LadyInWhite

If you can find an orange stick at a camera shop, it has a wedged end which you might be able to use to lift the paint without scraping the plastic, because the stick is soft wood. It's narrow enough to get between the stripes. Otherwise, don't use acetone, but try the model masters thinner and a Q-tip. Rub lightly/gently, don't use too much, and don't press hard. Just let it slowly work off the top layer at a time...

There are plenty of guides with good techniques and best practices. But everyone has their own preferences. Some even like to have movie accurate strapping and clips, but others go for more practical options on the inside. I strongly recommend snaps over velcro.

Thanks for the heads-up, Peter! I would fix it now but I'll break it and Eric the Hula Huckster will yell at me. If I don't fix it Eric will call me a wuss and other names he'll regret later.

When Twin-K (TKRalf) and I troop, we are the same height as our usual Vader... so we just pose in a kind of crouchy ready-to-shoot pose for photos.

I was bullied but not for star wars, thankfully... and my best friend in middle school was bullied for wearing ROTJ apparel every day (shoes, belt, shirt, she was a bit nuts). There is a culture of kids bullying kids everywhere, it's an epidemic and in some cases it goes far worse than the "your different" bullying. It's a shame more kids don't get this kind of help and support. My son is in 1st grade and the very thought sickens me to death. Walt is working on kid's armor. I'm sure when he's ready he will let us know... maybe the first set can be Katie's? (Walt, I'm volunteering you... )

Looks good to me from the tiny images... ab buttons need to be painted a bit bigger... little tweaks to close shoulder gaps, lift the knee ammo belt, and you may need to shorten your thighs or shins a tad, but overall it's not bad!

I haven't laughed this hard in weeks! <revenge is sweet>

OMG So jealous!!! I'll contact Eric to move the thread.

Post or send me pics of what you mean, Steve. It probably depends a lot on what kind of battery holders and fan you're using. I use two AA rounded holders which fit super perfectly into the tube trim of my lid in back, wiring up to the fan in front. I tried those rectangular ones with the closure and switch and like yours, mine broke before install. You'd never know the rounded ones were there. (The fan's a bit trickier, but I fit it quite well into my cheek behind the mic tip.) I don't have ATA, I have AP, so maybe there's a bit of a difference, but you do still have tube trim and I would hope there's space in there somewhere! Also I probably have spare parts if you need 'em.

I was gonna say the same thing. Definitely try ATA. In the long run you will save yourself a TON of money and headaches. That ebay stuff is not approvable - it will not get you 501st membership without significant costume upgrades that will cost you more than an approvable ATA starting you off right. If you have to wait a little longer to save up a little more money for ATA, it is SO worth it. The reasons we stay away from ebay are many. They include the problem that recast suits are poor quality, that recasting of FX which is not considered "accurate" any more, and sometimes you don't get all the pieces you need and/or the pieces are not shaped correctly. For example, that helmet is wonky - you'll spend $250 buying a new bucket or face plate to make it look right. It's just not worth it.

Hey, Luis, just start a build thread in the area for armor types, in the section for the movie style you're going for (i.e. ANH Stunt is probably the most popular/common). Post some photos and what you need help with each piece at a time, and you will get no end of assistance. If you happen to have some "unapprovable" armor and want to make it approvable, or if you're just a non-501st guy with something you want to get approved, this is definitely the place to get every tweak and detail just right for approval. You should join your garrison as well, even though you're not 501st yet. If they don't have a new-costumer academy or mentor program or something, contact the GML directly and let them know your situation. The GML can probably put you in touch with someone local to you who can help you, or invite you to a troop to wrangle or just to see the armor in person and talk to the guys. And at best, you can usually see some limited threads on the garrison forums and get to know your local troopers. It's not off limits to non-501st

Kelly, you can find canvas or elastic strips at any fabric store.

I get it in the foam and batting section of my fabric store.

OMG is that a bug-eyed gray alien variation of a TK lid? Horrifying. As for answering Luis' question, you are all candid and direct. Except Eric, who is ever full of truth in sarcasm. However, perhaps Luis is a crafter looking for a really good challenge? Then the definition of 'worth it' might be different than yours. That said, Luis, I recommend CFO. It will very likely save you money, time, and heartache - unless you are really itching for that over-the-top challenge.

We even have some FX expert infantrymen! I also say just cut along the seam line. You can adjust a bit more up/down with your strapping.

I vouch for supermodel TK 27-555!

Totally cool!

Keith you mentioned armor - have you tried imperialsurplus.com - I believe Kevin makes a decent set. At worst you can get something close and build on top of it to get the "more accurate" look you want

If you are doing that like a cover strip in the back it won't be the most beautiful thing ever but it will probably suffice. I know it's tough getting thigh armor just right. 3-4cm is pretty wide, though - you can also unglue the front and add maybe 5-10mm in the front and it will help lessen the width in the back. Depends on what your front looks like. The goal is to essentially get it to fit properly without looking too weird/shimmed. It also looks like you have the overlap method. I'm not an expert in ROTJ so that might be the preferred method, in which case you can't really undo your front. But if you can do the butt-join cover strip like ANH you'll actually gain a few mm there anyway. The CRL doesn't specify but I know there's usually a "preferred" way for accuracy.

Oooh that sounds interesting!

I see the tweets retweeting like wildfire.

Smart man, Walt.

Posting!

Awww... Lookin good, Dad!

Hello, everyone - just adding to the announcement. It's right in the middle of Q&A time. Get to know your candidates and make an informed decision. It's as important to vote INFORMED as it is to vote at all! In a few days we'll be voting... don't think this election is going to work itself out. We have two apparently different perspectives and you want to vote for the FISD experience and community that YOU want it to be. .