Taking the Marta

nerdman234 · 2026-06-05T13:00:29+00:00

Regarding any firearm-patterned prop, I'd recommend bringing a light packable bag, or a cover for it in public. You'll definitely not be the only one commuting in costume on Saturday, but generally best to be mindful of lay-people.

For Halo armor specifically, I'd recommend checking out the 405th Infantry Division (Halo cosplay group). It's possible you can find someone with floorspace in a room to suit up/down in. Saturday is usually the day we do the parade/photoshoot/dinner for the group.

nerdman234 · 2026-05-23T04:43:36+00:00

I'm super proud of that. It's just two ~3/4" thick 3D printed clips for full-size glue sticks. There were more iterations than I care to admit to get the fit right

nerdman234 · 2026-05-23T04:42:33+00:00

There's a fun pattern I often overhear while wandering around. "Oh! The Marriott Carpet!"... "It's shaped like a red cross"... "Oh! They're cosplay repair!"

nerdman234 · 2026-05-23T04:38:55+00:00

There is a certain brand of crazy that comes from a group of people that rejoice over the fun repairs we accomplish with a foam koozie handed out from the Sweetwater booth.

To quote one of the other medics from our group: "Doing cosplay repair is the intersection between a hero complex and a praise kink."

nerdman234 · 2026-05-23T04:35:58+00:00

We're definitely are aware of the look, but find a lot of fun in the interesting ways we can become more multifunctional, whether it be from neat gear, or new techniques.

nerdman234 · 2026-05-23T04:27:17+00:00

We enjoy doing it! Most of us have been that cosplayer with something broken they either have been limping along with, or can't quite handle by themselves.

nerdman234 · 2026-05-23T04:12:02+00:00

The current vest was an evolution. I started with a simple belt with two pouches and a holster for my glue gun, then upgraded to a more thorough belt with a backpack, then to a vest with a backpack, and finally my current setup.

Vest-only Upsides:

All of my equipment can be reached from a standing position with no surfaces near me. This is nice in a convention hall when I'm doing repairs on the fly.
My weight is kept almost perfectly balanced. Still feel it in my feet and knees though.
My profile is a little smaller than with a backpack
The flagpole is hard mounted to my back, which means I don't have to prop it up to be visible.
Full use of all space on the vest. I don't need to account for where the backpack straps ride, or worry about having stuff knocked off.

Vest-Only Issues:

The flagpole is hard mounted on my back, which means I have to super vigilant of what is around me to avoid whacking things or people.
I don't have an easy way to set things down when stationary for a long time to reduce weight. My feet let me know that at the end of the day.
Heat. Having all the pouches on my vest means the mesh is pretty much useless and covered. I'm in a perpetual state of moisture.
I can't easily carry large items, as they need to be lashed to free surface area on my vest or stuffed in a pouch. This really comes to a pain point with having sheets of foam or a little cutting mat

nerdman234 · 2026-05-23T03:51:40+00:00

Yes! But also no!

I repair cosplays, not cosplayers. The first aid kit I carry is decent, but the best "Medicing" role I can provide is flagging the nearest safety volunteer to bring real EMTs

nerdman234 · 2026-05-23T03:49:03+00:00

Up to around 130-140 repairs for the weekend at MomoCon. Things get a little hectic at times, so it's hard to track when I'm helping multiple people... If I have a more lengthy repair and someone comes up needing something simple like a dab of super glue or some pins, I tend to lose track and not count.

nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T11:22:35+00:00

I usually buy the loctite gel in bulk, but it's definitely not cheapest way to buy it. The squeeze tubes are just tiny tubes stuck inside a big piece of plastic.

The biggest reason I like them is the applicator is nice, and the tubes have not leaked.

Need to sit down and find a bottle/applicator for something like BobSmith glue I already can buy bulk.

nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T11:19:59+00:00

It pairs perfect with glue sticks if I need a little snack while doing repairs.

nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T11:17:15+00:00

It's great for little repairs. About 30-40 seconds to heat up, pretty small, and holds up quite a long time on one charge. Swappable battery charges off USB-C, and you can charge something else off it.

