LoveMonkey Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 So, I made progress since my last update in three areas: strapping system, bucket, and weathering. The strapping system is pretty straight forward. I made new snap plates and installed them now that I purchased the correct size snaps. They are gluing and since I already post pictures of that, no need to repeat. Second, the bucket. After trying to mount the left ear starting at the bottom and it not working at all, I decided to start with the top two screws. I was able to make the top two screws fit for the most part and it seemed pretty flush. I then pushed the bottom down and held it in place while my wife screwed in the base screw at the bottom. Here is what it looks like from a side profile: What I’m concerned about is that after pushing the ear flush and holding it for my wife to place the final screw, the top screws are now at an angle, which you can see in the pictures below. They stick out from the ear enough that I notice it when compared with the right ear. They are also at an angle inside the bucket. The general public might not notice but I do and it bothers me. The only thought I’ve had so far to remedy this would be to remove one of the top screws, drill the hole a little bit bigger, replace the screw, and then repeat with the other top screw. By making the holes a little bigger might help them sit flush. And when I say bigger, I might just go back in with a ⅛” drill bit and go through all the holes at the same time, thus helping them all line up correctly. However, before I do anything and before I attached the nuts on the inside of the bucket I thought I would ask for your advice. Also, I worked some more on the weathering. I used mineral spirits to strip some of the burnt umber away and then added some lighter brown, yellow, tan, and gray. I know that you can still see some of the brush strokes in these pictures. I did not have as much time as I wanted to work on weathering today after trying the fix the bucket but I wanted to play around with the new colors I had purchased and see what effect I could get. This is the result. Anyways, there you have it. More progress. Since I did not meet my Comic Con deadline, my new deadline is the end of the month, 09/30/2015. To Be Completed: 1. Finish Helmet Assembly ---Faceplate Assembly ---Inner Padding ---Seals, Green Lenses, etc. 2. Thighs ---Attach ammo boxes 3. Minor trimming on chest and back attachment 4. Canvas belt and ammo belt attachment 5. Internal Strapping System 6. Weathering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMonkey Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 So while at Comic Con I worked with fellow garrison members on my internal strapping system and weathering. Neither is completely done but progress was made. After Comic Con, I went back with a damp rag and worked off a lot of the paint we put on, attempting to recreate that classic Sandtrooper look. I think it looks great. My GML is going to have me work with another member to get the final touches done. Here’s to being done in the next few weeks for Halloween! Does anyone have any suggestions to keep the paint from rubbing off? I noticed that there were streaks in the paint where the armor rubbed against each other while being transported in my bin and I don't want it to come off after a few months after all of this hard work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TyWebb1075 Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 It looks like you may have your sniper knee plate mounted on the wrong shin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khazid Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 To keep paint from rubbing off you can clear coat it. I would personally use a mix of gloss and dull coat to get a semi gloss cover, but the vets here can give much better advice as to what sealant to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMonkey Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 To keep paint from rubbing off you can clear coat it. I would personally use a mix of gloss and dull coat to get a semi gloss cover, but the vets here can give much better advice as to what sealant to use. Thanks for the advice. I've been getting the same suggestions from garrison members, so once it gets approved, it will get coated. It looks like you may have your sniper knee plate mounted on the wrong shin. No, I just switched them in the picture. It's on the right shin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clonecollector Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I used Rustoleum Matte clearcoat. I sprayed from far away so the topcoat dries with a gritty texture. I like how the armor feels to the touch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMonkey Posted October 7, 2015 Author Share Posted October 7, 2015 I used Rustoleum Matte clearcoat. I sprayed from far away so the topcoat dries with a gritty texture. I like how the armor feels to the touch. Several fellow Garrison members have recommend the same thing. Once it's approved its going to get sprayed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMonkey Posted October 23, 2015 Author Share Posted October 23, 2015 So I met with another garrison member last night and we worked on getting the pieces to fit. After moving them around and adjusting here and there, here is what the back looks like. This is the only picture I have as this was the main area of concern. I think with the measurements I took that I shouldn’t have any more surprises in store as I make the straps. Let me go knock on some wood. Here is the updated weathering pictures. They will be touched up right before my submission pictures are taken in case any of the paint gets rubbed off. Once approved it will be clear coated. I think it looks pretty good. Hopefully I can have this done by this time next week. Just need to find the time to work on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMonkey Posted November 19, 2015 Author Share Posted November 19, 2015 So I'm heading over to my Garrison CO's house today to touch up the weathering and take submission photos. I just gave it a final test run and I think it looks great but a second opinion never can hurt. Is there anything in the pictures below that looks wrong or that won't get me basic approval? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMonkey Posted December 1, 2015 Author Share Posted December 1, 2015 So I know I’ve been slacking with pictures but I’m finally done. I submitted the pictures after some final tweaks and I’m happy to say that I’ve been approved by my GML. I received my Legion approval today. Say hello to TD-18542. Below are pictures of the final outcome. There are still some minor fixes that the GML wants done and I will get to those ASAP. It feels good to be done but it’s sad at the same time because I really did learn a lot through the process and I feel proud to have made something so awesome. Now it’s on to building the backpack. Thanks to everyone for the advice and support. It was much appreciated. I’ll update this with my backpack build soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMonkey Posted December 24, 2015 Author Share Posted December 24, 2015 After a few troops, including long TFA premieres, I've found that the sniper plate digs into my knee cap when I stand straight. I've thought about foam but I'm not sure how to install it. Any suggestions to correct this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SID Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 Great job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airborne Trooper Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 I got some industrial velcro and stuck one on the inside of the knee and I had to CA glue the other to the foam. Even though it had a sticky side, it would always stay attached to the other velcro and come off the foam. I wanted it to be removable because the type of foam I bought from JoAnn's allows it to be rinsed and is made for outdoor furniture. I'm a sweaty beast so this is a must. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMonkey Posted December 24, 2015 Author Share Posted December 24, 2015 I got some industrial velcro and stuck one on the inside of the knee and I had to CA glue the other to the foam. Even though it had a sticky side, it would always stay attached to the other velcro and come off the foam. I wanted it to be removable because the type of foam I bought from JoAnn's allows it to be rinsed and is made for outdoor furniture. I'm a sweaty beast so this is a must. Did you put the foam on the entire back of the plate or just along the inner edge that goes around? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airborne Trooper Posted December 28, 2015 Share Posted December 28, 2015 I put it towards the bottom but not far enough to stick out or be seen on the inner finishing strip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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