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Showing content with the highest reputation since 03/22/2024 in Posts

  1. I just wanted everybody to know that being a Stormtrooper really makes me smile. I've got an official LFL event to go to soon and I feel like "I'm the real deal" now that I've been approved as an official 501st member. I've wanted to be a stormtrooper for almost 48 years, My wife doesn't understand it, but you people do. I personally feel honored to be representing Star Wars in all of its glory. And will never forget this memory I'm about to create.
    12 points
  2. We are now funded through into the next term, so this funding drive is now closed. Thank you to all of you who donated and have kept the Imperial engine turning. Supporter badges have been applied to all of you. As a reminder the majority of our costs are picked up by the Legion, who are currently having a drive to cover those pretty substantial costs. If you have not yet done so, even $1 will help. https://www.501st.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=113646
    9 points
  3. To echo what Chris said, a big THANK YOU to each and every one of you who donated. I've PMed or emailed most of you confirming receipt of your support, and the remainder of you will receive confirmation from me by tomorrow. For now, the easiest way to confirm your gift was received is to check your profile for the Supporter badge. Forthcoming will be receipts showing how and when the funds are applied to our forum/email expenses.
    8 points
  4. Hello! My name is Jason, I am 48-years-old, and I just started trooping. I am a huge fan of Star Wars since A New Hope so I have chosen a stunt stormtrooper as my first costume. That opening battle aboard the Tantive IV is forever imprinted on my mind. My father was in the U. S. Air Force and we were stationed in Sembach, Germany, when I was very young. Even though I was born in 1975, it took years for A New Hope to make it to the theater on our base in Sembach so I got to see it as a young child in the theater. I ordered my costume from Dave's Darkside Depot and received it in January. I have joined the 501st Legion and received my Legion ID (21137). I have joined the Diamond Garrison in Arkansas and attended my first troop this past Sunday for a Make A Wish fundraiser and had a great time. I look forward to being a productive member of our garrison, our local squad (the Womp Rat Pack Squad), and these forums. Thanks!
    7 points
  5. Back with some random memes! Look, I've seen what's in store for this year and it's awesome!
    7 points
  6. Troop #4 Indiana Comic Convention marks the beginning of a busy couple of months for the Bloodfin Garrison, and what a way to kick off this busier season! As usual, Bloodfin joined the Mos Espa base of the Rebel Legion and the Taakure Klan of the Mando Mercs as our Star Wars Indiana umbrella group to have a presence at all 3 days of the con! I was only able to attend on Saturday, March 23rd, but it was a jam packed and amazing day! Highlights of the day include us all making an appearance on the local morning news, witnessing a marriage proposal between cosplayers dressed as Padme and Anakin (they were non-members, and it was gladly agreed to when the Padme cosplayer asked a few days beforehand, so we were ready to celebrate and take many photos of the happy couple), enjoyed a visit from Bad Batch voice actress Vanessa Marshall, and just had a fabulous time with fellow fans! Shortly before doors opened, I was able to pose like an action figure in our specially made box! The box was a hit with just about everyone, so there's was almost always a line of at least a few people wanting photos! Much of my day was spent taking lots, and lots, and lots of photos with people visiting the booth and passing by. I also had opportunities to patrol the vendor hall with other troopers and were frequently stopped for photos (thanks to TK-5961 for letting me use an extra blaster he brought)! I think a couple hundred photos were taken through my estimation of just how frequently people asked to get photos! As many here have probably experienced, once one person asks for photos, those around them see that they can get photos and then ask as well! It helped that we have 4 TKs at one point, so many people congregated around us! I don't have any photos that I have permission to show from all the picture taking, but I have seen myself appear in different Instagram and Facebook posts when searching the comic con tags on social media! I was able to take some brief rest breaks in our Cantina scene that we had set up. We had a lot of fun doing different poses our group photographers asked us to do. One fun photo was of stormtroopers and Mandos hating each other (Edit, March 24: The other TKs in this photo are TK-5961 and TK-4408 @Hyper and it was an absolute pleasure trooping with them): We then put aside our hatred to play rock, paper, scissors (it's a video, so I can only post the link): https://i.imgur.com/DZ5665x.mp4 I also posed for a photo of 5 different types of troopers: I also had a brief, peaceful encounter with a droid and a Jedi (I dubbed this photo 'Larry, Curly, and Moe go to Indiana Comic Con'): In all, I spent about 8 hours in armor! I was able to go about 6 hours until my back gave too many warning signs to take a break (yay chronic back pain), so I rested in civilian clothes for about an hour before getting back in armor for 2 more hours. Despite this, I have to say this was the best troop yet, and I am so excited that my next troop is only a couple weeks away and will be part of the couple of days of local celebration around the upcoming solar eclipse! I am really happy that trooping season is here!
