tk0158

It was just one of those things. Even Darth Vader didn't want to acknowledge the 800 lb. TD helmet.

Nice job on the mods!

I picked up two buckets from TE2: one in the TK configuration and one TD. From what I can tell, you're right. Curve the brow a bit for that "classic" TD look. However, if you watch the "Move along" scene, you can see that different helmets are trimmed differently. So it comes down to preference. Here are two shots of my helmets. First the TK: And the TD: I like the high brow look.

Yeah, it's a Connecticut thing. So judging by the shape our state, I guess that makes us...uh...Vader's porkchop. How does that song go? "9 of these things belong together. 9 of these things are kinda the same. Which one of these things should be the only one wearing a pauldron? Now it's time to play our game. It's time to play our game." Ugh. I can't believe I remembered that song.

Well, though I'm not done (still need to do the pouches and build a new backpack) I couldn't wait to wear the costume at an event. I'm at the center of the following picture:

Well, the original plan was to do the ochre (and maybe back again with more umber), but I started second-guessing myself after I did this pass and laid it all together. I'll have to sleep on it, but opinions are definitely welcome. Thanks!

Here's my first pass at weathering using burnt umber acrylic paint, and boy is my arm tired. My tools consisted of a cheap bottle of paint, a roll of cheap paper towels and a small bowl of water. I kinda like the understated look of it, so I'm really torn about adding more color. So is less more? Or is more more?

If you mean by the end of 2008, then I can say with confidence that probably maybe yeah.

Here's my first shot at weathering. I told myself I'd start this before the end of the year.

Ah, YES! Must respect the Man Cave! Topic fixed!

It's been a while since I last posted progress, but since then I painted the armor, applied a snap system, sewn the canvas belt and shoulder straps, and painted the bucket details. Tube stripes were a challenge, and I had to re-do the right-side , but it was well worth it. Last look before this bad boy gets DIRTY.

With my in-progress TD, I just finished doing all my snaps (tons of them), and I found the hammer method is just fine if you don't want to shell out the cash for a gun.

Well said! So here's to all those guys who've made our childhood dreams come true!

Thanks, Tony! Will do!

Might be a silly question given what I've seen here, but has anyone used hot glue under the plastic strips and reinforced around the edges? I just started doing this last week so I need to know if I should switch gears. The plastic is HIPS.

Glad to help! Something to do on my lunch break!

Thanks, guys! I'm so used to seeing myself in FX armor that when I turned and saw my reflection in a window...well, some expletives flew.

It has taken me long enough, but I finished trimming, sanding, and gluing. I wanted to test-fit the armor, so I used duct tape to assemble it (ok, actually I was just eager to see it all together ). Next step, Krylon Fusion to make it nice and shiny. It'll almost be a shame to get it dirty.

Thanks, TM! I figured that might be the case. While thinking about this in my basement I looked up and there was a round vertical metal duct that was coincidentally about the size of my thigh. I thought that would be perfect to help shape the piece. Funny how you look differently at the world when you're costuming!

In the TE2 kit, the belt and right knee pieces are flat. Is it recommended to use heat to conform these parts to the waist/knee? Or do you just bend them?

Hey Vito! Yeah, I'm lurking around here, too, as I slooowwwwly work on my TE2 TD. This is a GREAT forum. Everyone's very helpful and supportive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvQiyZYcfvY

Outstanding job! Thanks for posting the in-progress shots. This sort of info will be quite valuable once I get to that point.

Fro's as a TD requirement might be problematic unless someone starts making wigs.