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  1. Good evening members of the FISD, I'd like to thank you for having the confidence in me to fill the role of Detachment Leader. This is not the way any of us would want to be taking this station. Joseph has been an important part of this detachment for as long as I have been here. He embodies Troopers Helping Troopers, and has never shied away from helping others. He was a natural choice for DL. Sadly personal circumstances have made that impossible for him. I wish him the best in this difficult time he finds him self in. Andrew Franke @Sly11 has agreed to step in as XO. His experience is undeniable, and will be a welcome boost as I catch up with this term. Other positions will remain unchanged at this time. Having been thrown in at the deep end my priority is to get a plan for the term up and running. Wheels had already started to turn on a number of projects, though most of which are not ready to share yet. This said I do want to take a fresh look at the year, looking at any carry over from the last term and coming up with a final plan for the year. With unquestioned loyalty. Chris Detachment Leader
    32 points
  2. Dear fellow Staff members, Troopers and future Troopers, As Sarah mentioned in a previous post, it is with a heavy heart that I am stepping down in my role of Executive Officer of the FISD. Over the last few months life has thrown me more than a few curve balls, including personal issues, 2 deaths and a hurricane to boot, which in my opinion have precluded me from having the time to effectively perform my duties, and for that I add my sincere apologies to you all. Those of you who have known me over the years know that this Detachment and the people here have honestly meant the world to me, and it has been both an honor and a pleasure being a part of such an incredible group of folks. Although the dust is finally beginning to settle (at last), it will be several weeks before life allows me to get back into the swing of things here 100% as in recent years, but I promise I will get there. After speaking with Sarah, she has graciously offered that I step back into my previous role as Deployment Officer. This will allow me the chance to serve the FISD in the area that I know best, and I look forward not only to returning to assisting future Troopers, but helping those aiming for EI and Centurion attain their goals as well. A big THANK YOU to all of you for bearing with me. Your kind thoughts/comments and personal PMs have helped get me through the recent months more than you will ever know, and an extra big thank you to Sarah for her understanding and keeping me on as part of the Staff. Also, I'm sure that you will all join me in welcoming Brien as our new XO. He is a true treasure here, and I am sure he will continue to go above and beyond to make sure that this Detachment continues to be the best one in the 501st! My very best to you all, and I will see you on the boards a LOT more. Troop on, Joseph
    32 points
  3. As many of you may now be aware, yesterday evening justjoseph63 tendered his resignation as detachment leader to the FISD staff. The Legion COG team was then notified of this, who today accepted this resignation and have now begun to take the appropriate actions as defined by the Operations Protocols. What does this mean for the detachment? The OP provides for 2 options: The XO may step up and assume the DL position, subject to a confidence vote by the detachment membership. Should the XO not be willing, and emergency election will be held. As XO I have informed the LCOG team that I am willing to assume the DL role. Details of the confidence vote can be found in this detachment members only post: At this time I would like to request you honour Josephs request for privacy in this matter. This was not a decision that he came to lightly. I am sure you will all join me in wishing Joseph the best in what must be difficult times.
    29 points
  4. Hi FISD staff, members and friends. I’d like to thank all the FISD staff for working tirelessly over the last week on this nightmare. I know it’s not a decision you and the other staff members have taken lightly. Believe me the last thing I wanted was to bring down a trusted vendor who I respected and trusted. But in his own admission of guilt has done this to himself. I’d also like to thank all members I have known on this forum for many happy years and members I hope to get to know, a heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support I’ve had through this whole debacle. It really has been a humbling experience in more ways than one. THANK YOU ALL. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    27 points
  5. Please everyone join me in congratulating Joseph as the incoming DL of our fine Detachment. Congratulations, Joseph, I look forward to seeing what the next chapter for FISD will be under your direction. The membership is in good hands, and I am here to support you with what ever you need, as I am positive any of the staff existing and new into the future will. Once again, congratulations
    26 points
  6. This is an All-In-One compilation of various resources for ANH Stunt Stormtrooper builds which will hopefully be helpful to prospective troopers as you get started and begin your research. Many TKs over many years have spent countless hours documenting their tips, tutorials, and builds, and this index includes posts and links which have been helpful on my own journey to the 501st. Printable PDF documents are included with select posts. This index will be updated as additional resources are created and identified by troopers helping troopers. 501st Legion Links: 501st Legion - Member Application 501st Legion - Available IDs 501st Legion - Garrison/Outpost World Map TK ANH Stunt CRL FISD Forums Getting Started - Read This First ANH (Stunt & Hero) Forum Tutotials, Tips, and How-Tos Vader's Valkyries (women of armour) [NEW ADDITION] Getting Started Forum Pinned Threads (selection) Various Types of Armor by Daetrin Common FISD Acronyms & Glossary by justjoseph63 Steps to Join the Legion by Dark CMF Cost of a Stormtrooper by Dday Imperial Attaché List by Pretzel [NEW ADDITION] Supply Lists OT TK Supply List by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) List of Soft Parts by justjoseph63 Build Tips and Resources Quick Reference Guide OT TKs by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Armor Party 101 by justjoseph63 Return Edges 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Paint Color Guide by themaninthesuitcase Billgrams One Stop Shop (some diagrams may be outdated) Things/tips you wished you had on your build by DTKC and others [NEW ADDITION] Magnets 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Butt-joining Armor by ZacMuleer Sanding Before Gluing by Shinyarmour1 Make Heat Gun Return Edges by pandatrooper Making ABS Paste by kman (Print PDF) Resize Armor with ABS Scaps & Paste by Harbinger (Print PDF) Armor for Bigger Troopers by ELP Altering Armor for Shorter Troopers: See Cricket's builds (WTF, RS Props) ATA Armor Sizing by Thrawndike bar Armor Fitment for Skinny OTTKs by Morgi [NEW ADDITION] V-Tabs for Kidney & Butt by gmrhodes13, Cricket's implementation, Colin's implementation Kidney Plate Shimming by Bullseye Fix Back Plate Kidney Overlap by A.J. Hamler (also in his build thread) Reinforcing Super Strong Shoulder Bridges by A.J. Hamler (Print PDF) Arm Armor Assembly by pandatrooper [ARCHIVED] Forearm Alignment and Shoulder Bells by CableGuy Thighs Assembly by pandatrooper [ARCHIVED] Thigh Trimming by Cgarduc Fill Thigh Ridge Gaps with Sugru by justjoseph63 Angled Mobility Cuts Behind Knees by ABS80 Attaching Flexible Hand Guards by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Tips for Using E-6000 by jeebus68 and others E-6000 Safety Precautions (PPE) by cm325i Cover Strips threads: gazmosis, I'm Batman, sith_241, & Falciform13 ANH & ESB Cover Strip lengths and Ends by CableGuy Scribe technique for Cover Strips by chiefbonan Bending the ABS Belt by gazmosis, Boba_Skywalker3 Attaching Belt to Abs by GnrlGrievous Holster Placement on Belt by CableGuy Current (2021) Holster Placement by gmrhodes13 (follow-up to previous thread above) Belt Assembly by ukswrath Removable Holster with Snaps by Harbinger Belt, Holster, & Drop Boxes video tutorial by RWA (youtube) Combat a Fraying Canvas Belt by CallMeMrTibbles Thigh Ammo Pack Positioning by CableGuy Armor Thickness: 1.5mm, 2mm, Capped by Jakebullet Shoe/Boot Stretchers by justjoseph63, OneStrangeCyka GO TO Resources by ukswrath Strapping Systems Rivet Setting 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Snap Setting 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Snap Setting Hardware Solutions by TheRascalKing E6000 and Snaps Discussion by Harbinger, Snap Options by ukswrath Snaps with Rivet Heads by TheSwede Split Rivet Placement by DroidHunter How to Use a Rivet Tool by huttman How to Make Snap Plates by stukatrooper Elastic ABS Reinforcement by Cricket Magnetic Shin Closures by Cricket (Print PDF) Magnetic Shin Closures (supplement) by Zugor Alternate Magnetic Shin Closures by OddViking327 Types of Inner Strapping by Shinyarmour1 Internal Strapping by justjoseph63, nrgband RascalSnaps by TheRascalKing Thigh Garter System by Pencap510 Making Thigh Garters by Spectre Bicep Hooks by Pyrates and Brent Shin stabilization by Cricket and themaninthesuitcase Helmet Assembly ATA ABS Helmet Assembly by pandatrooper (Print PDF) ATA Stunt Helmet Assembly by Ales (Print PDF) ATA Helmet Build by maxsteele ANH TE2 Helmet Build by TK-4510 Helmet Ear Tutorial by gazmosis (Print PDF) Draw No Gap Ear Line by bpoodoo (Print PDF) Ear Trimming Foil Hack by trooper96 Choose Your Brow Height by CableGuy (Print PDF) Helmet Alignment by CableGuy (Print PDF) Template Painting 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Tube Stripes by CableGuy (Print PDF) Vocoder Paint Examples by CableGuy (Print PDF) Helmet Painting Tips by CableGuy Replicate the Screen-Used Look by CableGuy Hovi Tip Found Part Groundbreaking Discovery! by Dan_O and Sly11 Helmet/Bucket/Lid Interior Attach Lenses Using Sugru by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Mounting Lenses by Solcar23 Helmet Padding by Boba_Skywalker3 Hard Hat vs Foam Helmet Liner by han_solo1 Interior Painting #1 and #2 Post by Staffa359 Truck bed-liner vs plasti-dip by TheRascalKing Helmet Fan Placement by RLH2515 What's in Your Bucket by Ragtooth Helmet Interior Build by kamikaze Helmet Internals Purchase Options by JZYL Clean frown mesh install by Toothdoc & others TrooperTalk iOS App by BrinkHouse Voice Changer Suggestions by nick007 Voice Amp System by JFarwell iComm + Aker Volume by kaa1304 iComm Help by endy iComm 3D Box Holder by Garbz Modding an iComm with External Battery by Sly11 Video Tutorials (youtube) RS Prop Masters' series Pandatrooper's series TK-4510 (Trooperbay) Password to access scruffynerfherder CableGuy's build video series Armor Building with TK1636 (forum post here) RWA's Youtube Channel How to put on Stormtrooper Armor (dressing tips) by CableGuy Stormtrooper Series by Nairy [NEW ADDITION] Photo References FISD Gallery LFL Archive Photos: Part #1, Part #2 538 HD Screen Grabs by dashrazor (2010) 1059 frames of TKs in ANH by Jeklynhyde (2020) Armor Cleaning, Sanding, & Shining Wetsanding and Polishing by Ensi (Print PDF) Best Way to Clean Armor by Daetrin Novus Plastic Polish by Darth Aloha Armor Yellowing Yellowing Preventative Measures by Brandon Make Aged ABS White Again by dashrazor Reversing UV Damage on TK ABS (external) Trooperbay Whitening Gel (external) Password to access scruffynerfherder Additional Yellowing Discussion and Resources Combat holster staining thigh armor: suttontech post & Daetrin post Image Posting Photography Tips for Posting by CableGuy Posting Imgur Photos 101 by justjoseph63 Post images on Imgur by Ensi E-11 Blaster FISD E-11 Blaster Reference (Print PDF by Blaster Team) Rubber Blasters: Hyperfirm vs. Praetorian by kman Rubber Blasters: Hellhounds (vs. Hyperfirm & Praetorian) by MaskedVengeance Another Hellhounds Props E-11 variant review by Toothdoc Hellhounds Props E-11 Review/Experience by KaiserintheHood Completion Sets for E-11 Resin Kits by T-Jay Sterling SMG & E-11 3D Print Files by trooper96 [NEW RELEVANT POSTS] Full Aluminum Parts Kit by fieldmarshall Previously Unknown E-11 Prop Detail by Joe and gmrhodes13 TroopaCoola JMC E-11 Build by CableGuy Sterling Sub-Machine Gun Diagrams / Handbook / Images by gmrhodes13 Sterling Main Spring Forming Tool by trooper96 E-11 Suppliers 2021 by gmrhodes13 How to Smooth Out a 3D Printed E-11 by justjoseph63 Gun Rack for Blasters by T-Jay ANH E-11: Sterling vs Bapty Differences by justjoseph63 Scope / Hengstler Decals by gmrhodes13 The Leia Leveller - A Mr. No-Stripes E11 Recreation by revlimiter Armor Storage/Transport TK Storage Bin by Garrett803 Husky Cog Wheel Covers by GoofTrooper Add Shelves to Husky Bin by TK21999 Husky Bin Modification by VancouverTrooper Customizing your Transport Cases by OddViking327 FISD and Stormtrooper Supplemental Posts Armor Tree History by Locitus ATA Armor History by c6dy A Sad Day for FISD by Sly11 FISD User Ranks & Awards by Harbinger Your First Troop Tips by justjoseph63 Emergency Trooping Kit by justjoseph63 Tips for Hot Weather Trooping by justjoseph63 [NEW ADDITION] Talk Like a Stormtrooper by Thrawndike bar Christine's PVC Mannequin by Cricket Adjustable PVC Mannequin by TK4205 Terry's Duct Tape Mannequin by pandatrooper Trading Card Holster by swagger What does your TK ID Represent? by gmrhodes13 How did you choose your TK ID? by humperdingle Story Behind Your Nickname by Snaps Re-Introductions by CableGuy Differences Between OT TKs (Post #1) & (Post #2) by sharkbait Rogue One TK vs OT TK by 11b30b4 Joseph's TK Mancave by justjoseph63 Help Fix FISD Dead Links & Photos by Sly11 Using a Torch/Flashlight to Find Armor Cracks by CallMeMrTibbles FISD Memes by Morgi Recasting What is recasting and when is it bad? by Sonnenschein TM Troopermaster recast CFO by sskunky ANH Stunt Build Threads (WIPs) ukswrath (Tony) - ANOVOS (Print PDF by harris.adp) Harbinger (Brien) - ANOVOS kman (Kalani) - ANOVOS Uxorious (Fredrik) - ANOVOS Rat (Jim) - ANOVOS Blast 'Em! (Shane) - ANOVOS unfinished ukswrath (Tony) - AM 1.0 pandatrooper (Terry) - AM LTM (Lou) - AM A.J. Hamler (A.J.) - AM (Print PDF by MV) OddViking327 (Colin) - AM 4.5 AsBlondeAsLuke (Diana) - RS Props tsongololo (Jennifer) - RS Props DudeSidious (Wayne) - RS Props unfinished Cricket (Christine) - WTF, RS Props, RS #2 (Mr.) shashachu (Sha Sha) - WTF StrmTRPR85 (Jeff) - WTF LadyInWhite - AP (google doc) Pyrates (Aaron) - AP wook1138 (Greg) - AP zv288bot (Jorge) - AP Scimitar (Eric) - AP Bud Spaklur (Matt) - AP MechaPumpkin (Danny) - AP SpiceCredits (Rick) - AP batmanmike (Mike) - AP unfinished Shinyarmour1 (C) - AP unfinished (photography) rwmead10 (Ryan) - AP unfinished MightyAtom (Mark) - AP Sly11 (Andrew) - AP Dark CMF (Tim) - TR-Mod LEGOeatPokemon (Jonas) - SDS dereferenced (Brian) - T/MC unfinished Redforce (Anthony) - NE maxsteele (Ron) - NE CableGuy (Dan) - RWA CTID (Mark) - RWA NOTE: Many of the Pre-Approval, EIB, and Centurion request threads below are for ATA armor, as that is my armor type. Threads from other makers are included for their valuable content ATA Build Threads (WIPs) ukswrath (Tony) - rebuild Ensi (Daniel) DStep (D'Angelo) echo327 (Erick) StarTrooper (Jayke) TheLorelei (Lorelei) Bazz (Adi) Quixotic5891 (Antonio) RampantLion (Leo) REAPERofDAISYS (John) Zarlon (Kyle) gmrhodes13 (Glen) wingnut65 (Jeff) pandatrooper (Terry) - MEPD TD FIVE (Noel) - MEPD TD Flykiller (Jerome) - thigh question timecyspace (Clay) - unfinished MaskedVengeance (Caleb) - unfinished (Print PDF) Pre-Approval Requests Actionsdower (Jim) - RS iEmpire916 (William) - AP husky68 (Robert) - AP TKModder421 (Greg) - ANOVOS Jared (Jared) - ATA REN2100 (Ryan) - ATA Hotel (Jim) - ATA MissingNo (Peter) - ATA echo327 (Erick) - ATA 31-9 (Jayson) - ATA unfinished snipedoc2001 (Cody) - ATA Swarzo (Cory) - ATA unfinished Cesarisamisfit (Cesar) - ATA unfinished EI & Centurion Informational Threads Advanced Tactics: EIB and Centurion by justjoseph63 ANH Stunt EI Visual Checklist by Sly11 and Wingnut65 ANH Stunt EI Photo Submission Guidelines by justjoseph63 (PDF by Sly11) Multiple EIB Award Recipients by gmrhodes13 Expert Infantry Honor Gallery by gmrhodes13 ANH Stunt Centurion Visual Checklist by Sly11 and Wingnut65 ANH Stunt Centurion Photo Submission Guidelines by justjoseph63 (PDF by Sly11) EI Requests TKittell (Robert) - 100 AM Dargas (Richard) - 163 ATA gmrhodes13 (Glen) - 291 ATA Boba_Skywalker3 (Dominic) - 310 ATA TK6682 (Michael) - 337 RS Props Warwitch (Gabriel) - 340 TE2 EnemyZero (Tom) - 355 ATA ukswrath (Tony) - 435 ATA sylverbard (Mark) - 456 ATA YESSRAM (Yessid) - 465 ATA CrookKnight (Shawn) - 638 AP Cricket (Christine) - 700 RS Props TheRascalKing (Justin) - 807 ANOVOS Wargasm (Joshua) - 810 ATA lucnak (Luc) - 815 ATA Jared (Jared) - 841 ATA TK 71627 (Jose) - 850 WTF REAPERofDAISYS (John) - 944 ATA echo327 (Erick) - 948 ATA equuspolo (Ardeshir) - YR2019 ANOVOS Ruffalo - 949 RS Props husky68 (Robert) - 953 AP revlimiter (Adam) - 1037 AP benthemonkey (Ben) - 1044 RS Props Starkiller (Marek) - 1047 Anovos Nairy (Jonatan) - 1051 RS Props (also Hero) Doggydoc (Gerald) - 1052 AP MaskedVengeance (Caleb) - 1055 ATA Centurion Requests gazmosis (Steve) - 32 ATA Solcar23 (Carlos) - 52 ATA JEDISTAR (Charlie) - 60 ATA niugnep (David) - 76 AP piklz36 (David) - 86 ATA Jancelot (Chris) - 92 AP Techne (Chris) - 108 ATA RampantLion (Leonard) - 115 ATA Vader's Wingman (Jason) - 123 ATA ukswrath (Tony) - 144 ATA DarkOrder66 (Christopher) - 160 ATA YESSRAM (Yessid) - 165 ATA justjoseph63 (Joseph) - 167 AM2.0/ATA Squimspickle (Aaron) - 213 ATA Cricket (Christine) - 316 RS Props Daetrin (Paul) - 326 TM Soulart (Teresa) - 335 AP jamihal (Jim) - 344 ATA Ruthar (Taylor) - 354 ATA TheRascalKing (Justin) - 396 ANOVOS menschie (Colin) - 404 ATA Scimitar (Eric) - 425 AP (photography) Bazz (Adi) - 436 ATA MissionTrooper (Andrew) - 454 AP Ruffalo - 457 RS Props OddViking327 (Colin) - 485 AM MightyAtom (Mark) - 488 AP (photography) revlimiter (Adam) - 508 AP MaskedVengeance (Caleb) - 522 ATA Purchase Options (my build) Armor and helmet: Affordable Trooper Armor (ATA) Undersuit: Trooperbay One-Piece Double-Zipper (courtesy of a GA Garrison mate) Password to access scruffynerfherder Boots: Imperial Boots 421 (NAME CHANGE: KeepTrooping) Gloves: See hand guards below. (mine) Hand Guards: justjoseph63's kit Strapping: TheRascalKing's kit Holster: Darman's 8oz leather (tan straps) Neck Seal: Darman's Premium (zipper) Belt: TKitell's Imperial Issue TD Hooks: ukswrath's kit Mounting Hardware: justjoseph63's kit Hovi Tip Screen/Mesh: ukswrath's kit Helmet Fans: ukswrath's Cooling Kits by ukswrath (Etsy) Voice Mod/Amp: iComm + Aker amp Blaster: Hellhounds Props E-11 Alternative Accessory Options: TrooperTronix Helmet Fans Henry's Helmet Fans DIY Neck Seal by BrinkHouse Making a TK Neck Seal by Doggydoc Geeky Pink's Neck Seals Making a TK Neck Seal by Doggydoc [NEW ADDITION] Also see Joseph's Soft Parts List above Other External Resources Ukswrath's Website Less Intimidating Build by imperialbrewer TK41973 Blog Tony Barnett TK300 Website (snaps) | FISD wordmark used with Command Staff permission |