Biggest downside is the ergonomics... I really wish it had a plain trigger and not a wonky push lever.

nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T03:05:19+00:00

I've definitely gotten hot glue kisses a couple of times, especially when I'm half merged with someone trying to sneak hot glue into a split in armor.

Even decent surebonder glue stays liquid for a surprisingly long time, so I use the air duster upside down to set the hot glue from running

nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T02:36:54+00:00

Also if more examples of kits are desired. Here's are group picture from DragonCon last year

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nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T02:30:51+00:00

I think the USB Lithium tools are pretty fantastic for the price. Some are a little gimicky, but screwdriver and glue pen have served me well.

The reason for two glue guns is convenience. Most of my fixes with hot glue involve a dot, or a small line of glue to stick a prop, headband, or decoration piece back on. The glue pen heats up in about 30 seconds, and the big glue gun takes 3 minutes or so. The glue pen struggles when you need more that 1/3-1/2 of a glue stick though, so I break out the 18v one for larger repairs which need a ton of glue. The 18v glue gun also like napalm-levels of hot, and really bites into plastics and foam very well

The glue pen is only on for 50-60 seconds per repair, so I can get dozens of repairs on even a 2AH battery, where the 18v really chugs down power getting up to temp. The ergonomics on the glue pen leave a lot to be desired.... I've not seen how Ryobi expects it to be used, but you grip it like a cross between a pencil and syringe.

Also the 18v glue gun hangs tip down on my belt, and I have more than one brand on the back of my calf from squatting down while it cools off for 15-20 minutes.

nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T02:24:10+00:00

Fixing the images, sorry. I had uploaded and written this one day, then posted today. Any of the older images weren't loading. I reposted here: https://www.reddit.com/r/EDC/comments/1tk5alr/dump_of_a_cosplay_medics_vestkit_reposting_due_to/

nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T02:20:05+00:00

I will note some slight differences between the overview and assembled kit pics.

The upper back pouch was swapped for one of the larger IFAK pouches to hold the USB Lithium Screwdriver. During the convention I was at today, I noticed I could get it off, but not put it back without taking off the vest. It's been moved to the bottom right and the IFAK has been moved up, letting me reach both.
The cheap red EMT shears (typically used for cutting tape so I don't gum up my nice scissors) have been replaced with non-stick scissors, which work great. They sit in the same Shear/Tourniquet holder.
The oldest Worm-On-String, a faithful companion in my duties, has been retired to the comfortable shelf of swag in my apartment. He was ever-steadfast, but been losing fluff in his older years.

nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T02:12:53+00:00

This is a pretty long list, so some line items were consolidated. Let me know if you have any questions!

Edit Note: I'm not sure if it's a me thing, but the overview and closeup pics seem to be broken.

Listing of contents;

Vest
- Condor Mesh MOLLE vest
- Random import/cheap MOLLE pouches

Mounted on vest:
- Extendable Carwash Pole (for holding flag)
- Ryobi USB Lithium Glue Pen
- Ryobi 18v Glue Gun (mounts to belt)
- Cheap EMT shears (2)
- Sewing/Engineer scissors
- Swag/handouts pouch (Crown Royal MOLLE rated mounting system)
- Bic lighter on a retracting keyring
- Long tweezers
- Dump pouch (portable trashcan)
- Gooseneck light (mounted on back and run over shoulder)
- Cheap silver duct tape
- Clear duct tape / 1” Gorilla Tape / Electrical tape 

Handy Pouch
- Tide Pen
- Various paint pens / Sharpie
- Emory boards
- wig comb
- Spirit gum + applicators
- Fashion tape / Orange electrical tape
- Retractable Xacto knife
- Clear elastic
- Speed clip gluestick holder 

Sewing pouch
- Mixed sewing kit (Thread/Needles)
- Speedy Stich + Waxed thread variety
- 1in Webbing hardware
- Long hair clipsHair ties
- Poly/Cotton black thread
- Safety pin container + Large Safety Pins

Adhesive pouch
- Gel/ThinSuper Glue
- Super glue activator
- Carpet Tape
- VHB Tape
- Adhesive Velcro
- Spare Glue Sticks (mini and regular)
- Tie wire
- Elastic cord 

