tkrestonva

Just like a real-world soldier, different gear is appropriate to different circumstances. Many of us have more than one suit. For instance, while I love being a classic stormtrooper, I HATE being cold. As a result, outdoor troops in temperatures below 50F are very unpleasant for me in my TK. Solution - I am now in the process of acquiring a TS. Will I ever wear it at DragonCon? Not a chance. However, for Thanksgiving/Christmas parades and other cold-weather events, it will be my gear of choice.

I would contact someone at the Pacific Outpost and ask them. We have a few of them who are regulars here, but Femtrooper Julie comes to mind first.

I've been considering doing something like that myself. Tom (Roguetrooper) did it for his AM kit. Maybe he'll post a tutorial at some point.

It looks like you're good to go for basic 501st approval. As tweaks, I'd raise the drop boxes some and bring them out so they are lined up with the end of the belt. Also, it looks like your biceps are excessively roomy.

Well done. See you next year at C6 and/or DragonCon.

Excellent work. I see nothing that would preclude 501st acceptance. On the contrary, you'll easily be one of the better-looking troopers in the Neon City Garrison. At some point, however, you'll want to upgrade your blaster.

I've never seen that interview before. That was a fascinating read.

That's what I use! They're also called "unitards". You can get them at a dance supply store (online or in person), although getting them in a size to fit a large man can be tricky.

I tend to agree with both Vern and Mathias. It sounds like you are at the very top end of the lineage armor size range (although in reality, with enough shimming any armor can be made to fit any body), and that ATA ABS (like AP) has a solid reputation for both quality and customer service. Both also require trimming, so it seems that the work in getting either kit ready to wear is about the same. In the end, if you have narrowed your options to those two then I suggest looking at photos of several different examples of assembled kits and deciding which look you like best. There are subtle differences between the two that, with time and practice, you will learn to identify. Better still would be to find someone in your local garrison who owns the kits in question, pay them a visit, and have a look up close.

Also, there should be no visible markings on it, at least none that can be seen when in full armor. So you may end up having to remove or color-in the Underarmor logo.

The sooner you register with your local garrison, the better. In addition to meeting the people you will eventually troop with and perhaps participate in some events as a handler, they will also be able to help you assemble your kit.

I've also heard the MR E11s are heavy. How does the weight compare to an E11 based on a deact'd Sterling?

It's AM, which is simply FX with a updated (rounded) dome. A recasted AM at that - AM helmets aren't made of fiberglass.

I love how great these new EI submissions look!

Then you'll definitely want your U.S. holiday to be in Orlando in late-August of next year.

Star Wars Celebration VI: http://www.starwarscelebration.com I guarantee that a sizeable fraction of the Legion will be present, coming in from all corners of the planet. http://www.501st.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=113

Troopers Helping Troopers.

And C6 will be better still. Best of all, if you plan appropriately you can do both Dragon*Con and C6 in one grand "Tour de Con". They are only a week apart, and the distance between Atlanta and Orlando is easily drivable in a day. I heard the same thing as you regarding SDCC passes, but to my knowledge there are still plenty of D*Con and C6 passes available.

Looks OK to me. For accuracy, consider trimming away the return edge at the ankle. It'll also give you more room at the ankles and/or allow you to tighten them down even further. I'll be doing the same to my shins later this week. Since you have started building your shins, keep in mind that AM shins have a design defect (they are mismatched) that fortunately can be corrected during the build process. If you haven't already (and looking at what appears will be the left shin it looks like you've already seen it) have a look at Roguetrooper's AM shin build tutorial. It'll save you some headache later. http://forum.whitear...showtopic=16608

That's a good question, and you may get a more complete answer from someone in your local garrison. Maybe it's different in Canada, but in the U.S. gun laws are very state/county/city focused - what's permissible (and even commonplace) in one locality will get you a felony prison sentence in another. If you haven't already, I'd sign up on your local garrison forum and ask it there.

Do you plan on wearing it or is it just for display? If it's display-only, I agree with Dennis. If it is to be a wearable costume, then there are other factors to consider and the answer may not necessarily be RS or TM (although good on you if you can make them work for you).

Indeed, Happy Birthday! I can't think of a better present to yourself than a brand new RS kit.

+1

Yes, like that.