RaiderNick's Blackhole

[izzi[TX]]

Everyone is built slightly different, so keep in mind that what works for one may not work for another.

 

-iz

[ground pounder[501st]]

Keep trimming small, then try it on walk around and see what it feels like. Like Izzi said everyone is different

[Griffin-X[501st]]

Yep...agree with all the above. Have you figured out how to hang your thigh parts? Some folks use the "attach to the ab" method while others use the garter belt method. I prefer the latter.

[RaiderNick[TX]]

I'm using snaps and belt

[Griffin-X[501st]]

I'm using snaps and belt

 

Cool, that's how I roll too.

[izzi[TX]]

I attach it to the AB plate... cause I'm too lazy to make a belt. That how I roll.

 

-iz

[RaiderNick[TX]]

So I trimmed the front of the shins, as you can see they are also too long. I'll need to trim an inch or so off the bottom

 

 

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

I attach it to the AB plate... cause I'm too lazy to make a belt. That how I roll.

 

-iz

 

You and me both boss.

 

Shin trimming is somethinig most of us have to do. Just keep a similar shape and you will be fine.

[RaiderNick[TX]]

I glued the front of the shins and trimmed the backs.

 

 

I'm now facing the problem of how I'm going to hold the backs together. Since I'm using a butt seam method, I can't use velcro on the backs. Should I use elastic inside with hooks?

 

 

[RaiderNick[TX]]

I'm also having a major problem with the shoes. The top of the shoe won't stay inside the shins. It is naturally much larger than my ankle and I need to shove it into the shins and it bunches up. Then when I walk it will always come out even If I use elastic to hold it down. The top of the shoe is just too wide to fit properly into the shin, it seems like it's always going to come out.

 

 

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

Even with the top of the knee cap is a good spot. You can see it in the crl

 

http://www.501st.com/databank/File:TX_shadowstorm_full.jpeg

[izzi[TX]]

Sometimes you can attach velcro to the shoes and bottom of the shins in order to keep that in place.

 

-iz

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

Highly recommend what izzi suggests. I do this. Some elastic and velcro just does wonders

[RaiderNick[TX]]

I will try the velcro method once I actually finish the shins. Right now I just have the backs taped closed. On a side note, am I allowed to cut small grooves in the back bottom of the thighs and top back of the shins so I can bend my leg easier without it digging in? I've seen this done before on regular stormtroopers not sure if its ok here.

[Griffin-X[501st]]

Here's a pic of my boots showing what Iz and DE have mentioned. This method really works well.

 

[izzi[TX]]

On a side note, am I allowed to cut small grooves in the back bottom of the thighs and top back of the shins so I can bend my leg easier without it digging in? I've seen this done before on regular stormtroopers not sure if its ok here.

You can do it that way, but I'm not fond of it. If you fit the armor correctly you shouldn't need to do that. However, it won't hold up your approval at all.

 

-iz

[RaiderNick[TX]]

So I finally started attaching the snapping system. I'm using webbing on the shoulders and elastic for everything else.

 

 

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

Snaps make life so much easier. Rivits are fun too!

[RaiderNick[TX]]

I'm trying to build it to specialist standards right away. I wasn't aware I was allowed to rivet anything besides the thigh ammo belt.

[RaiderNick[TX]]

Stupid question, but before I add snaps to the kidney plate, which side of the plate goes UP, the side with red X or the blue X?

 

[ground pounder[501st]]

I put the red X side down for mine - it fit my body best having the lower back small and then flaring out for mid back. Plus keeps everything tight in the back area when the armor is completely on.

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

Yep, red x down. That is intended to help with back/butt curvature.

[RaiderNick[TX]]

I finished the strapping system for the upper half of the armor.

 

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

You are going to notice over time those shoulder bells can start to rotate open. I recommend running a thin piece of elastic across the chest to the front edge of each bell

[RaiderNick[TX]]

Test fitting of torso armor.