Daetrin

Very nice! Wish this was around when I started my first pack.

No problem - it's why we do test pieces. Take a look at screen caps and you'll see they weren't as dirty as it may seem. Also, weathering should seem natural - I actually try to go light and then build it up to taste. Which method did you use btw?

Personally I think it's a bit over much and I'd tone it down as others mentioned. Remember it's weathering, not dumpster diving

Congratulations! Welcome to having no money and no sleep, and no time for the hobby for awhile. It will all be worth it though. Good looking boy - my best wishes to you and yours. What a happy occasion

Wow, it certainly is a truism in this hobby that each year quality goes up and/or price goes down. Nothing ever appreciates over time.

Nice! Time to head out on the moisture farm patrols

How is this progressing? I fwd'd his resume and he should have had at least one call by now.

A. Ma. Zing. :)

A good screen accurate pack like the ones Mike et. al. made did indeed go for about $400 on these boards, and for some (myself included) are well worth the price given all the time it takes to put these puppies together for many. That however is not such an item and I'll agree isn't worth as much. I think I sold my old one for $100, and was happy to have sold it at all. The sale wouldn't be so bad if they said "screen inspired" and cost 1/2 as much. Then again, it's Halloween season and this is when prices are highest. Steve - be happy with your pack. It's a fair improvement over what used to be common even a few years ago

Either way, if I need to go I just go. It's easy enough to reach around, or loosen the belt if need be.

I say don't do it Noel! But if you do, you usually just cut it at the ab plate line on the sides to it's a flat cut.

Yes, the u-shape elastic is a requirement for 501st.

I think you're looking awesome Noel - another fantastic job As for the 3 vs. 4 buttons : realize that the standards are always evolving. Heck, just a few years ago you could have drop boxes, lines on your tears/traps, etc. The 3 button is such a small detail...there are many other items that can be cleaned up first.

Best of luck to you - hope it all works out.

Wow - this is looking great! Hard to believe it's your first time doing this.

Very nice Uncle Tony! That is one sweet "blaster" you get to play with

Fascinating! Rolf/Paul -> mind if I x-post this to FISD?

FWIW, I believe ATA is reworking his helmet mold to correct for this in the future. Also - to TrooperMaster you should listen. There is no one 'best' but there is one 'best' for you based on your needs. Also realize that the 'state of the art' for armor changes from year to year. What we thought was killer 5 years ago looks pretty humble now. In the end it's your suit that has to please you, so get what works best for you and your situation.

Yes, most TE and all TE2 and ATA are both of HIPS. If HIPS cracks it means that the maker overheated the plastic before forming. Both my TD and TK are TE2 and are holding up well, though I have gotten some small tears when I tried doing some aggressive maneuvers. My take having owned both ABS & HIPS is that ABS will take more abuse for sure, but HIPS will do fine for normal trooping. Also, HIPS can be lower cost at times but this depends on the maker and the fluctuating prices of the two different plastics. My advice is to first decide on which armor best suits you based on your needs (as there is no one 'best' armor), then go after contact info.

Pretty clever - wish mine did that. And yeah, super radio

It will be killer if it lives up to the billing - can't wait to see more Ward

You can pretty much wear whatever you want. You're an ideal size.

It would be better if one was in my armor tote. Can't wait to see these avail for ordering in my dreams...

Take your pick. The main fun is having amigos to share these with

It was a great idea of Brian's. We found the berets look nice but don't keep the sun out of your eyes. Turns out getting custom name tapes was pretty cheap even for a small run of just a few.