toddo

Looking good. That looks like an absolute ton of work Kevin. Hats off.

Looking good as usual Clint.

Tube stripes are always to be black, preferably flat black to stand in contrast to the gloss of the helmet. The tears and traps can be either black or gray, but they should match each other. In other words, tears and traps are either all black or all gray.

Nice idea adding the aluminum. I've been toying with a similar idea.

Aside from the hand guards looking too matte, what is the problem with them? Are they craft foam or something silly?

Looks like a beautiful kit Tony, and I know you will do it justice. I was excited when I read about the flexible hand guards and now am saddened to hear that they need replacing. You have my attention for sure.

Great idea on the speaker cloth foam Clint. You're such a smarty. Anyway, I'm intrigued by your arm rigging and might have to give that a try as well. As for the tanks, it's amazing how light Mardon is able to make those. I found there were some thin spots on mine that allowed light the shine through when illuminated, but that was easily remedied with some internal duct tape. Sorry to hear about the paint issue. I had my chest and back nearly perfect, decided to put one more shiny coat on it to really do the trick, and sprayed the gray powder all over the place. After I cleaned it and resprayed, it was orange peel city. I eventually had to use a bunch of oven cleaner to remove everything down to the plastic before starting over. In other words, I feel your pain.

Great start Barry. I love this costume, and it's exciting to see folks beginning their builds. I'll be watching closely for sure.

I agree.

Fantastic images Jim. Thanks!

Looking good!

This is a complicated build in some ways, and you are doing it justice Clint. These are some solid mods, and I'm excited to see how things work once you get your pack. I'm falling behind while helping my son work on his droid build, but I sure am enjoying watching you work.

Congratulations! You look red-hot!

I agree that slush casting will prove lighter, and this piece doesn't need to be very strong. How exciting!

You'd better send that stuff to me for quality control Jim Outstanding!

Looking really good Clint. Nice clean-up.

Looking sharp!

I did it with my shaky hands and a tiny brush. I know that in photos it will look fine, and I know that in person to everyone else it will look fine, but it just doesn't look as clean as I'd like. I used acrylic paint. That allowed me to use a damp towel to clean off any bigger mistakes.

There's a lot of energy currently being focused toward the Shoretrooper, but I think many will be walking away from Rogue One in love with these menacing troopers. I was in love as soon as I saw the green glow from the helmet and the Vader-esque belt buckle. Mark is certainly at the forefront when it comes to researching this costume.

Well done. That ought to make it hold together well.

You can really start anywhere as long as you have done your share of reading build threads. It's always best to understand what you are doing before taking the trimming plunge. Personally I like to start by trimming the larger parts such as the chest and back as they really require no assembly aside from strapping them at the shoulder. Once that happens you can put them on and feel like something is really happening. That will inspire you with the courage you need to begin work on the smaller parts that require fitting and gluing. We have a saying here: "measure twice, cut once, then throw-up."

Also, I've been meaning to ask how you are wearing the wings on the chest. Are they attached to the chest? Do you have a pic you can share?

Is the area I've circled in red the aluminum bar? If so, is that all the further it extends on the FOTK?

Holy moly Clint! That's a nasty one. I've injured myself endlessly working on my droids, but that one is sick. Sorry about that. Anyway, I think I envision the plastic inside your bell. It sounds like a shoulder rest that the bell sits on perhaps. Good call on the straps going through the return edge. This shot might help: It looks like his left shoulder isn't connected properly and is resting lower. I haven't seen these white straps connecting the bells before either.

I'm curious to see what that abs setup on the shoulder would look like. I've done so many traditional TKs that I am having trouble picturing it, but I'm intrigued.