Ukswrath's Anovos Shadow Stormtrooper Build

[ukswrath[TX]]

Hey All, first time posting a build thread on Spec Ops. Looking forward to contributing to this group finally. I'll be building the newly released Anovos Shadowtrooper.

 

Though the kit appears to have all the necessary components for 501st basic approval I'll be changing a few things to make it "Specialist" (L2) level acceptable.

 

NOTE: I'll be building this armor similar to that of OTTK screen accurate. Though it's overkill even by "Specialist" L2 standards I want to give it that extra edge. I will note along the way what is required and what is not, giving those following this build more the one option, yet staying true to the "Specialist" level CRL. If I miss something or some part of the assembly is inaccurate feel free to correct me.

 

1/30/17 UPDATE - After the initial trimming I've reluctantly decided to not use connecting brackets as originally planned. This particular set of armor feels extremely thin in areas it needs to be thick and strong in, bummer. To avoid the risk of cracking in the future I'm going to have to go with snaps

 

Areas that will be changed from the Anovos originally designed assembly: NOTE: These changes are NOT required for 501st basic approval or "Specialist"

A. The Anovos kit includes velcro connection strapping however, I'll be using snaps instead as explained above.

B. The kit includes black elastic for the chest to back connection, but in my opinion it's too short to connect properly so I'll be using more elastic which I'll need to provide.

C. The kit includes velcro to connect the shoulder bell strap to the chest to back strap. I'll be using a Dritz #10 sew in snaps, line 24 snaps will also work. Either are accepted at all levels of approval.

D. The kit includes philips head screws used to attach the metal clips to the O2 canister, I'll be replacing them slotted pan head screws. Accepted at all levels of approval.

E. The kit includes ABS hand guards which will be switched out for Latex style, a Specialist requirement

F. Waist belt accuracy modifications - I'll be replacing the less than accurate Anovos belt with a belt more desirable, a (Tim Kittle) belt> I'll also be installing Popper snaps, correct elastic to drop box connection and glue drop box elastic to belt.

G. I'll be replacing the Anovos supplied line 24 snaps on the ab for Popper snaps like that on the waist belt. Just preference

H. I'll be replacing the Anovos supplied pan head ear screws for slotted "V" screws

I. I'll be replacing the Hovi tip screens for something more accurate. It's my opinion the Anovos mesh is too fine.

 

Also, If anyone wants to jump ahead this armor (except for a few minor details) is exactly like the white OTTK. If you're interested feel free to take a look at that build thread on the FISD. http://www.whitearmo...k-build/page-1. If you have any questions regarding any differences between the two don't hesitate to post it here.

 

Tools:

Pencil

Exacto knives, large & small

Scissors

Steel straight ruler (metric)

Dremel with sanding wheel or sand paper. Small carbide bit for helmet teeth or small file.

3M scotch brite pad (any color, gradient)

Drill

5/32" & 1/8" drill bits

Hammer

Screwdriver (blade)

Spring clamps (set or 12 or more in various sizes)

Earth magnets 1/2" x 1/8" (12.7mm x 3.1mm),

Earth magnets 1/2" x 1/4" (very strong)

Painters tape

 

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment):

I can't stress enough how important it is to wear PPE, especially when working with some of the tools listed above. Wear it!

Safety glasses - Hardware store

Cut resistant gloves - Hardware store

1/2 Respirator. Sanding releases small carcinogens into the air. Protect your lungs. - Hardware store or http://www.amazon.co...ailpage_o05_s00

 

Materials:

E6000- two to three+ 2oz tubes, or two+ 3oz tubes

Zap-A-Gap & Zip Kicker

Elastic(Chest to Back plate)- Black 2" x 2' in length recommended)

Elastic(Drop Boxes)- Black 3/4" x 20"

Elastic(Bells to Shoulder Strapping)- Black 1" x 12", ANOVOS supplied

Elastic(Bicep to Bicep around arm)- Black 1" x 20"

Elastic(Bicep to Forearm)- Black, 2" x 6", ANOVOS supplied

Elastic(Thigh to waist belt)- Black, 3" x 24"

Elastic(Kidney to Ab right side) - Black, 1" x 8"

Elastic(Posterior to Cod) - Black, 1" x 12"

Nylon Webbing(Kidney to Ab, left side 6 rivets)- 1" x 6",ANOVOS supplied

Pop rivets(Waist belt drop boxes) 1/8" x 1/8" Aluminum pop rivets.

 

Paint:

Flat black: Testors # 1149

 

Internal Strapping:

Option A.

