ROTJ Scout - WIP: A Buildthread

[afaster.master.blaster]

Hello, I'm putting together a ROTJ Scout costume and it's my first attempt at an armor costume. As such, it is going to start a little rough until I get the guidance I need to hone this look. So I am going to make newbie mistakes and ask dumb questions. But I am open to suggestions and can learn from my mistakes if you let me. Required item: Status -  Helmet: Studio Creations - unassembled Balaclava: acquired but need to see if it will keep me cool Flightsuit: Kolossus, thigh straps, mandarin collar - complete but iffy on the collar. Suede - not yet purchased Armor: Studio Creations - all unassembled Gloves: not yet purchased -  Flak vest: not yet - considering making Cummerbund: not yet - considering making Codpiece: not yet - considering making Boots: not yet - probably commission Optional: EC-17 - not yet

[OnkelPaschulke]

Good look with your build! Just finished my ROTJ build. Building the SC Armor is really straight forward because it comes almost trimmed perfectly. If you have a sewing machine the softparts should be a problem. Except sewing on the suede patches I did all the softparts myself and never really used a sewing machine befor. The learning curve is pretty steep and there are a lot of excelent WIP and tutorials and nice people (best detachement 😁) here. Just look around the forums a little bit.

[Chopper]

Hi Ryan, welcome to the pathfinders.

As you start your build, particularly if you're looking to make some of your own soft goods, then I suggest you take a look at the following posts:

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/19003-biker-scout-vendor-list/

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/17305-lancer-build-tutorial/

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/19967-soft-parts-best-practices/

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/19259-undersuit-mods/

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/19200-pouch-dimensions-and-patterns/

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/22433-cummerbund-tutorial-sort-of/

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/19708-biker-scout-boots-tutorial/

We're here if you have any questions. Good luck!

[Aradun]

Hey Ryan! Welcome to the Pathfinders! Chopper gave you some excellent links to check out as you start your build.

One of the things I did when I began my own ROTJ Scout was to look at the WIPs with the most views, as I found them to be fairly detailed builds with a lot of helpful information. There’s a wealth of info on these forums, but don’t hesitate to ask us any questions. We’re here to help you succeed and get you across that finish line!

[TreeHuggerMatt]

Can only echo what @AradunFF has said . There are some superb WIPs here , including his that are a world of help and inspiration.

 

Also @Chopper has a trooping survival guide to stop stuff shifting around if you need it.

 

Plus the folks here are super helpful and friendly.

 

Best detachment of them all

[afaster.master.blaster]

Thanks for the encouragement so far! I'm plodding along with the coveralls. I'm using a Kolossus and the collar shape isn't very easy to make it tight in the front of the throat. In the present configuration it looks like a crossover collar but I think in the long run I will need to fix it, so I think I will fix it now, rather than later. Here is fixed up version held with a pin. The front gaps a bit. Is that ok or does it need to be closer to the throat? Or would I need to make an external flap over the flipped up collar? Open to ideas and real solutions.

 

[Aradun]

You need to add a piece to the external collar. Most scouts will use one of the pockets that are removed from the overall. Check out the thread below for some great images and tutorial.

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/19259-undersuit-mods/

Here’s the finished look once the pockets is added to the collar. I’d say about 4” or so should do the trick.

[afaster.master.blaster]

One of the struggles I have found with creating the mandarin/racer neck part is to how Kolossus constructed the neck and collar. After much wrangling, I think I have something that satisfies me enough to call it good. I also supported the neck by adding a snap on tape to help keep the neck closed and sewed a new seam from hand cuff to leg cuff by 1/2" for a closer fit. Next I am looking to do the riding patched in suede.

[Aradun]

That looks good and is similar to how others do their collars with the Kolossus and RedKap suits. Nice job.

[Harbinger]

Looks good. Welcome!

[afaster.master.blaster]

Status Update 8.2.2022

After about a month of sitting on the suede, my inactivity bubble popped and I've been a busy little bee. I used the jeans pattern method, but with shorts, to create the pattern for the suede riding thigh patches. I got them cut, placed, and pinned. I first sewed them together in a center seam and then round stitched the center seam in from center inner seams to the back center of the patches. 

• My next move is to sew from the center back/butt left and right alternating sides moving toward the inner thigh and then to the front. 
• I have not made much progress because I am handsewing this since the sewing machine I used will not handle double layer suede and twill. As a result, my fingers are all chewed up from the glover's needle and I am letting them heal by working on other projects.
• I need to figure out what to do about the mudflap since I have a Kolossus coverall and it gathers in the back with an elastic waist. I am contemplating it be long and start more in the back and hang just above my butt. I am open to suggestions.

The suede is higher in the front that it will be in the final product - I don't have my codpiece ready so it will round in toward the center once I know what the codpiece is doing but I'd rather have too much and trim it later when I know what will show. 

