tkrestonva

Excellent job on the chest rivets, Nels. I had been wondering how you were going to correct that (and if it was even possible without buying new shoulder straps), but it came out really well.

What color lenses do you plan on installing? Dark red, maybe?

Wow. That has real potential, especially at cons.

Photos, please. I gotta see this.

Looks like you can easily get a TK designation right now. Replace the buttons and mod the blaster and you should be EIB-eligible.

Off to a good start. Another EIB in the making for Garrison Tyranus!

Overall, looks pretty good. Still need closeup pics of the helmet (lenses, mic tips) and blaster (T-tracks, D-ring). What material did you use to close the side gaps? It looks like it's bunching up.

Excellent job, both on your build and first troop in TK armor. In addition to the belt and buttons, can you trim a bit off the top of your holster loops so that they're flush with the top of the belt? Once again, great job. Any pics from the parades? I love seeing female troopers.

What's it like to work with? Most of us are accustomed to cutting, sanding, and painting with ABS or HDPE. Is the new material substantially different or more difficult to work? Definitely add me to the interest list.

Definitely RT Mod. I've actually seen the photo from which it was taken, but I can't seem to locate it right now.

One of the distinctive traits of RT helmets (mine anyway) is that the bumps on the earcaps are molded into the ears, versus being separate pieces. Another is the black on the vocoder is a sticker, versus being painted.

You could attach the front ABS utility belt with screws/nuts or rivets, then cover up the screw/rivet with a piece of ABS glued in place over it. Yeah, I can attest to that. I'll definitely be adding double-snaps to my thighs before my next troop.

Congratulations, and thanks for representing us so well down in South America.

An absolutely amazing build, like you stepped right out of the reference photo you posted. I do have a question though (and for Pablo if you're reading this): About how big are you in terms of height/weight? Also, how would you describe your physique (thin, muscular, chunky, . . . )? Obviously you're perfectly sized for TM and I'd love a set for myself, but I'd first like some idea of how much shimming I'd need to do to get it to fit around my 6'1, 210lb bodybuilder's physique.

My understanding is that the UKG treats every troop like a canon LFL event, so it makes sense they wouldn't allow it. Like Paul said, each garrison does things a bit differently. On the other hand, if you can find a working Sterling that you can mod into an E-11, loading it with blank rounds would be totally canon. Not necessarily safe, but canon.

Went to an armor party today. Helped a current TK improve her kit with an eye toward EIB, and helped a prospective TK finish out his build. Also watched FANBOYS on DVD, it's even better when you're watching with a group of fanboys/fangirls.

The bucket is nice, the degree is better. Life can take nearly everything from you, but an education is yours forever. Congratulations bro, and never stop wanting to learn.

Man, I love looking at TM armor! I wish uber screen-accurate stormtroopers came in the 6'1", 210lb variety.

I pretty much agree word for word with Edward, including the Free Beer Fridays. About the only improvement I can recommend is to take swifter action against those who would ruin the atmosphere of this forum for their own amusement. Since a couple of not-to-be-named members were booted several months ago, the vibe here has been nothing but positive. Let's keep it that way, and encourage more of it. For instance, I loved VaderDave's patch giveaway at the beginning of this year. I have no problem with free and open debate, but not at the expense of the the welcoming atmosphere that makes the FISD such a great place to hang out. Thanks to Daetrin and staff for making the FISD what it is.

I'm glad things have worked out for you. I know it's cliche, but sometimes the greatest blessings can be found in the worst of circumstances. It looks like that's the case for you. Congratulations on your new home.

Have you tried shims? I had the same problem with my FX forearms until I put in shims. Other than that, your best bet may be to contact RT-Mod for a replacement set. I believe he sells both parts and complete suits.

It looks like a TE "Move Along" sandtrooper. Just needs some dirt.

Agreed, best to reserve the frown for air intake.

The first time I saw a stormtrooper in person was at a summer family trip to Walt Disney World in 2007. It wasn't during one of the Star Wars Weekends, it was just a random day in August. I saw a TK standing guard at the Star Wars Exhibit. I was completely captivated, it was all I could do to not gush over him like some school girl crush. I'd wanted a set of TK armor for years, but seeing that sealed the deal, and thus began my journey.

In other words, a brief introduction posted in the New Member Introductions section would be fantastic. Also, register with the SoCal garrison, you can find a link to them at the main 501st Legion website. They do some of the best events available in the U.S. and with trooping season in full swing, you'll have plenty of opportunity to see the armor up close and personal and do some face-to-face chat. We're all here to guide you but there are some rules we have to follow in doing so, and at the end of the day this is your journey.