tkrestonva

Nice job cutting it down to size.

Well done, folks.

Yes, I think it's just as important to have your cover strips proportionate to the actual size of your limbs. Too skinny or too fat would look off, even if it is the "correct" width.

Another vote for E6000 and clamps. CA glue (i.e. super glue) dries rigid. It's good for holding two non-porous, non-flexible materials together, but will not hold well with elastic (which is obviously flexible).

SWTOR - when I have time, that is.

LOL - just another day at the office.

There is also a feedback thread posted here in the 501st Only area.

Like David said, take advantage of the extra room and use a pair of gel insoles. Your feet will thank you for it.

One word - snowtrooper. Makes a great second costume.

Man, there have been SOOOO many over the past 4 1/2 years. It's hard to pick out just one - each year seems to get better than the next. I guess for this year, the crowning moment would have to be the FISD group photo at C6. More stormtroopers in one place than you saw in ANH.

Although it goes without saying, please keep them away from your electronics (computers, cell phones, cameras, etc.) as well. Also keep them well away from credit cards and hotel keys.

Ask around at your local garrison, or PM me with your shipping address - I have a couple of sets, and I'll send you one of them at no cost (other than shipping). They are AM handguards, which are basically identical to the FX handguards. Also, since you're new, post an intro in the "New Members Introduction" area.

One thing I would caution is to (1) use super-strong thread, and (2) leave the threading a bit loose, especially at the top/front edge of the handplate. As you flex your hand, that area will need to move more, hence there needs to be some give somewhere. While the stiched handguards on the gloves look great and are accurate, I've found that for a number of reasons they are not as practical as strapping the handguards to your hands and wearing nomex gloves. So depending on how you will use them (display vs trooping), you may want to consider having a set of each.

Agree with Mathias - best to plan ahead.

Actually, the Legion is now an official 501 (don't remember which specific designation) charitable organization. The change was done a month or two ago to introduce a more structured way of managing the Legion's expenses - for example, forum hosting fees. So if that was the main barrier - it isn't anymore. REALLY looking forward to hearing the answer for this, the question should also be asked on the Legion forum. If true, then I imagine there are of course strings attached (accurate trooping records, at least XX% of events have to be in direct support of charities, etc.). Still, every little bit helps.

^ this

This has been tried, and the result is the Rubies Supreme Stormtrooper - google it. A fully LFL-licensed piece o'crap. When it first came out a few years ago (and it was at the time eagerly anticipated by this community), the initial retail cost was $899. Furthermore, that cost does not include a holster, blaster, undersuit, neckseal, boots, or any of the electronics you want to incorporate. While it can be brought up to 501st standards, doing so is not for the faint of heart (or light of wallet). Nowdays you can get one for less than half of that cost on ebay - but it's still an officially LFL-licensed piece o'crap. A quick search here on "Rubies" will yield you plenty of information on this commercially-available product.

You don't have nearly enough time or budget between now and the end of the month to do what we do here. Truly the best thing you can do is forgo this year's Halloween and set a goal for next year, all the while saving and researching. Where approximately do you live? There is very likely a 501st Legion unit near to you that you can join as a supporter and help out at events. In turn you'd get a close look at our costumes and an appreciation of why they cost so much and why they are far superior to practically anything you'll find on eBay or in the retail Halloween stores at this time of year.

Yes, use a few internal straps to connect the chest and ab. Do the same for the back/kidney, and kidney/butt.

Ouch. It stands to reason that if you can reshape your biceps with hot water (which you clearly can), you can reheat them with hot water and attempt to undo the warping. It doesn't seem like you have much to lose by trying, anway. I don't really know where you can get a replacement set of FX biceps that isn't overpriced, as FX armor "officially" went out of production a few years ago.

Pics of the rest of the kit? That way, we can help you determine which maker might be a suitable match.

Precisely.

A lot of folks who are going for prop replication go this route. Based on reports from the members here who have tried, the problems are (1) finding the specific brand of boot used, (2) finding an appropriate size, (3) accurate-looking jodhupers in general are difficult to get in the U.S. without paying an exhorbitant amount of money (you can buy 2 sets of TK boots for the cost of a single pair of reasonably accurate jodhupers), and (4) they require regular maintenance in the form of redying.

This. If you can avoid shortening the thighs or shins, that would be best. Mobility may ultimately require it, but the less black undersuit showing - the better.

In this hobby, three weeks is actually short. There are some armor kits where - although they come highly recommended - the wait time is the better part of a year. But to answer your question - unless you are pursuing extreme accuracy (black jodhuper-style riding boots that you will have to dye white), then yes they are worth the wait.