C.Snaps:

1)Ab- "S" snaps "poppers" (Used on the following locations: Ab to belt, Ab to Kidney right side, Cod to Posterior, Shoulder to Back plate strapping right/front) 15mm, (bag of 15 is the smallest)- http://www.ebay.com/...=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

2) Ab- "S" Snap die punch and set tool15-17mm, (1x) - http://www.ebay.com/...=item5413a405e2

NOTE: For the "S" snaps and set tool kit you may need to contact the seller who is in the UK and have him set up a auction with US shipping. The original sales did not have a ship to US option at the time I purchased the items.

3) Thigh Ammo Belt- Double Cap Rivets - Joseph - http://www.whitearmo...-sets-for-sale/

4) ThighAmmo Belt- Double Cap rivet tool(1x) - http://www.ebay.com/...=item463922315d, or http://www.whitearmo...vel-rivet-sets/, or Hobby/Craft store

5) Ab/Kidney- Split rivets(bag) - ANOVOS supplied

7) Inner strapping - Line 24 snaps, nickle, 100ct (recommended), Tandy - https://www.tandylea...ts/1263-12.aspx. Fasnap - http://fasteners.fas...nap-fasteners?

7a) Inner strapping (canon brackets) Not illustrated in this build. For informational purposes only - http://www.whitearmo...-now-available/

? Shoulder to Bicep- Dritz Sew in Snaps, Nickle, Size #10 -http://www.amazon.co...YH1DNAAPPP1R3H1

9) COD split rivet- ANOVOS supplied

 

Option B.

Internal Strapping Brackets (Chest to back, back to kidney, kidney to posterior only) - http://www.whitearmo...-now-available/. Alternative lock nuts to replace the nuts that come with the bracket kit - http://www.amazon.co...duct/B000NBKLOQ

 

Option C.

ANOVOS supplied

 

Other strapping or closure.

Calf

1) Elastic- http://www.amazon.co..." white elastic

2) Bra hooks- http://www.amazon.co...dritz bra hooks

3) Velcro - ANOVOS supplied

 

Other items:

Required for basic 501st Approval (but not Anovos supplied) indicated with a asterisk (A)

Required for "Specialist" (A/S)

(A) Gloves (ANOVOS supplied) or - https://trooperbay.c...k-or-plain.html

(A) Boots - Totally killer Boots - http://www.tkboots.com/, Imperial Boots - http://www.imperialboots.com/

(A) Undersuit (ANOVOS supplied) or - http://www.whitearmo...uit-shirtpants/

(A/S) Waist Belt - ANOVOS supplied or replaced with Kittle http://www.whitearmo...e-canvas-belts/

(A/S) Rubber hand guards (Joseph) - http://www.whitearmo...on-level-anh/

Thigh Garter belt - http://www.whitearmo...-garter-system/

 

ANOVOS assembly instructions (if anyone wants them) - https://cdn.shopify....450603693831912

 

UKS Assembly instructions PDF - https://drive.google...Wx6ZHRjbFE/view

 

Sections, Navigation & Check List:

 

1. Forearms:

1a. Trimming part 1

1b. Forearm trimming Part 2 and pre assembly

1c. Assembly Part 1

1d. Assembly Part 2

1e. Forearm to Bicep connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Bicep to Bell and Forearm"

 

2. Biceps:

2a. Bicep trimming

2b. Assembly

2c. Bicep to Forearm connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Bicep to Bell and Forearm"

 

3. Shins/Calves:

3a. Shin trimming

3b. Shin final trimming and pre-assembly

3c. Assembly

3d. Sniper Knee trimming and assembly

3e. Rear Closure (velcro)

 

4. Thighs:

4a. Thigh Trimming

4b. Thigh Ammo Pack trimming

4c. Thigh Pre-assembly

4d. Assembly Part 1 (front)

4e. Assembly Part 2 (rear)

4f. Thigh Ammo Pack installation

4g. Thigh Support System - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Thigh support"

 

5. Shoulder Bells:

5a. Bell Trimming

5b. Bell strapping (Bell to shoulder strap) - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Bell to Shoulder"

5c. Bell strapping (Bell around Bicep strap) - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Bell to Bicep"

 

6. Chest Plate and Shoulders

6a. Chest and Shoulder Cover Trimming

6b. Chest to cover plate assembly

6c. Chest to Back connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Back to Chest"

6d. Chest to Ab connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Chest to Ab"

 

7. Back Plate

7a. Back plate trimming

7b. Back plate to Chest plate connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Back to Chest"

7c. Back to Kidney connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Back to Kidney"

7d. Back plate modification (How water bath upper connecting tabs)

 

8. Ab/Kidney plates

8a. Ab/Kidney trimming

8b. Ab buttons

8c. Ab waist belt connection - Refer to "Waist belt" section, "Belt assembly and installation Part 2"

8d. Ab to Kidney right side connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Ab to kidney strapping right side"

8c. Ab to Kidney left side connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Ab to kidney strapping left side"

