Star Wars Oregon
Public Information => Imperial Armor => Stormtrooper Builds => Topic started by: daryldoak on February 06, 2018, 08:54:23 AM
-
FISD build log (will contain basically identical posts to this forum):
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/52587-daryl’s-denuo-novo-fotk-build/
Here's my parts list (will update as parts are added):
armor: Anovos (ordered 1/9/2018)
helmet: Anovos standard (ordered 1/9/2018)
boots: Imperial boots http://www.imperialboots.com/product/trooper7-boots-gloves/
gloves: Imperial boots http://www.imperialboots.com/product/trooper7-boots-gloves/
metal holster: R2Dan on FISD https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/46336-tfa-accurate-first-order-stormtrooper-metal-holsters-run-11/
shoulder brackets: Ukwrath on FISD https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/44120-fs-ukswraths-fotk-shoulder-bell-and-yoke-brackets/
fabric mesh/gaffers tape: Ukwrath on FISD https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/34176-fs-ukswraths-fo-chest-pill-box-fabric-mesh/
Supplies:
Lexan scissors
Painters tape
Clamps
Magnets
E6000
80 grit sandpaper
220 grit sandpaper
400 grit sandpaper
1000 grit sandpaper
2000 grit sandpaper
Behr Paint+Primer Gloss White
Behr Paint+Primer Satin Black
Acetone
Headlight polish
Novus scratch remover 2 & 3
-
Gloves and boots arrived:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4663/39207213265_8130d2a0f6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22JBdxB)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/22JBdxB) by daryl doak (https://www.flickr.com/photos/136564629@N02/), on Flickr
-
No armor yet, but I added a couple items over the last year.
Ukwrath's FOTK Shoulder brackets, fabric mesh, gaffer's tape:
(https://i.imgur.com/U8B6o5Ml.jpg)
R2Dan's accurate First Order metal holster:
(https://i.imgur.com/9hcQGbql.jpg)
-
UPS tracking number received today. Estimated delivery on Saturday 9/13.
Denuo Novo is following through with their commitment.
-
Believe it or not, it finally arrived.
(https://i.imgur.com/Nekb3HNl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oVdBg1cl.jpg)
-
4.5 years... Wow! Glad you finally got something.
-
It’s been 4 years since I’ve cut any plastic, and I’m terrified of cutting a kit I’m not very familiar with. I thought about just leaving it in the box for awhile until someone else creates a build post for me to follow, but then the Denuo Novo instructions were released today, so I figured why not just jump in.
https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/TLJ-FO-Armor-Kit-Instructions-08-16-22-sm.pdf?token=AWyQJPss59IRLjNjyPH3Yw3VKU2IwsrsemAHKjIxj8k94zvDhR3dBdkiKlF9p8-gHMFV6Tom-lQvIVWwr5ZTMDlKdlFLb6UKUroEslFS56J7ifhduUv_E3whsDbOf2hamWxcZw5qkSk6mH1jP9HlmEs6FZKR9bhoS151TeaJ0dtDqCwwnXbvy2u2tZcc4531lxAnM1ZNaz3xeEsCD1fZdCF4ifkjUXzlRFuTijxAMlS4CxkEgXoHDdjELqSzSmujNuU
I’m also going to cross-post everything on FISD to make sure I’m on track:
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/52587-daryl’s-denuo-novo-fotk-build/
So here goes, its arm day! Rough cutout.
Biceps inner before:
(https://i.imgur.com/7w9d71rl.jpg)
Bicep inner after:
(https://i.imgur.com/s7zOfkel.jpg)
Bicep outer before:
(https://i.imgur.com/nwvf0iel.jpg)
Bicep outer after:
(https://i.imgur.com/YoNtuArl.jpg)
Forearm outer before:
(https://i.imgur.com/6z0NKaml.jpg)
Forearm outer after:
(https://i.imgur.com/eXhUudCl.jpg)
Forearm inner before:
(https://i.imgur.com/AjOwbbIl.jpg)
Forearm inner after:
(https://i.imgur.com/bbdaRDOl.jpg)
I plan to rough cut all pieces to outside the guide lines, then sand to the proper size.
-
Just received this from Denuo Novo:
Hi Daryl,
The helmet will be The Last Jedi.
Thanks and MTFBWY!
Denuo Novo Customer Service
So this is now a TLJ build. Changed the title of the thread.
-
More trimming. My cutting confidence is back, so I was on a roll.
