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Hi everyone, It is with great sadness that I have to bring this to your attention. Troopermaster has recast my CFO ROTJ JoeR Stormtrooper helmet. I know this will be a hard one for some people to accept as Paul has always maintained his excellence in sculpting. Well Paul, I’m sorry to say your sculpting skills don’t really live up to what you proclaim. What I’m about to show you are a series of photos of the JoeR faceplate next to the TM ROTJ faceplate I received in a kit from Paul, that a friend of mine purchased. Whilst Paul has sharpened a few details, notably the tears have been sharpened along the edges and the middle bulge has been sanded down. The bridge of the nose has also been sharpened as has the eyes, more so along the underside. Other than that all the asymmetry is identical as are the lumps, bumps, dents and kinks. The way the light cast shadows across the two faceplates is a massive tell. There is no way you could create that similarity to that level through sculpting. I don’t care what you say. I’ve been doing this too long. All helmets I have had the privilege to offer have their own unique asymmetry. That’s something that does not carry from helmet to helmet. A lot has to do with how it was assembled and then taken apart for moulding. The way the parts are supported when moulding and the way the helmet has been glued together effect the memory of the plastic and it’s asymmetry. Moving on to the video I show just how close TMs ROTJ back n cap is when compared to the CFO JoeR. It fits inside the JoeR back n cap perfectly in asymmetry and size, yet the CFO JoeR does not fit inside the TM due to the fact that the helmet was cast from mine therefor shrinkage on a minuscule scale prevents this. The trim lines are identical to the CFO JoeR. Now the most damning evidence I can show you is the TM ears. When I saw these ear vacuum pulls from Paul I immediately saw a resemblance to my old production ear moulds I personally made, moulded and cast. Even down to my tooling and moulding marks and defects. This to me is the fingerprint of recasting. If you are going to blatantly recast and rip off a fellow vendor then at least have a bit of self respect and change the moulds. They pop on my moulds with an almost satisfying click. I say almost satisfying as they are a recast. I have lived with the JoeR and made these helmets, offering them to the community for over 10 years. I know this helmet inside and out better than anyone else on this planet. As we all know, all the original helmets have their own unique asymmetry, details and character. That is also true for each replica. I have many moulds of different original stormtrooper helmets and they all have very distinct tells to them. I also own an original screen used ROTJ stormtrooper helmet. The only way to accurately capture those unique features is by making a carbon copy. And they are obvious to someone with a trained eye, which I dare say I have, as I have not just been studying these, but been making them as well for a good decade now. I have studied these helmets for over a quarter of my life. This is what I do. What really gets me is that I have always shared my company in full transparency, honesty and a good customer service. I go to great lengths, time and financial expenditure to bring you, the community helmets and armour cast from original sources available nowhere else. When I purchased my original screen used Stormtrooper helmet I immediately shared it with Paul, sending him many close up photos and sharing information on the mic tips and internal suspension system and materials. Paul engaged with me knowing all this time he was ripping off me, my company and my products. To top it all off and to show just how confident he is, Paul sent me a message through Facebook to ask if I could help him out as he couldn’t get and decals for a couple of kits he was sending out. Turns out one of those kits was for my friend. The kit arrived without decals or mic tips. So Paul, I would also be interested to see just what your mic tips are cast from. I would also like to invite you to show off all your amazing sculpting skills to this community in a bid to clear your name. Because as it stands if you are happy to recast my ROTJ helmet what else are you happy to recast? I know a good number of very talented sculptors and all, yes all are proud of their work and constantly show pictures of their sculpts. You for some reason do exactly the opposite? This alone tells me something fishy is going on. It’s not normal. You are however happy to show finished products off telling everyone just how good you are at sculpting and how accurate you can get them. Strange that. Shame on you mate. I honestly respected you for your fantastic work. But now all I see is a individual that just can’t stand to see another vendor producing accurate products that are not available to you.. I was thinking about contacting you privately and giving you the chance to explain yourself and remove this recast and any others from your product list. But as you did not pay me the same courtesy when you decided it would be a good idea to try and diminish my business and recast my products I see no reason why I should pay you that respect. This will rock the costuming world and upset a good many people that have trusted you and spent their money on your recasts. For that I’m sorry. Paul, this is inexcusable. To think that you accuse me of being a recaster and criticise the accuracy of my helmets. How ironic. They seem to be accurate enough for you to recast! This also brings into contention everything else you make. If you are happy to recast CFO then I’m pretty sure you are happy to Recast anyone and anything. Nows the time to show us all those amazing sculpting skills you have from the beginning lump of clay to the finished product. I’m giving you every opportunity to show us your sculpting skills. And by that I don’t mean tipping a slurry of body filler and resin into a vac pull. Because let’s face it we can all do that. But to sculpt a stormtrooper helmet from scratch, ground up and get every little bit of asymmetry, exact sizing and detail correct takes some skill. A skill you have so far eluded to demonstrate. So after presenting my evidence and findings I invite Paul to explain himself. Not only is the most frowned upon action in this community it is also a kick in the face to me as a trusted fellow vendor and all his customers and loyal fan base. In a world that is tough enough selling props as it is, to have a fellow trusted vendor whom I share information and photos with do this to me is just soul destroying. Thanks for looking. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The sharpening up of certain areS is talked about in the original post by c.f.o.

