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NEW Detachment Leader Detachment Affiliation Elections Centurion500 What You Wearing Merchandise Hall of Fame Just For Laughs In The Media INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS Common FISD Acronyms and TK Glossary Pre Approval Forum 3D Section Field Exercise Award Master Armorer Program Imperial Attaché Program Fire Teams EIB & Centurion: What do these terms mean? Advanced Tactics Awards Public Relations Staff List 2020 Follow FISD Greetings fellow Stormtroopers February 1st kicked off the election cycle for another year, and as you will see in the posts below, there is a timeline map so you all are aware of when we enter the next phase of elections and when it's time to do your Imperial duty and vote for the leaders of our great costuming club. That make this the last edition of this terms Newsletters and the reason why we are sending it out a week early. We achieved many things together this last year and I am amazed at the resilience of this detachments members to cut through some of the most difficult times in recent history. Thank you for keeping FISD on the map, staying in touch with each other, and supporting all the new recruits and members that come our way. Every day in any way possible we make peoples lives better and live the FISD mantra, Troopers helping troopers. Hopefully 2021 keeps turning the corner for all, and allowing us to troop again, see our friends and legion family and keeps bringing people to our forums so we can make their dreams a reality. Hope to see everyone on our forums, maybe in the Q and A and again after the elections. With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK11469 "Sly11" Detachment Leader With elections starting at the beginning of February it's time to check your detachment affiliation. OK so you look at your Legion profile and it shows that your detachment affiliation to FISD is pending, or otherwise incorrect. Why does this happen, and what is detachment affiliation anyway, and what will FISD do about it? The answer is that detachment affiliation is only ever used once a year, and for one purpose. The only time the Legion ever uses it for anything is to determine who can run for DL and who can vote in detachment elections. That's it. Otherwise it is pretty much ignored and not used for anything. The process of validating detachment membership is cumbersome and time consuming because people use different email information between their Legion and detachment logins, and that there is no way to bulk update the rosters. For a small detachment it is not a big deal to do this manually, but for a detachment the size of FISD with hundreds and soon thousands of 501st members, it's impossible. Fortunately we have technical folk both on FISD and in the Legion web team. Once a year they take a feed from FISD's database and do a bulk update on the Legion database. This occurs right before the election cycle starts and is done once per year. Pro tips: 1) Ensure the email address you use on the Legion & FISD boards are the exact same. 2) Ensure that your FISD profile has the correct TKID. 3) IMPORTANT! You MUST be in the right security group. It should be "501st Stormtrooper" in order for the automated system to pull you over. This thread is where you get your detachment access updated. 4) If after the bulk update is complete and your profile is still not updated, and you are 100% sure your info is in sync between the two boards, then ask for to the Legion web team. They should get feedback on why this isn't working. 5) If all else fails, ping the FISD staff. Which basically means that we'll simply tell the 501st web team to bulk approve everyone 6) If still you have no luck you can contact the legion web team directly via email: [email protected] To check detachment affiliation go to the 501st Mb database here then click Your Profile Data. FISD affiliation shows "pending" contact our DL @Sly11 and request a manual update. 2021 Legion Election Timeline Voting is well underway and you have until Tuesday 16th February @ 11.59pm GMT to have your say. Transition period will take place after then and the new DL and their staff will take office on Monday 22nd February @ 12.01am GMT Election Issues/Access You may reach the Legion Election Moderators by emailing [email protected] Link to legion election here Costume Approval Information - Legion Elections 2021 With the Legion election period about to start February 1st, the membership database will be in lock down, during this time new member applications through your local garrison/outpost can not be finalized, you may however still submit them but they won't be processed until the end of this cycle. This does not affect the addition of any new costumes to an active members roster/profile, however it does affect any membership status changes ie: active / reserve / retired and any personal information updates. The period of membership database lockdown for 2021 starts Feb 1st and ends @ Feb 22nd. Hot off the heals of our Victory1000 celebrations, FISD are proud to bring you our next target event. We are fast approaching another milestone and another chance to celebrate victory as we hit 500 Centurions approved. This miles stone will also come with another special Centurion only piece of merch for the first 500, in the form of a pin to match the Expert Infantry exclusive. Our very own gmrhodes13 (Glen) has outdone himself yet again and put together the perfect introduction for this milestone event so without further adieu, FISD brings you. THERE ARE ONLY 8 POSITIONS ON THE GRID, SO IT'S TIME TO HIT THE ACCELERATOR, SHIFT INTO HYPER-DRIVE AND HELP US BLAST ACROSS THE LINE! Now that we have reached 1000 Expert Infantry, It's time to once again become part of FISD history and enter the "Centurion500" We are aiming to have 500 approved Centurions by the end of the year. We only have 8 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 Checklists - Link here Apply here Questions: 1. Not sure if I have what it takes to reach Centurion- 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 500" 2. You get a cool badge under your name here on the FISD (full forum version) 3. Access to Exclusive Centurion500 pin for those in the original 500. 