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It's rainy again here in SoCal, so just wet sanding away but no fresh paint. I'm going to try to find plastic sheeting (and maybe a Husky crate!) at Home Depot some time this week so I can finally lay final gloss white soon. Feeling okay, just not motivated... Got my mic tips in from Tony/@ukswrath - I appreciated him reaching out to confirm that they were for R1 builds, so he left the interiors painted black for me. Sweet. The ones from Jim are fine, but the tip and mesh are cast in one piece, like the BS ones, so I chose to upgrade them on this fiberglass helmet and my BS conversion. Inspection of the new crate has also begun... Also kinda cool - was watching this week's episode of Disney Gallery - The Mandalorian, the behind the scenes documentary about the making of the show, and hey look - there I am on set without my helmet on! Neat. Still unsure what made Matt laugh so hard, but Kevin looks guilty as hell... Haha More updates this weekend hopefully!

Both really. the topic has been moved and the command team are going to discuss it behind closed doors. Not sure why, I think that’s very odd and this is definitely something that can and should be discussed. Feel sorry for Mark if this is true, I’ve met mark and had long discussions in the past and he’s a top bloke.

Steve, this really isn’t the venue. If you want to take this issue further please feel free to do so, just not on this thread as I would like it to remain about the recasting issue not how any particular unit is dealing with it.

I am going to agree, this thread is not about any specific Garrisons or groups. Please keep the discussion to the subject at hand please.

That has a lot of presumptions. The reality is that recasting hurts our hobby. See FYI if you want to discuss recasting in general, please start a new thread. This thread is specific to a particular situation.

I clearly show where Paul has written in his handwriting his full name, return address and telephone number. I covered the address and telephone number for security reasons. I didn’t think it was a good thing to do to anyone to post that kind of information on the internet despite the topic. And No, it was impossible to get a group of witnesses together for the opening. There is a pandemic going on. I’m pretty sure my evidence speaks for itself. I would also like to hear why Paul did it. I’ve invited him to say so but so far he has declined. The real background? The background is that he blatantly recast my helmet. There is no other explanation. I’m sorry if this is hard for some to accept but this is a pretty much open and shut case. I have never given Paul permission to cast any of my props, helmets and armours. It’s as simple as that. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If a buyer doesn't know, care, or understand what recasting is they will support sellers who recast. As a group we care, the general public might not. I saw someone comment that we are all copying from Lucasfilm/Disney anyways. And if nobody buys, then nobody would recast.

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

I’ve always been a fan of Star Wars. I was an infant when my Dad took me to see Return of the Jedi. My Daughter just turned 6 and I’ve taken her to see the new run of films. Her excitement for Star Wars has inspired me to embrace my inner SW junkie.

It's heartening to see so many other vendors popping in here and elsewhere with words of support and encouragement. It shows a real sense of community. A shame then at the direction the thread on the main forum seems to be taking. Last time I looked there were a couple posts that dismissed the issue and almost defended TMs actions. I guess personal friendships can and will get in the way of morals and ethics... Sent from my SM-J320FN using Tapatalk

I'm so excited, I bought my costume on Etsy and I actually didn’t know about you guys until; 1. I was looking at videos on how to construct it and they kept saying its 501st approved. so I looked it up, 2. a coworker asked me if I was going to try to get my outfit approved when I was done and he filled me in on a couple of things but said I should research it more. he said it was probably a good thing to do seeing how I’m always talking to him about SW and Stormtroopers. I haven’t received my outfit but its eta is June 1st. I wish I would have found this earlier and had a better understanding of what to look for but it is what it is. BTW, I am reading all of the documents posted about being a new member, they are very informational. Thanks!!

I don't blame the new comers as much as I do the onslaught of FB groups leading the sheep down a path of their own. We live in a cookie cutter world with an entire group of suppliers, buyers and builders that can care less about respect, honor and doing what's right.