Agree, just sharpened up some bits Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Shocking news Mark, just shocking. Some of us have been around a long time and understand the significance even if the noobs nowadays don’t.

Slow progress, but progress nonetheless... I discovered that I actually enjoyed working with the Bondo so much that I slapped it all over the other parts to smooth them out as nicely as I did the chest plate. This took me a few days, and I totally forgot to take pics of the process. Not much really to see on that, though. It's dusty, noisy work sanding it all down. But I am sooooo glad I did! The parts all look seamless now, and the extra weight of the Bondo on the parts gives them strength and a more substantial feel to them. My son is thrilled because it really feels like solid armor. The ab hasn't had any Bondo added to it yet. I wanted to get a coat of filler primer on it so I could better see where I needed to fill in low areas and smooth things out. In normal light, it looks fine, but when the light hits it just right, you can see the horizontal seam in the middle. I couldn't see this at all before I applied the filler primer. Here you can see how the light shows the areas where I need to work. There is no WAY that I'm letting my son go out in armor looking like that! I have to fill in the vertical seam in the middle as well. I glued on the buckle greeblies on the limb parts using E-6000 instead of using CA glue. E-6000 has more flex and I feel it's more resistant to popping apart than CA glue- and these little buckles might get knocked a bit while out walking around. For me, CA glue is just too brittle to hold the buckles, and I don't want to take my chances with it. I Dremeled out the areas where I had extra Bondo in the creases and sprayed everything down with filler primer. I'll be adding spot putty next, followed by a 400 grit wet sand, then another coat of filler primer. It's starting to look like armor now!

Welcome to FISD - home to every TK https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/218-first-order-battle-group/

