Master Tej

This has been an exciting week for me. It was Spirit Week at our school. Not getting off track, but tomorrow is Spirit Day (wear school colors)! I wanted to do something to stick out, and I was reminded of last year, when one of the Seniors wore a Phase I Clone helmet painted red, white, and blue, which are our school colors, and it was so awesome! A few years ago, I got a Shadow Stormtrooper outfit, but the armor is only on one side, it is cloth-like plates, etc. The helmet is probably about AM sized, too wide to be accurate, made cheaply, and fits together from two halves with velcro. So I decided to paint it. I can't post any pics, as my laptop is malfunctioning, but I will post them when it is finally repaired. Oh, and I also got a package! I now have my jumpsuit, gloves, and neckseal, the first complete pieces of my armor! I will post pics of that as well when I have it. - Master Tej -

Alright, I have two questions. First off, for the two seed trays that came lose, everybody keeps recommending the zip tie method to keep them attached. Is there a tutorial for this method? Because I have no idea what that is . Second, how can I capture screen shots of my computer? For example, if I was watching Ep. 6 and wanted a screen grab or vid of Ackbar with his "It's A Trap!" face, how would I do that? I know that's a really noobular question, but I just have no idea how to do that. - Master Tej -

Picture time! Alright, so here is my pack as I got it on Wednesday. Detail on the Radio. The Bottom of the pack. The frame, and signature by Dirty Boy! Where it came lose in transportation. So, went shopping today, but I couldn't find either tupperware piece I needed (radar dish/disc on bottom of mortar tube; bee stinger), but I did manage to go to Radio Shack for some rocker switches. I'll post more once they're attached. - Master Tej -

So, after looking at the location of the gold on the Novas pack in the reference pic, compared to the pack I got from Dirtyboy, I believe that it is a gold stripe on the lip where the two seed trays meet. - Master Tej -

Another question. I saw a pack by Retnuhha on mepd that had aurebesh decals on the radio faceplate for the knobs and whatnot. Can I have some small writing on my radio, or is that merely a question for my GML? - Master Tej -

Yeah, it's not just the stinger itself, but also the container. As for the mortar tube, it's funny you should mention the panda trooper build, because I was just looking at it last night! For the shipping tube, any particular place I can get it? And the control panel and disc/radar thing on the bottom, what about those? I can probably get them this weekend, but I just want to be sure. - Master Tej -

Alright, well, I did email Dirtyboy, and I told him how beautiful the pack is (it really is) but I mentioned the absence of the bee stinger and mortar tube. He replied that the pack I got did not include those pieces, which I did get it for a fairly good price. So, I looked at the original sale thread, and the pic does indeed show a pack without the bee stinger and mortar tube. Therefore, I will be doing lots of hunting on mepd for threads, pics, and vids on the correct pieces needed for these missing aspects, and how and where to attach them on the pack itself. I've already found some good ones! But I'm almost hesitant to do so due to the beauty of the pack, I almost don't want to disturb it! I am having trouble with the pics because they are too large to attach directly, and photobucket is having trouble with the upload. Also, when I upload them from that, do use the icon that is labeled "Image"? That sounds really stupid and obvious, but I've tried using it multiple times, and it never works. Not sure if I'm putting the wrong URL in. In conclusion, the pack is wonderful. I was able to order at the price listed for a run that had already ended, and Dirtyboy was always prompt in responding to my emails. The pack is, to what I have observed, assembled solidly, and the details on the radio and overall pack are tremendous. I would indeed recommend Dirtyboy as a pack maker. - Master Tej -

So happy right now! I just had a particularly good day today, and then, I get home to find that my pack had arrived. I hurriedly brought it into our kitchen, set it on the table, impatiently broke through the tape on the box, and ripped open the flaps on the top! The smell of spray paint rushed out to me as I pulled away the box papers to find the gleaming (well, almost) pack beneath. I began to pull it out and . . . found that the bottom seed tray upon which the radio is situated came almost all the way off. No problem, I set it on the counter and found . . . it is missing the bottom piece which the "bee stinger" attaches to, and is missing the side mortar tube. So I am not really sure what to think right now. On the one hand, it looks beautiful and I love the details, but there are the above problems, and I am not sure if perhaps they will be arriving in a separate package, or what? I have also since noticed there are no straps. I have pictures, but no idea how to upload. Do I have to use an image server online, or can I upload them directly from my computer? - Master Tej -

Is there a Sci-Fire website? Because I think that I may have decided upon the RT. I don't think I'll be able to build the Nova Elite reference blaster (not yet, anyways . . . ), never liked the T-21 that much, and I think I like the look of the RT more than the DLT. - Master Tej -

