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Hey guys, BBB day today! Started with a phone call from Fedex saying they couldn't find my address, even though they've delivered here plenty of other times. But after a few more phone calls I got it squared away and it's here! I've opened it up and everything seems to be ok, no cracks or anything, so that's definitely a relief. Not gonna lie, I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed looking at it all, but I guess that's to be expected. I've still got to order the gloves and boots, but I was just waiting until this got here to get anything else. I'm going to get off here and go give everything a wash and try to organize my thoughts lol. I'm looking forward to this journey! It will take me a long time, I have no doubt, since I'm a college student and have just under a month before I go back until probably December. But I want to get as much done now as I can. Thank you in advance to everyone who helps me along the way!

For those who don't believe that the 2K Gloss is serious stuff, I present the can's label. Ye be seekin' adventure, eh?

I would add something a little stronger for the cracks, with a couple of cracks I found on my Sithtrooper I used fiberglass matting and resin behind to give it a little more strength. E6000 is great for flexing BUT isn't that strong in cracks, even adding some ABS strips behind will help.

NEW In Memoriam Detachment Leader Executive Officer Public Relations - Social Media Merchandise Fire Teams Hall of Fame Just For Laughs INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS Common FISD Acronyms and TK Glossary Pre Approval Forum 3D Section Field Exercise Award Master Armorer Program Imperial Attaché Program EIB & Centurion: What do these terms mean? Advanced Tactics Awards EIB - The March To 1000 Public Relations Staff List 2020 Follow FISD On 13th July 2020, Grant Imahara passed away. As a tinkerer, electrical engineer, and media personality best known for his stint in Mythbusters, Grant Imahara’s contribution to the Star Wars universe lives on through almost a decade of work at Lucasfilm. Moving to Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) from THX, he eventually became the chief model maker responsible for visual effects such as the animatronics used in the Prequel Trilogy, and lent his inventive and collaborative spirit to other movies such as Galaxy Quest, The Matrix, and Jurassic Park. Fellow Mythbuster and 501st honorary member Adam Savage paid tribute to Imahara, saying: “I’ve been part of two big families with Grant Imahara over the last 22 years. Grant was a truly brilliant engineer, artist and performer, but also just such a generous, easygoing, and gentle PERSON. Working with Grant was so much fun. I’ll miss my friend.‬” Our condolences go out to his family and friends. "Buckets Off" Greetings troopers, hope this newsletter finds you well. Wow, can you believe we are already 5 months into this term and what an interesting year it has been so far. First lets recap on the Detachment health and what we have achieved thus far, then move into what lies ahead. As far as command staff planning and election promises go we are in a great position. Some projects are long term others short to mid term but we are moving along smoothly and to the numbers. First order battle group continues to expand and will do into the future but we are glad there finally exists a good home and one stop resource outlet to support our First Order family. If you have anything to contribute to that section please do so. Visual checklists and guides are almost complete across all our CRL's for EI and Centurion with some big hours and outstanding drive from wignut65 (Jeff) DL's blog to keep you in the loop and behind the scenes with what's going on is alive and well, and I will continue to put these out on a regular basis. Forum refresh is in it's last stages with the colorful banners created by gmrhodes13 (Glen), personally I think they are all awesome, I hope you folks do to. New Vendors list completed, and it's great to see a FO specific list with so much content. I'd like to thank all our vendors for the outstanding products they produce and supply with consistency, you make becoming a highly screen accurate Stormtrooper that much easier. A few minor CRL amendments to make life easier for GML's and members alike. There are several larger updates to be started on where membership will have plenty of input so keep an eye out for those in the near future. March to 1000 special event merch is now designed and ready for the approval process. This will go on sale once we achieve the number and I will continue to leak teasers for this one off piece of merch as we get closer. CRL Translation team. This has just recently started with our first CRL being translated into Spanish. Many languages to follow but as we got through this process we are still finding a few errors in the CRL's themselves that need to be fixed. Stay tuned for updated progress on when they go live. Trading card issues now look to be resolved and moving forward again thanks to much help from Hoda (Eric) We now have a new spreadsheet and system with Tray finishing up the last few outstanding cards. While on the subject of Trading Cards, Tray has found it increasingly more difficult to continue fulfilling the print service he has so wonderfully offered over the years. The current Covid situation, work and real life has consumed his time so we will now revisit the topic of Print Your Own services for all trading cards moving forward. Thank you Tray for your long standing service, we hope things improve for you in the future. What's to come The DO's are working on a new guide to make it even easier to get your application for EI and centurion right the first go. They are focusing on the top items that applicants get wrong so this will hopefully all but eliminate the same mistakes being made by applicants in the future. CRL revamps for TLJ/TroS and Phasma TFA TLJ. these are rather large projects that will take time but we are aiming to fix any of the errors and update with new information and images. RotJ CRL, yep we are finally in discussion regarding a weathered Endor variant to add to this CRL. This cant be done without a CRL Model, so if this interests you please be sure to send the XO's or myself a Pm. Remnant Incinerator Trooper (The Mandalorian) CRL will be under construction later in the year as we currently have a new member Nicker (Nick) building the costume