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Day 45 and the adventure continues....
 
 
So I'm hoping to some day hopefully soon to share my thoughts on Anovos's officers uniform. but I'm still waiting, and waiting, and waiting....
 
 
I haven't shared my latest Anovos experience here or on FB so here it goes.
 
As some of you may recall I lived in Japan til around mid last year. Promptly after my return to the US I contacted Anovos regarding the change of address. Wow to think that someone may actually move 2+ years after they had ordered - what a notion.
 
I contacted them via chat and provided the information. having low confidence in there ability based on previous experience I contacted them again a few days later via their CS ticket system and again provided all the pertinent information. Several weeks later I got a confirmation that the info had been received and updated.
 
Now fast forward several months to Dec 19 of last year. I get notification that the item has shipped - to the wrong (old) address. I quickly get in touch with Anovos and tell them about the shipment being sent to the wrong address. To summarize I've been in contact with them on several occasions at 5 to 7+ day intervals with the following results:
 
1st contact - Sorry for mistake we will have it re-directed (Is was sent USPS so I know they cant do that)
2nd contact - Sorry we couldn't redirect - we are looking into sending a new shipment out to you.
3rd contact - Sorry we have no ticket or record of you having an issue - we will need to start a new ticket.
4th contact - Still looking into the issue - a replacement *may* be sent. Sorry can't give you a number or contact info for a supervisor/management person.
 
In the interim USPS has been of very little help even though they too have my address in case they needed to forward a package. It has now traveled - Simi Valley > Chicago > Tokyo > New York > Chicago > Tokyo > New York > Chicago > Tokyo and is now back in New York.
 
Yes - this package has actually gone to/from the US to Japan 3 times! - so my package has logged more frequent flyer miles than me by traveling the equivalent of 1 1/2 times around the world.
 
All this time Anovos continues to stall in what I figure is the hope that either the package will make its way back to them or by a miracle get to me. 
 
 
 
 
 

Paul,
 
I totally get wanting to give garrison mates & pending applicants some time to get used to the new standard. That being said wouldn't the same issue of just removing the 4" boxes in 2018 do the same thing? As there will be people at that time that would have a WIP or pending application?
 
I would suggest that at the next CRL change that verbiage be added that 4" boxes would be acceptable for level 1 till a particular cutoff date - say for example 90 days from the time the revised CRL is posted. That way people that are currently have a WIP or pending costume can still get approved. Once the 90 day (or whatever is established) has transpired the CRL is revised so that 4" boxes are not listed as an option.
 
 

Fortunately this isn't a show stopper for me as I have several belts that I can use in lieu of the Anovos one. I do somewhat regret getting a staff instead of a line officer.

Paul,
 
I totally get wanting to give garrison mates & pending applicants some time to get used to the new standard. That being said wouldn't the same issue of just removing the 4" boxes in 2018 do the same thing? As there will be people at that time that would have a WIP or pending application?
 
I would suggest that at the next CRL change that verbiage be added that 4" boxes would be acceptable for level 1 till a particular cutoff date - say for example 90 days from the time the revised CRL is posted. That way people that are currently have a WIP or pending costume can still get approved. Once the 90 day (or whatever is established) has transpired the CRL is revised so that 4" boxes are not listed as an option.
 
 

Having done a few printed blasters the biggest issue I have found with some of the models available free or to purchase is that they really weren't made to be printed and will require some modification to the models. The focus seems to have been placed solely on reproducing a faithful representation with very little thought put into actual assembly, fitment of parts or limitations of printer volume (bed space).
 
The most common issue I have run into has been fitment. Even when the model is a very accurate or detailed representation you just can get the pieces to fit together because the tolerances (space need between parts) are just too tight or in some cases non-existent. This could require major rework of the model to massage out those issues depending on the number of parts and complexity as a whole and if you don't have the right software or skill set may end up being an exercise in frustration.
 
Here's an example of my latest printed blaster - it doesn't fall under IOC but this E-22 was a real pleasure to print/assemble as all the issues I mentioned were taken into consideration. All parts with the exception of the PVC pipe core (not visible) and the sling/attachments were 3D printed. 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Having done a few printed blasters the biggest issue I have found with some of the models available free or to purchase is that they really weren't made to be printed and will require some modification to the models. The focus seems to have been placed solely on reproducing a faithful representation with very little thought put into actual assembly, fitment of parts or limitations of printer volume (bed space).
 
The most common issue I have run into has been fitment. Even when the model is a very accurate or detailed representation you just can get the pieces to fit together because the tolerances (space need between parts) are just too tight or in some cases non-existent. This could require major rework of the model to massage out those issues depending on the number of parts and complexity as a whole and if you don't have the right software or skill set may end up being an exercise in frustration.
 
Here's an example of my latest printed blaster - it doesn't fall under IOC but this E-22 was a real pleasure to print/assemble as all the issues I mentioned were taken into consideration. All parts with the exception of the PVC pipe core (not visible) and the sling/attachments were 3D printed. 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

I'd recommend keeping an eye on WW's FB page. He tends to keep it the most current with updates on restocks.
 