4. Certificate for your accomplishment. 5. You will have a more screen accurate looking set of armor. Now that the entire Staff and those who have reached Levels 2 and 3 are here to help in any way we can, you are more than welcome (and encouraged) to ask any and all questions you may have on this thread, or contact one of our Deployment Officers Joseph, Sha Sha or Mario. Let's get up to speed, push that throttle and prepare for lightspeed, you can do it troopers Your Deployment Officers, Staff and the whole detachment crew are standing by ready to assist If you'd like to show your support on FB here is the link to the Centurion500 profile frame www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=331320651285964 What You Wearing? - Armor Poll 2020/21 CLOSED You can find the results here: INTEREST LIST OPEN - CENTURION500 PINS We are almost at the finish line, 9 positions left on the grid for the Centruion500 and as promised we will have another amazing prize for this milestone, available ONLY to the first 500 approved Centurions: Another beautiful metal pin to match the Expert Infantry exclusive, commemorating this historic event! Our very own gmrhodes13 (Glen) has outdone himself yet again and put together the perfect introduction for this milestone event so without further adieu, FISD brings you... You can find the interest list here VICTORY 1000 11" Patch *NOW CLOSED* ORDERS HAVE SHIPPED Majority of members have already received, any issues thread is here EI Approved Gold Coins You must be an Expert Infantry member to purchase one of these coins. If you've ever purchased an Expert Infantry gold coin before, from any run, you cannot purchase another one. These are once per EI! There are only 7 coins remaining which are numbered and these are the First Order version. There will NOT BE another run of EI Gold coins until all of these are sold You can find the thread here here Stormtroopers feeing the heat the Brisbane's Gabba cricket grounds 16th January 2021 "You know it's hot in Brisbane when even Darth Vader and his stormtroopers are in shorts Hope there are no members of the rebellion at the Gabba" story: ABC Brisbane INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS 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 January - February TK6427 "Berbs42" Chris - 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, IA patch , IA Rocker 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 Ambassador With Unquestioned Loyalty Frank Peranteau TK75139 "Frank75139" Attaché Ambassador Update Your Fire Team Info: Hi all, I've been doing some housekeeping in the approved Fire Team area, mainly to make all the posts in a uniform, easy to see format. The original post were in a different forum theme and those font colors were hard to see in the current theme. Anyway, please check any teams you may be a part of and see if they are still active, members up to date and the logo still works. Please contact me directly if any of your information is incorrect or you need your logo updated. For the full list of Fire Teams here Thanks! With Unquestioned Loyalty Mark Ryner TK4584 "captsafe66 " FISD/Fire Team Director 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. 7. "Can I achieve additional awards"? Yes and No, you can achieve extra awards at EIB for each additional version costume approved, this will be shown on the thread title as [APPROVED 2nd], [APPROVED 3rd] and so on and you will receive an extra star for each EIB approval on your profile. NOTE If you are approved with a second version of a particular costume you do not receive an additional award, there is only 1 award issued for each costume version ie: only 1 Hero, 1 Stunt, 1 HWT, 1 ESB and so on. If you have a second/additional version costume approved you will see "2nd version" and [APPROVED] added to the thread title, no additional profile stars (more info on profile awards here) For Centurion the award program is a little different, you are only issued the Centurion award once no matter how many additional version costumes you have approved. EIB https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/19-request-expert-infantryman-status/ Centurion https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/72-request-centurion-status/ Photo Checklists To make it easier (and faster) to get you approved, we have updated the Photo Requirement checklists for both OT and FO and included visual examples of what we as D.O.s are looking for in order to move you along at an expedited rate. These can be found here: Expert Infantry: (For all non-FOTK costumes) Centurion: (For all non-FOTK costumes) FOTK: (EI and Centurion) 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 January - February the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: Expert Infantry Badge Award: Ardeshir "equuspolo" TK42128 EIB APPROVED - Second ANH Hero Version (no additional award) Dan "CableGuy" TK421911 EIB APPROVED - Second ANH Stunt Version (no additional award) Jakob "Yacorp" TK61199 EIB 1016 GREAT job on your approval, now on to Level 3! Request your free EIB certificate here --------------------------------------------------------------- Centurion Badge Award: Josh "Silverback73" TK20112 Centurion 491 Scott "Ruck" TK69901 Centurion 492 Ardeshir "equuspolo" TK42128 Centurion APPROVED - Second ANH Hero Version (no additional award) 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! Newsletter If you have any interesting stories or photos or something you think newsworthy please send them to me via pm. With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Staff List 2020 Detachment Leader (DL): Andrew Franke (Sly11) TK11469 Executive Officer (DXO): Tim Waychoff (Dark CMF) Deployment Officer (DCA): Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 Deployment Officer: (DCA): ShaSHa (ShaSHaChu) TK-19233 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 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 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

