Removal of straps | Recommended glue?

[woobiee]

Hi all,

I'm a first timer here and just started my build for a ROTJ Scout Trooper! Because I am going in from the start for Lancer status, I will be needing to remove some elastic straps. May I ask what an ideal way to remove them without damaging the armor. Specifically the bottom strap on the knee armor -- it looks like it is glued in. Is it as simple as slowly working it until it releases?

Secondly, to reattach said straps (and other things down the road) what glues do you recommend to adhere things to the armor? I've heard people using E6000. I've also hear people using super glue. Any recos?

Thanks!
Andy

[Aradun]

Andy, it really is that easy. You can just pull them away from the armor. Just work it slowly. I did that on my RS kit with no issues. I then used E6000 to reattach the new straps and secured the straps with clamps until the glue dried. I gave it about 24-48 hours before removing the clamps. I’ve had no issues thus far after about 8 troops.

[BikerScout007]

13 minutes ago, woobiee said:

Hi all,

I'm a first timer here and just started my build for a ROTJ Scout Trooper! Because I am going in from the start for Lancer status, I will be needing to remove some elastic straps. May I ask what an ideal way to remove them without damaging the armor. Specifically the bottom strap on the knee armor -- it looks like it is glued in. Is it as simple as slowly working it until it releases?

Secondly, to reattach said straps (and other things down the road) what glues do you recommend to adhere things to the armor? I've heard people using E6000. I've also hear people using super glue. Any recos?

Thanks!
Andy

You could try the GENTLE application of heat to the glue to help loosen it up.  But I do mean gentle.  ABS loves to warp if it gets too hot.

E6000 is the go to around here for glue on the Scout.  Helps maintain the overall flexibility of the costume.  

[woobiee]

Thanks for the advice. Ordering some E6000 now!

Andy

[Chopper]

I used sewn on velcro for most of my strapping, as I like having adjustability. However, if you don't have a sewing machine, then that wouldn't be an easy option.

RS used CA (aka Super Glue) for their strapping. It's not hard to pull it off, you just need to pull it firmly but slowly.

Out of curiosity, what straps are you replacing? Were some of the RS supplied widths not in line with the CRL?

[woobiee]

36 minutes ago, Chopper said:

I used sewn on velcro for most of my strapping, as I like having adjustability. However, if you don't have a sewing machine, then that wouldn't be an easy option.

RS used CA (aka Super Glue) for their strapping. It's not hard to pull it off, you just need to pull it firmly but slowly.

Out of curiosity, what straps are you replacing? Were some of the RS supplied widths not in line with the CRL?

This is from memory, but for lancer specific, the lower knee armor strap says up to 3/4” wide elastic. RS did 1”. The straps for the drop boxes says cotton webbing. RS did elastic. The shoulder bridge coverings says up to 1”. RS has it just over 1” ( around 1.25”). And I think the lancer specs say 1.5” straps for the chest armor halves. RS did 1.25”. Again I’ll confirm with everyone before I make the changes when the time comes. 
 

The velcro that I’m putting on fabric will all be sewn on type and the few velcro on armor (for support) will probably be whatever velcro I have: self adhesive or sew on but I’ll reinforce it with E6000. 

[Chopper]

That's very interesting about the strapping. RS worked with us pretty closely on the build and those measurements have been pretty stable for quite a while, so I'm a bit surprised. Thank you for letting us know.

Right on with the velcro. I used the self adhesive on my armor parts and sew on for the soft goods and strapping. You prob don't even need to reinforce it with E6000. I've got 50+ troops and the self adhesive from my initial build is still holding up on it's own. Just make sure the inside surface is clean and it should stick and stay pretty well.

 

[Aradun]

[mention]Chopper [/mention] Just to chime in here, I had similar issues with my RS kit which was made back in spring of ‘20 and Andy’s observations are spot on so I’m guessing this is standard for their builds.

Don’t get me wrong, these are pretty easy fixes, but it might be helpful if the detachment could note the discrepancies with RS. I know they pride themselves on adhering to the CRL and even produced a video on that a while back.

If anything, just getting them to relocate that bottom tank rivet to its proper location, and making sure that 1/8” (3mm) rivets are used for the knee armor would be huge as they are the most challenging changes for those building to Lancer specs. Swapping out strapping wouldn’t be much of an issue for most.

[woobiee]

6 hours ago, AradunFF said:

[mention]Chopper [/mention] Just to chime in here, I had similar issues with my RS kit which was made back in spring of ‘20 and Andy’s observations are spot on so I’m guessing this is standard for their builds.

Don’t get me wrong, these are pretty easy fixes, but it might be helpful if the detachment could note the discrepancies with RS. I know they pride themselves on adhering to the CRL and even produced a video on that a while back.

If anything, just getting them to relocate that bottom tank rivet to its proper location, and making sure that 1/8” (3mm) rivets are used for the knee armor would be huge as they are the most challenging changes for those building to Lancer specs. Swapping out strapping wouldn’t be much of an issue for most.

I've actually sent them an email prior to my build with a comprehensive list of the little changes they can do to get their kit up to Lancer status. They said they would try applying it to my build. I suppose that did not happen...