Murray1134

1) How long have you been a fan of Star Wars? - As long as I can remember. I was born in 1979 so I guess I do fall into that generation that grew up with SW. It's always found it's way into my life. 2) What first made you a fan of the franchise? - I was a kid, there were laser swords and troopers and Xwings, what's not to love? As I've grown up I've found more and more to enjoy in the franchise, going into the deeper levels of mythology and such. 3) What got you into costuming? - Seeing the pictures online and being insanely jealous! The smiles on peoples faces and the good work done by the 501st doesn't hurt either. Plus, the majority of the SW costumes are just so much fun to wear. You feel different wearing them. 4) What function does the Internet play in being a fan? - It's hard to imagine SW fandom without the internet right now. So much is interaction with people from all corners of the globe. Groups like the 501st couldn't exist without the help of the internet.

Great pics, looks like you had fun. I'm sure getting on the boat was an adventure in itself.

I see you added the screws on the sides of the ears. Seems like a lot of people don't do that. I had thought about doing that to mine. Have you picked up a new brow trim yet? I'm still looking for a better one than the foam rubber that came with the bucket.

If you go thru iTunes, it's pretty easy just search the store for whatever you want, then click "subscribe" and they download to your comp. For SW related, I recommend the 501st Cast and the ForceCast.

I liked it. I had a fun time and it was great to see the man in the hat back in action. Yeah, the movie has a few problems and a few unexpected turns (trying to keep the spoilers light) and the ending leaves some room for discussion and debate. I was happy with the movie and will definately be buying.

That's going to be my next major mod. I have the classic "barrel FX thigh." I want to get my suit approved and then I'm gonna go back and start mod'ing some more.

I have not yet gotten my Bachelor's Degree, but I do have my Associates Degree. I'm currently a retail slave, in the mall too.. ugh. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.

I glued mine front and back. I think you would only want to velcro if you have a problem with taking them on and off. Before you glue I would do a test fit and just tape and adjust it until you find a fit that works and looks good.

I was thinking the same thing, the bare legs were frightening and I kept thinking of that picture of Spat. Looks good so far.

My armor is nearing completion, and I'm already looking for the first time to take it out for a test run. Most of the official troops are a few hours away, but we've got a county fair soon that might just work. What has everyone else done outside of official troops or cons? First time you took your armor out for a spin?

What about a waxing product? Maybe a floor wax?

A fiberglass helm lined in felt. That just seems like it would get really really hot.

Anybody know a good comparable item that is available in the US?

That was great! I was just expecting that second trooper to fall backwards

Just out of curiousity, what kind of dog is it? I've had my problems with dogs eating plastic and such, but never heard of them tackling anything this big before

Quick update, I contacted slave1pilot, however he says he is no longer in the blaster business, but has passed along my requests to his contacts.

If you used the velcro that came with the FX Kit, replace it with Industrial Velcro. Much stronger adhesive. You can also use snaps. The snaps can be found at most fabric stores (Jo-Ann Fabric, Wal-Mart, etc.), look for some that say "Heavy Duty" or "Industrial"

I intially cut my cod all the way across (wow does that sound weird to say), but I had the problems you listed. I've had to trim the edges, so it looks like a really messy version similar to yours. The diamond cut idea is a really good one. Seems to me like it would work out really well.

Let's see if these pictures help you. Forgive the goofy looks on my face. You should be able to see the cuts on both front and back. You also might want to check a similar thread the "Bend Over

I went ahead and cut my ab piece into two. If anything just for ease of use in the bathroom. So far, I'm able to sit, it's just getting back up that is the real problem, but that's more due to the length of my thighs. No one ever said you would be comfortable.

Expect to spend a lot of time at Wal-Mart, your local hardware store, Jo-Ann Fabrics, local hobby shops, and of course Here! There is a TON of great information on here. Spend some time, do some research and have fun with it.

I was being a bit vague and such as trying not to hit the "Where Do I Buy" type of post. Guess I was too vague. Blaster wise, I would love a hyperfirm or something similar. I saw one at a con and was impressed. I can be a bit hard on things, so rubber seems like an obvious choice. I've heard some people say the resin ones can break too easily. As for a Helmet, I'm not too picky on specifics or 100% accuracy. Better than an FX and already assembled are really my only criteria. I had been looking into the MR CE Helmet floating around, but wasn't sure if I should save the money and go for something better. I'm trying to budget things right now and see what kind of costs I'd be looking at.

My armor's nearly finished. I built an FX Helmet and I'm pretty happy with it. However I am looking to replace it, Elite is just to tempting to pass up. Now, the only things missing are a decent upgraded Helmet and a blaster. Please PM with info.

I've tried some of that stuff. Found it in a local hobby shop. They aren't kidding when they say "Harmful Vapors" on the front there. It's got a powerful smell. Definitely want to use in a ventilated area.

Looks pretty cool on there. Ghostbuster suit would be fun to do, as long as the proton pack wasn't too heavy. I've been told I should do an Egon costume.