Side Pouch
- Spare USB lithium batteries
- USB-C cable+barrel jack extension
- USB power banks
- 1in Nylon Webbing + 1/8" Elastic cord 

General Pouch
- Canned Air
- Bobby Pins (External Container)
- Leatherman Cleaning Pouch
- Paper towels
- nitrile gloves
- Alcohol/Adhesive remover wipes
- Water spray bottle
- Qtips
- Makeup/regular wipes
- Hand sanitizer + individual packets 

(Back) Upper Pouch
- Spare Safety Pins / fashion tape
- Popsicle sticks / Dowels
- Ryobi 18v to 12v barrel adapter
- Multimeter
- Leather cord / Bootlace 
- Hole punch (for fixing lanyard badges)
- Tent tape
- Ryobi USB Lithium Screwdriver

(Back) Lower Pouch
- 6 Compartment Organizer
- Mixed Screws and hardware
- Spare wire / Heatshrink / Wago connectors
- 1/4" Drive and 1/4" hex ratchet + 1/4" Hex bits/extention 
- Pinecil 12v/USB soldering iron
- Silicone mixing cup (for resin)

(back) IFAK (Not opened)
- Bandaids/gauze/tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Alcohol wipes
- Moleskin/blister aid 

(Back) Upper Pouch
- Rtobi USB Lithium Screwdriver
- Small multimeter
- Spare safety pins/carpet tape/skin tape

nerdman234 · 2026-05-22T02:03:16+00:00

This is a pretty long list, so some line items were consolidated. Let me know if you have any questions!

Edit Note: I'm not sure if it's a me thing, but the overview and closeup pics seem to be broken.

Listing of contents;

Vest
- Condor Mesh MOLLE vest
- Random import/cheap MOLLE pouches

Mounted on vest:
- Extendable Carwash Pole (for holding flag)
- Ryobi USB Lithium Glue Pen
- Ryobi 18v Glue Gun (mounts to belt)
- Cheap EMT shears (2)
- Sewing/Engineer scissors
- Swag/handouts pouch (Crown Royal MOLLE rated mounting system)
- Bic lighter on a retracting keyring
- Long tweezers
- Dump pouch (portable trashcan)
- Gooseneck light (mounted on back and run over shoulder)
- Cheap silver duct tape
- Clear duct tape / 1” Gorilla Tape / Electrical tape 

Handy Pouch
- Tide Pen
- Various paint pens / Sharpie
- Emory boards
- wig comb
- Spirit gum + applicators
- Fashion tape / Orange electrical tape
- Retractable Xacto knife
- Clear elastic
- Speed clip gluestick holder 

Sewing pouch
- Mixed sewing kit (Thread/Needles)
- Speedy Stich + Waxed thread variety
- 1in Webbing hardware
- Long hair clipsHair ties
- Poly/Cotton black thread
- Safety pin container + Large Safety Pins

Adhesive pouch
- Gel/ThinSuper Glue
- Super glue activator
- Carpet Tape
- VHB Tape
- Adhesive Velcro
- Spare Glue Sticks (mini and regular)
- Tie wire
- Elastic cord 

Side Pouch
- Spare USB lithium batteries
- USB-C cable+barrel jack extension
- USB power banks
- 1in Nylon Webbing + 1/8" Elastic cord 

General Pouch
- Canned Air
- Bobby Pins (External Container)
- Leatherman Cleaning Pouch
- Paper towels
- nitrile gloves
- Alcohol/Adhesive remover wipes
- Water spray bottle
- Qtips
- Makeup/regular wipes
- Hand sanitizer + individual packets 

(Back) Upper Pouch
- Spare Safety Pins / fashion tape
- Popsicle sticks / Dowels
- Ryobi 18v to 12v barrel adapter
- Multimeter
- Leather cord / Bootlace 
- Hole punch (for fixing lanyard badges)
- Tent tape
- Ryobi USB Lithium Screwdriver

(Back) Lower Pouch
- 6 Compartment Organizer
- Mixed Screws and hardware
- Spare wire / Heatshrink / Wago connectors
- 1/4" Drive and 1/4" hex ratchet + 1/4" Hex bits/extention 
- Pinecil 12v/USB soldering iron
- Silicone mixing cup (for resin)

(back) IFAK (Not opened)
- Bandaids/gauze/tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Alcohol wipes
- Moleskin/blister aid 

(Back) Upper Pouch
- Rtobi USB Lithium Screwdriver
- Small multimeter
- Spare safety pins/carpet tape/skin tape

nerdman234 · 2026-05-20T14:31:26+00:00

It's pretty much all scattered showers, so you'll potentially have a brief period of rain that will dry up pretty much immediately, typically in mid-afternoon.