Thank you for all of the helpful comments y’all! I have been working on other parts at the meantime, but wanted to take another swing at the helmet. I took things apart and realigned using magnets as recommended - how do things look now? I will be ordering more brow trim (over-trimmed) and will be taking some more return edge off of the eyes. Thank you all for the help! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As we continue to improve our support for the FOTK we've comprised a list of all the Hard & Soft goods vendors to help you with your build. We will continue to monitor and update the list as needed. Just a reminder the FISD does not endorse any particular vendor, nor is responsible for any transaction between you and the vendor. Please do your research before purchasing. Armor/Helmet: Jimmiroquai - Origin PHILIPPINES: Kits are partially assembled/fully trimmed lightweight fiberglass (ready for rigging and painting). No issues with quality or service reported. Contact for delivery times/price details. FB Link Here, Email Here or send a private message @jimmiroquai Imperial Surplus (Kevin Weir) - Origin USA: Kits are made of ABS and require trimming and assembly. Armour kit is vac-formed with ABS and cast detail parts and decals are included with the kit. Quality has been solid, communication and service good. Kits ship out in 4 weeks or less Link Here WTF - Origin USA: TFA and TLJ new kit awaiting member feed back and reviews for quality etc. Kit made of ABS with some resin parts. Link Here Denuo Novo - Origin USA: Purchase Anovos and are now supplying kits are made of ABS and will need to be trimmed and assembled. Website Link Here KB PROPS Unavailable Origin USA: Kits are made of ABS and will need to be trimmed and assembled. No issues with quality or service reported. Contact for delivery times/price details. Link Here, Email Here Armoryshop Props - Origin RUSSIA: Supplies a range of First Order Armour and Specialised 3Dprinted Helmets Link Here No longer Listed 850 - Origin USA: Kits are made of ABS and will need to be trimmed and assembled. No issues with quality or service reported. Contact for delivery times/price details. Link Here No longer Available Anovos- Offers a "Pre-order" FO kit at this time, but due to legal issues and extended (1 year plus) wait times is no longer recommended or available Soft goods vendors: Soft goods assorted (Soulart) - Origin CANADA: Neck seals, Harnesses, Shiny biker shorts, First Order gaskets, Phasma capes. Link Here Soft goods assorted (Imperial Gaskets) - Origin USA: Rubber gaskets, Pauldrons and Waist belts. FB contact Soft goods Rubber gaskets (Thorsson Associates Workshop) - Origin USA: Link Here Email: [email protected] FB: https://www.facebook.com/Thorsson-Associates-Workshop-112076042142986 Soft goods assorted (Trooper Bay) - Origin USA: Link Here Under Suit - Stormtrooperundersuit Link Here link not working Gaskets - Sheev's Emporium - Link Here (Facebook sales page) Belt - Trooperbay Origin USA: Link Here ?Belt - Belts of the First Order (JAFO)- Origin AUSTRALIA: Link Here Boots - Keep Trooping (formerly Imperial Boots) Origin CHINA: Link Here Crow Props Origin Ecuador South America: Link Here Gloves - Keep Trooping (formerly Imperial Boots) Origin CHINA: Link Here Endor Finders Origin USA: Link Here Trooperbay Origin USA: Link Here Neck Seal - The Dark Side Closet Link Here (Facebook sales page) Sheev's Emporium - Link Here (Facebook sales page) Suspension - Awaiting vendor Waist belt pouches - Trooperbay Origin USA: Link here Hardware vendors: Holster - R2Dan. Origin GERMANY: Other hard accessories available by application. V2 Link Here Hand Plates - As above Shoulder bell supports- (Accuracy upgrade) - ukswrath Origin USA: Link Here Waist belt center box base (Accuracy upgrade) (Empire 3D) - Origin AUSTRALIA Link Here Machined metal components - Justin Morrison Origin UK: Parts for Blaster rifle and pistol mounting, Resin holsters and other greeblies, machined metal components and more. Email Here FB links https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654472361474254/user/802819468 https://www.facebook.com/kingleezard Helmet Lens - OPLE props Origin GERMANY: Link Here Accessories: Pauldron - Denuo Novo (No stock currently) Pauldron - Trooperbay Link Here Riot Shield - Awaiting vendor Tactical Vest - Awaiting vendor 3D files: 3D print files TLJ helmet (Sano) Sanotized Creations - Link Here 3D print files F11D (The5thHorseman) - Link Here 3D print files SE-44C (The5thHorseman) - Link Here Holster 3D files: 3D print files Holster (TheRascalKing) - Link Here Commission builders: Crooknight - [email protected] dbetters - [email protected] Building Guides/Thread,Tutorials & How To: Please refer to Building guides ... Weapons: General - Link Here F11D - Branfurh Studios (Etsy shop) Link Here Executioner Laser Axe - Armory Shop (Facebook sales page) Link Here / Etsy shop Link Here 3D print blaster kits - The Imperial Factory - ( Facebook sales page) Link Here Email Link Here Electroprod - (Empire 3D) - Email here. Link Here Picatinny rails: Purchase: F-11D/E-11 Picatinny Rails - (justloseph63) - Link (purchase) F-11D/E-11 Picatinny Rails - (evike.com) - Link (purchase) F-11D/E-11 Picatinny Rails - (m416gelblaster) - Link (purchase) Free 3D files: F-11D Picatinny Rails - (themaninthesuitcase) - Link 3D files E-11 Picatinny Rails - (TK14082) -Link Part of Rogue One 3D files Tactical Vest 3D files - Tactical Vest Slider Buckle Link Please refer to Vendors weapons list for up to date links/info