Status 8.2.2022

This week my wife and kid are out of town and I had a three day weekend so I am using the most of my time to get everything I can do out of the way while I have the time. So I got my Studio Creations armor going. So I have all my arm pieces and knees completed. I actually started on the Thermo Detonator first but I has supply and availability issues with rivets and washers. It's a long story but the result is that I am satisfied with the results. There are known issues that I am working on: 

• The white bobbin on the sewing machine was improperly wound and is giving me problems. So the white sew-in hook-and-loop parts are only pinned for the time being.
• Same applies for the back side drop box straps.
• The side straps that secure the front and back pieces is loose because there is no H&L to secure them (see above) which is why they may look funny from the photo.
• Shoulder strap bridges are same as above.
• If I can switch over to the black thread, I will sew in the black hook to the coverall where they meet the white loop adhesive patches I installed in the unseen sides of the knees and arm parts.
• I have located a 2X larger raglan shirt than my normal size and have cut the neck wide, cut the sleeves to elbow length, and cut the body to be just below my pectorals, all to account for seam allowance.

Since I am making this stag at the moment, my photo had to be on self timer on a stool on a chair and the best I could do is make it look like everything is leaning to the left. If my armor is improperly placed, I am also doing this fairly blind and within the 10 second it takes the self timer to go. It's not ideal but I wanted to send up an update.

[Chopper]

9 minutes ago, afaster.master.blaster said:

• I have not made much progress because I am handsewing this since the sewing machine I used will not handle double layer suede and twill. As a result, my fingers are all chewed up from the glover's needle and I am letting them heal by working on other projects.
• I need to figure out what to do about the mudflap since I have a Kolossus coverall and it gathers in the back with an elastic waist. I am contemplating it be long and start more in the back and hang just above my butt. I am open to suggestions.

• Depending on the sewing machine, you can use a denim or leather sewing needle to punch through the suede + coverall fabric.
  And if that doesn't work and you have to continue hand sewing, consider getting a metal thimble, which will save your fingers.
   
• You can mount the mud flap above the gathered waist, since it will be covered by the bund and belt anyhow.

[afaster.master.blaster]

Brief update 8/15: After my fingers healed I got to working on the suede and then measures and sewed in the mud flap (above the elastic back)

Front and back

• The EC-17 arrived from Hole In The Wall - putty, sand, putty, sand, primer, sand, flat black, clear matte coat, weathering, clear matte coat

• Fabric sale this week meant getting some fabric for more soft goods. I got white canvas and 2" hook and loop. I had downloaded the plans for the pouches and clanged them out this afternoon!
  • I sewed in the hook portion to the top flap, not sure if the sewing cannot show on the outside - Can someone advise?

• I also picked up black stretch twill and black 2" hook and loop for the flak vest. I hope to have it finished by next Monday.
• I intend to pick up some white cotton sateen for the cummerbund but I am not sure what my material needs are.
• Meanwhile, contemplating making boots or commissioning. 
• If going to make the codpiece, I am concerned about making sure the crotch is smooth and not crumpled. Do anyone have suggestions?
• Helmet suspension and grey bolts arrived. Waiting on welding shade to arrive for the helmet. I haven't located a SC helmet tutorial on the forum yet. I was told the KropSerkel tutorial will do. Can anyone confirm? 

[Chopper]

You can see the velcro stitching on the screen costumes. It's not an issue.

http://www.501stpathfinders.com/images/scoutopedia/05. Chest Armor/MOTM_10999.jpg

Options to keep the codpiece from crumpling involve backing with buckram, or 1/8" foam. Part of the trick is also to make sure it's positioned in front of you when worn, and not pulled through your legs. 

The KS YouTube video works pretty well as a studio creations assembly guide. If you have any questions while you're building, just ask away and we'll get you sorted. 

[afaster.master.blaster]

Update 9/2 - Sewing machine broke part-way thru' the sleeve of the flak vest. Using the spare time waiting on my sister-in-law to bring her sewing machine over this weekend to work on the helmet and cut out pieces of the codpiece. For the cod, using sateen, fusible buckram, and a foam stabilizer but I think I will create a mock up first and see if that is going to work or not (Say 'NO' to camel-toe). Considering adding a second layer of buckram. Meanwhile my welding shade got lost in the bowels of the Earth City, MO UPS location. Considering buying another one just to get it here and when the other lost one eventually arrives returning it. 

[afaster.master.blaster]

I might as well post an inventory update while I wait:

Required item: Status - 

Helmet: Studio Creations - putting holds in places where holes go. ukswrath voice box, grey bolt acquired, waiting on welding shield lost in limbo

Balaclava: Under Armour Unisex-adult HeatGear Tactical Balaclava - completed

Flightsuit: Kolossus, thigh straps, mandarin collar, suede thigh patches - completed 

Armor: Studio Creations - All assembled except for the following:

1. Side web strap hook-n-loop - awaiting completed flak vest for assured fit and placement

2. Shoulder bells keep falling off - the adhesive on the cable mounts is too weak; need a new solution

3. Holster - fine tuning, then attachment to the boots, considering how to retain the EC-17

Gloves: WampaWear - completed

Flak vest: One sleeve's quilting is done - sewing machine in the shop and awaiting a replacement in the meantime

Cummerbund and Pouches - completed

Codpiece: Items cut - sewing machine in the shop and awaiting a replacement in the meantime

Boots: not yet - Steph's Imperial Outfitters -WIP

Optional: EC-17 - completed

Storage: large cardboard boxes

[afaster.master.blaster]

Status update 9.27.2022. I got some appointments made at the library's makerspace and used their sewing machine to finish the vest and codpieces. Images below are from last night's fit test.