    26 points
  7. Hi folks, Checking in today and I’ve just noticed I’ve reached 3000+ posts on this wonderful forum!! Wowza... For me, this all started back in 2017. I wanted to renovate my yellowing SDS helmet and stumbled across “whitearmor” on google. I followed some excellent videos by Mike of Trooperbay and resprayed that helmet. Following that, I read more and more on white armor and, not too far down the line, I bought my first helmet kit from Ross at RWA. I documented that here on FISD and received excellent support and advice. That was a big part of the build, helping and supporting the build. After finishing the build, along with the armor kit, and clearing it up to Centurion, I was asked if I’d like to join the Imperial Attaché team - “HELL YES”, I said. :-) I later joined the DO team, helping troopers reach THEIR goals of EIB and CENTURION. If it weren’t for the changing of the guard that year, I’d have likely carried on in the role, along with the legends that are Joseph and Tony. Alas, things changed, however, this year the FISD is back on track under the exquisite leadership of Andrew. Anyway, enough waffling from me. I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to the FISD community. I won’t get into shout outs as I don’t want to exclude anyone, however, I’m pretty sure many of you know who you are - people that have made this forum, this community, so welcoming, supportive, and knowledgeable. Keep up the great work, everyone.---------- Best wishes Dan / CableGuy
    25 points
  8. WARNING: The following content may be controversial! DISCLAIMER: These are my opinions from years of experience, pure and simple. Over the years I have noticed many future Troopers doing an OT (Original Trilogy) TK ask about return edges before, during (and after) their build... If this is a subject that you are curious about, grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of frosty blue milk (this is a long post, lol) and read on.... QUESTION: "What are they, what do they do, and should I leave them, trim them down some or remove them"? ANSWER: Return edges are part of the molding process and provide strength in certain areas on the edges of your armor. They also provide a heftier look to some pieces. To help you decide whether or not to keep them is why I started this thread. Here I will attempt to go into a few details about them. Know in advance that as mentioned I personally am NOT a fan of them in many areas for several reasons (listed below). Some people love them and some may disagree with my opinions... many of you may trooped for years with no problems which is AWESOME, but many folks have had issues and questions. 1. In most areas they are not screen accurate- In looking at the screen caps and film used armor photos below you will notice their scarcity. 2. They can (and in many cases will) get very uncomfortable- Many folks like the "thicker" look it gives their armor, but they can cut into you, especially in the area where your arm bends ("armor bite") and the groin area (chafing). As Troopers we do a lot of walking and arm bending carrying a weapon, so keep this in mind. 3. If aiming for higher levels they can cause fitting issues- Examples: A. If you leave them on your forearm openings and glue on the cover strips, they will need to be completely removed at the wrists for Centurion level, making the opening too wide. This can lead to you having to remove the cover strips, reduce the sides of the forearms and re-attach the strips. Quite a pain in the posterior plate to say the least. *** See EXAMPLE 1 below. B. If they are overly thick on the bottoms of your shoulder bells, they can prevent them from lying snug against the biceps. 4. They can cause splits/cracks- Especially on some armor areas. ABS is designed to flex, and in some cases a small amount of return edge is fine, but too much can cause stress on those areas. *** See EXAMPLE 2 below Over time that stress will take it's toll somewhere, and that is usually the return edge. Anovos armor is especially prone to this on the sides of the chest/back plates and neck openings. I suggest shimming these on the rear with ABS strips and E-6000 to prevent it. Let's start with the chest plate: Note how the ones below (including the back plate) have either no or minimal edges with no cracks or splits. Now here is a screen used one with a pretty prominent edge, Notice the stress crack. Now, onto the ab/kidney/back plate: To keep them in line and prevent them from overlapping, it is suggested that you LEAVE a fair amount of the edges on the top/bottoms of the kidney and bottom of the back plate, especially if using the "classic" strapping method. Yes, these can split/crack as well but not normally. Shoulder Bells Trimming off the entire edge on the bottoms is not only screen accurate (first two photos), it allows them to rest close to the bicep (bottom photo). Third photo shows "suggested" trim lines (red) of an untrimmed bicep. My recommendation is the blue line. Biceps/forearms For sheer comfort and a sleeker look, I recommend removing ALL of the top and bottom edges before fitting/gluing them. First, no one sees the tops (covered by the shoulder bell) and the bottoms can cut into your arms (armor bite). Suggested cut lines in red. Again, if you do get armor bite you will have to take them both completely apart, remove the edge and re-fit. Better to think ahead. Some (myself included) like to leave a bit of the return edge on the outside of the top of the forearm for a thicker look. However, I highly suggest removing all from the inside part (the "scoop") where your arm bends. Again, an armor bite issue. This should also be done BEFORE final fitting. Here are some screen used examples: For level 3 (Centurion) all of the return edge on the wrist opening must be removed, including the area inside the "hump" as seen below: Posterior (butt) plate: Again, it is suggested that you leave some of the return edge on the top (and bottom in most cases) to keep it from riding under/over the kidney. Now, the BOTTOM of the posterior plate is where we often find splitting issues. Should you leave some return edge? Sure! BUT(T), when trimming the corners, (see below) be SURE not to give it a sharp angle... this is where the trouble usually starts. Instead, give it a slightly rounded angle (as shown in green). Thigh tops The tops of the thighs are where we see a lot of questions. I recommend removing all the return edges from the entire upper parts, and here is why: As mentioned above, you will be doing a lot of walking. If you have the edges (or at least a large portion of them) intact, the friction and inside facing angles can really chafe the heck out of you, especially on the inside of the groin area. (Ouch). If there are sharp edges/points on the tops (below) these will poke into you. When trimming these, just follow the existing line. Also, if you do your final fitting, glue everything together and find this out afterward, you will have to take the entire thing apart, remove the return edges, trim down the sides and then re-build/glue them back together. The reason is that afterward the opening will be entirely too large and you will have a giant gap all the way around. Not a good look. Easier to do it beforehand, trust me. As seen below, there were no return edges (or at least minimal ones) used in the films. Sniper knee plate The bottom of this piece is an area often not trimmed enough. To allow it to sit flat (or very close to flat) against the top of the calf enough for the glue to adhere properly I suggest removing most if not all of the bottom edge. Note how in the first and third photos how the sniper knee is parallel to the front of the calf. Last up, a photo that best illustrates my point about return edges and how they were not really present in many places on ANH armor. *** Example 1. of what happens when you have to reduce the return edge(s) after attaching cover strips. NOTE: For the example below I am using an ATA bicep (first 3 photos). Be aware that ATA makes the "suggested" cut line on their return edges pretty slim (a GREAT thing in my opinion). As seen on the armor in the 4th photo, if followed, the "suggested" cut line makes the return edges much wider (red line). Top view Bottom view For the purposes of this tutorial, we will assume that the ATA has those wider suggested return edges. Okay, let's say you really like the thicker look the return edges give your armor, so you left them pretty wide during fitting and then glued on the cover strips. Enough to get your arm through with a little extra room. Should be good to go, correct? BUT, you find that after having your arm bent for a while they cut into you (armor bite), so you find you have to reduce or remove most or all of it. No biggie, right? Just break out the Lexan scissors or Dremel and cut away, leaving the cover strips attached. Easy! So you remove it and then you run into the fact that the opening is now enormous. This is not a good look, and can result in the piece(s) jangling around and not being approvable at higher levels (or even Basic depending on your GML). What I am getting at with the above info. is that if you decide to remove them, it's better to do it before final fitting/gluing. Side note: Many biceps have an unusual shape at the tops (in red, below) normally located on the inside. This can be completely removed. Doing this will not affect approval at any level, and is screen accurate. It sits under the shoulder bell so no one sees it anyway! Screen used bicep USELESS TRIVIA: Many have asked about the "thumbprint" that many armorers have on the left bicep (screen used example below). Some think it is so you can tell them apart, but I was speaking with Brian Muir a few years ago (he sculpted the original armor used in ANH) and asked him about it: "To be honest, I have no idea... it was not in my original sculpt, and must have been a mistake in casting". There you have it. *** EXAMPLE 2: What causes cracks/splits: ABS bends pretty well, just as it's designed to. BUT, when there are return edges involved that changes the game. For the below example I used a 2 inch wide strip of ABS with a 1/2 inch "return edge". Looks pretty solid, right? That's because the edge provides stability. Now I am bending it up/in to simulate use over time. (More than it normally gets bent in many cases, but only to prove a point). That stress has got to go somewhere, and it's the return edge that takes it all and gives way, again causing cracks/splits. The red arrow shows a weak area where the stress in concentrated and cracks can form. Even if trimmed off afterward that area will be prone to splitting, so a small shim behind it is suggested. To sum it up, return edges are not meant to bend a lot. I suggest inspecting your armor occasionally to spot any existing/potential cracks/splits so that you can catch them before they get worse. I hope this helps answer any basic questions you may have, and always feel free to ask more detailed ones here or offer differing opinions.
    25 points
  9. It is with great sadness I make this announcement as we have lost one of our own. Unfortunately Terrell Reber TK-1787 (SuperTrooper), know by many as ATA Affordable trooper Armor has passed away. If you were ever fortunate to have spoken with Terrell, you will know he had an affect on people. He had a way with words that made you feel like a lifelong friend, he was intelligent, talented, and believed everyone should have the opportunity to live out their Stormtrooper dreams. Terrell is a huge loss to our community in many ways. His service to FISD our members and the Legion at large will never be forgotten. Rest in peace good sir, and may the force be with you always.
    22 points
  10. OK all you awesome white armor types, I am officially back, and so DANGED happy to say that! As a few of you may know, I went through some health and personal issues over the last few months which has precluded me from being around, but thanks to lots of physical therapy and just plain refusing to give up I am back in the saddle and ready to take on the world! Although I won't be able to wear the HWT pack any longer I should be able to suit up in my regular armor within a few weeks. That being said, I signed up for a troop in Nov. so that gives me a goal to get my Stunt polished up so I can get back to putting some smiles on some faces and meet some of more of my new Squad members! My apologies for not getting back to you (yet) if you have PM'd me. I have a lot of catching up to do, so thanks for your patience! Also, a big THANKS to all those (especially Andrew, Paul, Mario, Chemi and Caleb) who went above and beyond. Now that things are back to normal I will be here 7 days a week as I have for 7 years until this setback. Please feel free to hit me up with any questions about armor or builds or just say hello. I love you guys and gals of the FISD... my second family. It's good to be back home here.
    21 points
  11. Greetings fellow members, It is my pleasure to announce the two newest recipients of our Imperial Attaché Outstanding Achievement Award. This honor is bestowed on Attachés who go above and beyond the call of duty in their role as an Imperial Attaché, and both of these troopers have consistently exemplified the qualities warranting recognition. Arthur @giskard8 - TK39093, Hong Kong Garrison A seasoned veteran of the Detachment, when Arthur is not trooping he can be found welcoming new members to the forum and congratulating our new and higher level approvals. His actions contribute to the long tradition of FISD being the friendliest forum in the Legion, and no doubt Arthur will continue to consistently be at his Attaché post! Today we salute your unquestioned loyalty, Arthur! Gerald @Doggydoc - TK96004, Canadian Garrison It's nearly impossible to sneak in a new member introduction or special approval post without Gerald jumping in and welcoming the aspiring builder or joining the celebration of the new approval. He is also known to provide valuable input and helpful feedback throughout the forum. Today we salute your unquestioned loyalty, Gerald! Please join me in congratulating these two troopers!
    20 points
  12. HELLO THERE!!!! Hoping you all had a lovely holiday. It’s a New Year. And the right time to post this! This is something that’s been discussed for a long time, past couple years actually. Interest was gathered. Names were thrown about with great research. Support was discussed. It’s been something I truly wished to see come to fruition here for our Detachment. I feel it’s important on many levels. We have many Detachments with women Sub Unit Teams. It’s about time FISD had one don’t you think?? Here’s what we have so far… JRS - Black Widows IOC -Firebirds Path Finders- Recon Fatale Krayt Clan- Scarabs MEPD - Desert Foxes Blizzard Force - Snow Angels Spec Ops- Sirens Clone Trooper- Bad Banshees IGC- Ravens ACD- Iron Maidens FISD- ? Bounty Hunters Guild-? Underworld- ? The Flagship Eclipse-? Sithlords -? Sovereign Protectors- ? I did a whack of research on numbers. Women Sub Teams in our Legion Detachments. Their names. Actual Percentages of women in the legion. What benefit such things offer our lady members on a whole. As FISD being the largest Detachment with a fairly low number of members identifying as female, I felt it was about time we had something that would in hopes, allow for more inclusion or be more welcoming. To support more women in builds and address issues that may stop them from coming to our forum or costumes in general. Please do not mistake my posting in any way against our men here. Our men are beautiful. Helpful. Insightful and knowledgeable. This is about EVERYONE having a safe place to discuss and build. Yes. There IS a place here for this exact thing. Some questions our lady members wish to ask , are personal. Very. And very much related to body parts our male counterparts do not have to consider nor deal with. Sometimes it’s daunting to cross that bridge and ask how do you squeeze a hormonal rear into armor not designed for a female curve. Discussions happened with this Detachments Command team, and we unanimously agreed this needed to happen. And was very much supported. The men here all supported me in this endeavor. An open/very accessible sub forum section will be created where any identifying woman can seek advice from other women. Women FISD staff. Other ladies in armor. Women addressing all things women because let’s face it- as lovely as our men are, I can see some cringing discussing binding breasts to fit a chest plate. Hormonal weight gain problems. And how that might look or be addressed. Or, how do you other ladies combat a menstrual cycle while in full armor. Let’s say you’ve encountered being sexualized. Or victimized. Had to remind another “cosplay does NOT equal consent” And you’d prefer a woman to seek advice from. Or… maybe you had a poor experience with a fellow woman member, and you wish to discuss it with another… Or. Let’s say you are 50. Had 3 children. Maybe don’t feel as pretty as another. You struggle with body image. You’ve seen a 30 year old hot blonde get 100 likes on posting herself in armor, yet you are 50/60. And overweight. And have been ostracized for wanting to be a trooper. Or ridiculed in your costume if you posted one. You struggled to build. Shim. Re fit. And were made fun of. Or. You gave up because all you could access for help here were male builders. So you left our forums. Downhearted. This sub unit forum/ team is not intended to be negative regarding our men. Nor a place for feminist platforms/agendas. This is always only about equality. Inclusion. Support. Help. Safety. Costume building for women. As is our entire Legion itself. This Detachment is extremely low in female to male ratio, and there is no real reason for that…. I questioned SO MANY WOMEN as to why. As the only Female member of Command Staff here, It’s always been my intent to change that percentage…Somehow. To encourage and welcome. Safely. Openly. Kindly. Equally. So. Let’s get back to the Unit itself. The most popular name choice was “Vaders Valkyries.” Now. That being said, names can be submitted. We can vote. We can look at many things. I’ll put this up here for an interest thread, and then proceed accordingly. See the comments. Listen for feedback. Please respond kindly and respectfully. I/we look forward to hearing from you all. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    20 points
  13. As many of you know, the 501st elections have come to a close. The FISD membership has spoken. Congratulations to our 2019 FISD Detachment Leader Sarah (Alay)!