Hand plates before:
(https://i.imgur.com/BF3ZVF8l.jpg)
Hand plates after:
(https://i.imgur.com/jmVRsD8l.jpg)
Test assembled arms:
(https://i.imgur.com/lGiI0mIl.jpg)
Onto the legs.
Calves before (partially cut before picture)
(https://i.imgur.com/BuurrJLl.jpg)
Calves after:
(https://i.imgur.com/xt8MqRfl.jpg)
Shins before:
(https://i.imgur.com/bPqZ7bXl.jpg)
Shins after:
(https://i.imgur.com/SNvlHQcl.jpg)
Thigh backs before:
(https://i.imgur.com/rPkApI5l.jpg)
Thigh backs after:
(https://i.imgur.com/a5HZyG3l.jpg)
Thigh fronts before:
(https://i.imgur.com/FWD5TAXl.jpg)
Thigh fronts after:
(https://i.imgur.com/YiTBC5cl.jpg)
Knee plates before:
(https://i.imgur.com/HOYtUAWl.jpg)
Knee plates after:
(https://i.imgur.com/UuG8dcQl.jpg)
Spats before:
(https://i.imgur.com/yeGIPmvl.jpg)
Spats after:
(https://i.imgur.com/e4huUqCl.jpg)
Test assembled legs:
(https://i.imgur.com/lO0dPMel.jpg)
-
Looking good! Careful of getting cutting scissor blisters! Lol
-
Looking good! Careful of getting cutting scissor blisters! Lol
Too late, my hand is killing me! :D
Thanks!
-
More cutting…
Spine plate before:
(https://i.imgur.com/OeXcQvXl.jpg)
Spine plate after:
(https://i.imgur.com/RGxov8vl.jpg)
Cod and butt before:
(https://i.imgur.com/lwgEpDQl.jpg)
Cod and butt after:
(https://i.imgur.com/p9zH5pKl.jpg)
Torso front/back before:
(https://i.imgur.com/WSTBe8Nl.jpg)
Torso front/back after. I split the back in order to make the sides seamless. And I haven’t cut out the middle tabs in case I need to widen or shrink the torso:
(https://i.imgur.com/KolVtNxl.jpg)
Torso pre assembled:
(https://i.imgur.com/mBPDsywl.jpg)
Inner chest before:
(https://i.imgur.com/0VmU5wdl.jpg)
Inner chest after:
(https://i.imgur.com/TAZ74ktl.jpg)
Chest before:
(https://i.imgur.com/p2lCsLKl.jpg)
Chest after:
(https://i.imgur.com/XU7Xzfxl.jpg)
Back before:
(https://i.imgur.com/v8H05fil.jpg)
Back after:
(https://i.imgur.com/xB5A3i6l.jpg)
Shoulders and pouch cover before:
(https://i.imgur.com/wStHHNUl.jpg)
Shoulder were really thick so it was a soft pull with really no guide lines on the lower edges (both at the center of the picture), I ended up using the one with the barely visible guideline as a pattern for the lower edge where there was no visible line. But I cut these pretty far off of the guide lines to be safe.
(https://i.imgur.com/DXq379fl.jpg)
Shoulders and pouch cover after:
(https://i.imgur.com/ZWHcaCDl.jpg)
And rough cut is done. My hand hurts.
(https://i.imgur.com/bX7tStal.jpg)
-
(https://i.imgur.com/De1RBnDl.jpg)
-
So next I got started on some fine-trimming/sanding, and the place I decided to start was with the biceps.
I started here because they are pieces that I became worried about while trimming. Both ends of the larger, wrap-around bicep piece are extremely thin, and one of those ends becomes an important front-facing seam.
There was a lot of mold curve-back on the ends, so you are required to trim that off so the pieces fit together properly (sorry, no picture). Trimming off the curve-back limits the options you have for how this seam fits together, and also makes the clip slot smaller, which is a problem since you have to leave enough space for the clip to fit in the slot. Be careful here!
Also, when you trim off the curve-back the pieces loses length (top to bottom), which leave the smaller bicep piece a bit shorter than the bigger bicep piece, so I had to trim the larger piece a bit to make the lengths the same (no picture). Then I trimmed the rest of the bicep pieces closer to the guide lines (where they existed), and used my best judgement where there weren’t guide lines.
Then I peeled off the protective plastic and rough sanded with some 80 grit sandpaper.
I kept a bit of return edge on the top and bottom of the biceps.
Top:
(https://i.imgur.com/hJBtdUPl.jpg)
Bottom:
(https://i.imgur.com/4nl3PwSl.jpg)
Here is the front facing seam. It’s really hard to tell in the picture but I think it turned out pretty good.
