Master Tej

Nice boots, I'm really enjoying the steady progress on this project! - Master Tej -

All part of trying to match your ego! - Master Tej -

I'd recommend a few things. The gap between the chest and ab plate is too large. You'll probably want to raise the ab plate, lower the chest plate, or maybe do both. The shins look a little low as well, and make sure that the sniper plate doesn't get stuck under the thigh. Do you have a belt, TD, and drop boxes? Also, do you have a neckseal or balaclava? Those minor things aside, a big congratulations on assembling the armor! The process seems a bit daunting, but you did it! - Master Tej -

Nice pics! - Master Tej -

Hooray! Thread derailment! - Master Tej -

Congratulations! Do you have updated approval pics? - Master Tej -

Color looks just fine to me. Give your sister a big thanks for her service, we'd love to see her on these boards if she has access! - Master Tej -

Whoa! Congratulations, that's a badass Weir! - Master Tej -

Looking forward to it! - Master Tej -

I'm not sure if this is correct, but I think your shoulder bells look a little long, therefore covering up a lot of the biceps. - Master Tej -

You guys had better stop, or else I'll pull out Inframan! - Master Tej -

Wow, congrats on that! It really is shiny! - Master Tej -

Hmm, I believe that black is the way the light is relfecting off of the character, not paint. - Master Tej -

Very nice! - Master Tej -

I finally got it! I got home, and was actually thinking about it, wondering when it would arrive, and then I went up to my bedroom, and guess what was on my bed?!! Well, that was rhetorical (Izzi can guess if he wants to), it was my big brown box! I hurriedly tore it open, frantically calling friends to geek out to them, and pulled out all of the bubble wrapped armor pieces! Everything appears to be in perfect order, and I am ecstatic to finally begin my build! It only took me 5 1/2 pages of my build thread to get here, too! Pictures should be coming soon, I just can't quite post them yet. First big armor question: what should I use to cut off all of the excess plastic from my armor? I've heard lexan scissors mentioned quite a few times, but I'm not sure if I should get some of those, or use a dremel, or if normal scissors will suffice, or if I need something else entirely? Thanks! Master Tej

I've read that in several instances on this forum. It makes sense from what I understand, since there is a record of seizures of armor by Lucasfilm in the past, so it is done to preserve the privacy of armor makers from those dangers. - Master Tej -

HIPS and ABS are 2 types of plastic, the most common used in making armor. In fact, I've never heard of armor made of anything but HIPS or ABS. They are just thick plastics, and which one you end up buying will depend really on which armor maker you choose. I've read that ABS is typically stronger than HIPS, but that HIPS can hold details from the armor casting process better than ABS. I can't confirm either of those, though. - Master Tej -

In terms of good armor makers, Spec Ops has a policy, for the sake of privacy, to not directly post the contacts of armor makers. The only one I can post is that of mightytank, who has put his armor up in the Junkyard. http://forum.specops501st.com/index.php?/topic/498-fs-am-black-abs-shadowtrooper-kits-now-shipping-updated-330/page__hl__mightytank To my knowledge, he is still selling these. As for other armor makers, I can send you the contact of the one I know. To help us get a better idea of which armor might fit you best, can you tell us your height and weight? And don't worry, no judging here. - Master Tej -

Oh boy, a Rubies kit. Is it possible to return it? Because I can tell you that you want absolutely nothing to do with that kit. I'll just say, welcome, and best of luck to you. Leave this one to the experienced members who can tell you best what you should do. - Master Tej -

Is that E-11 a de-milled Sterling? - Master Tej -

Maybe they don't have them there. Here, you can get them in any of our chain Construction stores, Home Depot, Lowe's, Rankin's, any of those. - Master Tej -

Ah yes, I've heard that those models are the latest in trooping assistance. - Master Tej -

If you need some extra ABS or just general extra plastic, FOR SALE signs aren't a bad idea at all. They're cheap and sturdy. - Master Tej -

I'm guessing the boil method is where a pot of boiling water heats up the armor to the appropriate bendability? But do you put it in the water, or use the steam? - Master Tej -

Yeah, it's nice when you're in the inner circles. - Master Tej -