gmrhodes13

Congratulations once again from a fellow first achiever, looks good on you’re side profile too

CO gratulations and welcome to centurion trooper

Congratulations and welcome to the ranks trooper

I've used Rustoleum on a clone build and came out really shiny, perhaps you have an old batch of paint, normally their gloss is very shinny. After finding many of the cans of Rustoleum clog and not spray consistently I vowed never to use it again. Having sprayed a few cars in my time I prefer to use automotive paint, acrylic is very forgiving, dries quickly between coats and can be sanded and buffed/compounded to bring out a really deep shine. I used a standard auto acrylic paint for my FOTK, base coated and clear topcoats and very happy with how it turned out, didn't even need to buff it was shiny enough. I've heard others have had success with Krylon paint, quite similar to Rustoleum.

Normally once you are ready to go EIB you will fill out an application in that section and once posted members will offer feedback if adjustments need making

Detachment Leader / Executive Officer Pre Approval Forum 3D Section Now On Forum Fire Teams Hall of Fame Just For Laughs Competitions Costume Totals Trooping Trooping Opportunities Imperial Attaché Program EIB & Centurion: What do these terms mean? Advanced Tactics Awards EIB - The March To 1000 Merch Reform Merchandise Public Relations Follow FISD Enjoy the break boss, you deserve it As our fearless leader Daetrin takes time off for a well deserved vacation, If you will indulge me, I shall pick up the mantle for this edition of “From the DL” The Detachment Feedback Post There was no expectation for members to jump on this thread as we all get on line when time permits, it didn’t help that I originally posted it in the Notifications section which doesn’t have the permissions for the general membership to respond. I have since relocated the thread to 501st Detachment Only Section, please see the link: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/45268-2018-membership-feedback-forum/ I have pinned the post so it will stay visible and be there for the long term. I am personally very interested to hear from you guys and girls, so consider it a mid-term report card on your command staff; there might be plenty we can learn from it, but at the heart, there is a difference between thinking you are doing a great job, and listening to you guys and realising we can do more or better than we have been. If you have criticism, great; if it’s constructive, it could be very valid and you might very well be the instigator of changes for the better. With the massive brains trust of exceptional people in this Detachment, I am positive there are good ideas out there just waiting to be tabled, so help FISD be the best it can be. If you are not comfortable with posting in the thread, then please feel free to send any of us a PM, Your opinion counts and we are here to serve in the best interest of the membership. 3D Section I want to personally thank everyone who has contributed to this new section so far. Anyone is able to earn a Contributors Award, so keep on bringing the goodness, and gain yourself recognition for being active, offering advice, great ideas, designs and an active part of the 3D community. I can say with confidence, we shall see our next award recipient in the not too distant future. 3D Merch Update There are still Phasma Coins, Riot Trooper Coins available so if you don’t have any of these goodies or even need a few more for trading, jump on them before they are forever gone. We do need to move through these so any new merch of this kind can be considered down the track. FISD Shield patches are also readily available. Please email tk4205@gmail.com for any order enquiries. While on the subject, there have been calls for other types of Detachment merch. This topic will form part of the discussion and planning for the next 6 months of our current term of leadership, so please be patient. All good things come to those who wait. That about wraps it up for me this month, so remember, if you need help, have any ideas or suggestions just reach out, we are here for you. With Unquestioned Loyalty With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK-11469 "Sly11" Executive Officer The FISD is pleased to announce the addition of a new area in the Advanced Tactics forum dedicated to those ready to submit for basic 501st TK approval. This section will allow future Troopers the opportunity to submit photos of their completed build to be reviewed by the Staff, Imperial Attaches and others in preparation for forwarding it to their GML for approval. Any and all advice/suggestions given will be specific, constructive, helpful and respectful. Please note that this program will NOT take the place of your local GML, as Detachments are not chartered for costume approval and can not override a GMLs decision, but is instead a peer review program designed to help you look your best and offer guidance and positive feedback. