Mal86

@DoggyDocThanks! I didn't consider that. I'll see what they say on the return policy and go from there. On a positive note, it'll probably be one of the easiest things to replace in the future, if I can't return it and choose not to replace it immediately. I did a little googling on polishing scratched aluminum after your suggestion and it looks like there are some compounds I could get to do it. - EDITED: This is what I got back when asking about the return policy: "Hi Paul, the front is textured to be like that on purpose like the original. If you prefer it polished you are welcome to polish it, but those “imperfections” are on purpose to be as close to the original as possible." @DoggyDocThank you for sending these! It looks like the ones I was looking at wouldn't be the right size. @Lt. DanOnce I got past my initial annoyance, I thought the same thing. My wife always says that the first scratch you get on the car makes every other scratch not as bad, so maybe I can just treat this as the first bit of damage. @Chaos The print bed on the printer I plan to get will work to make the straps. My thought is: If I am going to print my own straps, the only reason to get Paul's would be to get the buckle (not the D-ring) itself (I'll still get his shoulder bell supports, regardless). Is the buckle on Jim's good or would I need a different one for level 2? I found this STL: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/shoretrooper-deathtrooper-buckles Would this print well on a non-resin 3D Printer? I downloaded the STL you posted for the side strap from another thread. My plan was to print those when I got my printer. Again, thank you all for the support and info.

Received my belt buckles from Blaster Factory. Chose them over Phoenix Props purely on price. I’m disappointed with the purchase and have inquired about the return policy. Though, it might not make sense as shipping was as much as the buckle. i realize it’s not a CRL issue, but I expect it to look new out of the box. The front is covered in scratches. It has nicks in the surface. There are dents on the front where the holes in the back are. You can tell me if my standards are too high on this, but I was expecting a clean polished surface.

Thank you. I believe you had posted somewhere that if you are going to go for level 2, its worth the effort to make it level 2 during the initial build, so this is my plan. What size print bed do you need to make the TPU straps? Is it worth getting the better quality shoulder buckles from Paul Prentice or are Jim's shoulder buckles good? If the buckle quality isn't an issue and the print bed for the printer I plan to get is big enough, then it sounds like it may not be worth getting the straps/buckle, but simply getting the shoulder connector.

Thank you. No urgency on the measurements. I just thought it might add some authenticity to make the V-Rings metal, if they are relatively inexpensive.

Any feedback on my canvas pouch template: I have a half inch seam allowance around it. Also, should I wait until I have the front plates to make sure they fit correctly? (I assume that if the ones I get from Tripon don't fit well, then I can always 3D print some in the future.)

If you don’t mind, it’d be appreciated. Also, if you don’t mind mentioning which items you replaced from the kit, I’d appreciate it. I know you printed new side straps from your build post as well as the items mentioned above. Also, if you don’t mind, could you give me the dimensions of both the shoulder and side v-rings? (I found some companies online that sell them and am considering metal)

@DoggyDocGerald, I understood what you were saying and appreciated the info, since I haven’t received Jim’s kit yet. @Lt. Dan thanks for making sure it was clear and providing insights on Paul Prentice’s stuff.

Anyone have feedback on Paul Prentice's (Mr. Pauls Shoretroopers) shoulder bell brackets and/or shoulder straps and buckles? Per Paul: "The straps are flexible, paintable PU rubber and the buckles are hard PU resin." and "The brackets come with the appropriate elastics needed to hold the bells up high and tight against the shoulder straps. This is how the screen used armours were assembled." The straps look like they have the curve required for level 2. I also know I read some complaints about the appearance of Jim Tripon's buckles. Everything together, including shipping would be about $96 USD. Shipping being about $16. Bracket about $37. Straps and buckles being about $43. I'm leaning toward getting them, as I think the straps and buckles will be one of the visual pieces that will stand out. Does anyone have any thoughts on the value you of them or other alternatives? For example, while it probably wouldn't be pretty, I could probably cut some metal to make a bracket, etc. Also, planning to get a 3D printer in December, so could I make quality looking straps with that? I also don't want to order one item and then another later and have to double up on shipping.

Thank you both for the feedback! I posted in some other groups too and am collecting feedback.

Imperial Boots/Keep Trooping v. Crowprops: Anyone have a comparison they are willing to share on quality, comfort, or any other criteria?

I'm not affiliated with this, but in case anyone is looking: https://www.ebay.com/itm/126094425820?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=9Z0mGSfUSQW&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=O3NbWQ-QSH-&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Thank you! I've been watching videos on fiberglass autobody repair as that's the closest thing I can find to learn on. Did you end up bondoing yours or was there only the need for pin hole repairs?