8d. Kidney to back plate connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Back to Kidney""

8e. Kidney to Posterior connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Kidney to Posterior"

 

9. Posterior Plate

9a. Posterior trimming

9b. Posterior to Cod Connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Posterior to Cod"

9c. Posterior to Kidney connection - Refer to "Strapping" section, "Kidney to Posterior"

 

10. Waist belt (preassembled from Anovos) Accuracy Modifications

10a. Disassembly

10b. Belt assembly and installation Part 1 (installing cloth belt)

10c. Belt assembly and installation Part 2 (Install ab to belt mounting snaps)

10d. Belt assembly (Holster modification and install)

10e. Belt assembly (Drop box modification and install)

 

11. Thermal Detonator

11a. Trimming (TD Parts pre trimmed)

11b. Painting

11c. Assembly with Screw accuracy update

 

12. Hand Guards:

12a. Hand Guard trimming

12b. Hand Guard, Specialist

12c. Hand Guard basic approval

 

13. Helmet Accuracy modifications:

13a. Helmet Modifications (Tube stripes and Ear Screws)

13b. Helmet Modifications (Hovi Tip screen update)

13c. Hovi Tip Mod

 

14. Strapping:

14a. Snap mounts

14b Snap mounts continued: Ab, Cod and Posterior

14c. Nylon straps and snaps: Chest to Ab, Back to Kidney, Kidney to Posterior

14d. Elastic straps and snaps: Chest to Back

14e. Ab to kidney connection: split rivets

14f. Cod and Posterior connection: Snap and Split rivet mounts and connection strap

14g. Shoulder Bell to Chest/Back connecting strap

14h. Bicep to Bell and Forearm strapping

14i. Thigh Support

14j. Shoulder cover retainer

 

16. Fitment Alterations (if any): N/A

 

17. Final Pictures:

17a. 501st Submission pictures

 

18. Helmet Accessories:

18a. Hard Hat insert/suspension

18b. Installation of Ukswrath's Hovi Audio system, SHA (hearing assist) and Cooling system

 

Out of the box

 

[toddo[TX]]

Looks like a beautiful kit Tony, and I know you will do it justice. I was excited when I read about the flexible hand guards and now am saddened to hear that they need replacing. You have my attention for sure.

[ukswrath[TX]]

Looks like a beautiful kit Tony, and I know you will do it justice. I was excited when I read about the flexible hand guards and now am saddened to hear that they need replacing. You have my attention for sure.

 

Yea kinda anxious to get started. It appears Anovos kept the same standard as gen 1 OT TK. I recently built a gen 2 for ANOVOS, for a charitable cause. The new cloth belt were much better, unfortunately the belt that comes with this is gen 1 is junk so it will have to go. As you said it's too bad about the hand guards also, but it didn't surprise me really, these are entry approval level suits so I didn't expect anything new except for the belt.

 

Well, hopefully I make the Special Ops detachment proud.

[toddo[TX]]

Aside from the hand guards looking too matte, what is the problem with them? Are they craft foam or something silly?

[ukswrath[TX]]

They're latex from just Joseph on the FISD. I'll gloss them up before application

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

Thats too bad to hear on a few of those parts. I wonder if they took the inventory sitting around from gen 1 and just dumped it with the shadow. Really not a great thing to do.

[mikidymac]

This should be as epic as your OT TK build. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.

Is anything different or improved from the OT kit?

Also cat you elaborate on the Gen 2 kit and what was different?

Also where did you get the boots. It appears all the sources like Amazon have dried up.

[ukswrath[TX]]

Thats too bad to hear on a few of those parts. I wonder if they took the inventory sitting around from gen 1 and just dumped it with the shadow. Really not a great thing to do.

 

Yea it's a shame they didn't apply the updates to the TX we (the FISD staff) suggested for the OTTK.

 

This should be as epic as your OT TK build. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.

Is anything different or improved from the OT kit?

Also cat you elaborate on the Gen 2 kit and what was different?

Also where did you get the boots. It appears all the sources like Amazon have dried up.

 

Gen2 had only a couple updates, the waist belt material, the pulls appeared cleaner and the material thickness more consistent. That's about it

 

Boots are Imperials

[mikidymac]

How's the material and pulls on the shadow?

[ukswrath[TX]]

How's the material and pulls on the shadow?

 

I'm about to start trimming so I'll let you know

[bwattsup[501st]]

Glad to see we'll have another build bible for the black armor. Look forward to following your thread Tony.

[ukswrath[TX]]

Glad to see we'll have another build bible for the black armor. Look forward to following your thread Tony.

 

lol. I know I like to torture myself. It literately takes me three times as long to build armor accompanied by a tutorial, but I can't help it I like making them haha.

