RaiderNick's Blackhole

[RaiderNick[TX]]

So I finally got my kit today.

 

 

My boots came at the same time, lucky me.

 

 

 

I laid out most of the larger parts. Don't have enough room on floor for everything.

 

I will update this as I actually start to build it.

[ground pounder[501st]]

Have fun with the build - feel free to ask any questions if you have them. We sure are getting a lot of new builds lately!

[RaiderNick[TX]]

I'm going to start with the biceps first

[RaiderNick[TX]]

Here's the trimmed but not yet glued biceps

 

 

I'm following Pandatroopers guide for modifying the pieces to use butt seams instead of the overlap seams

 

However, I ran into a snag. His pictures don't show the bicep from this angle and if you look at mine the return edges don't line up. I'll have to use the heat gun to bend the edges to line them up. Look below

 

[RaiderNick[TX]]

Glued biceps. Mostly done. I just need to attach cover strips

 

[RaiderNick[TX]]

So I finally got to work on the arms. Here's the results before gluing them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you guys think the gap is too big? That's as small as I can make it and still barely fit my hand through. I'm hesitant about using velcro on one of the sides because it doesn't hold well when moving around a lot, even the industrial kind. What do you think I should do?

[Griffin-X[501st]]

I would ensure your hands can get into (and out of) the forearms. Once you are happy with that part and if there is a gap, you could always use pieces of foam to line the forearm parts. I do this and it keeps them right where I want them.

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

I do what Jim suggested as well. It keeps them nice and centered. Yours look tighter than mine and I can't get my hands through without separating one side so gap wise I think you are okay

[RaiderNick[TX]]

Finished the arms except cover strips (going to leave all of those for last)

 

 

I started the thighs, I trimmed them and fitted them.

 

 

 

That's it for now. I'll continue working on it again next week, maybe this weekend but I doubt it.

[dr sergen]

did you just use normal siccors for trimming the parts. i think i see them in the one pic but its hard to tell and that angle.

[RaiderNick[TX]]

They are curved scissors I use for trimming my model car bodies. Much better for turns.

[Evilboy[501st]]

Where did you buy the boots? I bought a pair in white from TK Boots, and I hate the idea of stripping and staining...

[RaiderNick[TX]]

http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?product=bass-amsterdam-boots&pin=136919

[Evilboy[501st]]

AAAAAAGGGGHHH! They don't have my size (12US)!!!!

[izzi[TX]]

I don't want to hijack the thread, but you should try leather paint on the TK boots. It's what I use. PM me if you'd like info.

 

-iz

[RaiderNick[TX]]

So I started the thighs. I trimmed and glued the fronts. I will do the backs next time, then deal with the length issues.

 

 

[ground pounder[501st]]

I ended up trimming off the tops of the thighs for mine. Don't remember how much though

[RaiderNick[TX]]

That's what I'm going to do, right now they cover about half of my knee, I figure I'll remove an inch to an inch and a half. Also, I'm going to remove most of the return edge on the bottom, it digs into my knee.

[ground pounder[501st]]

Yeah I also trimmed a lot off the return edge on the bottom because of the 'bite'. I also remember having to cut a small notch at the back of the thighs. I also had to shorten the calves to fit as well.

[RaiderNick[TX]]

Ok, so I trimmed the back of the thighs. Before I trim the tops off to make them shorter, I need some help. How much should I trim off the top? Like, how far above my knee should the thigh be? Because right now it covers almost half of my knee.

 

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

It should sit just above the knee cap. I would say if its covering your knee cap, it is too high.

[RaiderNick[TX]]

ok, i'll just trim off a 1/2 an inch at a time then until it is just above my knee

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

CRL Image is a good reference:

 

[RaiderNick[TX]]

Those thighs seem like they are up a bit high that it might be uncomfortable, around the groin area.

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

Depends, if they are hitting your kidneys, they are way too high, but groin shouldnt be bad.