Paul's Death Trooper Build

[Mal86]

I'm going to create the first three entries as placeholders.

Entry 1: This will include vendor info/planned items, Order Dates, Delivery Dates

Entry 2: Links to various notes/topics/references that I've found on the forums.  I'm hoping this will help with others who might want to find the same topics I did, as well as give me a centralized storage and reference document.

Entry 3: Outstanding Questions.  Debated whether to do this as an entry or not as I'm not sure if people looking at the post will look at that area for outstanding questions.

Objective: Complete Armor in time to seek 501st Approval by DragonCon 2024 - (August 29, 2024)

Armor:
Vendor: Jim Tripon
Order Date: Sept 18, 2023
Delivery Date: Dec 6, 2023
Notes: Jim indicated a 2 month wait time for tailor for soft parts

Shoulder Bell Connects:
Vendor: https://www.facebook.com/totalgrunt
Order Date: 9/27/23
Delivery Date: 10/11/23
Notes: Level 2 Approval says: "Shoulder straps will be rubber with the same appearance as basic, but they will also have a slight inward angled curve following the shape of the neck opening." I'm not sure if Jim Tripon's staps have the slight inward angled curve - I don't think they do based on pictures.  I will likely wait to see if I want to order both the straps and the shoulder connection before ordering. Only ordered the shoulder bell connectors - plan to try to 3d print the rest

Arm Impellers: 
Vendor: https://www.phoenixprops.net/products/death-trooper-arm-impellers-rockets
Order Date: 9/20/23
Delivery Date: 10/18/23
Notes: 

Helmet:
Vendor: Jim Tripon
Order Date: Sept 18, 2023
Delivery Date: Dec 6, 2023
Notes: Jim indicated a 2 month wait time for tailor for soft parts. - This is the current plan, but I'm open to looking at other options down the road.  I've seen a few post here.  I might try the Tom Campbell files when I get a 3D Printer in the future, or keep an eye out for one of the high end models. 

Helmet Electronics:
Vendor: TBD - Current Options: https://www.etsy.com/shop/UkswrathsSpeciality or https://henryshelmetfans.com/
Order Date:
Delivery Date:
Notes: I anticipate adding electronics to the helmet for speech and fans.  Leaning towards options that will allow me to alternate between DT Speech and Galactic Basic (because it doesn't make sense to me that the DTs wouldn't be able to switch when needing to speak with a non-DT).  I also need to consider vendors for the green tusks.

Helmet Lense:
Vendor: https://www.opleprops.com/en/anovos-visors/449-OPLE-Props-Deathtrooper-Rogue-one-bulbed-lense-Anovos-Trooper-Helmetlense-Lense-Costume-Helmet-Cosplay-Krennic-death-trooper-rog.html
Order: May 29, 24
Delivery:
Notes: I'm not sure how to know what will fit here.  I want to make sure whatever I order conforms to the CRL for Level 2 and make sure I understand: "Lenses are curved outward in a slight bulge and formed to the eye opening.  Upon further reading, I see that this meets the bulge requirement and is made to the dimensions provided, so I anticipate this will be my vendor. Also ordered: https://www.opleprops.com/en/mounting-systems-visors-fan-systems-rankbars/1413-mounting-system-for-visors-or-lenses.html

Belt:
Rubber: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1545408364/death-trooper-belt-rubber-webbing
- Ordered: 9/12/23
- Delivered: 9/16/23
Inner Belt: I'll see if I have enough leftover webbing and buckles from what I ordered for Chaos' strapping method.
Canvas Pouches: Plan to make / Front Plates from Tripon or 3D Printed Options
Holster: Plan to make
Leather Pouch: Plan to make
Boxes: Plan to 3D Print in the future, when I get a 3D Printer
Buckle: https://blasterfactory.com/product/death-trooper-buckle-replica/
Buckle Ordered: 9/21/23
Buckle Received: 9/25/23
Notes: Went with Blaster Factory Buckle over Phoenix Props as I didn't see a difference, while its 2/3 the cost (once shipping is added to both) - Wish I had gone with Phoenix Props - this one arrived scratched up and when I inquired about the return policy, I got the following response: "Hi Paul, the front is textured to be like that on purpose like the original. If you prefer it polished you are welcome to polish it, but those “imperfections” are on purpose to be as close to the original as possible."

