tkrestonva

If you know someone with an AM kit, they come with six of those button covers (only three are needed). Perhaps someone can provide you with their extras. I have both an AM and RT belt. I used my extra AM covers to complete my ANH-style RT belt.

I usually stay local, simply because my work and personal schedule doesn't typically allow for frequent road trips. I do like to hit DragonCon annually - a 12-hr drive one-way. I also like to attend Shevacon, which is a lot closer but still a road-trip (3 - 4 hour drive each way) nonetheless. For the troops that require road trips, I try to buddy-up with at least one other trooper - saves on gas, lodging, etc. Haven't done an out-of-country troop yet, but looking forward to the experience.

I was at his site this past Sunday, it worked fine them. Maybe he's just a bit behind on his payments to his webhost, or they're undergoing server maintenance. Definitely worth a shout out to Jez to find out what's going on.

Cool! Action figure or video game?

Good lord, man - that thing is sweet!

Moved to the Assembly, Mods, and Painting section.

Jason, have you been to the Imperial Reception Center yet? It was set up specifically to help new members and infrequent visitors find their way around. If you have an ESB-specific question (handplates, black frowns, etc.), I'd post in the "ESB Stormtroopers" subforum. If it's a question that is more generic in nature, I'd post to one of the subforums in the Basic Training area. As far as a "New Post" button, if the request is to single out recent posts, then at the top right of the page there is a link that says "View New Content".

If it's a bit too white for you, perhaps you could weather it just a bit.

Sent you a PM on the garrison board.

Got the box from WalMart. It wasn't available in the store so I ordered it online and had it delivered to the store. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Contico-Storage-Locker/2476189

Tom, I could not have said it better myself. Well done, boss.

Very nice acquisition you've got there. It's got quite a different look from an ANH or ESB E-11, that's for sure.

If you want your suit to do multi-duty, the easiest way is to build it ANH-style and have HWT items (pack, pauldron, pouches, BFG) on hand. You could also do triple-duty by acquiring the necessary ESB parts (different helmet, belt/holster, blaster, & handplates).

Troopermaster is a member here - send him a PM.

Your left shoulder bell looks like it's falling off. I recommend you loosen up the over-the-shoulder chest-back connections, and strap the upper back and kidney together. While there should ideally be a slight gap between the two, your gap seems too large. In addition, your handplates seem much too large. Although it's not required for EI, I recommend ditching the plastic handplates in favor of a set of Sonnenschein's gloves with attached non-latex handplates.

Happy Birthday bro! Thanks for the excellent work on the FISD trading cards.

Funny!

I'd push the kidney, butt, and ab piece lower. It looks like it's really riding high on you. But Clint hit it on the head - always do your test fitting in your actual trooper undersuit to get an accurate fitting assessment.

Nomex gloves are good, comfortable, and practical trooping gloves. I currently use them when I troop ESB, and I used to use them for ANH. For ANH screen-accuracy however, consider picking up a set of Sonnenschein's rubber gloves that have been pre-attached with a set of her latex handplates.

That now makes four EI troopers for Garrison Tyranus - congratulations!

Cool - Congrats!

100% agree with Paul, except that I would add a detalled equipment inspection a day or two before. That way if something needs recharging, repaired, or you need to pick up some additional supplies, you have time to take care of it. The moments before I actually leave for a troop can be pretty rushed, so a high-level check (armor bin - check, helmet bag - check, field repair kit - check, BFG - check) is usually all I have time for. Also agree with Matt - constantly donning/doffing your lid tends to ruin the image.

Brand new TKBoots might be a bit uncomfortable at first, but because they are real leather if sized properly they will eventually conform themselves to your feet. I've owned both - real leather (TK) beats plastic (CA) every time.

I'm 6'1", 215 lbs. My suit is mostly AM, but with an RT Mod chest/back, and TM helmet & handplates. Dead-on screen accurate, no, but easily 501st and EIB-clearable. Me on the right: Me on the left: RT Mod sells just about any part you need, all you have to do is contact him. TM sells handplates and occasionally sells finished helmets, but I don't know about the other parts. Last I knew, individual AM parts are not available unless someone is parting out a suit (like I did a couple of months ago) - it's either the entire kit or nothing. As far as size difference goes, it's as much about how the part is fitted to you as it is about the part itself. How you carry your weight matters in how your suit will be fitted to you and how you will look when all is said and done. I have broad shoulders, thick legs, and a small waist. Someone else with my same height/weight may carry their weight differently. If you're looking for extreme screen-accuracy, TM's 1mm flexible ABS kit can't be beat. It also IMO looks best on guys that are close in size to the actors who played stormtroopers back in the mid-70s. keep in mind that these actors were in the neighborhood of 5'10", 160lbs, and slightly-built. At nearly 6 feet and 233 lbs, there is going to be a limit to how "screen accurate" you're going to look in any kit.

Looking good so far - and it's nice to see more and more people doing their AM build using butt seams & joining strips. AM is a pretty versatile kit, and can be built in ways to suit different needs and tastes.