LadyInWhite

Hi, Brad! Nobody is offended, that's for sure, but we do generally encourage you to build it yourself. It is not anywhere near as difficult as I expected (and I have zero "shop skills" to speak of... when I started, anyway). Not only will you save money but the pride of knowing you built something like that goes a lot farther. Also, when you have someone build it for you, it never fits just right, and you end up having to undo and redo some or much of it, which doesn't save you much of anything. The best thing you can do is get some armor and while waiting hook up with people in your local garrison. A lot of garrisons have armor parties where you can go and watch others build, which builds your own confidence; you can ask questions and make some friends who can help you later when your armor arrives. And those are the people you'll be trooping with, so it's good all around. The forums here are also fantastic, just look at tutorials and other people's build threads, and ask questions as needed. When i built my AP armor I had no one, not even my husband would help, and I was too afraid to get to know my garrison buddies, so I was solo, unskilled, and survived ENTIRELY by living on this web site Cheers! Ingrid

Silly fun!

I use a round brush with a nice tip for the vocodor and broader areas like gray in the ears and traps, so you can sweep those nice round ends, and a fine round brush for the lines around the ears and the stripes/vents in the tears and traps. I laid the gray down first, as close to edging as possible, let it dry, then line the black over the edges. If you smudge a little into the gray, just let it dry and dab with gray on that spot. Steady as she goes!

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

It's too short, you won't be able to trim the corners properly or put the squares on. Avoid.

MEK is ABS goo, I think, right? EDIT: Oh no, it's the stuff you use to dissolve ABS. So Nooooooo. Avoid avoid!!! If it's hard glue like superglue or ABS goo, wet sand in one direction (softly) with 600 until it's all smooth and gone, then briefly with 800, then 1000, then 1500, then 2000 to get it superfine. Then polish with Maguiars Ultimate Compound or Novus 2 and it should be back to shiny. If it's e6000 or one of those slow-curing goopy glues, a simple tug with fingernails or tweezers should get it off.

Your tut saved the NL, Peter. I was struggling for something interesting to put in there.