Buckle: https://www.phoenixprops.net/products/death-trooper-belt-buckles
Buckle Ordered: 11/1/23
Buckle Received: 11/7/23 
Notes: I found someone on facebook who wanted to build a Night Death Trooper and sold them my buckle.  It was only about a $6.50 loss on the deal and ordered the Phoenix Props buckle.   Much happier with the Phoenix Props buckle.

Soft Parts:
Vendor: Jim Tripon
Order Date: Sept 18, 2023
Delivery Date: Dec 6, 2023
Notes: Jim indicated a 2 month wait time for tailor for soft parts - I've asked Jim if his seamstress/tailor can make a corset out of the middle section or provide me the middle section fabric separate, so I can use @Chaos' corset model (which will be linked in my reference materials below - Jim’s tailor is making the corset for a nominal additional fee

Boots:
Vender: https://keeptrooping.com/product/killer/
Ordered: 10/12/23
Delivered:10/23/23
Notes: Not urgently worried about ordering.  I might wait and keep doing some ebay searches before finally ordering

Gloves:
Vendor: https://www.endorfinders.com/shop/rogue-one-trooper-gloves
Ordered: 9/24/23
Delivered: 9/28/23
Notes: very nice looking and comfortable gloves. The large was a slight bit too short for my fingers, but an XL would definitely have been too big. I don’t think this will be a problem at all and if they stretch just a little bit, then they’ll fit perfectly.

Strapping:
Notes: I anticipate using @Chaos' guide for this, which will be referenced in the next reply - mostly Amazon parts to be ordered

SE-14r:
Notes: Thinking about Campbell's files here

Made with Campbell's files

E-11D:
Notes: Thinking about Campbell's files here, but I'd like to put some electronics in for lights and sounds.  I've found some vendors for nice metal parts, but I don't anticipate spending that much on the blaster at this point.

Always open to thoughts or feedback on any of the above, as I haven't ordered anything yet.

[Mal86]

Placeholder 1: Links to various notes/topics/references that I've found.  I'm hoping this will help with others who might want to find the same topics I did, as well as give me a centralized storage and reference document.

Guides/Reference Links (Not sorted or organized yet - transferring from offline notes)

 reference photos: 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/themaninthesuitcase/albums/72157668304947273/

https://www.originalprop.com/blog/2016/07/26/san-diego-comic-con-2016-star-wars-rogue-one-costume-exhibit-sdcc-rogueone-starwars/

Guide on overall Assembly (I will primarily reference for the belt): https://www.jollyrogers1942.com/death-trooper-build-reference.html

Another Assembly Guide (Not sure I'll reference this one much): https://plasticarmsdealer.com/blogs/tutorials/death-trooper-armor-assembly

Video Playlist from Cosplay Vicar that includes a few DT Videos (despite the fist video in the playlist being vader: 

 

 

Undersuit modifications with straps for feed and thumbs: 

 

Using Flexseal Rubber Paint instead of felt:

Shoulders:

Connecting them: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8319-tookbreakers-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=108920

Paul Shoretrooper bracket:

https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8319-tookbreakers-death-trooper-completed/?do=findComment&comment=108920

https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100049

https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100145

https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100772

 

Shoulder strap/D-Ring Positioning: 

 

Overall Strapping:

@Chaos' PDF on Strapping: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2wtwpwwrhho797m/Making a strapping system.pdf

Snap Straps for Armor: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/2292-how-to-make-a-snap-base-and-strap-for-your-tx-or-tk/

Strapping Armor: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100607

Corset and other strapping set up: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8321-death-trooper-upperlower-torso-and-arm-armor-rigging/

