irongladiator

Hello there my fellow Scouts! It's been awhile since I updated this thread. I have noticed that the links to all my pics (I use Dropbox) seemed to have been broken. But I quickly found the issue and corrected it so pics can be seen once again. Since my last post I have completed my Scout Trooper and was granted basic clearance within the 501st ranks! I do have progress pics but was very busy to even post them. I will here shortly though so stay tuned!

I also forgot to mention what I think is equally important when looking at the more spendy EC-17 options, And it may be the one thing that folks may forget about and that is the hardware used for the EC-17. I know, I know - not many people are going to be inspecting it that closely. I guess I'm just one of those people that if it is my personal EC-17 and I know it is there, then it bugs me 😏, so here is what comes (Hardware wise) with the kit from Polymer Armory... Which when looking at Polymer Armory's provided hardware, isn't entirely accurate when you look at the photos on Scoutopedia... Here it shows that the screws being used are slotted, which I think is of era. And the ones provided with Polymer's kit are Philips. Also, the handguard screws are not flush with the handle, they protrude a little bit which suggests they are what is considered "Oval Head". It is here that the little Ma & Pop Hardware Shops fill in nicely. During my Boba Fett build I ran across this local hardware store when my wife was on the hunt for some "Spring Themed" decorative pieces for our home. I begrudgingly decided to go with her (Just not my thing - Hahaha!) But has since been one of my favorite places to go for things JUST like this! You just can't find hardware like this in big box stores - at least I can't. But here is what I got.... Kinda hard to see from the above picture so here's a better shot of it.... My intent is to tap the holes a bit larger for the handguard and for all hardware used on this piece to use a bit of JB Weld Plastic Bonder which bonds plastic to metal effectively (Kinda like Loctite products). I'll definitely share pics of the EC-17 progress and of course with it completed. But if my calculations are correct - it should turn out pretty great! One final note, please don't think I'm in any way putting down Polymer Armory's kit - cause I'm not, as I said before, this is one helluva kit! And I'm very happy with it. This is merely an observation I wanted to point out for others that may take interest - i.e. Accuracy Nuts. 😎 👍 Cheers, -Iron

Hey ya Fellow Scout Troopers, I had some time to work on my kit a bit more, just no time to post updates - till now, so here goes! (Forewarning - it's kind of a long post. 🙂) I was able to trim my Chest and Back Armor a bit and got it to where it feels and looks pretty good... Additionally, I had thought about how to make and attach the "Shoulder Bridges". And for this my engineering mind got a little creative. I'm sure there are a number of different methods in which to do this, but this seems to have worked out for me. So I thought I'd share my idea. Using these pieces (Which you'll need to double up on to make two shoulder bridges)... A. 1 Inch Off-White Lightweight Fabric Strip B. 1.5 Inch Velcro Soft Side - (8 inches length) C. 1.5 Inch Polypropylene Webbing (8 Inches length) D. Tie Wrap Mounting Base (1 inch by 1 inch) E. Black Hook and Loop Piece w/Adhesive. F) Small Hook and Loop piece (Rough side) G, H & I) Small Hook and Loop Piece (Fuzzy Side) J & K) 2 Inch Hook and Loop w/Adhesive (Rough Side - custom cut to 1.5 Inch width) And using my new sewing machine was able to conjure up this.... And did it again to make another.... Which worked out quite well I thought..... The two black tie wrap mounts are for the tie wrap that is mean to be installed to the Shoulder Armor... (...and yes, I'm aware that the tie wrap needs to be looped and come back. 😉 ) Additionally, I've made an adjustable belt for the Chest and Back Armor... You can see that I built in so that it has easy to grip "Pull Tabs" on it... And now for the fun one. I recently got my Polymer Armory Hero EC-17 Blaster. For anyone interested this is a highly awesome little kit.... Knowing me, I wanted to take it that extra step further both for looks and functionality. And so I started with how should this be secured in the Boot Holster? Seeing that the hand guard comes from polymer Armory made out of aluminum, I opt'd to go back to my favorite local precision machine shop - Limited Productions. These guys helped me with a couple cosplay projects. It was funny cause I brought in the aluminum handguard and also the blaster and holster. When my contact entered the room he was kinda stunned when he saw the EC-17 blaster sitting on the table, and goes "Absolutely NOT, we DO NOT work on firearms!" He further goes on to say that there is just too much at stake, from insurance to liability, etc. And then.....he noticed who I was and proceeds to slow his roll and he goes "Wait a second you're that Star Wars costume guy, right?" (Cause it's been a few months since I was there last) After I nodded my head he begins to laugh and goes "What can we help you with this time?" I proceed to tell him that I'm looking for a solution in which to mount my EC-17 Blaster and thought why not use super strong rare earth magnets on a metal hand guard. He liked the idea and suggested a mild steel. I told him to make an exact duplicate of the aluminum hand guard and make one out of his suggested metal. After a couple days it was done (These guys work quick!). and the results.... (Top = Polymer Armory's - Aluminum Hand Guard) (Bottom = Limited Productions - Mild Steel Hand Guard) And the fit...? Fits like a glove - I couldn't be happier with the results. These guys do absolutely quality work! I'd also like to share a YouTube video of the magnet idea... I'm fairly confident that the EC-17 will stay in it's holster while walk about. Those rare earth magnets I got are incredibly strong. Even now I'm thinking of creative ways to mount the holster to the boot without having to rely on the four 1/8" in rivets for the strength. As I'm sure taking out my EC-17 will put stress on the rivets and leather. I'm fielding any ideas or suggestions on that front and would welcome input. I know this was a long post and I wanna think you for sticking with me. I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Best, -Iron