(https://i.imgur.com/kReQl3nl.jpg)
TL;DR
I trimmed and sanded the biceps.
-
Anyone else’s kit have this on the right outer bicep?
(https://i.imgur.com/2tGn4JOl.jpg)
It will be covered by the overlap, but just curious.
-
Didn’t make much progress this weekend.
Worked on the shoulder bells, which had barely any (one, none at all) guidelines on the lower edge.
So I got one properly trimmed and sanded, then used it to trim the one without the guide lines.
(https://i.imgur.com/9wD20Kll.jpg)
-
A little more progress on fine-trimming and sanding.
Cod before:
(https://i.imgur.com/9gICAPql.jpg)
Cod after:
(https://i.imgur.com/g7i9qHJl.jpg)
Torso before:
(https://i.imgur.com/NHBIGzbl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GCx3kEZl.jpg)
Torso after:
(https://i.imgur.com/rGP7m7al.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tjYOgW5l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/65E8To2l.jpg)
Spine plate before:
(https://i.imgur.com/cdeV06Sl.jpg)
Spine plate after:
(https://i.imgur.com/LlHSo0cl.jpg)
-
Trimming/sanding, not a lot of difference visible in the pictures, but making progress.
Butt before:
(https://i.imgur.com/5zibd6Ol.jpg)
Butt after:
(https://i.imgur.com/qefUbGbl.jpg)
Under chest before:
(https://i.imgur.com/XxYi0oCl.jpg)
Under chest after:
(https://i.imgur.com/AgmcFxel.jpg)
-
Pouch cover before:
(https://i.imgur.com/iegyR6Cl.jpg)
Pouch cover after:
(https://i.imgur.com/YKa4cuNl.jpg)
Knee before:
(https://i.imgur.com/h5Wqdv9l.jpg)
Knee after:
(https://i.imgur.com/OsDUkrdl.jpg)
Hand plate before:
(https://i.imgur.com/LoQwSiIl.jpg)
Hand plate after:
(https://i.imgur.com/pYczuCQl.jpg)
-
Chest and back fine-trimming and sanding.
Chest before:
(https://i.imgur.com/AEi5nPzl.jpg)
Chest after. I was really unsure about the neckline and sides of the chest. There were no guidelines. Hopefully somebody can let me know how it looks, and what the tips should look like.
Neckline outside. It’s really hard to tell, but I left just a bit of return edge:
(https://i.imgur.com/OEsvfa6l.jpg)
Neckline inside:
(https://i.imgur.com/4Uvbcc9l.jpg)
Chest side:
(https://i.imgur.com/mXMR6Ppl.jpg)
Back before:
(https://i.imgur.com/HJJGs0Il.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iJp7opll.jpg)
Back after:
(https://i.imgur.com/xNdsBFYl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VNxm6ZRl.jpg)
The back, at the shoulder tabs, is by far the thinnest part of this armor kit. It’s unfortunate since that area is going to carry a lot of stress when the under chest is attached. I do have Ukswrath’s shoulder brackets, so hopefully that is going to help. So I left extra at the shoulder tabs, just in case. You can just barely see the guide lines in this photo:
(https://i.imgur.com/LqPxqmMl.jpg)
-
Helmet finally arrived. Time to get my build going again.
(https://i.imgur.com/L18nZurl.jpg)
-
Completed the fine trimming and sanding of the thighs, shins, spats, and forearms.
Got my clamps and magnets out and decided to glue my first pieces. I’m using E6000.
Left thigh:
(https://i.imgur.com/HVnHq5Zl.jpg)
-
While waiting for the glue to fully set on the thigh (I only have enough magnets and clamps to do one piece at a time), I was feeling brave, so I decided to open up all of the pill holes (shins, biceps, and chest) and the chest indent.
I used my dremel with a sanding barrel and went at them from behind, sanding just enough to open the hole. This worked really great. Then I hand sanded to get nice openings.
Shins and biceps:
(https://i.imgur.com/yxickLpl.jpg)
Inside view of a bicep:
(https://i.imgur.com/jOsefknl.jpg)
Chest:
(https://i.imgur.com/i2JmZyZl.jpg)
Inside view of the chest.
(https://i.imgur.com/NRhqsffl.jpg)
Overall, I’m very happy with how these turned out. If you do this be very careful, it would be very easy to go too far or even melt the pieces.
-
Left thigh turned out great. Right thigh is glueing.
(https://i.imgur.com/UjIm1UBl.jpg)
-
I remembered I had some smaller clamps that would work great for the biceps, so I borrowed some magnets from the thigh, while it was still curing, and I glued the biceps.