Rubber wrist things: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8458-arm-bands-for-deathtrooper/

 

 

 

https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8458-arm-bands-for-deathtrooper/?do=findComment&comment=103403

 

Hinging Gauntlets: https://plasticarmsdealer.com/blogs/tutorials/hinging-the-gauntlets

Elastic forearm connection: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=99856

 

Arm Rocket Coloring: 

 

Helmet:

Mesh and backing:

https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8717-steel-mesh-backing-for-dt-helmet/

 

Padding and head holding: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=99899

https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100326

 

 

Belt Setup: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=100967

 

 

Backplate Felt: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/7796-lt-dan%C2%B4s-death-trooper-wip/?do=findComment&comment=101032

How to wear blaster in holster: 

 

Blaster: https://youtu.be/DKzsHbBR6nc?si=B5CB9DJB6nM1d8Ax

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000986797654.html

 

Specialist Rig: http://forum.501stsp...mo-pouches-wip/

STL For Sidestraps: 

Level 2 Shin Explanation: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8758-doggydoc’s-jimmiroquai-imperial-death-trooper-build-thread/?do=findComment&comment=109536

 

Paint order: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8459-question-regarding-painting-of-highlighted-sections-on-chest-and-abdomen/?do=findComment&comment=103303

Groove Painting: 

Overall Review of Positioning and Trimming:

 

 

Weathering: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/8414-questions-regarding-recess-and-highlight-painting/?do=findComment&comment=102835

 

SE-14R Build: https://forum.specops501st.com/topic/6207-se-14r-3d-build/

E-11D:

Metal E-11D Explanation from someone on FB:
Based on this concept art, since I couldn't find a good screen grab, here is my suggestion list of base parts. Each item will be linked in comments. S&T sterling blaster. https://www.evike.com/products/61969/ You will need to grind off the front sight post and machine or print a new barrel shroud with a cut out in the bottom so the stock can still fold and clip into the inner shroud. You will also need to move the henslinger counter to the opposite side and order a long mag.

A PDW style airsoft stock, there are many varients out there this is just one example. You will need to modify the rear cap slightly, it already has a hole in it so may just need to source new hardware. https://www.evike.com/products/17735/

Clone surefire tac light, you will need to drill holes in your shroud or model them if your printing so you can mount it. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804230600864.html

Laser pointers for E-11D: 

Tom Campbell / MCM 3D Print File: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/death-trooper-e11-d-blaster-star-wars

Video of Tom Campbell Explaining Electronics in his 3D Print File: https://m.facebook.com/groups/DeathTroopersBG/permalink/1258254620879518/

Tom Campbell's E11-D Post: 

Rifle Sling Options:

 

Tom Campbell Video on making soft parts: https://www.facebook.com/100007031235190/videos/1828393757404981/

[Mal86]

Placeholder 2: Outstanding Questions.  Debated whether to do this as an entry or not as I'm not sure if people looking at the post will look at that area for outstanding questions.

 

CRL Question Re: Belt Leather Pouch: "There is a leather or leather-style pouch, approximate dimensions 4.75" x 2.25" x 1" (120mm x 60mm x 25mm), with a single press stud and no visible stitching located between front pouch and the belt box on the wearer's left." - Does this mean there is no visible stitching on the leather pouch itself, or is this referencing something else? - Answered -  I read "no visible stitching located ..." meaning it was addressing the location of the stitching, but based on Chaos' answer and re-reading I now realize the location references the location of the pouch, not the stitching.

Finishing Fiberglass: I've read different things on using bondo or resin or other substances to finish and imperfections on the fiberglass from Jim's kit.  Is there a best/recommended option for someone who has not used any of these types of products?

Tom Campbell's/MCM's Helmet Files: It appears there are simply holes for the recesses on the back of the helmet.  Is this intentional?  If so, how is this addressed?

Imperial Boots/Keep Trooping v. Crowprops: Anyone have a comparison they are willing to share on quality, comfort, or any other criteria?

