ROTJ - 501st Approved. Now for updates

kelev · May 8, 2016

Posted on the BHG site too, not sure which was best or if both was totally acceptable...

I'm waiting on my helmet to come back from being painted, then I think I'll be ready to submit my application. (I have a hastily-made homemade/home-painted one in my profile pic. Not the final one)

Putting this out there now so that I can make any necessary changes while I'm waiting for the helmet. If I could get some feedback on any red flags you see that would keep me from getting approved, that would be great. What are some big issues you see as well as general tips/suggestions.

Thanks all!

(it felt wrong to post a helmet-less Boba, so I slapped on a digital one

)

I do have a divers buckle attached to my jetpack harness, just can't see it in these photos. Which makes me wonder if my flak vest is too long. I thought it was a half inch, but looking at these pictures make me wonder. I may have to measure again. What do you guys think of the flak vest length and armor placement?

The braids were originally for ROTJ SE. Should I change them to just the blonde, brown and black?

Which direction do the hip pouches angle? Are they good as is, or is it the other way? I can't find a good reference photo since the arms are always in the way...

Do the jetpack straps require any weathering?

I have ridiculously skinny wrists and the gauntlets I got are fairly heavy. Not a good combo for them staying on my wrist. I put a bit of padding in there, but my right gauntlet still wants to slide down when my arm is down (also due to the hoses being a bit restrictive). I may need to play around with where the hoses attach by my shoulder blade, but what else have you all done to make sure your gauntlets stay put?

A couple more shots in the shade and inside for color/weathering references. I'm sure I need to weather the thong strap and knee straps. On that note, does the ROTJ version require the thong strap? The CRL says yes, but I've seen some posts on the forums without, but maybe they just didn't have it on at the time.

I also have the shin tools completely ready to go, just didn't put them in for these pics.
I'm in the middle of putting together the EE3 as well. Havent gotten pics of that yet.

I'll update with pics of those along with any modifications I make from your input.

What do you think so far? Your feedback is appreciated!

kelev · May 8, 2016

When I click on the pictures, it opened a new page instead of just expanding here.

I'm uploading again to try and make viewing easier

dv8r · May 8, 2016

RE: gauntlets. I found with the metal rocket much weight was added, so I put a velcro strap inside (secured on one of the rocket mounting screws) to help hold the gauntlet in place. I think you can see it (barely) in this photo:

Your costume looks very good! I especially like your jet pack. You may need some weathering on the straps from cod to kidney plate, and on the knee armor (I have heard some GMLs call that out) but I wouldn't worry about the jet pack straps. You may also need the leather strap woven through the back of the ammo belt, and you should probably fix the scalps.

kelev · May 8, 2016

Thanks for the feedback! Definitely going to weather those straps and get the braids sorted correctly.

I'll try the velcro too. I already put a bit of padding in but didn't want to put too much.

Please, everyone keep the comments coming with how you think it stacks up

kelev · Sep 1, 2016

It's been awhile, time for an update.

My helmet arrived! I did a rough cut-out of the visor, will go back and smooth it out in the next week. I also begun installing the amazing lights and servo kit from jc27.

(perspective is off on the last pic, makes the helmet look small. I tried on the helmet and it's perfect size with room to spare for electronics)

Second big update is replacing the upper armor with RKD version 3. It's my first time using masking fluid to paint, very interesting stuff, and I'm using rafalfett's templates and the rattlecan colors listed by toolguy31. I think the armor is turning out ok for my first time, hoping I'm doing this right! (kept a picture comparing my old aluminum armor above the new RKD armor)

Am I on the right track here?

kelev · Jan 25, 2017

Been awhile. I've updated on the BHG but not here. Wondering what everyone thinks.

Hoping some of these can be my final application pics for 501st.

Is anything off, here? I tried to take as many and detailed pics as possible. (I think my ammo belt is sagging a bit in front, but I'm hoping that wont matter too much)

jthornton1993 · Jan 25, 2017

Just a quick glance. They might say something about the bottom of your legs not being dirty enough.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh and you're missing the 2 dental files for the back of the helmets key slots

Tfett40 · Jan 25, 2017

Dental files on the back of the helmet for sure, looks like it would be the only thing that might hold you up. You are also missing the symbols on the lower tanks of the jetpack. The weathering is subjective. Iv seen less get approved for basic. Overall, nice job man.

kelev · Jan 26, 2017

Thanks guys!

I'm looking to do the dental files for level 2 certification down the road, just looking for basic 501st approval right now. But I might still add them sooner rather than later to really complete the look

I added more weathering to the flak vest and legs before these last pics, I guess more is needed. That arizona sun washes out a lot in pictures, but looking at the shadowed pics I still can't see the weathering as much as I'd like to. I know it's a bit subjective, but a good call out. Thanks again fellas.

Mullreel · Jan 26, 2017

Yes I would add more weathering. I hear people all the time say "it is weathered it just doesn't show up in the picture"....to which I always respond It shows up in the pictures you looked at for reference so it should show up in the pictures you take. I personally think that a well weathered Boba Fett just looks more correct. The clean ones tend look more store bought than realistic.

Overall I think it looks pretty good as the other guys have said. The fit an sizing look good and you wear it well. I would think this would get an approval without much trouble at all.

kelev · Jan 28, 2017

Thanks @Mullreel! Definitely going to add more weathering to suit, vest, and rifle.

On that note, I was trying to find a thread on the rifle paintup/weathering, but couldnt find anything too detailed. I don't have an airbrush at home, what are my options and does anyone know a good thread to follow with a more detailed process for weathering the EE-3?

kelev · Jan 28, 2017

How does this look?

Compared with what it was:

Mullreel · Jan 28, 2017

Looks pretty good to me.

kelev · Jan 28, 2017

Awesome. Thanks!

I hit the flight suit and flak vest too. Looking to do another full suit up with a buddy on Monday. Will post a couple pics then to get feedback on weathering.

Sent from my SM-N900T

BobaFett1313 · Jan 28, 2017

I never knew the back of the helmet was a different color green? Is that supposed to be like that?

Sent from my iPhone

kelev · Jan 28, 2017

Yup. You're talking about the lower half of the back? It's a slightly darker, or truer in my opinion, green than the dome. Dome is a lighter shade of green.

You can really see it in the side pic:

Sent from my SM-N900T

TheeCaptain · Jan 28, 2017

Nice work !

Sent from my iPhone

Mullreel · Jan 29, 2017

BobaFett1313 said:
I never knew the back of the helmet was a different color green? Is that supposed to be like that?

Sent from my iPhone

Yes the back panels on ROTJ are a very different green. It is a bright almost kelly green color. Not the olive drab style greens that are everywhere else.

kelev · Jan 31, 2017

Got my rifle and my soft parts dirtied up more. Gonna take pictures with another Mando buddy of mine tonight at the mountains. Some "official" and some just for fun

Will post pics soon to see how the weathering turned out.