tkrestonva
-
Posts
5,265 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
4
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Articles
Media Demo
Posts posted by tkrestonva
-
-
Sorry to hear this. I know how devastated I'd be if that happened to me.
Definitely keep an eye out on your local con scene, costume shops, and places like ebay. Sooner or later it'll turn up.
-
Welcome - I see this is your first post.
You need to have your forum permissions set to view that section. Put in your request here: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/16-501st-trooper-status-requests-include-link-to-your-501st-profile-in-your-request
-
Hello! Fresh newbie here with a couple questions. I've been lurking these forums for YEARS now as it's been a dream of mine from a very young age to someday put together my own set of TK armor, but I've never had the funds/ made enough to really seriously consider it. I'm also horrible with my hands, so I'd need to either purchase a ready made fan kit (or Anovos) or pay someone to do it for me, which would cost even more.
Most people say that at first. It really isn't as hard as you think. The key is research, preparations, and asking lots of questions - including putting up a work-in-progress build thread that will allow others to comment on and guide your progress. If you feel you need hands-on help, the best thing you can do is to get in touch with your local garrison. Most garrisons have what we call "armor parties" on a regular basis, and they are almost always open to prospective members working on new kits.
Now, on to my actual question! Because I'm horrible with my hands, I really think the best option would be for me to find somebody to actually build the suits for us (when I have the funds to purchase them) I just don't want to potentially spend all that money on something that I may end up ruining horribly. Do any of the veteran troopers know good trustworthy people who will build pre-purchased kits such as Anovos or any fan kits? Or if there are any sellers here who actually sell fully assembled kits? And if so, how much money would need to be invested into either option (I have a rough idea what the actual raw kits sell for) I'm not necessarily looking for the cheapest option, but 501st approval isn't an ultra priority for my sister as her medical conditions would prevent her from being to effectively troop regularly (if at all) She just wants a really good relatively screen accurate costume for halloween, parties, cons, etc. As for me, I'd like to join the 501st at the basic entry level. Because of my sister's condition the idea of being able to give back to sick and needy kids through something that I love and am extremely passionate about is a dream. Sorry for rambling on for so long, I'm just really nervous as this is the first time I've ever inquired into something like this. Thank you all for your time, and please let me know if you have any suggestions!
As was stated, check the vetted armorer's list. If direct prices aren't listed, then you can email them for price quotes. Not all offer commissioned build services, but at least a few do. Also, check with your local garrison. There may be someone there who is looking for some extra cash and is willing to do a build commission.
Oh, something I neglected to mention! I stand 5'11 and weigh about 240 pounds (I'm not super huge, but have a little more padding on me) my sister is about 5'3 and weighs around 220 pounds. I'm not sure how helpful that info is, but from reading around I saw that height and weight can play a factor into price and what I should be looking for. Thanks again guys!
At your size, AM 2.0 is probably your best bet since it has more plastic around the middle and is marketed toward "larger" bodies. Not sure about your sister - I suppose it depends on how she carries her weight.
-
YES! Can't wait to see this up close - she is the first Legacy trooper in the garrison.
When is her first troop?
-
That cloth-looking ribbed texture is going to make wearing a Rogue One kit even hotter (in terms of body temperature) than an OT kit.
-
1
-
-
Specific Sandtrooper
Specific Rouge One Stormtrooper
Heavy Weapons Trooper
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
To this I would add:
Star Wars Rebels
The Force Awakens
I'm not sure why it's not considered canon honestly. Star Wars Rebels showed TK'S with pauldrons and ranks. I think it was a white one that went to Darth Vader and was referred to as "Commander." I know, they're animated, but we have realistic CRL'S for the Clones of The Clone Wars show. It can be done I think.
The aforementioned are considered canon because they were actually seen in the movie, cartoon series, video game, etc. Since OT stormtroopers (not counting sandtroopers) were never seen with pauldrons, having a AHH/ESB/ROTJ stormtrooper wearing a rank pauldron is not canon.
