Will's Shoretrooper R1 Squad Leader Build - Imperial Surplus

[MediumWillPower]

I’m getting the hang of the Bondo process! This always felt very daunting so I’m proud of myself for doing it. 
 

[BikerScout007]

Smooth!  Looks a lot better than mine!

[MediumWillPower]

Finally got some painting in, in between packing for Japan 👀

also a question! Is it required to add additional layers of plastic in the inside where the two parts meet? Applies to both the forearms and biceps I guess. Or is it just better to have it reinforced like that? And would I use bondo to seal it all together or just ca glue?

 

 

 

 

[Minimo]

I reinforced mine, but honestly, once sanded raw abs get glued with CA… It’s not going anywhere lolol

[MediumWillPower]

oh another question i thought of! is there a spacing guide for the yellow marks on the red bicep armor?

[Cyra Marrus]

18 hours ago, MediumWillPower said:

oh another question i thought of! is there a spacing guide for the yellow marks on the red bicep armor?

Hi! This looks great so far. I'm building a captain so I'm there with you, trooper! Yes, there's a spacing guide on the Shoretrooper Fam facebook page, here.

[MediumWillPower]

Just now, Cyra Marrus said:

Hi! This looks great so far. I'm building a captain so I'm there with you, trooper! Yes, there's a spacing guide on the Shoretrooper Fam facebook page, here.

Awesome! I am absolutely loving this build and getting to work with the Montana Gold spray pants is a total blast. I'm sure I'll eat my words when it comes to the abdomen/belt though.

[Cyra Marrus]

1 minute ago, MediumWillPower said:

Awesome! I am absolutely loving this build and getting to work with the Montana Gold spray pants is a total blast. I'm sure I'll eat my words when it comes to the abdomen/belt though.

I had a hard time adjusting to the Montana Gold at first, since I'm used to just the Rustoleum paint, but once you get a hang of it, it's great! Are you going to make your own belt or did you buy it? If you have ANY sewing skill, the belt is super easy to make. I've got a picture of mine on my build thread if you want to check it out!

[MediumWillPower]

3 minutes ago, Cyra Marrus said:

I had a hard time adjusting to the Montana Gold at first, since I'm used to just the Rustoleum paint, but once you get a hang of it, it's great! Are you going to make your own belt or did you buy it? If you have ANY sewing skill, the belt is super easy to make. I've got a picture of mine on my build thread if you want to check it out!

Oh yes I've actually been following your build too for inspiration!

And with the Montana Gold I realized that once you get in much closer than you would with any other paint it works like a dream. (That's for any other future shore troopers!)

[Cyra Marrus]

Nice! Keep up the great work! I'm in a bit of a post-con crafting slump right now, but I'll get back on mine (literally, I have to do the backplate) soon. Good luck!

[MediumWillPower]

Do these forearms look approvable or should I trim them more? And/or should I bondo where it all meets together?

 

[MediumWillPower]

Happy may the 4th y’all. I had a heck of a busy time between going to Japan and then trooping this weekend, but still was able to churn out good progress. 
 

got some finished pieces I’m very happy with!

now I’m starting the chest piece, but I’m a bit lost on where and how to find a slot to cut it for the top strap to go through. 
 

also is there any guidance on how attaching the shoulder straps works? I’ve been following the imperial surplus videos so far but they don’t overlap with the ICAT here much as the shoretrooper seems quite different. 

[Minimo]

I really like Stephan’s videos. He has a few:

https://youtu.be/x36b8Fsmpyk?si=8EG8mOvxLUGC282F

[MediumWillPower]

 

do it trim the return edge on the part that goes on the outside?

[MediumWillPower]

More questions! 

do I cut out all the ones marked in red? I know the top-middle one is two small slots  

 

for painting these back greeblies, do we ONLY paint the top of this? And not the inside?
 

[MediumWillPower]

I'm currently working on the abdomen, how are people attaching that in the back? I was thinking adding velcro to the connecting back pieces which'll then be covered by the back plate?

[BikerScout007]

8 minutes ago, MediumWillPower said:

I'm currently working on the abdomen, how are people attaching that in the back? I was thinking adding velcro to the connecting back pieces which'll then be covered by the back plate?

I started with magnets, but then switched to velcro.  It held better

[Minimo]

Not my shore but it’s the same:







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MediumWillPower]

thanks, both! i'm going to go with velcro as i feel it'll be more forgiving if my weight changes a tad

[MediumWillPower]

Guys.. I’m feeling a bit defeated here. My straps are floating hella high and no matter how tight I try and do the velcro straps it doesn’t lower them. Did I miss something here?

[BikerScout007]

Are those straps the ones that came with your kit?  I had to cut my IS straps a bit shorter and I eventually just replaced them with straps that were more flexible.  I find the IS ones a little too stiff to work with.  

The guy that made my straps is no longer around, but Mr Paul does make them as well.

[MediumWillPower]

1 hour ago, BikerScout007 said:

Are those straps the ones that came with your kit?  I had to cut my IS straps a bit shorter and I eventually just replaced them with straps that were more flexible.  I find the IS ones a little too stiff to work with.  

The guy that made my straps is no longer around, but Mr Paul does make them as well.

Yep those are the IS straps. I tried dremeling off some height but that seems like a lost cause. I feel like they need to slide in the back more but they’re just too thick. 
 

this is frustrating. Might have to score some of Paul’s flexible straps. 

[BikerScout007]

If I remember right (this was about 7 years ago at this point!)  I boiled the IS straps in hot water first so I could shape them better and loosen them up some.  That was before I painted them though!