for the CRL to be created. Staff position compendium will start in a few months with the notion to make a job description for each staff role clear and understandable. This guide should make it easier for anyone wondering what is entailed in all roles from the top to the bottom. Continued forum clean up and image restoration. This is one of those ongoing processes that is quite time consuming but slow and steady wins the race. I just recently posted a thread explaining how any member can play a part in helping with the clean up process, it's easier than you may think. EI Gallery recovery. Monumental task that requires some back end manipulation to attempt to bring it back to it's former glory. Then it needs to be updated with over a years worth of EI submissions. This is going to take a lot of time but we will get a start on it if we can recover the old data. Future merch possibilities. We would love to get a coin run happening later in the year and are floating a few other ideas so stay tuned. That's it from me until next time, stay safe and see you all again for next months edition. With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK11469 "Sly11" Detachment Leader Greetings Stormtroopers and Stormtrooper enthusiasts! There is a great deal of work and activity that is always happening beneath the surface of the FISD, so that it can continue to be the fun and valuable asset that it is for each of you. The Newsletter is really just the proverbial tip of the iceberg that you see each month. At this very moment, there are a lot of moving pieces that we on the Staff are working to pull together. There is some really exciting stuff in the works at the moment, but I'm not going to spill the details just yet, as we never know if they will come together as we hope they will in the end. I am not at all kidding when I say that some of the things in the development phase right now are quite literally firsts for the Detachment - or they will be - if we are able to pull them off. Aside from that however, Happy Birthday to the FISD! Another year in the books, and membership continues to grow and serve as inspiration and support for each other. There is truly something beautiful in this community, and that is what keeps the work happening. It keeps happening in the forums, and out in the world. If you're recently approved, consider submitting for EIB. Maybe you will be #1,000! With Unquestioned Loyalty Tim Waychoff TK51878 “Dark CMF” Executive Officer Social Media To get you some insights on how everything on our social media platforms evolves, I present you several diagrams. These show the progress we make within our pages and groups! As of today our Facebook page has increased the number of followers by 544 compared to the beginning of this term. This means, we cracked the magic number of 15,000 followers, making the FISD the 501st detachment with the most followers on it's Facebook page. Our Facebook group gains more and more interest and we can look at a proud number of 2,962 members as of today. We gain 2-3 members a day. That being considered, we will probably reach the number of 3,000 members by the beginning of August. We hope to spread the word furthermore, to get the rich information of our detachments forums out to all newbies and current builders. Our Facebook DPRO @Rat is approving new members on a daily base for this useful and entertaining group. Also a huge Thank You! to our DCoGs for helping moderate any discussions on this communicative platform! The numbers of our much younger instagram page evolve great! We are now at 3,354 followers, more to come. Our DPRO Teresa @Soulart creates new content on a weekly basis to keep all our fans and member updated and entertained! Finally we have to admit, our team has been a bit lazy on Twitter lately. We haven't generated much content for the Twitter platform and also users didn't reach out to us via Twitter very often. Still our number of followers is pretty much constant, with a small tendency upwards. We plan to get more activity on our Twitter page and present more content to our Twitter using fans and followers. Stay tuned and be impressed! To get the full FISD Social Media experience, follow us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook and join our group! Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor Facebook Group: 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment (FISD) Official Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st Instagram: www.instagram.com/fisd501st With Unquestioned Loyalty Daniel Lauber TK55550 "Ripper_L" PRO Editor at Large FISD Standard Shield Patches (closes 31st July) Patches cost $1.53 USD each + shipping How to order Order thread here MARCH TO 1000 Here is the first glimpses of the new piece of merchandise for the March to 1000 EIB campaign, each month there will be another section released. Approval has been given from the LMBO's and ordering will open up once we are closer to the magic 1,000, only 25 to go Welcome to our 59th Fire Team: Death Star Veterans!! They are also the first Austrian Fire Team. Region: West Texas Squad, Star Garrison Name: West Texas Sharpshooters Congrats Troopers!! For the full list of Fire Teams head here For more information on Fire Times follow the link here: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/130-fire-team-area/ (501st membership is needed to view this area) With Unquestioned Loyalty Mark Ryner TK4584 "captsafe66 " FISD/Fire Team Director Troopers please welcome TK - 16233 Eric to the Stormtrooper Hall of Fame! https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48497-tk-16233-troop-log/?do=findComment&comment=689921 Stay safe everyone! With Unquestioned Loyalty Aaron Gibson TK-99725 "Pyrates" Curator Hall of Fame Are you new to the FISD and wondering what the heck all those abbreviations and strange sounding terms mean? To help you @justjoseph63 has started a list of the most commonly used ones that will give you some insight. If you have ANY questions about a particular term that is not listed or suggestions for new ones please contact Joseph. You can find the list here Pre Approval Forum allows future Troopers the opportunity to submit photos of their completed build to be reviewed by the Staff, Imperial Attaches and others in preparation for forwarding it to their GML for approval. Any and all advice/suggestions given will be specific, constructive, helpful and respectful. Please note that this program will NOT take the place of your local GML, as Detachments are not chartered for costume approval and can not override a GMLs decision, but is instead a peer review program designed to help you look your best and offer guidance and positive feedback. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about your completed armor, weapons (if applicable), accessories, etc. and get accurate information from the experts here at the FISD.. the definitive home of TKs worldwide. For more information on this program, please visit the link here Contributor Awards Don't forget to visit our 3D section when next surfing the FISD forums, there is plenty of useful information to potentially help you on your next TK adventure. You may be a designer wishing to showcase your latest designs or prints, or maybe looking for a file to print your very own Blaster or Laser Axe. You might be feeling may generous and share with our community a new TK related 3D file and maybe win yourself a 3D contributors award so check out the details below and be part of the in house 3D community. Here is a link to the FISD 3D Contributor program. Don't forget to create a troop log here on FISD and get awarded for your adventures The list of accomplished troopers keeps growing, so get on board and register your troops today. Simply start (or update!) your troop log, keep the running total in the title, and post (at least!) a date and name for the official 501st event where you wore your TK! Once you've hit a milestone count, go over to the "Field Exercise Awards -- Post your milestones here" thread to request your profile be updated! Simple, right? Milestone post example: Milestone and Troop Log Title: [100] TK12345 My troop log Date and Event: 8/23/2019 -- Death Star Cooking Class Photo: Pictures are not required, but are highly encouraged! Your picture may end up in the Stormtrooper Hall of Fame Award Recipients June - July TK28046 "TK-28046" Leonardo - TK14057"JODOKAST" Marcus - TK17144 "Laura" Laura - - --- TK72179 "jamihal" Jim - --- --- TK62000 "scottdm62" Scott - --- --- Congratulations troopers The FISD Master Armorer program is an optional, detachment only incentive award to recognize individuals who have directly helped another 501st stormtrooper to achieve Expert Infantry status. Some people spend countless hours helping others, and want to reward their results as well as incentivizing new people to help as well. To register a “win” in the program, the assistance must have provided hands-on help trimming, building, and/or fitting of said armor for the person who was awarded Expert Infantry status. Other program notes: • Helping remotely, giving advice, or taking payment in exchange for help does not account, all work must be voluntary and without expectation of compensation. • The assistance must be for a period of 30 minutes or more. Spending 15 minutes tweaking someone’s fitting or taking photos does not count. • "wins" can be retroactive, e.g. if you helped 5 people in 2017 already, those can count as long as they are fully documented. Award Levels • 5+ “wins”: FISD Armorer Badge • 15+ “wins” FISD Senior Armorer Badge • 25+ “wins” FISD Master Armorer Badge The process • Person applying for the award will create an application thread to track the help they give. • For each “win”, they will list the person they helped achieve Expert Infantry status by copying their EI approval thread. • For each “win”, the person who was helped will validate that this person helped them. You can find the master award area here https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/182-fisd-master-armorer-program Are you an approved TK that spends more time on the boards than the average Trooper? Do you enjoy using your knowledge to help out future and existing Troopers? If so, we would like to invite you to join the Imperial Attaché program! Members of the I.A. team are chosen to help out not only those here on the boards, but on a local level as well. Our aim is to have at least one in each and every Garrison, Squad and Outpost in the entire legion to be the eyes and ears of the FISD on a local level. A suggested level of EIB or above is preferred, as part of the duties include assisting those aiming for levels 2 and 3, but is not a requirement. Being active on the boards on a regular basis , welcoming new members and helping out where you can is, though. Some of the benefits: 1. Access to exclusive Attaché merch., including patches, etc. 2. Having the Imperial Attaché title under your name. 3. Being a part of the team that welcomes new and prospective members of the FISD. 4. Being the "go-to" person in your Garrison, Squad or Outpost. 5. Exclusive access to the Attaché HQ area, Imperial Propaganda Machine (newsletter) and merchandise discussions. For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here IMPERIAL ATTACHE AWARD Imperial Attaché Award for those attaché's who have gone above and beyond [minimum 1 year of service] You can find a list of prior recipients here Attaché Patch For those of you on the Imperial Attaché staff, the official I.A. patches are available Here are the details.. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! Patches will be limited to TWO per person, and will only be sold to those who are currently serving FISD Imperial Attaches. You can find the thread here (Imperial Attaché's ONLY) ATTACHE ROCKER For those of you on the Imperial Attaché staff, the official I.A. rockers are now available. You can find the thread here Attaché Ambassador The detachment keeps getting better and better. This month we have TK-20846 and jsilvius stepping up to help their community as an attaché. @TK-20846 (Leonardo) will be helping us extend our TK nation in Quito, Equador And jsilvius (James) will be assisting fellow TKs right here in the states through Garrison Tyranus The staff thanks them for stepping up and helping others With Unquestioned Loyalty Frank Peranteau TK75139 "Frank75139" Attaché Ambassador So what exactly are EIB (Expert Infantry Badge) and Centurion levels? These programs were designed for those who choose to take their armor above and beyond the minimum requirements for basic 501st Legion approval. It gives you the chance to show a level of dedication and pride that takes your armor closer to being as "screen accurate" as possible, without as much extra work as you may realize! It also works on giving a better look to the Legion as an entity, and you can bet others will take notice of your hard work. The 501st has a list of detailed requirements for Basic approval, (level 1), EIB, (level 2) and Centurion, (level 3) which can be found here in the Costume Reference Library, (CRL) http://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:FISD_CRL Here are a few of the questions people may be wondering about: 1. "I am a (tall/short/heavy/thin) Trooper. Can I still apply? Of course! These programs are open and encouraged for all sizes of TKs, as long as the costume is correct and meets the guidelines. There are many specific build tutorials to every option, as well as a vast network of fellow TKs on the FISD to help you out and offer suggestions. 