Hi Everyone .. you're too kind. Again, my very humble "thanks" to all of you ! :cheers
A few Notes about the V.3 Armor -
I wanted to take a quick moment to go over a few last minute possible points of interest before members start receiving their armor. Just to make sure there is clarification, and no surprises for those members that are new to the board and may not be aware. As well as the old timers, that may be getting a touch of "Alzheimer's"
<kidding of course>
POI #1 -
As stated early in this thread, as well as in Post #1, the armor comes to you, "Rough Trimmed". They will NOT look like the gallery pictures posted earlier in the thread. I know, that this is most likely understood, as I have never offered fully trimmed vacuum formed armor due to time involved and trying to keep costs reasonable, but there may be a member here or there that didn't pick up on it. So again, I just wanted this to be clear to everyone. "Rough Trimmed" mens that the main flashing has been removed from around each armor piece. This is actually a service to you, as it's dangerous trimming the large portions of the flashing, hot plastic can HURT YOU
It even nipped me yesterday, and now I have a nice little blister on the bottom of my right lower eyelid. A piece flew up UNDER my cute little face shield. So be careful !
But there is usually about 1/8 th up to 1/2 inch left on some pieces. The final trimming is up to the member to do as they see fit (as some like thicker bevels around the edges of the armor, and others like very thin bevels for accuracy).
POI #2 -
When the armor is shipped, it can have dust on the armor pieces, and they can be a little dirty in appearance (not perfect snow white). Where this is not the norm, it depends my shop environment when the armor is "Rough Trimmed" for shipment. It is a VERY messy job. Rest assured, it's just dust, and wipes right off. There will also be "trimming remnants" or melted "plastic nibs" for lack of a better term, all over the inside of the box, and around the edges of the armor. Again, this is normal for "Rough Trimmed" plastic parts. When all is said and done, armor finish trimmed, it will all clean up very nice with soap and water. Also keep in mind, that the armor parts should to be lightly sanded for "primer" to properly adhere before painting.
POI #3 -
Trimming. This is mostly up to interpretation, and preference. However, as a general rule, and for highest accuracy to the screen worn parts, the "bevel" around each armor part, or "lip" as seen from the underside of each piece, should be VERY small (thin). So considering this "general rule", each piece should be trimmed with the inside "lip" being no greater than 1/8 th of an inch, a smidgen less is best for proper appearance. This basic principal can be illustrated in an old tutorial thread for V.2 knees from days of yesteryear (literally, last year)
Here you will also find a link to the tutorial I made for V.1 knees , posted on my website. Both should probably be read if you are unfamiliar with trimming vacuum formed parts. (pay no attention to the bad spelling and grammar that was never corrected
)
Knee Armor Tutorial Thread
The same principals in this thread, as well as the link to the knee tutorial on my website, should be applied to the V.3 knees (disregard the assembly instructions of course). Trimming only. These principals can also be generally applied to trimming the rest of your armor. So check it out. If anyone needs further assistance, post here, and I'll do my best to assist you all.
POI #4 -
There was a nice little update made to the Backplate right before production commenced. I didn't have time to post it sooner, because of the crunch.
This update was made thanks to the keen eyeballs of one of our very own here participating in this thread. A special thanks to Kbrosseau for pointing out this little detail that I've overlooked for years.
The Jet Pack/Rocketpack housings on each side of the backplate have very light "tracks" for the nylon straps to ride between. Again, a nice little detail added right under the wire
Again, :cheers to Kbrosseau ! (The pic below should show in about 15 minutes or so, my server is being updated)
A note about shipping. There are a couple of international members that still need shipping quotes. In the interest of speedy delivery, I have taken the liberty of covering the shipping in advance for some. I will send PM's out this evening to make arrangements for reimbursement. I trust that no one here would leaving my holding the bag on that
I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss the window on getting your armor as soon as possible. Rest assured, I was fair, and got you the best bang, for your bucks
Hellopike - your knees were to be fulfilled after as many complete sets were put together as possible. Because of the plastic supply , I am always unable to part orders out until I know what I have left over from the complete set orders so that I don't short the those kits. This is standard for me. I thought I made that clear, if not, you have my sincere apologies. I should be able to get them out for you when the next plastic shipment arrives, perhaps by the end of the week (as it turns out, I'm working through Christmas anyway and not talking off 10 days to go home for the Holidays as originally planned) Second Holiday in a row :facepalm
I should be around and contactable through the weekend should anyone need to speak with me about anything else. Perhaps even Monday. After that, I'm in blackout as most of you probably will be for Christmas. So I'd like to take this opportunity (in case I miss it later), to thank each and everyone one of you again for your patience, commitment, and support ! And last, but certainly not least ... to wish a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, to you and yours! May all of your wishes, hopes, and dreams come true in this magical season !
:cheers
FP