Mando Mercs Costume Club
Mandalorian Armor => Armor Construction => Topic started by: Jenga on Jan 05, 2017, 02:02 PM
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Hey there! I figured I should probably make a progress thread to get pointers outside just my clan and ruusalor. I've been working on my armor for some time now so this is what I have thus far.
Here is my design, for reference.
(http://i.imgur.com/ksATL9y.jpg)
My armor is taped on to my flight suit in this photo as i have yet to make my vest. Knees, gauntlets, boot armor, kama, cape, and girth belt have yet to be made as well. I plan to tailor the flightsuit to be less baggy in the arms and legs as well. Please ignore the collar plate popping up, the tape wasn't holding it down well on that side. I may also make my thighs smaller to make more room for the knees.
(http://i.imgur.com/spf0h3B.jpg)
The bucket I just recently acquired from head shot props. I had previously done a scratch build (linked in my signature below), but I wasn't happy with the shape of the dome or the "softness" of the T visor area so I'm restarting with this base. Need to cut away all the flash on the bottom edge and the t visor area.
(http://i.imgur.com/QnidWpk.jpg)
My weapon base is a Nerf n Strike blaster that I've made no progress on yet.
(http://i.imgur.com/Pfu44RD.jpg)
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Looks like you're off to a great start, there are a few things popping out to me though looks like the bottom of your right chest plate has been bent to far and is returning into your body where as it should follow your shape, not sure if its enough to warrant concern but your collar doesn't match the line of the top of your chest plates as well as the collar needs more shaping its looking to flat.
I agree you probably want to make the thighs smaller to make room for the knees, but as I said off to a great start, love the colour scheme as well.
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I'll look into the chest and collar! Thanks for the tip :D
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I have a progress report! Today my wonderful Ver'alor helped me rough cut all the flashing and t visor area out of my bucket. I have a lot of sanding to do to smooth it all out but I'm happy it's wearable now!
Here's a photo (guest starring my cat who really wanted a treat)
(http://i.imgur.com/UEIyilK.jpg)
I also started getting the ear pieces all smoothed out and finished one that's ready for attachment.
(http://i.imgur.com/7ux2kBk.jpg)
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Awesome concept!
Patience and attention to detail and it'll look awesome. 8)
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Got a lot of sanding done today and smoothed out the cut lines on the t visor area of my bucket. Just have to get a file to get those corners to clean them up.
(http://i.imgur.com/05AJ4eB.jpg)
Now, I do have a question about RF and ear piece attachment. What's the best way to attach them and should I attach them before painting or paint them separately and attach them at the end?
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Epoxy works awesome. You can paint it before or after, up to you. I attached mine before I painted, just 'cause. ;)
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Thanks for the ear cap tips, Ran!
I got more sintra today and churned out boot and knee armor. Both still need sanding and finishing and I'm not fully set on the knees yet but we'll see how they look after finishing. I'm considering making spats to attach the boot armor to to cover the laces better.
(http://i.imgur.com/gK9HNM9.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/HMIiaxo.jpg)
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I feel like I haven't posted in forever! I've gotten a lot done on my bucket this past week. I still have to fix up a few spots (ear cap paint peeled a little but nothing too awful) and a whole lot of sanding and dirtying up to to but I'm super happy with how it's turned out so far. Visor is just resting in there at the moment.
(http://i.imgur.com/vRzA3MW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/IdlMuCp.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/NyHmMlL.jpg)
I've also worked on my blasters! The left one is the nerf gun I painted and the left is a DE-10 blaster a clan mate very kindly gifted to me that I've repainted a bit to match my kit. Still need to modify the left one to make it more swarzy, I feel. And dirty it up a bit more on the barrel.
(http://i.imgur.com/RBUqeNx.jpg)
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Nice progress vod.
Digging the color scheme and your blasters though nice work.
Did an app team member get back to you on the sizing of your plates?
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Nice progress vod.
Digging the color scheme and your blasters though nice work.
Did an app team member get back to you on the sizing of your plates?
Not an app team member, but my Ruus'alor gave me the go ahead on plate size.
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Not an app team member, but my Ruus'alor gave me the go ahead on plate size.
Awesome. Was just double checking as i hadn't seen anyone post on this thread tis all. Keep up the good work.
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Thanks vod!
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Went at the bucket with acrylics and sandpaper today and I think it's safe to say it's been sufficiently weathered ;D
(again, visor is just resting in there and is not installed)
(http://i.imgur.com/zoG0g7z.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/1mefHeX.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/5MWMVBL.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/h0wby2m.jpg)
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Now we're talkin'! ;D
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Really like those colors!
How are you planning on installing the visor?
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Really like those colors!
How are you planning on installing the visor?