Only joined this site 2 days ago and already it’s been a massive help. I was on the verge of buying a hero helmet from Original Stormtrooper and put the brakes on immediately after reading some of the threads. After more research, I’ve started my journey to be in the 501st by purchasing my helmet from RS Props. Looking forward to sharing the journey and brown box days with you all, as well as the valuable support and advice. Tim

Hi all, For those of you who may not know, RS Props have sadly had a fire on their premises this week. Thankfully their contingency planning has protected their moulds but most importantly, everyone at RS Props is safe and unharmed. They have posted this update on their YouTube channel on how this will impact orders. My fascination with the stormtrooper has been lifelong but it is only recently I’ve embarked on my ambition to acquire the full armor. I’ve been following their content and even ordered a hero helmet from them only yesterday. Whilst they will be devastated and it will hit them hard, I wish them the very best in picking up the pieces, dusting themselves down and getting back to doing what they do best; making awesome armor. Tim

My name is Tim, I'm on the East side of Dallas, I manage a Fire Sprinkler company and I fly a Mooney airplane, skydive, build model planes, and enjoy creating things. My bother and I bought our ATA armor 4 years ago and between the move and purchasing the airplane I have been too busy to get to the armor but now I'm moving along nicely. I have my blaster and holster to start as well and I'm looking forward to doing so community trooping when needed.

Thanks for getting this out early Glen.

Hello everyone, So I have been an official member of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club (MMCC #2001) since January 31st 2018. I live in Atlanta and have attended almost every DragonCon since the very first DragonCon in 1987. I have always wanted to do a TK build but never made the leap until now. I chose the RO TK because I loved the film and I prefer the look of the ROTKs. That said, this is my build thread and welcome all the suggestions and recommendations you guys can provide. White Armor is new to me and yes I have built a Mando but with mando armor, we have a lot of leeway in how we build our kits. This is not the case with a TK build and my end goal is level 3 501st, centurion here on FISD. For an idea of what I have done so far, here is my Mando kit form the Atlanta 2018 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. If you are interested in the Mando build here is the link: http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=144162.0 And so it begins… Today I placed my order for a Jimmiroquai full kit (Armor, helmet, undersuit) and paid 40% down. I will most likely make some modifications that have been posted here with the armor but I need to see what I am getting into first. So, until the armor arrives, I cannot say what level of modification I will be doing. Recommendations and suggestions welcome. Other items I am sure I need are: Boots- considering Imperial Boots T7 (recommendations and suggestions needed????) I prefer comfortable boots, Im old and my feet hurt. Gloves- considering Imperial Boots Anthology Trooper Gloves (recommendations and suggestions needed????) E11 Blaster- Considering the S&T Full /Metal E11 Sterling. I plan on modifying the scope with this 1943 M38 replica. I know that the primary scope used in RO is the 1942 variant but I cannot find a metal replica of it and from what I have read, there were some 1943s used in RO. I do not want a resin replica and finding an actual one is way too expensive. Perhaps I can modify this replica to look like the 1943 version. I will also need to remove the scope rail off this E11 and fabricate a new one. I will need to evaluate the flashlight, rail, counter, and power cells to determine what is correct and what needs to be replaced or modified. I will also need to add new T-tracks I think. I did a cost comparison and buying all the parts and a base sterling vs buying this E11 replica and modifying it with parts and going this route will save me about 200.00; however I am interested in what you guys have to say about this. I already have helmet fans but I am also considering a voice changer system, recommendations welcome. So for you guys who have built this kit, please chime in. Also, what type of paint and clear cote did you guys use? I can use rattle cans, airbrush, and automotive paints and I am outfitted for all but I need to hear from you all to make a decision. So that is my plan as of now. I look forward to y’alls comments.