    6 points
  7. I was talking with my family the other day about how happy I am to be part of the Legion. It is wonderful that we can all be part of something that transcends our backgrounds, cultures, and generations! Few organizations are like this, and I am happy to be part of such an amazing group and community!
    5 points
  8. Imperial March Star Wars Empire State Building Takeover Merchandise reveals here https://www.starwars.com/news/imperial-march
    5 points
  9. Honestly, I am almost to 50 troops and I still have the biggest goofy kid grin under the helmet the entire time. Trust me we do get how you feel.
    4 points
  10. Congratulations!!! For me, there was a before and after with my first visit to the pediatric area of a children's hospital. Missions with a lot of feelings, but the children, even if they are not at their best, give you more than they receive.
    4 points
  11. I'm so happy for you! I still feel the same as when I started! I've never clung so hard to a hobby or community before, I'm here to stay! Can't see how my life would look like without it now that I have it! Crazy! Everyone on here becomes almost like an extended family, and it really shows when we go through tough times together, we are always there for each other! For the Empire!
    4 points
  12. 4 points
  13. Hello, Kevin here from Imperial Surplus. I just wanted to let you know Option B version (back plate cover) is available when asked for at time or ordering the kit. I honestly have not had the option B requested in a long time (a few years) until just last week. I will continue to also provide some extra ABS with the armor kit to help with assembly needs. Any questions or want to order the Armor or Helmet kit please use the email on the Imperial Surplus website.
    4 points
  14. Some more pics from the day at our wall display. Great to be back on the Deathstar Pressing buttons I probably shouldn't...
    4 points
  15. Greetings Troopers, I have wanted to be a stormtrooper since I was 10, and I am starting my journey. I met some troopers from the Dune Sea Garrison, including the commander last weekend in Phoenix and I think now is the time to do it. I have a million questions, but I also want to set my expectations. For example, this is my first costume and my first armor, but I really want to shoot for Centurion Armor. There's nothing obvious in the requirements to steer me to the lower levels, but it does seem like you need to make that decision on day 1. Would I be crazy to try? Pros: I am a fairly handy person in general, and I am a lifelong maker of things. I am pretty good with 3D modeling, and I have a Prusa MK4. So I do have the ability to make my own small parts. I have made a Han Solo Blaster and Marvin the Martian's blaster. Both are fully finished props. I am working on Hellboy's gun, the Good Samaritan. My intent is to make that one fully realistic gun metal colored, so it's a good test for an E-11. I am an avid woodworker. I'm pretty good with a Dremel. (clamps people, the secret is clamps) I have built many small things, such as a set of steampunk goggles. That project included leatherwork, which I enjoyed. Cons: Uh, none of those things seem to have anything to do with the skills I need here. Also, I can't sew. (yet?) That would seem like a pretty huge liability. I understand that I will be purchasing the molded parts from someone, so I guess I don't need to build a vacuum form machine just yet; so that's good. Yeah, the con is that I don't know what I am doing. The Dune Sea Garrison does seem to have regular build parties, so I should be able to get some in-person help. Anyway, based on the resume above, should I shoot for centurion, or am I kidding myself?
    4 points
  16. I did my 101st troop last weekend and STILL feel amazing when I get to walk around in my TK's boots. I know all too much how you're feeling right now. And let me give a tiny glimpse into your future - no matter what dumb things life throws at you, there's always the peace and happiness of being inside the armor. It never goes away or gets old. It's super special and I'm so glad you get to be part of it. Cheers to you Terry!!! Happy for ya!!!
    3 points
  17. Troop #45 Comic Con Scotland Aberdeen Had a fun filled day at this event in the north east of Scotland, raising funds for Macmillan cancer support. Our Nerf blast a trooper stall was a great draw for the crowds. Very proud of our Garrison pulling this event off, from organising, transportation, assembly of the prop/sets and attendance, all deserve a pat on the back you knocked it out of the park!
    3 points
  18. MiniCon 2024 (Landmark Comic Book Club) A fun little event. This is at a rec center, so it was as much fun interacting with the con guests as it was to surprise the people thinking they were going to go work out as normal. We had more photo interaction outside the front doors than inside the crowded floor. These events closer to Denver bring out a lot of garrison members that I don't see very often, so it's good to see some interesting variety in kits.