Either epoxy or screws. Going to an armor party this Saturday to hopefully get that done so we will see what my Ruus'alor suggests :)
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Personally, I'd go for the Chicago screws. Makes changing the visor or cleaning it easier. Going to switch to that when I can, my visor is currently held in with Velcro.
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Personally, I'd go for the Chicago screws. Makes changing the visor or cleaning it easier. Going to switch to that when I can, my visor is currently held in with Velcro.
I'll definitely keep that in mind
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Hey, loving the colour choice. I have noticed that you don't have your RF in any of your pictures. What is the plan with this? If you're planning on running without one I believe you will need to cover the top of the right earcap where the stalk should fit in
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Hey, loving the colour choice. I have noticed that you don't have your RF in any of your pictures. What is the plan with this? If you're planning on running without one I believe you will need to cover the top of the right earcap where the stalk should fit in
I have an RF in progress. Haven't installed it yet so my Alor'ad can help me with magnets and also print me a sturdier RF stalk (the one that came in my kit was pretty flimsy).
(http://i.imgur.com/5gnQpW7.jpg)
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Another update. A clan mate helped me out with tailoring my flightsuit and my flak vest! The material for the vest gave her some trouble though, so it sits a little odd. It may be remade later. Also made a new collar plate as the first one wasn't long enough. The spacing is much better, but now I see my chest plates are a tad too wide. Should I go ahead and trim them?
Flak vest
(http://i.imgur.com/nUj16ZC.jpg)
Armor taped on so it may be sitting a lil wonky.
(http://i.imgur.com/TkMm7wZ.jpg)
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Trimmed the chest plates the other day and currently tweaking those for a better fit. In the mean time, I've been painting a few armor pieces that are done and ready to go.
(http://i.imgur.com/jpHBfrJ.jpg)
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I was working in the studio on Friday and decided to bring what I had of my kit with me for some in progress photos. Everything is taped on currently so excuse some of the wonkiness. I'll be trimming the ab plate a bit to line up with the chest pieces better.
(http://i.imgur.com/vNv6AdK.jpg)
I also photoshopped my colors on the parts I haven't painted yet just for fun
(http://i.imgur.com/rvdXyKh.jpg)
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Looks like the flightsuit's a bit baggy.
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Looks like the flightsuit's a bit baggy.
Where are you seeing baggyness? It was brought in so much it's pretty tight, just wrinkly
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The legs, particularily under the shin armor.
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The legs, particularily under the shin armor.
Ah yeah I forgot to tuck it into my boots like I usually do haha. Thanks for pointing it out I hadn't noticed
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Gretat paint job on the blasters, tho you might get dinged on the nerf. There is no moding on it, so it still looks like a nerf.
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Gretat paint job on the blasters, tho you might get dinged on the nerf. There is no moding on it, so it still looks like a nerf.
Yeah I'll probably ditch the nerf. I like the DE-10 much more anyway
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I like the paintjob a lot.
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I like the paintjob a lot.
Thank you!
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paint job looks great especially with that weathering! making good progress vod!
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Weather looks really good vod. Would it be possible to get some straight on shots? From those pics it looks like the an may need to be trimmed in a little.
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Weather looks really good vod. Would it be possible to get some straight on shots? From those pics it looks like the an may need to be trimmed in a little.
The ab plate? Already trimmed it after those photos were taken :D I'll try to get more pics up soon
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The ab plate? Already trimmed it after those photos were taken :D I'll try to get more pics up soon
:)
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You picked some really nice colors vod. You'd definitely stand out in a crowd of Mandos. 8)
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Got everything painted (sans gauntlets which are still being worked on) and 70% weathered! Getting closer
(http://i.imgur.com/Ejvgqv6.jpg)
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Just found your thread! Nice progress so far. You said you trimmed the ab plate; do you have an current pictures of it on you to see if the spacing issue was corrected?
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I've been waiting on my new flak vest to get here (should be in the next day or two) before taking more photos wearing my armor, but in the mean time I've weather the heck out of everything. Here's an update on my chest armor.
(http://i.imgur.com/vlsXlCf.jpg)
Tomorrow I'm going to my Ver'alor's house to get some sewing help with my kama and cape. I'm getting so close to preapp!
EDIT:
Of course right after I post an update the mailman rings and my flak vest is here haha. Can't get in it on my own (back zipper), but I'll definitely get a good pic with everything on tomorrow
(http://i.imgur.com/jwwxT26.jpg)
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Niiiice!!!
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Love the grit and grime on those plates, vod! And the colors kinda remind me of the Shoretroopers.
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Nice vest :)
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love the look, just make sure your soft parts are equally weathered :)
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Welp, I didn't end up getting a full armor fitting pic yesterday because things took longer than expected, but I do have some update pictures!