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about your completed armor, weapons (if applicable), accessories, etc. and get accurate information from the experts here at the FISD.. the definitive home of TKs worldwide. For more information on this program, please visit the link here Don't forget to check out the new 3D section, and please contribute where you can, also see the link at the bottom for the new Contributor award details Contributor Awards Main forum title: 3D Parts and Technical Sub topics: 3D Printer owners Your place to discuss what printer/s you own, recommendations, tech talk and the like, It’s a place to learn something new 3D CAD Designers Home of talented 3D cad designers, show off your 3D renders, of FISD related costume parts and accessories. Offer help and advice on programs, or offer to commission a piece for a fellow member 3D File Depository A home for 3D file sharing, Troopers helping Troopers is what this section is all about; yes a single location to keep any 3D files offered up by our extremely generous membership. This will be a 501st member’s only section and rules will apply to any usage of the content. I will be looking for content to get these new sections started so If you are interested in helping drive these new forums, then please send me a PM and let’s get the threads and the filament flowing. 3D printer heads will understand that last comment Here is a link to the New FISD 3D Contributor program. With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK-11469 "Sly11" Executive Officer Greetings Troopers, I just wanted to check in to see if all your Fire Team information, such as active/inactive members and logos, are all up to date. In the case of the Logos, are they still showing? Seems as if Photobucket has lifted the ransom on free sharing, we'll see on long that lasts. If you need anything updated, please drop me a PM. With Unquestioned Loyalty Mark Ryner TK-4584 "captsafe66 " FISD/Fire Team Director Another month come and gone so quickly, and what to show for it? The answer: Nothing but smiles! Such is the case for this month’s inductee into the Stormtrooper Hall of Fame. This month honoring TK - 75139 Frank - keep up the stellar job Trooper! With Unquestioned Loyalty Aaron Gibson TK99725 "Pyrates" Imperial Propaganda Competition Winner A big CONGRATS to Dave C. (TK-32488) of the Empire Garrison who was the winner of our "Favorite Troop" essay contest! His awesome entry has earned him a hardcover edition of Ryder Windham's STORMTROOPER Beyond the Armor. Second prize (a cool 501st car decal) was earned by Vicky (Vicky_Velocipanda) of the German Garrison for her incredible Legoland experience. Way to go! Thanks to everyone who entered, and for the I.A. Staff for all the votes! With Unquestioned Loyalty Joseph Pedigo TK-10963 "justjoseph63" Deployment Officer NEW COMPETITION Troopers Helping Troopers Photo Contest ____________________________________ Greetings Troopers! Since I started my journey on becoming a Stormtrooper of the 501st Legion, one motto stayed true. "Troopers Helping Troopers!" I think it is time to highlight this motto in a contest where you see a powerful photo of fellow troopers helping each other out, or future troopers. When I first started, the Attaches and local members helped me a great deal, and I always wished that I was able to document a way of them helping me. Well, here is a chance to turn your volunteerism and willingness to help and get some cool swag in return. ____________________________________ Contest Guidelines Who Can Enter: Any 501st Stormtrooper in good standing. The Staff is not allowed to enter. Attaches are cleared to enter. The Staff will vote for the winner. Photo Details: • One Entry is allowed per member. • Photo must display Stormtroopers helping fellow Stormtroopers or New Members in a fun and creative way. Examples 1. TK#1 shows TK#2 how to use their blaster 2. TK shows cadet how to make armor 3. TK helping another TK out of a "tricky" situation. • Photo must display a caption or photo description • Photo Submissions begins NOW and End 9/2/2018. Submit your photos in this thread • Voting Begins 9/3/2018, Winner will be announced on this thread ____________________________________ PRIZES! 1st Place goes to the Photo with the Most Votes: A 3D printed Card Holder donated by @msouza (comes in a variety of colors) 2nd Place Prize goes to the submission with the next amount of Votes An FISD Patch, An official 501st Legion 20th Anniversary Patch & a 501st Bash Coin Bloom donated by @Pretzel 3rd Place Prize will be the next amount of Votes receives: Star Wars: Last Jedi Hat and one 16 x 3 (40 x 15 cm) 501st Car Decal donated by @justjoseph63 Follow this link for more info With Unquestioned Loyalty With Unquestioned Loyalty Preston Christman TK-91488 "Pretzel" Attaché Ambassador According to the recent database there are 5,557 Stormtroopers, which is 21.45% of all approved 501st costumes, here is the breakdown of those: With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO - Communications Want Your Troop to be Included? Just a reminder if you would lie your troop added please post your troop report in the Field Training Exercises section here Those with troop logs please post a separate troop report as it is easier to link too. July - August Welcome to Rockingham More here By: Glen, gmrhodes13, TK85421 Retail Embargo Lift For most of the year we are under an embargo from LFL and can not attend retail locations unless prior approval has been given by them. At certain times of the year this embargo is lifted, generally around Blu-Ray / movie releases, May 4th and Force Friday, the recent correspondence from LFL outlines the lift of the embargo: "While there is currently a retail moratorium on character appearances in effect, it is being lifted for the week of September 24th - 30th for the SOLO Blu-Ray release and then again for the weeks between November 15th - December 31st to celebrate the holiday season. All fans, costumed or otherwise, can participate with retailers of their choice within these windows with the restriction that costumed appearances must not be used in the advertising for the event. Although these store appearances will be treated like an open invite, we’ll leave it to the fan groups to independently organize around these events as they see fit. LFL will not need to approve or coordinate these". "Please note that retail locations should not include restaurants, bars, or venues with no apparent reason to feature Star Wars characters. If the retail location does not stock Star Wars products you should NOT be attending." As always there are strict rules, please speak to your Garrison Commanding Officer, Squad Leader or if you have one Garrison Events Coordinator before organising any event. *REMEMBER* Always follow your garrison/squad's guidelines when in comes to organising Disney/LFL promotional troops, only command staff can deal direct with LFL. Serve proudly, ladies and gentlemen, and as Tim (Dark CMF) says: "Keep doing what it is that got you here"! Are you an approved TK that spends more time on the boards than the average Trooper? Do you enjoy using your knowledge to help out future and existing Troopers? If so, we would like to invite you to join the Imperial Attaché program! Members of the I.A. team are chosen to help out not only those here on the boards, but on a local level as well. Our aim is to have at least one in each and every Garrison, Squad and Outpost in the entire legion to be the eyes and ears of the FISD on a local level. A suggested level of EIB or above is preferred, as part of the duties include assisting those aiming for levels 2 and 3, but is not a requirement. Being active on the boards on a regular basis , welcoming new members and helping out where you can is, though. Some of the benefits: 1. Access to exclusive Attaché merch., including patches, etc. 2. Having the Imperial Attaché title under your name. 3. Being a part of the team that welcomes new and prospective members of the FISD. 4. Being the "go-to" person in your Garrison, Squad or Outpost. 5. Exclusive access to the Attaché HQ area, Imperial Propaganda Machine (newsletter) and merchandise discussions. We are currently in need of Attaches in many units, especially International Garrisons/Squads and Outposts. For more information on this program, please head here and if you should have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at any time. (Pretzel) For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here NEW ATTACHES! Please join me in welcoming our newest Imperial Attache! 1. Jordan @Commander Gree - Jordan is eager in assisting troopers with their builds and offering sound advice. We are happy to have him part of the team! Serve proudly, Gentlemen, and as Tim (Dark CMF) says: "Keep doing what it is that got you here"! IMPERIAL ATTACHE AWARD Imperial Attaché Award for those attaché's who have gone above and beyond [minimum 1 year of service] This month I want to congratulate Daniel @TheSwede on receiving the award this month. Daniel has been on the front lines giving troopers extremely detailed advice. He is on the boards almost every day if NOT every day! You can see the passion in his posts, and I believe it needs to be rewarded. More Attaches can look to him as an example! Thank You for your service! Congratulations! You can find a list of prior recipients here With Unquestioned Loyalty Preston Christman TK-91488 "Pretzel" Attaché Ambassador ATTACHE MERCHANDISE Attaché Patch Attaché patches should be back up and running soon, please stand by So what exactly are EIB (Expert Infantry Badge) and Centurion levels? These programs were designed for those who choose to take their armor above and beyond the minimum requirements for basic 501st Legion approval. It gives you the chance to show a level of dedication and pride that takes your armor closer to being as "screen accurate" as possible, without as much extra work as you may realize! It also works on giving a better look to the Legion as an entity, and you can bet others will take notice of your hard work. The 501st has a list of detailed requirements for Basic approval, (level 1), EIB, (level 2) and Centurion, (level 3) which can be found here in the Costume Reference Library, (CRL) http://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:FISD_CRL Here are a few of the questions people may be wondering about: 1. "I am a (tall/short/heavy/thin) Trooper. Can I still apply? Of course! These programs are open and encouraged for all sizes of TKs, as long as the costume is correct and meets the guidelines. There are many specific build tutorials to every option, as well as a vast network of fellow TKs on the FISD to help you out and offer suggestions. 