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

Hi Paul. 
 

great start. Looking forward to following your build. 

[Mal86]

17 hours ago, DoggyDoc said:

Hi Paul. 
 

great start. Looking forward to following your build. 

Thanks, Gerald.  I learned a lot reading through yours!

[Chaos[CMD-DCA]]

On 9/17/2023 at 5:42 AM, Mal86 said:

CRL Question Re: Belt Leather Pouch: no visible stitching located between front pouch and the belt box on the wearer's left." - Does this mean there is no visible stitching on the leather pouch itself, or is this referencing something else?

Yes, no stitching showing on the pouch. There are a couple tutorials that individuals made in which they DIY'd their pouch.

[Mal86]

15 hours ago, Chaos said:

Yes, no stitching showing on the pouch. There are a couple tutorials that individuals made in which they DIY'd their pouch.

So, for example TrooperBay's Pouch would not be approvable: https://www.etsy.com/listing/590225938/star-death-trooper-rogue-small-black

I wasn't going to purchase theirs, but I planned to make it in a similar manner. I can make it looks crisper with a thicker leather, but I am not sure if I can hide the stitching on a thicker leather (though, it'll be an opportunity to try to learn new skills).  If hidden stitching fails, then I'll glue it, but I thought stitching would be a better option.

[Chaos[CMD-DCA]]

That style of pouch is acceptable, the no visible stitching applies mainly to the flap and pouch area and the color or the stitching. The black side seam stitching is not that noticeable. During the early development, people were trying to use off the shelf pouches that had white thread stitching and we were having them blacken the thread so the "stitching was not visible", this is where the requirement originally came from.

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

On 9/16/2023 at 10:42 PM, Mal86 said:

I've read different things on using bondo or resin or other substances to finish and imperfections on the fiberglass from Jim's kit.  Is there a best/recommended option for someone who has not used any of these types of products?

I used UV resin to fill my pin holes. It works well just brush it on thin and hit it with U V light, then sand out the brush strokes. Just be careful using over areas with details as it can fill them in. 
Bondo filling /glazing putty is easy to use, it dries fast and sands easily. 

[Mal86]

19 hours ago, Chaos said:

That style of pouch is acceptable, the no visible stitching applies mainly to the flap and pouch area and the color or the stitching. The black side seam stitching is not that noticeable. During the early development, people were trying to use off the shelf pouches that had white thread stitching and we were having them blacken the thread so the "stitching was not visible", this is where the requirement originally came from.

Makes sense.  Thank you!

[Mal86]

10 hours ago, DoggyDoc said:

I used UV resin to fill my pin holes. It works well just brush it on thin and hit it with U V light, then sand out the brush strokes. Just be careful using over areas with details as it can fill them in. 
Bondo filling /glazing putty is easy to use, it dries fast and sands easily. 

Thank you!  I've been watching videos on fiberglass autobody repair as that's the closest thing I can find to learn on.  

Did you end up bondoing yours or was there only the need for pin hole repairs?

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

14 minutes ago, Mal86 said:

Did you end up bondoing yours or was there only the need for pin hole repairs?

I used a bit of Bondo on bigger spots and gaps on seams but most of the pin holes were filled with the UV resin 

[Mal86]

Imperial Boots/Keep Trooping v. Crowprops: Anyone have a comparison they are willing to share on quality, comfort, or any other criteria?

[Sandie]

I had my Sith Trooper boots made by Crow Props and I highly recommend them. If they do not feel your measurements are accurate they will walk you through the process in order to make sure that your measurements are perfect.

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

I have bought 3 pairs of boots from crow props for my costumes and have been very happy with them.  I think keep trooping May be a bit better quality but they don’t have boots big enough for me. 

[Mal86]

21 hours ago, Sandie said:

I had my Sith Trooper boots made by Crow Props and I highly recommend them. If they do not feel your measurements are accurate they will walk you through the process in order to make sure that your measurements are perfect.

