442nd WIP

[BBC527]

After several months of saving, I was finally able to get my armor from Kevin.


Now it's time to get to work on trimming it out. Let me know what you guys think as I go through the process.

[Wags]

Good luck!! Its a fun process!!

[DeafTrooper]

Yah, it's fun, even though there were a lot of days I got so frustrated that I almost chucked my armor through my second floor apartment window.

Good luck and if you need any more videos of anything, let me know!

[BBC527]

Thanks guys, its going to be a fun process.

Also, you should really post those videos. They could help a lot of new people who embark on this journey.

Between this and my Maul build it's going to be a lot I work.

[BBC527]

Got most everything trimmed out, and couldn't resist an early fit test on some of the stuff to see how it looked and felt.





I know it's a little early and I have a long ways to go but I couldn't wait!!

[drbones2nd]

Feels good though dont it!

[BBC527]

Ok, a few questions as I work on things.

On the forearm and bicep sections, how much if any return should there be on the ends? Just want to find out before glueing them together.



On the back plate, does the plate just get glued into the back with it not sticking through the hole, or do you trim this piece down to come through the opening?



Thanks

[DeafTrooper]

I think I had 1/4 inch on forearms and 1/2 inch on biceps. I'll have to double check on that when I get home later.
As for the back plate, either option is good.

[BBC527]

How do the sides look on the rear section?

[BBC527]

Ok, so I was able to grind down the back plate to fit in the hole of the back.


The fit looks good. I'll just need to fill in the edge with some paintable caulk.

[Wags]

You dont need to fill in the back plate. A bit of gap is ok. And the return edge isnt a set limit. I have no retun edge on mine. Make it look accurate but dont give up fit. You dont want to walk like a robot and be uncomfortable. I can run, sit, walk up and down stairs and kneel in mine. Return edge just needs to be there for thickness.

[BBC527]

WAGS, so what you are saying is you don't have any returns on any of your parts? Could you send me some pics of your armor?

Plus, I'm getting ready to do the Spoons on the calfs, what are your thoughts on this?


Thanks

[Wags]

I mean that I am just using the thickness of the plastic. Thats it. If you want to Pm me your phone number I can send you some pix.

As far as the spoon methos goes, I love the idea and look but I made my shoes to go on before my calves so the spoon method wont work. Mine are split on the inside and clamshelled. Until I make new shoes i have to stay with these.

[BBC527]

A little ticked right now. Went and took apart the left bicep and one side did not stick. Now I have to try and get the glue off and do it again.

[DeafTrooper]

I hear you. With me being a noob, there were MANY days when I wanted to chuck my armor out of the window of the second floor apartment I had at the time.

[BBC527]

Well, it looks like I might not had enough E-6000 between the pieces and that's why it didn't hold. However, I found an easy way to clean it up and get the glue off. I used WD-40. I would use it to pull graffics off our ATV's and Bikes. What it does is break down the glue and allows you to scrape it off easily.
Cleaned it up and tried it again. See if it holds this time.

[DeafTrooper]

Wish I heard of that trick 2 years ago. I usually had to use either a scewdriver or my fingers to scrape it off.

[BBC527]

Well, looks like I may have to try something different on this part. It came apart again this morning. Working on cleaning it up, then I'll give it another go.

[Wags]

I have built all my kits with super glue and never had them come apart. Just another option for ya. Ill be in the ManCave tomorrow so I will get you thise pix.

[Ripcode]

I'm using E6000 on my TK, but wouldn't use it on my clone.

CA or ABS glue is what I used.