2. "How much extra will I have to pay for extra items"? The cost is actually quite reasonable, considering the few extra supplies you will need, which are listed in the requirements area. While it may run you a little more to implement these additions to your costume, they will go a long way to improving accuracy. All needed items can be found for sale on this thread: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/16-ongoing-sales-project-orders/ While blasters are not required for basic approval, for EIB and Centurion levels they are, and may need upgrades (also listed in the CRL). 3. "I haven't even got my kit yet, is it too early to start planning"? Actually, aiming for Centurion is easiest to do right out of the box. 4. "I have my basic TK approval, can I still get in these programs"? In a word... absolutely! 5. "Are there any "perks" to this extra work and cost"? Besides knowing that you have a great looking set of armor, the 501st and FISD believes you should be deservedly recognized for your achievement(s), and allows you to wear the appropriate embroidered "rocker" badge of rank (available for a very minimum cost) on your shirt, helmet bag, etc., as well as rank decals to put on your armor bin. You will also have access to select "challenge coin" runs, receive (free) a cool certificate for your new rank, and have your title posted below your name in your FISD signature. Plus, once you reach these levels, you will have the extra knowledge to help out those who are looking to apply as well. 6. "Is it hard to apply, and what happens then"? After basic approval, all you do is make sure your armor is up to the standards set forth in the CRL, post a thread with the required photos in the appropriate area (see below), and wait a bit for the D.O.s (Deployment Officers) to address it. (Hint: Studying other people's threads before you submit can be a GREAT help). These are also listed on the main page of the FISD site. While waiting for approval, you will get some comments from others who will offer suggestions and constructive advice to help you out. If you should need any changes, the DOs will let you know, so you can adjust accordingly. Don't be dismayed if you do need changes... it's all for your benefit! After you are approved for EIB, then you can submit for Centurion. EIB https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/19-request-expert-infantryman-status/ Centurion https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/72-request-centurion-status/ Just remember that the FISD is here to help you every step of the way with whatever other questions you may have, but if you can't seem to find what you are looking for in your research, just ask away here on the forums! With Unquestioned Loyalty Joseph Pedigo TK-10963 "justjoseph63" Deployment Officer This area lists all those who have gone above and beyond basic approval toward screen accuracy. FOR JUNE-JULY the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: Expert Infantry Badge Award: http://i.imgur.com/NONNvGc.png?2 Jared Orland "Jared" TK 11372 EIB 841 Jordan "Commander Gree" TK 21523 EIB 842 Markus Vock "Maxl" TK 15315 EIB 843 Jenny Mehan "JenEcho" TK 21615 EIB 844 Jeff "StrmTRPR85" TK 22706 EIB 845 Jeff Rich "11b30b4" TK 20980 EIB 846 Brett Dellit "Edgar Frogg" TK 92577 EIB 847 Andy Gabbitas "gabby7095" TK 20001 EIB 848 GREAT job on your approval, now on to Level 3! Request your free EIB certificate here Centurion Badge Award: http://www.whitearmor.net/eib/centurion_badge.png Jose Castro "Jose" TK 52410 Centurion 406 Outstanding job on reaching Centurion, Troopers! Request your free Centurion certificate here If you see any of these Troopers around your Garrison or Squad, be sure to congratulate them! As many of you are aware, the FISD is currently in our March to 1000 program. Our goal is to reach the one thousand mark of Troopers who have earned their Expert Infantry Badge, and although we are well on our way to this goal and have just passed the 800 mark! The amount of approved submissions is increasing (over 80 this year alone) thanks to the dedication of those willing to go the "extra mile" toward screen accuracy. Here is a brief description of EIB as written by Paul (Daetrin), our founder: "Expert Infantryman status is not required for members of this detachment. It should be viewed as an optional set of requirements for those who wish to take the accuracy of their costumes to the next level, and be recognized accordingly. We're a costuming club - think of it as an award for costuming excellence and you get the picture. The requirements will not replace or supersede 501st standards, but only serve as an inspiration for the level of accuracy that can be achieved. The standards are meant to be high but achievable..." Besides the added pride you will have in your armor, those reaching this level can purchase exclusive EIB gear (patches, decals, coins etc.) and get a free certificate for your accomplishment. If you are interested or would like more information about the program head here that will help. You can also contact myself "Pretzel" or any Imperial Attaché, and we will be more than happy to assist you! FISD Merch Reform The FISD for sale and merchandise rules have been in a place for a long time - they were liberally taken directly from CTN (the 501st clonetroopers detachment) and haven’t had to be tweaked much in 10+ years. For the most part things have been going well, however we’ve seen an increasing