Kashew Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 Hello friends! What a great community it is here 😄 Finally started putting things together here after tackling a few small things here and there. I always appreciate the smallest attention to details, so please don't hesitate to point anything out! Main goal is to just get basic approval first, and then maybe Lancer down the road but that's TBD. Build: Helmet: Kropserkel (modded) Armor: MC (the newer .07" thick, old style is .09") Soft Parts: KriptonTop Gloves: WampaWear Boots: Kingshow Blaster: 3d resin print First to the bucket! Started out with a Kropserkel (maybe one of the last runs 😌 as Scott said he was getting out of the business soon?) Removed the existing snout decal and old snout greeblie, painted black and replaced with a painted MC greeblie (had to dremel just a hair off the bottom of the new greeblie to fit). Snugged up with velcro on the sides while closed. Old greeblie vs. new Side angle: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashew Posted October 12, 2021 Author Share Posted October 12, 2021 Back & tank (still need rank bars waiting on decals but this will be the 6 bar layout from the CRL): Riveted top and bottom and have an additional strap on the bottom rivet to keep things nice and tight / squared in with the rest of the back armor. I know this isn't a traditional method however it was the best method I found to keep both the tank tight with the back armor while moving around (understanding there was some slop on the screen ones of course). Starting on the det with some test fitting on the belt (I am slightly worried the clips are sitting a little high?): 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 Hiya Frank, Looks like you're off to a good start. Mon Cal/Far Away Creations armor is pretty great. A lot of people use those circular adhesive velcro tabs that you can get at the hardware store to help keep their helmet faceplate closed. Up to you, but you might want to replace the Kropserkel helmet bolts for the 3M style bolts: https://www.amazon.com/Fibre-Metal-Honeywell-FM4001-Quick-Lok-Adapter/dp/B002BUMS8Y/ref=psdc_7491811011_t1_B015MG1SMK Your clips are likely ok from what I can see, though we can take another look once you put your belt on if you'd like. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashew Posted October 12, 2021 Author Share Posted October 12, 2021 Thank you for the feedback! Yes I have been super impressed with Mon Cal's armor so far, it's really well done. Thank you for the link as well 😄 - replacing the helmet bolts is definitely a priority! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BikerScout007 Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 22 minutes ago, Kashew said: Thank you for the feedback! Yes I have been super impressed with Mon Cal's armor so far, it's really well done. Thank you for the link as well 😄 - replacing the helmet bolts is definitely a priority! 100% agree with @Chopper on the bolts. It's a very easy mod to make. I did a post on it here: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashew Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 Got the 3M-style bolts in 👍 Started on the boot tread as well, but made a pretty dumb mistake by learning on the outside tread and also found out there's very little room for error with the gum rubber, any cut that wasn't perfect came out pretty off color, a little surprised to be honest, but it is what it is! Hoping this is workable - not super pleased with myself and how many blocks it took me to get a good cutting technique down (you can see where it starts getting better) and unfortunately sanding and/or dremel seemed to just make it worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted October 15, 2021 Share Posted October 15, 2021 Ah that's a bummer. The Kingshow boots used to be relatively inexpensive, so you can always use the current pair for practice if you end up grabbing a second pair. Up to you. One of the things to note when cutting the soles is that you don't need to cut the slots all that deep. Even 1/8" should be good. A lot of folks like to map out the pattern in pencil on their boots before cutting. it also helps to cut the sides with a sharp exacto blade, then use a "chisel" style exacto blade to cut the wedge out. Overall, it's prob okay for basic clearance (actually you don't even need to do the cuts for basic), but I'd double check with your local garrison's GML first. From 6 feet out it's not going to be very noticeable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashew Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 Heh yeah it's definitely not to my personal spec more than anything else, similar to those home projects where you know the small imperfections are. But cleaned the cuts up a bit and it's definitely not noticeable from more than a few feet away but I'm going to munch on what I want to do with them, at least they aren't expensive. A good learning experience with the X-Acto for sure, back on the horse! