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My armor was accepted by my GML . I now have my TK# and am a part of the Diamond Garrison. I am going to try an move forward and get my armor reviewed for expert Infantryman. Thanks again to everyone here who commented.

Hello and welcome aboard, lots of info for our FOTK's in the First Order Battle Group Also don't forget to check out our gallery sections for references. Good luck and looking forward to seeing a build thread from you soon.

Last of this build the shins. I really wish I could skip leg day. Cleaned up armor all the little glue bits around cover strips with the trusty fingernail. Noticed handling my armor with gloves on is the best option to keep it nice and shiny without finger prints all over it.

You're just too good [emoji1][emoji106] These are what I use. Big one for soft parts, small one for repair kit.

I'll take it one further and suggest packing cubes like these! Keeps all my soft goods together and organized, plus makes it easy to grab and go after washing and repacking, especially if you have multiple suits you use the same undergarments with. I use a medium one for my undersuit/neckseal/gloves/socks/etc, and a small one to keep my electronics/batteries together and organized.

Thank you @TheRascalKing! This was a pretty much a quick and dirty test of the armor as I was too curious to wait till my boot is actually off. This is a commissioned armor by RS PropMasters. I wore the belt wrongly, the arms definitely need some adjustments as the shoulders are not connected the arm pieces. Leg, have to test it after rehab, because it was too difficult to wear and stand on one foot the entire time. :-) Cannot wait to get into full action and appreciate the guidance of yours.

Hopefully we have someone on FISD that can share some Crow Props boot photos and we get your IB images and we can create a comparison that way. Ultimately I think it will help any looking for specific components. I'd love to see side by side comparisons of WTF v KB v 850 armour and the like so we have more FO information in one place to also help those looking to go down the First Order route.

Well for the most part the 501st is an amazing group of people, you should at least reach out and get to know them. The good thing about a helmet is the fact that nobody can see you. Where are you from? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’ve the 30 gal (113 liters) Stanley Fatmax and all my TK fitts inside, except helmet…it goes in a bag apart…