From the DL Around the Detachment Tip of the Month Trooper of the Month Troop of the Month 2013 Challenge Updates Swag Report Off Topic Greetings Fellow Troopers: We Have Reached 300 EIB's: That's right, Troopers, it is a day of celebration for the Stormtrooper. It has been a long and arduous journey for the White Imperial Armor Clad Soldier. I know when I say this that I am not the only one that feels this way. There has been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into getting the Stormtrooper Detachment's first level artisan program from concept to what it is today. A major hats off to everyone that has been a part of helping this program to have the success that it has achieved to this point. A special "Thank You" goes to the Detachment Founder, Paul Hoeffer (Daetrin) for his unwavering belief in this program. This has not been an easy journey nor an overnight success. The EIB program originally met with skepticism and somewhat of an antagonistic response of a faction feeling like it was a form of "elitism", which it is truly not, but merely wanting to putting your best foot forward and showing your pride for the TK. Over the past few years now, it has become a lot easier for most people to do their TK build straight out of the gate to EI or even to the Centurion level. I attribute this to the awareness that this website and all of its members has brought forth and have passed it forward to the next generation of TKs. So celebrate tonight ladies and gents, 'cause the next part of the journey starts tomorrow to achieve the goal of half of the active Legion TK's becoming EI. Fere Centum Centurion: The highest level of the FISD artisan program, which is Centurion, is close to reaching the 100 mark. I find this to be "impressive, most impressive!" This level has grown exponentially compared to its predecessor, the Expert Infantry. This, however, is not to take anything away from the Expert Infantry, because it was the building blocks for the Centurion. I know everyone that has participated in the Centurion program should feel a sense of pride to know that this program, which only had its first inductee back on April 22, 2011, Mathias Rodstedt TK2959 (Locitus), has reached almost 100 members in less than two years. So keep up the great work, Troopers. The Emperor is proud!!! Elections: Legion election time is upon us. There are three phases to the elections. Each phase will last five days. The first phase is nominations and the deadline for nominations will conclude on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time or 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (please reference your time zone and what country you are in). After the nomination phase, if there are two or more nominations, the Q&A will start, which will last five days. Then after the Q&A phase, the voting phase will begin and last five days. The voting will conclude on Friday, February 15, 2013. If there is only one nominee that accepts and goes unchallenged, then after the nomination phase is concluded, the one nominee will automatically be appointed the position without going through the other two phases. Right now, as it stands for the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment, TK 9674 - Eric Brager (Darth Aloha) is the only one that has accepted the nomination for Detachment Leader of the whitearmor.net. There has been a lengthy list of nominees that have declined and are listed below: BH 060 - Roberto O Suarez TK 394 - Christopher Moody TK 671 - Mark Allanson ID 1548 - Gina C Canady TK 2257 - Kristi N Haney TD 2886 - Terry Chui TK 2918 - Brian Robinson BH 2950 - James Holliday TK 2959 - Mathias Rodstedt TK 3765 - Troy D Rule TK 4034 - Steve W Gaza TK 4251 - Raymond D Nichols TK 5430 - Brack Lee TK 5940 - Thomas S Gardner TK 5955 - BJ Savage TK 6042 - Richard Vincent Lindsay TK 6726 - Charlie Judd TK 6818 - Ingrid Moon TK 6953 - José Francisco Fernández Podadera TK 7388 - Damian Vila TD 7435 - Darren Haverstock TK 7580 - Dennis Hahn TK 7586 - Daniel R Nickeson CC 7602 - Brian J Anderson TK 8020 - Paul C Hoeffer TK 8151 - Jim Peternel TK 8351 - David Jarvis TK 8541 - Noel A Green BH 9742 - Grant Thomson It is an honor to serve in the position of DL or CO, which I know about first hand. It is not a task that should ever be looked at as something you do for "bragging rights" or as a "status symbol." It is simply making a concerted effort to further benefit and make sure that you do the best for all concerned. So if anyone that is considering running, please understand what is involved before throwing your bucket in the ring. As you can see, I am on the decline list for nomination for DL. I wanted to first say that it was not because I did not care or want to serve all of you in some capacity. It has truly been an honor to serve as your DL, and prior to that as the XO and Tactical Officer when I first started on Staff. I have enjoyed serving and working along side you in trying to benefit all TKs. I have been asked and accepted the nomination for CO of my Garrison (Carolina Garrison). It was a hard decision for me to make because I consider both the FISD and the Carolina Garrison to be my family. I am not going to go "rogue" on you. I still care deeply about the FISD and will be an active participant. I thank all of you for believing in me. With Unquestioned Loyalty, Tom Gardner TK5940 "RogueTrooper" Detachment Leader Just a quick recap of JANUARY's activity: Centurion Awards: 7 (total 81) Expert Infantry Awards: 7 (total 302) WE DID IT! Fire Team Tally: 11 total, 0 new Attachè Tally: 1 new Newest Attachès: "niugnep" TK-8453 (David, Bast Alpha Gerrison) What's an Attachè? Someone in your garrison who represents FISD with the friendly "Troopers Helping Troopers" spirit! Is that you? Volunteer today! New member registrations: 135 Active members in forums: 327 new topics and 5331 posts Reported Field Exercises: 14 Check here to experience them all! Twitter Followers as of 1/31: 670 Facebook Followers as of 1/31: 1580 Do you know of people in your