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashew Posted October 29, 2021 Author Share Posted October 29, 2021 A few updates! Torso, belt, and thermal det are done - or at least should be up to CRL specs. Front/back: (trimmed shoulder bridges for better fitment, no zip-tie attachments yet but maybe down the road) Bridge strapping width per CRL: Belt: (rivets and rivet washers + plastic reinforcement on inside with a bit of back-up glue along entire length of inner bridges ... Thanks for Chopper for this rec/idea!). Only the two visible rivets per CRL: Det (metal washers inside). It's symmetrical so will plan on an asymmetric down the road as well: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted October 29, 2021 Share Posted October 29, 2021 Looks pretty good overall. One note, the bridge covers you're using looks like twill tape, as opposed to elastic or webbing. It shouldn't matter for level 1/basic clearance though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashew Posted October 29, 2021 Author Share Posted October 29, 2021 1 minute ago, Chopper said: Looks pretty good overall. One note, the bridge covers you're using looks like twill tape, as opposed to elastic or webbing. It shouldn't matter for level 1/basic clearance though. Ah yes good catch I think that would definitely qualify as more of a white cotton/twill - I will probably swap out for elastic when I do the zip ties for the shoulder bells down the road. Thanks for the the spot! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashew Posted April 18, 2022 Author Share Posted April 18, 2022 Some updates and very early fitting process pictures after a bit of a break. Again just going for basic approval here while trying to go a little above where I can. Boots: (not the most pleased with how these turned out, mainly wondering if they're too "wrinkled" or creased?). These kingshows had a crazy tough sole that was extremely hard to cut cleanly but did my best with an x-acto. Knee: EC-17: Alright very initial fitting and testing below ⬇️, apologies as I only took one very quick set of pictures here and do realize there is some misalignment. Mainly looking at spacing and fitment. I will get some pictures of with better alignment soon. Running list of fixes: - Bringing in shoulder bells 1-2" towards neck - Velcro patches once everything position has been correctly positioned (all arm hard armor rotated slightly more forward I believe) - Iron out pouch wrinkles + perhaps figure a better method for defining pouch angles - Knee armor a tad higher - Elastic strap inside boot for holster sag - Holster/EC retention method - Stirrups on bottom of flight suit to help prevent bunching - Also wish the helmet shade of white wasn't so different from the rest of the armor, but in reading a bit it seems like I shouldn't worry so much about that? Matching exactly would be a bit of work at this point, wondering if anyone has any input here 😅 Apologies again bad alignment here and some obvious positioning mistakes but cursory glace at the back: Thanks again to everyone for your feedback and assistance! Hope everyone had a nice weekend. Cheers, Frank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted April 18, 2022 Share Posted April 18, 2022 Hi Frank, You seem to have self-identified most of your issues, with your shoulder bells being the biggest item to correct. Also, check your pouches, which are on the wrong sides. The diagonal on the flap should be facing inwards (see photo). Try and adjust the back of your belt. The rear connection, where the straps attach and the det box is fitted, looks skewed to the right. This is also making your boxes sit unevenly. Your boots look ok. Overall pretty good. Just a few adjustments and you should be on your way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kashew Posted April 18, 2022 Author Share Posted April 18, 2022 Thanks for the tips!! I'll be getting these sorted soon and re-upload some pictures. Big facepalm on the pouch direction hah - not sure how I missed that but easy fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aradun Posted April 20, 2022 Share Posted April 20, 2022 Frank, I wouldn’t worry about the shade difference between your bucket and the rest of your armor. I have an RS bucket and armor set and they deliberately use a difference sheen (helmet is flat and armor is gloss). Others like yourself use different vendors for their bucket and armor a lot. No one notices. You always will, but that’s because you know the finer details of your kit. Fans will be oblivious in their excitement . As Chopper said, your boots look fine and that vinyl will wrinkle and crease anyway over time so no sense in trying to get them crease/wrinkle free. Once you put a strap in your boot to address the boot droop with your holster it’ll be even less noticeable. Great to see you back at this and the finish line within view! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreeHuggerMatt Posted April 20, 2022 Share Posted April 20, 2022 1 hour ago, AradunFF said: Once you put a strap in your boot to address the boot droop with your holster it’ll be even less noticeable. I forgot ask. the strap just from one side of the boot or is it both? Easy enough to do either eh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted April 20, 2022 Share Posted April 20, 2022 One side, stitched to the vinyl behind the holster. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreeHuggerMatt Posted April 21, 2022 Share Posted April 21, 2022 cheers Corey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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