Black Falcon

Welcome. Lots of good advice already. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Yes, just got word, CLEARED!

Several adjustments and tweaks made based on Chef's guidance, new photos taken and submitted for clearance. Now for the wait........

Well.. after some adjustments here and there I have now been given the go ahead to submit for clearance.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Most of what you've said is already taken care of. The pics don't show the suede patches clearly. The pockets have been removed and the suede goes right up to the crotch. Pic not clear again. I have the white rivet on knee pad. I've redone the soles so they are a shade or two darker. I'm swapping the bund closure over. I'll see what I can do about the forearm, maybe I'll stretch my arms a bit.

Finally found some suitable tube for the TD.

Added the suede patches and elastic straps to the jumpsuit. That was tricky.

Well, here goes. I'm sure there are things that need fine-tuning.

Straps for the back plate. I am a 'belt and braces' kind of guy so along with the glue I have added some good old fashion gaffer tape.

You know, it never occurred to me that the clips could be done like that. Ha! I keep forgetting that this is not meant to be for actual combat deployment.

Helmet has arrived. Amazing work by Chef again! I'm using some spare bicycle helmet liners to get a nice fit. These work great as they are designed to stick to velcro so I've just put a few self adhesive hook sections inside which allows me to adjust or swap out the liners as needed. I have a chin strap on the way to make sure everything is really secure.

Belt pretty much done. Probably need to fine tune the lengths of drop straps.

By the way, when I started this project, not one person mentioned that I would lose all perception of time when working on this.

Build work on the back armour and tank. Got a relatively good fit but eventually decided to go with the screen accurate gap-look.

Quick question, to which I have a feeling I know the answer... Are there any cleared Bikers that troop with a DLT-19 rifle? I know there is no on-screen movie reference for it.

Just thought I would share my method for creating the slots on the various armour pieces. I used my pillar-drill for the holes and the rough cuts from one hole to the next. I then used a needle file to smooth out the slot.

You bet! Just had confirmation that it is pretty much finished. Another reason to get really hyped about the postman arriving.

First up something simple. Ha! Knee Pad. I have to say, that first rivet was a bit nerve racking but now that's done, I'm searching the house for stuff to rivet. Slots were next and the second strap. Feels pretty good, been wearing it around the house for about an hour or so, still secure and not cutting off the circulation.

This kit is awesome. Only minimal sanding needed as Chef has trimmed them down fantastically. Rivet gun arriving today so hopefully have some assembled pieces by the end of the weekend.

Delivery!

My armour kit is on it's way from Chef.

Overalls arrived, they fit this time. Shown here with base boots, gloves and balaclava. Still really early going I know, but I actually feel like progress is being made.

Base boots, time to start modifying.

WampaWear, as recommended by Mandalorean.

I been getting some great advice so here goes... First up, gloves. They arrived today and look & feel great, only downside is that I got nailed for an extra £15.50 by the Post Office for import duty.