2. "How much extra will I have to pay for extra items"? The cost is actually quite reasonable, considering the few extra supplies you will need, which are listed in the requirements area. While it may run you a little more to implement these additions to your costume, they will go a long way to improving accuracy. All needed items can be found for sale on this thread: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/16-ongoing-sales-project-orders/ While blasters are not required for basic approval, for EIB and Centurion levels they are, and may need upgrades (also listed in the CRL). 3. "I haven't even got my kit yet, is it too early to start planning"? Actually, aiming for Centurion is easiest to do right out of the box. 4. "I have my basic TK approval, can I still get in these programs"? In a word... absolutely! 5. "Are there any "perks" to this extra work and cost"? Besides knowing that you have a great looking set of armor, the 501st and FISD believes you should be deservedly recognized for your achievement(s), and allows you to wear the appropriate embroidered "rocker" badge of rank (available for a very minimum cost) on your shirt, helmet bag, etc., as well as rank decals to put on your armor bin. You will also have access to select "challenge coin" runs, receive (free) a cool certificate for your new rank, and have your title posted below your name in your FISD signature. Plus, once you reach these levels, you will have the extra knowledge to help out those who are looking to apply as well. 6. "Is it hard to apply, and what happens then"? After basic approval, all you do is make sure your armor is up to the standards set forth in the CRL, post a thread with the required photos in the appropriate area (see below), and wait a bit for the D.O.s (Deployment Officers) to address it. (Hint: Studying other people's threads before you submit can be a GREAT help). These are also listed on the main page of the FISD site. While waiting for approval, you will get some comments from others who will offer suggestions and constructive advice to help you out. If you should need any changes, the DOs will let you know, so you can adjust accordingly. Don't be dismayed if you do need changes... it's all for your benefit! After you are approved for EIB, then you can submit for Centurion. EIB https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/19-request-expert-infantryman-status/ Centurion https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/72-request-centurion-status/ Just remember that the FISD is here to help you every step of the way with whatever other questions you may have, but if you can't seem to find what you are looking for in your research, just ask away here on the forum. This area lists all those who have gone above and beyond basic approval toward screen accuracy. FOR June - July the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: Expert Infantry Badge Award: Leonard "lmc3" TK50421 EIB 970 David "MrFlavaFlave" TK79008 EIB 971 Dani "chamu" TK19587 EIB 972 Laura "Laura" TK17144 EIB 973 Fernando "Fernando Baro" TK29415 EIB 974 Caleb "ticopowell" TK84095 EIB 975 GREAT job on your approval, now on to Level 3! Request your free EIB certificate here Centurion Badge Award: Eric "GoofTrooper" TK37423 Centurion 466 Dan "R2Dan" TK8527 Centurion 467 Peter "4Runner" TK33348 Centurion 468 Outstanding job on reaching Centurion, Troopers! Request your free Centurion certificate here If you see any of these Troopers around your Garrison or Squad, be sure to congratulate them! ONLY 25 SPOTS LEFT, TROOPERS, SO TIME TO STEP-UP! 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 25 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'll be one step closer to Centurion! 7. Most importantly, having a more screen accurate looking set of armor!! 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! Newsletter If you have any interesting stories or photos or something you think newsworthy please send them to me via pm @gmrhodes13 With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Staff List 2020 Detachment Leader (DL): Andrew Franke (Sly11) TK11469 Executive Officer (DXO): Tony Jobe (ukswrath) TK-10116 Executive Officer (DXO): Tim Waychoff (Dark CMF) Deployment Officer (DCA): Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 Deployment Officer: (DCA): ShaSHa (ShaSHaChu) TK-19233 Deputy Deployment Officer: (DCA): Mario (TKSpartan) TK-48117 Lead Provost Marshal (DCOG): Steven Sheades (starsaber25) TK-10466 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Chris Pearson (themaninthesuitcase) TK-10911 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Aaron (Bronx) Gibson (Pyrates) TK-99725 Fire Team Relations (PRO): Mark Ryner (Captsafe66) TK-4584 Personnel Officer (PER): AC (Novatie) TK-5597 Content Editor At Large (PRO): Christoph (Danny) Lauber (Ripper_L) TK-55550 Content Editor Awards (PRO): This will be handled by the XO’s Newsletter Publisher (PRO): Glen Rhodes (gmrhodes13) TK-85421 Attaché Ambassador (PRO) Frank Peranteau (Frank75139) TK-75139 Social Media Relations (PRO): Teresa Nuthall (Soulart) TK-41307 Social Media Relations (PRO): Jim Ferrell (Rat) TK-95970 Imperial Propaganda Machine: Brien Edick (Harbinger) TK 92802 Imperial Propaganda Machine: Eric Ho (Hoda) TK 77520 Systems Administrator (DWM): Eric Brager (Darth Aloha) TK-9674 Systems Administrator (DWM): Mathias (Locitus) TK-2959 Detachment Founder (DF): Paul (Daetrin) TK-8020 Replica Section Curators (PRO): Dan Branton (CableGuy) TK-42911 Replica Section Curators (PRO): Daniel Melin (The Swede) TK-99665 Don't Forget We're on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor Facebook Group: 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment (FISD) Official Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st Instagram: www.instagram.com/fisd501st On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff and the Imperial Propaganda Department