garrison who don't regularly visit whitearmor.net, but might benefit from the FISD and Legion updates, as well as tips and some community-oriented fun? Invite them to follow us on Twitter or Facebook. With Unquestioned Loyalty, Ingrid Moon TK-6818 "LadyInWhite" Public Relations Officer HOW TO: Keep your Shins from Spinning I help a lot of new troopers, and one of the big issues that comes up is the issue of twisting shin armor and boots popping out from under the armor. I don't have this issue so I didn't have any great advice to give except what was in my imagination. Doing a little research, I found these two tutorials that provide two potential solutions for the twisting shinsters. If you read the comments, too, you'll find a few more great ideas including foam (a common one). Meanwhile, for those of you with tornadoes for legs, try one of these. And if you've tried them and they didn't work, leave a comment about why it didn't work. Your experience, good or bad, can help others find a solution for their issues. VELCRO TABS by Peter (2013) SNAP TABS by Scott TK1491 (2009) With Unquestioned Loyalty, Ingrid Moon TK-6818 "LadyInWhite" Public Relations Officer We are thrilled to announce January's Trooper of the Month, (Joey) José E. Eguía, M.D. - "TK-2126_MD." Joey founded the Bolivian Outpost in 2008 and was the first TK in Bolivia. Joey has been the sole proprietor, chief cook and bottle washer until November of 2012 when the second member was inducted. Some may look at this as being slow progress for the 501st, but Joey has kept a positive attitude and inner strength that I don't think most could have done in the face of what repercussions could arise from the government of Bolivia, if found out. Their laws are extremely strict and what we take for granted, and the privileges with what we do in the 501st, is a prosecuting offense in Bolivia. Joey has not only stayed strong in Bolivia, but has also been a mentor to other struggling Outposts in other countries, all the while never "chest thumping" or looking outwardly for adulation, but being the good guy he truly is. If anyone has ever met Joey in person, which I have had the privilege of doing, you would know when I say this that he is like Santa Claus wrapped in bacon. With Unquestioned Loyalty, Tom Gardner TK5940 "RogueTrooper" Detachment Leader January wasn't the most active month, it seems, at least not for FISD members. There were birthdays and book signings with our 501st fave Timothy Zahn, and a lot of fun-looking troops and parades for many purposes. But the eye-catching and good-will Troop of the Month award for January goes to the Adler Planetarium "After Dark" troop! (Main mission report on page 3.) With 10 TKs and over a dozen other troopers, the troop supported "Geek Chic" night, an adult-only party to bring funds and support to the museum and planetarium and raise awareness of how much fun a planetarium can be. In addition to a great troop, the event resulted in some stunning photography by Matthew Crowley to capture the event. Congratulations to the Midwest Garrison for a Troop of the Month that is out of this world! With Unquestioned Loyalty, Ingrid Moon TK-6818 "LadyInWhite" Public Relations Officer In December I started a thread asking for people to post their 2013 goals. Although it didn't have to be costuming or 501st related, a lot of the resolutions show our club's "addictive nature" as some might call it The main purpose is to highlight some of our FISD members and see them "under the bucket." This month we'll follow up with TK-5376, Keith from the Golden Gate Garrison, who has been working on his officer (ID) and Sith Acolyte costumes. He'll be posting updates here so we can prod him along. I also want to highlight a trooper who knows first-hand what our club and costumes are all about. This is Dan Bergeron, TK3967, who is battling illness with his inner strength and a great attitude. His goal is to kick cancer in the backside, and it really gives him an excellent perspective that can remind all of us what life is worth. So never forget why we are out there as "Bad Guys Doing Good." For all the squabbles and squawking, the armor fussing and the long waits, always remember what it's really about! With Unquestioned Loyalty, Ingrid Moon TK-6818 "LadyInWhite" Public Relations Officer Show off your FISD Pride with these awesome detachment-related items. 4-inch Decals with UV Lamination EIB Expert Badge Decals 5th Anniversary Trading Cards More FISD Decals FISD "Troopers Helping Troopers" T-shirt And other great stuff just awaiting your feedback and declaration of interest! CLOSED: FISD Patches & Rockers, Beret Flashes With Unquestioned Loyalty, Ingrid Moon TK-6818 "LadyInWhite" Public Relations Officer I've been seeing a lot of funny photos posted of late and also some great reads, so I thought I would share some of the threads with you. Stormtrooper Inspired Creations For those of you interested in things created from the inspiration of Stormtroopers, check outthis thread. Made Me Laugh a Little A nice collection of star wars themed pictures can be found here. Journey Into Nerdom Share your nerdy stories on this thread. What Does Your TK ID Represent After reading some threads and seeing that some of you use special dates in your lives for you TK ID I thought I would start this thread to share. With Unquestioned Loyalty, Glen Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" Imperial Attaché Don't Forget We're on Facebook and Twitter! Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor Now with "tip of the week" and other ongoing discussions. If you're on FB, stop by and say hi, ask questions, and share stories! Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st To find out what the Emperor's dancers are up to at any given moment, follow FISD on Twitter! With Unquestioned Loyalty for Dark Chocolate, Ingrid Moon TK-6818 “LadyInWhite†Public Relations Officer On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff. End Transmission. This post has been promoted to an article