@mrbill8128 I admire cosplayers that have the ability to make their own stuff. Looking really great - keep it up! ☺️

@Chopper Ah, gotcha! …and that’s about what I was thinking too. Folks making them so you can see through it like an actual scope. Appreciate the clarification. 😎 -Iron

Hello Fellow ROTJ Scouts, I ordered my EC-17 kit from Polymer Armory and got it this week! I ordered this back on July 1st, 2023. And even though it took quite a while to get to me, Polymer Armory stayed in touch with me throughout the months. I told him I wasn't in a rush, and he told me that his molds were undergoing a couple changes but the wait would be worth it. He had a few events transpire in his "Life" which prolonged the wait time. And finally, the wait is over. This was the last piece I needed for my ROTJ Scout Trooper. And I believe the wait was worth it, as it is such a beautiful kit! My question was around the 501st CRL - and specifically this.... I see that Polymer Armory (in the picture above) includes a little clear plastic disk - presumably to put in the rear scope. So....when the 501st CRL says "Scope has no actual lens". Does the little clear plastic disk qualify as a "Lens", or does the CRL mean it shouldn't be an actual scope that you can see all the way through it? Because if you look at the scope from this angle you can see that the scope is filled. The entire blaster will be painted black including this spot. So the little clear Plastic Disk, you won't be able to see through. But when looking at the Scoutopedia pics it does appear to me that the little clear plastic disk is present, obviously you cannot see through but it does indeed look like it was included. Can someone confirm? Thanks, -Iron

@Jediwannabe Thanks for the compliment! So I haven't updated it just yet, but to answer your question I didn't use a rivet in the bottom of the Tank. I simply used the provided Chicago Screw that MonCal includes in his kit. And while MonCal's instructions are not really clear on this part. I just improvised, because as you said the hole is much too big for a 1/8 inch rivet - and my thought was that the Chicago Screw looked the part of a rivet... Additionally, MonCal includes a way in which to mount the Tank to the Back Armor, which I think is great! And for this, I know he includes wing nuts, but I opted to use once again Chicago Screws for this as they sit more flush and even though you're covered pretty good with fabric that you probably wouldn't even feel the wing nut digging into your back. With Chicago Screws you shouldn't feel it whatsoever. Oh...and I epoxied (JB Weld's - Plastic Bonder) the female part of the Chicago Screw directly to the Tank's L-Bracket... I threw on fender washers and used Loctite Thread Locker Red 271 on the Chicago Screws - once cured they shouldn't break free easily. 😉 You may have noticed that the Chicago Screw at the bottom of the Tank doesn't connect or bolt directly to the Back Armor, and is only holding onto the elastic strap. I opt'd to do it this way as it is my belief that the two Chicago Screws holding the tank to the Back Armor is sufficient enough. Best, -Iron

@Jediwannabe Not a problem! Just looking to provide input to the best of my knowledge. That being said, I may also wait for a reply from an expert scout before I move forward. 😉 -Iron

Hi @Jediwannabe I also have a MonCal set of armor, and find myself at this stage in the process to start this too. You may (or may not) have seen MonCal's instructions on his Scout Trooper Armor kit. But if you missed it, MonCal goes on to say this about it.... This is the way I intend to follow it. I'll attempt this this evening. 😎 👍 -Iron