Makes sense. Thank you!

So, for example TrooperBay's Pouch would not be approvable: https://www.etsy.com/listing/590225938/star-death-trooper-rogue-small-black I wasn't going to purchase theirs, but I planned to make it in a similar manner. I can make it looks crisper with a thicker leather, but I am not sure if I can hide the stitching on a thicker leather (though, it'll be an opportunity to try to learn new skills). If hidden stitching fails, then I'll glue it, but I thought stitching would be a better option.

Thanks, Gerald. I learned a lot reading through yours!

Placeholder 2: Outstanding Questions. Debated whether to do this as an entry or not as I'm not sure if people looking at the post will look at that area for outstanding questions. CRL Question Re: Belt Leather Pouch: "There is a leather or leather-style pouch, approximate dimensions 4.75" x 2.25" x 1" (120mm x 60mm x 25mm), with a single press stud and no visible stitching located between front pouch and the belt box on the wearer's left." - Does this mean there is no visible stitching on the leather pouch itself, or is this referencing something else? - Answered - I read "no visible stitching located ..." meaning it was addressing the location of the stitching, but based on Chaos' answer and re-reading I now realize the location references the location of the pouch, not the stitching. Finishing Fiberglass: I've read different things on using bondo or resin or other substances to finish and imperfections on the fiberglass from Jim's kit. Is there a best/recommended option for someone who has not used any of these types of products? Tom Campbell's/MCM's Helmet Files: It appears there are simply holes for the recesses on the back of the helmet. Is this intentional? If so, how is this addressed? Imperial Boots/Keep Trooping v. Crowprops: Anyone have a comparison they are willing to share on quality, comfort, or any other criteria?

Placeholder 1: Links to various notes/topics/references that I've found. I'm hoping this will help with others who might want to find the same topics I did, as well as give me a centralized storage and reference document. Guides/Reference Links (Not sorted or organized yet - transferring from offline notes) reference photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/themaninthesuitcase/albums/72157668304947273/ https://www.originalprop.com/blog/2016/07/26/san-diego-comic-con-2016-star-wars-rogue-one-costume-exhibit-sdcc-rogueone-starwars/ Guide on overall Assembly (I will primarily reference for the belt): https://www.jollyrogers1942.com/death-trooper-build-reference.html Another Assembly Guide (Not sure I'll reference this one much): https://plasticarmsdealer.com/blogs/tutorials/death-trooper-armor-assembly Video Playlist from Cosplay Vicar that includes a few DT Videos (despite the fist video in the playlist being vader: Undersuit modifications with straps for feed and thumbs: Using Flexseal Rubber Paint instead of felt: Shoulders: Connecting them: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8319-tookbreakers-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=108920 Paul Shoretrooper bracket: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8319-tookbreakers-death-trooper-completed/?do=findComment&comment=108920 https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100049 https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100145 https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100772 Shoulder strap/D-Ring Positioning: Overall Strapping: @Chaos' PDF on Strapping: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2wtwpwwrhho797m/Making a strapping system.pdf Snap Straps for Armor: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/2292-how-to-make-a-snap-base-and-strap-for-your-tx-or-tk/ Strapping Armor: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100607 Corset and other strapping set up: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8321-death-trooper-upperlower-torso-and-arm-armor-rigging/ Rubber wrist things: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8458-arm-bands-for-deathtrooper/ https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8458-arm-bands-for-deathtrooper/?do=findComment&comment=103403 Hinging Gauntlets: https://plasticarmsdealer.com/blogs/tutorials/hinging-the-gauntlets Elastic forearm connection: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=99856 Arm Rocket Coloring: Helmet: Mesh and backing: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8717-steel-mesh-backing-for-dt-helmet/ Padding and head holding: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=99899 https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100326 Belt Setup: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100967 Backplate Felt: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=101032 How to wear blaster in holster: Blaster: https://youtu.be/DKzsHbBR6nc?si=B5CB9DJB6nM1d8Ax https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000986797654.html Specialist Rig: http://forum.501stsp...mo-pouches-wip/ STL For Sidestraps: Level 2 Shin Explanation: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8758-doggydoc’s-jimmiroquai-imperial-death-trooper-build-thread/?do=findComment&comment=109536 Paint order: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8459-question-regarding-painting-of-highlighted-sections-on-chest-and-abdomen/?do=findComment&comment=103303 Groove Painting: Overall Review of Positioning and Trimming: Weathering: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8414-questions-regarding-recess-and-highlight-painting/?do=findComment&comment=102835 SE-14R Build: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/6207-se-14r-3d-build/ E-11D: Metal E-11D Explanation from someone on FB: Based on this concept art, since I couldn't find a good screen grab, here is my suggestion list of base parts. Each item will be linked in comments. S&T sterling blaster. https://www.evike.com/products/61969/ You will need to grind off the front sight post and machine or print a new barrel shroud with a cut out in the bottom so the stock can still fold and clip into the inner shroud. You will also need to move the henslinger counter to the opposite side and order a long mag. A PDW style airsoft stock, there are many varients out there this is just one example. You will need to modify the rear cap slightly, it already has a hole in it so may just need to source new hardware. https://www.evike.com/products/17735/ Clone surefire tac light, you will need to drill holes in your shroud or model them if your printing so you can mount it. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804230600864.html Laser pointers for E-11D: Tom Campbell / MCM 3D Print File: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/death-trooper-e11-d-blaster-star-wars Video of Tom Campbell Explaining Electronics in his 3D Print File: https://m.facebook.com/groups/DeathTroopersBG/permalink/1258254620879518/ Tom Campbell's E11-D Post: Rifle Sling Options: Tom Campbell Video on making soft parts: https://www.facebook.com/100007031235190/videos/1828393757404981/