I spent all day with my wonderful Ver'alor yesterday and she helped me so much. We knocked out a kama and got everything spaced out much better. My Ruus'alor joined us via video chat for a little bit to weigh in on spacing as well and I got the go ahead to start velcro attachment.
Here's the kama
(http://i.imgur.com/ZpMTl2Q.jpg)
And some silly pictures with my chest plates attached (minus diamond). I'm officially the sandal mando haha.
(http://i.imgur.com/ZgMIPNR.jpg)
And another silly one
(http://i.imgur.com/sEi5i1h.jpg)
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A quick update. Worked more with my Ver'alor today and took the first in kit photo with everything I have so far. We had to beat the rain so the photos were taken pretty quickly. Everything from the waist up (except biceps) is attached and below the waist is taped for now. I still need to do MUCH more weathering on soft parts but I'm starting to get excited!
(http://i.imgur.com/ZkUHNpU.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XKFVMLR.jpg)
And here's an in progress gauntlet photo. Have to fill in a couple of spots still.
(http://i.imgur.com/kFthHCd.jpg)
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You're on your way vod! The spacing looks wonky for sure though. How do you have everything attached? If it's all permanently attached with snaps or bolts, then this will be your easier solution. Trim the plates where I have them marked. I'd say take about 1/8" of the ab where marked then shift it up about 1/4". Take about 1/4"-3/8" off the collar where marked. And to keep from having to move your chest plates you may want to make a larger diamond. Otherwise you'll just need to move them in some. I know it's hard to have to go back and fix things, but it's better to know sooner than later. :) Of course if it's attached with Velcro it's a much easier fix.
(http://i.imgur.com/30UjU38.jpg)
Also, just being OCD, your thighs are actually on the wrong thighs. lol Won't get you dinged, but it isn't how they were initially designed to wear.
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Thanks for the help! It's all velcro attached. And yeah we had to attach pretty quick to beat the rain, but the plates were spaced better earlier today. Might also be partially because of an angle, as I was on a bit of a hill. In my previous post from a few days ago you can see how they were indoors the other day. As for the thighs, that's just how I personally like them ;) More mobility
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Thanks for the help! It's all velcro attached. And yeah we had to attach pretty quick to beat the rain, but the plates were spaced better earlier today. Might also be partially because of an angle, as I was on a bit of a hill. In my previous post from a few days ago you can see how they were indoors the other day. As for the thighs, that's just how I personally like them ;) More mobility
Oh, ok. Just didn't want you to get almost done and have a ton to fix. :) Be sure and post some new pics when you can so we can make sure of everything. :) As far as the thighs go, my OCD is that I can't see something and not say something. In all reality though, I'm doing my thighs the same way. :laugh: Just making sure we're all on the same page and that you weren't going for the traditional style of wearing them. lol
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Haha no problem! Thanks for the feedback :D
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I like your colors a lot. On your soft parts weathering, make sure you get that girth good and dirty otherwise that bright white will jump out and smack you across the nose. Given what you've done with your armor I have confidence you'll dirty everything up real good.
And in honor of that sandals pic, I dubb thee the Sandalorian. :D
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I like your colors a lot. On your soft parts weathering, make sure you get that girth good and dirty otherwise that bright white will jump out and smack you across the nose. Given what you've done with your armor I have confidence you'll dirty everything up real good.
And in honor of that sandals pic, I dubb thee the Sandalorian. :D
Hahaha I'll take the Sandalorian title with pride!
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Echoing what Mysterious Stranger said, you'll also want to weather that Kama a bit more, so it matches the cape. Other then that, you're doing great. Get some better pictures of those chest plates on you before you do any trimming. Looks like you need some, but I'd hate for you to trim some off only to end up too short. Hard to add material back on.
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Aye aye, Malakier. Went at the kama last night and roughed it up some more. Gonna give everything a dip in potting soil too before I do any pre app pics. I think I can get the dirt to stay on the soft parts if I give it a bit of a clear coat.
(http://i.imgur.com/lBLAuqF.jpg)
I also worked on my lower plate attachments today (no more tape! huzzah!). Definitely also gonna take in the legs around the shins and ankles more, as the first time I didn't do it enough.
(http://i.imgur.com/pBPT5hv.jpg)
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Aye aye, Malakier. Went at the kama last night and roughed it up some more. Gonna give everything a dip in potting soil too before I do any pre app pics. I think I can get the dirt to stay on the soft parts if I give it a bit of a clear coat.
(http://i.imgur.com/lBLAuqF.jpg)
I also worked on my lower plate attachments today (no more tape! huzzah!). Definitely also gonna take in the legs around the shins and ankles more, as the first time I didn't do it enough.