@Aradun Thanks for the compliments! 😊 And if I woulda looked inside the sewing machines compartment, I woulda seen they included a seam ripper as part of the $180.00 worth of accessories - that I somehow missed. 🤔 But I didn't, and bought myself one from Michaels. Thankfully, these things are cheap ($2.99) I also just noted the Free In-Person Beginner Class. I'm gonna have to take advantage of that. I really wanna be a Master/Perfectionist at the "Straight Stitch". When I built my ROTJ Boba Fett I also did a WIP thread and in there you'll see the same stuff loads of pics and detailed description of how I accomplished that costume. I'm still putting stuff in there as I continue the upgrades on it - But I'm nearly done with it, I mean at $6500 you kinda gotta call it quits at some point. But if you (or anyone else) is interested , here is the link: Iron's ROTJ WIP Since I started it back on July 18th of 2020 it has received 50,683 views to date, spanned 22 pages and has 430 replies. I've received multiple PM's saying how they loved some of the step by step tutorials as well as the detailed descriptions I provided. And quite a few folks have said they used my WIP thread as one of the primary threads in which they were able to get into their local 501st Garrisons - which is quite humbling. I'm planning on trimming my Chest and Back Armor today and building a solution for the Shoulder Bridges and Shoulder Armor. So stay tuned for that as I'm sure I'll have something to share before Monday. Best, -Iron

Hello Fellow Bikers! Just wanted to post an update on my progress. On Christmas morning there was a very large box tucked under the tree. When I opened that present up, I was greeted with.... My wife and daughter overheard me saying that I was thinking about getting a sewing machine to use for my cosplay soft parts. I honestly was on the fence about it, but was also kind of tired of going to my alterations lady to have her do what I thought of was simple stuff like sewing on velcro patches, sewing things together where the stitching wouldn't be seen, etc. My wife jumped online and began researching one that was capable enough and easy to learn on and she landed on the Singer 6700C Heavy Duty sewing machine. Also included in my Christmas stocking was a couple 4 packs of metal bobbins a bobbin holder. Some sewing machine oil - presumably for maintenance, a sewing brush, which I'm not even sure what that's used for and a set of Singer sewing machine screwdrivers as well as some heavy duty needles. I have since picked up a hard case in which to store my newly acquired tool (as well as some black and white thread)! 😊 I have since begun using it and honestly don't think I'm off to a bad start. As @BikerScout007 stated in one of his videos that "if you get something sewn in, it is not coming apart." The thing giving me pause was sewing experience - but hey, we all gotta start somewhere. And thanks to my wife and daughter, I no longer have an excuse to not and at least try to learn a new skill. So here is a couple pics of me using my new gift as I install my straps on my armor... I'm not a huge fan of fraying so what I did was cut all my elastic straps and then folded them back an inch and sewn a square along the border. And once installed and hot glued down. I shouldn’t have an issue of them fraying or coming apart. And with that my elastic got installed... I also built my belt. I riveted, hot glued the nylon strap inside the belt and sewn the velcro patches in place. I ensured that the closure is right over left and that the velcro (Rough vs Fuzzy) is on the correct sides as the Cummerbund and Flak Vest (Pretty sure that doesn't matter though)... And for the webbing of the belt, I know most folks simply route the webbing through the front of the belt as one piece. I decided to take a different approach - and this was more of less to see if I could do it. But what I did was, doubled the webbing over - cause I dislike fraying. I then stitched the two webbings together and then hot glued both sections down onto the belt. ... I also stitched the back of the hip webbing to the belt. And with that the belt is built.... And now onto the helmet. As stated in my list of acquired parts the helmet I purchased was a New Image Props - Scout Trooper Helmet V3. Upon receiving the helmet my initial reactions were that this is a very solid helmet. I like the fact that the base of the helmet is made out of fiberglass while the face piece is ABS Plastic. I feel that this is a very solid helmet. New Image Props makes the 3M Visor Bolts out of metal (Aluminum) and they even do their own threading. I may have been an exception to this, but the threading I felt wasn't done all that great, in fact when I went to tighten the bolts a little tighter so that the lid stays open with out assistance I noticed that the threads started to strip out.... Which wasn't a huge deal as I was planning on replacing them anyway with ones that have the little dimple in the center. I found some on 7CS's (Seven Cat Studios) Etsy store and bought his instead. 7CS cast his out of resin but he embeds a Stainless Steel bolt and nut into the 3M copies. And so far they have worked out great! The real pain was carefully using my Dremel to bore out the hole large enough to accommodate the 7CS 3M Visor Bolts - But after about an hour of careful Dremel'ing. I got it finished... In addition, I added and installed into my Scout Trooper helmet what is known amongst us members of the US Military as the PASGT Suspension System (I served in the US Army from '94 to '04 as a Combat Engineer). PASGT = Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops. This Suspension System is what the US Military issued for our soldiers to use in their M4 Combat Helmets, as you can imagine a Military Combat Helmet is pretty hefty and takes some getting used to, to wearing. However, leave it to Uncle Sam and the Department of Defense to come up with a way to make those helmets as comfortable as possible. In step the PASGT Suspension System, there are two components to this setup. One is the PASGT Suspension system itself.... And the other is the Headband.... The best thing about these, aside from being extremely lightweight (3.3 oz), and not to mention very comfortable.... ...is the fact that not only are they cheap, but are also easily acquirable. Amazon sells em', but I found the best deals on eBay. You should be able to get both for around $15.00 total. And installation? Very easy. I didn't skimp on this and bought myself some.... The adhesive on this adheres very well on fiberglass and I'm sure it would on ABS plastics as well. I first tried this on my ROTJ Boba Fett helmet which is also fiberglass and would never go to anything else. I know some people cram foam in their buckets (Which I'm told is pretty claustrophobic) and some use construction helmet liners. But I'm telling ya, in my humble opinion, nothing beats the PASGT. It is also very responsive too, if you have to turn your head quickly or sharply, this system can make it happen and you'll have no bobblehead effect. There are sizes (S, M & L) to the PASGT Suspension System I myself used a Medium. The headband is a one size fits all! Fitting the PASGT Suspension System in place and marking where I'm to install the Velcro Patches.... Got the Velcro Installed.... And installed the PASGT System... And that's all the updates I have for now. More to come. -Iron

