Chopper

The shape of the Palladium would make for a great base boot, if it wasn't for the sole pattern making the cut outs so tricky. I believe there's also a Palladium logo at the back of the heel, correct? If you wanted to use those for level 2, you'd need to do the boot cuts, remove any logos, and, if the boots in the photo are the version you're working with, you'd also need to paint the sides of the soles with acrylic paint. Most troopers use the King Show work boot for Lancer spec boots, it has the proper gum sole and is relatively inexpensive: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017THAWJU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

The biggest issue I can see is the sole of the base boot. Even with the cuts, the sole has two different colors and the sole stitching is visible. Ideally you want a base boot with a gum/wheat colored sole that's a single color. As per the CRL "The boots have slots cut into the heels and toes as seen in the film. The boot sole is a single color with no visible stitching. Boots that are constructed too wrinkled (i.e not stretched/fitted correctly prior to gluing) or poor in appearance will be refused." I also noticed that the cover strip around the toe of the boot tapers. It should be straight all the way across. Finally, and this is super small stuff, but the double stitching on the dog bone extends a bit too far. This photo of one of the real boots should help show you what I mean. All that said, they do look like a well made set of boots. Just a few mods needed for level 2.

Aside from issues of fit with relation to the armor, those boots should be ok for basic. However they will not work for Lancer. If you're holding out on a pair of sierra sneakers, I'd encourage you to commission a pair of boots that will work for level 2 as well. Sierra's are pretty rare, so it might be a while, and why limit yourself ?

Congrats!

You'd only need to tea-dye the drop box straps, side straps, and optionally the shoulder bridges. The webbing at the back of the belt should remain white and not be dyed.

Congrats on basic approval dude!

How'd you pull that off? They told me no when I asked.

They stil offer their screen used TK armor, so it's unlikely that this will be the only run they do of the scout armor.

Check the link. I can't see a photo.

Got it. Thanks.

Did they explain what the red label helmet is? I keep seeing references to it on facebook, but no explanation on the site?

That's correct. The butt flap is sewn horizontally at the waist, and just hangs down.

Hey James! Great to see you in the TB armor and I don't think you'll have any issues with basic approval. I'm not on the Lancer review team, but to my eyes your drop boxes look about an inch and a half too low and your chest armor is tilted backwards. From the side angle, the chest looks high and the back looks low. I suspect your bund is also too tall, since it's well above the side strap line, but I'd work on adjusting the chest armor position before any soft good alterations. The armor looks good on you dude! Shouldn't take much at all for Lancer.

Hey Luis, i'm not familiar with AF props. For my own curiosity, do they have a facebook or web page? I look forward to seeing you wearing the full kit!

Great work so far. Very interested in how this turns out.

Nice work getting one of the new MC scout helmets! I'm hoping to be able to check one out in person when he does a larger run. The tea staining method is the way to go. Plus you can use the same batch for your drop box straps as well.

The only requirement in the CRL for level 2 is that the riding patches are real suede. I recommend that you look for black pigskin suede if you've got a Lancer build in mind. When you're perusing the selection at Joanns, try and get something without a super severe grain, but also isn't so tough that you're going to break 20 sewing needles trying to attach it to your coveralls. Here some close up photos of Gino's scout from Celebration 2 years ago, if that gives you an idea:

Hello there and welcome to the pathfinders! Different armor, but you can use Strider's Lancer build as a guide: http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/17305-lancer-build-tutorial/&tab=comments#comment-155915 There's also Lawless' WTF build thread here, which should be useful as well: http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/19025-wtf-armor-build/&tab=comments#comment-171672

Looks a shade light to me, but it's in the ballpark. It doesn't need to exactly match, but you want it close to the shade of the gray on the decals. When I painted mine, I used testors model master navy aggressor grey, which was pretty close.

For a new build, folks generally rivet them into the det tubing. You can see how Strider mounted his on page 2 here: http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/17305-lancer-build-tutorial/&page=2 This may be more difficult for you, since your end caps are already glued. If you want, PM me your address and I can send you some extra grey pool tubing.

... and Mickey and I said the same thing

That's no problem. Take a look at Strider's Lancer build tutorial. That should give you a visual overview of the major build points. http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/17305-lancer-build-tutorial/&tab=comments#comment-155915

Looks like you've got your bases covered so far. Let us know if you need anything.

Approximately 1/2".

Do you have a set of lexan scissors? That particular visor isn't super thick, so it'll cut pretty easily with a set of lexan scissors. Then you can smooth out the edges with either a dremel rotary drum, or nail file.