(https://i.imgur.com/8zdVlALl.jpg)
I also was trying to plan ahead and figure out how to best apply the gaffer’s tape behind the front shin pill holes, which are partially backed by the glue surface on the rear shin when they are overlapped (didn’t get a picture of this unfortunately). So I decided to do a little cutout on the rear shin so I would be able to easily apply the gaffer’s tape.
Rear shin with cutout:
(https://i.imgur.com/6DKsOQxl.jpg)
Final look (not glued yet):
(https://i.imgur.com/4C3kuJ9l.jpg)
-
I’ve really been struggling with how to handle the outer, elbow edge of the forearms, since I’m doing a TLJ build.
Denuo Novo cut instructions show this, which I believe is the TFA “Finn cut”:
(https://i.imgur.com/S9HLda4l.png)
This is a movie reference from FISD:
(https://i.imgur.com/Nypef02l.png)
This is what is shown in the TLJ CRL:
(https://i.imgur.com/tjgKWuAl.png)
So I tried to mimic that look on mine:
(https://i.imgur.com/4UhZsGrl.jpg)
But you can see that the cut lines and the rough extra are visible.
The TLJ CRL mentions that the “TFA cut” is not permitted for level 3, so I assume the cut recommendation from DN would be sufficient for basic approval.
Thoughts?
-
If you are just going for basic, then you can follow the DN trim lines. For my TLJ Executioner for basic I just use my TFA forearms. They reviewed and updated some things in the CRL's since my approval however, so I just wanted to be doubly sure.
If you want to keep the cut as they are in the photo above, using the ABS paste clean up method you described to me in a PM should be fine too.
-
If you are just going for basic, then you can follow the DN trim lines. For my TLJ Executioner for basic I just use my TFA forearms. They reviewed and updated some things in the CRL's since my approval however, so I just wanted to be doubly sure.
If you want to keep the cut as they are in the photo above, using the ABS paste clean up method you described to me in a PM should be fine too.
Thanks for the info AJ. I’ll likely use the DN cut lines so I can avoid ABS paste on these.
-
Biceps done glueing:
(https://i.imgur.com/LFRADL0l.jpg)
Onto the right shin:
(https://i.imgur.com/XJ7iTaIl.jpg)
-
All leg outer seams are glued:
(https://i.imgur.com/dAWjyEll.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yOov7WTl.jpg)
I’m planning to use Velcro on the inner, overlapped seams.
Next is the ab side seams, starting with the right side:
(https://i.imgur.com/S18lzWxl.jpg)
-
So I did a test to see if I could just sand off the forearm trim lines, and be able to keep the proper TLJ shape (as described in a post I made above). So I carefully sanded with some 80, followed by some 220, and the results look really promising:
(https://i.imgur.com/jyrFKGEl.jpg)
After additional fine sanding, and then polishing, I think this is going to work great.
-
Ab glueing complete:
(https://i.imgur.com/HSYXRgul.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7bAFNwll.jpg)
These seams are ready for abs paste.
Next up was the shoulder bell tabs:
(https://i.imgur.com/Ir8qGryl.jpg)
Question: Anybody have tips on how much to overlap the inner chest and back?
(https://i.imgur.com/uwXZ7e3l.jpg)
-
Glueing the right forearm:
(https://i.imgur.com/bYa9A04l.jpg)
-
Right forearm glueing complete, left forearm glueing:
(https://i.imgur.com/FdLepCql.jpg)
I also bought the supplies needed for the next phase of my build:
(https://i.imgur.com/kOqV06jl.jpg)
Acetone to make ABS paste.
White spray paint for the resin greeblies.
Various grit sandpapers for prepping the ABS surfaces.
Headlight polish for the final step of the seam hiding process.
-
Worked on getting the forearm polished up where I sanded off the trim lines.
I had already sanded with 80 and 320 to get rid of the lines. Not a great picture, but here is where is was:
(https://i.imgur.com/bLW5Lqkl.jpg)
Today I sanded with 400, 1000, and 2000, then I remembered I have Novus scratch remover, so I polished with some Novus 3, followed by 2.
(https://i.imgur.com/qAypuJul.jpg)
I’m really happy with how this turned out.
(https://i.imgur.com/CrKoW6jl.jpg)
This was practice for the rest of the seam removals.
-
Yeah, man, looking good! Coming along nicely.