Alright I trimmed a bit more as suggested. Don't think I can get any more than this without either taking away the edge entirely for the middle panel, or trimming the button itself with the side panel.

Assembled some belt greeblies. Instead of printing out the entire "belt box" files for the narrow center ab boxes, I cut them so I could make them a little more accurate. Basically, I just printed out the covers and painted them white. Next, I used some pieces of dense EVA foam in 1" thickness to make the bases of the belt boxes. I used a belt sander to smooth out the edges and create a curve that matches the curve of the ab. Then I poked two Chigago screw stems through the foam (this was really easy). I slathered on a bunch of E6000 on the posts to keep them secured in place. Then I applied E6000 to the back of the belt box covers to make 'em stay put. I let the glue cure overnight, and in the morning, I had this: I will probably round off the corners of the black parts once the glue is fully cured in a few days. Next, I tried to wrap my mind around how to attach the thermal detonator plate to the back. The piece has a little bit of a lip on the top, but it's not enough to secure the thermal detonator to the back of the ab at all. I didn't want to do just velcro for this connection. For me, I really wanted something like a hook, so the top of the thermal detonator would have most of the weight hanging securely from the top back of the ab. Enter aluminum! In the same way that we score and snap ABS sheets, I decided to score and snap some 1" strips of aluminum. I snapped it by putting the sheet into a vice grip and bending slowly at the score line. Once I had my 1" pieces, I made folded-over bends to accommodate the top of the back of the ab. They kind of remind me of bicep hooks. I dry fit them into place to make sure they fit. Everything looked good. I applied a generous amount of E6000 to the backs of the clips and stuck them onto the thermal detonator plate. Everything got clamped down with tape, magnets, and a clamp for good measure. I consider this "Phase One" of securing the thermal detonator. The next phase will involve a small amount of velcro and some EVA foam to keep the bottom half secured snug against the ab. Stay tuned!