Hey all. Thanks for taking a look at my Centurion request. It took a bit longer than expected with the pandemic and all, but I fixed some of the suggestions on my Expert Infantry. Mandatory Information Costume = Stormtrooper, ANH Stunt Costume CRL Link = https://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:TK_anh_stunt Name = Max P. TK ID = 42199 Forum Name = mpedno Legion Profile = https://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=30527 Garrison/Squad = Southern California Garrison, Orange County Squad Armor = AM Helmet = AM Expert Infantry Thread Link = https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/47461-tk-42199-requesting-anh-stunt-eib-status-am-923/ Optional Height = 6ft 1in, or 185cm Weight = 175lbs, or 84kg Boots = Imperial Boots Canvas Belt = Imperial Issue Holster = Darman's Props Hand Plates = flexible latex from justjoseph63 Gloves = Double1 Rubber chemical gloves Neck Seal = Darman's Props Armor Photos Helmet Off (not adjusted) Full Body Front Full Body Back Full Right Full Left Action Shot Helmet Detail Photos Front Back Left Right Interior S-trim Detail Vocoder and Hovi Mic Tip Detail Lens Color (Backlit if necessary) Accessory Photos Neckseal Thermal Detonator Ammo Belt Boots Blaster Optional Photos Interior Strapping Abdomen Detail Cod Details (trimmed) Rubber Gloves & Flexible Handguards Sniper Knee Attachment (glue) Thigh Ammo Pack Attachment (split rivets) Belt Box Back Detail (fully closed) Wrist Return Edge Detail (none present) Right Ab Snap Detail Left Side (rivets) and Kidney Notch Detail (touched up) Shoulder Bridge Attachment (glue, with elastic tiedown) @shashachu, @justjoseph63, and @TKSpartan

For your consideration: Centurion Application = No7 Costume = Stormtrooper, The Force Unleashed Costume CRL Link = https://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:TK_TFU Name = Glen "Q" Rhodes TK ID = 85421 Forum Name = gmrhodes13 Legion Profile = https://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=15264 EIB Application = https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/50648-tk-85421-requesting-tfu-eib-status-rs/ Backplate overlap update

No one was hurt , and all their master moulds were stored off site , so they can get up and running soon . The giant vac former was unfortunately damaged , so they are awaiting on the insurance company. Obviously there will be a delay with all current on going orders , so they have asked people to be patient . One thing is for sure , they will deliver all orders and come back better than ever .

Added to the processing line sir.

Ah ok. Thank you

Glad to hear all are safe

Great news, thank you very much Mario

Yea I could swear I bought that from 'Astro Carpet Mills'. It's UV reactive, however I don't see it on their site. But that also leads to another question. The black lights. I am wondering if they have a negative influence on armor. Maybe not so much on PVC, but moreso ABS plastic. I wonder if it's of any significance? Walk in white, come out yellow?

I found that there was liittle point in it. I put painters tape around the 3 stacked magnets. But then found that it would begin to wear. Sticky side would be out on some. As long as I keep a bottle of Novus #2 that works miracles.

You could also wrap some of that tape around your magnets so they don't scratch the armor when your pulling them apart.

You got it. On another note I like that arcade style carpet.

I am building what is pictured except I will have a chest and back plate. thank you for letting me know that you aren't supposed to have rank at all

Ok. Thanks a bunch man

Again, thank you so much. So it looks like I will go ahead and cut where you suggested I cut the plastic ends of the belt. I already have the pencil markings drawn that will make the corners meet with the edge of the cloth belt. Looks like according to your informative belt post, I have a little bit of wiggle room for placement of the holster.