[bwattsup[501st]]

 

 

lol. I know I like to torture myself. It literately takes me three times as long to build armor accompanied by a tutorial, but I can't help it I like making them haha.

 

We appreciate all your efforts. Keep 'em coming.

[ukswrath[TX]]

Rough cut trimming, all sections. Final trimming and pre assembly will be done by category at a latter date. At that time I should have started the Sections, Navigation & Checklist on page one.

 

Starting from the top and working our way down. As with the OTTK armor Anovos has predetermined where to cut the armor. There are indent lines approximately 1/4"-1/2" away from the return edges. I'll try to illustrate the lines bit it is difficult with the black armor, so look closely. If you're unsure where the lines are don't hesitate to ask. Oh and forgive me for the bad lighting pics.

 

As mentioned above I'll be installing Mr. Nostripe brackets instead of the Anovos supplied elastic and velcro. The lower return edge cut line on the chest is not marked clearly or correctly so if you're installing brackets also you may need to cut outside the cut line to give yourself room for bracket mounting areas.

 

Chest plate before

 

Lower return edge cut line

 

 

Chest After

 

Lower return edge

 

 

Back plate before

 

After

 

Lower return edge section

 

 

Ab plate before

 

After

 

Upper return edge

 

Kidney plate before. NOTE: The material was paper thin around the side edges especially near the 22mm notches. This was a common problem with the gen 1 suits so be careful when trimming.

 

 

After

 

Lower return edge

 

Posterior or butt plate

 

After

 

 

Shoulder bells, Shoulder covers, Ab button plates, Sniper knee, Thigh ammo belt, and Hand plates (though I won't be using the plastic hand plates). Before

 

Very faint cut line

 

 

After

 

Thigh after trimming

 

Biceps before

 

Biceps after

 

Forearms: Anovos has supplied two cut lines on both left and right outer halves. This gives those with large hands and/or forearms options. I went with the inner line due to I have thinner arms.

Before

 

Cut line

 

After

 

to be continued.....

[ukswrath[TX]]

Thighs before

 

Cut line

 

After

 

 

Shins before

 

After

 

To be continued.....

[NitroSpartacus[501st]]

Thanks for the build thread! Just curious what your order date was as I also got in on the first round and still have "unfulfilled" as my status.

[ukswrath[TX]]

Thanks for the build thread! Just curious what your order date was as I also got in on the first round and still have "unfulfilled" as my status.

 

July 9th

[Allan1313[MBO-CMD]]

I ordered 1 day later. Where is mine haha. One of the things that bugs me about Anovos, there is no rhyme or reason on how they ship their stuff out. That and its impossible to actually speak to a human being on the phone. Sorry for the thread hijack, rant over, resume building.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

 

[ukswrath[TX]]

I ordered 1 day later. Where is mine haha. One of the things that bugs me about Anovos, there is no rhyme or reason on how they ship their stuff out. That and its impossible to actually speak to a human being on the phone. Sorry for the thread hijack, rant over, resume building.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

I completely understand, it's a very common problem we deal with them. No worries for the hijack

[NitroSpartacus[501st]]

I ordered mine on the 19th. I have no clue when it's coming either, but hey we get to see Tony finish his and learn from him. At this point we can just try to stay positive and focused. Keep up the good work brother!

[mikidymac]

I wonder why these pulls are poor and thin just like the Gen 1 OTTK's. There is no reason these shouldn't be as good as the Gen 2.

I wonder if us Tier 1's get the crappier ones off the line since we paid the least.

Also the Anovos live chat is pretty good although they don't have exact shipping dates. I think their fulfillment shipping facility operates somewhat independently.

[ukswrath[TX]]

I wonder why these pulls are poor and thin just like the Gen 1 OTTK's. There is no reason these shouldn't be as good as the Gen 2.

I wonder if us Tier 1's get the crappier ones off the line since we paid the least.

Also the Anovos live chat is pretty good although they don't have exact shipping dates. I think their fulfillment shipping facility operates somewhat independently.

 

I think the pulls are thin in areas because the aluminum pucks are not allowed to cool long enough. Just like the first gen ottk, they were in such a hurry to mass produce these I'm sure cooling things down between pulls wasn't an option.

[Darth Emphatic[CMD-DWM]]

 

 

lol. I know I like to torture myself. It literately takes me three times as long to build armor accompanied by a tutorial, but I can't help it I like making them haha.

 

It is very much appreciated

[ukswrath[TX]]

It is very much appreciated

 

Thanks Steve

[mikidymac]

Hello Tony,

I know you haven't gotten there yet but on the Helmet, all the Anovos ones I have seen arriving on Facebook and even the shots of theirs on display do not appear to have tube stripes. Does yours have them or are we going to have to add them per the CRL?