-
Spats glueing:
(https://i.imgur.com/zL002Lyl.jpg)
-
Glueing the boxes on the forearms:
(https://i.imgur.com/k2puCIQl.jpg)
And last to be glued, the back to the inner chest, but I’m still in the planning stage here, no glue, just magnets:
(https://i.imgur.com/SJQBhG2l.jpg)
I think the width of the pieces dictates where they will meet:
(https://i.imgur.com/LYS28Lzl.jpg)
I tried it on with just magnets and I can get my head thru, so that’s good.
I guess I’m going to have to fix this seam also on the return edge:
(https://i.imgur.com/AJUYaqPl.jpg)
Before I actually glue, I’m gonna need to make sure my head will still fit thru once the outer chest is attached.
I’m going to review lots of reference photos for this part.
-
Time to bite the bullet and glue the inner chest and back:
(https://i.imgur.com/6kKHdLol.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qMnyn9ll.jpg)
Started cuttings for a batch of ABS paste:
(https://i.imgur.com/KGgxPYfl.jpg)
-
Painted the arm and leg greeblies:
(https://i.imgur.com/8B7WPx0l.jpg)
Then attached the clips to the forearms:
(https://i.imgur.com/CbVMl7vl.jpg)
And the biceps:
(https://i.imgur.com/5PetVUMl.jpg)
I think I trimmed too much return edge from the inner chest shoulder:
(https://i.imgur.com/AJUYaqPl.jpg)
Since I was worried about having enough space for the shoulder plate support tabs and strapping slots, I glued some little bits to both sides to fill the gap. Then trimmed and sanded:
(https://i.imgur.com/ivQ8Co0l.jpg)
Then I sanded the lip caused by the overlap on the shoulders, to prep for ABS paste:
(https://i.imgur.com/jW5xtj4l.jpg)
Decided to tackle the ab seams first, so I taped off the area to prevent any spread and applied to the left side:
(https://i.imgur.com/YeH4rR4l.jpg)
I used a toothpick, which I thought would help get it into the seam, but turned out to make a messier application:
(https://i.imgur.com/6fNEFCRl.jpg)
So on the right side I used a popsicle stick, which was much easier to work with:
(https://i.imgur.com/kYeqs57l.jpg)
Next, I applied the ABS paste to both shoulders:
(https://i.imgur.com/lK73vURl.jpg)
I’ll let this dry overnight and then try some sanding tomorrow.
-
Did some very rough sanding on the ABS paste.
Results look good on the ab side seams:
(https://i.imgur.com/7ianYwll.jpg)
I think those are good to go for finish sanding and polishing.
The shoulder seams are going to need more work due to the overlap:
(https://i.imgur.com/vUSRIn0l.jpg)
So more rough sanding and then probably another coat of ABS paste
-
Glued on the leg greeblies:
(https://i.imgur.com/a6QgchLl.jpg)
Started polishing the side seams with Novus 3, by hand. Going well, but it’s tough work.
(https://i.imgur.com/BRtMTHSl.jpg)
I think I’m going to get a headlight polish kit with a drill attachment. Gonna need it for the shoulders for sure.
Been working on the shoulders. Wow it’s been frustrating. ABS paste, sand, and repeat. I’m still not 100% happy, but I think I’m going to call them good enough and move on to polishing.
(https://i.imgur.com/LIvnsJbl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JLpv4h1l.jpg)
-
ABS paste, sand, polish, and repeat, again and again and again….
Getting closer…
(https://i.imgur.com/41RQeBCl.jpg)
-
Added the fabric and gaffers tape to the chest and gaffers tape to the biceps and shins pill holes:
(https://i.imgur.com/m1CgYufl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/V8u2mGal.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wV2QdFJl.jpg)
Next I decided to Frankenstein my v1 R2Dan functional metal holster onto the base of the Denuo Novo non-functional resin holster. I started by cutting the “metal” part of the resin off of the base, which turned out better than I expected:
(https://i.imgur.com/LxWqr70l.jpg)
Think this is going to work pretty good:
(https://i.imgur.com/LkRvTiol.jpg)
Then I added filler to correct issues with the cutting process. I also had to shorten the base by about 1/2” since the v1 metal is a bit shorter:
(https://i.imgur.com/OEgWSJnl.jpg)
And added white paint:
(https://i.imgur.com/gy0LxIzl.jpg)
The white really brought out the imperfections, so the base is going to take more filling and sanding.
More to come on this later.
-
Continued working on the holster.
