old youngin couldn't tell the diference, I hope!

 

Firstly, I started with a Hasbro E-11, most generously sent to me from Rob, which I cannot express my gratitude for. From there, I ordered the resin E-11 kit off the bay from a chap in the UK, including a resin M38 Tank scope replica. To put the scope on however, required the greatest deal of work NO one has boldly gone before (because they are smart? lol). So I did. The scope on the hasbro consists of two caps, and is two pieces, since the gun mold itself is two pieces. Cutting out the molded scope took a little patience and being careful to not damage the box shape that housed the little speaker for the gun. I also cut two holes in box shape thanks to some inspiration on these boards!

 

Plastic scope cut out and the gap sanded down.

 

Testing how the scope fits...and seeing how much gap was to fill. More importantly, how to fill it?

 

Another angle.

 

So from there I decided to use left over plastic from my ATA kit, the sheet for the strips. It took some trial and error but I finally got the shape down and sanded the living heck out of it. Then I added a second piece to complete the box housing, trying to make it flow and be flush. I was really happy with the result, even if it took me around 13 hours altogether to get that, and the rest of the pieces on!

 

 

 

 

 

I will also make note that the Hasbro has the grove lines where the cocking bolt would go. I drilled it out and sanded, didn't come out as nicely as I hoped because of a slip with the dremel, but it was able to be saved! What I used to fill the gap was the orange plastic that covered up the barrel holes. I cut down to size and it fit quite nicely. I opted to cover it because you could see the hollow inside of the hasbro plus all the little grooves for the screws to connect the two pieces. I plan on Putting something over the bolt I have with one seen on PVC blasters.

 

 

M38 scope that I carefully hallowed out.

 

Pic of myself from this last Saturday with the finished gun...I need to take pics of it! Lol, pics to follow for finished ones...

 

Now onto the ARMOR. I finally got re-inspired and got back to work. With correct, measured strips from a new sheet courtesy of Terrell, plus a new set of thighs and a buttpiece I got back to work. So far, I have finished my right bicep piece and and sanded and ready for paint.

 

 

 

 

I am leaving the other to cure tonight. I only glue one strip a day, with my 6 magnets. Helps achieve a full, tight seal, otherwise I would get really paranoid if the gaps show

 

The right and left biceps are done...the other arm pieces are recut and ready for strips...bells are sanded and ready for paint. Helmet is ready for paint. I need to assemble the new thighs. Calf pieces I am glueing a 2 inch strips on the back and use velcro to secure the sides, or would that look stupid? On the back of my thighs I will use 1 inch strips on the back. Iglued the shoulder bridges down on both sides. I know the more canon way is to use some sort of piece to hold them down but I'd rather have them glued on and not move around. The last thing would be putting the holster on my TK belt, otherwise, thats it.

 

I have a dilemma with my ab and kidney pieces, they just don't want to line up on my sides when I put on the armor. I have no need for shims, but want to put in side shims so no sliver of black to be seen. How does one get that flush looking clam shell? I don't think I am incapable of producing that... I am thinking this would be more comfortable as well. Other than the aforementioned, I will be a TK REALLY SOON! ...atleast until all this glue finally cures...

 

Some Pics of the build,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry for falling off the face of these boards, I hope bringing my thread back to life doesn't bother anyone! I will honestly say when I started this build, with a smug grin I told myself, "Going for TOTAL ACCURACY, EIB baby!", now...being a mere 17 year old whose never done that can say I won't be EIB because I suck as armor building and hoping I can this blossom into at least a decent ATA suit! It's hard looking at this suit and of course seeing all the places where I made boo boo's, even though some of them take closer examination to find. I think the biggest mistakes I made was cutting the teeth on my helmet like a moron...well...more air intake?

[Runnriottt]

Put some screen behind the teeth.. That will make the holes look a little less large and still hide your face. Your strapping looks very good, as that is important to the over all fit of the armor. Your strips and glue up look very good as well. Better then my meager skills.

Keep it up.

Illinois in the house! Whoo Hoo! Danville native here... Ahh. Sweet Corn. Japanese do not have a handle on Corn yet.