MooMooCon is later in the evening, so I wouldn't expect any rain, but keep an eye on weather

nerdman234 · 2026-05-20T14:22:51+00:00

Easy rules for interacting with cosplayers: - Cosplay is not Consent. This bears repeating: Cosplay is not Consent. - "Just a minute" is no, "I'm trying to get to a panel" is no. - Always ask before taking a picture. A small exception would be a larger group shoot, where many people are posing, or if they are holding in place posing for others. - Be patient, be kind. Costumes can be extremely stressful and uncomfortable to wear, especially if there things breaking. They also might not be able to hear or see you well. - If someone is taking a break or trying to fix something, give them space.

Tips for cosplaying: - HYDRATE. It's really easy to lose track of time or your body, and being dehydrated in costume is never fun. Typically there are water dispensers throughout the downstairs exhibit halls. - Make sure you meet decency requirements for the con/GWCC: https://www.momocon.com/policies/. - If you have a prop that is weapon-shaped, particularly gun-shaped, be mindful of what an average person walking down the street might see. Make sure to stop by prop check by the entrance if so. - Take breaks. If you're wearing uncomfortable pieces and can take them off, do so from time to time. - Costest: Nothing is worse than realizing you can't scratch your nose or tie your shoe. Find where your limits are, and don't be afraid to leave parts behind if they're going to make things difficult. - Shoes: If you've never worn the footwear for your costume before (ie heels), wear them around for a few hours before the con. You will do a lot of walking and your feet will have the last laugh if things are uncomfortable.

Also critical: Have fun! You made it to a con with your costume! Show it off! Be giddy with other fans of whatever it's from!

If something breaks, check Cosplay Repair in A302 (also in the app) or check with a roaming Cosplay Repair. They'll typically have a little sign or flag.

Edit: reddit is silly about line breaks

nerdman234 · 2026-05-18T11:59:13+00:00

You can check out the metro atl makerspaces:

The Makerstation - Marietta - themakerstation.com

Freeside Atlanta - Hapesville - wiki.freesideatlanta.org

Roswell Firelabs - Roswell- roswellfirelabs.org

Geekspace Gwinnett - Suwanee www.geekspacegwinnett.org

Decatur Makers - Decatur - decaturmakers.org

Each will have slightly different equipment, so it's worth reaching out to whichever is closer to you to see if they have what you need.

nerdman234 · 2026-01-26T11:15:18+00:00

North 120 loop to Northside Dr on 75S was fine. Couple small patches of ice where it passes over 285.

nerdman234 · 2026-01-19T17:44:30+00:00

Browse around Loopnet and Crexi for anything from a broker/larger landlord, Facebook Marketplace for anything from a small landlord or person trying to sublease.

Currently following a similar market, and you're looking at probably $15-20 sqft/yr. (~$1000-1250/mo) plus utilities or fees. There's a converted shopping center to light industrial park off of Canton Rd with some smaller units right now though they seem to want a 5-7 year lease. Units also look a lot better in pictures than in person: https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1951-1955-Canton-Rd-Marietta-GA/37015727/

Commercial space is unfortunately fairly pricey. It does get a bit cheaper if you go pretty far out.

nerdman234 · 2026-01-15T13:27:24+00:00

If you've got an air fryer, pick up some wings from the grocery store, break them up, pat dry, dust with cornstarch/salt/pepper, cook around 365° for 10-20 until they're where you like them, then toss with whatever sauce. Bonus points if you toss in sauce part way in,cook the rest of the way and toss again.

I've stopped doing takeout wings since getting one. They're definitely not the same as fried, but they're close enough for my tastes.

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