After a few filler and sanding cycle, it was ready for paint. After one coat:
(https://i.imgur.com/HdvI035l.jpg)
Looking good:
(https://i.imgur.com/o2CkvGNl.jpg)
In order to install the hardware, I had to buy the Torx bits. Then I added the center hardware, and found they stick out the back too far:
(https://i.imgur.com/iPSOB1yl.jpg)
So I dremeled them off drilled the holes in the base and thigh, and then did the final install:
(https://i.imgur.com/4upxKuvl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/J4zJLu1l.jpg)
I’m happy with how my “Frankenstein” R2Dan metal + DN base turned out.
-
Next was the slots in the shoulder for the shoulder bell support brackets and strapping.
I put the chest/back on and marked the top of the shoulder with tape. Then I marked with pencil where the slots would be located. Then I drilled holes to mark the ends of each slot:
(https://i.imgur.com/6YKODdml.jpg)
Next I used the cutting wheel on my dremel to cut the slots. It was pretty nerve wracking since these areas are really narrow, but it turned out ok:
(https://i.imgur.com/pWU3JCQl.jpg)
Then I sanded them a bit, then did a rough fit with the shoulder bracket and strapping. Looking pretty good:
(https://i.imgur.com/T1WwSBJl.jpg)
And with me just holding the bell in place:
(https://i.imgur.com/ODjlhBal.jpg)
Then I glued the shoulder brackets in place with E6000:
(https://i.imgur.com/rlAdyktl.jpg)
Next I decided to cut some slots in the ab for the 2” strapping that I’m going to use as a suspension. I got the idea from Captain’s Drydock on YouTube.
I used the same technique as I did on the shoulders, drilled holes to mark the ends of the slots:
(https://i.imgur.com/Pv4dJRjl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/d0GaXhjl.jpg)
Then used my dremel to cut the slots on the front and back:
(https://i.imgur.com/bZuQffml.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yRytf0Ml.jpg)
Rough fit with the strapping:
(https://i.imgur.com/IEP88R3l.jpg)
I’ll also be using some parachute clips to make it adjustable and easy to get in and out of.
-
Added some ABS to the tops of the shoulder tabs:
(https://i.imgur.com/AdyMUTEl.jpg)
Painted the ab boxes and some other bits:
(https://i.imgur.com/aoo2BGzl.jpg)
Also been trying to figure out what strapping system I want to use, and which areas should be elastic vs. nylon. I’m gonna start with the shoulder bells and biceps.
-
Worked the shoulder bell straps, using elastic and snaps. Glued on the shoulder plate side, snaps with snap plates on the bell side.
(https://i.imgur.com/XemRiwTl.jpg)
-
Shoulder strapping turned out good:
(https://i.imgur.com/v1DEXH4l.jpg)
Next I trimmed the side opening so I can get into the chest/back easier.
While I had it on I determined how much I could trim off of the under chest and back, then marked it with pencil:
(https://i.imgur.com/QzjF6scl.jpg)
I’m taking more off of the under chest than the back since the outer chest overlaps.
Cut it off, looks good for now:
(https://i.imgur.com/QVZN1Lhl.jpg)
With the outer chest just held in place:
(https://i.imgur.com/VOEWb9gl.jpg)
-
Looking good! Really coming along fast!
-
Looking good! Really coming along fast!
Thanks dude! My stretch goal is 3/30 READCON. I might need your mad sewing machine skills to make that date. :D
-
Glad to help! I gotta get my R2R2 finished for that date as well! Paul's events are the best!
-
Started working on hanging the spine plate.
First thing I realized is the slots that I added for torso strapping are not going to work with the spine plate:
(https://i.imgur.com/bQUa6qNl.jpg)
So I’m going to abandon those slots and do something different for the strapping later.
I cut some little tabs from ABS to use and guides for the spine plate and glued those in place:
(https://i.imgur.com/sYf7cCQl.jpg)
Then I cut some ABS to use as hangers for the spine plate. Used my heat gun to bend them and then glued them on the back:
(https://i.imgur.com/lZynKXcl.jpg)
Turned out pretty good:
(https://i.imgur.com/Vt9SQgDl.jpg)
-
More strapping today.
Added elastic straps and males clips to top of biceps:
(https://i.imgur.com/nspVvo7l.jpg)
Female clips will be attached to elastic inside of the shoulder bells.
Added straps and female clips to inside top of the thighs:
(https://i.imgur.com/6TbqzErl.jpg)
Males clips will be on strapping attached to a garter belt.