amount of reports of buyers making demands that fall outside reasonable expectations. We have had more than one occasion during merch runs, where a member files a PayPal dispute immediately upon seeing someone else post that they have received their items, and the filing member has not received theirs yet. This is a major pain. It locks up the PayPal account of the person managing the run, and could potentially cause other members to panic and file claims. Nobody wins in this situation. It clogs up the management of the run, creates a mob mentality, and cannot lead to anything productive regarding possible resolution to what wasn't a problem until that PayPal dispute was filed. The run manager (whether the DMBO or not) is acting on behalf of the Detachment to include the membership, and going straight to PayPal disputes is disrespectful of everyone involved, to include other members who ordered the item(s). Filing PayPal disputes without seeking resolution or an answer from the run manager/Detachment Command Staff should carry a suspension of no more than 30 days - really it is the same as someone messing up the forum experience for others, except that this is actually messing with people's lives and money. To protect against this, the following changes are being made to merch runs for FISD effective immediately: 1. Buyers have 30 days from shipment to report a missing or lost item for domestic runs. Sellers are only required to retain proof of shipment for 30 days. Why? Domestic shipments should normally arrive in about 7 days. Some people are claiming items never shipped 5 months after a run was closed, which is way too long to ask people to retain shipping material. If your domestically shipped item hasn’t arrived after 30 days IOW, you lose the right to claim it was never shipped. 2. Buyers have 60 days from shipment to report a missing/lost item for international runs. Most items are received in under 30 days, however we know some countries are pretty bad. Sellers must keep shipping documentation for 60 days on international items. If the shipper can provide tracking information (e.g. a tracking number for domestic or a customs form for international), they are not held liable for items lost or missing in the mail. Any concerns post them on the announcement thread due shortly. With Unquestioned Loyalty Paul Hoeffer TK8020 “Daetrin” Detachment Leader FISD Coffee Mugs - 2 Designs! $14 each + $5 shipping in the US + $10 shipped international Sales thread here Design One Design Two FISD Brothers in Arms Sticker 3.5 inch round stickers $4.00, shipping included Reference: Brothers in Arms Thread here paypal sales@trooperbay.com Phasma Coin $10 shipped US International buyers email for quote: tk4205@gmail.com Thread here Riot Control Coin $10 shipped US International buyers email for quote: tk4205@gmail.com Thread here FISD Classic Style Patch $5 shipped US International buyers email for quote: tk4205@gmail.com Thread here Newsletter We are always on the look out for content, ideas, funny photos or even your TK adventure story so feel free to contact either Danny, Tim, Marcus, Preston or myself. With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO - Newsletter Facebook & Twitter With Unquestioned Loyalty Daniel Lauber TK55550 - "Ripper_L" PRO - Facebook Page Instagram With Unquestioned Loyalty Preston Christman TK-91488 "Pretzel" PRO - Instagram FISD Facebook Group Just as a recap, the official FISD Facebook group was founded by Social Medial Relations Director Tim Waychoff (Dark CMF) on May 8th, 2018. The idea of a conduit to the forums has been tossed around for some time but it was brought up in earnest during this year’s DL election campaign. The group essentially serves as a publicly open (with membership approval by admins) chat room that introduces people to the FISD and covers what we do and how we do it. We answer questions and share the detachment’s story, ideas, and philosophy. As mentioned in the group’s “About” section, it can and should be used as a “springboard to your journey into the world of Stormtrooper costuming.” Recent topics were diverse and ranged from weapon repair advice to 3D prints, from trooping pics to seeking recommendations for S-trims, patch vendor, and women’s size white boots. Random stats time: 970+ group members 142 posts made over the last 60 days 1093 comments made over the last 60 days Most popular day of the week to post, comment on or react to content: Tuesday 35-54-year-olds make up 63.6% of the group members Top countries: 617 members (US), 92 (Canada), 57 (UK), 46 (Germany), 26 (Australia) With Unquestioned Loyalty Marcus Dohring TK-14057 “JODOKAST” PRO - Facebook Group With Unquestioned Loyalty Tim Waychoff TK-51878 “Dark CMF” PRO - Facebook Group Don't Forget We're on Facebook and Twitter! Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor If you're on FB, stop by and say hi, ask questions, and share stories! NEW Facebook Group: 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment (FISD) Official If you're on FB, stop by and say hi, ask questions, and share stories! Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st follow FISD on Twitter! Instagram: www.instagram.com/fisd501st On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff and the Imperial Propaganda Department

