This is a build for my 10-year-old son, Cameron. A few years ago, I built a Battle Buddy FOTK conversion for him, and he loved it more than anything. He would have slept in it if I allowed it. He was treated like a rock star everywhere he went in it, and he completely embraced the badass First Order Stormtrooper we all know and love from the movies. He was approved in it for Galactic Academy, and has trooped with me many times- always stealing the show!  
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Earlier this year I was approached by our Garrison Membership Liaison who requested some guidance from me about the FOTK Battle Buddy conversion process. The Garrison was looking to build a kid-sized FOTK for a 5-year-old boy named Jimmy (he has chronic heart conditions) whose only wish was to have a stormtrooper helmet.   (Most people don’t even consider that something like an entire suit of FOTK armor exists in a child’s size, so the best Jimmy could hope for was a FOTK helmet.) However, we ALL know that it’s possible! Since I am one of just a few troopers in our Garrison who have taken the journey of the FOTK Battle Buddy build, there was hope that I could help with putting one together for Jimmy.
I told my son about Jimmy and his conditions and that I *might* be making another one. My son started to cry, and when I asked him why, he said, “I want Jimmy to have my stormtrooper armor. He’s had a hard life, and I want him to feel happy.” I was very moved by his reaction, but told him to think about it first. I didn’t want Cameron to give his armor away simply because he thought it was something that I wanted him to do. He was very attached to his armor, and I didn’t understand how he suddenly could offer it up like that. He said he would think about it, and we didn’t discuss it any further.
A week later, Cameron brought $60 of his saved allowance (which was pretty much all he had), dumped it on our kitchen counter, and said, “I want to donate this to the American Heart Association.” What??? It was such an “out-of-the-blue” gesture for him, and it took me by surprise. Then I remembered Jimmy. So I asked Cameron, “So, is this about Jimmy? The armor?” And he yelled at me, “Yes! I want to help Jimmy! I want to give my armor to him. I haven’t changed my mind!” Okay then. He wanted to keep the helmet, though.  
  And that’s what happened. Â
Somehow I was chosen to be the person who was the “voice” for the surprises during the Bert’s Big Adventure presentation . (Watch out- nerd with a mic!) The Georgia Garrison presented Jimmy with a Battle Buddy first. Jimmy was soooo excited about it! I don’t think that the family knew that there was moooooore! After that, Lord Vader presented Jimmy with a FOTK helmet (a lovely Rubies Deluxe conversion crafted by our own Sith Lord, Scott Britt). Jimmy was thrilled! Then came the biggie… the Garrison donated a small case on wheels to hold the armor (just like the one I used for Cameron’s armor), and the case was wheeled out in front of Jimmy and his family. I don’t think they understood what was being presented until I started pulling out the chest and back plates and said, it’s his VERY OWN ARMOR. Jimmy cheered, and the parents started to cry.    Cameron suddenly became shy and stood off to the side, a little overwhelmed at all the people and the excitement.Â
Could a mom be any prouder? I think not!
And if you’re still here… As a gesture of thanks to Cameron, I’m rewarding him with a new set of 3D printed FOTK armor. This set will be more screen accurate than the Battle Buddy for sure. I’m trying to build to 501st specs along the way. I don’t know a thing about the FOTK armor, so I’m learning as I go. I bought my files here, and the person who made the files has been very, very, very receptive when I’ve requested changes to the files for improved accuracy and/or model print improvements. Seriously, if I ask for a change, I usually get a new file within an hour. I don’t think he ever sleeps. Most change requests were for improved thickness of the parts. Everything prints out really solid.
Here are most of the parts I’ve printed/assembled so far. Using Armorsmith, I’ve been able to scale everything down to fit Cameron nicely. Still have lots of sanding and gluing of greeblies before priming these parts. The white stuff on the seams is Apoxie Paste, and it sands like buttah. The shins are two halves (another request I made), and they are attached with heavy white elastic on the outside. I’ll be securing them closed on the insides with some elastic and velcro.
I love the shape of the FOTK back.
Another change that was made per my request was that the yoke and back be formed in one piece. It is incredibly solid and very strong, yet has some flex to it as well (yay for ABS printing!). Cameron loves sliding this piece on. He keeps saying that it’s like a Halo backpack.
And today was the first day of priming parts! The weather was nice enough today to get a few light coats of filler primer on the biceps. One thing I love about filler primer is how it shows you what you need to work on. Like more fine sanding on those printed buckles.
A small step on a much longer journey, but I’m excited about the trip!