ONLY 5, 4, 3 2 1 SPOT LEFT, TROOPERS, SO TIME TO STEP-UP! 1000 Expert Infantry reached! Now that many of us are unfortunately stuck at home and boredom is beginning to take it's toll, it's time to wipe the dust off of that armor bin and become a part of FISD history! Instead of binge-watching re-runs, we are suggesting that you put the D.O. Staff to the test and spend some time on that white armor you miss wearing so much by applying for your Expert Infantry badge! As you may be aware, we are aiming to have #1000 approved by the end of the year. We only have 2 to go, so in order to reach that goal we are asking that you read over the CRLs for your particular armor, (this thread will help) make any necessary adjustments and post up your submission! Photo Checklist- Link here Apply Here Questions: 1. Not sure if I have what it takes to get my EI badge- You don't know until you try, and you have not only the D.O. staff but an entire Detachment to help! 2. I need some repairs/fixes first- This is why we are here! We honestly want you to succeed and are here to help in any way we can. 3. I am happy with the way my armor looks, so why bother?- It not only makes you look more screen accurate, it instills a sense of pride and "esprit de corps"! 4. What if I don't make it? No worries, we will provide detailed suggestions on how to reach your goal! Benefits: 1 Bragging rights for being one of the "Original 1000" 2. You get a cool badge under your name here on the FISD. (Street cred). 3. Access to EI rocker badges (coming soon) to go above your FISD patch (also coming soon)! 4. Access to coin runs for EI awardees only. 5. Certificate for your accomplishment. 6. You will have a more screen accurate looking set of armor, and be one step closer to Centurion!! 7. We are planning a VERY special piece of one-time-only FISD Exclusive merch to honor hitting this milestone! Know that the entire Staff and those who have reached Levels 2 (and 3) are here to help in any way we can, and that you are more than welcome (and encouraged) to ask any and all questions you may have here on this thread, or contact myself or Sha Sha. You can do it, Troopers. Let's turn this "anno horribilis" into a banner year for the FISD!

I am brand new to the forum, but had to reach out to the community. I finally, after 2 months of work, finished the modelling for a custom T-21. The first of 25 or so pieces is currently 3d printing. I really need more printers.

So, first off, nice to have found this place and all you awesome people! I have decided to embrace my inner geek. My inner geek has been telling at me for some time to get some armor and begin trooping. Well, now that is the plan! So, first step is to get a kit. I was going to get a pre made armor from RS props but once they found out that I am 6'4" 240 they told me that their stuff wouldn't look right on me. So, now I will be scouring the forums for a kit so I can modify it to fit my rather large frame. I thought that introducing myself was a good start. That way I am not as much of a stranger when I introduce myself to the Carolina Garrison. Well met troopers! Hail the emperor!

Hello! I'm ready to start my first Stormtrooper build. I'm going with a First Order TK (am I doing this right)? I've done cosplay off and on, and I especially love building props. I decided to join for a few reasons. I'm trying to push myself to the standards of the 501st - I've always been a little obsessive about details, so I wanted to turn that into a goal with a reward I also love what I see the 501st does in the community. You bring smiles to kids faces, you volunteer for charity events, and with the recent pandemic, I see a lot of you are real life front-line heroes too. My daughter is also a Star Wars fan, so I want to do something to make her proud. I got my kit recently and I just laid everything out today. I'm feeling overwhelmed (the thermal detonator pieces took me waaaay too long to figure out, LOL), but I'm making a plan and looking forward to working on it in the warmer weather (if it would ever get here!)

I’m in love with Star Wars from the first time I saw Star Wars in the theatre in the late 70s. I look forward to being a part of this community that shares the love and magic of Star Wars with each other and especially with those who are less fortunate.