(http://i.imgur.com/pBPT5hv.jpg)
Looks good! Hurray for attachment! You could also use really dark brown and black chalk pastels for the dirt effect. That is what I used on all of my soft parts. :)
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Pastels are a good idea! Thanks, vod :D
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Pastels are a good idea! Thanks, vod :D
Np! :)
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I used spray paint for the "dirt" on my softs. A golden caramel color I think its called. Its the same brown I used on my armor so it was on hand.
But whatever you use, test it out on a piece of scrap first. Just to be sure it 1) has the look you're going for and 2) doesn't ruin your soft goods.
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I'm digging this cus Miami Dolphins colors. Looking good keep up the good work.
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Thanks! Haha.
Quick update, my Ruus'alors have me in pre app now! Some feedback I've already gotten is girth needs to be dirtier and the chest diamond was a little off center. They said I also may have to trim my collar but I may not so I'm leaving it for now and waiting until the main pre app consensus comes back.
(http://i.imgur.com/tGbFKQs.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/an5SZEx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/2QW6A7R.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UJPunNJ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/RUtFiyd.jpg)
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Looking good vod! The biggest thing I see is just straightening up your diamond. Your ab plate could come up about 1/8"-1/4". :)
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Pre-app team has said i need a different cape and more weathering on soft parts. Starting weathering again today and I think it's safe to say my girth is sufficiently dirty now :laugh:
(http://i.imgur.com/cscDPNb.jpg)
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Hahaha I love it!
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Whoohooo!! Finally! Something gets set on FIRE!!
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I highly recommend the use of a micro torch for blaster burns in soft parts
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looks great, your plates are really dirty and I love it! The soft parts could look a lot better with some weathering, really tying the entirety of the kit together and looking consistent across. Fire is always fun to employ, just be careful not to use too much or there won't be a Girth belt left!
The cape definitely has a lot of room for improvement. It looks like a square piece of black fabric was used. When making a cape, it helps to think of how 'billowy' or how much drape you want it to have. As an example, we'll look at Mine. I wanted to have a cape that would flow but not have too many waves.
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/14333665_1358300007548442_2889651835255573004_n.jpg?oh=5b38961271e479494ddaa906ff1f8ba7&oe=59729CFD)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14364679_1359253850786391_3922795461615888687_n.jpg?oh=1716525d76bd0d500322f92d065a072e&oe=5963E3D3)
The squarer you make a Cape, the more it'll billow and wave. Superman, with his awe inspiring cape and all those wonderful things (Most of the dramatic scenes were CGI) used what was a large square piece of fabric. Then the cut off One corner to give it a mounting position, and then cut the bottom to make it 'level' of sorts.
Hopefully this helps!
Bariikas
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Thanks for the info! I'll definitely reference it when I go to make a new cape.
As for the girth, don't worry it survived just fine haha
(http://i.imgur.com/856o0Tv.jpg)
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For being lit on fire, that turned out great! ;D
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Cape update! My fantastic Ver'alor is the best and banged out a new cape for me this afternoon. We took some design inspiration from yours, Bariikas, so thank you so much for the help and information!
(http://i.imgur.com/gXhNwUI.jpg)
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That cape looks awesome vod!!
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My girlfriend and I had a weathering party for the soft parts today. Got lots of pastel dust everywhere and resubmitted pre app pics to my Ruus'alors :D
(http://i.imgur.com/aZJBpl0.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/RK6gNto.jpg)
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This is gonna be good! ;D
*grabs popcorn bag*
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PASTELS!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
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That looks like it worked out really well!
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Today's the day! Took my app pics and submitted to my Ruus'alors for the final ok before submitting. Just waiting to here back from one of them before I send it in. Thank you to everyone who has given me pointers here. They have been so so helpful in getting my kit done.
I don't wanna post so many huge app pics in a row, so here's a pic my girlfriend took on the brief outing we did after we took app pics.
(http://i.imgur.com/Fe4q35r.jpg)
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Good luck, vod! I think it looks amazing.
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Good luck vod! You've got this!
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(http://i.imgur.com/Fe4q35r.jpg)
This right here is proof that every color scheme, no matter how bright or unconventional, blends in to some environment somewhere. Love it!
You've done all the right things and your kit looks great. You'll have those stripes in no time.
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Thanks for all the kind words, everyone :D Now I'm anxiously waiting for the app team to get back to me, which is definitely the hardest part of this whole process haha.
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So no email yet, but I got my kill stripes! :D
EDIT:
Got my email and CAT number! MMCC #1732 reporting for duty!
(http://i.imgur.com/dHxs3lm.jpg)
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Awesome!! Congrats, vod! ;D
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Congratulations man!
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Grats, vod!
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Congrats!!
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Figured I'd post here for anyone interested, but I'm in the midst of brigade upgrades for shock infantry privateer! My WIP is here
http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=131020.0