I'm going to create the first three entries as placeholders. Entry 1: This will include vendor info/planned items, Order Dates, Delivery Dates Entry 2: Links to various notes/topics/references that I've found on the forums. I'm hoping this will help with others who might want to find the same topics I did, as well as give me a centralized storage and reference document. Entry 3: Outstanding Questions. Debated whether to do this as an entry or not as I'm not sure if people looking at the post will look at that area for outstanding questions. Objective: Complete Armor in time to seek 501st Approval by DragonCon 2024 - (August 29, 2024) Armor: Vendor: Jim Tripon Order Date: Sept 18, 2023 Delivery Date: Dec 6, 2023 Notes: Jim indicated a 2 month wait time for tailor for soft parts Shoulder Bell Connects: Vendor: https://www.facebook.com/totalgrunt Order Date: 9/27/23 Delivery Date: 10/11/23 Notes: Level 2 Approval says: "Shoulder straps will be rubber with the same appearance as basic, but they will also have a slight inward angled curve following the shape of the neck opening." I'm not sure if Jim Tripon's staps have the slight inward angled curve - I don't think they do based on pictures. I will likely wait to see if I want to order both the straps and the shoulder connection before ordering. Only ordered the shoulder bell connectors - plan to try to 3d print the rest Arm Impellers: Vendor: https://www.phoenixprops.net/products/death-trooper-arm-impellers-rockets Order Date: 9/20/23 Delivery Date: 10/18/23 Notes: Helmet: Vendor: Jim Tripon Order Date: Sept 18, 2023 Delivery Date: Dec 6, 2023 Notes: Jim indicated a 2 month wait time for tailor for soft parts. - This is the current plan, but I'm open to looking at other options down the road. I've seen a few post here. I might try the Tom Campbell files when I get a 3D Printer in the future, or keep an eye out for one of the high end models. Helmet Electronics: Vendor: TBD - Current Options: https://www.etsy.com/shop/UkswrathsSpeciality or https://henryshelmetfans.com/ Order Date: Delivery Date: Notes: I anticipate adding electronics to the helmet for speech and fans. Leaning towards options that will allow me to alternate between DT Speech and Galactic Basic (because it doesn't make sense to me that the DTs wouldn't be able to switch when needing to speak with a non-DT). I also need to consider vendors for the green tusks. Helmet Lense: Vendor: https://www.opleprops.com/en/anovos-visors/449-OPLE-Props-Deathtrooper-Rogue-one-bulbed-lense-Anovos-Trooper-Helmetlense-Lense-Costume-Helmet-Cosplay-Krennic-death-trooper-rog.html Order: May 29, 24 Delivery: Notes: I'm not sure how to know what will fit here. I want to make sure whatever I order conforms to the CRL for Level 2 and make sure I understand: "Lenses are curved outward in a slight bulge and formed to the eye opening. Upon further reading, I see that this meets the bulge requirement and is made to the dimensions provided, so I anticipate this will be my vendor. Also ordered: https://www.opleprops.com/en/mounting-systems-visors-fan-systems-rankbars/1413-mounting-system-for-visors-or-lenses.html Belt: Rubber: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1545408364/death-trooper-belt-rubber-webbing - Ordered: 9/12/23 - Delivered: 9/16/23 Inner Belt: I'll see if I have enough leftover webbing and buckles from what I ordered for Chaos' strapping method. Canvas Pouches: Plan to make / Front Plates from Tripon or 3D Printed Options Holster: Plan to make Leather Pouch: Plan to make Boxes: Plan to 3D Print in the future, when I get a 3D Printer Buckle: https://blasterfactory.com/product/death-trooper-buckle-replica/ Buckle Ordered: 9/21/23 Buckle Received: 9/25/23 Notes: Went with Blaster Factory Buckle over Phoenix Props as I didn't see a difference, while its 2/3 the cost (once shipping is added to both) - Wish I had gone with Phoenix Props - this one arrived scratched up and when I inquired about the return policy, I got the following response: "Hi Paul, the front is textured to be like that on purpose like the original. If you prefer it polished you are welcome to polish it, but those “imperfections” are on purpose to be as close to the original as possible." Buckle: https://www.phoenixprops.net/products/death-trooper-belt-buckles Buckle Ordered: 11/1/23 Buckle Received: 11/7/23 Notes: I found someone on facebook who wanted to build a Night Death Trooper and sold them my buckle. It was only about a $6.50 loss on the deal and ordered the Phoenix Props buckle. Much happier with the Phoenix Props buckle. Soft Parts: Vendor: Jim Tripon Order Date: Sept 18, 2023 Delivery Date: Dec 6, 2023 Notes: Jim indicated a 2 month wait time for tailor for soft parts - I've asked Jim if his seamstress/tailor can make a corset out of the middle section or provide me the middle section fabric separate, so I can use @Chaos' corset model (which will be linked in my reference materials below - Jim’s tailor is making the corset for a nominal additional fee Boots: Vender: https://keeptrooping.com/product/killer/ Ordered: 10/12/23 Delivered:10/23/23 Notes: Not urgently worried about ordering. I might wait and keep doing some ebay searches before finally ordering Gloves: Vendor: https://www.endorfinders.com/shop/rogue-one-trooper-gloves Ordered: 9/24/23 Delivered: 9/28/23 Notes: very nice looking and comfortable gloves. The large was a slight bit too short for my fingers, but an XL would definitely have been too big. I don’t think this will be a problem at all and if they stretch just a little bit, then they’ll fit perfectly. Strapping: Notes: I anticipate using @Chaos' guide for this, which will be referenced in the next reply - mostly Amazon parts to be ordered SE-14r: Notes: Thinking about Campbell's files here Made with Campbell's files E-11D: Notes: Thinking about Campbell's files here, but I'd like to put some electronics in for lights and sounds. I've found some vendors for nice metal parts, but I don't anticipate spending that much on the blaster at this point. Always open to thoughts or feedback on any of the above, as I haven't ordered anything yet.