    20 points
  14. OK, future Troopers, many of you have asked about how to set snaps for your armor connections, so I thought I'd whip up a little tutorial. Please note that the example that I am making is based on using the "double snap" connection system (see last photo). I highly recommend this method, especially on the back/kidney, kidney/butt, and ab/kidney connections, as it provides an extra layer of confidence. Yes, it costs a bit more to do due to the extra snaps involved, but you can be sure that no matter what happens, you will NEVER have a piece come loose or fall off on a troop. Some builders may have used others, but after countless troops I have experienced no problems. So here we go.... Materials needed: 1. Hammer 2. Soldering (woodburning) iron. (Available at home improvement and craft stores. WELL worth the $10-$12.00 investment). NOTE: The tip of this thing gets CRAZY hot, so be very careful where you set it. Many come with multiple tips, but I suggest the pointed one. 3. Snap setting kit. (Available at all craft stores). Please note that I am showing both sides of the base... more on that later. Convex side Concave side 4. For this purpose, I am using 2 inch (5cm) wide black nylon and 1 inch (2cm) black nylon. The 1 inch strips will be attached directly to your armor. I suggest using E-6000 glue and clamps for this. 5. Snaps, of course! Don't "cheap-out" when buying these. The cheap ones come undone very easily and are garbage. For this tutorial, I am labeling the 4 parts as such: STEP ONE Cut the 2 inch strapping to about 4 inches long** (or as needed) for the particular connection. Cut the 1 inch nylon into 2 inch lengths as seen below. **NOTE: The actual length will depend on there you are using them, i.e. the kidney to posterior plate connections will be shorter. Just be sure there are no gaps, and that the 1 inch wide base pieces are in the correct position before attaching them. Example: The ends will be a bit ragged and will fray. Use the soldering tool to seal them. Again, using the soldering gun, make 4 holes in the 2 inch wide nylon as seen below. Be careful not to make them too large (just larger than the shaft of the snap base) or the snap may eventually pull out. Take one of the 1 inch wide nylon pieces and slide it up under one end of the 2 inch wide piece, even with the end. Once it is lined up, use the soldering iron to make holes in the 1 inch wide piece. This will assure that the holes for the snaps line up correctly. (VERY important)! You should end up with this: Repeat for other side, but be sure not to get the sides mixed up, as one set of holes may be farther apart. Insert one of the male bases into one of the holes in the 2 inch wide piece. Flip it over and place one of the male snaps on the post. Place the base in the concave side of the snap setting kit base. Place the striking rod in the center (straight up and down) and strike it several times firmly with the hammer. The inside shaft should be sufficiently widened to keep the top from coming off. There... your snap is set! NOTE: Do not attempt to do this step on a regular table. You need a hard surface, and a heavy duty workbench or concrete surface works best. Repeat this step for the remaining 3 holes. Now onto the 1 inch wide strips.. Insert one of the female bases into one of the holes, then (as above) place one of the female snaps on top. Place the female snap base into the convex side of the snap setting base. Again, using the striking rod, give it a few good whacks. (Getting the hang of this now)? This is what you should have at this point (only one end shown) CONGRATULATIONS, you have one strap completed! Now that you realize how easy this is and have it down to a science, repeat as necessary. NOTES 1. For added security, the double snap system can be applied to other areas as well, including shoulder bridge attachments and bicep to shoulder bridge, (example below) This is especially good for those who wear packs (HWT, Sandie, Spacetrooper). 2. Snaps set in elastic (as seen above) can pull out over time with repeated use. For added strength I recommend doubling the elastic over before attaching the snaps. 3. Be sure to use the female base on all the straps that will be glued to your armor. The reason being is that the bottoms are flat, insuring a tight seal. 4. Some folks set the female snaps in ABS instead of nylon when gluing them to the armor. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, it's just a different way of accomplishing the same goal. The reason I use nylon is that I find it conforms to the curved parts of the armor better, and gives a larger surface area for the glue to adhere to. 5. Some use CA (super) glue to attach the 1 inch nylon to their armor. I have found that it can get brittle and break off or even cause warping on ABS due to the heat it puts off while drying. E-6000 needs to be clamped and takes more time, but trust me, it's worth the wait. 6. When gluing the 1 inch nylon to your armor, do NOT keep the 2 inch wide nylon attached with the snaps. Some of the glue may seep through the hole in the snap and glue the whole connection together. Not a good thing. If you should have any questions, just ask here or PM me, and best of luck on your build! Photo 1 (Double snap system.. note clamps). SHOUT OUTS: Gary jr. ( @flashpoint0214 ) The guy who introduced me to the double snap system! Jeremy (Copper) who supplied the nice clean photo of the double snap system.
    19 points
  15. The 501st Nomination period has ended. Please join me in congratulating Andrew Franke @Sly11 as the FISDs Detachment Leader for another term! Congrats Andrew!!
    19 points
  16. Well my fellow troopers, the day has arrived. 6th July 2021. We officially start to celebrate the past 15 year of life as a detachment. It's pretty incredible to think, that thousands upon thousands of members, 501st or otherwise have worked their way through these forums, leaving their mark on the way, and allowing us all to take a wonderful journey into the development and ever growing resource that FISD has become. We have the largest membership base, one of, if not the busiest forums in the legion, an attache program that reaches more garrisons than any other, and a mass of TK information photos and other resources that some others would be envious of. All this with so few costumes in comparison to many other detachments. I think you could say we are doing OK! To welcome in our anniversary celebrations, today we launched a few things to get everyone in the mood. Our Special edition news letter is now posted and the mass email out will begin. We have launched our new and improved Expert Infantry honor gallery and a new forum section for our Anthology and remnant soon new to legion costumes. Awarded our highest Detachment accolade, the FISD Achievement award. And last but not least, launched our Anniversary coin sales thread. If you wish to share the love and celebrate 15 years with us please feel free to use our Facebook frame created by TK85421 http://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=271286071464787 Happy 15 years FISD
    19 points
  17. 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
    19 points
  18. Hi all, Firstly, I’d like to say that Low and higher brow heights are perfectly acceptable and all members are welcome in the legion. I would just highlight that some appear to reflect Stunt or Hero/Promo troopers. The intention of this post is to share educational reference photos with new and aspiring troopers. Based on watching ANH, viewing the many reference photos and additions behind the scenes and historic photos, there is a clear direction regarding various brow heights in ANH. In the spirit of the CRL, this guide would help improve uniformity across the legion. For those that favour a low brow, I would highly recommend checking out the Hero* or Promo Trooper as an ideal option. *please note that not all Hero helmets had a low brow. Below is the Promo Trooper. This features a hero helmet (this is different to the Stunt helmet) and is an iconic look, featuring a low brow (brow trim essentially ‘on’ the top of the eye sockets). There is essentially zero gap between the bubble lenses and the brow trim. There were just six hero helmets made for ANH, made in gloss ABS, intended for close up shots; Luke has a very similar look; Han, on the other hand, had a clear gap (seen here left of shot) 50 Stunt helmets were made for ANH. These were made from green HDPE plastic, then primed and painted. The majority of TKs seen in action and group shots in ANH were Stunt helmets and had a visibly different appearance, including a longer painted ‘frown’ with (for the most part) 4 ‘teeth’ either side, 3 screws per ear rather than 2, flat lenses rather than bubble and (for the majority seen on screen) had a consistent gap between the top of the eyes and the brow. First up is a photo taken outside Shepperton Design Studios and shows approximately half of the 50 Stunt helmets primed and ready to send to the studio. The brow height is consistent across these helmets, each having a clear gap between the eyes and the brow. Note below that perhaps 2 or 3 of 26 helmets have a slightly lower brow. On to screen used, there are a few lower brow stunts featured through ANH, however they are certainly outnumbered by the conventional look. Note the same scenario from ESB (re-using ANH Stunt helmets for the most part); Even quite a few Hero helmets, including Han’s, had the usual gap. I hope that these reference photos help to show the difference with various helmets. This post,and the information included, comes from a passion for the wonderful character that is the Stormtrooper and is not intended as a negative view on those that choose the low brow. Both have their place in our character lineup. I would simply suggest considering the hero or Promo Trooper as an option for those that prefer the low brow. Best wishes Dan NB - credit to StarWarsHelmets.com for a lot of this information. I’ve learned a lot from there over the last couple of years.
    19 points
  19. Official Statement TM recast CFO JoeR helmet. Fellow troopers, Thankfully it is not often we need to deal with situations such as what has unfolded over the last week, with the subject of recasting one the Detachment has always taking a strong stance against. Our members are our priority, having you all feel comfortable with buying various products from reputable vendors and honest vendors falls into that mandate. We supply a trusted vendors list that brings that confidence to purchase and is governed by several factors some of which are, quality, reliability, accessibility, integrity, honesty and trust. This recast thread, the above factors and content within have all formed part of the tough decision making the staff has had to make. We feel the integrity and trust has been broken between members, FISD command staff and other vendors with one of our long serving armour suppliers. This is not a subject that the staff or I have taken lightly as we have poured over this since the initial post was made. We have looked at the very compelling evidence and we have seen the response from the accused sent only to the accuser. TM (Paul) has been given equal opportunity to respond directly and state his case here in this thread but he has chosen not to do so. The evidence has been viewed as irrefutable, and Paul's response to CFO (Mark) a full admission that this was done with ill intent. This has led the command staff no choice but to make some decisions and take actions in the best interests of our FISD membership. First decision was to have TM removed from our vetted sellers list. This does not prevent anyone from making purchases from him, we simply wont feature TM any longer. The second discussion was in regards to a possible forum ban. A poll was set up for staff to vote anonymously with four options: No ban, 6 month ban, 12 month ban and Indefinite ban. The top poll placed was the indefinite ban, so from this point forward an indefinite forum ban period will be put in place against Paul. Paul is not a 501st member so there is no maximum period a ban can be in place. An indefinite ban period also gives flexibility that if this or future command teams decide to lift the ban, that option exist. We are not sorry for taking this hard stance as I have stated our membership is our first priority and we believe they should be able to procure their costuming needs from vendors that uphold honesty and integrity. Thank you for your time
    19 points
  20. WHAT THIS PROGRAM IS: A dedicated forum where members can submit their completed stormtrooper costume for peer review prior to formal submission to their GML. Your armor will be reviewed and suggestions made by the FISD Staff and Imperial Attaché team, but detachment members can also provide peer review on any submission. All feedback provided will be specific, constructive, respectful, and helpful. Any feedback that is deemed negative, derogatory, inflammatory, or otherwise offensive will be deleted, and the poster can be subject to account suspension for repeated offenses. You may also be provided suggestions for attaining the rank of EI (Expert Infantry) and Centurion levels should you wish to pursue higher levels of screen accuracy. WHAT THIS PROGRAM IS NOT: This program is not a replacement for the GML approval process, as Detachments are not charted to approve costumes for membership. While a costume that passes Detachment peer review should be in a state to be accepted by a GML, Detachments cannot override a GMLs decision, nor are GMLs bound to accept the ruling of a detachment costume approval. That said, as a general rule the goal is that any costume that passes peer-review approval should be accepted by a 501st GML. WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUBMIT: You will need to post up various high quality photos of your armor/accessories on the list below, as well as the basic information listed next to it. We realize that this is more information than normally required for basic approval, but we want you to look your best! Also, please include the name(s) of any approved Trooper(s) who have significantly helped you with your build. Yes, we are asking for more photos and information than are normally needed for basic approval. The reason being is that we feel it gives us a better overall view, and we can catch things that may be missed should the recruit want to move to level 2. PHOTOS: INFORMATION: 1. Front view (arms down) 1. First/last name 2. Back view (arms down) 2. Future Garrison/Squad/Outpost or local area 3. Left side (arms raised) 3. Armor maker 4. Right side (arms raised) 4. Helmet maker 5. Ab plate close-up 5. Cloth belt maker 6. Helmet close-up (front, left and right sides) 6. Neck seal maker 7. Detail photos of any parts you have questions on 7. Boot maker 8. Interior strapping (optional) 9. Blaster maker (if applicable 10. Gasket maker (if applicable) 11. Height (optional) 12. weight (optional) 13. TK type (ANH Stunt/Hero. ESB, ROTJ. TFA etc.) 14. Name(s) of any Trooper(s) who significantly helped with your build. INSTRUCTIONS FOR POSTING YOUR REVIEW REQUEST: 1. Go to the Request Pre Approval thread: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/193-request-tk-pre-approval/ 2. Click on Start New Topic. This is located on the left of the blue "Reply to this Topic" option near the top of the page. 3. In the Title area, post the following information: (Fisd screen name) Requesting Pre Approval Review, followed by the armorer who made your kit in parentheses. Example: MegaTrooper123 Requesting Pre Approval Review (Anovos) 4. Post all required photos/information (as listed above). HELPFUL LINKS: 1. Where can I get in touch with my GML/Garrison? http://www.501st.com/members/displayUnits.php 2. Where can I choose my official TK number? http://www.501st.com/members/search_avail_ids.php 3. How do I join the 501st Legion? http://www.501st.com/members/join_form.php 4. What do I do once I am approved? https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/16-501st-trooper-status-requests-include-link-to-your-501st-profile-in-your-request/ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHY WE ARE DOING THIS: Not every garrison has responsive GMLs, and even those that do are not always experts in the stormtrooper costumes. Costume peer review provides members with a supplemental feedback on items that need to be fixed prior to approval, as well as other feedback that will help the overall fit and finish. Catching errors earlier will result in increased confidence a build will pass GML review and thus save GMLs time. It will also provide GMLs insight in to a sounding board beyond the GML peer review area on the 501st boards. Additionally it provides non-GML forum members the opportunity to learn about and gain experience in the costume judging process. This is valuable because it can provide people considering being a GML real-world experience before accepting the role, and provides GCOs a potential pool of people experienced in costume judging who may not have yet served as a GML. ADDITIONAL INFO: 1. Any feedback that is negative, derogatory, inflammatory, or otherwise offensive should be reported immediately, will be deleted, and the poster may be subject to account suspension for repeated offenses. 2. Feedback should follow the same format that Deployment Officers use, e.g. for each item to fix they will be marked as “must fix”, “should fix”, “could fix”. 3. “Approval” only covers base 501st acceptance (aka L1). Expert Infantryman (L2) and Centurion (L3) standards can be cited only for “could fix” items and are never “must fix”. 4. For GMLs, this is intended to catch errors early to make your lives easier. This is not a replacement for what you do. Additionally, since detachments can't approve costumes, there is no concern that a Detachment will override a GML decision. 5. For GCOs, an advantage is that a 501st member in their garrison can gain experience in the costume review part of being a GML before they take on the role officially, and this may also for their Garrison provide an outlet for people considering being a GML, and a pool of experienced members should they need to fill that role. 6. For FB users, other TK Facebook pages can offer advice on their site that may or may not be correct. FISD is the official Detachment run by experienced 501st costume approvers the world over, and this is a service we can provide prospective and current 501st members that a FB group cannot.
    18 points
  21. Dear FISD members, I am once again honored with your continuing support as detachment leader for the 2022-2023 term. Thank you. We have a busy year ahead of us, which I will shortly give an update on, but first I’m sure you will want to know who your staff will be for the year. I would like to congratulate Steven Sheades (Starsaber) TK-10466 for taking on the position of Detachment XO. Steve has many years of experience both as one of our DCOGS, but also as a GML, GPRO and second seat in council for his garrison. Thank you Steve for stepping up and taking on your new position. Tim Waychoff (DarkCMF) TK-51878 will be moving into a DCOG roll and offering his expertise with our moderation team. As many of you are aware, Tim has several feathers in his cap, as a prior FISD DL and XO and Attache ambassador. Thank you Tim for taking on the position. This term we will indeed have a DMBO again, it’s been a few years running without this roll filled, but it is time to change that. Please congratulate James Silvius (jsilvus) TK-12953 for joining the team and taking on this challenging position. James held our 15th anniversary coin run, and did so exceptionally. His accounting spreadsheet and immaculate record keeping made my job very easy communicating the fine details with the LMBO team. Thank you James for accepting this position. There are a couple more additions to come to the IPM team as we will be focusing on more improvements to FO CRL's in the very near future. I shall announce those when we are ready to go. All other staff positions are currently remaining the same and are as follows. Deployment Officers Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 Mario Reyes (TKSpartan) TK-48117 Jose Sanchez (Chemi) TK-3017 DCOG Chris Pearson (themaninthesuitcase) TK-10911 Dan Branton (Thecableguy) TK-42911 Mark Ryner (captsafe66) TK-4584 DMBO Trading cards Eric Ho (Hoda) TK-42911 DPER AC (NoVaTie) TK-5597 DPRO Christoph (Danny) Lauber (Ripper_L) TK-55550 Tony Jobe (ukswrath) TK-10116 Aaron (Bronx) Gibson (Pyrates) TK-99725 Frank Peranteau (Frank75139) TK-75139 Glen Rhodes (gmrhodes12) TK-85421 Jim Ferrell (Rat) TK-95970 Teresa Nuthall (Soulart) TK-41307 DWM Eric Brager (Darth Aloha) TK-9674 Mathias (Locitus) TK-2959 Founder Paul Hoeffer (Daetirn)TK-8020 What lies ahead The last two terms have focused heavily on the forum refresh, uncluttering archiving and restoring. As you can imagine very time consuming, i also undertook a member data base clean up which hadn't been done in a long time. My vision has always been to leave this place in better condition than I found it, making it easier for anyone that comes after me and giving them a clean pallet into the future. This treatment will continue on this term although alot of the heavy lifting has finished or is nearing completion. This allows us to focus on things that are more beneficial to members, like our various programs, and the introduction of a new one as well. We will lead out this term back to work on our First order CRL updates. Discussion threads are already open, proposals will be written and membership polls set up so you can continue to participate in the evolution of our costumes, their quality and standard. We have a big year with Celebration, the patch sales thread is open until sold out, and I received an update from the vendor today that we have around 200 patches left. If you haven't ordered, now is the time before they are gone. I hope plenty of you have a chance to go to Celebration, meet fellow members, make new friends and have a blast. New Members section update will commence with an adjustment to the forums, a gate keeper so to speak, and hopefully an easier start for those brand new to FISD and costuming. Lets talk about some more fun stuff, like the FISD Coffee table Book. Work will continue, and a larger team will be formed for various parts of the building and design process. This is a huge project and we still have several hurdles to face, before it becomes a reality. It will be a first of it's kind for the detachment, and we can't wait to have more information available to you all. FISD Shirt run, needs to get underway quickly, so I will be working with our new DMBO James. to motivate that into action in the next couple of days. More Merch to come, and we continue to look towards items we haven't done before, we have ideas, we will be working on designs, slot planning and time frames. Now It is time for me to get busy in the background, onboard our new staff members and get the discussion going with your new team on the full plan for the year. Thank you all once again for the ongoing support, and we look forward to serving you all to the best of our ability. With Unquestioned loyalty TK11469 (Sly11) Andrew Franke.
