Sentinel's Squad Leader Build

[Sentinel-Wraith]

Hello! My name is Mark TB-21427 from Garrison Titan, and I've decided to go ahead with a Squad Leader build. 

As I already have a TB costume to troop with, my hope is to start from the ground up with this costume and to try to work towards a vanguard qualitification. I'd greatly appreciate any advice!

To start, I'm looking at ordering the Imperial Surplus's ST SL 2.0 kits as the the base armor and helmet. Would there be any thoughts on this choice, or alternative suggestions?

[BikerScout007]

Oh, hi Mark

The Imperial Surplus kit is a great choice.  Outside of 3D printing, there isn't a more accurate kit on the market.  

Which Squad Leader are you doing?  After Mando and Andor, there are quite a few!

[Sentinel-Wraith]

Hey! I'm looking at doing a R1 version. While I do like the up-armored versions, I've been told that the tassets on the hips do interfere with movement and sitting, so I thought I'd go for mobility. 

[BikerScout007]

This is very true.  You can make the hip plates in a way that allows for sitting, but it compromises the accuracy of the pieces.  If you care about such things!

The R1 SL was the most popular Shore out the gate when the CRLs launched for that reason.  You will be in good company

[Sentinel-Wraith]

Excellent!

So, it's sounding like Imperial Surplus will be my best bet for the armor? I could potentially 3D print other parts as well, so if there were other suggestions I'd be willing to consider them.

I'm hearing that the Nico Helmet is the most accurate? I'm assuming the DesertFareCosplay one is the correct Nico file?

Also, would you suggest starting with the hard or soft parts first?

[_imperialbzy]

16 hours ago, Sentinel-Wraith said:

Excellent!

So, it's sounding like Imperial Surplus will be my best bet for the armor? I could potentially 3D print other parts as well, so if there were other suggestions I'd be willing to consider them.

I'm hearing that the Nico Helmet is the most accurate? I'm assuming the DesertFareCosplay one is the correct Nico file?

Also, would you suggest starting with the hard or soft parts first?

As for soft goods, if you go DarksideCloset definitely order asap. They’re just starting my order from June. Theirs are made to your measurements. If you go with a vendor like Keep Trooping, they open their store once a month and offer set sizes (S, M, L, XL, etc) and should be a quicker turnaround time.

[Sentinel-Wraith]

Following up, I have a few more questions.

1. I secured the files for a Nico helmet, and I'll be working with a member of my Garrison to try to print it later this or next month. Having never worked with it, is it preset to a particular size or will I need to armor smith the helmet to scale it? I'm a 6ft 165lb build.

2. Due to the cost of the Imperial Surplus molds, I was looking for other options for the armor that would be modifiable to level 2, especially now that I have access to 3d printers. Mr. Paul's Shoretrooper files came to my attention, and seem to be a better option in terms of raw cost. I don't mind spending more time working on the armor and I have the tools and PPE for sanding and polishing the raw materials. What are people's experience with this set?

3. Are there any suggested vendors or methods for getting an accurate visor for the Nico helmet?

[BikerScout007]

1. I think it's generally the size of the Anovos helmet, which is the same as the production helmets.  Though I think the more important factor is your head circumference.  I'm 60cm and the Anovos bucket fits me well

2. The Mr Paul files are the most accurate and I have printed them, albeit scaled down, for my daughter. 

3. Are you talking about the curved lens?  Again, Mr. Paul