Chaos

Ok, I'm just now seeing this, been traveling, so this is how I interpret Level 2. Its purpose is to make your costume as screen accurate as possible. The boots Level 2 require "original Doc Martens Jareds or REPLICA." Talibs and Meyers are close, but technically not replicas, so to replicate the Jared, the pull tab and heel stitching pattern, along with the ankle padding, should replicate what is seen in the reference photos. Now how GMLs and the Detachment staff interpret that for Level 2 is the question and should be a discussion in it self. Is it replicated when worn with the shins? Or is it replicated when the whole boot (seen and unseen parts) replicates the Jared? Step back and look at it this way, TKs Centurion Level 2 requires "split rivets" the only visible way to verify that is to look inside at the unseen back of the rivot. So should our boots be replicas regardless of what is seen or unseen? I originally said that its the location of tab that can make Talibs Level 2, that was because it will usually be seen when shins are worn due to the fit of the shins over the boot. But after more thought, should we go the split rivet route? @nanotek @Blackwatch @IcyTrooper @RAIDER

@Jayse01 to be honest, unless you can find Jareds or Talibs in your size, the IB boot is your next best choice, I've watched many people try and rationalize a boot that they have found that is less expensive and might meet CRL but would need modifications. The time and money spent doing that could be better spent on another part of the costume.

Good day, early on in the original CRL development there were several discussions about the heavy blaster and what exactly was the function of the two devices under the main barrel. A decision that the devices were lighting was made base upon two sources. One was from Victor, an actor who played a DT in R1 that they were flashlights. Both the DLT19 and E11D had flashlights. They were turned on during the night storm seen at the Eadu research facility. Take a look at the DTs in the back ground, two are carrying the DLT19 and both appear to be illuminated. This confirms what Victor told us. Hope this answers your question. Best of luck on your build. I too am reworking my original build to Level 2 requirements. DLT19X https://imgur.com/gallery/aq1LYlm Weapons are not a requirement for 501st approval, so if you are trying for Level 2 you don't need the DLT19 as it is listed as "optional accessories" it will not be a show stopper for you.

Looks awesome! Personally I'd dull down the silver on the bolt/extractor most of us just paint it flat black or black wash it.

Nice work! I bet the kiddo was happy to have his own DT escort. Most of the issues you found are normal. I can't think of anyone who was able to have a perfect wearing the first, or even the 10th time putting the armor on. Heck its been 3 years since I first put my armor on and even right now I am in the process of tweaking it again. I too used a grey primer under my top gloss coat, and just like you I have wear spots that the primer shows thru, in my opinion it adds character to the "weathered" effect. I guess its wearer's preference. If you are looking for a durable gloss topcoat you can use some type of resin like Andy uses on his armor, or you can use SprayMax 2K clearcoat. Its a little pricey and does require attention to detail when using, but it is an automobile clear coat so it stands up to the rubbing. Another technique I use on my armor is for the pieces that overlay another and that rub, I attached black felt pads to eliminate the rubbing and wearing, it works and if you position them correctly, they don't show at all. Keep at it, you'll find you never stop tweaking, that the fun part of this hobby.

Word of advice, after you repair your armor pieces, it would be worth it to fiberglass resin coat the backside of your high stress pieces for reinforcement

I know this thread has been locked but hey ... silly me has a question: We know the FWMB-10B was made by SONN-BLAS but who the heck manufactured the ST-W48 blaster rifles?

@darthRivera and @nanotek The IB Killer boots are indeed Level 1 and Level 2 as they have the appropriate toe and sole/heel requirements. What's makes them Level 2 would be the pull tab midway up on the heel. Talibs and Meyers can be Level 2 by placing/sewing a 1/2 inch wide folded leather pull tab midway up the heel. The top ankle padding is a bonus but not required

Looks like we may be resorting to Nike Penetrator Hi tops and paint them black LOL Its a cap toed shoe and the sole sides are close enough.

Go check out the proposed updated CRL thread.

Use imgur... there is an option to paste bcc codes for your photos, it's how I post all my photos

Val, I'll post up some photos later this evening for you.

Making a corset set up is do-able, if you come up with some ideas / drawings, post them up here, we have a lot of people who like to solve challenges here. myself included.

@Chucklovesfood Almost all of the current gasket makers: Jim AS, Darkside, Pinky, etc qualify for Level 2, as their gaskets meet the requirement OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable): ● The ribs must be stitched/sewn and not stamped or fake stitching and must continue to show sewn ribs when the gaskets are bent.

