Leaderboard

Greetings fellow members My team and I are privileged to serve you all for another term. For me personally, this is an honor and I am truly grateful and humbled by your continued support. Many of you already know me and understand the direction my team and I are working on driving this great Detachment, but for the benefit of all our newer members that have joined this mighty establishment recently, I shall start this address off with a brief on who I am so everyone can get to know me a little better. I also understand that those who do know me, missed the opportunity of a Q and A as part of the process, so this allows me to give you the plan for the new term. We also have the benefit of an extra 10 days where the detachment does not stall for the Q and A or the voting process, so we are immediately at work to bring you the forum experiences you all deserve. From this, we will move on to some details of how we grew last year and then my vision and planning for this new term. TK11469, forum name Sly11, Andrew Franke. Centurion, a 7-year member of the 501st and 8-year member of FISD. I am a big nerd who loves Star Wars and anything to do with Stormtroopers from the OT TK’s right through to the current day First order TK’s. I am proud to be a member of the Legion and honored yet again to serve this Detachment with everything I have. Being a people person, FISD and legion have given me the ability to help hundreds and by now thousands of others both in our community and out there in the charity field. I am personable, approachable and friendly. Just like so many here, my love of Star Wars began as a child in 1977, and that feeling is still as strong today as it was all those years ago. Being able to dress in Stormtrooper armour and continue to spread the joy and love of something so dear to me is an absolute privilege and something we can never take for granted. I have served on Garrison staff as charity officer and our CRC (costume review committee) assisting the garrison GML in costume approvals. Here at FISD, I have served in the following positions. Attaché, Deployment officer, Detachment XO, and Detachment leader. Every one of these positions has been an absolute privilege and opportunity to make these forums a better experience for everyone. Let’s talk about last year and the 2020 term. A year that affected all of us globally, restricting the ability for members to troop, let alone leave their homes in many cases. It was tough there is no doubt. It became very apparent that we needed to do as much as possible to keep FISD the place to be with activity and support for our brothers and sister around the world. I had a plan, the mission was to execute as much of it as possible but be flexible in understanding how we could keep you the members involved and your minds off the difficult times surrounding the globe. I was amazed at how our members stood up to be counted and were indeed part of the 2020 journey, troopers helping troopers was not only our motto but firmly became the hallmark of FISD. You are all so resilient. We gave a facelift to the forums, a splash of colour with forum header imagery. We created the First Order Battle Group, consolidating the entire First order knowledge into its own sub forum. A place to shine and not get lost in swathes of OT TK posts, yes a proper home long overdue and well deserved to strengthen our community and be stronger and inclusive. A massive forum cleanup effort is still running to declutter and restore lost images. I don’t want to rest on this as there is still much work to do and I believe my team is headstrong in completing this (Phase One) stage of a much bigger picture and plan I have for the detachment. We celebrated 1000 Expert Infantry, a tremendous milestone and honored it with a beautiful 11” patch to commemorate, open to all members it allowed everyone to share in that celebration and enjoy the spoils of victory. We brought you new Visual guides and photo guides to make it easier than it has ever been to get approved for EI and centurion across all our costumes. The team worked on several CRL’s again to make details clearer and remove grey areas completely rewriting the Rogue One TK with more descriptive language and new imagery And we introduced a new CRL for the TFU TK. A minor revamp of the Replica section took place, and we brought you the DL’s blog for some