SirCalcium

On 14th and 15th of September the Garrison and Elstree Base was invited to the Riverside Museum of Transport in Glasgow, for a Halloween weekend. The museum holds a collection of various Trams, Buses, and Steam Engines built or operated with the City of Glasgow. I was on crew duty on the Saturday, but Sunday I represented the Imperial Army along with our newest IAT debuting the Andor version.

Looks better there. It's something I got caught out for when I did a test fit. Other than the patches are you waiting on any other parts?

Your off to a good start. Only dressing issue I see is your H-straps may need tightening since they look to close to the edges of your pockets.

On Saturday 3rd June the ISG was called upon to help raise money for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, who help keep the Glasgow Children's Hospital funded. We wandered around Glasgow Central Station taking pictures with people coming from and to the trains, so needless to say we were kept productive.

During my build I was told 1 or 3 inches below the shoulder seam, with 3 inches being the most correct.

Got to follow what Krzystof and David said, get your parts painted. The IAT green is Montana Gold Olive Green, but along with that I'd recommend getting some Montana Gold Universal Primer, and it may be a good idea to get some adhesion promoter because sometimes just universal primer along won't stick, and of course give it time to dry!

Good seeing you here Sam, we'll get you through the build and get you out on the field. For the Empire!

Adding this wee extra bit. In my initial submission for Specialist, one of the rejecting factors was due to the paint flaking on the boots. Whilst I was told to weather over the chipping my preferred method of shoe polish caused more paint to fall off. To this end I decided to redo the boots. Sometimes the best fix is to go back to the drawing board. After thinking and researching some solutions, I found a special leather paint in my local B&Q (US equivalent would be Home Depot, or Lowes). The paint is Rustoleum Flexible Fabric Paint, and yes the can is that small. To prep the boots I scraped off as much of the original paint as possible, then applied 3 layers of the fabric paint onto the boot, 1 can will be used for 3 layers. After the paint dried it was the same process, applied primer, then the green, then paint on weather with watered down acrylic paint.

Application for Specialist submitted

Great news. My GML approved and cleared the IAT this morning. First IAT for the ISG. https://www.501st.com/members/displaymember.php?userID=33721&costumeID=427 Onto the next step. Specialist.

Another round of pictures taken and this time I got the gloves on. Also adding what could be LV 2 Submission I'll be posting these on my Garrison forum too.

With all the parts more or less assembled I took the costume to an event I was attending to get full costume pictures (I didn't wear the costume outside the changing room since it's not cleared yet, and I was there with the Rebel Legion) However whilst kitting up I noticed that I didn't pack the gloves (insert any an all swear words regarding such a simple mistake) Regardless I went ahead with a full kit up just in case. With the TK Ammo Belt Without the Ammo belt And with the hat And bonus image, one of the TK costumers brought his DLT-19, so here's me holding it I know it's not in the CRL, but it was done for a bit of fun If all looks well, I'll get another set of pictures, and this time make sure I have the gloves

Time for an update. The large pouch has been painted Now added to my belt, I repainted the buckle

Possible 4th pouch arrived today. Before going any further here's a picture of it with an approvable pouch, just to be 100% sure it is acceptable. If it's a yes, then I'll get it painted, once I get dry weather again

Whilst looking for a fourth pouch, I came across this one on ebay. Just making sure it's acceptable before making the jump Size is 21x13x9cm

Some productivity has happened, provided the Scottish Autumn weather lets me, My boots have been weathered up. I used a combination of black and brown show polishes. Next is the belt and harness. Both greened up Annoyingly despite my paint applications I can't prevent the paint being scrapped off when the buckle connects together. I can try and repaint the buckle again. Lastly is the pouches And it was during this I read the CRL again and found this. "A minimum of 4 small pouches are required, which may consist of any combination of double handcuff, small utility pouches, magazine pouches or other MOLLE style pouches of similar size." Meaning I'm 1 pouch short of any form of clearance, so near and yet still so far

I've worked on the boots, goggles, and the belt buckle. First up boots I'll get them weathered up, may help hide paint cracks. Next up I've fixed the band to the goggles Lastly whilst I may not get Specialist rank when I go for submission (need to get the correct ammo belt) I did paint the belt buckle for Specialist. Question for this is do I leave the black clasp parts as is, or do I paint them green too?

Got some work done to my goggles. Regarding painting them, I asked my GML (who does a lo of prop work) about painting rubber. This is the process. First I roughen up the rubber surface with sandpaper, I was told higher grit is better but I ended up using a mixture of grits, low to get rid of some markings and writing, and higher all around the rest of the frames. Next I sprayed the goggles with Adhesion Promotor. The brand I used is a UK one called Hycote, I don't know if this brand or product is available elsewhere, but it will ensure the paint bonds to the frames After applying 2 coats (and giving it 24 hours to cure) I applied a layer of primer, for this I used Montana Gold Universal Primer. Next up was the green. For that I used Montana Gold Olive Green (aka IAT Green) Lastly I applied a layer of matt clear coat to seal the paint, put the lens back in, and now I can move onto the strap. For the strap should I add an adjustment buckle like most goggles, or will it being a single strap be acceptable? Thanks to this combination I'll spray my boots the same way

Working on an IAT (hope to get it done soon). The idea of doing the detachment squad sounds like a more logical step which could then lead to becoming a new detachment. I think there needs to be more Imperial Army/Mudtrooper style costume, and members before going into full new detachment. I'm for the idea of calling the unit division, battalion or corp rather than squad, along with using something like IA as opposed to TX

Just before I bought the goggles off my fellow Garrison member, I did go and purchase another set of goggles that I think most people go for when doing either the AT-At Commander or IAT. Side by Side comparison time The newer ones on the left are smaller but the strap is smaller than 1 inch, whereas the older ones on the right have the right strap width but I feel are bulkier. That said I've tried both on my helmet and they both fit, but I'd rather the experts give their thoughts

Done some more weathering to the helmet Additionally one of my Garrison members who made an AT-AT Commander had a spare set of goggles that he gave me. Aside from painting the frames green and replacing the band with a green one, is there any other mods needed?

The trim I ordered arrived. I did some initial weathering, but I think it needs more.

@Jankes had a look at your WIP, and could you tell me where you got those Polish Army Goggles?

Quick update, helmet is clear coated and next step is dirtying up it and the TK belt. I've got some trim ordered and waiting it's arrival. Really the only part that's left are the goggles. Any suggestions?