I was really disappointed when I first saw the info, as this hobby is in a difficult spot right now - and the one thing it really doesn’t need is one producer ripping off another’s work. The evidence is pretty conclusive. For me the slam/dunk moment was how TM's casts have the exact same 'tells' as the CfO - yet these give-away tells were specifically added by CfO as part of his mould-making process. Hence the TM can only have derived/been recast from the CfO. Such a shame as there are so many opportunities for propmakers to come out with cool and exciting stuff, rather than poaching off others hard work. Cheers Jez StarWarsHelmets.com

Sorry this has happened to you Mark, hopefully it gets the attention it deserves and that there are appropriate consequences. C

I only have a few helmets and I will try and list them. I also have 12 full sets of armor. Helmets: Coffin Animated Series Clone DW Design Studios Phase 1 Clone DW Design Studios Luke X-Wing Pilot Clone6 501st Phase 2 Clone Penny Bark Bark Stormtrooper Protomatic Darth Vader Marco Stormtrooper TM Hero WTF Animated Series Stormtrooper WTF kids Tiefighter WTF Flametrooper WTF Kids Biker Scout WTF Republic Commando WTF Kids Sandtrooper WTF Kids Stormtrooper WTF Hero WTF Gino V2 Sandtrooper WTF Smooth Pink FX Stormtrooper FX Shadowtrooper FX Super Trooper 1 FX Super Trooper 2 FX Mega Dork 2 850 Armorworks Shoretrooper Flashback Props Biker Scout Studio Creations Biker Scout Kropserkel Dirty Biker Scout Kropserkel Biker Scout TE Hero TE Brown HDPE ESB David M Stormtrooper TE Tan HDPE ANH David M Stormtrooper TE 25th Anniversery ESB Stormtrooper TE HDPE ANH Sandtrooper Chipped Dan Laws David M ESB Stormtrooper Dan Laws ESB Snowtrooper CFO MKii CFO Set for Stun Stormtrooper CFO Joe R ROJ Stormtrooper Altmanns Limited Edition Stormtrooper RWA ESB Acrylic Capped Stormtrooper Anovos TFA FO Stormtrooper Bloody Anovos Classic Stormtrooper Anovos Fiberglass Limited Edition FO Stormtrooper VT Stormtrooper Master Replicas Stormtrooper Master Replicas Phase 2 Clone AP ANH Stormtrooper Don Post/20th Century Fox 1977 Stormtrooper RS Props Classic Stormtrooper Shepperton Designs Battle Spec Stormtrooper DA props Khaki HDPE Chipped no ears DA Props ABS old version Stormtrooper DA Props HDPE unpainted DA Props HDPE ESB Chipped Stormtrooper KB Props TLJ FO Stormtrooper Branfuhr Studios Patrol Trooper AM 1.0 custom LA Dodgers Helmet AM 4.5 Matte Black Shadowtrooper AM ANH Stormtrooper AM 1.0 Custom Hero Stormtrooper AM 1.0 Shadowtrooper AM 1.0 Sandtrooper AM 2.0 Rudolf Sabdtrooper AM 2.0 ESB Stormtrooper AM 3.0 Shadowtrooper AM 3.0 Custom Paint Stormtrooper AM 4.0 Prototype Stunt Stormtrooper AM 4.0 Hero Luke Prototype AM 4.0 Hero Han AM 4.5 ANH Stunt Prototype AM 4.5 ANH Sandtrooper AM 4.5 Chrome Prototype AM 4.5 Chrome AM 4.5 Gold AM 1.0 ANH Stunt AM custom Darth Maul Stormtrooper AM 4.5 Stunt Reveal Section display 1 unbuilt AM Chrome 2 unbuilt AM 4.0 Hero 2 Unbuilt AM 4.5 Stunt Stormtrooper Mixed AM Frankenstein Hero AM/ATA Frankenstein ATA Sandtrooper RT-Mod ANH Stormtrooper MTK ANH Stormtrooper German FX ESB Stormtrooper EFX Stormtrooper EFX Boba Fett Unknown Maker TFA FO Stormtrooper Unknown Maker Jango Fett Rubies Supreme Darth Vader Rubies Boba Fett Rubies Supreme Stormtrooper Rubies Collectors Edition Stormtrooper Rubies Kylo Ren Hasbro Black Series Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot Hasbro Black Series Shocktrooper Hasbro Black Series Boba Fett Hasbro Black Series Poe Dameron Fighter Pilot Hasbro Black Series Rogue One Stormtrooper Hasbro Black Series Rogue One Sandtrooper Hasbro Black Series Reveal Darth Vader Hasbro Black Series Shocktrooper Hasbro Black Series Darth Vader Reveal Section display Disney Stormtrooper Bank Helmet Disney Mickey Vader Minutefett Mandalorian

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

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

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.

