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Seriously, Joseph’s visual reference thread that he mentions is a MUST READ. I have a PDF of it saved on my iPad and also printed in a physical reference folder. =) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You just want a balance of gap between biceps and forearm and forearm to hand guard. Also you can lower your chest piece down. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice work, TD looks good. Using a two strap method will definitely help the thighs to stop rotating. This is a FOTK but a similar design would work

I used E6000 to stick the snaps on thighs, along the side seam (per the CRL). When I try them on I'll decide if I need a "V" strap or a front strap. I also stuck snaps on the barrel and then prepped the straps and 1" clips. I gave in and E6000'd the TD to the belt. I wrapped tape around to hold it in place. Hopefully this works out, or I'll have to look into rivets...

awesome build thread, been a great help. What did you use to secure holster to belt, chicago screws? Can you use rivets?

The drop boxes should be aligned with the very end of the plastic belt, as the CRL states (for L3): “Drop boxes are vertically aligned with the end of the ammo belt with minimal gap between belt and box.” Vertically, you might be within the tolerances, though your photo angle doesn’t give a head-on perspective to confirm. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you mean the part next to the thigh it should be in the kit from KB.

Hi Craig and welcome to FISD. Glad to read you're in the process of become a ESB Stormtrooper and the best part is that you're going for higher levels. , I would strongly recommend to start a Building thread here so you can post photos most of us use imgur to post photos directly into the threads and receive a lot of tips and feedback of your build . about your questions, i'll try to explain the best i can. Are the hand plates made of rubber or silicone? Or are they hard plastic for Centurion? ESB Hand guards are hard plastic and the gloves can be rubber or satin What is a “S” neck? Btw don’t google that. The "S" neck trim is the rubber seal that is placed in the bottom of the helmet. "S" refers to the shape of the seal. "S "Shape 'U' Shape The white elastic that holds down the shoulder pieces, that is attached to the larger white elastic of the chest and back over the shoulder. Yes? How wide is the shoulder white elastic? You can use 5mm elastic Bicep below or tucked in the shoulder piece for centurion? You can use a bit tucked shoulder for L3 , personally I like the ESB look with the shoulder below. Do the ear piece rank colors specific to the button? Can someone show me a side picture of centurion for both ears please? The ears have actualy 4 bumps, but only 2 or 3 painted May I put black mesh behind the frown in lieu of the typical silver mesh to help conceal my face? The mesh behind the frown is a Basic level, not for accuracy but due to when in Trooping, is preferable to hide your face from the public. You can use a balaclava of course . For Centurion, it's not a requirement but we will point it as a suggestion Will installing the UKsWrath Hovi iComm tips invalidate the helmet for centurion? They're approved for Centurion Level. The CRL states “AM v1” chest and back to replace for more screen accuracy. Can someone explain this? And second part of this question.. will the RSPro Commission built pieces meet that criteria? The AM V1 Chest , as I know is a no longer available, it's an old version and different from screen used. RS prop is a great choice. AM V1 Recent version AM Hope this can help you.

Thanks Justin. That does explain a lot. And yes. You’re right. What a big step it was. Looking forward to have both feet in.

Awesome to see another trooper wanting to build for Centurion right off the gate! Not a deployment officer by any means (deployment officers = people who evaluate your build for EIB/Centurion), some answers to get you started. I've only seen the hard plastic ones since they're the same as Snowtrooper hand plates. Now I REALLY want to Google it! But here's a nice picture of an "S" neck from one of the ESB Centurion builds - https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48157-tk-29413-requesting-esb-centurion-status-afp-449/ (scroll down to "S-trim"). It's just the rubber thingy that runs along the opening of the helmet/ Err ... mine was 1/8th of an inch, it's pretty thin. Might need someone else to jump in here. I think this is tucked in. Please check the recent Centurion apps. This is more of a dressing issue usually. Not sure what this means ... As long as it's not visible you should be able to do whatever you want. Some folks use velcro to hold their shins to the boots, though once you get dressed this tend not to be an issue. (gravity) Should check w/ your local GML (people who approve your basic costume). This isn't specified in the CRL, so maybe one of the DOs can help out. Also, I am #TeamNoMesh - I find wearing the black balaclava underneath hides the face anyway. Can you link a photo of the hovi tips for folks to see? No need to worry about this line - AM is one of the armor makers ... and since you are asking about RS, likely not something you need to worry about.

There will always be "one offs" like Mr. No stripes or a Hero bucket with silver mesh, but we generally go with what was seen in the majority of what was seen onscreen.. the "ideal" trooper. Yep, the CRLs need to be updated to reflect this.