All good stuff to know

Best wishes to you, Karin! (Hand plates received, btw, thanks!)

Thanks for posting, Peter!

I think it's frozen now. I had posted a couple weeks ago about how to get past that hurdle, but of course I know not everyone sees it. (Even on Twitter!) Vote for what you can and show your support for what you can't

Glad you have your priorities straight! Good luck, so exciting!

ELECTION time has begun! http://www.501st.com/elections/ If you are eligible to vote, bookmark & read up! You'll be voting for your local garrison officers, all your detachment DLs, and the Legion-level officers. I want to see 100% turnout. I know it's not likely, but why not shoot for the moon! "Not voting fully negates your right to complain," says Ingrid Moon. You can quote me on that. "So get your plastic butt in gear and pay attention... don't let others decide your fate!" In order to nominate a candidate for DL and vote for a DL, you must be a member of that Detachment in the Legion database, not just in the Detachment forum. To certify Detachment membership, you must first have an eligible costume covered by that Detachment approved by your GML. Then, do the following: -Go to the "Membership DB" on the Legion forum. The link is in the left menu. -Select "YOUR PROFILE DATA" -Scroll down to "Your Unit Affiliation" -Click "Edit" (If the costume has been approved by your GML, the Detachment you want to join will be listed as "Detachment Affiliation(s): Eligible:" ) -Click "Add." (After that, the Detachment Leader MUST approve your request before it will appear in the Detachment list. ONLY THEN will you be able to participate in Detachment elections. )

Posted on 501st Forums by Albin Johnson: read it here Troopers of the Legion! We are coming up on our beloved 501st day, May 1st (5-01), and I want to start a special new tradition : the testimonial letter campaign. To commemorate the special day, I want to share with the club letters that have been written to us by fans and members alike. I have collected such letters as part of the Legion archives since almost the beginning. Reading over the letters has been a great source of inspiration to me. Please join in on this year's campaign by writing me a letter describing what the Legion has meant to you, what special memories you can share from your tours of duty, and what advice you have to offer generations that come after you. If possible, put it on letterhead from your unit or your own personal letterhead. Anything you can offer to make it unique and memorable in the archives, the better. It is my plan to one day display such letters in the archives. Post all letters to me directly: Albin Johnson 300 Braewick Rd Columbia, SC 29212 USA George Lucas himself was on hand at CV to admire our archives and Steve Sansweet and others on hand can attest to how much our work meant to him. So please join me in celebrating our mighty Legion and send in a letter as soon as possible. I will be sharing the best on May 1st on the LCO blog. The top five will receive free 501st lanyards mailed out to them! All submissions will be kept in the archives for future troopers to read and gain inspiration from. Thank you - I look forward to receiving your letters! Legion Forever!

Hey, a new tip of the week!

AP will work quite well for the shorter trooper. It's also quite good for the slender trooper.

Yeah it should all lay down better when it's strapped in properly... SO GOSH DARN CLOSE!

Our garrison seems to get a lot of laser tag on in costume...

Woo! Glad to see you starting here. You can't have too many photos. We love photos. That said, I'll probably forget to check here again without reminders, given that I have every single other thread on this entire board to devour every day... You will rock it!

How often to guys get to obsess about their thighs, really!!?!? She should totally understand!

Am I crazy? There was talk of this recently. I haven't seen it myself. Might even be an "all 501st Legion" thing. Lordy, I don't have time to research!!!

$63! Best price I've seen yet for those kind of riding boots, maybe because they're PVC but that's fine by me. UPGRADE ALERT! Just an update on my list: the Navy Trooper will soon be in the bag. With some black slacks of the right fabric, the Navy NCO will make #4 for the all-black lady in white. I was supposed to end my employment last month but have until Feb. 15 so I can't work on stuff like I wanted to, but it will all soon be about working on things and not buying things.

Okay so the question is.... whom will i pester for an update for the February NL? Hmm? Anyone making awesome progress out there? Or need a little encouragement?