New TD Build

[CommanderMeiloorun]

Hello all! I've decided it's time to enter the MEPD so I'm building my TD. I'm going straight to TD, not making a TK at all (too clean for me).

My GML suggested I create a build thread here so that I can get tips and advice from experienced TDs as I build. 

So far I've fitted all of the pieces to me and glued them. I'm currently still working on the thighs, I'm a bigger gal and needed to add quite a bit of shimming to make them fit. 

My next step is to add the snaps and then I'll fit the whole thing to me with tape on the outside so I can make sure and add the strapping inside accurately so it sits right on me. 

I do have one question - because I had to shim so much on the thighs, I have a big flat gap in the back where the lip of the armor usually is, I can't cover that with a cover strip, correct? I need to build up the lip since the strip ends just above it?

 

[bigwam]

Hello Christina,
welcome to MEPD.
You can stick a coverstripe in the middle—you have to, to maintain the look. Sand the filled area cleanly and paint over it, and it'll be fine. This problem isn't unknown, and several members resort to this measure.
Another option is the thigh kit from RWA; he built larger molds specifically for this purpose.
You don't necessarily have to build up the edge; in the film, the thighs and shins were also slightly (subtly) cut out at the back to increase mobility. I would just cut out a slight curve:

 

[bigwam]

You can also make the neckline a little higher up to the lip, just don't make it too big.

This is how I solved it:

[CommanderMeiloorun]

Okay, so I had to take a lot of time off, but now I'm back to my TD.  

 

This is me doing a test Fitting to see what needs to be adjusted still. 

https://imgur.com/gallery/PZGwBrU

 

 

[CommanderMeiloorun]

Okay, today's progress: belt and helmet are ready for weathering, snaps glued into armor pieces, diamond knee plate glued on to shins.

 

Next up I'm going to make the straps to snap to everything and add the rivets and snaps to my an and cod area. Would absolutely LOVE it if anyone has photos of theirs so I can make sure I'm putting mine in the correct area. 

 

https://imgur.com/gallery/UOiQZ2H

[Vf2112]

Coming along nicely trooper

Bucket looks really well done

Check a few builds first but I'd remove tops n bottom of belt plate to ammo edge less likely to crack too

Your doin great keep these updates coming we love them 👍

[Vf2112]

https://1drv.ms/i/c/E9691DD4B7387089/IQAr_k6n5Kr_SrfqIA8FQz_rAdmAWWIo3Q0V4uH4k_J0ry8

https://1drv.ms/i/c/E9691DD4B7387089/IQCytaaNTiNRSqxoGG0ZIkpHASsBs0D9eeeSqO6ERkzwfOY