Mikidymac ROTJ Scout WIP

[mikidymac]

Hello everyone.

Just thought I would introduce myself.

I have been an approved Expert Infantry TK since 2016 and TFA Kylo for a few years but my Biker Scout friend keeps hounding me to join the Pathfinder’s ranks.

 

So yesterday I bought a complete Scout kit that fits great but it was approved for the previous owner about 15 years ago.

The bucket is yellowing and the boot holster is really yellow so I’m going to have to paint it I think?

 

The only other issue is it’s missing the flack vest.

 

I would like to complete this to go Lancer so any recommendations for a good flack vest?

 

Thanks.

[Chopper]

Hiya Brian, any idea what maker kit you ended up buying?

For the flak vest, you can check out @Chrisx909x who would be local to you, or you can try KriptonTop on Etsy. There are other vendors as well, here: http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/topic/19003-biker-scout-vendor-list/

 

[mikidymac]

Hello Chopper.
I am not sure of the make but would love to know.

I will get some pictures and I’m sure the experts will be able to identify it.

[Chopper]

Yep, for sure. Post some photos and we'll get it figured out. 

[mikidymac]

Ok, let’s start with the helmet and please don’t hold back.

Doing a preliminary inspection I am not sure the parts can go Lancer without replacement but at least high Basic will be the goal.

[Chopper]

Okay, that looks like a Kropserkel helmet. Aside from the yellowing, you should be *mostly* okay for basic clearance.

• Get rid of that clear tubing on the back of the neck.
• I'd also get a replacement snout piece from Studio Creations.
• Get rid of the decal behind it and paint that area black instead.

Doing a quick overview for Level 2, aside from what I've mentioned above, you'd need to replace the rotator bolts with the proper 3M bolts. Also the earholes might be cut too large, which would be an issue that's difficult to fix.

And I don't mean this harshly, but I do want to set your expectations about Level 2 -- keep in mind that you bought a 15 year old kit and standards have changed considerably since then. Some changes might be easier than others with what you have.

[BikerScout007]

Ah the good ol' Kropserkel!  Very popular about 10 years ago, you don't see them much any more.  That was my first Scout bucket as well

Besides the stuff Chopper mentioned, the bolts need to be replaced, level 2 or not.  Kropserkel used to ship furniture pads to cover up the rivet they use to hold the visor to the main helmet.  They are convex and therefore, neither "flat or have concave centers" as the Level 1 CRL asks.  

I'm also a little concerned that the earholes have been cut too large. It might look okay once you have it on, but the right side especially looks huge.   I'd have to get a better view from the front to tell.

As for the rest of your kit -- is it also a Kropserkel I wonder?  Because if so, there's definitely going to be some issues due to changing standards over the years.  

[mikidymac]

Hello @BikerScout007.

I was the lone TK at the Grove on Saturday. I wish I would have had you look it over as it was in my truck.

I will get more pictures but I would assume it is all going to be Kropserkel as I was told it was approved about 15 years ago.

If I can't even get basic approval with it then I might not even bother wasting time and money on it.

I will get more pictures of the ear holes for you too. 

[mikidymac]

2 hours ago, Chopper said:

Okay, that looks like a Kropserkel helmet. Aside from the yellowing, you should be *mostly* okay for basic clearance.

• Get rid of that clear tubing on the back of the neck.
• I'd also get a replacement snout piece from Studio Creations.
• Get rid of the decal behind it and paint that area black instead.

Doing a quick overview for Level 2, aside from what I've mentioned above, you'd need to replace the rotator bolts with the proper 3M bolts. Also the earholes might be cut too large, which would be an issue that's difficult to fix.

And I don't mean this harshly, but I do want to set your expectations about Level 2 -- keep in mind that you bought a 15 year old kit and standards have changed considerably since then. Some changes might be easier than others with what you have.

Thank you Corey and Mickey.

I really like my stuff to be as accurate as possible and I really take pride in that so it will be tough for me but if I can only be Basic (LOL) then it is what it is. 

I was not planning to be a scout but my close friend Bill, keeps hounding me on it and this fell into my lap pretty cheap so if I can get basic then maybe I will replace pieces one by one over time to improve it so I can at least run with the Pathfinders from time to time. 

[BikerScout007]

6 minutes ago, mikidymac said:

Thank you Corey and Mickey.

I really like my stuff to be as accurate as possible and I really take pride in that so it will be tough for me but if I can only be Basic (LOL) then it is what it is. 

I was not planning to be a scout but my close friend Bill, keeps hounding me on it and this fell into my lap pretty cheap so if I can get basic then maybe I will replace pieces one by one over time to improve it so I can at least run with the Pathfinders from time to time. 

Of course!  We are here to help.  Just be aware that a complete kit that passed basic 15 years ago may not pass basic today.  So the sooner you can show us what ya go, the sooner we can tell you whats going to need work!

[mikidymac]

After closer inspection I think realistically the goal will just be Basic approval then I can upgrade with time so let’s go with that for now.

Here are more shots of the ear holes.

