ShaunPug

Now that the armor was all built, it was time to weather it all! I was pretty nervous to do it, but was confident that I could replicate the weathering style of the films. You can tell from reference photos that they used a combination of airbrush and rattlecan sprays. The rattle can stuff is just for bigger droplets. I have an Iwata HP-CS airbrush that I use for scale modeling, and it worked like a dream for this. The paint I used is actually a scale model primer by Badger: https://www.amazon.c...words=stynylrez It's a very forgiving primer and goes on incredibly smoothly with an airbrush. I used the Blu-ray images and the costumes book (the same set of armor based on the weathering patterns....I assume the costumes book photos were taken long ago, and the blu-ray photos were more recent.) for reference. My process was simple... 1) Spray from 4 or so feet away barely letting any paint out. I tried to get the "shapes" of the weathering at this stage, and gradually built up paint where it needed to be darker. 2) Smudge....I simply smudged with either a baby-wipe (I had plenty on hand with a 1yr old!) or my thumb. This creates a very cool texture, and fills in any blemishes in your armor with faint black pigment. 3) scratch! I used my fingernails for this! I was deliberate but random. I wanted it to look natural 4) Sprayed more primer from 6 or so feet away for a blanket covering 5) Rattle can effects. Both black and grey. See the last few posts for the completed costume/weathering

I purchased this from Amazon for the tank striping: It was incredibly simple to install. I drew on the armor with a dry-erase marker for the placement first. I ended up having to trim the thin vinyl a bit more because it was a tad too thick based on reference photos. I went with 4 wide stripes rather than the six that can also be done. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

I won't show any of the research on this thread for the TD, but I went through 6 or so different tunes and several cables before I landed on the right thing. With that figured out it was just a matter of finding a good paint color. I ended up using Tamiya's "Buff", mixed with White and a touch of light grey. The color looks weird in these photos, but I'll post better photos of what it look like in a later post. You'll also notice my TD clips (which need to be repainted btw.)...I took Tape measure clips, which are spring steel I believe, and cut them with my dremel to match the recent photos we have of them. They measure the same as the screen used photo we have and they hold well on the belt. A really great placeholder until something better is found. The clips are riveted to the TD tube with a washer on the inside. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Here are some pics of my zip tie connection: The zip tie is removable on both sides this way. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Some pics of untrimmed areas... The armor was very easy to trim with Lexan scissors. I made sure to cross-reference every tiny cut I made. There are a lot of curves and soft edges on this costume, and it can be tricky if you're not studied up. I don't have many pics of the actual assembly of a lot of the pieces, but I do have finished pictures. Here is how I attached the tank....I've posted this already a few times on other threads.

Here is the armor untrimmed. The pieces are so good. The belt, in my opinion, is the main attraction. The "V" detail is spot on, and the belt is made the same way as the originals. A very complicated pull from what I hear.

I think they're fine where they're at, but they could possibly come in a tiny bit...I'd say it's up to you. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

After my first Scout was completed I knew I couldn't leave it be. I trooped many times in it, but in my heart I knew so many things weren't accurate and my accuracy OCD reached dangerous levels of instability! lol. So after a year and a TK build I've returned to my first Star Wars love. I wasn't about to skimp out on this build however. The initial push came when I actually received an update about my incoming RS helmet, which got the juices flowing. The ultimate purpose for this build is to be used in a short film that I am writing and producing starring this armor. More details to follow on that... I've already made significant progress on this build so I'll be posting mostly showoff pictures. There aren't going to be too many "How-to's" for this build either so it's mostly just to track progress. I may do a weathering video tutorial if enough people think they'd like it, but other than that it's your basic build! A big thanks to Constantin for an early set of his armor, and a great many tips, as well as Gino for his feedback. And last but not least, a huge shoutout to Mickey for being constantly available and a damn big help. Onward! http://vid20.photobu...%20Unboxing.mp4

I was trying to figure this out as well and that's why I did mine the way I did...I think they just made it permanent. One long 1/2" strap riveted under the tank topper, down the back and then riveted in-between the bottom of the tank and the back armor.

I just checked and my strap that I thought was 1/2" was actually a bit bigger. So my strap now is indeed 1/2" inch. Whew! Was nervous I'd have to re-do it again.

Since I took these pictures I actually changed the size of the top strap from 1/2" to something a bit thinner...as per striders advice. The pictures went in all wonky. I apologize for that. I like attaching the tank this way because it satisfies my screen accurate OCD, but it's also surprisingly secure! I tried running and jumping up and down and there was only minimal movement. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

I'll post a few pics of the way I did it in a few.

Thanks man! I knew that I would be doing a lot of "perfecting", so I wanted to make sure everything was removable while still being accurate. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Looking forward to seeing another build of this armor. Mine is nearing completion! Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

So here's my setup...Super simple and screen accurate. The secret here is the releaseable zip-tie head on the bell side. I cut it from a releaseable tie and used it here so that my shoulder bells are still removable on either end and can be adjusted on the bell side. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

I'll post a few picks of my setup in a few! Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

One more quick note...make sure to twist the cable when you're wrapping it so the the flat side faces up. The split sides should be next to each other. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Awesome! I'm using one of Constantins earlier versions of his TD here. The power cables really do have that strange trapezoidal look to them. I'm not a fan of most of the SC pieces, but the TD is one of the worst offenders. The 1 3/8" hose is the perfect size. I highly recommend it Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

I finally managed to paint the cable properly. I still need to do a lighter coat on top...this color is a tad too dark. I just wanted to give a sense of the look of the cable and how close it is to the real deal... I need to do a bit more work on my armor but I'll take some more comparison shots then Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Which cable did you end up using here? Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

What type of fabric are you using? Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Alright...I deleted my previous post because it was all wrong! I thought I had found a better sized tube, but it ended up being way too small after it was wrapped. So I went on the hunt again. I've tried every size, and I finally found the perfect tube. A clear tube at 1 3/8" from Home Depot. It was enough material to make 2 TDs. It was 5$ And hear it is after wrapping... I need to finish painting the cable, and the end caps need to be smaller...that's why they're missing here, but I'm super happy with this. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

just did a quick search on amazon and there are plently of clear flexible tubing options in 1 1/4" size, but it's in bulk;k so the prices are astronomical haha. My local stores don't have any hoses in that size. Only smaller

I used Vallejo Model Air Light Gray, only because it was what I had on hand. I actually would have rather used a rattle can, a primer gray of some sort, like you intend to. I plan on re-doing mine when I find another good option for a tube and I'll likely do the same as you!