Raintrooper

Yep, what Q said.. TK helmets aren't supposed to be "straight". They are all lopsided, asymetrical, and wonky in several different ways. Mine sure is. You're on the right track. A friendly tip: Yes, pics are always better. Also.. start one build thread topic, and post all your progress, photos, and questions in just the one place (something like "TKDMAC74'S ATA Build"). That way your whole costume build is in one easy to follow thread, instead of starting a new topic for each question or photo you post. People here will see the new posts to your thread by checking the 'View New Content' link.

I'll be wearing my swag!! Disney on Wednesday, Celebration Thursday thru Saturday!!

Wow! Excellent build! Should be an easy pass.

It rains a lot in Portland, OR. So I brainstormed and thought.. Sandtrooper.. Snowtrooper.. Deserttrooper.. Raintrooper

I got the diamond knee plate and 3-button ab piece directly from ATA. Shoot him an email. He sells parts individually. I purchased my ammo pouches from Blaster8266, Anthony from SoCal garrison. He's here on the FISD and MEPD. I haven't started on a back-pack yet, but I here DirtyBoy on MEPD makes a nice one! I'm about to purchase a shoulder pauldron from Trooper1 on MEPD. Trooperbay.com also sells them.

Hey there Rick! I'm in the middle of doing the same thing! And yes, head over to the MEPD and get studying. There's a pretty good handful of things that need to be done. - Remove the drop-boxes from the belt - Remove the shoulder bridges - Remove the large ab button plate - Won't be needing that thermal detonator either - Replace the small 4-button ab plate with a 3-button plate - Replace the TK sniper knee-plate with a TD diamond knee-plate - Get yourself a shoulder pauldron (orange, white, or black), some ammo pouches, and a back-pack (optional accessory for base approval) - On the helmet, paint over the black lines ('vent holes') on the tear-drops and rear traps - and last, but most importantly, GET DIRTY! I think that covers everything...

Here's what you'll need: http://trooperbay.com/te-derived-esb-stormtrooper-helmet-decals/ Everything else is painted.

That's awesome! Love the sound effect!

Congrats Chris!!! You'll have Centurion in no time!

Just glue the elastic directly to the plastic. I used E6000 held down overnight with magnets.

Lookin' good Chris!! Should be a shoe-in for EIB!

Insanely well done! Gaps at the bottom of the ears are actually more screen accurate than flush against the helmet.. which is next to impossible btw!

SO awesome! Love the 'mic-tip' roses!

Hey there Luke! As Steve said, it looks pretty damn good as is. You're definitely ready for legion approval!

HA! Got it.

Fun read! Yup. A lot of this does go right along with 'The People vs. George Lucas'. I agree with the final sentiment of "..we hate everything about Star Wars, but love the idea of Star Wars" to a certain extent. Also, always having to defend my obsession with a franchise so riddled with flaws and annoyances I completely relate to. One line stood out as weird to me though.. "They hate Darth Vader’s face and that stupid harmonica thing he was playing. Star Wars fans hate the original Star Wars trilogy." I get what the author is going for in this article, but c'mon. Really? That's a bit of a stretch, don't you think? For the record, I love Darth Vader's face. ..AND the comics, AND the Clone Wars, and yes, even parts of the prequel trilogy (clones, Jango, Ewan McGregor as Kenobi.. aaand, that's about it). I can't wait for The People vs. George Lucas: Episode 2! I think it comes out in December, near the release of TFA. Dives into the whole Disney thing.

That was pretty cool. It's the music that gets ya..

Looking great so far, Russell! I've gotta say though, I HIGHLY recommend using that tube of E6000! I know trooperbay Mike makes it look really easy, and CA/zap-a-gap is super fast, but especially for your first build it's better to take your time and have the ability to undo any mistakes. I certainly made a few and was glad I could undo the last thing I glued. I decided not to use the strap hooks on the inside of the bicep. I just use elastic and snaps on the inside of the shoulder to keep them in place. I went with inner cover-strips all around, too. Bomb-proof armor!

So far, I've just been wrapping my E-11 in a pillow case (from my ESB sheets as a kid.. ) and throwing it in the crate with my armor. The first time I trooped, I didn't use the pillow case, and the black paint from the blaster scuffed up my armor quite a bit... No bueno. A separate case might be overkill, if there's room in your crate for your blaster. If not, it would be cool to have a separate case or bag for the blaster, soft parts, gloves, repair-kit, etc.

Welcome Aric! Have a good long read though the threads on the 'Getting Started' section. Makerofthings is unfortunately, on the 'to-be-avoided' list. http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/19329-where-what-and-whom-to-avoid-when-buying/ Not to fear! That's why we are here! (haha) We all make mistakes, and as Steve said, we can help get you back on track!

Really?! That's too bad. Why can't every detachment be like the good 'ol FISD?

Jolly Roger Squardron http://www.jrs501st.com/

Wow. You’re right! SO easy! I would have crushed and/or lost a finger about 1 minute into starting something like that! I think I’ll wait for an ABS kit...

1. In order to apply for Centurion, you must be Expert Infantry first. 2. Strapping is up to you. There are no EIB or Centurion requirements for strapping. As long as it fits you properly and the CRL is adhered to.

Holy tube-stripes!! His shoulder bells look like they're trying to run away from him...