As for your example of SW Rebels TKs, that CRL is in work and I'm confident in saying that pauldrons (as an acceptable option) will be included.
-
1
-
-
Well done.
-
1
-
-
Between (1) punching smaller holes, (2) heat-sealing the holes, and (3) reinforcing the area where the snap goes, there are a lot of excellent ideas here. Any of those (or all three) should fix your problem. I personally use an old soldering iron to make my holes and in some cases I reinforce the area where the holes will be punched with either a double-fold of elastic or soft-side Velcro.
-
Welcome.
Best thing you can do (besides of course being active here at FISD) is to hook up with your local garrison. Where are you located?
-
I did this with my Anovos standard helmet but instead of using detailed reference photos, stage blood, and attempting to replicate every subtle paint stroke - I used a 2-to-1 red/brown color paint mix (I'm told that best replicates the color of actual human blood), dipped my fingers in it, and after watching that particular scene maybe a dozen times to ensure I got the right reach angle, speed, hand placement, etc., just dragged my hand across. It took a few tries to get it where I wanted it, so I made sure to water-soluable paint.
Something that I noticed is that the bloody helmet is actually different depending on which scene you are watching. The footage in the above post shows what the helmet looked like after FN-2187 returned to the Finalizer and was confronted by Captain Phasma ("... and who gave you permission to remove that helmet?"). Basically the helmet is dirty and the blood takes on a dried-out, brownish tinge. On Jakku during the raid on Tuanul village, FN-2187's helmet is still clean and the blood stain is still fresh (and more of a red color), so it's a different look. That's the look I went for since it better matches my armor.
So if you're squadmate truly wants to be accurate, he will have to choose.
-
3
-
-
You will definitely need to either add a separate 4-button strip. Fortunately they are easy to make with a bit of scrap plastic and a disc-shaped object such as a disc magnet of the correct size. Also, in the full body photos it looked like you were missing the top ab button on the center ab button plate. But I can't tell from your latest photos because your chest plate covers it up.
-
I see a few issues with the kit, for instance, the molded-in center ab button box and lack of a 4-button vertical strip really stand out to me. But overall it's not horrible. With some fixes and a few obviously missing items such as a correct holster and boots it should pass basic approval so long as it's built and fitted correctly.
Can you post a close-up photo of the abdominal armor?
-
There are definitely things that need to be addressed, but it's not horrible. Once you make some fixes such as the ones Paul pointed out (and a few others) and fitting adjustments, it's hard for me to see how you would be denied at least basic approval.
-
Thanks for the warm welcome.
However, the local garrison here has banned armors made by TKUKarmour, while ive read in this forum that TKUKarmour is not totally rejected, but discouraged to buy from, but their armor can still be made to approve.
Contrasting info?
Sent from my Lenovo A7000-a using Tapatalk
In the end, your local GML has final say on basic approval. Perhaps you should talk to him (or her) personally and show them detailed photos of your kit. With some engagement, they may be able to tell you what (if anything) needs to be improved in order to allow for basic approval.
-
So I have bought a kit from them without knowing the story behind, does it mean that I can still get at least a basic Legion approval with proper assembly? The kit that I got is their new 'improved' version, not like the old fx-style armor.
That should be the case, but the best way to know is for you to post photos of your kit.
-
1
-
-
Great job so far with the build.
-
1
-
-
That's great news!
-
I fixed your post.
^^ This.Looks like FX to me. And in bad shape too. I'd charge the person a $100 to throw it away for them. Check out the Getting Started section. It has a lot of information for you to check out. Look at the pictures of troopers in the Advanced Tactics section to see what armor should look like Andrew. And welcome to the FISD Future Trooper!
Actually, it looks like a JediRobe kit - which is a recast of an FX kit. Even worse. Yeah, I agree 100% with Randy.
Also, post an introduction in the New Member Introductions section.
-
1
-
-
I use RainX antifog treatment. A fresh application 5-10 minutes prior to the beginning of a troop, with a few minutes to allow the chemical smell to dissipate a bit, and you're good for at least a couple of hours.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rain-X-Anti-Fog-3.5oz-Bottle/16889024
-
1
-
-
Not just you - most bubble lenses are horrible in terms of actually being able to see. I imagine that's part of the reason why you don't see nearly as many Hero costumes as you do Stunt costumes.