    18 points
  22. Hello, Troopers! On behalf of the Command staff I am proud to announce that we have a new member of the team! Chemi (TK 30173) from the Spanish Garrison will be moving from his position of Imperial Attache to Deputy Deployment Officer. As a Centurion level TK (and one heck of a nice guy) he will be working with Mario and I and using his TK expertise to approve costumes at the higher levels. I'm sure he will be a great addition to the Staff, so please join me in welcoming him to his new rank! Way to go, Chemi, and I look forward to working with you, mi hermano!
    18 points
  23. My design has 2 variations - a regular solid coin and a coin with a cutout - of course the cutout would require a different back. Both feature enamel with glitter in it - something with a celebratory feel. I loved the fact that this is the one time where the number 15 can be found in FISD (with the right font of course) so that was really the basis of the idea, as well as including both OT and FO TK's. One that note I focused on the 3 colors found in the respective FISD logos - Clasic FISD Blue and Yellow, First order Red and Yellow - with Yellow being the unifying elements between the red and blue. Ive updated to include the word ANNIVERSARY. Here is the first version of the coin Here is the alternate design featuring cutouts around the troopers.
    18 points
  24. Hello! I hope this topic is fine, if not, feel free to remove it. So, whilst I've seen memes pop up every now and then, I haven't seen any actual thread with memes about the FISD. Because I personally love commenting the things in my life in memes, I decided to make a few memes about the FISD, based on things that I've noticed on here so far. Please feel free to share your own memes as well, if you've got any This was something that I had a bit of trouble with in the beginning... Perhaps some of you can relate, haha Don't worry, we appreciate it I've only been on here for a short time, but during that time there've been a lot of armors by Glen. Most impressive! The struggle is real. Now I just need the money and to decide on what I am going to build. "Troopers helping Troopers" really encompasses the spirit of the FISD and I appreciate that very much. No explanation needed Feel free to share some more memes or to take this post down if it's too off-topic for the off-topic area
    17 points
  25. January 24th 2022 Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) as many of you can attest, gone over and above, consistently doing something to benefit the detachment. Things that go well outside of his deployment office duties, year upon year. Everything he has done was of his own volition, and done with passion for the benefit of as many members as possible. I find no one more deserving of this, our detachments highest accolade, and feel privileged to be able to bestow it on Joseph for his continued and outstanding efforts over so many years of service. Thank you Joseph, your "How to" guides are legendary, your sales items incredible in detail, and your generosity and loyalty unquestionable. Please join me in congratulating Joseph on this hard earned and well deserved award. With unquestioned loyalty TK11469 "Sly11" DL
    17 points
  26. Ok, I guess I'll go first. Something I had laying around... Black - raised black metal Dark grey - recessed black or matte black Light grey - recessed metal or metal paint EIB blue Centurion Red
    17 points
  27. My son just received his scout trooper kit from RS propmasters and they included a 2024 Calendar with the kit. I was so excited when I turned to Mr. August and saw @Nairy looking back at me. awesome to see you in there. Congratulations
    16 points
  28. NEW In Memoriam Detachment Leader Census 2021 Merchandise Hall of Fame Just For Laughs Around the Detachment Costume Totals Update Your Build Threads INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS Common FISD Acronyms and TK Glossary Pre Approval Forum 3D Section Field Exercise Award Imperial Attaché Program Fire Teams EIB & Centurion: What do these terms mean? Advanced Tactics Awards Public Relations Staff List 2020 Follow FISD Günter Hense (ID-22247) passed on 9 December 2020. He loved life, was a healthy, active and happy person and he was always grateful for the people around him and the happiness he felt as a result. He always took that as a gift and never for granted. He greatly enjoyed being out and about with his Garrison at events, philosophizing about costuming and life in general during regular meetups, and seeing all the wonderful places that were open to troopers, through his beloved hobby. Many visited him and his family at home in the bicycle workshop, had good conversations with him and, above all, laughed a lot. He was very grateful for all of that. And he was incredibly happy when he was accepted into the German Garrison, and was "officially" allowed to take part in the outreach programs in costume. Since it was he who introduced his son (ID 55255) to Star Wars as a child, it was clear that this was also a family activity for him. Our condolences go out to his family, friends. "Buckets Off" Tessek and Mon Calamari Officer Gerald Home Dies, Aged 70 Just days before his 71 birthday, sad news Gerald Home has passed away following an illness with cancer. He will be remembered by Star Wars fans for his roles in Return of the Jedi as Tessek and a Mon Calamari Officer, and to many others as Mr Muscle. He was a popular face at numerous conventions all over the world. Our condolences go out to his family, friends. "Buckets Off" Greetings fellow members, and welcome to the October edition. In last months newsletter we discussed the forum work that has been taking place and an update was coming soon. I shall now expand on what that entails but stop short of divulging the entire scope of works until launch time. We understand the importance of keeping the forums up to date, relevant, exciting and ultimately the most welcoming and friendly forums in the legion. One of the more critical areas of our vast forums is the New Recruit section. It is generally the landing point for anyone new to FISD, non 501st, and Legion members starting their TK journey. There is a mass of information just in that block of forums alone, making it an important sector of focus. We have completed a clean up sweep of the area already, so now we move on to rearranging and revamping,, pinning and corralling more of what could be considered, the more important posts for ease of use and location. There will also be renaming of some forums and consolidation of others taking place, again to streamline the entire section aiming to make it all easier for new comers to find the information they need quickly. Along with this work, we are looking to create a new staff position so there will be someone to drive and participate in discussions, and develop a new section we are planning. Hopefully the next time we are talking about this section, it is to launch the changes and introduce you to a new staff member. IPM news. Imperial Propaganda Machine It gives me great pleasure to announce a new member of the IPM team. Since he has arrived on FISD's doorstep, he has been enthusiastic, helpful, goes out of his way to not only greet new members, but offer as much help and advice as he can. He quickly became an attaché, and hasn't looked back. Please join me in congratulating TK46116 CallMeMrTibbles, Richard Tibbetts! Good work sir, your ethics and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Attaché Outstanding Achievement Award I have been informed that TK-12953 (jsilvius) James Silvius has sent the last shipment of coins out this past week, and I would like to personally thank him for the monumental and at times stressful service he has has performed for the detachment. As we have in the past, I would like to officially award James the Attaché outstanding achievement award for exceptional service to the detachment for undertaking a large scale merch run. He not only helmed the Anniversary coin run, but did it efficiently and shipped all coins out in record time. Brilliant job James, the staff are truly grateful, as I am sure the membership are also. You are a credit to FISD. With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK11469 "Sly11" Detachment Lead 501st Legion 2020 Census has begun, it is the responsibility of all 501st approved members to fill out the census each year which you can find here You must be registered on the main forums to participate in the census:here I didn’t’ troop because of Covid-19 Due to Covid-19 many didn’t get the opportunity to troop during this census period, Legion Command has advised that GCO’s will determine how they want to proceed in regards to a members trooping activity and status, as such check in with your local garrison command. Here's what the charter says about activity definitions: Operations Protocol/Membership An Active Member is defined as a member in good standing who meets the following requirements: Meets all 501st Membership Requirements (i.e. ownership of an approved costume, is over 18 years of age, etc). Has an approved membership record in the 501st Legion Membership Database Maintains active contact with their Garrison CO or GML. Active contact and participation will be confirmed during the annual Legion Census held each year during the month of October. Maintains contact information/membership record in the 501st Legion database either through their Garrison CO or GML. Participates in at least one Garrison or Legion activity per year while wearing an approved 501st costume owned by said member as recorded in the Legion Census. (One year is defined as the period from Legion Census to Legion Census). Examples of an activity include, but are not limited to conventions, charity events, or any activity designated as an official event by a coordinating administrative unit of the Legion. Members who serve in military branches are exempt from activity level requirements if their service renders them unable to meet these requirements. These Minimum Activity Level Requirements should be administered as justly and with as much common sense as possible. A member may retain active status, even if they do not meet all of the requirements listed above at the discretion of their unit Commanding Officer or Legion Command. Filling out the census only takes a few minutes and you also have the opportunity to update your contact information ie: address, email, phone and so on. THE LAST EVENT TROOPED is the most important piece of data. Because our trooping year was cut short due to Corona-virus, Legion Command has recommended membership status changes are left to the discretion of the Unit Commander so please check in with your local command prior to filling out your census. NOTE: members who were not able to troop should enter "COVID-19" as their last troop. Any questions you have in regards to the census please contact either your GCO (garrison commanding officer) or your GML (garrison membership liaison) Census form layout With the last forum update the viewable area of the census may not be full page, as such change your page magnification to 75% and you should be able to see the whole page. Note: make sure you tick the box "Is the above information correct?" please tick YES If you have any problems with the logging in please contact the LWM team here: support@501st.com So stand up and be counted troopers, you have until 31st October. FISD 15th Anniversary Coin CLOSED Run is now CLOSED, coins have been shipped, please note shipping can take some time depending on your location. For more info head to the sales thread here Expert Infantry Coin (15th Anniversary Version) OPEN (Only 20 Coins Remaining) The time has come for the new run of EIB gold challenge coins! The 15th Anniversary gold EIB coins are available now. PLEASE NOTE: 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! You can find the sales thread here Please join me in welcoming TK - 54185 Georgia to the Stormtrooper Hall of Fame!Well done Trooper!https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/51226-3-tk-54815-troop-log/ With Unquestioned Loyalty Aaron Gibson TK-99725 "Pyrates" Curator Hall of Fame "Morgi's Memes" Thank you to Luca "Morgi" TK66744 for starting a FISD specific meme thread, hope to see more of these in the future not only by you but by others as well. You can find the thread here "ANH Stormtroopers are all left-handed" myth busted. A great comparison of left and right handed troopers put together by Colin TK25622 "OddViking327", you can find the thread here Currently (as of 9th October 2021) there are 32,344 approved costumes in the legion, out of these homed under FISD there are 5,809. Interestingly the larger the legion costume totals grows the smaller amount of TK's there are with now only 17.96% of all approved 501st costumes, this is the first time this number has dropped below the 18%. WE NEED YOU TO UPDATE YOUR BUILD THREADS As most would be aware we are diligently working through the forums updating watermarked images, missing images and broken links, this has taken over a year so far and has been a monumental task but there is still a lot of work ahead of us. Members build threads are one of the biggest areas of watermarked/missing images and we are asking you the membership to help and update your build threads yourselves as this is just too big a task for staff. Build threads requiring updates are being moved over to this area https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/241-build-threads-requireing-maintenance/ Thank you in advance for your cooperation. INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS For a full list of FISD awards head here 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. For more information on this program, please visit the link here 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 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? Award Recipients September - October TK20466 "Alay" Sarah - TK36036 "MrGrave" Grave - 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. For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here Some of the benefits: Access to exclusive Attaché merch., including patches, IA patch , IA Rocker For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here You may also be in the running for an Imperial Attaché 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 Want to setup a "Fire Team? the Fire Team program is completely optional, and is intended to help form a common identity and spirit of camaraderie among 501st Legion Stormtroopers in the same geographic area/garrison that troop together. Fire Teams are not officially recognized by the 501st Legion nor the FISD, although they will be able to access a Fire Team sub-forum on the detachment website. You can find more information here So what exactly are and 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! You can find more information on the programs here This area lists all those who have gone above and beyond basic approval toward screen accuracy and obtained EIB or Centurion or both. FOR September - October the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: Expert Infantry Badge Award: Jacob "Pistolsheets" TK86267 EIB HWT - 2nd Award Kris "Crampeat" TK23410 EIB 1032 Glen "gmrhodes13" TK85421 EIB HWT - 9th Award GREAT job on your approval, now on to Level 3! Request your free EIB certificate here You can find a list of multiple award recipients here --------------------------------------------------------------- Centurion Badge Award: Brett "Cleantrooper" TK9593 Centurion ESB - 2nd Award Jacob "Pistolsheets" TK86267 Centurion HWT - 2nd Award Glen "gmrhodes13" TK85421 Centurion HWT - 9th Award Outstanding job on reaching Centurion, Troopers! Request your free Centurion certificate here You can find a list of multiple award recipients 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. For anyone interested in having a look through any of the older newsletter they have now been moved to a new archive sub forum which you can find Here With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Staff List 2021 Detachment Leader (DL): Andrew Franke (Sly11) TK11469 Executive Officer (DXO): Tim Waychoff (Dark CMF) Chief Deployment Officer (DCA): Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Mario E RT (TKSpartan) TK-48117 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Jose Maria Sanchez (Chemi) TK-30173 Lead Provost Marshal (DCOG): Steven Sheades (starsaber25) TK-10466 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Chris Pearson (themaninthesuitcase) TK-10911 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Dan Branton (CableGuy) TK-42911 Personnel Officer (PER): AC (Novatie) TK-5597 Fire Team Relations (PRO): Mark Ryner (Captsafe66) TK-4584 Content Editor At Large (PRO): Christoph (Danny) Lauber (Ripper_L) TK-55550 Content Editor Support (PRO): Tony Jobe (ukswrath) TK-10116 Content Editor Awards (PRO): This will be handled by the XO Newsletter Publisher (PRO): Glen Rhodes (gmrhodes13) TK-85421 HOF Director (PRO): Aaron (Bronx) Gibson (Pyrates) TK-99725 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 Systems Administrator (DWM): Eric Brager (Darth Aloha) TK-9674 Systems Administrator (DWM): Mathias (Locitus) TK-2959 Detachment Founder (DF): Paul (Daetrin) TK-8020 Trading Cards Content Support (IPM): Eric Ho (Hoda) TK 77520 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Brien Edick (Harbinger) TK 92802 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Jeff Salt (wingnut) TK 50297 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Richard Tibbitts (CallMeMrTibbles) TK 46116 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
    16 points
  29. Ok, you can blame @Frank75139 for this... one more entry. This one includes a patch version too. and the patch...
    16 points
  30. Troopers! I want to help out the community and the people that doesn't have the time or have the necessary tools or skills to create a cool Signature banner or have the background of your Action Photo removed, or even if you have a request for a certain Profile picture! I don't know how popular this will be, or what requirements I will need, but we will learn as we go and if it turns out to be popular and it gets too much for me - I'm sure that we can find a few more that are willing to help out! Completed banners: 24 @Empiretrooper @jsilvius @jsilvius @techdesco @Nairy @Bobstormy @TikiTechie @Morgi @Bartman @Jakebullet @Armor9 @Chemi @Starkiller @TK21698 @Sawanator Completed profile pictures: 3 @Bobstormy @Bartman @Sawanator
    15 points
  31. The 1500, are you ready?
    15 points
  32. Hey all.. First, apologies for my unexpected leave of absence. In addition to a couple of health items that needed to be sorted out and my internet going down for a time I am back. I have lots of catching up to do, so please bear with me! (I really did miss you all)! I'm now ready for service and anxious to dive into the deep end to keep this party going!
