retrofire

Ok let me grind one down and I'll send it to you. I have your address from the patches I sent. I should be able to get it in the mail on Monday. Regarding the decals I don't think TB makes them for Shadows. You might want to check the Shadow TK build threads to verify and you should be able to source one there. Just to verify you need the visor for a TK right?

Welcome to SpecOps James! Wodaz started you off with some great advice that this is a perfect time to start getting your build supplies together. A short list of some of the items you'll want to source are: lexan scissors (trim plastic), 220 grit sandpaper, rivet tool, E6000 or Locktight plastic epoxy, adhesive Velcro (black, You can just get 2" and trim it as needed). You'll also need elastic for your webbing I'm nit sure what Walt includes in his kit so check before you purchase a bunch as it may come with it. This is just a short list that should help get you started. I have a Walts kit for my son and it's pretty nice just be prepared to do A LOT of trimming and sanding😀! You might want to obtain a large pair of lexan scissors or a pair of metal snips. I used snips to trim all the big stuff off and used the scissors for the detail work. I would also suggest that you sign up for your local Garrison (Mountain Garrison) in CO. You be able to meet local folks and they may even host armor parties where you can work on your armor together and share tools. If you need gloves check out Wampa Wear. Their gloves are excellent and they are located in your neighborhood. If you do go with them go one size up from what you need as they tend to run small. I hope this helps you some. Stay frosty and that BBB will be there before you know it. Any questions please let us know we want you to be successful!

Congrats Trooper!

Congrats and welcome to the 501st trooper!!!

You'll want to drill out both ears for ventilation. Trace it the same way you did your visor and trim them out. Sand the edges and you should be good to go. Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

Trimming the visor is where having a rotary tool like a dremel really pays off. You can use a cutting bit to cut around the outline and use a sanding drum to get a clean edge. Kaabous is right on point with his technique though and he makes another excellent point of taking it slow almost a layer at a time. No matter the method you choose it's always a good technique to take it a step at a time.

Fitment is an ongoing process and you'll get it all down pretty quickly. I always have someone give me a once over before I put my bucket on to make sure everything is aligned and looks straight. Boots, TD and bund are usually the culprits since you're mostly putting them on blind. Give it a few times and you'll be putting it on like a pro! Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

Pouches are looking great and they look to be the perfect size.

The only things I would do is rotate your forearms over to the top of your wrist and pull the legs of your flight suit tighter. That first photo almost looks like you are wearing jodhpurs. A good way to beat that is to pull the leg tight then put your knees on. You can also sew some elastic stirrups into the legs of your suit and that will pull and keep everything tight. Overall it looks great and I don't see any issues getting approved.

Rick I got a couple of visors that I am using for my sons magma scout and my Shadow. I'm sure I'll have plenty left to share how soon do you need it?

Now is the time to relax and take a deep breath. As you tackle this you're going to want to take it a step at a time and be methodical. It's the measure twice cut once adage. Gather your tools and take it a step at a time and take your time. It's better to ask a question than make an expensive mistake so remember to that we're here for you if you need. Looking forward to seeing you get suited up and approved.

Ohhhhh it's on now!!!ðŸ‘ðŸ»

For your gloves if you are going with Wampa Wear make sure you order a size up. They run small. Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

No, no. That's not the case at all. The focus was first on the ROTJ pouch size as a baseline. We agreed that there most likely would be a small, medium, large pouch size based on the body type. What we're emphasizing is the fit on the person. Pouches for you and I would probably not look right on someone that's over two meters tall. So we're encouraging folks to create templates and see how they fit on them. You're right on target as far as making pouches to fit the wearer. As an Armourer over at the Pathfinders I've seen some pouches that are just too large and wide for some submissions and we're trying to get members to think about the sizing to their frame.

We've been having quite the discussion on this over in the Pathfinders. Based on ROTJ grabs and some research done at Celebration they came up with 6x5x2 or thereabouts. The most important thing is how they look on you. Some of the pouches I've seen are just way too large and they look like cereal boxes. I would recommend to take some cardboard or card stock and make some mock ups and see how they look on you. You want the pouches to fill the space between the belt and the bottom of the chest armor. Here is a link (http://docdro.id/BqgX7R6) to a pouch template created by Contantin (Strider) of the German Garrison. He's a Pathfinder armourer and a very talented builder. These can be used as a basis for your pouches. Hope this helps!