Well this is not something I would have thought that I would need to consider; however, recent experience has caused me to investigate this issue, here is what I have learned. When I started my ROTK build, the only supplier of ROTK gloves that I knew of was Imperial Boots (IB). IB calls these gloves Anthology Trooper Gloves (ATG) and they sell them for $69.90 plus shipping from the Philippines. I just checked their web site and they have reduced the price to $59.90 plus shipping. https://www.imperialboots.com/product/anthology-trooper-glove-shore-trooper/ So I purchased a set of the ATGs along with the T-7 boots for my ROTK build. When I received the gloves I tried them on to test the fit and the wrist immediately separated from the gloves in several areas. Additionally, the side seam separated as well. I assumed that I may have received a bad pair that were not stitched properly and decided to not contact IB about the issue since I had a sewing machine and I did not want to wait for the extended shipping from the Philippines. I re-stitched the gloves and did not give it another thought. I put the gloves on several times since then for application pictures and test fitting of the armor as I built it. My first troop in my ROTK was at DragonCon 2018. This was 4 months after I purchased the gloves. During the 3 hours I wore my kit, I observed that the gloves seams along the thumb had separated. I detailed all of this in my ROTK build here on FISD. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/44463-11b30b4’s-rotk-build/ In this picture you can see the re-stitched wrist (Yellow Circle), the freying of the elastic wrist from contact with Velcro (Red Cricle) I assume, and the separated seam on the thumb. So after DragonCon I first did a search to see if the gloves that they used for the screen version was a modified off-the-shelf glove. I was unable to discover any existing gloves that match what was used for the movie; however, I did find another manufacturer who sells a ROTK glove. The company is Endor Finders (EF) and they are located in the USA. EF sells a Rogue One Trooper Glove for $55.00 plus shipping. So I ordered a set and received them. https://www.endorfinders.com/costume-accessories/rogue-one-trooper-gloves Shortly after I ordered the glove from EF, I contacted IB about the issues I have had with the ATG gloves. After a few back and forth e-mails, IB sent me a new pair of the ATG gloves. I won’t say it was a painless experience but they did replace the gloves so there is that. I have held off doing this comparison until I received the replacement ATG gloves and now that I have them, it is now time to do this. At first look both gloves look almost identical. Honestly, I expected the gloves from EF to be the exact same as what IB sells. Once I got the EF gloves I quickly noticed the differences. As you can see the cuff on the EF gloves is longer although both gloves are the same size. The EF gloves fit a bit tighter but that is because they are lined on the inside while the IB gloves are not lined. Here is the palm and back of the IB glove. And this is the EF palm and back. A side by side of EF (left) and IB (right) Inside lining of the EF (Left) and no liner on the IB glove (Right). Inside the EF glove. Inside the IB glove. Wrist of the EF glove. Wrist of the IB glove. The EF glove with armor. The IB glove with armor. My observations: 1. The ribbed fabric used by each manufacturer is different. So I looked at some reference pictures from SW celebration. In this picture the glove fabric looks like the grid fabric used by EF. However, in these pictures, the fabric looks more like the ribbed fabric used by IB. So I am at a loss to determine which is correct. I suppose that both could be correct. 2. The wrist on the EF glove is fabric and not elastic. The fabric on the IB glove is elastic. 3. The EF glove is lined and fits like an Isotoner while the IB gloves are unlined and fit like Mechanix gloves. 4. The stitching quality appears to be better in the RF gloves while even the new IB gloves are poorly stitched. 5. The Velcor patches on the back of the EF gloves are opposite (One soft and one hard) while the Velcro patches on the back of the IB gloves are both soft. 6. The leather on both gloves looks to of similar type and quality and screen accurate. Conclusion: The EF glove seems to be a better product and is sold for a few dollars less than the IB glove. I have not trooped the EF glove as of yet, so my opinion may change once I get more experience with them but I doubt it. I hope that some of you find this information helpful. Happy trooping.

Hi there. I am contemplating purchasing a BSP's FOTK kit from a fellow member. Decided it was time to start looking around here to learn what I may be getting into! I already know about the lack of a return edge on these kits on the yoke so that has me intimidated but will look for some fixes here. Thank you, Daniel ID-39314

Hi Daniel, Welcome to FISD, you're definitely in the right place to get all the help you need. Can't help re first order stuff, but you'll find someone here will be able to get you on the right track. Good luck with your build [emoji106][emoji4] Rich

I've never heard of this before, although I would suspect it would be a costly and less accurate way to coat the plastic. Here are a few other threads on armor yellowing: http://www.vintagecomputing.com/index.php/archives/189

It worth keeping checking on those Asos boots, they're very comfy, but I'm sure you'll find some. And yes, its always good to find people you can relate to [emoji4][emoji106]

Good to meet you Rich. Thank you so much for the kind words. I think ASOS are currently out of stock for big sizes. I’m always up for making friends with similar interests sounds great. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hello! I've got an ANH Stunt kit from RS. Thanks for the pictures! I'm not 100% sure if I want to do it like that, but it's good to see how it could look like! Happily I haven't had any problems with my butt plate and it aligns very neatly with my kidney plate. Regarding the sniper plate, I've recently gotten that solved on my new build thread: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/51192-morgis-anh-stunt-build-first-build/ Still, thanks for the offer and thank you for your nice welcome!