    15 points
  33. I decided to work out a complete, comprehensive list for those about to start an OT TK armor build (ANH Stunt, Hero, etc,) to help get everything in place for when "Big Brown Box" day arrives! This list does not include soft parts, (neck seal, boots, etc.) but focuses on the hardware and supplies for building the armor itself. However, a list of soft parts can be found HERE I believe I have covered most items, but would appreciate additional suggestions/corrections to add, and will keep it updated as such. Yes, it looks a bit daunting, but some of the items you will already have, and the rest can be purchased at major home improvement stores, online, or borrowed from a TK friend! Plus, it gives you something to do while you "hurry up and wait" for your kit! This list is includes items used for the EIB and Centurion programs, (marked with double red asterisks)**. These items are not required for initial TK approval, but I encourage everyone to consider them as an option. Hope this helps, and best of luck on your build! PLEASE NOTE: Some kits come with all the hardware you will need to build to Centurion level, i.e. split rivets, ear screws, TD screws, etc., however, not all armorers supply the correct ones. If you are (hopefully) planning on aiming for level 3, please check with your armorer to see if they provide these. You can also reference the photos below to see if they are accurate. These supplies are based on using the snap method for connecting the armor. Example photos are shown at the bottom for many of the items, but not all. (Everyone knows what a hammer looks like). Items with photos have a notation. 1. E-6000 glue- Great for almost everything, and removable if necessary. Highly recommended. (Pick up some wooden tongue depressors as well, makes spreading it easier)! (Photo 1) (Please see updated information on E-6000 below, after #50 before purchasing). 2. Binder or notebook- To keep notes on your research. 3. Dremel or rotary tool- A "must have". (Photo 2). Be sure to get the sanding drum attachment and extra sanding drums (Photo 3). I suggest the 180 grit type. 4. Small plastic containers- Keeps everything organized. 5. Lexan scissors- Curved and straight, for cutting ABS. (Photo 4) 6. Small spring clamps- For holding things in place while gluing. You can't have too many! (Photo 5) 7. Line 24 snaps- For strapping. You will need at least 30, and do NOT "cheap-out" on these, but purchase quality ones. (Steer clear of Wal-Mart snaps). Tandy is recommended. Tutorial located here: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/44617-snap-setting-101/ (Photo 6) 8. Snap setting tools- There are 2 types to choose from- One is a two piece set (requires a hammer) (Photo 7) and the other is the pliers style (Photo 8) 9. Hammer- For setting snaps if you use the 2 piece style of snap setter. 10. Pliers/vise grips- 11. Screwdriver- Slotted head. 12. Rivets-** 5/16 (8mm). (Photo 9) Round head bifurcated/split rivets with washers. You will need 9. (3 for the kidney, 3 for the ab, one for the cod piece, 2 for the thigh ammo pack). You will also need 3 speed (Chicago") rivets to attach your ABS belt to your canvas one. These are attached by hand and not to be confused with the aluminum ones listed below (#19). Some like to use the screen accurate single cap rivets (Photo 10) to attach the ammo thigh pack but these are not a requirement. 13. Elastic- 1 inch wide black for shoulder bells, etc. (4 ft.) 2 inch wide white for ab/back plate shoulder connection (1 ft.), 1 inch wide white for drop boxes, (1 ft.) 1/4 inch wide white** (1 ft.) for shoulder straps. 14. Nylon strapping- 1 inch wide black, at least 6 to 8 ft. long. 2 inch wide black (48 inches) for high tension areas if you are using the double snap method. (NP) 15. Exacto knife/extra blades- For cutting, trimming, cutting nylon strapping. (Photo 11) 16. Heavy duty razor knife/extra blades- For cutting cover strips and scoring around pieces that will be removed. (Photo 12) 17. Heavy duty scissors/tin snips- For (carefully) cutting large sections of ABS. (Photo 13) 18. Metal ruler or straight edge- (At least 18 inches long). For use as a cutting guide, especially cover strips. 19. Hand Rivet gun/aluminum open end blind rivets- For putting your helmet together. Available for about $10-$12.00, EASY to use! (Photo 14) 20. Metric Ruler- 21. 2 x 2 or larger piece of carpet- Protects work surface, keeps dust down, and stops small parts from rolling away. 22. Rags/paper towels- And plenty of them. 23. Blue painter's tape- 1 inch and 2 inch widths. For keeping glued parts in place and dry-fitting your armor. 24. China marker/pencil- For marking cut lines. 25. Sandpaper- I highly recommend Sandblaster Pro Flexible silicone sanding sheets from 3M, 220 grit. You will never use anything else, I promise. They last forever! 26. Sanding block- The sponge type, 120 grit. 27. Band Aids- You will need these. Might as well keep them handy. 28. Rare earth magnets- (10 minimum) SUPER strong! I use the 20 mm x 3 mm round ones. Cover them in blue tape to prevent scratching your armor. You cannot have too many!!! Tutorial located here: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/44619-magnets-101/ (Photo 15) 29. Butane Lighter- For sealing the ends of nylon strapping. (see # 44 below for a better option) 30. Large "half-round" file- For smoothing out edges before sanding. I used this a LOT, especially in the curved areas. (Photo 16) 31. Small "Needle file" set- Very inexpensive, comes in 6 different shapes, and is perfect for the teeth and eye openings on your helmet. (Photo 17) 32. Foam padding- 1 inch thick. Great for helmet and armor padding. Available at craft or fabric stores. 33. Velcro- 2 inch wide black (various uses) and 1 inch wide white, for calf closures (about 36 inches). Go for the "Industrial Strength" kind. 34. PAINT: Satin Black: Humbrol # 85 or Testors # 1747 for vocoder, trap/ tear drop/ear bar outlines/stripe(s), ROTJ and ESB frown, TD screw heads. Gray: Humbrol # 5 or Testors # 1138 for trap/tear drop/ear bar background, ANH frown and ab-buttons. French Blue: Humbrol # 14 or Testors # 2715 ForTube stripes/ab buttons. Mediterranean Blue Humbrol (Tube stripes alternative color) Testors: No exact match Gloss white for all rivet heads (excluding cod rivet). Mineral spirits for brush cleaning 35. Goo Gone- Citrus based solvent that will remove latex and enamel paint and NOT harm your armor. (Photo 18). 36. Small paint brushes- Assorted sizes. Try to buy quality ones.. Cheap brushes =cheap looking results. I suggest picking up a "filbert" (Photo 19) style brush (photo 5) as well, as it's rounded tip works great for painting the ab plate buttons and vocoder. Another GREAT way to get clean, crisp lines on the ab buttons is to use Testors Micro-Sponge brushes (Photo 20). 37. Wire or fiberglass mesh- (Window screen). For inside the "frown" of your helmet. A piece 3 x 8 inches will work fine, and you can trim it as needed. 38. Safety Glasses- It never hurts to be too careful, especially when using a Dremel type tool. For your Thermal Detonator, (TD) clips: (Note: There are some GREAT pre-made TD clips you can buy on this site, and some kits include them, but you can use the following 5 items to make your own. 39. Aluminum strip- 1 inch wide 40. Screws- Size #6 pan-head slotted screws **, 1/2 inch long, You will need 4. (Photo 21). NOTE: The CRLs have been updated and round head screws are permitted, but they must be the slotted (not philips) style. 41. Hacksaw- For cutting the aluminum strip. 42. Drill- Electric or battery operated, with various size bits. 43. Vise grip OPTIONAL ITEMS: 44. Heat sealing iron- For making return edges. Not normally needed, but there are some great tutorials on this here on FISD. Try it on a scrap first, though! 45. Soldering Iron- For making holes in nylon strapping and sealing the ends. Pretty inexpensive, and worth the cost! (Photo 22) 46. Plasti-Dip- A black rubberized coating you can spray inside your helmet, (also available in a brush-on). Or, you can use spray paint. Just remember to sand and prime first! 47. Heat gun- Not normally needed. For shaping ABS. Use this CAREFULLY, and practice on scraps first until you get the hang of it. These things can reach 1500 degrees and melt your armor. 48. CA (super) glue- Not recommended for first time builders, as it is PERMANENT, and you can't fix mistakes. Also, if it drips on your armor it is nearly impossible to remove. It can also become brittle over time, causing connections to fail. 49. Acetone- For use ONLY in making ABS paste for filling small gaps, (see tutorials). Do NOT put this directly on your armor, as it will melt it. 50. SUGRU- This is an easy way to attach the lenses in your helmet. Tutorial located here: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/44593-how-to-attach-lenses-using-sugru/ 51. Respirator- An informative post was made by Clint, (cm325i) concerning the effects of E-6000 glue on some individuals. Definitely worth a read: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/33347-e6000-warnings-read-them-and-wear-a-respirator/ 52. Cut resistant gloves- Especially helpful if you are prone to cutting yourself. Available online for about $12.00 (Photo 23) E-6000 update: Please note that there are certain online retailers (including those in Europe) that are selling FAKE E-6000 or "knock-offs" like these: The genuine product is clearly marked Made in the USA, and has a batch number on each tube. They do not sell to distributors in Asia, so if you try to save a few bucks by ordering from a seller there it is not the real stuff. If you have any doubts, you can contact the manufacturer at www.eclecticproducts.com, and they will let you know where to get it. The fake stuff is garbage and will not hold up. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. IMPORTANT UPDATE! To make life easier, Ray (Dieltski) made this into an awesome Google spreadsheet, which you can download to keep track and add notes! Just click here. Thanks, Ray! .
    15 points
  34. I’d like to congratulate @TheRascalKing for being awarded the Attache Award. Justin did such a great job stepping up and keeping the pin run organized and running smoothly. The staff has all seen a lot of great comments on social media on how well this went. Thank you Justin we know this is a time consuming task but the staff appreciates all that you have done and continue to do.
    15 points
  35. July 6th 2021 Sometimes it is beyond a shadow of a doubt that a member stands apart from the rest, not on occasion but on a consistent basis. Glen Rhodes has dedicated an enormous part of his time to the members of this detachment and to maintenance and upkeep of these forums. He has been intrinsic in the revamp and clean up and given nothing less than 110% at everything he has applied himself to here at FISD. This will be the second time Glen has more than earned this accolade placing him in a very select group indeed. I believe his work and dedication shows clear merit. With unquestioned loyalty TK11469 "Sly11" DL
    15 points
  36. NEW Detachment Leader Detachment Founder Happy 15th Anniversary Expert Infantry Honor Gallery Provost Marshall Deployment Office Merchandise Just For Laughs Around the Detachment New Forum Area In the Media INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS Common FISD Acronyms and TK Glossary Pre Approval Forum 3D Section Field Exercise Award Imperial Attaché Program Fire Teams EIB & Centurion: What do these terms mean? Advanced Tactics Awards Public Relations Staff List 2020 Follow FISD Greetings fellow members Welcome to FISD’s 15th anniversary special edition news letter! The official date is 6th July 2021, yep 15 years ago today the First imperial Stormtrooper detachment was created. We are very proud to have reached this tremendous 15 year milestone, and would not be here today if not for our founder Paul Hoeffer, his early team, and the many thousands of members that have contributed to this great forum over the last decade and a half. 15 years of unquestioned loyalty, troopers helping troopers, building and ever transforming this place to keep it up to date, relevant and the best resource for Stormtroopers in the galaxy. Thank you to one and all. This is an absolutely jam packed edition of where we came from with a nostalgic walk down memory lane. We hope you enjoy taking the journey. Personally I am privileged to have spent the last 7 years on our forums, most of that time on staff, and am honored to have work with so many truly talented staff and members. I look forward to many more successful years of the Detachment. FISD History Did you know? FISD's legacy charity is JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) The detachment started to support JDRF way back in 2007, but it became the official Detachment charity of choice in 2010. We will be returning our focus to this very worthy cause for at least the remainder of this term and doing what we can to support JDRF through donations and awareness. Now to kick this party off, and start the next 12 months of anniversary celebrations on the right foot, I’d like to make a few special announcements. FISD Achievement Award First and foremost, I would like to hand out an award. This is one of the rarest award programs we have, and is only handed out in exceptional cases, and we indeed have one that warrants it. The FISD Achievement award is one which is truly hard earned, it takes dedication, work and an over and above performance for one to attain such an acknowledgment. Not only is it rare to earn one, but even rarer to earn a second. His first FISD Achievement medal was earned back in June 2013 for true dedication embodying "Troopers helping Troopers", in the way this trooper helps and mentors members on our forums. Well I’m glad to say, that hasn’t changed one bit to this very day. Not only that, but he has been intrinsic in assisting me with the forum clean up, banner designs and in helping reinvigorate the FISD platform. As Detachment leader, it gives me no greater honor than to award Glen TK-85421 (gmrhodes13) his second FISD achievement award for truly outstanding work in every aspect he applies himself to on whitearmor.net. Congratulations Glen, you more than deserve this. You can find a full list of FISD Achievement Award recipients here Return of the Expert Infantry gallery Rebuilt from the ground up and back in better shape than it’s former glory is our new home for our Expert infantry Honor gallery. This is officially live as on now HERE Months of restoration work has gone into this, and our man of the moment Glen Q Rhodes is responsible for making it happen. Please read his article in this month’s edition, and if you are an EI, go find yourself in the new section. My last announcement before I let you go and enjoy everything this month’s newsletter has to offer, is the expansion of the “Costuming and Builds Original Trilogy (501st Approved) This has now had “and Anthology” added to the header, and a new section devoted to the Anthology and Remnant Stormtrooper costumes of the Disney+ series, Mandalorian, and soon to be released Book of Boba Fett, Obi Wan and Andor. Any build threads pertaining to the new Incinerator, Artillery and weathered Remnant type TK’s will now live in their rightful home section. It is exciting to see new costume variants in our midst's, so now they can be acknowledged and represented well, here on FISD. Finally, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for being active on our forums, thank you for keeping it interesting, sharing your knowledge and helping your fellow troopers. It means so much too all the staff here, and the fact we have a thriving forum community in the world of social media, is a testament to each and every one of you. I cant express enough how much I appreciate it. HAPPY 15th ANNIVERSARY FISD With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK11469 "Sly11" Detachment Lead Greetings troopers! They say time flies when you are having fun and being able to troop in a stormtrooper costume is one of the more fun things we get to do on these forums is enjoying the camaraderie of our fellow troops while spreading peace and harmony throughout the galaxy. On our 5th Anniversary we compiled a little data and were feeling pretty good that in 5 short years we went from nothing to having 550 detachment members, which made FISD the largest unit in the Legion. And, that 172 troopers had taken the challenge to go Expert Infantry, representing 8% of all Legion stormtroopers. Everyone felt it was a great start given that the detachment started out with only 10 members, the Expert Infantry program was still under discussion and the Centurion program hadn’t even been dreamed of, as our main focus was on creating useful content and, among other things, figuring out what we were going to call the detachment! Here is the data from 2011: 2006 2011 Total Legion TKs ? 2,266 Det. Members 10 550 Expert Infantry - 172 Centurions - 12 Costumes Covered 3 7 Forum Members 10 3,463 Total Posts 10 190,225 % Expert Infantry - 8% % Centurion - 1% One of the leading contenders for our new detachment's name was “Stormfront”, however that is until it was pointed out that this name was being used by a neo-Nazi group. Oops! In 2006 the Legion had also a new requirement which specified that all new detachments had to have the word “detachment” in their name, so the days of calling a sandtrooper detachment by something cool like the Mos Eisley Police Department were at and end, and we had to come up with something else. The "1st" in FISD is a reference to the Army usage of identifying Corps by a Roman numeral, e.g. XVIII is the 18th Corp. I Corp equals First Corp, and we wanted to be at the front of the action. Since we couldn't use "1st Imperial Stormtrooper Corp" and we were already part of a Legion, we settled on the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment. Over the past 10 years FISD has continued to grow in leaps and bounds. The numbers below speak for themselves. 2006 2011 2021 Total Legion TKs - 2,266 5,668 Det. Members 10 550 3,792 Expert Infantry - 172 1,020 Centurions - 12 500 Costumes Covered 3 7 19 Forum Members 10 3,463 24,715 Total Posts 10 190,225 649,367 % Expert Infantry - 8% 18% % Centurion - 1% 9% The detachment that we have today would have been unrecognizable 10 years ago, let alone 15. Before the advent of Facebook, the only place to discuss stormtrooper costuming was right here on these forums and so checking in every day or at least every week was a "must" for anyone who wanted to keep up with all that was going on. While some things have changed, what hasn’t is our mission. It is still as vital today as it was when we started. Below is one of the first posts I ever made to the forums on July 10th, 2006. VISION The 1st Imperial Stormtroopers are a Detachment of the 501st Legion, dedicated to the armor and equipment of stormtroopers as seen in Star Wars. They strive for accuracy in costuming and to discuss everything stormtrooper related. Their mission is to serve the needs of both current and prospective members of the 501st Legion, in keeping with their unofficial motto: "troopers helping troopers”. WHAT THE GROUP HOPES TO ACCOMPLISH: 1. Promote the current quality standards for the stormtrooper costume as established by the 501st. 2. Develop and create a higher standard of stormtrooper costume for members to achieve and a "kudo" (e.g. deployed status) as a recognition of that accomplishment (the same way the Mos Eisley Police Department has create a higher standard for MEPD Deployment). The goal of this is not to force people to achieve the higher standard, but rather to demonstrate what the costume can become and recognize those who achieve it. 3. Create an open and respectful forum for all discussions stormtrooper related, regardless of whether or not they are Original Trilogy or Expanded Universe. One major goal of the detachment is to celebrate the stormtrooper costume in all its forms, and the Star Wars costuming hobby in general. 