After lots of sanding, I inserted the barrel, spring and made a cocking handle from a small piece of wood that I attached the handle to using a small screw. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Sure! It's Rust-oleum Automotive Enamel, Gloss White.

Well...not a whole lot going on until the full kit arrives. I still have the left over parts from when I built my Sandtrooper, so I decided to get the Thermal Detonator out of the way. Gave the grey tube a quick measure to make sure it's not 2 feet long. Also, drilled a hole to relieve the air pressure when the end caps are put on (the hole will be hidden by the "control panel" plate). Then, I measure the end caps to 20mm. This photo is post "scribe" of the line...and the ruler isn't exactly in proper position. To give a consistent line around both end caps, I "scribed" the pencil line using a compass. I double checked the measurements at a couple of points to ensure nothing got too wonky. A quick cut with the lexan scissors. Scrap/waste goes right into a shoe box to save for ABS paste down the line. Then, a quick sand on a flat surface to even them out. That's the backside of the sandpaper...I did turn it over. Quick test fit. I'm using the belt clips from @ukswrath, and numbered them so I knew which one went where after marking the holes for the screws. Instead of the screws that come with the belt clips from Tony, I'm using the screws from @justjoseph63...and securing them with some self-locking nuts. Belt clips secured, it's now time to glue on the "control panel" and then the end caps. And finally, what do you do when you don't have your paints yet? Improvise! And hopefully I can cross this off the list as well.

Hey troopers, I have recently finished my E-11 build and wanted to share it with the TK world to see what you all think. I took a lot of ideas and inspiration for my build from other troopers build threads on here so I'm am hoping to do the same in return for future TK's. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Hello. I’m gaz. Like many others in the U.K. I have been furloughed. I work in the events industry so god Knows when we will be back in full swing. Today I have decided to stop being depressed and start working on this project. I have had this kit for two years so I have no excuse. I have been a bit scared of starting like many others but I want to confer this fear. I have a kit from RS propmaster. I brought the helmet complete as I heard it was the hardest part. I want to assemble the rest of it myself. I have set up an area so I can watch the RS YouTube channel. As they have advised I am starting with the biceps. Just wanted to say hi. Wish me luck. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree, e6000 isn't the answer for fiberglass cracks like that. Clean it out, sand a little, and then add some resin and fiber matt to the back. Once it's cured then sand down both sides and you'll be golden.

I can add fiberglass cloth behind the cracks when I go to brush on resin! Anything directly on top of the cracks? I'll apply bondo putty to pinholes, but I don't think it'll flex when I have to use that much.

I didn't mess with the helmet today, since I wanted to give the E6000 sufficient time to cure. I'm thinking about using some fiberglass pieces that I'll trim off (glue and paint) to support the vocoder, mostly because I don't want to set my bucket down and pop it off. I looked over Jim's pieces again and only found issues with one thigh (a few small cracks). I bent open the cracks and filled them with E6000. I wiped off the excess and taped the thigh to hold the cracks closed while it cures. This should work to repair the cracks, right? After this, I applied fiberglass resin to the interior of some pieces. I remember that warmth and sun helps to cure, so I moved everything into the backyard. And then the clouds rolled and it started drizzling... So I brought it all back to the garage. I decided to resin the rest tomorrow, since I'm mostly out of space. Since I had a break, I decided to pull out the Darth Nihilus mask pieces I got my buddy to print me in PLA. I don't know if I'll one day figure out the costume, but I just really like his mask. At that point I'll join the Flagship Eclipse. But for now I'm just gonna put these pics here... Sanded and glued the pieces together. Super glue is supposed to be great for PLA...