Yup, already planning on touching that up, waiting on the current layer to dry, thanks!

Oh wow, ok, I'll fix that then, thanks!

TM has sharpened and changed bits here and there including the eyes, bridge of the nose, traps and emphasised the kink. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very good work !!!. Maybe the ridges of the vocoder a bit more rounded... You are doing a perfect job. Keep it up, trooper Regards.

Coming along nicely, try not to get too much paint on the gum area, from the CRL: Frown is painted gray and does not leave the teeth area

Sorry bud, your looking at one photo! hes slightly changed changed his buck, but left the tell tell signs of it being recast! the camera doesnt lie!! check out the other photos.. Paul was called out a long time back bout recasting!

Unless this charge is reputed, or some deal is worked out to the satisfaction of the accuser (Mark / sskunky), then yes 100% he will have to be removed from the vetted sellers list. The reason that few pay as much attention today as perhaps in the past that this type of thing hasn't been brought to light in a long time, as least since piratetrooper was banned permanently from these boards by openly recasting TE2, and Tony (TE2) complaining. TM could also face permanent expulsion from this forum as well. If @sskunky wants, this can easily be moved to either the Off Topic area or more likely the Hard Armor area. This forum (Garbage Compactor) wasn't intended to be where this type of thread to go here, as it's not a discussion where someone says "Hi, I noticed something, is this correct" vs. "I'm accusing someone of recasting my stuff".

I am as shocked as the next. But, I have heard from my contacts that you are not the only one he has done this to. I'm not going to name names, as I believe it should be their decision to bring this to the fore. All I can say is from what I have been told, this goes deeper. Mark, a was absolutely gutted to find this out today. The one core value in this community is that you own your own work, and respect others work. I had this happen to me a couple of years ago, and the community got right behind me. We have your back mate. Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Presumably TM will now be removed from the Vetted Vendors list? Im a proud owner of a CFO kit, saddened to hear this. TM has always had a 'holier than thou' mindset and his attitude has been downright rotten at times. If hes been ripping off one vendor...I wonder if there are more? Sent from my SM-J320FN using Tapatalk

Hey. Here's some 4K pictures of the helmet. Sadly, the textures are not that great but still better than the in-game shots. I have the whole Stormtrooper armor from the game in my software, so do not hesitate to ask me more shots of armor parts or blasters. You can find these in my Google Drive. I made a comparison of a Jedi : Fallen Order and Star Wars : Battlefront (ROTJ style) stormtrooper helmet. Sneek peak of a Jedi : Fallen Order heavy assault stormtrooper (forgot to remove the holster, my bad) and Z-6 rotary blaster.

The Galactic Academy is for ages up to 17, as 18 year olds can join the 501st. I myself am a member of the Galactic Academy, and I am 16 years old. It is a great starting point in getting involved in costuming and being in a group. Hope this helps!

This is where I was told to post it by FISD staff. Personally I think it should be in announcements. This is a pretty huge revelation in the prop world. . Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Before getting to spot putty-ing everything, I decided to Bondo fill the ab to blend in the middle seam line and fill in the vertical gap. I'm learning how to work with Bondo a little better with practice. I added a little less hardener to the mix because it was really warm outside where I was working. As a result, I had a bit more time to apply the material as I wanted to. My application skills are still being honed, but I'll get there eventually! After a few minutes of application, a few minutes of waiting, and about 30 minutes of sanding, I blended in the areas that needed work. I tried to angle the ab part in the sunlight so that it would best show any ridges or dips in the surface, but I couldn't see any irregularities in the surface like before. It all looks smooth now. Before and after below! I wet sanded it down with 800 grit and am waiting for it to fully dry for now. Once dry, I will be gluing the ab boxes on, then hitting it with another coat of filler primer. I feel like I've gotten a lot done at this point, but I know there is still a LOT left to do. One little step at a time!!!

The F.I.S.D is full of newcomers who have no idea what this is about . Only a few regulars and site supporters really comprehend the enormity of these accusations. That's why it's not getting noticed, and it's buried away in " recasters discussions" forum which no newbies care about .

