TheDon

Maaaaan, now I need to build my pack. I've got one of gordonators siphons and thats about it!

I'm going to do the same with my wrapping although I'm using 1/4" ID tubing. Couldn't find larger stuff locally.

I found one of these today and was curious what you all think of it? It's not the exact ruck sack frame but it's already built so no extra work for me. If anyone wants one let me know I can get one for you for a good price.

Whenever it arrives......

Original paint '64 beetle. Lowered.......

when you do start assembling your armor I suggest start with the arms, and first do the biceps. Then do the thighs, shins, ab section/butt plate, kidney plate, back and then chest.

Requesting 501st access Joe Gravelle TKID: TD50415 Garrison: Florida Garrison http://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=18982

I trimmed my forarm ends (elbow end) to follow the curve so I did not have that edge sticking out.

I sent in my photos and did my application yesterday. Now I wait! I spent a lot of time researching others and looking at the reference photos and I feel good about my submission.

Crud! I need one... Now to find a radioshack that's open!!

So I made the elastic for the shoulder bells a little longer and they feel better now. I'm going to have to wear my ammo pouches at the hip and use snaps to attach them. I tried to get one to go on my left shoulder but I think the combination of elastic for my chest to back plate is causing me issues. I did cut some wood to fit in the pouches so they look full. Weathered the hand guards as well. I have one regret and that's with my canvas belt. I should have used snaps to attach the plastic to the canvas belt. One rivet pulled out and I had ripped the canvas. So I sewed some canvas over it and installed snaps for that spot .. I used snaps on the armor to help mount the belt and I didn't heat bend the belt since it bends well enough and you can sort of see the snaps. I suspect I might not pass approval with that.

So I wore my armor today at an event at my church that was for middle school kids. Kind of a test flight of the sorts. Helmet lenses fogged up after 15 minutes, I didn't have a sweat band on my head so I need one. Afterwards I broke my canvas belt. I used rivets and washers to mount it to the belt and one pulled out. I'm going to repair the belt and use snaps. My hand guards with glued on elastic worked great with the harbor freight gloves I found. Stock aker microphone is terrible so I just ordered a throat mic. I'm considering wiring in two reed switches on the armor for PTT function since I was having issues with the ICOMM PTT button. Work to do tomorrow to get it ready for Approval. Fix belt Weather hand guards Make straps for chest to ab Figure out how to mount canvas ammo pouches to self...also make wood blocks to go in pouches.

Pretty much done. I'll take some basic photos for you all to critique before I send them in. No hand plates, waiting for glue to dry.

My fear in doing that is making my armor look like a toasted marshmallow. Ill give it a try on a bicep or something small. I need to redo the shoulder bell elastic bands for the biceps. One is too long and doesn't work. Last thing to do is cut down the plastic hand plates and affix them to my gloves. Long run I'll get the proper gloves and latex hand guards.

What do you think? Too dirty?

I bought some cocoa colored sanded grout and a bottle of aquanet hair spray for the pauldron. Sprayed it down and flicked grout on with a brush and gave it 10 minutes and then rubbed it clean with dry newspaper and it looks amazing. I kind of wish I had done my armor this way doh!!

Nice DLT-19. I need to score one of those.

I've noticed that and I think I light just stick with it. My shins have black on them but I should be fine. I might go light with the black on the thighs so it's a transition. Only have the belt, Bucket, bicepts, and Pauldron to do.

I have the biceps, belt, and bucket to do the burnt umber coat. It's a ton of work! I'm thinking I might just leave it with the single pass for now and come back to it with a lighter burnt umber or my oily mix. I'll try and get a photo up tomorrow of it all.

I actually forgot to weather the canvas belt. I was so set on getting it done. I'll figure it out. So it's not coming out exactly like panda troopers videos but whatever I like it. It has that caked on, it's been cleaned quickly but no one cares anymore look to it.I should also start using a real camera and not my phone

Did you paint the frown black? Also I think you cut too many teeth out.

Left (with plate) has two passes of brown. I did the first pass wrong. I let the paint sit too long and it ended up coming off all freckly and was difficult. But I think I've got it What I like about weathering is that every single attempt is unique. I'm aiming for dirty but not toasted marshmallow. Once I do the oil pass it should blend better.

Started weathering tonight. Starting on the shins so I get an idea of how to get the technique down. I'm using artist acrylic paints like pandatrooper. Hope you guys like it. I'll go over it with the second layer of black/warm grey later.

Snaps installed on the ab so the belt doesn't move. I may have extra holes in my armor.. We'll just call them "speed holes". A leather hole punch is very useful for putting holes in the belt(s). Hood the belt position is ok because it's all riveted together and glueing up now. Tomorrow I just need to make straps for my ab and back. Trim the ab sides, glue finish strips onto the biceps and then get weathering!!!!

its never going clean....ever..... I'm probably going to get some clean sand and clay from lowes, put in bucket, add water, let belt soak, throw it against the brick wall, and then weather the plastic.