Great !!

It's almost right that way, but You could trim,(or just sand) , a 1mm more, but be sure to let some edge as the reference .

Alright, my latest attempt to fix the seam for approval. Respectfully,

Hi!!! TK15803 requesting for 501st status

Okay, so the posterior connection between the butt plate and the lower back of the ab was making me insane. On this print, the pieces just didn't feel like they fit correctly together. There is this odd overlap of the lower back ab and the upper butt plate that is entirely unnecessary. It also makes for no flexibility in the butt plate connection whatsoever. Below in the pic you can see the two horizontal bands. The one at the bottom of the ab doesn't need to be there. And here is how they overlap. Things fit, but I think I can do better for trooping. Did I mention that I was afraid of cutting this armor? Well, that time is gone. Here is where I measured that I needed to remove the entire horizontal band from the lower ab. All that horizontal material towards the back was gonna go. A few minutes with a cutoff wheel, and off it went. Sanded down the edges, and things look much better now. The butt plate will have some flexibility now at the ab connection, and still fit nicely. Here you can see how they line up now. It's upside down, but the butt plate fits perfectly on the ab plate now. And you can also see where I removed some extra material off the horizontal end areas of the butt plate. This will also allow for good movement, but will be hidden by the belt. Time to get that butt strapped in!

Thank you, both. So, this is the first thing I’ve done. I have a lot of trimming to do - does everyone question themselves as much as me when they start? Ha ha. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very discrete, nice / clean installation Mar2D2 Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

Absolutely incredible work here. Much patience and figuring out to get functional. I [emoji106] Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

I attached the handle to the main body of the blaster using screws hidden inside the handle. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

I made my own trigger guard from aluminium as the doopydoos supplied one seemed rather small. I also used a small spring behind the trigger to allow it to move. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

I sanded and attached using gorilla super glue, the casing and flash guards to the body of the blaster. I made a "D" ring from some wire and cut out the back to accomodatectge ring and holding piece, flush and glued on the rear sight. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Next I cut out the holding stock and drilled out the holes, I removed the in station fixings from the hinge part of the stock and found that if I use 2 bolts and the thread from kitchen cabinet connectors, this worked really well as a moving part to attach the stock to the gun. I used a small metal pipe from an old lamp (with an opening in the side cut out), a spring from a cheap garden ornament, an Ikea flat pack screw (cut down with hole drilled for attaching another smaller screw. All made it so the smaller screw fits in the barrel inset on the front underside of the gun so it can be pushed back to release the stock from the body of the blaster. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

This is where it all began. Once I received my Doopydoos resin kit, I watched a lot of E-11 build threads and gathered as much info about the movie used blasters as well as obtaining a copy of the Stirling SMG users manual. I started by drilling out the filled hole on the underside of the barrel. I also made a spring from a wire coat hanger and the barrel inset from some black metal tubing I had on my garage. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Here is the shim and kidney issue fixed. I hope. Reapectfully,

Hi Gaz! Welcome to the boards and good luck on your build! I’ll be starting on two builds hopefully this weekend or by the first part of next week, depending on shipping time. Although mine and my son’s kits aren’t from RS, their build videos on YouTube are as great resource and I’ve been watching those as well as CableGuy’s videos in preparation for our BBB arrival. I hope you will start a build thread, as I look forward to following your progress.

The three-button panel is for Sandtrooper builds, so you need not worry about it. Some kits come with it, along with the different knee plate as well. You may consider keeping it in case you decide to convert worn-out armor to a Sandie. As for connecting the cod and posterior, there is a black strap which will need to span the gap and connect the two pieces. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

One of the reasons I chose ESB was it was unique. So many of my garrison brothers and sisters are ANH so wanted to be different. Most of the general public dont know the subtle differences as you are just a stormtrooper to them. I did a VIP event late last year and all they wanted was stormtroopers, it didnt matter what type you were. I think in total there is about 4 ESB variants in NZ. We now have an ESB Vader in our garrison so its extra cool when I troop along side him as the only ESB in my region. Good luck with your build

Did you get approved with the new "game accurate version" in the end?