Hi Paul, I'm also vegan, 6'4" in my socks and no helmet, and in the UK. Really cool to see you here. Below are what I used, just to give you some ideas. I got my boots from Asos https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-chelsea-boots-in-black-faux-leather-with-black-sole/prd/21328697?ctaRef=my%20orders And dyed/painted them white https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000P5H6Z2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_5Q3F2XEFAXJN9Y5C8CFG I got my holster from Burkbench (just ask for faux leather) https://www.facebook.com/burkbenchdesigns/ And my neck seal (along with my armour) from RWA. For the blaster I went for a rubber Sheartech e11 https://www.facebook.com/sheartech/ If I have forgotten anything or you have more questions just ask! Finally, I totally understand when you say about being shy and unable to approach people. If we're ever at an event together (I'm sure we will be) it will be a pleasure to meet you, and we can look for the vegan fast food stall together! [emoji1] All the very best with your build, Rich

Excellent, and welcome! Where was the kit commissioned from? Looks good! I'd definitely put a little dab of E6000 at the front, bottom of that right thigh, then flip the ammo pack all the way up and let it glue - flaring it out a little will keep it from smashing your shin armor as much. If you don't already have mobility cutouts at the back of your knees, I'd highly recommend it. As always, reinforce your shoulder bridges. Keep the biceps nice and low and arm gaps tight for ESB, but they look like they're rotating, so a little tighter on the bicep straps, some hooks, or a another little dab of E6000 may be in order. Finally, when you build the belt, make sure it sits just below the ab button panel. Post more pics and we'll give you more feedback to have you looking your very best, but it looks like you're well on your way - congrats!

Hey trooper and welcome! I don't believe I saw what type and maker of armor you have going? Let us know!| If it helps, here are some photos of how I do my strapping with Line 24 (15mm) snaps, based largely on the @wingnut65 diagram that's been around forever. The double snaps are very secure and comfortable! I'd also recommend adding some keeper clips to your posterior (not shown) if it tends to pop out like many of ours do. And what's up with your sniper knee? We'll try to help! Pics!

Yeah I just touched base with my armourer from the uk Garrison. And he mentioned that I should buy some black or brown Chelsea boots to paint/ dye white. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Paul. Welcome to the FISD. I have the same boots (they are my backup pair). I believe the seam is Ok for basic approval. If you want to upgrade and you can't find white vinyl boots without that seam, you can always try to find brown or black boots and paint them white. Cheers.

Got the second ear done after hours of adjustment... Again, those gaps looked different once I screwed it on. Also, is it just me, or is the right ear (left in the picture) thinner than the other? I hope that isn't a problem, even when it comes to reaching EI or Centurion.... As you can spot the end of the back in the gap, I was wondering, whether there's anything that I could use to fill the gap. And one picture of the back I've also reliefed my sniper plate of the clamps and magnets, and I got to say that it looks way better now, so thank you, gmrhodes13! (well, aside from the bit of dirt that I have to rub off) It is a bit bend where the clamps were, but nothing huge. At least nothing that's immediately noticeable. If everything goes according to plan, I should get some press studs soon to rework part of my strapping and hopefully close the gap between my torso and kidney plate, making it closer to screen-accuracy and Centurion requirements. Before I do that, I'll probably get the S-trim around the bottom of the helmet done today or tomorrow and maybe the rest of the build itself, so that I'll only have to wait for my tube stripes template to arrive before I can start painting the helmet.

[emoji1][emoji111]

Creative freedom enjoy!

4 down 20 to go You may be forgiven for thinking I've got blue in some of the wrong places. Hopefully not [emoji1696]

Excellent tip there, Rich. I have seen this happen more times than I can count, and getting black dye off of armor is no small feat.

One thing I noticed from your gallery photos is it looks like you might have your fore arms on the wrong arm. One has 11 dimples the other 12. If you take a look at some screen shots in our Gallery that will help you get those finer accuracy details you may like to have. Currently you have the 12 dimple on the left arm. You can also tell by the way the top of the fore arm tappers, as it should be high at elbow and taper down to the inside bend. I think you will find it a touch easier to bend your arms once swapped. Here is an example for you of the dimples that run down the outside of the forearm, but overall you have done a really nice job of your armour build sir

That's awesome and reassuring Frank, I'm from Bristol in England.