The CRLs are our benchmark for approvals at all levels, and actually benefit from being updated from time to time. We try to keep them as specific as possible, but unfortunately every single aspect can't be listed so they can be a bit vague on certain things. Example: For Basic approval the paint on the frown "... shall not leave the teeth area". Without a visual reference this can be confusing to new folks as to what the term exactly entails, and some GMLs are not as well versed in TK armor as others. So, when some troopers apply for EI we have to ask them to adjust it. The FISD Gallery is an incredible resource to say the least, but poring over hundreds of images to find one specific item can be tedious, so to that end, last year I wrote a post located here (link) that was designed to show the requirements in the CRLs, along with precise, detailed images from the Gallery as well as from my own collection of screen-caps to help explain exactly we look for when approving armor at higher levels. I only wish more future troopers/EI candidates had the chance to look it over before submitting. There will always be (sometimes heated) discussions on certain aspects of armor. We all have our opinions, and I always keep an open mind and try to use these discussions to learn something new!

Ok, great. Thanks for the advice! Sent from my Imperial Communicator

No I have not tried, not had any yellowing on any of my costumes

Have informed the LMO team of your progress with this and invited them to come take a look. Thanks for all the work on this, would be nice to complete the CRL and have it added to the roster this year .

I have been approved, TK 31284 reporting! My next stop will hopefully be EIB! Glad I'm not the only one, I'll shoot you a DM. Sorry for not replying sooner, school's had me held up lately.

Congratulations Sergio

Can clearly see a side strap in these images

Approvable is as approvable does, daddio... *shrug* I think the side strap is required for Centurion but the front one is optional at all levels, based on my reading of the CRL? But the ROTK is or the same generation as FOTK, so the layout posted above seemed a reasonable jumping off point.

I think Once it is agreed upon that there may be options, such as silver or black mesh, or white edges and or white edges and interiors, not only should it be stated, but reflected in the images. Again, I love the CRL's and the job the DO's do, without a question. FISD is awesome. The issue doesn't exist here, it exists outside of the FISD realm. I have had many contact me and ask me about Hovi tips or Belt placement and holster placement, and what happens is that they use a reference picture from the CRL that doesn't necessarily follow the example set in the references below, so some are doing builds that compromise their armor and have to buy new parts because they thought the photo was accurate or their GML told them one thing based on the image. For me the differences, the subtle differences are awesome, in tube stripes, or hovi tips slight differences or say someone choosing between building a hero vs a stunt stormtrooper. So those graces in different choices or slight different builds are awesome. But I agree that we need to strive for an ideal and a standard. Just needs to be more clear and fully represented.

I'm going to kind of echo my Garrison mate, friend, and TK-Twin @equuspolo's concern over on his ESB Centurion thread (but also as a show of deference) here and say... I did not know that the mic tips for ANH-Hero helmets were supposed to have a black interior, and definitely never heard black mesh. As he said, I strive to build to the Centurion standard outlined in the CRL... which is what I believe the DO's should hold us to. Suggestions for improvement are one thing, but the line between suggestion and requirement can get a little blurry, and if something is required for Centurion, I'm of the opinion that it should be stated clearly in the CRL (in red). I know there isn't always a 100% consistent standard across suits in the movies, so the CRL AND the DOs suggestions shoulddd reflect as such. That being said, I absolutely welcome this as an opportunity to learn and appreciate the DO's scrutiny and advice SO MUCH. I want to look my best and appreciate y'all helping me get there. But I would absolutely prefer to know ahead of time and build to that standard instead of having to correct. And yes, I often review previous approved Centurion threads to know what to look for... but the "extra" standards aren't always consistently applied, especially over time and as DO's change. I know it's easier said than done, but I would recommend adding additional info to the CRL, as it currently reads for EIB: "Correct Aerators/Hovi-MIX tips are present. Screens used shall be of a wide type mesh, with the rim of the mic and the inside white or painted white." And at present, nothing pertaining to the mic tips is stated for Centurion. This is just an example specific to my situation, but in general... if it's being called out for Centurion, it should be in the CRL is my point. I'm not trying to make it harder... but not trying to make it easier either. ALL OF THAT BEING SAID... Hey look, I got a new set of mic tips from Tony and repainted them appropriately. Satin black exterior, interior, and mesh... And just look at my tiny white small projections located on the center of the interior used to disperse and dispense fluids in controlled amounts over a particular area! I'll reassemble once dry and repaint the vocoder as well (ran out of proper semi-gloss paint)... I'm happy to rise to the occasion, but for the record, it could be more clear from the get-go! /rant <3

Here is a picture of the snaps, just for the matter of completion. I e-mailed Ross and he confirmed these to be used for attaching the shoulder bells to the shoulder straps as I suspected. These snaps are relatively new to Ross's straping kit, so he didn't have the back when he made the video and Dan got his kit. Speaking of shoulders...