@nocjef Jef, the ab/kidney gasket has not changed from the original CRL, the only thing that has been added is the Level 2. There are makers of the gaskets who have each section seperate and there are other makers who have the gaskets integrated into the body suit. There are people discussing the method in which the ab/kidney gasket has the abdomen armor and the rear kidney/TD canister attached to each other and the system is set up much like a corset design. However, since the "how it's set up "doesn't effect the "how it looks" we will not be making that part of the CRL. I have Jim's under suit which has the gaskets incorporated into the shirt and pants, I may look at seperating the ab/kidney and try attaching the armor to the gasket, but with the way I have my pieces strapped now, it really would not be an improvement.

So this whole corset thing keeps coming up, I believe that the TKs and the Shores had the abdomen and kidney sections under slung with straps, it makes sense, the armor creates a complete shell around the abdomen. The DT, however, would have been trickier as the sides do not completely wrap around, to the kidney piece to create a "shell". Maybe the ribbed abdomen could have been designed like the woman's draw tight corset and then the abdomen and the kidney/TD plate somehow attached to the ribbed material. But when I watch the DTs run and move in R1 and The Mandalorian it looks to me like the undersuit is separate from the armor and the armor is "floating" over the undersuit/abdomen gasket. Either way, we have held stead fast that what goes on underneath the "outward appearance" shouldn't be a CRL requirement. We see things like buckles and clips showing up every once in a while and to be honest, wardrobe malfunctions, IMHO shouldn't be necessarily considered for screen accuracy. I still think that if someone finds something that shows the "actual how" the pieces were put together, that it would be a great addition to the history of the DT and if they would be kind enough to share that information with the community, it would be awesome. On a side note, The CRL Update is about to lock 9 days, I am pretty sure that I have been updating the few minor things we have as CRL items as we went along. One last Lookie Louie by everyone and then we should be ready to start compiling the photos etc on the database. The photos are in the works, I have Tom and Daniel working getting me updated photos for the Variant 1 and Variant 2 sections. Also I am doing well and am appreciative of everyone's support and kind words, fortunately for me, this was a little wake up call, and nothing major. I am out of Afghanistan and back at home. The Doc says not to do anything "too strenuous" for the next week so I think I will take this time to give my DT armor an overhaul. Over the last few months I have been able to find some Jared's in my size and snag an Anovos helmet. So I am shooting ultimately for Level 2 on both Variants Everyone enjoy their weekend

Greg, Congratulations Trooper! Looks amazing!

That would be great, I'd like to see you what you have come up with

@RMGFitness Ryan good questions, I too have been following the discussion of how some people want to make like a "corset" style ab/kidney gasket piece to attach the armor to. The new CRL says this: "The following shall be rubber or a smooth semi-gloss black material with sewn ribs" so your choice of rubber or molded plastic is OK, If you look closely at the abdomen there is no appearance of "threading" so we added in "Sewn lines are acceptable" to accommodate those maker's under suits that are sewn. If you go with the molded gasket as long as when it is worn, the "ribbing" retains it's appearance and doesn't flatten out when your torso twists, you will be good all the way up to Level 2. Hope this answers your question.

@DHKnecht No worries ... any time

@DHKnecht @nanotek is correct. You can see two pictures below, the first one I tried to explain what we are looking for and the second is the Why? we want the straps to be as form fitting as possible.

@DHKnecht The picture I posted is the CRL belt photo. The full front and back photos were taken of Tom Campbell. He does use another pouch on his belt to carry Trading Cards. That is what you are seeing. We didn't bother redoing the photos or editing the extra pouch out since we have individual items photos for reference. Hope this clears up the confusion.

Awesome WIP post, a recommendation for photos is to create a free account over at imgr.com once you upload a photo you can get a BCC code to paste in your posts. It really much easier Also there is only one leather pouch on the belt. There are 3 larger canvas pouches, two smaller square hard boxes, and a leather drop holster for the pistol

@DHKnecht Hey man I am in the hospital, had a minor heart attack and am being evacuated out of Afghanistan within the next couple of days. When I can get access to my laptop in a few days I'll show you what I've got. Hopefully someone else posts the photos before I can. Apologies for not being able to answer your question right away.

Gotcha, I'm tracking now