    3 points
  19. 3/23/2024 - CulpeperCon, Culpeper, VA
    3 points
  20. @Chemi/ @starsaber25/ @Sly11 - Are we happier with the width and angle on the template this time...?
    3 points
  21. OK, this donation is done now. Thanks. Bart
    3 points
  22. The way I’ve been drafting it on Enoch, which is based on this draft, is lvl1 can be painted on lvl2 engraved but can be paint and then lvl 3 is engraved and “gold coloured leaf”. Doesn’t have to be actual gold, but leaf does look very different to paint so I think is a valid step up for the top level. This applies to cracks and patches. Once cleared if you need to make repairs then how you handle that is going to be based on personal choice, what you have to hand, time and cost considerations. All still open to discussion, but that needs to start with something.
    2 points
  23. Damn, how'd I miss this reply.. my main concern was potentially having to use gold leaf in the cracks too. It also makes sense that any leafing on the cracks would need paint repairs as gold leaf is usually done on smooth surfaces. So I completely agree with it being more open ended. Based off of that info, maybe dremelled/engraved cracks with metallic gold paint OR gold leaf should be requirements for level 2 and 3, leaving the "painted on surface" option for base approval as is? Essentially more options whilst still maintaining higher detail requirements for higher approval levels. I also think the larger patches and sections of gold should be addressed in the CRL as only the cracks seem to be mentioned in the draft. Maybe have it the same as the cracks, but worded something like "Larger patches of gold may be gold leaf, OR painted with metallic gold paint to match the appearance of gold leaf." That way, it allows for paint options and either real or imitation gold leaf to be used. My two cents.
    2 points
  24. This thread is now under the “Newly Approved” section. Congratulations once again and welcome to the Legion.
    2 points
  25. Honestly Doggy, anything you say I take straight to the heart. I think it's your profile picture that's mesmerizing me.
    2 points
  26. Congratulations Terry! Even after 10 years of trooping, I still get a buzz kitting up as a TK.
    2 points
  27. Fellow Troopers, I started my build 3 years ago, and finally as of 3/6/24, I am finally approved. Doing my 1st official troop on 3/21 or 3/22 and can't wait.
    2 points
  28. Congratulations trooper, good luck with the LFL event, if you haven't had a read yet here is the Troopers Survival Guide some great info about canon events
    2 points
  29. Congratulations Trooper. Maybe you want to start your own event log thread once the photo came in and share them with your fellow troopers. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/13-field-training-exercises/
    2 points
  30. It clocks in at about 4.5lbs or 2kg before hardware, electronics, paint, and assembly! About a pound of that is in the rear stock and central support pieces alone though, so there may be some opportunity to reprint those hollow or with better drainage. Still, it's called Heavy for a reason! I mostly print flat parts like the Hengstler cover near vertical, supported on the bottom edge but some small pieces straight onto the bed as well. Wet sanding and paint will be the time consuming part but assembly should be fun! I plan on having lights but will be as simple and low tech as possible.
    2 points
  31. I have to add some foam inside the thighs to keep them central, even bringing them upward they were still loose. What will be a factor is where your cod will sit, you don't want your thighs hitting it or you posterior so final strapping/fitment once you have your body clamshell strapped and on. Also how much gap will be left between the thighs and shins, there is some adjusting to do will the full suit on. I can sit down and have done on many occasion, it's just as comfortable just to sit on a corner of a table/desk, getting the weight off your legs does help during a long troop. You do need a little bit of wiggle jiggle to get in the sitting positions, just make sure no circulation get's cut off in certain areas
    2 points
  32. I don't want to get lost in the weeds here gentlemen - I can find material to do a mockup of the red pie slices before cutting them out of leather, but I haven't heard any complaints about the shape of the base of the pauldron, so I think I feel okay to move forward with that unless anyone objects. I have enough leather to cut multiple sets of pie slices, but really only one base.
    2 points
  33. I wish, but cardboard is too stiff to lay correctly for mockups. The grain of leather I went with this time is thinner though, so it should lay a bit more organically and less rigid, to address other feedback I received. Instead of a thick base layer with a thin layer glued on top, then the red panels on top of that (3 layers), I went for a single medium-thin layer and then will just have the red panels on top of that, with a flexible leather glue. Using the first pauldron that was made for me by a vendor who makes clone pauldrons, I can kind of tell what angles needed to be adjusted slightly, and the other upside of templating myself like this is I can hopefully ensure a level of consistency and symmetry that is good enough for everyone's standards. I paid (handsomely) last time and trusted a vendor, then ended up modifying and rebuilding it myself anyways, but at least he did all the initial templating. A side of leather as required for a pauldron of this size is an easy $150+ USD and I get one chance to cut it up. I appreciate succinct and supportive feedback so we can get this done right this time. I mean, I think it looks pretty good and captures the character, but the new pauldron will hopefully be even closer.
