izzi

Nope, I don't use glue. Both the Velcro and armor are black, the spectators don't notice. If it bugs you, you can use glue. Nothing wrong with doing that, I just prefer not to. -iz

If you're just going for something more "screen-accurate" then the comparison pics are up for you to see and make a judgment on. All of them are approvable by 501st standards. I'm confused on how FISD EIB or MEPD Deployed standards relate to our detachment. -iz

FX aren't accurate molds, so for the "EIB" and "Deployed" status they made a "no FX" clause. This does not affect 501st approval though. And I assume it extends to AM helmets as well. -iz

They're clam-shelled with velcro, just velcro. -iz

Okay, got a couple things done. Finished the Thermal Det Found a couple of snaps already on plastic so I stuck them on the back of the Drop boxes. (DONE!) Cleaned off more crap with goo gone and then finished up the forearms... It was a forearm day today. So... there's a bit more done. -iz

Alright, now for the forearms. When I first picked up the forearms, they looked pretty familiar... Then I realized they were the old FX molds with some extensions built on, or a recast of the old FX molds. In fact, my old forearms will fit right inside of the new ones. But, I really liked my old forearms, so I commenced with the building. First things first, I needed to get rid of that silly return. These are forearms and my wrists would not fit in them. So I took out the Dremel with the sanding drum and started grinding it off. Now that I can actually put my wrists inside these it was time to trim them down. Fortunately I already had a template with my old FX. If you don't know about how FX fits you, then just measure and trim a bit at a time until you get a decent fit. Always better to build them too big and trim it down later, than cut them too short. Cut some velcro and put it in place. Stick the two halves together and it's done! If you have FX arms already and are just upgrading your armor, honestly, I'd just keep those and pack up the new ones with the old armor. Not enough of a difference when it's completed to really justify the effort. -iz

Mmmm.... Snapple.... -iz

Umm... I have quite a bit on hold at the moment. More will come along when I find a jumpsuit that is my size. Maybe I'll post pics of the Mercs armor I'm working on for a fan film that a garrison mate is making. Cool. I'm trying to get caught up before the snow hits. I'd like to get most of the armor that may require painting done. Like parts of the magma and the new Nova parts. -iz

Okay, I didn't have much time today, so I decided to build up the Thermal Detonator/O2 Tank. I build the DT/O2T to come apart in the future, just in case I want to make changes or tear it apart later to use for scrap. First I take gorilla tape and tape the inside of the two canister halves together. Then to hide where the two halves meet at the top I use some electrical tape. Now I cut some strips of aluminum Using a snap tool, I make a small indent in the aluminum at one end, measure to figure out where the second tap should go then drill the holes. Repeat for the second strip. Use the rivet tool to attach the strips to the back. Remember to use the washers so the rivets don't pull through the plastic. Put the two halves together on the other side using the same gorilla.electrical tape combo. I take an end cap then put a bit of hot glue inside. This isn't to make an adhesive really as much as it is to tighen up the fit so it won't move. Now you can glue the panel on, however, I like being able to take it apart so I just use some velcro. I may just use a couple spots of E-6000. Slap the panel on and you get one complete TD/O2T! Yay! -iz

Painted some stuff today! Yay! Also did a bit on my Blackhole and other stuff. -iz

Yeah, lighting was bad, but at least you can see that they've cleaned up alright. Just need to clean it up a bit more, rip off the old velcro for new velcro, snaps, rivets and glue, fix that broken back plate, and extend the back of the thighs. -iz

Updates? -iz

Okay. So the pics suck, but it's late so lighting is horrid. Thought some of you would like to see it though, regardless. I cleaned up the last of the armor. It seems to be turning out alright after all. I do still need to heat a few spots to see if I can get the discolorations to go away. I also cut out a piece of plastic to use for the shoulder replacement on the back plate. -iz

That's right... measure twice, cut one. Wait... you mean it's not cut twice, measure once. I've been doing it wrong this whole time! -iz

Nice! I usually use the sander to grind the return down as well. Let's me round out the corners as I go, and I don't have to re-sand later! Probably doesn't go as quickly though. -iz

Hmmm.... COver it with toothpaste. -iz

The flare on the end seems a little large, and I don't remember the pack having the taper to them. Have you though about taking a 3" or so PVC pipe and cutting it at the right angle? -iz

Yep.

The barrel of the 42 is different than the 34. It might be possible to mod it to look close, but it'll be a lot of work to get it exact. -iz

Yeah, I'll have to track him down and make sure he starts posting over here again. -iz

Cozmictoyz.com were the original sellers and it was their exclusive. Those guys are resellers that's the reason for the price jump. -iz

You beat me too it, Fearless Leader! -iz

I want the Magma statue! There it is in it's black-pauldroned glory!

Make the judgment off your sources. If you leave them off, the worst that can happen is the LMO can tell you to put them on. If you put them on, he may tell you to take them off. Make the call and be prepared to change it if needed. -iz

I'll probably use a snap/velcro/glue mix system to hold mine together. Most parts will be clam-shelled, and I may add a strip over top to add that "screen accuracy" look. -iz