 

13 hours ago, DoggyDoc said:

I have bought 3 pairs of boots from crow props for my costumes and have been very happy with them.  I think keep trooping May be a bit better quality but they don’t have boots big enough for me. 

Thank you both for the feedback!  I posted in some other groups too and am collecting feedback.

[Mal86]

Anyone have feedback on Paul Prentice's (Mr. Pauls Shoretroopers) shoulder bell brackets and/or shoulder straps and buckles?

Per Paul: "The straps are flexible, paintable PU rubber and the buckles are hard PU resin." and "The brackets come with the appropriate elastics needed to hold the bells up high and tight against the shoulder straps. This is how the screen used armours were assembled."

The straps look like they have the curve required for level 2.  I also know I read some complaints about the appearance of Jim Tripon's buckles.

Everything together, including shipping would be about $96 USD.

Shipping being about $16.  Bracket about $37.  Straps and buckles being about $43.

I'm leaning toward getting them, as I think the straps and buckles will be one of the visual pieces that will stand out.  Does anyone have any thoughts on the value you of them or other alternatives?

For example, while it probably wouldn't be pretty, I could probably cut some metal to make a bracket, etc. Also, planning to get a 3D printer in December, so could I make quality looking straps with that?

I also don't want to order one item and then another later and have to double up on shipping.

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

Jim’s shoulder straps are not flexible, nor are they curved.  I printed mine using TPU filament and they turned out very well. 
I don’t know much about Mr. Paul’s straps and buckles. 
 

Jim’s buckles were ok but I snapped one.  I reprinted in resin but found it brittle as well.  I finally went with tenacious resin which gives some flexibility to the piece, so it won’t break. 

[Lt. Dan[501st]]

Gerald, I think you have something mixed up. Paul was asking about Paul Prentice´s straps and brackets, not Jim Tripon´s.

Paul, the straps and brackets from Paul Prentice are state of the art. They have the curve for Level 2, they are flexible and the brackets are outstanding. I´ve used them for my build and they fit perfect. I can recommend them without reservation!

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

@Lt. Dan I was speaking about Jim’s straps not being approvable, I didn’t have any knowledge of Mr. Paul’s and hoped that someone that did would chime in which you did.  I think my wording may have been confusing because Paul was asking about Paul’s straps.  Kind of like Who’s on first. LOL

 

[Mal86]

@DoggyDocGerald, I understood what you were saying and appreciated the info, since I haven’t received Jim’s kit yet. 

@Lt. Dan thanks for making sure it was clear and providing insights on Paul Prentice’s stuff. 

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

@Mal86 do you want me to post pictures tonight when I get home if the accessories that come with Jim’s kit?

[Mal86]

6 hours ago, DoggyDoc said:

@Mal86 do you want me to post pictures tonight when I get home if the accessories that come with Jim’s kit?

If you don’t mind, it’d be appreciated. Also, if you don’t mind mentioning which items you replaced from the kit, I’d appreciate it. I know you printed new side straps from your build post as well as the items mentioned above. 
 

Also, if you don’t mind, could you give me the dimensions of both the shoulder and side v-rings? (I found some companies online that sell them and am considering metal)

Edited September 23, 2023 by Mal86

[Mal86]

Any feedback on my canvas pouch template:

I have a half inch seam allowance around it.

Also, should I wait until I have the front plates to make sure they fit correctly?  (I assume that if the ones I get from Tripon don't fit well, then I can always 3D print some in the future.)

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

Here are a couple photos of the pieces that I didn’t use.

I just found out tonight that the neurosav that Jim does has the light for the LED in the wrong spot.  it is however fixable.  The hole just needs to be moved.

Not shown in the photos were the armour plates for the belt pouches and the belt boxes.  I was not happy with the quality of Jim’s and 3D printed them  they were accurate with respect to looks but every time I sanded them, I got new pin holes.  

I will need to measure my buckles for you tomorrow as my kit is currently packed away for a weekend troop.