    2 points
  34. 5. CHP Easter Egg Hunt in Rancho Cucamonga, CA-3/23/24 https://imgur.com/gallery/WCZYeYe
    2 points
  35. I have played around with triangles and pasted a non-slanted triangle on one of the reference photos where it is pointing basically at the camera (minimum distortion), and I was just thinking if you need a triangle ratio to go on, this could help! I think what you have right now may be a little too slanted, compared to the screenshots I've seen, what do you think? I know that the triangle needs to be a little slanted just because of where it is located, and I know that the bottom of the triangle follows the bottom curve of the circle shape, and the top of the triangle is cropped, and right now it may be juuust a little too slanted by the looks of the blueprint you've made, but then again I don't know how the fabric will bend and stuff, so perhaps if you cut out your shape on the paper and place it on your body it would show a little more clearly if what you have now is good or not? I also noticed that the left side of the triangle (the outside) has a smaller black area than the bottom side, and in your blueprint it pretty much looked like you had the same size all around, is that correct?
    2 points
  36. Begrudgingly, but thank you! Just the backside of old wrapping paper. I've put in too much work already to let the naysayers win by giving up, and I think the critique on the front panel was a bit excessive but not wrong. Remaking it myself now that I'm in my new house and things are settling down. Leather is exceptionally expensive in the size required for this pauldron, so I reeeeeeeally don't want to make any more changes after this and will hold for feedback.
    2 points
  37. For what it's worth, I have heard about troopers having luck buying replacement parts from DN for their Anovos kits, so you should be good there, also.
    2 points
  38. I also feel naked without a blaster, I try to keep my hands on the belt but there's not much else you can do except of course high five or wave.
    2 points
  39. It's also a lot easier in this thread as the DO suggestions/comments can also be accessed and compared with any questions you may have. Looking forward to seeing your centurion app soon
    2 points
  40. 2 points
  41. Wow! Thank you so much for approving my armour for EIB and the detailed feedback for my Centurion application, which I will submit soon. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy this moment. When I do come to make the suggested corrections, should I post any questions I have on this thread or my build thread? Thanks again, I’m so pleased. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2 points
  42. Hi Tim, and thank you for your EIB application! CRL and EIB Application Requirements: All required photos have been submitted, and on behalf of the entire D.O. staff we are pleased to welcome you to the rank of Expert Infantry. Congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly; In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor, and please keep in mind that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. The angle of screws should ideally line up with the back of the trap. The left side is pretty close , but the right is just a bit off. References The shoulder straps are floating a bit in the back. This should be an easy fix with a hot water bath. References Your left thigh is sitting a bit high when compared with the right side and will likely cause armour bite where it meets the cod piece. This is likely more of a strapping issue and should be an easy fix. The sniper knee plate may need to be shifted forward to make room once the thigh is lowered. This may be achieved with some padding at the top front portion of the shin armour. May also want to trim off the top of the front cover strips on the thighs as they will dig into the upper leg when walking. References *************************************************** Centurion Requirements: In this section we prepare you for our highest tier of approval. Because Centurion photos must show more detail than EIB, items pertaining to Level 3 might be seen there and not here and additional photos may be required. We try to point out all that we can from what we are able to clearly see, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. Your right shoulder bell distance from the shoulder strap is perfect, the left could be moved in a bit. This can be corrected with a slightly shorter strap or by moving the snap further in on the shoulder bridge L3 CRL: There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armour and the chest/back plates References Fill in gap at bottom of rear of the right thigh. You can use Sugru or ABS paste for this L3 CRL: Lower thigh ridge joins (front and rear) shall butt-up flush against each other. Any gaps must be backed with ABS or filled as not to be noticeable. References Your ammo belt should be brought up slightly to sit at the bottom of the lowest blue button. This can be corrected with a bit of Velcro to hold the belt in place. L3 CRL: The top of the ABS ammo belt should sit at or just above the bottom of the central and vertical abdomen button panels. References
    2 points
  43. This is me all over, lol
    1 point
  44. Trooper 90974 Carolina Garrison reporting for duty! https://www.501st.com/members/displaymember.php?userID=33499&costumeID=380
    1 point
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