TheSwede is totally correct, but I will add this to the discussion - I simply don't think WE (meaning the 501st) will get a Beskar version at all. It seems that characters are distributed between the two clubs (Rebel Legion and 501st Legion) based on their allegiances and status as a "good guy" or "bad guy". I have heard it discussed, though not officially, that since in the early part of the season, Din is working FOR the Empire, that the "pre-Beskar" armor will be accepted for the 501st (and in fact a CRL is out now, please find it here). HOWEVER, later in the season, once his allegiance shifts and he is now working essentially AGAINST the Empire to protect the Child... he switches to become a "good guy", so the full Beskar armor will very likely NOT ever become a 501st-approved CRL, instead going to the Rebel Legion. Again, this is still unconfirmed, but very likely the case.

Jeff, Thanks, I was just taking my morning break/ forum check and saw you post this. So, my shoulder traps sit similar to the reference pics you posted with a very small gap under the bottom. I'll play around with them a little. I still need to finesse those tabs on the belt a little bit. I intentionally left them a little "fat" so I would have room to trim. Also, since I added an extra strip underneath the belt (I forgot to post a pic, but it's basically the same size as the test strip I bent) the belt sits in a position that should allow me to bend the tabs inward slightly. Also, I actually just went to my garage and looked at the rear belt. I may play around with it a little bit because I feel like there's too many layers of plastic there. Finally, I saw this pic of the boots before and I love it. For reference below is my 1980 Dengar figure and one of my son's Stormtroopers from 2010. In Rogue One, are those "holes" cut out or painted? They look painted to me, but I wasn't sure if anyone ever got a close look. I have no problem with painting a "hole" on the bottom of my boots when they come in. That might be fun.

Great progress. Good to hear the cancer is on a holding pattern. Congratulations on your engagement.

Always great to see photos, so I also went back to your previous post to check out the additions. Great use of magnets, and I’m glad you were able to use Mr. Paul’s brackets in reverse. I’ve often wondered if something like those would be helpful for OT TKs. Very nice helmet and blaster collection there too. Someday I may need to sneak a helmet onto the built-in bookshelves we have around our TV. I’m sure my wife would comment in about half a second. Haha. Excellent news, too, on your recovery. We’ll continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers on that front. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great progress man! Love seeing pics of your work! I'm glad you figured out Paul's shoulder brackets. I might need to switch out Jim's shoulder straps someday too... Do you really think your barrel is too high? The chest plate isn't covering too much of the front details. Maybe you just need to trim down the top of the barrel so the side plates cover it..? I'm about to strap my thighs on too! Are you using 2 (one in the front and one on the side)? Glad to hear about your tests. Fingers crossed your tests keep coming back negative!! Congrats on the engagement!

As one who approves armor for EI and Centurion I can feel your pain, brother. Allow me to explain as best as I can.... We all know that there were more TK costuming mistakes in the OT than there were laser cannons on the Death Star. Gaffer's tape, twisted parts, ill-fitting biceps... well, the list goes on, and all were seen onscreen if you look closely enough (as we as SW fans tend to do). They were on a budget, and I'm sure they never dreamed that a legion of fans would scrutinize every aspect of the costumes that we wear today. Please, no hate (or PMs) on this one, but in my personal opinion ESB in particular had more than it's fair share... it's like the special effects supervisor, production designer and art director had no interest in continuity and let some really sloppy looking TKs appear on the film. But, it is what it is, and at least we have the basics of what the armor should look like and the main differences between ESB and ANH are fairly straightforward. Are the CRLs perfect and 100% precise? Nope. Due to the fact that we are always finding new/more accurate screen caps and references they are and always will be an ongoing venture. Most folks are not aware of the fact that changing a CRL is not the easiest of tasks and is not done without a lot of discussion and participation/opinions of the general membership. In some cases this can take weeks or even months, but the final determinations are made with the input of our members. Please keep this in mind.. As listed in the reviews for higher levels, Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. What this means is that we do not depend solely on the CRLs, but in many cases we can actually see what was seen onscreen on most troopers (discrepancies aside) and include these in our reviews. Unlike the MEPD, we do not insist (or suggest) that a TK look like a particular trooper in any film in order to reach higher levels, but rather we look for the "ideal" set of armor... the perfect trooper. This ensures continuity in the ranks. To sum up, we in the D.O. staff are pretty forgiving in some areas, but we have to maintain standards and I hope that this answers your questions! Always, always, ALWAYS feel free to post up here or PM me if you have any concerns.... you are a Rockstar on the FISD, brother, and I'm gonna' stay on your case until you join the Imperial Attaches!

Now updated to match current CRL requirement. Visual guides updated by TK-50297 Wingnut65 Printable PDF below 08 ESB L3.pdf