Rich330

Looks like the belt is riveted permanently to the abdomen too.

Any use? I don't see anything conclusive with regard to possible rivets at the front. However, there are clear indications of hook and eye fastener tape at the rear ...

Welcome back, boss!

Excuse me if this is in the wrong place and feel free to move the thread if it belongs in another section. My wife treated me to a photo shoot with with a professional photographer for my birthday. I put on my mixed-and-matched set of armour, comprising parts from RS and TM, and finally got some photos that do my costume justice. It was a really cool experience and I'm very happy with the photos. Here is a selection, hope they are of interest ....

Ha! Cool. They just looked a lot like Ked's. You do know that videos of you dancing in full armour are compulsory for all FISD members once the armour if complete, right?

Ked's? Lindy Hopper?

Next time, mate. I'm sure it won't be another six years till the next get-together!

One of the highlights of Star Wars Celebration Europe III for me was what I called "Meet the Mentor Day". After six years of trooping it was an honour to finally meet Mark "Fireblade Jedi" Gage of the UK and not only that, but get to spot for him whilst he was suited up. Back in 2010, when I first started looking to get into the hobby, it was Mark who - as UKG armourer - intercepted my first posts on the UKG forum and guided me through the minefield of recast crap and rip-off gear and pointed me in the right direction. He sent me a list of approved suppliers (the template for what would later become a pinned post on these boards) and told me straight: "With your physique, I'd get a TM". I never looked back. I finally got to say thank you in person. Here's a few seconds of video of Mark with Dennis (Obi-Hahn, German Garrison) - and me behind the camera - on our way from the changing room and through the security checks. And a few photos ... And, of course, he was soon up to his usual tricks and rolling round on the floor!

Game over

It was cool seeing the new suit up-close and in the flesh. I'm no authority on the details of the First Order armour but you've clearly done a fine job on the fit and finish and you seem to have good mobility. You see no end of costumes which seem to be built for anyone but the actual wearer, so this is a nice change and very easy on the eye.

Check the photos of original suits in the references section. There were all kinds of shapes at the ends of cover strips.

"Dark side of Germany"? Dunkeldeutschland? But The Lower Rhine region wasn't in the GDR! ;-)

Using a braces (suspenders) system leaves you with two obvious problems: 1. The back "OII" and kidney plates are prone to overlapping. This leaves you with an incorrect look on the OUTSIDE of the armour. Original suits are connected flush in this position. The connection prevents them from overlapping. 2. The chest and back "OII" are not connected to anything and thus prone to flapping. This is why it was also standard practice "back in the day" (of braces) to add elastic at the sides to connect the chest and back and keep them in place. Another EXTERNALLY visible inaccurate feature, not seen on orginal armour. I agree that the what the insides of the armour look like is of secondary importance, however the use of braces a solution is a big hinderance to recreating the look of the original stormtrooper on the OUTSIDE of your costume.