4. Create and foster an esprit de corp for the stormtrooper costume. Some members complain that their garrison is stormtrooper-centric, others that the stormtrooper is looked down upon. By having a central space where stormtroopers can congregate and celebrate their costume, it removes the ?us versus them? mentality that has crept into some organizations, and establishes the stormtrooper costume as one of many equals. Life can be fast paced and can get crazy from time to time, and things do not always changed for the better (pandemic anyone?). It's reassuring to know that one thing doesn't change, and that is the indominable spirit of this detachment, embodied by our official motto "Unquestioned Loyalty" tempered with our unofficial motto, and true calling, of "troopers helping troopers". My heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the thousands of Legion members who have built up this detachment in to what it is today. It always was, and always will be, a team effort. With Unquestioned Loyalty Paul Hoeffer TK-8020 "Daetrin" FISD Founder, DL emeritus Let's look back at some highlights from the last 15 years It's Alive July 7th 2006 forum created announcement (can be found here) What Shall We Be Called What should our detachment name be? Detachment naming contest, July 15, 2006 Some of the top contender names (can be found here) Imperial Knights Imperial Alpha Tantive Assault Detachment Knights of the Empire Stormtrooper Brigade Death Star Detachment The Emporer's Might Vader's troopers, Mean and Clean. Detachment naming contest take II, August 15, 2006 Some of the top contender names (thread can be found here) Tantive IV Assault Detachment (TFAD) 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Division Advance Assault Division "White Lightning" Vader's troopers, Mean and Clean. (VTMC) Rapid Assault Imperial Detachment (RAID) First Encounter Assault Regiment (FEAR) Should we amend the name, August 23, 2006 (can be found here) And the winner was "1st Imperial Stormtrooper Corps" UNTIL: Name change October 16, 2006 (can be found here) From Legion Command: "That the official name include the word detachment, meaning as of this moment we are rebranded - officially - the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment. All references must be updated." Detachment Approval Official Detachment Approval, October 24, 2006 (can be found here) We Need A Logo 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Logo Detachment logo discussion started August 25, 2006 (can be found here) Detachment logo final release February 7, 2007 (can be found here) note "Detachment" was edited to "Det" for patch production Anniversary's 1st Anniversary/Birthday, July 7, 2007 (can be found here) 3rd Anniversary/Birthday, July 7, 2009 (can be found here) 5th Anniversary, July 6, 2011 (can be found here) 5th Anniversary Interview With Paul Detachment Founder, December 15, 2011 (can be found here) Merchandise produced - 11" patch, Trading Card, Coin, Mug 6th Anniversary Post by Our Founder, July 6, 2012 (can be found here) 10th Anniversary Post by Our Founder, July 6, 2016 (can be found here) 10th Anniversary Newsletter (can be found here) Merchandise produced - Patch, Coin 10th Anniversary Of FISD's First Patch (can be found here) Trivia: did you know that FISD was started in 2006, so the detachment’s actual 10th anniversary is 2016. Our first patch run however was in 2007, and it had the words “2007 Inaugural” in Arubesh along the top as a commemoration of that event. Only 100 were ever made. Glen’s design is celebrating the 10th anniversary of that first patch, hence the design used. 11th Anniversary Post by Our Founder, July 7, 2017 (can be found here) 12th Anniversary Post by Andrew (can be found here) 13th Anniversary - Logo Gets an Update Some Other Interesting Dates FISD forum created announcement, July 7th, 2006 (can be found here) Forum header uploaded October 2006 Rose Parade, January 1, 2007, Stormtroopers from around the globe invited by Lucasfilm to attend the event with grand marshal George Lucas (video can be found here) Rose Parade, Stormtroopers in training for the Rose Parade with Colonel Toledo (US Army Reserves). He was brought in by LFL to lead and conduct the training (video can be found here) Rose Parade, behind the scenes training and football (can be found here) First Mark IV Approval , April 16, 2007 (can be found here) only 4 approvals name "Mark IV" (eventually becoming Expert Infantry) First Elite Approval , August 15, 2007 (can be found here) name change from Mark IV to Elite, 61 approvals (eventually becoming Expert Infantry) First Female Elite Approval , May 9, 2008 (can be found here) (eventually becoming Expert Infantry) First Expert Infantryman , May 18, 2009 (can be found here) name change from Elite to Expert Infantryman, from approval 66 onwards FISD Achievement Award Implemented , July 26, 2009 (can be found here) (recipients can be found here) 100th EIB Approval, March 2, 2010 (can be found here) Academy Site Launched, March 5, 2010 (can be found here) FISD at Celebration V, August 12 to August 15, 2010 (photos can be found here) FISD adopts JDRF as it's unofficial charity of choice ,August 31, 2010 (photos can be found here) FISD Is Now on Facebook and Twitter , March 16, 2011 (can be found here) Attaché Program Announced , April 11, 2011 (can be found here) First Centurion Approval , April 23, 2011 (can be found here) First Female Centurion approval, August 22, 2011 (can be found here) Forum reaches 200,000 posts, August 26, 2011 (can be found here) FISD at Celebration VI Orlando, August 23 - 26, 2012 (photos can be found here) EIB and Centurion certificates created Nov 2012 (can be found here) FISD at Celebration Celebration Europe II, July 25- 29, 2013 (photos/videos can be found here) 100th Centurion Approval, October, 2013 (can be found here) First look at Episode VII Stormtroopers, May onward, 2014 (can be found here) We helped a girl who was bullied for liking Star Wars, May 31, 2014 (can be found here) FISD at Celebration Anaheim, April 16-19, 2015 (photos/videos can be found here) FOTK Unveiling (newsletter can be found here) 500th EIB Approval, September 21, 2015 (can be found here) FISD at Celebration Europe III, July 15-17, 2016 (photos can be found here) Rogue One Display (photos can be found here) FISD at Celebration Orlando, April 13–16, 2017 (photos can be found here) First Live EIB approval, Celebration Orlando April 15, 2017 (photos can be found here) The Stormtrooper Hall of Fame Implemented, April 28, 2016 (can be found here) Master Armorer Award Implemented, May 26, 2017 (can be found here) Rogue One Photoshoot (can be found here) Attaché Outstanding Achievement Award Implemented, May 28, 2017 (can be found here) (updated recipients here) TK Pre-Approval Scheme Implemented, January 7, 2018 (can be found here) 3D Contributor Award Scheme Implemented, July 5, 2018 (can be found here) FISD at Celebration Chicago, April 11 - 15, 2019 (photos can be found here) Field Exercise Awards Scheme Implemented, September 1, 2019 (can be found here) 1000th EIB Approval, September 16, 2020 (can be found here) Coin and patch repository and TK trading post implemented, February 10, 2020 (can be found here) First Order Battle Group implemented, May 20, 2020 (can be found here) Newsletter Archive Area implemented, April 9, 2020 (can be found here) 500th Centurion Approved, Trina TK18112 "Architect18112", April 9, 2021 (can be found here) 501st Centurion Approved, Jonathan TK89054 "Lord_Potato", April 22, 2021 (can be found here) 10th Expert Infantry Awards Recipient, Glen TK85421 "gmrhodes13", Oct 13th, 2021 (can be found here) 10th Centurion Awards Recipient, Glen TK85421 "gmrhodes13", Oct 13th, 2021 (can be found here) Detachment Leaders 2006 - 2021 2006-2007 - Paul Hoeffer “Daetrin” TK8020 2007-2008 - Ed DaSilva "Exodus" TK4878 2008-2009 - Terrell Reber "SuperTrooper" TK1787 2009-2010 - Paul Hoeffer “Daetrin” TK8020 2010-2011 - Paul Hoeffer “Daetrin” TK8020 2011-2012 - Paul Hoeffer “Daetrin” TK8020 2012-2013 - Tom Gardner "RogueTrooper" TK5940 2013-2014 - Eric Brager "Darth Aloha" TK9674 2014-2015 - Mathias Rodstedt "Locitus" TK2959 2015-2016 - Eric Brager "Darth Aloha" TK9674 2016-2017 - Time Waychoff "Dark CMF" TK51878 2017-2018 - Paul Hoeffer “Daetrin” TK8020 2018-2019 - Paul Hoeffer “Daetrin” TK8020 2019-2020 - Sarah Bailey "Alay" TK20466 2020-2021 - Andrew Franke "Sly11" TK11469 2021-2022 - Andrew Franke "Sly11" TK11469 2022-2023 - Andrew Franke "Sly11" TK11469 On behalf of troopers past and present thank you all for your service Detachment Merchandise First Patch Run, April 24, 2007 (can be found here) note it had the words “2007 Inaugural” in Aurebesh along the top. Only 100 were ever made First Challenge Coin, September 6, 2007 (can be found here) First Patch Run (no inaugural writing), February 19, 2008 (can be found here) FISD Tshirt Run, April 12, 2008 (can be found here) FISD Hoodie Run, May 7, 2008 (can be found here) First Beret Patch Run , April 1, 2009 (can be found here) First EIB Rocker Run, August 7, 2009 (can be found here) Mug Run, January 3, 2011 (can be found here) First Centurion Rocker Run, April 22, 2011 (can be found here) Calendar Run, December 31, 2011 (can be found here) Red Version Detachment Patch Run, May 22, 2012 (can be found here) incidentally for those that thought there had only ever been one run of this particular patch it has been produced three times, another run was in 2013 which didn't close until late 2014 and another in 2015 FISD Lapel Pin Run, April 9, 2012 (can be found here) Second Coin Run, August 30, 2013 (can be found here) Joint Merchandise FISD/MEPD, October 23, 2013 (can be found here) Racing Shirt Run, November 13, 2014 (can be found here) 12" Detachment Patch blue and red versions with larger rockers, April 15, 2016 (can be found here) incidentally this was the only run of the larger detachment shield patches (FYI that makes 4 separate runs of red patches, 3 x small and 1 x large). Also note the larger version Centurion rocker to match the 12" patch FISD Hockey Shirt Run, May 13, 2017 (can be found here) First Order Red Version Patch Run, December 19, 2018 (can be found here) First Order Racing Shirt Run, November 29, 2019 (can be found here) Detachment patch variations through the years Sme of the variations of the Detachment 3 x 5" patch over the years you may also notice some color and size variations due to using different manufacturers, also the updated design from 2019 to present day And this is just a small part of FISD's merchandise over the years, there have been other patches, celebration merch, mugs, lanyards, pins and the list goes on. 15th Anniversary Facebook Frame For those of you on Facebook you can show your support of our 15th Anniversary with this frame www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=271286071464787 In Closing I hope you enjoyed this walk down memory lane as much as I did researching it, there has been a lot packed into the past 15 years and this piece only just covers a small part of it's history. If you ever have too much time on your hands take a look back through some of FISD's earlier threads, some amazing info, photos and videos can be found and it will open your eyes to how we have grown over the years. It's a shame a lot of our older information and photos are lost due to third party image hosts and also forum upgrades, if any of you do have images or information from our early years please reach out to either myself or any of our staff as we'd love to update as much as we can. I can't finish this piece without thanking a few people, firstly our detachment founder Paul Hoeffer "Daetrin" TK8020, without him we wouldn't be here. I would also like to thank all those members (too many to list) who stood up and took on a staff role over the last 15 years, working on staff can be a thankless job, it can also take up a lot of our personal life but in the end it can be a very rewarding experience. Also thank you Andrew for my second FISD Achievement Award, you snuck that into the newsletter draft Truly honoured and humbled, thank you Sir. Lastly but certainly not least I must thank you the membership, without you our detachment could not of grown to where we are today, thank you one and all. "troopers helping troopers" With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Expert Infantry Honor Gallery Some of you may or may not be aware that our forum used to house an area of images for those members who have achieved the level of Expert Infantry, unfortunately over time and with forum and software upgrades the data in that section was lost. After several years of discussions a work around was formulated earlier this year and with Andrew's approval the work begun. After a lot of hours of editing we are pleased to present to you the new and improved Expert Infantry Honor Gallery PREVIEW Please note some images had been lost from some EIB applications and in this case a generic image has been used, if you find your image is like this and you have a copy of your original application images please contact me via private message Multiple Awardees For those of you who are multiple Expert Infantry award recipients your gallery image will show as an animate gif, example below Multiple award recipients info here Taking Action Photos Before taking your Expert Infantry action photos please read this thread With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Greetings Troopers! Can you believe this? We are here celebrating 15 years of our amazing detachment!! Like most of you, I have found a home here within the 501st Legion. This detachment is the best detachment within the 501st. That's because of all of you! All of the time and energy that all of you have put into this place. All of the amazing knowledge that has been offered up to every person who has visited our detachment is just truly top notch. All of the cheerleading that all of you have offered up to push people to the finish line and to help them not give up when a build has been challenging has been astounding. We are a family here and we could not have done all of this without our members support. We are troopers helping troopers for sure! I have been lucky enough to be a part of this detachment now for the past 10 years. I have been fortunate enough to watch this detachment grow so much over the years. The enthusiasm here is has always been high and remains as high as ever. We are one of the few detachments that is able to have people join here and want to stick around to help new members. We all have a passion for shiny white armor and it does not go away. I cannot wait to see where this detachment goes over the next 15 years. This place will always be my home and I will not be going anywhere. I hope all of you out there reading this newsletter will feel the same. If you have ever thought about becoming more involved in our detachment then now is the time. Let's work together to make this place grow into the future. I can't wait to see all of the amazing things we are able to accomplish. Make sure you check out the 15th Anniversary Challenge coin that we are releasing. It is one of the coolest coins we have ever released. The order thread will be up soon. As always thank you from the Provost Marshal team for keeping the boards nice and helpful which makes our jobs around here very easy. If you ever need to reach out to our team then please do not hesitate to. We always want to hear from our members even if it is not related to forum issues. I will be wrapping this up now. Paul - Thank you so much for starting these forums. You have created a place here for many of us to find a family within the legion. I am honored to be a part of this. Thank you for taking me onto this staff 4 years ago. This current Command Staff has been the best group of members I have ever worked with. You all rock! Lastly, Glen amazing job on this newsletter. You really have knocked it out of the park. I know that everyone of our members will enjoy this. With Unquestioned Loyalty Steve Sheades TK10466 "starsaber25" Leading Provost Marshall With Unquestioned Loyalty Chris Pearson TK10991"themaninthesuitcase" Provost Marshal With Unquestioned Loyalty Dan Branton TK42911 “CableGuy” Provost Marshall This has truly been a banner year for the FISD, especially considering what has transpired in the last 12 months. We met our goals on both the "March to 1000 EIs" and reached 500 for Centurion approvals.. patch, pin and coin runs either complete or in progress (and more in the works) and lots of new build threads! A big thank you to all the Staff who have hung in there, but more importantly an extra special shout-out to all the newer and senior members who have stayed active on the boards helping those who have questions. You folks really are the life blood here, and while we all have lives outside this community we (and all those who need it) appreciate your involvement and help more than you could know, so KEEP IT UP . "Troopers Helping Troopers" (and future Troopers)! There was a bit of a lull in Level 2 and 3 submissions in the last few months, but those of us on the D.O. Staff are SO pleased to see them rolling in once again! Know that we are here for you, and that we are ready and willing to help in any way we can to help you attain your goals, whether it be Basic approval or higher levels. It's what we do, so always feel free to contact any of us if you need assistance of any sort. With Unquestioned Loyalty Joseph Pedigo TK-10963 "justjoseph63" Chief Deployment Officer Hey Troopers !! Qué mejor momento que la celebración del Quince Aniversario de nuestro Destacamento para invitar a las tropas de habla hispana no solo a ser parte de esta fiesta , si no a visitarnos y conocer nuestro foro. Aparte de la gran cantidad de información , fotos de referencia y tips de construcción sumamente útiles, puedes adquirir mercancía como parches, monedas y artículos exclusivos para miembros del destacamento. Por otro lado, podemos ayudarte a ir más allá y alcanzar el mejor nivel de precisión en tu armadura con nuestros programas de Experto de Infantería y Centurión y si tienes el tiempo y las ganas de ayudar a otros, porqué no formar parte del Equipo de Representantes del FISD (Imperial Attache Team) ? para más información ingresa aquí . Hay muchas áreas donde podemos aprovechar tus habilidades y disposición de seguir haciendo historia por muchos años más. Es el momento de que el idioma deje de ser una barrera . José Ma. (Chemi) de España , Mario (TKSpartan) de Costa Rica y todo el D.O. Staff estaremos felices de ayudarte y guiarte en el proceso. Hey Troopers !! What better time than the celebration of the Fifteenth Anniversary of our Detachment to invite the Spanish-speaking troops not only to be part of this party, but to visit us and learn about our forum. In addition to the wealth of information, reference photos and extremely useful building tips, you can purchase merchandise such as patches, coins and exclusive items for members of the detachment. On the other hand, we can help you go further and achieve the best level of precision in your armor with our Infantry and Centurion Expert programs and if you have the time and desire to help others, why not be part of the Representative Team of the FISD (Imperial Attaché Team)? For more information, click here . There are many areas where we can take advantage of your skills and willingness to continue making history for many years to come. It is time for language to stop being a barrier. José Ma. (Chemi) from Spain, Mario (TKSpartan) from Costa Rica and the entire D.O. Staff we will be happy to help you and guide you through the process. With Unquestioned Loyalty Mario E RT TK-48117 "TKSpartan" Deployment Officer With Unquestioned Loyalty Jose Maria Sanchez TK-30173 "Chemi" Deployment Officer CENTURION500 PINS CLOSED Pins have been shipped Thank you once again Justin "TheRascalKing" TK61490 for helming the run and thank you Glen "gmrhodes13" TK85421 for the design For more info or issues you can find the thread here OK folks, now that the dust has settled from the Centurion 500 Pin run, we have some news! After all costs were accounted for and my (extremely thorough) accounting documentation was submitted to Detachment Leadership, we ended up with a total excess of $188.97 from the run - or about $1.75 per order. This was primarily from being able to secure packing materials at a reduced cost, and from funds saved on shipping of orders, as PirateShip was actually able to get us a rate BELOW what USPS usually charges/quotes. Pretty incredible and a wonderful tool I would recommend and use again! I also did ensure there was a small amount of padding built in to all orders, as shipping rates DO change (especially in these pandemic times), and I absolutely did NOT want to have to delay shipping by reaching out to request additional funds from anyone, or pay out of pocket to complete the run. At this point we would like to offer you 2 options: 1. Refund- You can receive the ACTUAL difference back for any overpayment on your order. (If opting for a refund, I will PM you). Please allow up to 3 days for this and note that anyone on a group order WILL need to go through the person who paid for the order. -or- 2. Donation- Your difference can actually make a difference by donating it to the Detachment's legacy charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - info here. All funds donated will be tallied up and sent to JDRF at one time** in the name of the FISD. For transparency, that transaction will be made available for viewing afterward. Please post up IN THIS THREAD (no PMs please) whichever option you choose, and we will disburse the funds as requested. IMPORTANT **The thread will close in 30 days (July 31st, 2021). If you have not responded by that point, we will assume you would like your difference to go to the charity. FISD 15th Anniversary Coin Order thread is now open for the new FISD 15th Anniversary Coin designed by Eric "Etrooper70" TK41970 you can find the thread here For those who may have missed the post I want to share this video with you from David and his son who built an E-11 blaster using Bryan's TK14082 3D files (available here) A new section has now been created in the Costumes and Builds area, the Anthology/Remnant, dedicated to discussion and builds of the various Stormtroopers depicted in the Anthology Disney+ series Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett, Kenobi and Andor. You can find the Anthology variant and Remnant Build Threads here Also the title Costumes and Builds original trilogy (501st approved) has now been changed to Costumes and Builds Original trilogy and Anthology (501st Approved) VFX Artist Reveals How Big Star Wars Vehicles Actually Are - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Happy Anniversary FISD INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS For a full list of FISD awards head here 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. For more information on this program, please visit the link here 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 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? No Award Recipients for June - July 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. For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here Some of the benefits: Access to exclusive Attaché merch., including patches, IA patch , IA Rocker For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here You may also be in the running for an Imperial Attaché 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 Well here we are creeping up on year 15. I haven’t been around that long but I can definitely see why people do stick around. The detachment has grown so much in the few years I’ve been around it’s going to get a lot bigger now that troops are up and running again in some places.I’ll keep this short and sweet but I have been laxed on the newsletter posting. We’ve had a few new attaches added to the list, some new members and even an older member that wants to get back into it all. We are always looking for people to add to the attaché list, anyone with the will to help and a positive attitude should apply. We’ve also had a very successful pin run which was a great start to an anniversary year with more to come.Lastly I’d like to thank everyone involved for making this a great detachment. From top to bottom everyone is always so helpful to people coming in. We all remember how overwhelming it is to start such a large project, having so much help is the only way I would have gotten through it. With Unquestioned Loyalty Frank Peranteau TK75139 "Frank75139" Attaché Ambassador Want to setup a "Fire Team? the Fire Team program is completely optional, and is intended to help form a common identity and spirit of camaraderie among 501st Legion stormtroopers in the same geographic area/garrison that troop together. Fire Teams are not officially recognized by the 501st Legion nor the FISD, although they will be able to access a Fire Team sub-forum on the detachment website. You can find more information here So what exactly are and 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! You can find more information on the programs here This area lists all those who