Added straps and female clips the the top of the torso front:
(https://i.imgur.com/NbjmoXLl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WjBppHgl.jpg)
And glued strap in the back, these will go over the shoulders with the male clip at the end:
(https://i.imgur.com/K4Cgn7xl.jpg)
Added Velcro to the cod and torso:
(https://i.imgur.com/jORDXAnl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XCVS4NCl.jpg)
Added Velcro to the glove plates:
(https://i.imgur.com/yU0CLLul.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NTgr0Xul.jpg)
Added Velcro to the spats:
(https://i.imgur.com/9ki8Ejdl.jpg)
-
Peekaboo! I see vintage in the background! :D
-
Peekaboo! I see vintage in the background! :D
:D
-
More strapping.
After everything dried I gave the torso a test fit:
(https://i.imgur.com/lZqsMBsl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/h9Td9ill.jpg)
I think this is going to work!
Then I added straps from the spine plate to the butt plate, using a technique from equuspolo (Ardeshir) on FISD, leaving the proper gap for the belt:
(https://i.imgur.com/RqRyKN7l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lhdoyJNl.jpg)
Glued the greeblies on the chest:
(https://i.imgur.com/2TqW4gTl.jpg?1)
-
always great detail in your build threads, nice work!
-
always great detail in your build threads, nice work!
Thanks Chris!
-
Removed the tabs on the back of the torso so the spine/butt will sit better:
(https://i.imgur.com/p7k672ml.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7g7d71Ul.jpg)
Added elastic to inside of the butt, and a snap plate to the inside of the cod, for the crotch strap:
(https://i.imgur.com/ex9oVIGl.jpg)
I’ll add the female snap to the strap once I can put everything on and can get it the correct length.
-
Drilled the holes for the ab boxes:
(https://i.imgur.com/ojx7xFJl.jpg)
Then attached them:
(https://i.imgur.com/CGsKQRPl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cnJswaQl.jpg)
USE EXTREME CAUTION when drilling the pilot holes in the boxes and screwing in the screws, the screws are too long for most of these boxes!! I added washers to most of them.
-
Time to start thinking about making the belt.
First I added some hook Velcro to the front tab and side tabs, since the back of the belt is lined with loop Velcro, then wrapped the belt around:
(https://i.imgur.com/NKUnUe3l.jpg)
It is huge and needs to be shortened:
(https://i.imgur.com/Tbr83A0l.jpg)
This will include unstitching some of the Velcro on the back of the belt, and cutting the rubber. Not ready for that today.
So I moved on to more strapping. I’m going to reuse my garter belt from my ANH Stunt TK (top right in picture), so I made four looped straps that will have buckles on the bottom for adjusting the thighs (top left in picture). And I attached the buckles to elastics that will go inside the shoulder bells (bottom left in picture):
(https://i.imgur.com/58vxpQbl.jpg)
I’ll attach these inside the shoulder bells once I figure out how low the biceps needs to hang.
-
Glued the biceps closed:
(https://i.imgur.com/sjTfk3al.jpg)
Drilled the holes for the “kit-kats”:
(https://i.imgur.com/AFwYuVkl.jpg)
CAUTION the guide holes on the template are incorrect! You can see the difference in the above picture.
Added them:
(https://i.imgur.com/zOltfyql.jpg)
USE EXTREME CAUTION when drilling the pilot holes in the kit-kats and screwing in the screws, the screws are too long for these!! I added washers to them.
Also, I highly recommend adding these before gluing the shins. It is really hard to screw them in after the shins have been assembled.
-
I added some Velcro to the center chest and the sides so I could do a rough fit test of the torso with the chest:
(https://i.imgur.com/qEyxJYDl.jpg)
Then I went about getting the outer chest’s upper tips to properly “close”. I used a heat gun and very slowly “bent” the tips so they would lay nicely on the inner chest. It took a few applications to get it, but I think it turned out really nicely. USE EXTREME CAUTION WITH THE HEAT GUN! I used one quite a bit on my ANH Stunt TK, so I was comfortable with it.
Then I built up the inside with scrap ABS so that the Velcro would adhere properly between the inner and outer chest pieces:
(https://i.imgur.com/JHMPTN3l.jpg)
Then added the Velcro and put them together:
(https://i.imgur.com/kYDF7xDl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YqYNMPxl.jpg)
I’m happy with how it turned out.
-
Time to tackle the belt build.