For strength I also use the fibreglass matting, without it the resin can be quite brittle.

Congratulations and welcome to the ranks trooper

Hello and welcome aboard, nothing better than BBB’s. There are lots of build threads on the forums for the heightwardly challenged, lots of research is the key to putting together any armor. So have a read through and check out what others have done on their builds. Good luck with the build.

Great news nothing better than a BBB, hope to see a build thread soon, good luck

They made updates to the armor, I believe some of the updates received some negative feedback and they may have had to change some of these, but I don't have any proof of that. I know they do deliver in the end but the process to get there is just taking far too long, I doubt many will jump on new items they offer and it's only doing their own company harm. Hopefully this run will be fulfilled sooner rather than far far later, it's taken too long so far.

It's really a kick in the teeth when armor makers drop the ball, hopefully you get something worked out soon.

Congratulations trooper

For the straps I used elastic with adjusters for a better fit and gives some play for movement. Looking good

Have a look through some of the first order build threads

Congratulations trooper. You can request a certificate here

Congratulations trooper

Congratulations trooper

Came out great, make sure you have enough room when it comes to the knees for movement when sewing them, I had to unpick a set and re sew

Getting close. Just a tip, I added some foam behind the back and chest sections so they don’t rub on the ab and TD, could be worth a look to save the paint getting rubbed off.

Unfortunately we won’t see these anytime soon due to previous issues with FISD merchandise and also not having a merchandise office currently.

Congratulations trooper and welcome to the ranks

Congratulations Jeff

Awesome, looking forward to the progress

You may get more assistance if you post seperate photos of your costume in the pre approval area, here is the guide to that program