I really like how SC makes sure you all the bits to make the armor assembly go easier. As for the positioning here's a pic of my Biker Scout boot. I positioned it just under the top seam and just inside the rear Velcro seam. In order to make sure it's comfortable tape it on with painters tape then put your boot on and do some holster draws. Doing this will also give you some reassurance that the blaster sits right in the holster. If you find that the boots droops with the blaster holstered you may want to modify your top ABS strip with some 0.5" elastic and hook/loop. You'll put your foot through it and tighten it up and it will take care of any droop.

Thanks for posting up a pic. Based on the length of your boot it doesn't look like it would need any trimming. I had to trim mine as I have a much shorter boot length and it didn't look right on my boot. That looks like it should be fine. When you assemble it be sure to use a couple of ABS backing strips and washers. The vinyl isn't strong enough to hold that connection so you need some "meat" for the rivet to hold on to. Here's how I did it: Drill your pilot holes into the holster Flip your holster over Get two strips of spare ABS about 1/2" wide Mark the holes just drilled in the holster Drill those holes out Position your holster on your boot Mark hole positions on boot Drill/punch holes in boot vinyl Assemble by placing holster on boot then ABS strip and backing washer. I would use a 1/4" rivet for these connections. Make sure the rivet isn't going to rub your leg or flight suit so you don't get holes in either😀. If it still feels a little rough you can use a file to smooth off the rivet top or cover it with tape.

It wouldn't hurt to bring your drop boxes up a bit. They should be about 1.5" from your belt. Hook and loop is ok to use but I wouldn't recommend using adhesive backed Velcro. Trooping takes its toll on adhesive type Velcro and you'll be repairing it more than you would probably like to. I would highly recommend sewing those connections. Some even use E6000 for those connections. For the vest I would reconsider using the duck cloth. That's a pretty heavy weight material for the vest. I would stick with the cotton as that will allow it to breath. It's going to get a bit toasty under your chest armor. Chef made my vest and I really like the material. You can PM him and ask him what material he uses. Regarding the holster if it is the standard SC that came in the box they I would say that it's probably too large. Can you post a picture of the holster assembly? That way I gage if you need to trim it out or not. You're doing great and keep up the momentum and you'll be approved before you know it!

Good eye. I agree that the arc needs to drop a bit. This is a pattern made by one of the Lancers over on the Pathfinders board. Note that the arc is closer to the bottom.

You could use vinyl but you'll get more durability with metal. I used them for all of my connections. The ABS strips are exactly what you want to do. It gives the connection more strength at the knees where the plastic is thin and on the boot since the vinyl there can stretch. The ABS strip in the boot will also give your holster strength when you have your blaster holstered.

The 1/4 rivets are good for the tank and holster as you will need the length but you might want to think about going with a shorter 1/8 rivet for the belt and knees. The 1/4 might be too long in those areas and it could "bite" into your knee or back. The CRL does not require a washer on the tank topper but I would consider putting one there anyway. The reason is that the SC greeblies are resin and you want to distribute the pressure of the rivet at that point so it doesn't crack. I used the same method for my TB tank and it worked well. I don't think you'll need any E6000 as the rivets will hold it solid. The method I used was to hold the tank solid against the back drill a pilot hole through the tank and bracket then set the rivet. I then did the same for the tank bottom. Make sure that you use backing washers for all your rivet connections as that will keep the ABS from cracking and give you a super tight hold. That's great to hear about the pouches. We've been holding a lot of discussion over at the Pathfinders about their sizing. Sounds like you hit the sweet spot on those as that spacing is the area you want to fill. Hope this helps and I look forward to seeing some pics of your kit.

Welcome to SpecOps Joaquin! Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

I'm working to get my son's magma scout finished and then I'll return to this. Just too much to work on two sets at the same time. I've learned my lesson there😃! Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

Hi Nick and welcome to SpecOps! I'm a TB as well and I'm right there with you becoming a Shadow Scout. If your TB gear is in good shape all you will really need is a new bund/pouches and boots. You can use the same vest and flight suit for the TX. For the boots I highly recommend Chrisx909x you can find him in the trade forum on the Pathfinder boards but he may be here too. I'm not sure but I think he makes bunds too so check with him and see. Hope this helps and best of luck with your build!

Yes, I have one and you won't be disappointed. Another excellent option for a blaster is DVH Props. You can find him via The Pathfinder forum. His blaster is my go to but his runs are limited. As far as the helmet bolts head over to KW Designs (Imperial Surplus) and pm for the details. The ones on Amazon are $42 and you can't always be sure they are the exact bolts.