behind the scenes goings-on and to improve transparency. We sorted out trading cards and brought you new easy to follow threads and a “Print your own” set up. This reduced delays and streamlined the entire process. We also added a feedback thread so members could give real world recommendations on who they chose with to print their cards and how satisfied they were. We also launched the Centurion500 campaign. Those on staff not adversely affected by Covid worked double-time to bring you these and several other of our plans to fruition. We worked hard and very well as a team to keep FISD on the map for all the right reasons, but it doesn’t end there. I have over viewed 2020, looked at what work needs to be done and created a phase two plan which will not only consolidate works done but allow completion of the larger tasks of clean up and allow for new initiatives and further Forum evolution. FISD will stay very recognisable but will become easier again to navigate have some new bling but not shake its friendly forums reputation we have instilled over last year. The following are just some points of what the 2021 Detachment plan looks like. I won't be giving it all away because I do like to surprise and engage you all, not only this but I have also left room for things to develop organically. · This year I will have space for member’s ideas, a discussion forum where some of your ideas have the potential to be developed and become a reality. You will have the chance to leave your mark on the FISD forums and work with the staff from ground zero. I think this is an exciting initiative as we have so much talent across the wonderful membership and I look forward to working with you in that forum space. · Re invigorating the New members section with some major work that will take place in reorganising all the subsections, removing more clutter and creating the “New Troopers Club”. I won’t elaborate too much but there will be more ways to engage with the staff, Q And A and the hopes of a better introduction to the mass of information stored here on the forums. · The continuation of repairing and cleaning up all those Photobuket broken images and missing links. This is still a large task that takes time but we will not rest until phase one is complete. Then we will jump into Phase two of this process, a refining treatment. · An all new Expert Infantry Gallery will be created. The old one has been broken for a few years and we certainly tried to revive it last year, but unfortunately, the data is quite incomplete much of it lost when the detachment was transferred across onto the Legion server. This will require a hefty rebuild and we have devised a method to get this underway. It will have a new look and the plan is to make it easier to maintain for the future. This is a large task so I will be looking to enlist some new blood into extended staff when we are ready to launch the project. It was a great gallery of honor, and it will shine again. · 2021 will bring us some more milestone events to celebrate, and with celebration comes merch. · We are ever mindful of the costings when it comes to merch and will continue to work with suppliers to bring you affordable and exciting items. My team have already done some brainstorming and we have some seriously good ideas and designs in mind for items we haven’t seen in an FISD merch run before. There will also be detachment favorite merch items available in the new term and of course special milestone and celebratory item, it is FISD's 15th anniversary after all so we will have plenty of cause to party. These are just some of the plans prepared for the year but we already have something new and almost ready to launch. I'll make that announcement shortly, but keep an eye out for some new sub forums in the 501st members section so we will indeed hit the ground running as of today. Once again, I am honored to lead all of you through 2021 and grateful to have the opportunity to continue driving our detachment and our membership on an upward trajectory. The team are eager to get the job done, but with new initiatives, there will be some changes and opportunity to expand our team and bring new staff on board. This could be you! Last year was just the beginning, we look forward to continuing making the journey to become a Stormtrooper truly exhilarating. With Unquestioned loyalty Sly11 TK 11469 Andrew