Hi Paul, no sir, no height restrictions at all. We have troopers around the world of varying heights and builds so you have no issue at 6'4. Welcome to FISD!

Hey Paul, welcome to FISD. Are you building this for 501st entry or just fun? I only ask because if they boots are off you might want to get a second opinion. It’s hard to see them in the pics. As for the holster, if going the 501st route the CRL says it just can be “leather like” so it looks like your on the right track. What’s the issues with the buttons? Just the fact your too tall? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You can extend pieces with shims, here are a few threads.

AB BOXES TRIMMING AND ASSEMBLY Because I considered I'm not so skilled in shaping those small boxes , I Found this Contour Gauge. Make the up and down contours Marked to the box sides. Sanding a bit and fit the box. Repeat the process with all the boxes. ASSEMBLY USING CHICAGO SCREWS Apply Epoxi Glue And so on for all the boxes. Marked the place for the screw using the box and drill the hole. In some boxes I have used some washers or plastic squared to fit better Return to Index

Nice work, looking good. You may want to angle your hovi's down a little, for this I use an angled/wedged piece of rubber pipe, just slice the rubber on an angle, put it between the hovi and helmet and where ever the wedge is the angle will push the hovi in that direction. References:

Almost there. You may want to look at the butt plate, it is overlapping your kidney, using V tabs helps keep them spaced and in alignment, may be an option: With a heat gun (hot water bath, oven) you bend strips of ABS plastic into the shape of a V, only glue one side and the other remains free to allow movement when you bend. Just helps stop the butt plate from pushing back from the back plate.

Looking much better, nice work. Screen helmets had way bigger gaps so you are fine as you are, some go a little further for the no gap look but it's not a requirement.

Whichever case you use, it's a good idea to wrap your black items separately, to reduce the chance of getting black stains on your white armour

Sly11, I agree a nice comparison of boots would be helpful. I wear a US size 10 regular. I already have IB boots so feel free to buy me a set of the Crow Props and ship them to me and I will be more than happy to do the comparison.

Looking great trooper!

Just if anyone was curious, I removed the liners from my Endor Finders gloves the other day, as they were hot and difficult to get on and off (especially when sweaty). It was pretty easy to turn them inside out and cut along the wrist, then at the end of each finger tip, to remove the liner. You can see that the material is pretty shaggy, and I am glad I removed them. I'm starting to get a small hole at the wrist that I'll probably need to repair as a result of my mod, but still worth it for hot weather, imo.

Hi Matt, Great start on the armour. You’re a braver man than I was, I went for a commission so your reward will be greater What padding are you using in your helmet? It’s difficult to judge from this one photo and the angle but it maybe sitting a little too high so a slight adjustment of the padding may help this. Here’s a reference image so you can see what I mean. This is something I got advised on and in my case I’ve ordered some helmet padding to prevent the ‘bobble head’ look as it’s been referred to in other posts I’ve seen. I would add that this suited my situation so worth double checking whether you can adjust what you have in place already as it may save you spending money unnecessarily Look forward to seeing how your build progresses.

Hello there! My name is Natalie and I live in the central coast of Australia. I’ve just been approved for my ANH stunt TK kit! I’m so excited to start trooping with you guys! TK 12197 reporting for duty

