TK-459

AP is a really nice set of armor. Mike is right about a few duplicate parts, but if you take your time on assembly you can minimize the affect. Other than the mirrored parts, AP is in my opinion at least one of the current best because of the quality of the material used along with the detail captured in that material. On your new set, there are definitely a few things that I would do to touch it up. First though, before you mess with anything, try it on and see what fits good and what doesn't. Shake around and see if everything holds WELL. Walk, bend, etc and feel for discomfort and chaffing. In the end, the fit is as critical as anything. I would at least work on the following things: 1) The teeth on the helmet. I'd strip the paint from the teeth and repaint because it was painted too wide. The grey would not go past the individual teeth. The difference is in how you mask. It will be a pain but you should do it. 2) The thighs. One is considerably fatter than the other. Again though, you will have to check the fit on you before modifying. They should suspend comfortably but with less gap than in the picture. Taper them closer at the knees. 3) Like you said, cut open the eyes more. Get rid of the lip. 4) The butt plate may need a bit of work where it comes to the front (the point between the legs). It may just be the model, but it is noticably pointing out from the front. I hook elastic between the front and back and cut it so it doesn't bunch like that. 5) Not really an accuracy thing but a comfort thing... you may want to trim out a section shaped like this _____/ from the top of the back of the shins and the reverse from the bottom of the back of the thighs. It will help you a lot with walking and general articulation. 6) line up overlapped edges and slightly round off corners. Helps you from snagging and poking yourself. I would start there. If you are going Sandtrooper there is a whole other laundry list. Also, I am a big fan of painted armor now (with the right paint), but that is totally up to you. Have fun!!!

Nice job.

When I was last around we were hunting cisterns... good enough place to pick up I guess

Thanks guys! And I thought trooping took a toll on you...no match compared to a little one. Seriously though, it is so amazing being a dad now. Can't wait to get a chance to put on the armor again.

Long time no see. I just wanted to check back in and say hello! We have a wonderful newborn baby girl in the family now so she has really absorbed most of my time. Hope all is dirty in the sands. While cleaning up for the baby, I also came across some extra parts so I'll list them too. Cheers!

Lol, I didn't know that was Guns until you mentioned it. He came by the TDH booth with Holmes Trooper and Kato Trooper carrying some massive arms. Lol.

Those look awesome. I gotta get one of those Ikea cases too.

It could be, but to me the ring on the muzzle end looks more curved. If you look at the strap, there is a curved highlight right at the point that it clears the ring. It probably was something that came on the strap. Either ring would do the trick though. I think that the other two rings are probably similar if not identical to the ones shown on that lee-enfield strap. My straps are about 41"-42" each set up this way, including the parts of the strap that are folded over.

That's a nice strap. I think I figured this one out. As it turns out, or at least the way I see it, 2 straps is the way to go anyways. Take a close look at this...

That's the pack I modeled mine after. I like the short mortar tube because it keeps the pack so compact. It is a mess though, but then again they all are. I like the variance.

Didn't find one while I was in the U.K. I didn't really have a lot of time to look though.

Looks great! I had a chance to check it out first hand today and it's really nice. I like the way it feels, and I love the scratches in the teeth.

That thickness in the black segments is killer.

I also saw a pair of Arizona cargo shorts on sale at JC-Pennys today that have the same belt on them (slightly lighter tan and a bit lighter weight)... Almost the same price as just the belt from AE. Free shorts or free belt depending on how you look at it, but you still need two of them.

Either that or you could make an increased width on the back with a strip.

That's awesome. Very cool. It reminds me of Stelarc's "Third Hand".

Awesome! (And cool floors)

Great job! That a wicked weapon. Any idea on the weight?

I've been looking for a better strap. The screen-used strap seems to have a sort of piping on the edges, but doesn't look to be leather. I've had my eyes open and today I found this. What do you think? It has a nice weight to it. It's a 1.5" wide belt that I found at American Eagle Outfitters. Only issue is that the longest size has about 48" of usable length, so you would need to strategically connect 2 of them at one of the loops or something. There is also this one online with D-rings but it has a silk-screen logo and I'm not sure how wide it is. http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.js ... =1503_0426

True. Also, even though it appears to be one unit, the part may break down into several pieces. That would make casting it easier. I got two new (old) images from a few people in the U.K. today but they weren't the right ones. Still fishing.

I found mine at a yard sale. It was the frame for a hiking pack that I modified. You just have to keep your eyes open...we all do... and be resourceful.

Woot Woot!! UK Troopers Rock.

A bit difficult to see but it's just a 2" wide strap on each side attached with e6000. Some elect to use a length of snaps on one side so that you can adjust it. It's up to you. I just test fitted it first with masking tape straps and then measured them when it was right. I have an additional strap glued with e6000 to the inside that has a snap on it for connecting the shoulder bells (so that the snap does not show from the top).

Happy Birthday!!