have gone above and beyond basic approval toward screen accuracy and obtained EIB or Centurion or both. FOR June - July the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: Expert Infantry Badge Award: Shawn "Zerop1ng" TK27928 EIB 1024 Richard "CallMeMrTibbles" TK46116 EIB 1025 Jacob "Pistolsheets" TK86267 EIB 1026 Justin "TheRascalKing" TK61490 EIB 5th Approval GREAT job on your approval, now on to Level 3! Request your free EIB certificate here --------------------------------------------------------------- Centurion Badge Award: Richard "CallMeMrTibbles" TK46116 Centurion 502 Shawn "Zerop1ng" TK27928 Centurion 503 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. For anyone interested in having a look through any of the older newsletter they have now been moved to a new archive sub forum which you can find Here With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Social Media Happy 15th FISD!!!!!! WOW!!! I always marvel the passing of time. What began as one mans desire to help fellow troopers, has grown to such a tremendous, supportive community of Troopers helping Troopers! I joined the Legion with my Classic ANH TK, wanting to share the nerdy volunteerism experience with my Brother TK-12175. Then a Phasma joined my ranks. I’m into my 3rd TK now. This year is also an anniversary for me with the FISD as I celebrate 5 years with this incredible Detachment, and have been honoured to help out wherever I could. Originally I helped as many ladies and gentlemen as I could secretly via PM. A silent Attaché as it were. That desire to help others on a deeper level, evolved into accepting command positions at Garrison and Detachment level. This Detachment. Helping people build. Being able to help ladies build through our unique body differences. Sewing soft parts for so many’s armors. Seeing your dreams of joining the Legion come true in armors designated to the FISD. Smiling every single time I see one of you in a photo or read about how you troop. It’s truly been an honor to give my time here. To share in our growth and sense of community that has been created and nurtured here by a command team and members that care about one another and what we do. And the costumes we choose. Everything I do has to have meaning for me. Serve a bigger purpose than myself. I have found my involvement as a member here the past 5 years, to have been some of the most meaningful and helpful years of my life. I’ve met incredible troopers-amazing people-real life super hero’s in one another and the children (and adults) we dress for. We each have the ability to do monumental things in this world. We give our time and self to the things that matter most to us. And each time we choose to help one another here as a member, seller, or as a member of the Command staff, whether big or small, we make a difference to someone. A big difference. It’s been my pleasure to serve you all as your Friendly Neighborhood Instagram PR lady. Every time one of you sends me a photo of where you are in the world, I celebrate you. The giving of your time to others, and I can feel your joy in doing so. That magic. I know this past 16 months have been dark for some, taken its toll in all ways on everyone. But light is coming. We are seeing some troops trickle in. Cautiously beginning to reconnect. Soon we will be back in our boots, doing what we do best. What better time to celebrate all we have become during these past 15 years, as we look with hope and desire to our present and future to get back to trooping and connecting with one another. Please know, you’re never alone here. I wish to Thank all Command staff these past 15 years for giving of your time and believing in what we do here, and to every member for making this Detachment as successful and inclusive as it is. I’m proud to be a part of it all, and I look forward to another 15 years! Thank you all for being so wonderful. Happy anniversary! With gratitude, and undying loyalty, With Unquestioned Loyalty Teresa Nuthall TK41307 "Soulart" PRO Social Media Editor At Large ToI my fellow brothers and sisters of Whitearmor, it's been a privilege to have been a part of the FISD the last several years and an absolute honor to have served so many of you. A special thank you to Paul and many others that came before us for their endless devotion to the costuming world, this group and all those that were inspired to be Stormtroopers. May the next 15 years be the best of times. Long Live The Empire With Unquestioned Loyalty Tony Jobe TK10116 "ukswrath" PRO Editor Support Staff List 2021 Detachment Leader (DL): Andrew Franke (Sly11) TK11469 Executive Officer (DXO): Tim Waychoff (Dark CMF) Chief Deployment Officer (DCA): Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Mario E RT (TKSpartan) TK-48117 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Jose Maria Sanchez (Chemi) TK-30173 Lead Provost Marshal (DCOG): Steven Sheades (starsaber25) TK-10466 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Chris Pearson (themaninthesuitcase) TK-10911 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Dan Branton (CableGuy) TK-42911 Personnel Officer (PER): AC (Novatie) TK-5597 Fire Team Relations (PRO): Mark Ryner (Captsafe66) TK-4584 Content Editor At Large (PRO): Christoph (Danny) Lauber (Ripper_L) TK-55550 Content Editor Support (PRO): Tony Jobe (ukswrath) TK-10116 Content Editor Awards (PRO): This will be handled by the XO Newsletter Publisher Forum Clean up Director (PRO): Glen Rhodes (gmrhodes13) TK-85421 HOF Director (PRO): Aaron (Bronx) Gibson (Pyrates) TK-99725 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 Systems Administrator (DWM): Eric Brager (Darth Aloha) TK-9674 Systems Administrator (DWM): Mathias (Locitus) TK-2959 Detachment Founder (DF): Paul (Daetrin) TK-8020 Trading Cards Content Support (IPM): Eric Ho (Hoda) TK 77520 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Brien Edick (Harbinger) TK 92802 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Jeff Salt (wingnut) TK 50297 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
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  37. Greetings from RT-MOD!For the past year and a half, I have been collaborating with Pandatrooper (of Panda Props and Costumes) on the fabrication of RT-MOD armor. Not only has he helped produce armor in his own shop and delivered to my high standards, but he has has helped upgrade many of the molds and bucks to create a more accurate version of the RT-MOD armor. Many elements within the costume have been updated for more accuracy or have been improved in terms of quality, comfort or wearability. Everything is still being fan-made from scratch based on photo references, and scaled up slightly to match the proportions of the current RT-MOD armor.But the time has come for me to officially pass the torch. Going forward, Pandatrooper will be the main contact and fabricator for RT-MOD armor. There will be a new contact email and updates on the latest version of the armor and helmet will be posted soon. As well, there will be some cool upgrades we think you will like! I would like to say I could not have asked for a better, more dedicated individual and have full confidence in Pandatrooper and his skills in carrying the RT-MOD torch. I believe he has a unique skill and dedication that will show in maintaining a high level of quality, care, attention to detail and craftsmanship. Please give him some time for the transition, as well as restocking supplies and also allow him to catch up on some back orders.Keep in mind that RT-MOD has and will be made for fans and hobbyists as time allows. We all have lives and need to take care of that first.From simple beginnings in 2002 to here now in 2019 it has been my pleasure to be able to outfit the bigger trooper candidates with high quality, accurate gear and have enjoyed the fandom and camaraderie of those who partake in the hobby. I want to thank everyone in this community for their support over the years. RT-MOD would not be around without you!
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  38. 20,000 Posts! I would like to aknowledge one of our most active Detachment and staff member ever, on his incredible 20,000 post journey here on FISD Glen Rhodes gmrhodes13, (TK 85421). Not only does he offer solid and valuable advise to the greater membership across the many thousands of forum posts and threads on a daily basis, this year he has stepped up and assisted other staff and myself with multiple tasks like the forum headers and the what sometimes seems to be the insurmountable, forum clean up, and Photobucket post revitalization project. (what a mouthful) All this he has done without hesitation, and lets also not forget the truly wonderful job he does with our monthly news letter. He is here, he is there, he is everywhere!!! Thank you Glen, you are a true asset to our detachment and command team and I thank you for your support.
    15 points
  39. After being asked a gazillion times about how I built my magnetic shin closures, I've finally compiled everything from my TK build and put it all in one post! Let me begin by stating that I followed the tutorial here for the most part when building these magnetic shins. However, I deviated from it in order to make the closures super strong by using a magnet-to-magnet closure rather than the magnet-to-steel method outlined in the tutorial. I have worn the magnetic shins I made for my RS Props TK out on over a dozen troops, and I have never had them come apart on me. I've only had to reglue magnets twice on these shins over a two-year period: a single magnet came off after being handled a lot (opened and closed dozens and dozens of times at an armor party by those who were trying to figure out how they work), and regluing a single magnet after trooping underwater for a few hours (well, not exactly underwater, but it was a parade where it rained for HOURS and I had to walk in the rain the entire time- for hours I tell you! My boots took days to dry out!). The small amount of maintenance I've had to do on these over 2 years of trooping is quite minimal. Once you get this mod on your kit, I swear you'll never go back to anything less than a magnetic closure on your shins. STEP 1: There are many steps necessary to build magnetic shins, so I begin with making a critical component for them: ABS buttons. The buttons are necessary to hold one half of the magnet assembly in place on the inside of the shin. I'm using 12mm x 3mm n50 magnets. You'll need a total of 20 magnets for the shins (10 on each shin). I strongly suggest buying more than 20, though. I've found that they can easily break, and you'll want backups on hand! You can find them in bulk- and cheap!- on eBay. First, I begin by making a template with a hole in it that is slightly larger than the magnets I will be using. I trace the magnet on a sheet of ABS. Here's what it looks like when done. Yeah, I know my hole isn't perfectly round. It's not terribly important for it to be perfect. I used two magnets to make each button. One on top to help me see where my hole template needed to go, and one underneath to form the button shape. Heat up one section of the ABS sheet using a heat gun on LOW until it gets slightly warpy. You can even leave the magnets attached to the ABS while you heat it up. Once the plastic is soft, quickly press it onto a flat surface, pressing the hole template around the exposed magnet. This is what it looks like on the top and underneath when you're done. And here's how it looks from the side so you can see how the magnets attach to the plastic. See how the bottom magnet sits flush in the new ABS button? I spent about forty minutes repeating the process until I ended up with 10 buttons. I will cut down and shape the buttons to fit each shin later. There will be five buttons installed on each shin. Still lots of work to do, but it's a pretty good start! STEP 2: Another step necessary for how I make my magnetic shin closures is to make sure that the backs of the shins meet up as perfectly as possible. This is to avoid any unnecessary strain on the magnets. This was acheived by some gentle shaping via a hot water bath. Before putting the shins in the water, since I don't have any cover strips installed on the outsides, I reinforce the closure with blue tape. The e6000 gets really soft when subjected to boiling water, and I don't want to weaken the join in the front. Blue tape holds up nicely for this application! Here's a before and after of my shins so you can see how the backs line up a bit better. I will be doing some further fine tuning on the lengths at the bottom later as I move along in my fitting. STEP 3: This stage involves making and securing the "holes" part of the closures for the magnets. I begin by cutting out two 3/4" x 12" strips of ABS. You should have this when you're done. Next make a lengthwise mark in the center of each strip to help keep your holes lined up in the middle. Then mark 3/4" in from each end. That will be the center point for the magnets on the end. I like using magnets with holes in the middle for this, so I can easily find the 'crosshairs'. Trace the magnet. I like to use extra magnets underneath to help keep it secure while I trace. Next, find and mark the center of the strip. It should be at the 6" point. From there, measure 2 5/8" from the center mark on either side. Mark and trace your magnets. When you're done, your plastic strips should look something like this: Next, I used my drill press and a step bit to drill out the holes. It went really quickly! When you're done, you should have two strips with holes in them that can easily fit the magnets. The next part is where people tend to get confused, so I took this photo to show what goes where. The "hole" strip will be glued to the inside half of the shin on the inside. It sounds kind of confusing, but it's not all that bad. Remember that the "hole" strip will be hidden! I begin with my left shin. I mark the center of each hole to assist when I line up the edge of the shin. Next, I test fit the strip on the shin to verify placement, clamping on both ends. Then I apply e6000 to the area of the strip that will be in contact with the shin, clamp and add magnets. This is what it looks like when glued together: Here's the right shin after gluing, but before I added the magnets. Here are both shins as the e6000 cures. I'll be allowing a few days for this to cure, which will give me ample time to get my ABS buttons ready for installation. STEP 4: Once the glue had cured on the hole strips inside the shins, I removed the magnets and clamps. With a light behind the shins, you can see how the hole strips are mounted, hidden inside. Using that light as my guide, I traced the approximate location of the holes with a pencil. This helps me to get a good idea of where my holes are going to be drilled. Yep. I'm going to make some Swiss cheese of my shins. Using a small Dremel sanding band, I carefully cut a notch out, just large enough for a magnet to fit through. Here's what it looks like at this stage when the shins are closed. I'm just focusing on drilling out the holes on the inside edge, following the holes of the hole strip that was glued in. I'm not ready to drill the outer half of the shins yet. Next to clean up my buttons that will hold my magnets. I rough trimmed them all to start. Then cleaned up the corners with a Dremel. I don't want anything poking at my legs! *Important!* If you want to make sure your magnets stay stuck on your shins, you must use e6000! CA glue will not keep the magnets stuck to the buttons; they will fail. I have heard this from several troopers when I have been contacted about their magnets not holding up. I repeat, use e6000 for this next step! I applied a liberal amount of e6000 to the inside of each button, then put the magnet inside to get all cozy. Make sure that you've got the polarity of all the magnets in the same orientation before gluing! Wipe away any excess glue from the top. To make sure that the magnets are firmly mounted in the buttons, I use the magnet intended on going on the opposite side of the shin to clamp it. In the pic below, you can see how I've got all the matched magnet buttons and magnets together as they cure. Back to the shins now. I like this ridge (where the pencil is pointing) to line up at the tops. For me, it makes the closure in the back look much cleaner if this is lined up. I tape it off there to make sure that the opposite side doesn't shift while I'm making my marks for completing the holes. I have an OttLite that fits nicely inside the shin to provide a clear light so I can make outlines for where I'm going to drill out the rest of the holes. Holes were already present on the left side in the photo below. I made sure that I drilled out the holes very conservatively as I went. I used an extra magnet to make sure that the hole was just the correct size for it to fit through. Now time to attach the outer cover strip! I use a 25mm cover strip on my shins for this. I taped off the edge of the inside half to keep any glue from transferring over. Then making sure that the cover strip was straight, I clamped the heck out of it. Praying to the TK gods that it doesn't shift!!!! Now time to wait for everything to cure really, really well. I am going to give these 3-4 days to fully cure just to be on the safe side! STEP 5: One shin is complete, with the outer rear 25mm cover strip glued into place. Woo! Here's a look from the inside, before magnets are installed. Be sure to clean up all excess glue from the inside edges in order to have a clean closure when you're done. If there's extra glue in there, it may not close correctly. I've tucked the outside cover strip to the inside so you can see how the magnets on the "cover strip" half are glued on. No magnets yet. I add a dab of e6000 to the magnet (be sure to check the polarization of the magnet before gluing!!!), and set it so that it fits inside the semi circle and on the outer cover strip. Like this: I wiped away the excess glue from the magnets and then positioned the inner "hole strip" over the magnets to ensure everything is lined up correctly as it dries. I tape the tops and bottoms of the shin to ensure it doesn't shift around during this stage. I'm not completely happy with how the inside cover strip is cooperating here. It sits flat on the top and bottom, but it pulls away in the middle a bit off to the right. I will have to heat bend this before installing the magnets onto the "hole strip". :/ Ideally, the inside cover strip should be sitting completely against the outside part of the shin, and it doesn't want to do that right now. This additional stress could cause the magnets to fail. It's annoying, but I'll need to address this before proceeding any further. Gah! Using the magnet buttons I created earlier, I clamp the magnets into place while the glue cures. Once the glue has fully cured, I'll reshape that inner strip to prepare it for the final magnet button installation. STEP 6: Now that the e6000 has had lots and lots of time to cure, it's time to attach the other halves of the magnets. Make sure that the halves are super clean and free of extra dried glue. It will prevent the shins from closing well. You can do this by touch. Rub all of it off where you feel it. Once everything is cleaned off, close the "hole" half over the "magnet" half. Your shin should be closing correctly at this point. The "holes" should lock around the magnets and prevent the shin from opening at all, even without the additional magnets at this point. If the "hole" strip is not fully engaged over the magnets, you won't have a very strong bond between the magnets to keep the shin locked. Easy part next! Apply e6000 around the prepared ABS button. No need to go crazy with the stuff. You don't want it oozing all around in there. And stick it on! This part goes really quickly. For additional strength, I add some extra magnets on top. Check those clean closures! Left shin. Right shin. I will open these up in a few hours just to make sure that there isn't any extra e6000 that has spilled out and might lock those shins closed where I don't want them locked. Now to allow several days to dry, and these shins will be good to go! Here's a short video so you can see them in action. Have you tried this on your own shins? Loved it? Hated it? Made a few mods of your own to improve this method? Comment below and let me know! Cheers- Cricket TK-10401
    15 points
  40. ONLY 5, 4, 3 2 1 SPOT LEFT, TROOPERS, SO TIME TO STEP-UP! 1000 Expert Infantry reached! Now that many of us are unfortunately stuck at home and boredom is beginning to take it's toll, it's time to wipe the dust off of that armor bin and become a part of FISD history! Instead of binge-watching re-runs, we are suggesting that you put the D.O. Staff to the test and spend some time on that white armor you miss wearing so much by applying for your Expert Infantry badge! As you may be aware, we are aiming to have #1000 approved by the end of the year. We only have 2 to go, so in order to reach that goal we are asking that you read over the CRLs for your particular armor, (this thread will help) make any necessary adjustments and post up your submission! Photo Checklist- Link here Apply Here Questions: 1. Not sure if I have what it takes to get my EI badge- You don't know until you try, and you have not only the D.O. staff but an entire Detachment to help! 2. I need some repairs/fixes first- This is why we are here! We honestly want you to succeed and are here to help in any way we can. 3. I am happy with the way my armor looks, so why bother?- It not only makes you look more screen accurate, it instills a sense of pride and "esprit de corps"! 4. What if I don't make it? No worries, we will provide detailed suggestions on how to reach your goal! Benefits: 1 Bragging rights for being one of the "Original 1000" 2. You get a cool badge under your name here on the FISD. (Street cred). 3. Access to EI rocker badges (coming soon) to go above your FISD patch (also coming soon)! 4. Access to coin runs for EI awardees only. 5. Certificate for your accomplishment. 6. You will have a more screen accurate looking set of armor, and be one step closer to Centurion!! 7. We are planning a VERY special piece of one-time-only FISD Exclusive merch to honor hitting this milestone! Know that the entire Staff and those who have reached Levels 2 (and 3) are here to help in any way we can, and that you are more than welcome (and encouraged) to ask any and all questions you may have here on this thread, or contact myself or Sha Sha. You can do it, Troopers. Let's turn this "anno horribilis" into a banner year for the FISD!