For what it's worth, staff didn't move it here. This is where Mark posted it. I also agree it's a shame a lot of newbies don't pay attention to this part of the forum. There's a lot of history here to learn from.

Jumped on a B kit sale that KB had last month, roughly 1/3 the normal price for a kit with bucket. While waiting on the armor I had the se44c and f11d printed and assembled. Both are fully painted although the pic shows the pistol only partially painted. Gaskets are being made as we speak by Pinky, just ordered a belt from belts of the first order. Gloves are ordered, still need to purchase shoes once they open up again in June. Dan isn't able to ship out holsters right now, but I'll grab one once he is. This weekend I was able to start on the bucket. Cut out the eyes and the vents, I'll be using UKSWRAITHs audio system, haven't ordered it yet though. I use his setup in my shoretrooper captain and love having everything inside the bucket. I'll start trimming plastic this week, just reading more build threads to make sure I don't mess up my cut lines.

Kansas boy, always been in love with star wars since I first saw it as a child, on VHS. Always wanted to get into cosplay, never really had the inspiration. Saw the Incinerator Trooper in The Mandalorian and have been wanting to make it ever since. Any advice and assistance would greatly appreciated.

Well, he was accused of recasting his ANH face plate and data surfaced for that years ago, yet it fell on deaf years. Even for the armor (most recasters cast from the inside of a suit which is why they tend to be smaller than the original. The working theory based on evidence people saw was that he recast from the outside a TE suit and then did an awful lot of work to make it more accurate). Thank you Mark for posting up such conclusive evidence. I am sure the decision to do so must have not been an easy one, and it took time and care to ensure that your claims were accurate and detailed to the point that it is obvious to anyone what happened.

Yes it is I managed to get directly into game files yesterday, which means that I can probably get any props, weapons or armor from the game.

I would keep going on the ear trimming, Caleb, especially in the front.

OP (MV) Post #17 Here I am with my second post in three days with more images for community consideration, as well as the flexible hand guards and gloves I received from Joseph. As with my previous post, below are some labeled armor part photos which I could use help properly identifying. As a reminder, clicking on the images, which may appear blurred in the shrunken/compressed versions below, will open full-sized high-resolution copies. And any thoughts on the A, B, C, and D forearms? Do I appear to have them labeled for the correct arm? E & F = Which bicep? Larger thumbprint and curved top edge. G & H = Which bicep? Smaller thumbprint and flat top edge. Moving onto shoulder bells, my understanding is that the sweep on the ridge should bend to the front, so in that case "I" should be on my left shoulder, and "J" should be on the right. Am I correct on all those accounts? As for the thighs and calves, I already have those sorted out after corresponding with Terrell, but I'm posting the images below for the sake of documentation. For the purpose of what I'm assuming is to account for the sniper plate, the ATA left thigh is around an inch shorter than the right thigh. My calf pieces also arrived labeled and the right and left pairing are shown below. Now on to the excellent pre-attached latex gloves and flexible hand guards I received from Joseph. I had already purchased some guards from Joseph months ago, but I've been considering using them on nomex gloves, so getting these ready-made ones from Joseph (screen used from his demo) will provide me with Centurion necessities, and then I can decide what to actually troop in. And finally, today we had take-out from Panda Express, and I'm going to assume my fortune cookie message is reference to my Stormtrooper armor. Seems logical, right? Search your feelings, you know it to be true. Thanks for following along on my journey and gifting me with your feedback! It's 3:18am now. Bedtime. MV Quote Responses: Robert - Thanks for this tip; I'll definitely be trying out multiple techniques, including that one. I'm going to be obsessed with getting perfectly straight cut lines, so wish me the best! That's also a good idea about leaving extra material to account for sanding. Joseph - Your visual reference guide is GOLD, and has already been printed and filed in one of my reference folders. Christine - I'm glad to hear that about the mask I got, as well as the filters. I know the cartridges I got are intended for fumes, so one they become more available I will likely drop down to the round particle filters you're using. Thanks so much for also describing your holster-stretching technique. On my first read-through I was confused why the blaster would need so many layers for "moisture protection," and then I realized it was enlarging the blaster profile to stretch the leather. Looks like I will soon be trying this in a 5-gallon bucket, and I'll also snag some holster lubricant on Amazon. Paul - Wow, I'm honored that you've enjoyed my thread that much. To even be mentioned in the conversation about a "Threads of Fame" is incredible, and hopefully I my final armor product will be worthy. Your insights and tips are very helpful and always welcome! I hadn't considered how filling my bucket with various items could possibly be a bit stifling, and I'm with you on the current expectation and necessity for voice amplification. You also make an excellent point about at-home fittings providing a false sense of movement and fitting needs; I will definitely be sure to do ample testing before setting on something permanent. Perhaps Justin's (@TheRascalKing) sourced ultra-thin velcro will be something worth trying out. I suppose I will find out if my 8oz holster from Darman marks my thigh armor; do you add a layer of protection on the back (unseen) side of the holster, or simply wipe/buff the armor on a regular basis?