However, I do seem to remember Troopermaster selling bubble lenses that were flatter at the point directly in front of the eye so there is less distortion.
-
1
-
-
Calling all 501st Legion stormtroopers!
Below is the "official" list of FISD events for Star Wars Celebration coming up this April - if you will be there and are interested in participating in one or more of the events, please indicate your interest along with any questions you may have in this thread:
- FISD Detachment Group photo: Saturday (April 15th), 1130am - 1pm ET; Atrium below the 501st Experience Room (W206ABC)
- FISD Detachment Meetup & Social: Saturday, (April 15th), 6pm - 8pm ET; Rosen Centre Bar & Lounge
- Rogue One "Storming the Beach" beach photo shoot: Sunday (April 16th), 2pm - 4pm ET; Sidney Fischer Park, Cocoa Beach FL
If you are on Facebook, please "Like" our official page. I will also be creating Facebook Calendar Events to help track attendance. http://www.facebook.com/WhiteArmor/
In addition, there is now an unofficial (and Closed Group) "501st Legion FISD Social Group" on Facebook to which calendar events have been posted: http://www.facebook.com/groups/169017450268208/
Here is the link to the main 501st Legion schedule of events: http://www.501st.com/celebration/
For those who are interested, the planning thread at Legion is here: https://www.501st.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=187&t=93927
-
12
-
-
I've been following your other thread. Welcome.
-
Welcome.
Typically it's a lot less risky buying accessories from ebay than it is buying primary items (armor, helmet, blaster, etc.) but post the links so that we can have a look.
-
In addition to incoming sounds, consider *outgoing* sounds as well - meaning actually sounding like a stormtrooper with the modulated voice. Many of us already use external devices such a small amplifier/speaker hidden inside the chestplate, and some use small speakers hidden inside the Hovi mic tips (such as the kit that ukswrath sells). But if we are talking about an all-encompassing solution, don't forget to include that.
Now, a general question. How would the idea of wearing a ski mask under the helmet go over? And when I say ski mask, I mean a mask made of cooling gel. I'd rather see everything contained in the helmet itself bit I'm kicking around ideas to make sure this can accommodate any size and shape head.
Also, how long do I need to push for the battery to reasonably last? What's the longest you could go without being able to eject and reload a new pack. I'm currently shooting for 4 hours out of one rechargeable pack but I might be able to put in two slots if need be.
Many of us already wear balaclavas under our helmets such as the Underarmor HeatGear tactical hood, so a ski mask wouldn't be a stretch. The trick is that it needs to be made of a fairly thin material so as not to get caught up in the helmet's internals. For obvious reasons, it also needs to be odor-resistant and easily cleanable.
As far as battery life, 4 hours is a good baseline so long as the battery pack can be easily changed out and the original pack recharged.
Another important question, what would be the best helmet variation to use as a baseline? I've got a pretty big SLA 3D printer to work with and was actually planning on printing out a working piece (unless someone wants to donate a helmet I can slice in half =) ) but what best represents a majority.
Start with a basic ANH Stunt TK helmet, since the overwhelming majority of 501st stormtroopers are of the ANH Stunt variety. But something inherently modular that can be adapted to different helmets (for example, the TFA stormtrooper) would be ideal.
As for a helmet, you can pick up a B-grade ATA helmet kit for cheap (less than $100) and use that as your guinea pig.
Also, since I live within reasonable weekend driving distance of you (about 200 miles each way) and have close to 10 years of experience as a stormtrooper under a wide variety of conditions, I'd be willing to serve as a test subject.
Love the ideas so far ... following this thread with great interest.
-
1
-
Need tips and tricks for making armor
in Getting Started - Read this First!
Posted
Nowadays it seems that 3D printing is a popular option. Basically you develop your own set of files using commonly-available modeling software, and go from there.