Billhag

Matt Hallelujah!!!, at last!. You know I've thought for ages that there surely must be someone in our community who as access, time and the ingenuity with these machines to take on a project like this.I agree with Nathan's comments that this will totally throw things up in the air and give a totally new meaning to the term 'Fan-Sculpted' if you manage to get it right. There's a guy from England who posts on the RPF who owns an original authenticated set of armour, minus the forearms I think. I can't remember his user name right now, but he may well be someone to consider approaching regarding measurements. I really hope you get this project off the ground and wish you nothing but the very best for all your future endeavours. Boy oh boy..........this is gunna be GOOD!

Kev It's available in loads of places in the UK. If you can't find it locally you can always try online -----

Peter , Andy Guys, talk about 'Great minds think alike'. Pure genius!!, I think the pair of you's nailed it to a T. It's so bloody obvious when you see it.....IT'S A SPRING!!!. It just makes so much sense, pull to release and the spring holds the hooks in the open position. Pull down to the base, fold the hooks and the spring holds them in the closed position. So simple, but BRILLIANT! I think so many of us were over complicating it and looking at it from completely the wrong angle,... "Well, I can get the shaft lathed,then maybe use an old Calor gas camping stove for the hook, then some bolts and washers from the cockpit of a B52 bomber". When you think about it, most of the original Star Wars props were constructed very simply, utilising and scavenging bits 'n' bobs from anywhere they could.They seem to have a "If it looks good, it looks right, then lets use it " ethos, and it worked. Who would have thought that an old sub machine-g*n fitted with plastic drawer rails, an old WW2 scope and some discarded electrical parts would make one of the most iconic blasters seen on film. Gentlemen, thank you so much for this break through.We finally have a light at the end of the tunnel. Andy please count me in for one of these when the project gets up and running And Brian, thank you for resurrecting this frustrating quest.

Brian there was a thred going a while back but it fizzled out. -------- There was also a thred on the RPF but that seemed to go the same way. I contacted a few prop makers who posted asking them if they would consider starting a project for a run of these, because I would be willing to fund it just to get them out there, but they all hummed and arrrhed and nothing came of it I'm still looking for somebody to do it so if you hear of anyone, or if anybody reading this fancys giving it a go then I'd be more than interested in one and if needed help in getting a project up and running

Kent I think the clue is in Mike's signature When Mike finishes this you're going to be one very lucky guy

Hi Baraan I think you find some of your answer here http://www.501st.com/members/join_how.cfm Here's is the 501st criteria regarding costumes Article II - Membership A. The 501st Legion is an inclusive, equal-opportunity fan club and will not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, sexual orientation, or religion. The only requirements for membership are "ownership" of an accurate, complete, and professional-quality costume celebrating the Imperial (Dark Side) characters from the Star Wars films or its expanded universe sources, that the member is able to wear said costume(s) and that the member must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Membership is granted only after an application is made to the Legion and by a Garrison Membership Liaison (GML) assigned to the prospective member's geographic region. Persons under the age of 18 are not allowed as listed members of the 501st Legion club. The 501st claims no responsibility for minors at events that are hosted or attended by its members. I think the key word in there is "accurate" Take a good look around the FISD and I think you'll start to see what the bare basics are and whats required for 501st standards. Hope this helps.

PS Here's the cut out template for the plastic casing that someone was kind enough to pass on to me.Saves a lot of trail and error *Updated*

Brian Great find you have there mate Any real counter is better than a resin copy but if you want 100% authentic then its got to be the 'Eagle' logo.Out of all these marvelous late ones I would go for the 6 digit which is very close to the originals. When you get chance pop over to http://www.partsofsw.com/ and have a look around, its a fantastic reference site. If you fancy an early style metal case non 'Eagle' counter Joey had some on offer a while back and they were brilliant..here's my little collection I have knocking around at the moment

Mark Fantastic work mate, you've made it look like a completely different helmet. Well done Sir!

Sorry Jim, just reread my post, and I can see that I had a bit of a 'doofus' moment there. I must try to get more sleep You are 100% correct sir.

Brian The AP kit comes with a PVC type belt and looks OK but definitely not authentic. Mark (firebladejedi) is being exceedingly modest because he just so happens to make one of the best darn canvas belts around. They are also available from Gundamzeppelin check them out and see what you think AP KIT ----------

Mark Originally the post had no link on it so it just said;- "Do you think these look accurate?? Thinking of getting a set" ....and then BLANK, nothing, narda! The comments were just a little joke and in no way a reflection on John's fine work. Its one of those, "you had to be there" moments

David 'Romford Odeon' Great to see some close to home land marks popping up on the FISD.

Mike Not sure if they're a 100% match up, but should still look good when they're dyed The only thing that I'd be worried about would be how much 'give' there now is in the elastic sides through wear'n'tear and whether or not they would keep popping out of the calf sections

Ralph errm,.....I don't know how to say this, but the reviews on that link you posted say that its terrible. I know its all about opinions and you have nothing but good to say about your one but I just thought I'd mention it. Please don't hate me

Oh Boy!, This is going to be good, I just can't wait for this

Paul With all the moans of pleasure and the "ohh MY GOD!"s, my girlfriend had to check that I wasn't

Brian Here's a similar set, unforfunately not based in the US but I'm sure if you contact either company they'd be more than happy to ship them out to you. ---------------

Luis It sure is looking GOOD! Can't wait too it all finished and ready for action.

Yerrh, that's what I thought Most of my stuff normally comes by USPS Global Priority as well but I wasn't quite sure. Thanks for all your advice guys, very much appreciated

Ex-ceeee-lent!!.....as Mr.Burns would say Hopefully have my one through pretty soon, so I should be an happy boy as well

Scott Fantastic job mate I love this photo, almost looks like its floating....

Charlie There's something on the original interest post regarding using it with 'Skull Worx'. Here's the link. -------------- You may need to get in touch with Mike Hope this helps

Hey Guys Does anyone know the best way to get a set of clone armour & helmet shipped from Hawaii? The guy who wants to ship it as been quoted $565 ,3 to 5 day delivery by UPS. There must be a cheaper and reliable way?.......surely? Any help that you can give will be very much appreciated

Steve ...now you mention it, the similaritys are uncanny I started out in graphic design and I've done most things from selling ice cream and hot dogs at music festivals to presenting project proposals to CEO's of a major investment banks. I'm great with mustard, but the presenting had me running for the bathroom