I’ve been very roughly trimming the flashing off the pieces, and I’m preparing to tackle the return edges. I have all the arm and leg pieces roughed out. As advised I’m starting with the biceps. I’ve been going through @justjoseph63 return edges 101. How are these looking when it comes to return edges? (on a side note I can’t wait till my lager cutting mat gets here) I just want to make sure I’m on the right path before cutting, the return edges in that little “box” like area get removed as well correct? (Basically following that pencil line) I’ve been following Trooperbay’s videos on his site as a guide. He seems to be more in favor of leaving about an 1/8 of an inch of return edges on the armor he’s making in the video, which obviously for the most part I won’t be doing, and he’s also making a sandy but for the most part I think I’m pretty safe using it as a guide. Has anyone more experienced then me watched those videos? And if so is there anything I should watch for? That’s all I have for tonight. Hopefully I get those and the forearms knocked out tomorrow after work!

Hi, Tom! Thanks for your submission. Can you also add photos of: * Inside of the thigh ammo connector * Outside of the snaps on the butt and the rivet on the cod * Closeup of the 'Han snap' - the snap on the right ab. No need to suit up, just need photos of the armor. Thanks!

Coming along nicely

Nice work, just watch the rotation of your thighs and shins, not quite aligned, you may want to add some foam behind your sniper plate to help hold it away from your thigh. You could also possibly bring up your ab a little, would give you more room at the top of the thighs, at present it appears your left thigh is touching. Thigh touching on the rear also. Helmet appears to sit up a lot, you may want to adjust the padding. Some dabs of E6000 glue would help keep your drop boxes in alignment You may want to also add some photos of the inside of your thigh ammo strip connectors Good luck

Most of what I have strapped so far has been snaps and elastic. I like the idea of fully taking apart my armor for cleaning/replacement. The only exception I have for my build is the butt to kidney plate. I just glued elastic to the kidney and butt plate. This is the only part of the armor where I prefer sturdy/very hard to come apart vs ease of disassembly: Marked where I intend to put my cod split rivet: I have marked where I intend to trim down my butt plate: Even though I will be redoing my split rivets to try and make approved for higher levels......The strapping method for the torso will not change. That being said, I decided to try and strap everything together and see how its all fitting together:

Hi Kodii, welcome to FISD.

Welcome Kody It can seem a daunting task putting together a TK. But it's not as hard as it looks. Take your time, it's not a race. Do plenty of research, yup homework and ask ANY questions you have. We're here for you. Good Luck Future Trooper!

Welcome to the FISD Kody Sent from my SM-G981B using Tapatalk

Hello and welcome to the forums

Aww, thanks, troopers! You all know how to make a FOTK Mom feel amazing! Finished painting the remaining odds and ends that needed some cleanup today. The big thing was getting the ab piece all done. It had some drip marks last week, so I sanded them down and repainted it entirely. Very happy with how it turned out. And it feels good to get everything white and glossy! I also tackled refurbishing Cameron's helmet. It's an adult size Rubies Deluxe helmet that I had converted for his old FOTK kit. He doesn't know about the surprise upgraded lid, so in order to keep up appearances, I needed to repaint the old helmet to match the new armor. I wet sanded the helmet with 400 grit to remove some of the old paint and give it bite for the new white gloss. I bought a small paint shelter and a cheap turntable so I could paint the lid without worrying too much about extra particles landing on it while it dried. A turntable is a really nice convenience for painting something like a helmet; it allows for slow and consistent rotation while the paint is being applied. I also rigged the spray shelter with a small swivel hook in the inside top so I can hang and rotate small objects in the shelter while painting. I didn't need it for today, though. I had enough extra 2k Gloss to cover the helmet twice. And whoa. Again, I am in love with the ease of how it applies. It self levels beautifully, and I didn't see any drips at all on any of the parts I've painted. It's pricey stuff, but seriously worth every penny. Before repainting this helmet, it was shiny, but nothing like how it is now. The finish is like glass. You can see the blue sky and trees in the reflection on the dome. It is so difficult to get accurate pics of how shiny this stuff is because the white color blows out the reflections. I'll be letting everything cure for a week before painting the black details on. I still have a lot of strapping things to assemble and sew, but it feels like the finish line is in sight!

Hi, Here TK17371 https://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=27223 Requesting access please

Annnnnnd its live on Thingiverse! If you see any changes I need to make or suggestions for new parts I'm open to ideas. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4462006