Wuuuuh, what a bomb. Even if the pictures clearly speak against Paul, his words would definitely interest me why he did it. And that's the thing about a trial....to give a chance to explain themselves. Only one thing... nobody was there when the buddy from Mark has unpacked the stuff from the box. Where is the postal sticker where marked the name "Paul Abernethy"? I'm just irritated that everyone's jumping on it with dung cables without to hear what Paul says to this accusation. Nobody knows the real background.

Mark approached me about this, showing pics without pointing out things or naming anyone. Not only did I instantly see the tells of it being recast, but also knew it was TM's work from the distinct mesh pattern on his vac former. Quite the shock! Although rumours like this have been going around ever since I joined the community over a decade ago, his parts have always been so uniquely sculpted (some would say modified) that there was no clear trail to the work of others. Not so much on this one... I am surprised TM has not replied to this himself yet.

Read the news on facebook... I am really sad about this. Really sad. As I wrote on facebook, even feel heartbroken. I too believe I get along with everyone in the community by not taking sides... but I do believe this is just too clear not to see as it is. As I said... sad, heartbroken. Saludos. Juan And yes... most newbies (and recent generations) cant see or understand the implications and importance of this all.

DarthBiscut, I have not. I sold my 850 AW kit to a friend and it still needs to be built. I planned on doing the strapping tutorial with his kit once its done but the Covid thing has thrown a wrench into this. It will be some time before I have any updates for this thread.

This is pretty sad, judging by the pictures and the evidences presented here there is little to no doubts at all that Mark work has been recasted. I have not been an active member here for a while but recasting has never been allowed in this community. I can proudly say I get along with everyone and I hate to take sides but this time I stand on Mark side. Sorry mate this happen ed to you. Cheers A

So I tried to make the ends of the kidney not so curvy. I succeeded in improving the shape. I honestly think I could have given more hot water treatment and make it almost perfect but I was being cautious since the kidney plate is already cut down to size and I know hot water can cause shrinkage: I am happy with how it looks and will leave it at that. Maybe during final strapping if it I notice I have to trim the kidney a bit more I can risk doing the same procedure again to try and make the ends go perfectly straight and have no curvature at all. This is how I intend to go forward with my torso: *** I will have to make new notches at the bottom of the kidney plate*** Since this build is taking me forever and I don't have much experience with a sewing machine, I measured my waste with my ab and kidney plate on and ordered a 37 inch belt from Imperial Issue. I wanted to order the belt awhile ago but was unable to since I needed to measure myself with the armor on to get the proper belt size. At least i can make sure I have all materials needed so when the canvas belt comes I can start putting it together.