If you’re having trouble holding pieces together when glueing cover strips, tape them together on the outside then tape the inside too. When you’re ready to add the strip, just remove the outside tape. The inside tape should hold them together for you to add the strip. If you leave the tape on the inside while the glue is drying too, it’ll give you a bit of extra pressure in addition to clamps and magnets. With pieces that have been trimmed further and won’t stay together with just one strip along the seam, I add two small strips going horizontally across the seam at the top and bottom and that does the trick. See below: Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm not sure about a mistake, have you looked at other builds for comparison, it's the best way to find information on assembly, many have put thighs together and not had as much trouble. Remember these kits where not made to be identical from one side to the other, they will not have exact measurements, there is no set sizing everyone has to size to themselves, having one slightly larger or smaller than the other won't be an issue.

You did it!! well done Rod, you made the cut and it looks good sir. The other side should be less stressful for you and your progress should increase now you've gained a little more confidence.

And now to make the mistake permanent, well temporary permanent. E6000 adhesive, 20mm cover strip trimmed, clamps and magnets applied. About a 2 week process. Now to repeat and match this struggle on the Left Thigh.

Very nice work Matt, great set of photos. Hopefully you do get to christen it with your first troop soon. Thanks for the update

Yea....I cut the belt months ago and I could have sworn I followed the CRL. I guess I missed that part. Damn! I might have to trim like you said. I actually think it might help out when I put my holster. This belt is small and when I was eyeballing on where the holster would go, the aft leather tab was pretty close to the belt overlap at the back. I don't know if I explained that well. I'll post a picture once I get the leather puncher and have everything lined up.

Is this the helmet? I think Jason Hill at Imperial Supply makes it.

Welcome Aboard Tim. look forward to seeing your progress

Hello guys, Well I have mounted the visor in the helmet and started on fabricating mounts for the fabric screens. You can see the two mounts on the forward most parts of the tube stripe screens. This is two pieces of HIPS that I glued together with an overhang and the screen end inserts into them. I think at the other end of the screen I will make a rotating spring metal clip that will hold the screen in place with tension. If this works, then this is what I will do for all the screens. It’s a very simple and low profile way to make the screens removable. Anyway, I wanted to get started on the rest of the armor because there will be a lot of gluing and filling that will require 24 hours of cure time so the soon I get started the better. Well I was told by someone who has built several TK armor sets from the OT that for sizing and fitting, you start from the center and work your way out. This being my first and only experience with TK armor, I started with the abdominal armor. I am a somewhat thick guys so there will be no cutting on this part but I need it to better conform to my body snugly so I have chosen to install three ¾” adjustable straps with slide release buckles along the back. I made them from black ¾” polypropylene webbing that I had in my shop. I cut three sections a 6.25 inches and folded them over the female end of the side release buckle, sewed them in place then installed them inside the abdominal armor with E6000. I used some rare earth magnets to hold them in place while they cured. Next I cut three sections of the webbing at 12.75 inches and glued them on the opposite side of the abdominal armor with E 6000 again using magnets. Once this is all cured I will add the male ends of the slide release buckles and test this method. I plan on putting the abdominal armor on backwards, connecting the buckles then rotating it 180 degrees then reaching behind to tighten it down. I may add an elastic section to each strap if needed after I test it. My hope is that this will ensure a snug fit and I can don the armor without assistance. Next I wanted to get started with the belt. Jim’s belt that comes with the kit is not aligning up cleanly with the abdomen. Either one side fits snugly or the other but not both and the gap between each “tooth” is not evenly spaced on each side of each tooth. So I think I will remake this part with some HIPS that is .125” thick. This is very close to Jim’s belt thickness and my only concern will be how well the teeth will hold up when I wear it or will the snap off? I may reinforce them with some fiberglass but I do not want to make the belt too thick. Each tooth is roughly 3/8” tall and I think I will attempt to cut everything out first then bend the belt. Hopefully it will all still align properly. Lastly, I went ahead and filled in the improper holes on the back plate with some bondo. I have marked where I plan on moving the shoulder connectors but until I test fit the back plate with the abdomen and chest plate, I do not want to cut anything. So that is the update so far. I do not want to make any predictions on a time frame for this build at this time. I learned from previous projects, I tend to be way too optimistic and then rush to meet a stated deadline. So for now I can only way that once all the armor is fitted and strapped. I will need to sand the hell out of everything then begin the painful process of priming and painting. Thanks for the interest.