Started by printing the belt box template sheet. CAUTION: Even though the template is 1:1, the boxes printed on the sheet are too small, and some of the center holes are not centered. You can see the pencil lines I drew on the template:
(https://i.imgur.com/ZDHQkYtl.jpg)
Next I put the belt on the torso, with the spine and butt plate attached, in order to size the belt. It’s way too big for me:
(https://i.imgur.com/Tbr83A0l.jpg)
So I marked the proper size and started to unstitch the Velcro and strapping from the back of the rubber. Then I used some clips to mock-up the size. The top piece is the rubber belt, the bottom piece is the Velcro:
(https://i.imgur.com/dLPHyz3l.jpg)
Then I cut the Velcro and strapping and then used some E6000 the reattach the strapping at the proper sizing:
(https://i.imgur.com/CyNq8obl.jpg)
Then I cut the rubber to the end of the male clip. This shows how much I cut off of each:
(https://i.imgur.com/EpNdtmvl.jpg)
Then glued a short piece over the female clip:
(https://i.imgur.com/KwOnhXel.jpg)
Then using the templates I marked the holes and used my leather hole punch to make the holes:
(https://i.imgur.com/mRvLaM8l.jpg)
This is assembled, but I haven’t painted these resin boxes yet:
(https://i.imgur.com/jntekZel.jpg)
On the armor:
(https://i.imgur.com/H4nhWqSl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1IFVewTl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3liastol.jpg)
Bought a replacement for the large pouch from Trooperbay today, since the DN large pouch is too small for the ABS front panel.
Saw Jim mention that he couldn’t move his head in the armor with the helmet on, so I did a test:
(https://i.imgur.com/g48VxwIl.jpg)
Looks like I’ll be good.
-
Finally feeling inspired again, back at it. Almost at the finish line.
Rough leg fitting:
(https://i.imgur.com/4v2L4j3l.jpg)
Rough torso fitting:
(https://i.imgur.com/RFe0W59l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/P5m5SYYl.jpg)
Rough torso + legs fitting:
(https://i.imgur.com/gzlrAvZl.jpg)
Rough arm fitting, need to raise the bicep a bit:
(https://i.imgur.com/JIFUhnJl.jpg)
Converted from velcro to magnets for attaching the outer chest to the inner chest:
(https://i.imgur.com/rIZaSgRl.jpg)
Results look good:
(https://i.imgur.com/6IvYVRNl.jpg)
Final piece is the detonator. The decals provided do not properly cover the end caps, so I painted black:
(https://i.imgur.com/1yhpgsIl.jpg)
-
4/15 preapproval troop (GCO approved) at Randall Children's Hospital:
(https://i.imgur.com/brqDMKOl.jpg)
Wore the costume for about 1.5 hours, walking for most of it. Overall went very well. Learned that I have a few things that need adjusting.
-
Looks awesome, man!
-
Approved!!
(https://i.imgur.com/ZdGfLVHl.jpg)
-
Looks AMAZING!!!
-
First enhancement, replace the solid resin detonator with an accurate, two piece 3D printed detonator.
Thanks to our very own Darth V (Steve V) for the amazing 3D printed detonator. The model came from FISD forums, created for the Denuo Novo armor. It is sooo much lighter than the resin.
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/52672-first-order-thermal-detonator-tfa-tlj-anovosdenuo-novo-replacement/
(https://i.imgur.com/XUGuKG9l.jpg)
Painting the tube and the enclosure using the Behr satin black and gloss white:
(https://i.imgur.com/sTjl4U6l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gu6dgjAl.jpg)
-
Completed the new detonator:
(https://i.imgur.com/GxIvc3ll.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/It1UH3kl.jpg)
Install on the spine plate just using a couple of wood screws:
(https://i.imgur.com/UQ4DZHWl.jpg)
Been working on some refinements to my suit-up process.
* Put spat on the shin before putting shin on. This puts less stress on the spat than trying to spread it open and putting it on with shin already on leg.
* Attach leg gasket to thigh before putting thigh on. This will be much easier than putting the gasket on first, then trying to get the thigh on properly without shifting the position of the gasket.
Here is my suit-up process. All steps are done by myself unless otherwise is mentioned:
1. Put under-suit on.
2. Put on neck seal and balaclava.
3. Put shoulder/arm gasket on.
4. Put thigh garter belt on.
5. Put lower torso on.
6. Attach gaskets to thighs, put on thighs, attaching thigh support straps to garter belt.
7. Put spats on shins, put shins on, tucking gaskets inside.
8. Slide up shins, put on boots, slide shin down over boot, position spat.
9. Attach cod piece to butt plate/spine plate. Hang spine plate on back of lower torso.
10. Attach cod to front of torso.
11. Put fabric pouches on belt, put belt on.
12. Attach shoulder bells to upper torso, put on upper torso.
13. Put on biceps. Have helper buckle bicep under shoulder bell.
14. Put on forearm. Have helper attach gasket to inside of forearms.
15. Put on gloves.
16. Put on helmet.