Raintrooper

Post pictures if you can! We'll be able to tell you the maker in a few seconds.

Whew! Good save. It would've been spot on if it was black paint on a ROTJ bucket!

I've heard that MTK is better suited for troopers with a larger waist line, with more material on the sides so shims aren't necessary (ab/cod & kidney plate). Other than that, I'm not sure of any other differences.

Good luck! Post lots of pics, and ask lots of questions!

Their CT boots look really nice!

All the swag info/purchasing/database/trading is made available to you once you're in the legion. Once you're a member, the flood gate opens..

I like it!.. But why is it in the Star Trek font?!?!

Great tutorial! I wish I had more of your DIY spirit, but I'm with Mathias on this one. I went 'ready-made' whenever possible. Also... this centurion's calves are closed using velcro! Hook closures aren't a requirement, even for EIB.

Off to a good start, Josh! Ron (maxsteele) and I are thinking about getting an armor party going at my house (close-in SE Portland) for all the newbies. We're think mid December... Any interest?

Must!... Have!!...

Definitely RS or TM for the most accurate buckets.. Or you could go ATA or CAP-W, made in the US.

This is awesome! I've had a few snaps come apart on me recently, having used just the snap flare tool. Thanks Glen!

It's just so beautiful!

I agree with BJ. I'd stay away from dry-erase markers.. Red dry-erase markers can stain a bit and leave a pink smear on dry-erase boards, so I wouldn't risk that on a shiney new TM. Maybe some sort of self-adhesive silicone or rubber window clings that you can just peel off? That might work! Google 'dripping blood window clings'

I also followed pandatroopers thread to the letter! Painting is the fun part! As for trooperbay.com.. I’ve lost count of how many orders I’ve placed at that site! Several more to come for my Sandtrooper build. It’s run by a SoCal garrison trooper (‘MTK’ here on the FISD). Great site, good selection, fast shipping. It’s especially convenient if you don’t live near all the necessary stores to buy all the supplies you need. Order away!

Nice job on that bucket!

You need to use an image hosting site like photobucket or flickr when posting images here. Use the 'image' button above, then copy/paste the direct link into the URL field. iPhone photos will post here no problem.

Yes.. Stay far, FAR away from that website.

Same for me as above... The bubble lenses are A) harder to see out of and B] aren't as readily available as the flat lenses which, with most makers, are included when you buy your helmet kit. And C) to me, they just kinda look like fish eyes. I prefer the look of the flat lenses much more. I also don't like the look of the smaller mouth. It all boils down to personal preference. There's just a little more work needed if you prefer the hero look.

Awesome! I figured it had to be something like that.. You’ll be trooping in no time!

Strange... That’s pretty uncommon for a garrisons website. Unfortunately, you’re not going to find ‘local’ sections for each garrison on the detachment websites. I think you’re best bet would be PM’ing Neon City garrison members here to help you track down the Neon City CO or webmaster. Good luck! or you could just go here... http://www.501st.com/members/displayUnits.php#garrisons

Sorry, but not even close.. Especially if you're thinking about EIB or centurion. I don't think these would pass for basic approval either.. Although, I could be wrong. Even if you painted the elastic part white, the toe looks way too pointy and curves upward like a cowboy boot. The black sole is also way too thin. The stitched seams at the heel and across the top are not allowed either. These are not the boots you're looking for.. move along, move along.

The bottom two links you posted are the only ones worth looking at. MTK is Mike of Trooperbay.com, and CAP TK is 'Scootch' here on the boards (if I'm not mistaken?). Both are reputable sellers of accurate 501st approvable armor. They represent the .5% of good stormtrooper armor on ebay. The other three links you posted are the other 99.5%, the stuff you want to stay FAR away from. They are either bad FX recasts, or sellers posting images of something other than what would actually get. Like the 3rd link, for example. The default photo shows a Master Replicas helmet while the rest of the images show a completely different, VERY inaccurate 3-piece helmet kit. Major regrets if you were to buy one of those. Glad you found the FISD before that happened! So, MTK or CAP would be good purchases. You can email Mike or Scootch directly here on the boards. Good luck cadet!

Read, read, read, reasearch, research, research! That's about half of this hobby. Here's the thread to start with... http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/11538-the-various-types-of-armor-and-where-to-find-them/

HIPS = matte white plastic, need to spray paint gloss white. ABS = gloss plastic, No painting, just polish.