Lou, thanks for the recommendation. I have messaged him on FB and got no response. I will see if I can find an e-mail for him and contact him. I like the look and “function”(moving charging handle) of his blasters and the prints look really good. I have my own 3D printer and I have considered printing my own E11 but none of the free models really look good to me and I do not have the time to make my own 3D model at this time. Therefore, I am willing to pay for all that work to be done and Blaster Master seems like a good choice. From what I have seen, everything look fairly accurate and the fact that he uses ABS over PLA is a real plus in my book. So perhaps this is the direction I will go, only time will tell. Ok so last night I finished sanding the helmet (I hope). Everything is sanded to 320 grit. Anything smoother and the primer and paint won’t stick. And as promised, here are some shots of the fabric screen temporarily installed. I think the fabric will “pop” more when the helmet is a glossy white. If you look closely you should see the blue fabric inside the tube stripes and the black fabric inside the tears and rear vents. I still do not have a permanent installation solution yet. Additionally, I went ahead and assembled my Etsy Hovi Mics. I would have preferred to buy a set from the people here on FISD but everyone I could find either did not respond to my requests, no longer sells them, or their product did not look as good as these. I digress… So these came as a three part kit plus the screen and everything looks correct to me. I added the screw and used some two part resin to set it in place the cut and bent the screens (note the shaped wooden dowel). Re-assembled each mic and installed them. Lastly, I cut the lens and shaped it. I used a product called PC-7 to install the T-nuts for holding the visor in place. And that is it for now. I hope to get more work done this weekend and a start on thee armor. Thanks for the interest.

Hello everyone, I got some work done this weekend on the helmet. After I had rough cut all the holes in the helmet, I used the dremel and some mini files to finish out the holes. Here is a shot of the back vents after they have been cleaned up. Next, I took some think HIPS and cut it to fit then heated it with a heat gun and fit the parts inside the helmet. This is how it looks from the outside. Next, I sanded the whole helmet with 250 grit and primed it. This made an impression of the vents on the vent covers. I then removed the vent covers and traced outside the vent area with a sharpie. I will be cutting out the traced area then gluing in breathable color matched fabric. I took a trip to JoAnn’s fabrics and found this polyester/ spandex that is a very close match to the painters tape blue. I will be using some black polyester fabric for the other vents. I have not decied if I will make the vent covers removable or not. I am concerned that the fabric will become soiled after some time and need to be replaced. Next, I started sanding with 320 grit to determine what needed to be filled and cleaned up. Unfortunately, I realized that the glazing putty I had was three years old and dried up and there are no auto body paint supply stores open on Sunday so I will need to wait till this week to continue to work on the helmet. And that is the update so far. Thanks for the interest.

Decided to start on the helmet until I can get some feedback on the armor parts. Tonight I rough cut all the openings. I have decided to cut out the tears and back panel lines as well. I will back them with a black breathable fabric and hopefully it will improve ventilation. This weekend I will file the openings and make them uniform. Thanks for the interest.

Big Deal, I agree and I have seen a couple of people’s pictures where they have modified a HFX E-11 but none where they cut the rail off. I think I will be building a doopydoos in the future but I wanted a nice rubber gun in the interim. Ok guys, before I get to the juicy stuff, I will give some smaller updates. First, I have been gathering stuff for the Jedah backpack. Currently I have: LC-2 Large Alice Field Pack M75 Swedish Pack Frame LC-2 Shoulder Straps Norwegian Grenade Box Shelter Half ¼” Black Latex Surgical Tubing RAF Quick Disconnect I still have the buckles and webbing on order so I will begin to build the backpack sometime in the future. Also, my HFX Rogue One E11 arrived. It’s a B grade but good enough for trooping. And now the juicy stuff… BBB Day!!! Well FedEx tried to deliver it but I was at work so I had to go pick it up at the FedEx center. Anyway, I got it and looked over everything. Jim did a good job on packing it all. Everything is here and I do not see any damage at all. The only issue I have is the back plate that has the additional cutout on the left side but this is easy to fix. So my first impressions are: Damn this is a lot of work, where to start…. Lots of the armor parts look big, like the thighs are huge on me so I will need to do a fair bit of fitting. The undersuit fits well. I have no idea how to tell the difference between the left and right on most of the parts. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. So that is everything at this time… Thanks for the interest.

Don't contain it - let it out