Hi everyone, My name is Christian and I was introduced to the 501st by one of my long time friends. I've already received some great help from members on here and in person during my TK built, so thank you there. It was a fun journey and my build was 'just' approved so wanted to say hello on here, as I can't seem to find my initial intro message and am not able to post on the 'Sound off' board (not sure why.. maybe too soon after approval). Now I need to work on getting my E-11 blaster or else most of my stunt poses will look like the one attached below. haha! Looking forward to meeting some of my fellow TKers once we're all able to meet up again in a safe social setting. Cheers, Christian

Brilliant idea to solve the trooper butt problem! I will do this right now And your transport box is a work of art, I'm gonna have to take a closer look at the tutorial tonight

CENTURION PHOTO CHECKLIST (for all non-FO TK costumes) Mandatory Information: PHOTO GUIDELINES ___ Armor Maker Photo size- At least 800 X 600 (preferably 1280 X 960) ___ Helmet Maker Good lighting ___ Blaster Maker A neutral (solid) background color is suggested ___ Link to your EI Approval thread ___ Permission photos social media: Yes IMPORTANT!- Example photos can be seen below, but all photos MUST be 800 x 600 or larger to show details. You MUST include a link to your EI Approval Thread with your submission PDF Available for download/printing here:CENTURION PHOTO CHECKLIST-converted.pdf Optional information: ___ Full name ___ Height/weight ___ Boot maker ___ Canvas belt supplier ___ Hand guard supplier ___ Holster maker Please be aware that all photos listed below are required for approval Full Body 1. ___ Front (Arms flat by side, no weapon) 2. ___ Back (Arms flat by side) 3. ___ Left side (Arms raised) 4. ___ Right side (Arms raised) 5. ___ Left side detail (arms raised) 6. ___ Right side detail (arms raised) Armor Details 7. ___ Cod and posterior plate connections showing rivet/snaps (exterior) 8. ___ Shoulder bridges- Front/rear/sides 9. ___ Thigh ammo pack connections (interior and exterior, left and right sides) 10. ___ Sniper knee plate (left and right sides) 11. ___ Wrist openings 12. ___ Abdomen button plates (close-up) 13. ___ Posterior plate/kidney connection (back and/or front) Helmet Details 14. ___ Front 15. ___ Left side 16. ___ Right side 17. ___ Rear 18. ___ Close-up of Hovi tips 19. ___ S-trim (side view) 20. ___ Ear screws (close up, left, right and bottom). Accessories 21. ___ TD (Thermal Detonator) front and rear showing screw type 22. ___ Hand guards bent showing flexibility 23. ___ Holster attachment 24. ___ ABS/canvas belt (rear, showing drop boxes) 25. ___ Boots (tops and sides) BLASTER 26. ___ Left side 27. ___ Right side 28. ___ Rear (showing D-ring) Important! IF A PARTICULAR DETAIL IS NOT CLEARLY VISIBLE, THE APPLICANT MAY BE ASKED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS. Model: Philip Aitken (Ruffalo) TK 41808 Armor type: ANH Stunt FULL BODY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ARMOR DETAILS 7. 8. (Front) 8. (Rear) 8. (Side) 9. (Left) 9. (Right) 10. (Left) 10. (Right) 11. 12. 13. HELMET DETAILS 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. ACCESSORIES 21. (Front/top) 21. (Rear) 22. 23. 24. 25. BLASTER 26. 27. 28. A big shout-out (and many thanks) to Andrew (Sly11) for doing the PDF for this!

Hi Everyone, I'm Chrispy, and I'm excited to start building my armor. I'm on the waitlist for a kit from ATA ESB kit and I'm planning on chronicling my build and approval process as I go. I'm a long-time maker, new twitch streamer, fledgling R2 Builder, and lifelong Star Wars fan looking forward to bringing the same joy, excitement, and wonder that the franchise has brought me to my slice of the world.

Perfect! paint her black.

Well I could have used this a while back when I was fitting the shoulders. New addition to the arcade thanks to Anita Bible Burris for the heads up on the Macy's going out of business sale. I need to find a head for him.

Lol!! Sorry not sure why it didn’t show up on my phone. I see it now. No problem. Thank you! It’s clear to me. Making the cuts Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did LOL , the corners of the plastic belt has to meet the edges of the fabric belt as per CRL The corners of the plastic ammo belt shall be trimmed at a 45 degree angle that that meets the outer edge of the cloth belt.

Great work on the updates. Normally the elastic would be positioned closer to the rear of the shoulder straps so it helps hold them down, either just in front of the back plate or just behind I also noticed your angle cuts on the belt don't meet up with the fabric belt width, you may be able to remove a little plastic from the end of the plastic belt The corners of the plastic ammo belt shall be trimmed at a 45 degree angle that that meets the outer edge of the cloth belt. Note button cover closer to end of belt

Thank you Glen! In order: I didn't even notice the kidney overlap. I will be mindful of that when suiting up again. I will get some touchup white for the grin and the screws tomorrow. (TO DO LIST) What do you recommend to use to bend the shoulder straps? just a heat gun? I do have the elastic straps that goes over the strapping. I noticed it wasn't on top like its supposed to be. Another suiting up error on my part. Does this picture help with my explanation? Shin guard open. Wow what an eagle eye! Appears the stitching came out of one of the clips. I will sew it back, and double check the rest of them. Thank you! I am not sure how to show the TD lowered, but I reformed the bend a little to bring it down. The biceps, I actually have added straps with two snap lengths. They are lower in accordance with the views seen on the ESB movies vs ANH. Personally, I like them higher too, but I was going for the exact movie reference. Additional photos as requested. Sniper Close up Inside thigh ammo strip.. can you explain this view or have an example? I am not sure what you mean. There are no cover strips inside the thighs. Right Side of Blaster Close up of Hand guards (Right Hand) (Left Hand) Rando Snap, top right of Ab Ear Screws (both sides) Thanks again Glenn for the advice and quick reply. -Craig

Having skinny hands I have a little foam inside on both sides so it helps keep it central to the arm so not as much of a gap on one side

Normally there is some room around the wrist area, to trim you just want to be able to get your hand through no more

