Holnave (evan_loh)

Perfect!

KW does make the AT-DP Driver if you're interested. I'm really tempted to get myself one of those

You can trim the top back of your thighs like these so it won't poke into the bum. And also trim a little at the bottom back thigh and top back shin into a curve so the back of your knees has more space

There are distinct ways in which each armour is built according to each star wars episode. So far originalstormtrooper.com does not comply to these standards and seems to be a mix of these build styles (if I remember right, the thighs are built with return of the jedi style even though they sell a new hope style). In addition their shoulder straps are placed incorrectly. if you get it you risk not getting cleared. However the list the others above have provided are vetted by the fisd and can be cleared

This...yes. I agree. Wearing anh, esb, or rotj won't go with pauldrons why, because they weren't seen with pauldrons. That's why to me we have these distinct designations. However if you have a rebels type armor go for it

Your weathering has me drooling all over. Nice to see an INC trooper make the Centurion ranks. Congrats!

Nah they'll add it for you, the badges and all. And you'll get entered into the roster too. Congrats! Hope to see you in a UKG troop soon!

Looks fine to me. If you ever wanted to adjust the thighs you'd have to remove that CA glue (if CA glue was used) and if I were you I wouldn't as it already looks ok as it is. You aren't showing too much "side butts" either. You look good If you are uncomfortable with the webbing belt where the thigh loops hang about, you could always use a black leather belt instead. It works better than those black webbings. And if I recall correctly, weren't black leather belts used in the films?

1. I paired two inner thighs and glued the cover strips. Had to remove them using a Stanley blade to cut out the glue. 2. Misaligned the three rivets on the kidney plate. Had to remove the rivets, drill new holes and fill the old holes with abs paste.

Really liking how clean your build is. Good work on the armour

still figuring out how people post videos into posts! haha. trailer got me squealing! Can't wait for more...

--------------- If anyone wants to see it all in one. Badly cut and pasted I know...

