sleeverob

Thanks guys! Lou, I came within days of missing a BIG Halloween parade for my first troop due to soft parts. So, as I stated before this is not the real order of my build but the order I would reccomend. So let's start with the gloves. I found this one the most frustrating, hopefully those that are building now, do not. I tried to find ESpirit motorcycle gloves, but trying to find gloves from the beginning of the 1980s was as easy as Indiana Jones finding the Arc. After "digging" the internet for them, and coming up empty I just googled motorcycling gloves. I searched through several sites and found the closest to the ESpirit I could find. I double checked with my GML before I bought them. Materials Needed: 1 yard of suede or faux suede (If you are debating Lancer event a little just get the real suede.) Black industrial thread, a leather sewing needle, thimble, seam ripper, safety pins, a sheet of 8.5x11 paper, regular pencil, white fabric pencil and fabric scissors. I bought one yard of suede because I knew I was going to need it for the butt and crotch of the suit. First, I drew on the sheet of paper the fingers and the thumb templates making them slightly larger than needed, and then cut them out. I placed each template over the finger and trimmed the edges until they fit just right and matching the CRL. I did each one at a time labeling them. Placing the templates on the suede, I traced them with the white fabric pencil, making sure the "facing side" was down and labeled them. One by one, I pinned them and began to hand sew them on. It was at this moment I discovered the thimble! Pretty much after my first attempt...that is why it is in the materials list. If you don't have one, get one! You will thank me later. Warning: make sure you keep the needle from going all the way through the bottom layer of the glove insert, it makes it hard to put your hand in. I personally removed the lining from my gloves, because it was like a winter glove. This leads to another mistake, or more of a warning to others. If you remove your lining and then sweat while wearing the gloves your first 10 troops will leave you with black hands!! Lastly don't forget to use your seam ripper and remove any logos stitched into the glove. I had two I had to remove as well as the hook and loops connections to attach the gloves together. Another mistake of mine to learn from. Make sure when you buy motorcycle gloves, they don't have reflectors in them! Needless to say I had a "oh shhhhhht" moment when I was taking final approval pictures. Bonus materials needed: Black Painter's marker. I think at some point, because they are well worn I may build another set. I may just buy a pair from ImperialBoots.com, at the time I was strapped for cash so I wanted to do it on my own.

I have this one myself. Not only can I get my Scout in here, but I can also empty it out and fit my entire Captain Rex in there as well. It rolls well too.

Just a piece of advice. If you buy a large tub of any kind, be sure to bring your "trooping" vehicle with you. Better than that measure the back seat opening/trunk. I have seen members buy a tote, wheel it out to the parking lot, try and put it in, fail and have to wheel it back in to exchange it for a smaller one.

I would like to share my first mistake. While I was waiting for my armor to show up, I did a lot of reading. However looking back on it I should have spent that wait time also working on the soft parts. Those were the parts that held up my approval pics in the end. So I would reccomend starting with the gloves, the "flight suit", the vest and picking out the boots you want to wear. Do this while you are waiting. (I will change the order I built mine in this thread to reflect this.) I would wait on the cummerbund and making the boots, as sizing of those are dependent on the armor. I will elaborate later.

I wanted to post my personal Studio Creations Biker Scout build with the hopes of others who are building this brand of armor, can learn from my mistakes and techniques. This thread will be long(ish) and contain multiple installations as I dig up old pics. Thank you in advance for reading. If you haven't decided on an armor, I waould personally reccomend this one. I found the quality excellent as well as the customer service. Jeff, at Studio Creations, kept a good line of communication open, and even sent me a new helmet lens for free. I waited 6 weeks after I ordered, which seemed like an eternity. The largest thing I had put together before this was a model of a Star Destroyer. Once I recieved my box, I opened it and layed out all the parts. I would reccommend this, to make sure you aren't missing anything and to learn what the pieces are.

I have learned to avoid Ebay. It is hard to tell what type it is and the person selling it has a zero rating. You might want to be careful.

I have a SC helm as well. I think you did a great job putting it together. SC by far is the best looking scout helm out there.

I used a leather needle to sew mine on as well.

Erin, I went with the option of comfort over Lancer. Mine is also two piece suit. The kids and the fans can't tell the difference between Lancer anyways. They just see the armor and get excited. It keeps you cooler too and easier to wash!

I got mine at Joanne Fabrics.

I agree. 1 yard should should be enough with some left over.

I have marched in many parades and have been fine without them, so moving around it is ok. I have noticed when I have bent down to one knee, it get uncomfy quick.

Those should be approvable for level one ranking at the least.

I added the new chin cup last night and it works great; nice and secure now! That is as close to Lancer I am going to get. Thanks again!

Thanks so much!

PM sent and PP sent. Thanks! Now what kind of strapping do you use to attach it?

Sure, I'd take the white if you want to toss me a PM?

I hear where you are coming from. I would not be going for Lancer status, I couldn't anyways as Andy pointed out in my helm. I also have white rivets in my belt which also keeps me from doing it as the CRL says no rivets for level 2. I am not even interested in level 2 approval. I have trooped in many troops without that status. I was told by another member Lancer status plus a dollar get you a cup of coffee. I just need the chin cup for additional stability.

Jim, I didn't realize that the chin cup would bang against them helm. I am sure my Aker would pick up on that too. Thanks Tim, let me know if you come across one. After both your and Jim's comments I might want to think about it.

During some recent trooping, one of which involved a jump roping contest with a sports event mascot, I have found myself adjusting or fussing with my helm more frequently. A lot of the trooping that I do involves walking/wandering around or parade marching. Don't get me wrong the helm fits quite snug, but I want to keep it from shifting. I was thinking of installing a Lancer type chin cup to the helm. My questions are the type of cups available that would be acceptable, the strapping and installation. I have a SC helmet and right now my chin does not show.