LVLAsian's Imperial Surplus Praetorian Build

[LVLAsian]

Back to the Spats for a bit.

Going to do what I did for my FOTK as the Spats don't naturally want to close without some tension wanting to pull it out.

Did a hot water bath on the Spats to bend them a bit so they will settle where I want them to be



Before the Hot Water Bath, notice it wants to bend down and outwards





Heating up the spat, using a strainer so the plastic doesn't hit the hot metal on the bottom and easier to get out. Left it in for about 20-30 seconds at a time.



Can't really take good pictures as I need both hands but got some thick gloves to bend into shape.



After bending and cooling





Also started 3D printing my self modded files from Empire3D that I made

[LVLAsian]

Spats Cont. Again

The Resin Clips come in straight and need to be bended with a heat gun.







Before Heat Gun


After Heat Gun


I decided to take another page from UKWrath from FISD with his spats and do the snap mod Found Here

Wanted to try this as using Velcro on my FOTK it wanted to come off after walking for a while but then again might be user error.

Again this isn't required for the kit, just something I want to do for mine





Snapped Closed


Same for the Shin Clips, had to bend them with a heat gun


Abs Purse Slots

I started with the two Center holes first to get where I wanted it then measured out to the outside ones




Marked the two outside holes


Maybe overkill but behind the holes, I glue in a plate to help reinforce the holes in case it wants to crack in the future

[LVLAsian]

Small update

Cold weather has been making it really difficult to do anything (15F at the moment) and with all the snow emergencies I wanted to save all my propane I use to heat my workspace in case of an emergency

Decided to stick with a white primer to lay the Red over, only done the base coat so far. Saving the 2K clear coat after everything is painted red.

[LVLAsian]

More painting but ran out... 6 cans of Dupi Color was not enough and waiting for the next shipment

Have the Shins, Chest, and Helmet left




Paint I've been using/planning to use. Haven't clear coated yet

[LVLAsian]

Ran out of Red Paint so started 2K Clear Coating the parts I finished painting, as always 2K comes out beautifully

[andyman97]

Nice job, this is coming out great so far.

[LVLAsian]

Still alive, haven't been able to work on this kit as much as the weather for painting isn't very ideal and work keeping me busy

For what I was able to paint for the chest, I started over a bit as (probably my fault) the lines on the wings of the chest got filled in too much with paint which can barely be seen. It being shallow makes it challenging to keep the detail up painting it over it.



So I started over and started sanding down the area



I took a tip from watching Gunpla videos and got myself a Model Scriber to edge the lines in deeper to make the detail pop more



I used a 1mm scriber to carve away the plastic and I'm happy with the result


Yes that is a bandaid and yes I stabbed myself lol...

[Shikkakku]

That scriber is a really smart idea! I should look into getting one and not just for my gunpla...

[LVLAsian]

Back from the dead...

I'll keep it sort that I got MAJOR burn out with trying to paint this kit, a Paint shop damaging my armor without refunding me, and needing to finish my TK before Weird Al came to my city...

Anyhow I finally got it painted...

I'm going to guess IS fixed this by now but made my own template for the two missing stickers for the "Pill Boxes" I used the Strip meant for the FOTK TD. Also added the elastic strapping inside.





I've been a fan of using a Zipper to close the rear instead of blindly having to reach for snaps or velcro so used this to close the AB.




Don't know what else to call it but went with a Cummerbund like my Scout Trooper for the Skirt. Thanks to Andy/andyman97 build thread for providing a starting point on measurements for the skirt panels itself.


The base of it without the panels before sewing it.


I converted the Skirt Template into a CAD Drawing so I can print it out and use it as a template. Can't figure out how to attach files to the post... worse case I'll make a google drive link if needed. I also uploaded it to the Facebook group. I did use the template as a BASELINE so mine is a little different from the original as everyone is different. I adjusted it as I tested it on some some throwaway fabric.




Poor mans weight to keep the fabric still with water bottle lol, after adjusting the template and preparing to cut



Test Fit after cutting my first panel


Test Fit of all the panels on the cummerbund pinning it in place




Close up on my closure point. I sewed half of the front panel on my left side and it's a velcro closer to the right



On to more strapping of other stuff...