Great help, thank you! I'm a bit of a shoe snob in the comfort department. That was my biggest concern with getting something that was designed primarily for cosplay. I'm glad to hear they are good. I'm currently building out my vendor list for parts.

3 Questions: 1) Does anyone have any thoughts/opinions/feedback on using metal d-rings, etc. I found these: https://blasterfactory.com/product/death-trooper-chest-buckle-pre-cut-complete-set/ 2) Is there an issue with this buckle being 3 layers for CRL purposes?: https://blasterfactory.com/product/death-trooper-buckle-replica/ 3) Any feedback on this particular vendor?

The whole outfit looks great. I really like the weathering. Where did you find the aluminum D-rings?

I'm 6'1" and very close to ordering this kit. If I get it, I'll be happy to provide you any measurements I can from it. If/When I order, it'll probably be a few months before it gets here because I'll also be ordering soft parts. I'm not sure if you want to wait that long to get answers, but happy to help if I can. Jim has been pretty responsive to my messages, so it might be worth asking him for the dimensions.

Sorry to blow up your post with all my questions. I just finished reading the entire process. For the E-11D, did you have a kit for the lighting or somewhere you referenced for how to illuminate everything?

That's interesting. I didn't consider that. My initial thoughts had been to stretch the leather over a mold, have a little extra and tuck it under the back/flap and stitch it from behind. I'll investigate glue options. Everything leather that I've made thus far as been connected with snaps, rivets, or eyelets.

I've done leather working (made bracers, breastplate, and some other stuff), but I haven't done anything that involves stitching yet. Can you post some final pics of this and show where you stitched it? I was struggling to understand the CRL: There is a leather or leather-style pouch, approximate dimensions 4.75" x 2.25" x 1" (120mm x 60mm x 25mm), with a single press stud and no visible stitching located between front pouch and the belt box on the wearer's left.