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Shin Guard Identification
Images
Due to requests from larger fans, we
have changed the designated parts application. Please don't worry, this was done
only because larger fans found that the deeper calf piece tended to fit slightly
better when used on the outside of the leg. You legs may differ, so build to
suit your exact requirements for both comfort and legion acceptance. The
changing of application, visually, makes almost no difference.
The shin guards for this
style of armor are somewhat peculiar and they actually consist of the two same
pieces for both side, an outer and an inner, but used in reverse. Many builders
use only two molds to create the four calf pieces required to make a set of shin
guards, which is actually just fine and certainly acceptable by all standards.
Since one knee is covered by the knee plate, the upper point of the crown is not
visible on both knees.
On this particular set of
armor, four separate molds were created which make up the following pieces:
1. Right Outer
2. Right Inner
3. Left Inner
4. Left Outer.
I know, it's confusing and
when first looking at the pieces from this kit, the difference is a little
difficult to spot, but we'll show you how.
First, remember this is our
interpretation and you may build your suit to any manner or style you wish,
technically, you'll be correct either way.
Below are all four pieces,
they look very similar, so we'll discuss the differences.
First, you will immediately
see that there are two basic designs of the crown, one has a more gentle taper
downwards and one has a more sharpened 'V' appearance.
Photo Below:
The shin guards with the
sharpened 'V' design function as the Left Outer and the Right Inner
Photo Below:
The Shin Guards with the
more gentle taper, function as the Right Outer and the Left Inner.
The simple rule is as
follows: Depth and Crown Design.
Look at this image of a
man's right leg. If you draw a line down the middle of the calf region from the
foot to the ankle, you'll see that most men's legs tend to be just slightly
larger on the outer side. But we're all different so this may vary on your own
legs. It's actually not that important.
Therefore, most fans use the
wider (deeper) calf pieces for the outside and the thinner (shallower) pieces
for the inside.
Again, since the calf pieces
are formed on pretty deep tooling anyways, the odds are that either will work.
You will need to trim them accordingly to adjust your fit and then apply the
cover strips to meet 501st requirements.
Most fans prefer to use the
shins as follows, but if you are more comfortable using the deeper shins on the
inside, it's certainly an option.
If you notice, the slightly
shallower pieces have a deeper cut right at the top where the molded ridge
begins. Some fans like this on the outside, but again, it's your suit and you
can build it as you wish.
For purposes of parts
identification, we'll use the following images:
Hopefully this will answer
any questions you may have. Enjoy!
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