Nice work trooper, a couple of suggestions before the DO's get here: You ab plate is overlapping the kidney You have a small amount of paint on the gum area You could add another coat of white paint on the thigh ammo strip rivets In a couple of your photos the drop boxes don't appear to be in line with the end of the plastic belt Right back shin is not completely closed, Also you have some fabric hanging down under the belt at the rear. You could also bend the shoulder straps a little so they sit flat on the backplate. TD is a little high on your belt, this could be brought down. You may also want to bring your biceps up a little and your forearms as they are hitting your handplates Could you also add some other photos: Front sniper plate close up. Inside thigh ammo strip connectors Right side of blaster Close up of handguards Close up "Han" snap (top right corner of the ab plate) Close up bottom ear screws Good luck with approval

Great video, almost there

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

Same. Glad everyone’s safe. Kudos to a super smart and dedicated team who plans ahead with a contingency.

Hi everyone, I'm nearing the end of a TK build and have one little niggling problem I'd like to fix with my forearms. I am struggling for space at the wrist end, the hand guards on my gloves are catching constantly and giving me very limited movement there. As you can see from my most recent suit up, I've got the biceps as high as I can get them (ignore my left arm, the bicep came un-popped and slipped down) and the connection from bicep to forearm is as close as I can get without it catching so that really only leaves the wrist for me to trim. I know that the notches on the forearm are not to be altered but I'm wondering if I can trim from the wrist back to where the first notch begins? This would give me a lot more space at the wrist. Below are photos of my last suit up and where I'd like to trim on the wrists. The gloves are way too big, I know - smaller size currently on order. Thanks!

I’ll do that, thanks [emoji1303] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just cut the forearm to length like you figured out yourself.

Hi guys, i found a nice piece of thick black leather and i thought it would be an interesting experiment see if i can make a e-11 holster. I know i can buy a holster from several people but i just wanna know if i can do it. I have the patterns and the tools but, the sewing concerns me, i don't know the size of the thread, the distance of each stitch and the distance from the edge of the leather. Is there any "in between" takes, auction, private collection detailed photo of a screen used E-11 holster?, Has anyone seen one?. Sent from my GM1900 using Tapatalk

As it’s your first build, I’d go with E6000. It’ll hold fine and for me, I had to reposition a lot of the snaps which would be tougher to do with any kind of super glue. The other thing to be wary of with stronger glue is that some of them can react with the metal poppers and cause a heat reaction which can melt the plastic. I used the same glue I used for the rest of my build and backed each snap with a small square of duct tape, preventing it from coming into direct contact with the glue just to be safe. If you’re not using snaps/poppers and glueing the elastic straight onto the armour, I’d definitely use E6000. You will change the strapping lengths multiple times to get a good fit, I guarantee. If you’re going to be ripping elastics off and re-glueing, you’ll want to make it as easy as possible. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's a well fitted interior, well done

Very nice and neat, well done

Wow amazing ideas and work brotha. You definitely have talent at building and designing new ideas. Great job. I want to hand paint my tube stripes also will use this.

Congratulations Andrew @Sly11 keep up the great work.

Congratulations Andrew!!!!!!

Way to go, Andrew! Looking forward to another banner year!

Alright, well tonight I feel that I have finally finished working on the Thigh fittings. The right thigh has been freed of clamps and magnets. The left thigh is now under pressure of clamps and magnets after the final trimmings. I will do a final fit of both around 3am tomorrow. A full 24 hours later. Next up is the Shins. These I would very much desire a tight slim muscular fit. So alot of work will be going into the pant and shoe fittings. I need to pick up a good boot horn to get them on and off quickly. Any suggestions? I've absolutely NO experience in fitting TK shins, so any help would be appreciated.

First cut to the outer Left Thigh. Same process only reverse side. Compared measurements with Right Thigh. After the cut, Gaffers tape used to secure it with the drawn cutline of the inner thigh. Out to the arcade for a first fitting. Might actually be ready for a final cut tonight.

First and foremost, I am very relieved that everyone is alright. It was good to here they also had a contingency in case of potential disaster. The community will stand with them and they will be back bigger then ever. Thank you for sharing the information here Rob.

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.

So after the deed was done, a final fit. Not that it matters anymore.

Congratulations Trooper!

Well done Trooper, I’m sure the emperor is proud!

This thread is inspiring me to build my own rocket launcher! It would seem like a pretty fun build for an absolute novice such as myself.