 

I'd use lexan scissors or a dremel. Score/snap would also do the trick - though I prefer that method for straight cuts along flat surfaces and would probably disassemble the helmet so the skirt laid flat and easier to snap.
 

Congrats on reaching this milestone!

Way to go Ben!

FIVE TROOPS IN FIVE DAYS
 
Hello Officers, Crew, and Troopers! My name is Biscuit, ID-39999, of the Central California Garrison and the IOC Morale Officer. I want to share a journey with you, to raise my spirits and hopefully show the power of what we do. Two weeks after retiring, my Mom, Dawn Salisbury, was informed that she had irreversible colon cancer. After a year of suffering, she died on May 1st, 2011, five years ago. We also recently lost a comrade, John Salles, a police officer, Iraq war veteran, and sci-fi fanatic. I decided that I would try to honor them both with 5 troops in 5 straight days, centered around the 5th anniversary of my Mom's passing and John's funeral. I am about to attend troop 4 this morning, so I will update this afternoon. As a thank you to you all, every single troop i'm in an Officer uniform of some type. Please save comment after i have posted troop 5 OF 5. Thank you for joining me, my sci-fi fantasy family!
 
For the Empire!--------------BisQuIt

Ron -
 
If you go to my "corner" thread in the IOC only subforum you can see some examples of 3D printed parts for a FO pistol.
 
There are also some pics of some 3D parts I printed for my DH-17 build here - http://www.imperialofficer.com/forum/index.php?/topic/4123-dh17-build-wip-and-a-couple-of-other-projects/?hl=dh17
 
Some people go with some glazing putty and sanding while other are using a product like XTC-3D from smooth-on to remove some of the artifacting that occurs with printing 

You can still find them on ebay for about $35 shipped. Not too bad cost wise.

Cosplaysky is an option as well as MonCal (Far Away Creations). If memory serves Cosplaysky is slightly cheaper, but only marginally. 
 
You may also want to consider getting a regular officer hat so that you can troop in costume while waiting on your MC helmet.

I enjoyed the beta. As a PTFO player I do agree it disappointing when you see so many player going all lone wolf.
The one thing I wish they change is the somewhat random location for spawning. I really hope they go to something similar to all the other Dice games where you can select your spawn point.

Open beta (4 Days) will be in less than 2 weeks. Around Oct 9-12 I believe.

I was the one that started the thread/posted and later removed the links on JRS. The links on this thread are of the same vendor in question.
 
Hard to provide advise as each persons tolerance to risk and loss is different. I will say its EBay so buyer beware.

Yep...
 
http://www.stargarrison.com/gateway/main.php

Depending on your boot size I think you can pull off a staff or line officer for 300-350.

Megan,
 
Was looking through some folders and found a copy of the image. Of course I would still double check with Francois.
 

It seems like they are updating the site. They had a diagram showing where to take 7 different measurements but I can't find the image on their site. In addition to the 7 measurements you also give your shoe size.
You might need to contact Francois to see if he can provide the image.

I would suggest you have this measurement taken while in a seated postion and in shorts. I would also suggest you have someone do it for you.Now when seated you will see the natural fold that occurs behind the knee between the back of you calf and thigh.
Take the measurement along the back of your calf. Starting at the bottom of your feet (ball) up to a point that will likely be an inch or two below that fold. Basically what you want is to avoid having what will be the top (shaft rim) of the boot cut into the back of the knee or touching your thigh.
Hope this makes sense.

My personal policy has always been ....
 
Ask Detachment.  If a resounding no, stop and choose another item.  If a resounding yes, feel safe in purchasing.  If even one "maybe", send all pictures and references of the item to local GML and ask "Is this approvable" before purchasing.

Well the first IOC costume that I completed was my crewman, which doubles up as mi TIE pilot - reserve. I picked it as I knew it would be the starting off point for other costumes. Shortly after my IC I got my first Staff Officer which got replaced a few months later with another set. Other costumes that I have are the Navy Trooper (both versions), Warrant Officer and Imperial Gunner.
Im currently working on a TIE Pilot and a AT-AT Driver. I also jumped on the Anovos TK kit bandwagon. I would like to eventually get a Line Officer and AT-AT Commander as well.
To me costumes are like potato chips.... You can't have just one.

Well the first IOC costume that I completed was my crewman, which doubles up as mi TIE pilot - reserve. I picked it as I knew it would be the starting off point for other costumes. Shortly after my IC I got my first Staff Officer which got replaced a few months later with another set. Other costumes that I have are the Navy Trooper (both versions), Warrant Officer and Imperial Gunner.
Im currently working on a TIE Pilot and a AT-AT Driver. I also jumped on the Anovos TK kit bandwagon. I would like to eventually get a Line Officer and AT-AT Commander as well.
To me costumes are like potato chips.... You can't have just one.