The best thing from this is how nice everyone was from the bottom to the top. Jon Favreau hit the nail on the head at the Mandalorian panel when he said he didn't know we knew nothing about why we were there and that we worked so hard. The first morning they jumped immediately into filming and most of us had no clue what to do and the crew seemed a little surprised. I think that it was Dave Filoni that told everyone we were 501st not extras then the crew realized we needed a little more direction than normal. From that point on I think our group nailed it and that we knew how to hold a blaster and move like a stormtrooper should as Jon said. The union extras kept having to be told by the crew to hold their blasters like the 501st. Towards the end of the first day we were doing some pretty involved work and one of the production assistants started to get a little frustrated with us since we were not catching her cues. Myself and a few other 501st said, "we have fans running and we can't hear you". She was surprised and asked, "what fans?", so we explained we had bucket fans so we can see. So from there she used hand signals for us and away we went. In the end I think we were in armor for well over 12 hours at a time, to the union extras it was just another paying job and no big deal to us it was a once in a lifetime experience. And yes, some of us now know how to use the restroom in full armor without making a mess.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW Expert Infantryman status is not required for members of this detachment. It should be viewed as an optional set of requirements for those who wish to take the accuracy of their costumes to the next level, and be recognized accordingly. We're a costuming club - think of it as an award for costuming excellence and you get the picture. The requirements will not replace or supersede 501st standards, but only serve as an inspiration for the level of accuracy that can be achieved. The standards are meant to be high but achievable, and any changes to the standards will need to be approved by a majority vote of this detachment. REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW Because the stormtroopers vary in details between each movie, Stormtrooper Detachment EIB (Expert Infantryman Badge) Requirements are broken down to include base Requirements that every stormtrooper must attain, plus movie-specific Requirements. This allows for a higher level of accuracy than can be achieved through a single standard. Troopers achieving this distinction will be listed on the Expert Infantrymen page. RELATION TO THE 501st Legion Costume Reference Library (CRL) Standards Ideally the 501st CRL would capture the EIB requirements in the "SHOULD HAVE" sections of the relevant CRL entry. However until the CRL's are 100% confirmed, we'll continue to break them out in their own area. BASE REQUIREMENTS (ALL) Base Requirements are applicable to anyone wanting to achieve EIB status in the FISD. They cover the basic costume and in essence cover what is required for Legion Requirements. NOTE: On 21-Mar-08 FISD has ratified that FX helmets are no longer acceptable for Expert Infantryman qualification. ANH REQUIREMENTS (CANON) In addition to complying with all base Requirements, stormtroopers wishing to attain ANH Expert Infantryman status must also complete the ANH Requirements. Unlike ESB and ROTJ, there are two different helmet options: the Hero and Stunt. Troopers must choose one or the other. Lastly, troopers may choose among several different options, such as replacing the thermal detonator with a combination of grappling hook and comlink. ESB REQUIREMENTS (CANON) In addition to complying with all base Requirements, stormtroopers wishing to attain ESB Expert Infantryman status must also complete the ESB Requirements. ESB Requirements are very similar to ANH but with some small differences, notably in the handplates, helmet, and holster / blaster. ROTJ REQUIREMENTS (CANON) In addition to complying with all base Requirements, stormtroopers wishing to attain ROTJ Expert Infantryman status must also complete ROTJ Requirements. ROTJ Requirements are quite a bit different from ANH and ESB as they entail numerous changes to the armor as well as helmet. HEAVY WEAPONS TROOPER (HWT) REQUIREMENTS (EU) Heavy Weapon Trooper (HWT) Requirements In addition to complying with all ANH Requirements, stormtroopers wishing to attain HWT Expert Infantryman status must also complete Heavy Weapons Trooper Requirements. Essentially a HWT is an ANH trooper with accessories: pack, pauldron, ammo pouches and of course a large weapon (BFG). They can be clean or have minor weathering. STORMTROOPER COMMANDER (TKC) REQUIREMENTS (EU) In addition to complying with all ANH Requirements, stormtroopers wishing to attain TFU (The Force Unleashed) Stormtrooper Commander Expert Infantryman status must also complete TFU Stormtrooper Commander Requirements. Essentially a TFU Stormtrooper Commander comes in two variations: 1. An ROTJ trooper but with the following ANH details: split butt plate, trapezoid hand plates, left side mounted holster, ANH Stunt helmet. 2. An ANH Stunt trooper with paint and scuffs. This is based on the action figures. Both of these must be painted in accordance with established visual references.