[mikidymac]

Any other good file hosting services? 
All of the sudden TapaTalk won’t upload photos. 

[mikidymac]

I have a separate MonCal chest so I will use it.













Belt is 3 pieces.

[Chopper]

That looks like an old studio creations kit. 

At minimum the belt would need to be replaced. 

[mikidymac]

Boots are dirty and need at minimum touching up.


Holster is slightly yellow





Cummerbund has a big stain so not sure about it. Maybe reverse it?

Flight suit

[mikidymac]

And gloves




I am missing a flack vest.

[mikidymac]

Let me know what other parts you need pictures of.

I guess the big question is can it pass Basic and what needs to be changed for Basic?

I know that fitment to me is just as important for approval but I don’t want to waste time and money if everything has to be replaced anyway.

As of now the list of replacement appears to be:
1. Gray visor screws.
2. Vocoder/engine greeble.
3. Belt.

[Chopper]

The holster is going to have to get removed and painted.

The soles of the boots have an odd pattern on them -- not sure if those would be approvable.

The boot vinyl would need cleaning and some re-gluing, it looks like. Also looks like there's an ink stain on the top of the vinyl on the left boot that'd need to be removed.

The stain on the bund is going to be an issue. I don't think turning it around will work, with the attached cod. It will likely need to replaced.

The decal on the right shoulder bell would need to be removed for approval.

 

[mikidymac]

8 minutes ago, Chopper said:

The holster is going to have to get removed and painted.

The soles of the boots have an odd pattern on them -- not sure if those would be approvable.

The boot vinyl would need cleaning and some re-gluing, it looks like. Also looks like there's an ink stain on the top of the vinyl on the left boot that'd need to be removed.

The stain on the bund is going to be an issue. I don't think turning it around will work, with the attached cod. It will likely need to replaced.

The decal on the right shoulder bell would need to be removed for approval.

 

Thank you Chopper.

 

Yes, I know every part needs work, cleaning and touching up, I would never try and submit as is, that was not my intention.

As long as the bones are there and approvable I will get it cleaned up and replace what is needed, I just didn't want to start if every piece was junk as it would be easier to just cut my losses and move on. 

I plan on removing and replacing all the decals on the armor, polishing all the plastic and removing all stains and repainting if necessary. 

[BikerScout007]

Here's a few things I would do:

Take that cummerbund, turn it sideways, and shove it straight in the trash.  It's that old style "diaper" construction back when we didn't know how the soft goods were done.

The greeblies on the TD need to be reversed -- badge on the long side, dot on the short

Those look like old SIth Armory gloves.  Fine for basic, too flared for Lancer

Flight suit looks fine if it fits you, but you can remove the mandarin collar and go with the open collar -- so you would need a dickie or neck gaiter to wear underneath.

Upper stitching on the boots would make them unqualified for Lancer

I would get rid of all the elastic straps and snaps on the arm pieces and do them the right way.

Those earhole pics look better - no issue there.  But the "bolts" still need to be replaced with something flat or concave.  

Like Chopper said -- replace the belt with a new one.  SC sells parts a la carte.

Watch these videos and get up to speed on this stuff:

 

 

[mikidymac]

Awesome!

That is great to hear and I will get the belt, stickers and visor screws ordered and maybe even a new holster.

I will start working on taking everything apart and cleaning and refresh all the soft goods.

@BikerScout007 If this would be better off in the build thread so I can ask questions as I progress please move it.

 

BTW: Do either of you know who TS-5525 was, I don't see that number on the roster but by the sticker, I guess they passed?

EDIT: Found him in the Hall of Eternal Legionnaires, Sean East, my bucket is off. 

Thanks!

[BikerScout007]

11 minutes ago, mikidymac said:

Awesome!

That is great to hear and I will get the belt, stickers and visor screws ordered and maybe even a new holster.

I will start working on taking everything apart and cleaning and refresh all the soft goods.

@BikerScout007 If this would be better off in the build thread so I can ask questions as I progress please move it.

 

BTW: Do either of you know who TS-5525 was, I don't see that number on the roster but by the sticker, I guess they passed?

 

Thanks!

Moved!
 

5525 was named Sean and was from Dewback Ridge Garrison.  I just looked that up, I didn't know him personally.

[mikidymac]

I had a little time this weekend to start taking things apart.
The previous build was pretty sloppy with glue everywhere but the good news is it was E6000 so it has been pretty easy going.

I think I’m going to do new boots as these really are pretty bad.

I discovered the super yellow holster is a MonCal also.


I tried the Salon Care hair bleach and WOW!
What a difference.


After



The holster is still a little yellow after one treatment so I’m going to try a second coat when I get a chance.

All the other parts are cleaning up nicely with plastic polish.

[mikidymac]

Ok gang, I need your opinion on these boots.

[Chopper]

For basic those will probably work. To my eyes, the item that might be an issue is the ridge/indent along the sides of the sole. My concern is that the white vinyl portion on the forefoot is going to look oddly oversized if you glue the vinyl down to the ridge area. Check and see if your GML is okay with it.