Chopper

Based on what you posted earlier, you should fine for basic clearance. I mean, it's ultimately your call, but before you go through with all that, why not give us a look again?

Yeah, I'd say that the bottom of the vest is a bit above my navel. Here's a photo of my set up with some measurements for scale. Keep in mind that both my vest and cod are sized for me, so your mileage may vary, depending on your build.

I have never had this issue, but my bund is attached with velcro to my vest. Like many of us, I did some overbuilding myself when i was putting my scout together, but I've never found that I needed anything more than some velcro at the top of my bund to keep it in position -- even with a cell phone, keys, and wallet in the pouches. Keep it simple!

Looks pretty good overall! A few refinements to note -- 1) You've got some of the "cod crunchies going on", do you have any more slack in the cod strap? You could also try bringing the cod piece down about an inch to see if that helps. 2) Looks like you have some excess velcro sticking out on the right side of your webbing belt? You might want to consider putting a new piece on, now that you have the closure sized out. 3) Your drop boxes are oriented a bit forward right now. Consider bringing them back, so that they sit about on the sides of your legs. Also, the point where the boxes connect in the back is a bit wide. I'd bring the connection points in a bit closer, so that they're close to the detonator box. See the CRL rear photo for a reference: Again, these are just refinements. Overall, you look really good -- we told you that you could do it!

The screen used tank toppers did not have an indent. For basic clearance it will be fine if you just paint the indented area white. If you're really feeling gung-ho and want to go all the way, then now's the time to fill the indent with apoxiesculpt (or something similar), sand it smooth, then paint the circle on the flush surface.

I wouldn't touch the front end, but you should be able to trim that back end a bit closer and drill some new holes. You can see in this photo from ROTJ that it's trimmed pretty close:

You shouldn't need to remove the strap entirely. As long as it has enough length to get under your belt, then you could just sew an extension piece of elastic to the end to give it a bit more length.

Hey Matt, welcome. Whose scout kit did you purchase?

Drive on trooper! 😁

The primary issue with the IB set is that they come in a set shaft height per boot size. This may or may not make a difference to you, depending on your body shape, but it's something to keep in mind and check before ordering.

Where have you been, dude? Hahah. Always good to see you round these parts, Shaun.

Just going off of your earlier photo, it doesn't look that bad really. I would think it'd be fine for basic. Note also that nowhere in the CRL does it say "the top of the tank must be perfectly parallel with the ground". And if you want to look at Gino's scout from celebration, his tank is at an angle too:

I only use the tube.

Elastic is just fine. A specific material isn't stated until level 2, but either webbing or elastic are acceptable. "Shoulder bridge covers, covering the join between the front and back of the armor, are made of white cotton webbing or elastic."

No, I stopped using mine after the first two troops. For me it was too heavy.

The wire wrapped tube has been optional for quite some time now and, as best I can recall, making it a requirement for Level 2 hasn't been a major issue that's been brought up during the armory team CRL discussions. Keep in mind that even if it were to become a Level 2 requirement, then the review team generally extends a grace period of about 6 months for any troopers caught in the transition period.

Depends what you mean by significant? It was enough of a weight increase to sag the back of my belt and feel like it was going to fall off. It did look good, but for me it just wasn't very practical for continual trooping.

Yeah, as Mickey said -- it actually looks pretty much dead on for your size. Keep it up.

Yeah, similarly I found some grey power cable that was only available from hardware stores in Canada. A friend shipped it to me, but in the end I didn't use the wire wrapped TD due to the heavier overall weight.

Yeah that's definitely an old telephone handset cord. Do you have any photos of the TD tube you wrapped with it? I'd be curious to see how it turned out?

Hey Nathan, some great progress! Just a suggestion, but you may want to trim down the return edge on the bottom of those knees. No need to have that much plastic cutting into you when you're walking around.

I'm having a hard time telling what piece or armor this is? Can you zoom out? Do you know what the primary material is? Guessing fiberglass?

I just picked up the new shirt from IB, so I wanted to add one detail-- the neckseal that comes with the shirt is one size fits all. In order to properly fit me, I had to remove a total of 4" from the circumference. It's still a great set, just keep in mind that you may need to alter the neckseal yourself, or take it to a tailor to get adjusted.

One question -- are you using elastic for your drop box straps? Sometimes it's hard to tell.

This site should cover most of what you need: https://www.strapworks.com/default.asp