Hi Marc, welcome to FISD. According to the SandTrooper Crl and the crl reference photo , the painted strips looks correctly, even though I would recommend you to visit the Hous of Sand Troopers at https://www.mepd.net/ for a better opinion. Medium blue, backward bent tube stripes number between (9) and (16) per side Cheers

He beat me to it. Makaze Squad is an outstanding group of Troopers! I'm in the Tampa Bay Squad and we often troop together. In fact, my second TK troop was with justjoseph63 for the Clermont Christmas Parade. I have plenty of close friends in Makaze. Both our squads have a regular Armor Party to get together to build costumes, to help each other out, or just to talk. Let us know what you decide and we can help get you on the right track!

I would think it would be one CRL with options vs. multiple CRLs.

You're welcome. Glad I can help. No, I didn't work on the game and have zero knowledge in modeling I use a software called "Source FilmMaker" which allow me to use, pose, animate and render models. Some people extracts models from games files and port these into a game engine called "Source" (Team Fortress 2 , Counter Strike, Half-life, etc..). As long as these guys keeps extracting and publishing files from new Star Wars games, I will be able to post high-res pictures of new troopers from these games. By the way, I have the Jedi : Fallen Order : - Scouts, Purge Troopers, Flametroopers and Clonetroopers armors. I'll post pictures of the whole armor as requested.

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

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!

Thats a ROTJ blaster. Though strangely upscaled! The lid is a bit of a hybrid. ROTJ lenses and screwless ears, but pretty much ANH everything else. These guys are a real curiosity! Shsme I didn't pay too much attention whilst slicing and dicing. Good luck with the build! Sent from my SM-J320FN using Tapatalk

Oh, not at all true. We have one of the Legion's largest Garrisons in Texas - Star Garrison. There are also The Rebel Legion, Mando Mercs, Droid Builders, Etc.. We also have Lothal School of the Galactic Academy, which has over 120 Cadets. Where in Texas are you/he located?

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

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 huge.. shame.

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!!!

As Joseph mentioned above, we try not to evolve CRL's dramatically unless they really require it. Some changes like words that don' make sense or minor oversights will get adjusted when brought to our attention and these happen in the background as they generally won't affect any approval. Larger items that do change the approvals are discussed with staff and members before they are made as an official change.

Welcome to FISD Mathew! As you may now be aware through your early stages of research, we look after the original Incinerator trooper from the games. It has what is known as a CRL (Costume Reference library). Due to this, the Incinerator trooper from the Mandalorian will indeed fall under our charter. The most important element of starting a costume that is different or new is to have plenty of reference images from all sides of the costume you wish to recreate. Front, back, left and right sides at a minimum. Then you will require close up images to expose the finer details. Basically you need to show the detachment you have enough information to recreate the particular version of the costume and in-turn create the CRL for it as you build it. Now there are plenty of experienced members and staff here that can help you with the writing of the CRL, and yep you get credit for creating it legion wide, but the ground work is up to you. This is indeed a kick butt costume and I for one think its awesome that you want to build one so fear not, you wont be alone on this journey. I promise you it will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. Considering we have a member who has very recently started working on creating a CRL for another variant storm trooper (from a game), please check out his research thread to get an idea on how and where to start. His enthusiasm and research is what drives him to make his dream a reality, so can yours be.

You're in the right path Jonathan, cutting is the last resource , my opinion, and you must be completely sure when Trimming is needed. I have done this kind of trimming a couple of times , and It worked so good, but It was a little more plastic to trim. In front is my kidney plate and behind the one I was helping a fellow recruit to fit better. and made the same with the butt plate Good luck mate.

So now I am in torso phase. The kidney plate is a little wide on me but I feel like the small bend it takes to fit around my waste is minimal and exerts little stress on the kidney armor. The same for the ab plate. It looks like these pieces wont require any reshaping as far as I can tell. Just some trimming. It looks like the way the pieces meet the ends don't go straight down perfectly. It looks more like a slant. Not sure what to do. Maybe cut it so they meet and go straight down? I marked where I think the left side should be recut: As much as I want to make progress I dont want to make a mistake with trimming my torso so I will wait for a bit for some responses. Another thing I noticed is that the kidney plate doesnt match what the RS has. It looks like the bottom of the kidney should be aligned with the ab plate at the notch and the after the notch it goes lower the the bottom of the ab plate. CRL seemed a little vague to me about this. I know the notch is not necessary for centurion, but I need to do more probing.