@John W Ah….so you’re the one! When I tried to go for the link I couldn’t find it in his store. I found the untrimmed kit, but wanted the link to send the link to the trimmed kit! I went to my purchased items on Etsy and got the link that way. Yeah, you won’t be disappointed. And good man buying the trimmed kit! I tell ya, and I don’t think I’m alone here (looking at you @BikerScout007 😉 ) but I dislike trimming and sanding. And from just looking at the untrimmed kit, there’s plenty of that to do. I mean some people like doing that kinda thing and that totally cool, but that’s not for me. Have fun! Best, -Iron

@John W I'm actually got my set of MonCal Armor right before Christmas and have been quite happy with it.... (The Helmet is from New Image Props) A few of the Scouts Troopers in my local garrison use this vendor and have been very pleased with his work, and recommended their kit. I've also heard MonCal's name brought up quite a few times in the Star Wars world of cosplay. If all your after is basic approval, this armor should suit you well. I've only encountered the following issues so far with MonCal's Armor: 1) The MonCal Thermal Detonator - doesn't seem to be up to the Level II CRL Standards. a) Specifically the shape (Long and Short sides) b) The large greeblie is mirrored from what it should be. c) The End Caps should be Concave Here is what I got from MonCal for the large greeblie... (Take note of the cylindrical looking piece - it should be on the other side) ...And here is what it should look like (I used MS Paint to mirror the image 😉). Though this was an easy fix as another vendor on Etsy (Seven Cat Studios) sells the correct looking piece, which I've since purchased and installed.... But even after all that, I ended up buying a Thermal Detonator from Studio Creations as it had not only the correct Greeblie, but also the Concave end caps and the long and shorts sides. ....Again, this shouldn't be a big deal if you're not looking at Level II certification. I'll keep my MonCal Thermal Detonator as a back up (always good to have a back up 😉). Thermal Detonator aside, MonCal's Kit is an awesome kit! Additionally, I think this is one of the thicker kits you can find which is formed at a thickness of 0.09" ABS - it seems quite durable and should last a great many years. And I was super grateful that they offer the kit fully trimmed and the holster comes assembled for a mere $62.00 more than their untrimmed version. For me, spending that extra little bit saved me time and headaches. Good luck with whatever you decide to do! Cheers, -Iron

@KOtrooper Well done! An accomplishment for sure! 😎 👍 -Iron

@KOtrooper That's great to hear of this kind of support! I'm like that way too for the Fett community - I enjoy talking about it, my experiences and helping out where I can. I reach out if I require any assistance. -Iron