Beren

Turns out it's not the neck trim that's interfering after all. Just tried it on again and believe it's just my pauldron pushing up on my helmet. With some effort, it fits fine, but getting back to original question...it gets hot in there! Do you guys wear the neck trim to troop???

My head doesn't fit (easily) all the way into my helmet when I wear my neck seal. I wonder if I should make my helmet opening a bit wider...

I realize that there's often a difference between what is built for MEPD/SWAT and what is actually worn for trooping. For example, the rubber gloves are often substituted for Nomex gloves due to heat. I've noticed too that my neck seal interferes with the comfort and fit of my helmet. Do most people wear it trooping? What other alterations and modifications are commonly done to make trooping more tolerable?

I just finished weathering via the "grout method" and I am very impressed. I used three different shades of grout (charcoal, sand, and clay colored), and used hairspray as the adhesive. Once dry, I sanded with fine sand paper and rubbed in spots with a crumpeled paper towel. It looks like real desert sand. Thanks for the tip!

Requesting 501st access Pete Lemieux TD 9389 Florida Garrison http://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=14184

Assuming you're using the "butt joint" method for the arms and legs... this is the method that worked for me: 1) Glue the inner shims to one of the pieces and allow to set 2) Glue the other piece to just one side onto the exposed shim, clamp and allow to set 3) Glue the outer butt strip to the same side and allow to set 4) Close the "clam shell", apply the E6000, secure with tape and magnets, and clamp over the tape. Allow to set 5) Glue the remaining outer butt strip. You can try to combine the steps, but you may have trouble with pieces moving around especially if this is all new to you. Good luck!

The blue tape works very well. Be sure to glue one piece at a time... for example, glue a shim to one side of your arm armor first, let it set, and then glue to the other side. This will minimize the chance of movement and allow you to secure your clamps better.

Thanks for all of your feedback and encouragement. Just finished weathering yesterday and am in the process of getting my 501st application completed. Here is one photograph of the finished result... the weathering "in person" looks darker than the photograph suggests. It's been a fun project and I look forward to seeing you as a MEPD officer soon!

Josh, I just used regular ol' Krylon semi-gloss spray paint from Home Depot. I spray painted the inside of the helmet first before even cutting out the eyes & teeth. Just mask the edges to prevent overspray.

Michael, Thanks for the feedback. The "press stud" on the left side that I believe you are asking about is for attaching my belt. There's one on the right too.

Here are several pictures of my recent build… this is my first build and I am planning to begin weathering next. Before I move on, I would appreciate any feedback you all could offer before I submit this to the 501st and ultimately join my future brotherhood on the MEPD. (I think the butt plate is sitting too low and the right shin is over-rotated... should be easy enough to correct before submission though). I still need to acquire a backpack, install a helmet fan, and replace my handguards with the flexible ones. This is an AP kit with a DLT-19 from Sci-Fire. Thanks for your input!

I got mine from Troopermaster just recently.

I have a set of untrimmed AP straps available now if you're interested. PM me to discuss shipping.

I am looking for a DLT19 kit and was considering Cushman before I read these helpful posts! Does anyone know the link for slavefive? Sci-fire only has a prebuilt weopon available.

Are there any links detailing who sells pouches and how they differ?

Bluey, Thanks for the help... and yes, I'm beginning the think I'll need therapy for this obsession I've developed. Not that I'm focused on SWAT at this point, but if I'm going to fasten a rivet, brad, snap, or whatever through my precious armor, I don't want to regret it later.... I do intend to apply as a Police Officer once my build is completed. What's the point of making a TD unit if you don't intend to join the MEPD, right??? I'm at the point now where I'm ready to shim my sides closed and will follow your advice of form over function. A few brads should be easy enough to install.

What are the SWAT requirements for the rivets and snaps? The costume reference simply says six are needed on the left side and one is needed on the right. Will any rivet work, or are specific ones recommended (split rivets, etc). Also, what about the snaps in the crotch area? What are the SWAT requirements here?

First, that mannequin looks way too real! Surprised me for a second. Second, I guess I am confused about how the side shim is attached and where the rivets go. On the left side, do you glue a 2" shim for example to the kidney piece and then place your rivets/ snaps through the shim material? (with other rivets/snaps in the ab piece). Or, do you still keep the rivets/snaps in the kidney piece and use longer straps to connect it to the ab?

Does anyone have a link showing how the shims should look, or how to make them? I am making my first build and want to get it right... Thanks so much!

Does anyone have any suggestions for getting or fabricating a sniper plate for a TD? I recently purchased AP armor and I'm working on my first build.