    15 points
  41. At the encouragement of @ukswrath, here is a post I originally made a year and a half ago on the Anovos FB build group, which is handy for all makes of armor, not just Anovos. ABS Paste?!?! WTF is THAT? I've seen variations of this question over and over. So perhaps this will be helpful. ABS paste is homemade glue for your ABS plastic. It literally melts and reforms the plastic into a solid piece, so it's more like welding than gluing. But as the warning phrase "it literally melts..." foreshadows, you should be careful. Making couldn't be easier. Get a GLASS jar. Don't be that person who makes it in a plastic cup. You know... the one that puts plastic melting stuff into a plastic cup. You've met that guy. Don't be that guy. All you need is a jar, some ABS scrap, and some construction grade acetone. Nail polish remover is NOT strong enough, even though it has "some" acetone in it. Pick up a bottle at Home Depot or the like. (For people in other countries, like the UK, where Acetone is not readily available... you have my sympathies) For containers, I feel a glass baby food jar is ideal. It's just the perfect size (unless you doing something epic!), stupid cheap (if you don't already have one somewhere), and easy to work with. I'm going to assume baby food jar, so if you choose a 2 quart mason jar, scale as needed. In general, ABS paste is practically free, other than the price of a tiny bit of Acetone and maybe a buck for a jar of baby food, if you don't have a suitable container already, since your source material is scrap from your own build. (never toss that armor scrap!) A NOTE ABOUT FUMES: Pure Acetone is nasty stuff. You really don't want to be breathing Acetone fumes. A whiff here and there likely won't cause lasting harm, unless you have existing pulmonary issues, but still, do your best to avoid breathing a lot of the stuff. At a minimum, you can end up with a NASTY headache. At worse, you can actually cause damage to your lungs. Use your own level of protection that feels best for you... some want to wear a full respirator (with a volatile organic cartridge), others, like myself, are content to work outdoors and minimize breathing it. (Once the jar is capped, it should be fine to bring indoors.) FILL the jar with the tiniest scraps if ABS you can get. I literally used the curly-que and powdered scrap from under my belt sander, after all my rough cuts, in addition to cutting up a few pieces of scrap into 1/4" square pieces, with scissors. And now the magic. Add approx 1 teaspoon of Acetone (and remember, I'm assuming a baby-food size jar... scale accordingly if you're trying to go big and make enough for your entire squad to build with!). Cap the jar, wait 15-20 min (or more, no worries) and then check on it. Poke it with a stir stick. (You can literally use a stick. Although IMO, a wooden coffee stir stick (free at Starbucks!) is ideal, and Popsicle sticks have their proponents, too, as does the toothpick crew, for detail work.) If you literally do not have a stick, a strong piece of scrap you don't care about will do, just be careful where you set it afterwards. But poke at it. Get an idea where it's going. Then add about 1 tsp more Acetone. Re-cap it again, wait 15-20 min, then check again, and this time, stir it a little more seriously. Note the consistency. You'll probably want to add some more, perhaps 1 more tsp, perhaps less? You may be starting to get a feel for it by now. Let sit for a good 1/2 hr, then check and stir AGAIN. We're going slow. Slow is good. Watch some TV or read a book. You have better things to do than watch ABS melt in super slow motion. At this point, you SHOULD be close to ready to go. If not, I recommend letting it sit overnight before checking it again. (in fact, that's not a bad idea in general, but it's not strictly necessary) Only add more Acetone if you still really think it's too thick and clumpy in the morning, after stirring it some more. Repeat until you reach that magic mayonnaise moment. Correct consistency is *roughly* mayo-like. I'd say somewhere between Elmer's glue (a little too runny?) and Toothpaste (perhaps a little too thick). Too runny = bad. Remember the "melting plastic" part? You don't want that running down your armor. Too thick and you may get air pockets. Shoot for the Goldilocks zone. ) When you're ready, apply with a stick. Let it dry (duration depends on thickness... maybe 20 min, maybe overnight?) and sand it down. Repeat until pretty. Relatively small amounts (read: the small patches that ABS paste is generally best for) should be relatively safe to use indoors, just be aware of the fumes. Larger projects (or sensitive spouses... not that it smells too different from the nail salon, in my mind) are probably best to work on outdoors. The beauty of using the same plastic your armor is made from, to make paste, is you get a dead-on 100% perfect color match. No painting needed! (note: The level of polish/sheen will not be the same, but the color itself will be a match. ABS paste isn't really good for large area applications... and trying to do that will likely end up causing warping from too much acetone anyway) (2nd note: ABS paste is not as strong as the original plastic. It's not actually a glue, even if it looks like one. For connections needing a very strong join, use CA glue, as usual.) (pre-sanding... but note that color match to the Anovos armor!) The paste doesn't really go bad, but eventually it'll harden and you'll need to add more Acetone. Keep it capped, and it'll last longer, of course... you can dry it out quite fast if you leave the cap off for more than a few hours. Future batches you can probably go faster (read: add more acetone, sooner), but I recommend the slow approach when you're starting out, until you have a good feel for it. Good luck!
    15 points
  42. I had this idea today. Kind of fun. Hope y'all enjoy!
    15 points
  43. I have been stripped of my DMBO title along with my legion membership, without any sort of hearing. I have been blocked from joining our garrison public forum as well as my wife. When The chips were down, I suspected what my GCO would say and he did't let me down! Everything I am doing to bring you your orders is on my stormtrooper honor . I'm still one of you no matter what anyone says.
    15 points
  44. As many of you know, the 501st elections have come to a close. The FISD membership has spoken. Congratulations to our 2018 FISD Detachment Leader Paul (Daetrin)!!!!
    15 points
  45. NEW In Memoriam Detachment Leader Deployment Office Merchandise Hall of Fame Just For Laughs Around the Detachment INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS Common FISD Acronyms and TK Glossary Pre Approval Forum 3D Section Field Exercise Award Imperial Attaché Program Fire Teams EIB & Centurion: What do these terms mean? Advanced Tactics Awards Public Relations Staff List 2020 Follow FISD André Düvel TX-7683 passed away earlier this year, after a long battle with illness. André participated enthusiastically in German Garrison events for many years in his Shadow Trooper, Royal Guard, and Staff Officer. He was a helpful, open person, who welcomed everyone and reached out unreservedly to all. He was always available with advice and support. His Garrison members have many fond memories of troops and social gatherings with him. He will be remembered as a passionate Trooper, an avid Star Wars collector, and cosplayer. The loss of André has left a deep void in the ranks of the German Garrison, and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to his family, friends. "Buckets Off" On the morning of 21st August, Chris "Hot Rod" Scott ST-10772 joined the big Death Star in the sky surrounded by family and friends, with the Star Wars movies playing so he could hear them. Hot Rod was a valued member of Korriban Squad in Iowa. He was part of many visits to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, appeared on stage with Weird Al in 2019, and many more. Our condolences go out to his family, friends. "Buckets Off" On the morning of August 23, 2021, we lost Marea Anselmo Gardella (ID-9541). Her passing was unexpected, and she is dearly mourned by the Everglades Squad and the Florida Garrison. Marea joined the 501st Legion in May 2008, shortly after her husband, Ryan Gardella. Her nephew, Matthew Anselmo, is also a member who joined in 2010. While she didn’t troop as much as her husband and nephew, when she did, you knew she was there by her infectious smile and welcoming personality. Marea was constantly thinking about others before herself and it showed at every event she attended. There is so much more that could be said about what a kind, compassionate, and caring person Marea was. Alongside the rest of her family, she exemplified the core communitarian and familial values that characterize Everglades Squad; her memory will live on through her family-- both genetic and of the Legion. Our condolences go out to her family, friends. "Buckets Off" Suddenly, it's September, and although many around the galaxy are in various stages of lock down and pandemic related restrictions, it is good to hear stories emerging of more and more troops occurring. Slowly but surely we are getting back to something that resembles a little bit of normal. I hope this trend continues to improve and allow us once again to be the bad guys doing good out there in our communities. This month I would simply like to discuss a few updates vs our detachment plan to keep everyone in the loop. Firstly, the 15th anniversary coins have finally shipped from the supplier and are on their way to the US. Hopefully they arrive soon after this news letter goes live and James can start the huge task or sorting and shipping out to everyone. The newest version of EI coins has also shipped out, so all those who have been patiently waiting to get their one-off, numbered and exclusive Expert infantry coin will not have much longer to wait. Announcements for both these coins will be made in their relevant areas on the forums once they are received and the shipping commences. A big shout out to all the troopers that have sent in photos for the anniversary special project. Wow, wow, wow, there are some truly beautiful images from around the world, and with over 300 submitted, it's going to be a challenge for the staff to sort through and categorize these snap shots in time. We can't wait to give you the bigger picture on the project, and when that time comes we also hope everyone will be as excited as we are. Many of our set plans for this term have been completed. The clean up still continues and will do for a while yet, but once it is complete you can expect to see a few more minor changes happening in a section or two of the forums. Updates on that will come closer to the launch time. Merch remains a topic of discussion, in our planning, but recently I have received a few messages from members asking when the next Detachment shirt run will be. The easiest way to give you an answer on this is to look at the bigger picture when it comes to shirt runs. As a rule, we do this type of merch about every 2 years. The last run was still ongoing into April 2020 with a few members waiting on reprint shirts due to errors etc. That would put the next run in the vicinity of April next year, but fear not, you won't have to wait until then. FISD shirt runs are HUGE!!, up to and over 800 pieces, so finding a member that is willing to put the time and effort into helming a run of this nature is not an easy task. Ultimately a shirt run will pivot on someone stepping up to the plate to facilitate one. Another major point to consider is the fact Celebration is an apparent go again for 2022. It was scheduled for August but has since been brought forward to May 26th-29th 2022. We would like to align the next shirt run with the advent of Celebration Anaheim, as we have for Celebration events in the past, therefore the best timing would be early in 2022, and most possibly kicking that off in January. There are decisions to be made when it comes to the design as well. Do we keep the current version, do we add something for the 15th anniversary year, or do we have a totally new design. This will come under staff discussion in the near future and once we are finished discussing the next merch item we are bringing you, and the current coins have been distributed. More updates to come on that, but if you are interested in helming a merch run for the detachment it comes with a couple of perks in itself. 1. You find out before the rest of membership, what that item is. 2. You get yours first. 3. You get the merch item for free as we always gift one to the person who makes the run a reality for everyone. So you see there are many considerations that go into planning such a task as a shirt run because detail is more important on these runs than most others. If any of our members are interested in stepping up earning some Kudos and detachment praise, please know my door is always open to discuss the in's and out of what needs to be done in helming a merch run for FISD. More merch to come before then so watch this space. With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK11469 "Sly11" Detachment Lead On behalf of Mario, myself and the entire Command Staff, I would like to congratulate Chemi (TK 30173) for being promoted from Deputy Deployment Officer to full fledged D.O. Since his arrival on Staff, he has done an outstanding job in his role and dedicated countless hours to both research as well as ensuring that the applications he has completed have been precise. He is a great team player... always willing to learn something new and an absolute pleasure to work with! Buckets off to you, brother, and keep up the great work! With Unquestioned Loyalty Joseph Pedigo TK-10963 "justjoseph63" Chief Deployment Officer With Unquestioned Loyalty Mario E RT TK-48117 "TKSpartan" Deployment Officer With Unquestioned Loyalty Jose Maria Sanchez TK-30173 "Chemi" Deployment Officer FISD 15th Anniversary Coin CLOSED Run is now CLOSED, coins are in hand and will be shipping soon. For more updates head to the sales thread here Please welcome TK-11672 Carsten to the Stormtrooper Hall of Fame with this epic photo - well done Trooper!https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/49798-3-tk-11672-troop-log/?do=findComment&comment=724486 With Unquestioned Loyalty Aaron Gibson TK-99725 "Pyrates" Curator Hall of Fame Hovi Tip Found Could we be a step closer to knowing what these parts actually were used for? Thanks to Daniel O'Keeffe this looks to be the closest we have come in over 40 years. Here is the full story from the man himself Daniel O'Keeffe but first I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome Daniel to the FISD forums and thank him for allowing me to share the information, taking us another step closer to solving the mysteries of this found part mystery. Full story here Action Photo Backgrounds It makes our job a lot easier editing your images into the Expert Infantry Honor frames if you use a contrasting blank background when taking your action photos for your EI applications. Contrasting is not using a white/light or black/dark background while wearing black and white, it just doesn't work. Also taking photos outdoors, in sunlight, in the garden or in front of brick walls really makes our job harder. A simple solution is using a colored sheet or a tarpaulin. Here are a few examples of backgrounds which make our job difficult Here are a few examples of backgrounds which make our job much easier If possible please try to use a contrasting background when taking your photos, your GML's and GWL's with also thank you for it INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS For a full list of FISD awards head here 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. For more information on this program, please visit the link here 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 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? Award Recipients August - September TK91973 "ocmano" Aaron - TK46116 "CallMeMrTibbles" Richard - TK24233 "BDWC" Jim - 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. For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here Some of the benefits: Access to exclusive Attaché merch., including patches, IA patch , IA Rocker For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here You may also be in the running for an Imperial Attaché 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 Want to setup a "Fire Team? the Fire Team program is completely optional, and is intended to help form a common identity and spirit of camaraderie among 501st Legion Stormtroopers in the same geographic area/garrison that troop together. Fire Teams are not officially recognized by the 501st Legion nor the FISD, although they will be able to access a Fire Team sub-forum on the detachment website. You can find more information here Lets welcome our 63rd Fire Team Team: Fire Team Rio Bravo!! Region: New Mexico, US. Dewback Ridge Garrison. Name: Fire Team Rio Bravo So what exactly are and 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! You can find more information on the programs here This area lists all those who have gone above and beyond basic approval toward screen accuracy and obtained EIB or Centurion or both. FOR August - September the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: Expert Infantry Badge Award: Colin "Csefton" TK19632 EIB 1031 Ardeshir "equuspolo" TK42128 EIB TLJ - 6th Award Glen "gmrhodes13" TK85421 EIB TKC - 8th Award Brett "Cleantrooper" TK9593 EIB ESB - 3rd Award GREAT job on your approval, now on to Level 3! Request your free EIB certificate here You can find a list of multiple award recipients here --------------------------------------------------------------- Centurion Badge Award: Ardeshir "equuspolo" TK42128 EIB TFA - 5th Award Colin "Csefton" TK19632 Centurion 504 Jacob "Pistolsheets" TK86267 Centurion 505 Glen "gmrhodes13" TK85421 Centurion TKC - 8th Award Justin "fishgoh0nk" TK83751 Centurion 506 Outstanding job on reaching Centurion, Troopers! Request your free Centurion certificate here You can find a list of multiple award recipients 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. For anyone interested in having a look through any of the older newsletter they have now been moved to a new archive sub forum which you can find Here With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Staff List 2021 Detachment Leader (DL): Andrew Franke (Sly11) TK11469 Executive Officer (DXO): Tim Waychoff (Dark CMF) Chief Deployment Officer (DCA): Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Mario E RT (TKSpartan) TK-48117 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Jose Maria Sanchez (Chemi) TK-30173 Lead Provost Marshal (DCOG): Steven Sheades (starsaber25) TK-10466 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Chris Pearson (themaninthesuitcase) TK-10911 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Dan Branton (CableGuy) TK-42911 Personnel Officer (PER): AC (Novatie) TK-5597 Fire Team Relations (PRO): Mark Ryner (Captsafe66) TK-4584 Content Editor At Large (PRO): Christoph (Danny) Lauber (Ripper_L) TK-55550 Content Editor Support (PRO): Tony Jobe (ukswrath) TK-10116 Content Editor Awards (PRO): This will be handled by the XO Newsletter Publisher (PRO): Glen Rhodes (gmrhodes13) TK-85421 HOF Director (PRO): Aaron (Bronx) Gibson (Pyrates) TK-99725 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 Systems Administrator (DWM): Eric Brager (Darth Aloha) TK-9674 Systems Administrator (DWM): Mathias (Locitus) TK-2959 Detachment Founder (DF): Paul (Daetrin) TK-8020 Trading Cards Content Support (IPM): Eric Ho (Hoda) TK 77520 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Brien Edick (Harbinger) TK 92802 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Jeff Salt (wingnut) TK 50297 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
    14 points
  46. This may be a little too abstract for most people (I know a lot of people usually want to see pics of helmets, characters, weapons and whatnot), but I liked how it turned out, so I figured I'd at least sub it. The first side takes some elements and colors from the FISD logo(s) as well as the back plate of the TK's. The second side has all the info. All using the colors and typefaces from the OP.
    14 points
  47. Where did the moulds originate please? Saying moulds were obtained in a trade is not an excuse to make FROM them, it's the excuse that you CEATED them. So, he got moulds and then needed to sharpen things up, why? Unless he was trying to hide the origins of the piece. I would never use a mould made by someone else without knowing the full history of it, my reputation is worth more to me. This STINKS.
    14 points
  48. Yes, we make a certain amount of sport of those with kits like this, but let's face it, not everyone can afford to spend $1000 + dollars on TK armor/accessories but still want to live the dream we all had of being a Stormtrooper. I bought my first kit from ebay to use as a Halloween costume. Did I make mistakes on my build? Good GOD yes! When I got it done I thought I was the coolest cat alive, but being an accuracy nut I did some research, found out about the 501st/FISD and it opened up a whole new world I never knew existed. I have seen many folks with ebay type kits while trooping (especially at SW movie premiers). I always hand them one of my trading cards and tell them a bit about the 501st in case they want more information. Some people are happy-as-clams to wear non "approved" armor and just want to get out, have fun, (I say more power to them) and don't care about being approved, then there are the rest of us, lol. To put it another way, what if a person with wonky looking armor decides to check out the FISD in hopes of joining and sees their photo(s) posted with deriding comments. Ouch. Just something to think about....
    14 points
  49. DATE: May 20th 2019 TIME: 6:00PM LOCATION: Queensland Museum, Brisbane Australia. It's not often we get a call up from Lucas Film and Disney for official representation, but when we do, the Redback garrison is always ready for action. This was my second official LFL Disney Troop. The brief, 4 Stormtroopers required, for Disney organized video presentation and cocktail function to launch Galaxy's Edge to the local Travel agencies. What's a Disney event without Stormtrooper right!! Load the creature into the cargo hold
    14 points
  50. It gives me great pleasure to announce the promotion of ShaSha from the attache ranks to the position of Deputy Deployment Officer. Shasha brings with her experience in assisting our vertically challenged troopers in armour modification and assembly plus a keen eye for attention to detail. Congratulations Shasha, we have every confidence you will do a fantastic job.
    14 points
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