So I had a planning thread, but it's a few months old and filled with a bunch of ideas that aren't happening at this point. I was still a big time noob but I'm fairly well read now.
I'll keep this as a thread purely for updates on progress and discussion related to it so it doesn't get too clouded.
My bucket is my first big piece that I'm building, but I'll just link to the WIP thread for that until I get just about finished and keep the detailed updates over there.
http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=43889.0As far as soft parts, I have a flight suit, balaclava, and boots with boot socks in the mail.
Here is a test fit shot of me wearing the flight suit, balaclava, and bucket so far. I put temporary padding in the right places to get the bucket to sit on my head where it needs to be. I have tons of room on the sides in there, but front to back it still ended up pretty tight. My nose is not flat at all, and it leaves me with probably only 3/8" free space from the visor (with my nose). With the padding all in there too hold it in place that will be plenty though.

After I get the bucket sanding to satisfaction it goes on a shelf and I move on. I don't want to start upper armor pieces until the vest is done, but I'll be ready for all of the lower half as soon as the boots get here. I want to pick up my belt to work on soon too.
I also have an old paintball gun that I'm going to totally disassemble and build a pistol out of. That has to happen before I build my holster onto my hip armor.