I’m surprised this isn’t getting more attention.

No, it's not a rough pull, you are looking at material outsid e the mould parameters that needs to be trimmed off . Simply put, more trimming is needed if those ears are ever going to fit . Nothing wrong with the plastic.

Welcome to the FISD John. Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Hi Jhon welcome aboard.

Welcome aboard John.

I did more to the tears, but they're still pretty rough. My buddy gave me some 80 grit that was working pretty well. I took a break to work on the traps and I think they're done! Also, @justjoseph63 hooked me up and sent some black fiberglass window screen to back the frown! Thanks man!

Hi John and welcome to the FISD!

Looking forward to seeing the progress good luck

Congratulations trooper

Hello and welcome aboard, good luck with the research

Welcome to the FISD, John! Any questions you may have we are ready to answer, and best of luck on your white armor journey!

Welcome aboard, trooper. :-)

Welcome to the FISD!

Congratulations Trooper, welcome to the ranks.

Hi Carsten, and thank you for your second EI submission! In the following review I will be going over items pertaining to your current submission, as well as those that will be required for Centurion level should you choose to apply. CRL and EIB Application Requirements: All required submission photos have been posted and I am very pleased to announce your armor displays all the necessary elements to qualify for Heavy Weapons Trooper Expert Infantry. On behalf of Sha Sha and myself, Congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly: In this section we review observations made by your fellow troopers and ourselves. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. First up, I gotta' say that it's a PLEASURE to approve a fellow HWT at Expert Infantry level, brother! You have a few issues in this area to work on, but nothing too major. Please note though that I have to consider not only the pics from this submission, but references from your ANH Stunt application as well. Also note that since this particular costume is based on ANH armor that references to that will apply. You are aware of the sniper knee behind the thigh, so we are good to go there. As seen below, the gaps between the shoulder bells and chest are pretty wide. We do take into account that Troopers come in all shapes and sizes, but if possible we would like to see the tops of the bells taken in to reduce that space. Video game reference image Just a strapping issue here, sir. Your right forearm could stand to come up an inch or so to match the left. The forearm/bicep gaps should be equal on both sides. Reference image Side note: SUPER nice job on that DLT-19, Carsten! That metallic finish looks incredible, and I'm impressed to see that you added the wires to the ends of the T-tracks. Most people miss this detail, so my bucket is off to you, sir! Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than those for Expert Infantry, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. As you are aware, being as it is a separate piece and not integrated into the helmet the vocoder is not acceptable for L3. Reference images I'm not sure how you have it attached, but your shoulder ammo pack is sitting way too high, and actually looks like it may be hindering your ability to look to the left. If you need a few tips on how to rectify this and improve your range of vision just shoot me a PM and I'll be happy to help you with that. Videogame references CRL reference Another issue I'm sure you know about is that a few of the buttons on SDS ab plates are not integrated but are separate, and not permissible at Level 3. Perfect job on the ABS belt placement, by the way!! Reference image The shim you installed on the right looks SO close to being perfect, but as per the CRL there can be no seam. Although the MP 40 ammo packs hide it, it will need to be addressed before we can get you to Level 3. Reference images Your cloth belt will need to be a bit longer. Although the pack hides most of the back, there is still a good size section of Velcro showing. Alternatively, you can also just remove the excess Velcro! Reference images Last up, unfortunately your mobility cuts extend beyond the raised ridge as seen below. Although not specified in the HWT CRL, as I mentioned before the costume is based on ANH armor so this is applicable. Reference images- Note that the top of the ridge is present Again, fantastic job on this armor, sir, Your weathering is spot-on, and I am more than pleased to welcome you to the rank of Expert Infantry as a fellow Heavy Weapons Trooper!

doing a little painting for a customer............

These are a rare find http://www.warmachinepaintball.com/power-cylinders/

My replicas with real vintage metalmites http://www.warmachinepaintball.com/power-cylinders/

Time to do a start to finish paint and build..................................

Getting there,,,, gotta do some touch up painting but for the first paint job im learning....

The grey is 1138 (I swear)