Well, that's another problem I have - I have no idea where to find an RT-97C, and, having to build one from scratch, well I'm afraid I'm not experienced enough to do that. That's why I think that, if I had to build one from scratch, my best bet might just be the ref pic one, and so draws me to that, amongst other reasons. Are there places where I can buy one or detailed tutorials on mepd.net? I'll have to check when I get home - mepd.net is blocked at school here. - Master Tej -

Alrighty then, I have been put on an estimated 5 month waiting list for the ATA armor . . . in the meantime, due to the missed opportunity with the DLT-19 from igrover, simply didn't get to it fast enough, I have decided to post about blasters. I have given this considerable thought and, although my first choice would've immediately been an E-11, that option is not available to Nova Elites. So, that leaves me with the 4 there. DLT-19, RT-97C, T-21, or a replication of the blaster held by the Nova Elite in the only reference. DLT-19: I like the Sniper look of it, reminds me of the Snipers in Battlefront, and I think it overall looks cool. Don't like how large it is and how impractical it might be to wield. RT-97C: Out of all the 3 shown in the CRL, this one and the DLT tie for best look. I like that the DLT appears as if it could be wielded by perhaps a more Commando type soldier, while the RT looks just plain mean and heavy, like you could mow down 20 Rebels, no problem (then again, I do that for breakfast every day . . .) Anyways, don't like, once again, the size. T-21: Probably my least favorite. Don't really like the look, and don't like the size. Reference Pic Nova Blaster: This one has some interesting attractors to it. I feel fairly neutral about the look, but I like that, in terms of size, it appears only a little larger than an E-11. Plus, the idea of building a new Blaster never before seen . . . well, it's both alluring and daunting at the same time. How much freedom would I get to design this if I chose to? So, I really don't know. They all, except the T-21, have something I like. Any particular reason why I should go for one above the others? - Master Tej -

Well, I said the pack frame above, but it also looks like it could be perhaps an accent around the seed trays. I dunno for sure, though. - Master Tej -

Thanks! The pack frame, perhaps? - Master Tej -

It appears there is also one above the left shoulder bell and next to the pouches in that area, if you look. - Master Tej -

I believe it is on the frame of the pack itself, or right next to that. Looking at the second Nova Elite reference, the one posted by Sith'ari, it is below the left elbow of the Trooper. - Master Tej -

Well, the TFU and the Dark Skytrooper versions both look like really awesome costumes, but the Sky Trooper from Star Tours is already an approved costume under FISD. It seems they may have left us the TFU version. - Master Tej -

Just noticed something - there is a gold stripe on the backpack in both of the Nova Elite pics. It is faint, but is there if you look. - Master Tej -

Yeah, I saw he has another thread that recently resurfaced, but I think, rather than worry about it and stress, and also for cost reasons, I will just go with the full kit, and I will also gain the experience of building a helmet for myself. By the way, did you manage to finish your BH in time for the Celebration, Shade? - Master Tej -

So, I expect to have enough money to buy the armor by next week. Wow, that was exciting just typing that. Anywho, I will be buying a full kit from ATA, as I believe that stands to be my best choice. In the meantime, here is a list of what I still believe I need to buy - Construction materials (E-6000, Clamps, possibly some more Dremel materials) Armor Helmet Thing that goes on the helmet above the face to conceal the joint between the dome and faceplate pieces, what is it? Lenses Mesh for behind the frown Mic Tips Padding Fans I-Comm Speakers (Type Recommendations?) Pauldron Neckseal Pouches Body Glove Backpack Gloves Boots Blaster (a whole new post for that sometime) Gold Paint Did I miss anything, particularly in construction materials? I really want to be sure I get everything, without any other trouble. - Master Tej -

Well, I just saw that the Arakyel bucket was sold. I guess that answers that question, then. In a way, that makes me happy, because I was worrying way too much about which to buy, and now I know. - Master Tej -

Uh, no, I don't think you mentioned that . Looks great, keep it up! - Master Tej -

Well, I just got a message from Arakyel about both the padding and paint. I asked if they were already on the helmet, he said yes. So, I don't think I can ask for them off, which makes me think the whole process may involve less worry - potential differences in paint, differences in plastic, helmet size, etc. - if I just buy the full kit from ATA. - Master Tej -

So, are you guys saying that I can pay Arakyel extra to pad the bucket so that it fits my head? - Master Tej -

Alright, I've decided which armor I want to buy. I will be buying my kit from ATA, because Acjay personally said it would probably fit me with less trimming, so I don't want unnecessary adjustments to have to happen if I choose the suit from Mightytank. Also, ATA offers his cheaper. Now, though, the real question. Do I get the Nova Elite bucket offered from Arakyel, or do I just go ahead and get the full kit from ATA, and assemble the helmet myself? Arakyel messaged me and said that, with my measurements, the helmet could potentially require a good bit of trimming. There are pros and cons in either, but, when I finally do have the money (soon now) I want to be sure I'm getting the right lid. What do you guys think? - Master Tej -

This armor looks awesome! - Master Tej -