Known issues:

• The shoulder bells are a mess. After the cable tie mounts failed I thought of using the hook and loop to my advantage and make hook and look 'tube' that the cable ties were pushed thru' and have those hook the bells and the shoulders together and as you can see, that needs further tinkering.  
• Bicep armor. I have loop on the inside of the bicep but I had not yet placed hook to the coverall. I think this oversight came from not having the vest finished yet and not knowing how far down my arm it goes. I am assuming that the hook portion goes on the coverall and not on the vest
• Pouches. I had basted them down to the cummerbund but they popped as I got situated in my attempt to dress myself which is why they are flopped over the belt.
• Codpiece. The CP is velcro'd to the vest but I think the CP needs to move further up my body. It looks and feels kind of loose. The suede needs to be trimmed to curve (and not go straight up) as well.

What other things do you notice so far?

 

 

 

 

 

[Aradun]

The hook for the bicep should go on your flight suit, as it will sit below your flak vest.

You can definitely loosen the strap on your cod, it appears to currently be pulling the bottom causing the dreaded cod crunch.

As for the other stuff I’m tagging@Chopper in to get you sorted.

[Chopper]

Hi Ryan,

You've already self-identified most of the issues I can see -- namely shoulder bells, pouches, and cod.

I agree that you should bring your cod up a bit, maybe another inch or so. You want it to lie flat, on the front of your body, and not get pulled between your legs.

Lower your forearm armor. It should sit on the top edge of your gloves.

Let us know if you'd like us to take another look, as your build progresses.

[afaster.master.blaster]

Status update 10.10.2022. I got a few more appointments at the library's makerspace. I've brought up the codpiece and put hook and loop on the sleeve. Added the helmet.

Known issues:

• The shoulder bells are still giving me problems. I have issues making them stick. Is it common to not be able to cross an arm over the chest to place the bells without binding? 
• There is some strap that may be the cable ties on my right shoulder sticking out on the shoulder blade.
• The chin cup is visible but I am not sure if it is the angle of the camera that brings that out. 
• Waiting on boots, then attaching the holster and everything should be good to go unless ye see something I don't see. 

What other things do you notice so far?

 

[Chopper]

Hi Ryan, what do you mean by not being able to get the shoulder bells to stick? Like they're not staying in place when you move?

Some other notes --

You might want to tighten your collar closure a bit, as it's nearly to the end of your helmet snout.

Your chest armor is riding high and your back armor is riding low. You might want to try adding some velcro to your flak vest and the chest plate of your armor to help keep in in place.

Your pouches might also be a bit low, but I'd work on adjusting your chest plate first.

Nice work, keep at it.

[afaster.master.blaster]

I will experiment with the bell situation and come up with a clear explanation of what is going on. I know for sure that it is hard to match the loop inside the bell to the hook outside of the vest on the shoulder because I cannot reach across my chest without interference from the chest armor. The hook and loop then do not bond very well and the bell comes loose when I move my arm trying to attach the lower bicep part of the bell (not the bicep armor). 

I will be making a dickey turtleneck to replace the mandarin collar. Making the mandarin collar on the coverall was one of my earliest frustrations and I've never been satisfied with it. 

As for the chest high and back low, I have hook sewed to the pouch tabs to match adhesive loop placed on the inside of the chest armor. I have not put the adhesive loop in it yet. This could cause the chest armor the be pull down the front. However the problem then may be reinforced if the CB was also high. @Chopper, or anyone with more experience, what might you suggest to correct the imbalance?

[Aradun]

Hey Ryan, take a look at the following thread. It’ll give you some ideas on how to keep things nice a tight while trooping and may help you decide on the best places to place hook and loop.

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/w18894-some-tips-for-keeping-your-scout-costume-together-while-trooping/

For your shoulder bells, do you have the elastic band attached to the bells that wraps around the upper arm per the CRL? I can’t tell from the photos. It’s tough to see black on black. You want that strap to be a snug fit. If it’s a loose fit it will allow the bell to shift too much.

Generally speaking, that elastic band should be enough to keep your bells in place. The hook and loop is probably preventing you from properly aligning your bells when you suit up.

You might want to consider removing the loop from the shoulder bell and seeing how it feels without it. You’ll likely have better range of motion with your arms. Between the elastic strap and adjusting the zip ties you should be able to dial in the fit so that they sit where you desire.

[afaster.master.blaster]

@Aradun I will give bypassing the hook and loop a shot and see if that improves anything. Thanks for the tip!

 

[afaster.master.blaster]

So the GML approved my Scout, I've registered at the 501st HQ, do I need to do anything else to be a full member Scout, or am I missing something?