Introduction Brothers in Arms From the MEPD Detachment Leader Anthony Forrest Interview MEPD Britannia Patrol Advanced Tactics Awards Welcome to the first ever MEPD/FISD joint news letter! Acknowledgements and dedications With such a special event as this joint newsletter, we thought it would be a fitting tribute to dedicate it to the founder of the 501st, Albin Johnson - Without you there would be no us. We also dedicate this special edition joint newsletter to YOU, the fellow member of Vader's fist. The Sandtroopers, or as George Lucas said in the making of star wars "Stormtroopers in combat order", are the elite of the empire, sent to the outer realms to uphold order of the Galaxy in the name of the Empire. They are equipped with modified armour and equipment to withstand harsh climates. We would like to take this opportunity to guide you through some of the difference between the TK and the TD. Helmet and suit Whilst mostly standard to the TK issued helmet, the TD has Un-vented helmet traps to avoid elements and debris interfering with the helmets internal systems. Canvas shoulder straps instead of bridges due to the wearing of heavy patrol backpacks. Modified ab section of the armour - this works in conjunction with the inter-cooling and pressure system. Sniper knee plate on the shin. Shoulder pauldrons to denote rank Black - Private/enlisted White - Sergeant Orange - Captain/Squad leader No Pauldron - TK in training for TD. Pouches The shoulder pouches carry the necessary tools for field stripping and cleaning of the E11 and BFG's. The hip pouches carry ammunition and power cells. Blasters There are a variety of different blasters TD's are issued with. Every TD is trained to use all models of blasters, however a squad on patrol must be able to deal with any presented threat or hostility. they will therefore carry a mixture of blasters - this would be determined by the squad leader, and the troops will be told in the patrol briefing who will carry what. The models carried are: Standard E11 T-21 Heavy Repeating Blaster RT-97c Precision blaster DLT-19 Heavy Blaster Backpacks One of the single most important pieces of equipment the Sandtrooper will carry on patrol is the backpack. There are five models of backpack and each contains everything needed to keep a trooper alive and functional during long periods of exposure. Although the back pack will carry the basics like food and water, Ultra high frequency radio, tools for armour repair, power cells etc, it is also very much like a life support unit. The pack supplies the suit with an integrated cooling system and monitors there wearers vitals. We are aware that some TK's think the backpack provides the TD with a humanoid waste disposal unit - we will not confirm nor deny this! Micro-binoculars Imperial issued for long range reconnaissance as well as directing finding and way points. Also very useful for acquiring targets for Star destroyer bombardments. We just sit back and watch the show. Dewback prod This is used with mounted on a Dewback. The Dewback is a very useful beast which can carry shelter equipment required for longer patrols. Although the Dewback can go days without food or water, they are naturally very lazy and stubborn creatures. The prod emits 50000 volts with 0.161 amps - just enough to get the thick skinned Dewback moving without causing injury. The MEPD is known throughout the galaxy as THE forum for all Sandtrooper related topics. We at the 'sand pit' pride ourselves on the help and advice we pass onto new recruits or even long term members of the 501st who just fancy going dirty. We offer advice and tips from the beginning stages of building or converting your armour, building a backpack from scratch, purchasing/making accurate pouches and Pauldrons, all the way to weathering your armour correctly. This process can be a daunting one not only for members looking to change, but also for those about to step foot into this crazy hobby of costuming. It is our aim to offer accurate, friendly advice and to help members on their way to becoming deployed at 'Police officer' status, or if you're feeling particularly brave, all the way to 'SWAT' level. These two levels are similar to the 'Expert infantry' and the 'Centurion' programs on the FISD - although as you can imagine it takes some dedication. The SWAT program carries very high standards of accuracy and it will take blood, sweat, and tears to get there - believe me, all SWAT members have bled... and cried! Since the program started in 2011 we currently have 31 deployed SWAT officers (at time of press). If you are successful at SWAT you are awarded with a certificate signed by the CO Rick Bates, and your deployment poster is hung, in order, on the SWAT wall of fame on the forum. MEPD staff members, Smally and Justus, will also give you a mention in the News letter to boost your ego that little bit more. With Unquestioned Loyalty, Brad Small TD-7141 "Smally" Command Staff - MEPD For November's newsletter, let's explore the special relationship between FISD & MEPD. What you may not know is that in a way, FISD was born out of MEPD. MEPD has ever been in a league all their own. Newcomers are welcome, information is freely shared, and there is a true esprit de corp formed by folks all over the world who shared their passion for the sandtrooper costume. People openly shared their best tips and tricks, where to get parts, you name it. They truly are the role model for all detachments to follow. Now it may be hard to believe but back in 2005 there wasn't a Stormtrooper detachment in the Legion. Most of the older and larger garrisons were able to offer local help and many had their own forum areas for how to build TK armor. Being out in the "outer rim" information was very hard to come by, and one was forced to use the rumor mill and scour sites like those created by Mike Harrison, Dean Plantamura, and Chris Bartlett. Common responses to newbie questions were "don't ask questions, we'll tell you once you're in the Legion" are these were not overly helpful for prospective Legion members, especially when one is asking the origins of a kit that someone was offering made by "a friend of a friend". People routinely shelled out $1400+ for FX kits off internet sites, and it was only after getting in the Legion that they found out there were such things as AP, or TE. FISD was intended to change all that, to create an "MEPD for TK's". A place where new members could get honest, transparent information about stormtrooper costumes, and people could research and share new discoveries, such as what the belts were made of (canvas, not plastic), what color the ab plate buttons were (gray and blue, not black). So it's not inaccurate to say that FISD a clone of MEPD in many respects, as it was my experiences in MEPD that created the idea for FISD. Many FISD concepts are directly borrowed from MEPD: Expert Infantry is just a copy of what the "Deployed" program was trying to achieve. The values of transparency of information and a willingness toshare information were baked in to FISD's charter to ensure that FISD would be born in the same spirit of the Mos Eisley Police Detachment. Coincidentally, in 2008 I was both DL of FISD and XO of MEPD, which was the same time we created and mapped out the CRL's, and so I was in a unique position to ensure that costuming standards for both groups would be consistent across each other, e.g. that if one detachment specified canvas belts, then both would, and both forums were upgraded to the same software at the same time. Throughout the years, MEPD & FISD have collaborated continuously to ensure they remain in sync. When MEPD was creating the SWAT program, FISD was right there creating Centurion. Noel Green was the DL of MEPD, and he and I worked closely to ensure that the "L3" standards for common costume parts would match between detachments. As FISD members, it's good to remember our "roots" to MEPD in two respects, not only at the detachment level but also in our costumes (fact: sandtrooper costumes were made before the stormtrooper, and details such as the ab plate details, trapezoid sniper plate, shoulder bridges, and drop boxes were added later for the clean versions). FISD & MEPD have always be brothers in arms, and that's something worth celebrating. With Unquestioned Loyalty, Paul Hoeffer TK-8020 "Daetrin" FISD Founder First off I want to thank everyone for putting in their time and energy to get this issue off the ground. The newsletter is a great place to showcase all the new and exciting things the detachment has to offer and to see a joint issue with the FISD is just pure AWESOME!! The relationship between the MEPD and FISD has grown into something quite amazing. Its no longer us against them, its more of a we against the rebel scum of the galaxy. That being said, I'd like to talk a minute about how far we've come as a group. When I first learned of the detachment back in 2009 I was excited to see what others were doing and get started with my own transformation. So i read, re-read and tried to replicate what others were doing at the time but supplies were extremely limited and reference material was equally as hard to come by. Mike Harrison was the DL and he was always full of encouraging words and direction. So, I started my Sandtrooper build and with the help of him and a few members of the MEPD I was able to put together an ok set of armor with some cool details. Once that happened I pretty much became addicted to the MEPD and was constantly on the forum trying to help bring it to the next level. When I eventually became the DL I couldn't believe I was part of something so amazing. I never had any other real interest in any other detachment or costume so I basically lived on MEPD. Fast forward a few years and it blows my mind seeing how far we have come. With 620 active members currently in dirty armor, the Sandtrooper division of the legion represents about 10% of all members of the 501st. That number has grown at an amazing rate and we are seeing more and more troopers joining our search for those "Dang Droids" every day. Plus, with the SWAT program being put into motion we have seen the accuracy of each build just explode with detail. Currently 31 members have achieved the SWAT badge of honor and many more are in the works. With every submission we see a new level of accuracy achieved. The days of just throwing some dirt on a TK and submitting are long gone. We really have shown the costume the way it was intended to be shown. Anyway, now that I have babbled on and on and made a million grammatical errors I want to say I really do have the best command staff and members a DL could ever ask for. You are all an amazing group of troopers and I thank you for making this place everything that it is. I am honored to serve beside you in this galactic adventure we have taken part of..... You all ROCK!!! Now Move Along my friends...... With Unquestioned Loyalty, Rick Bates TD-7141 "Dirtyboy" Detachment Leader - MEPD In this edition, we have a Captain from the Sandtrooper Corps who was detached to doubly-sunny Tatooine to look for the traitorous droids containing vital information of our supreme battlestation: the Death Star. Although the droids managed to get away with the help of a Jedi and some local Rebel scum the Captain did manage to establish a strong Imperial presence in Mos Eisley where scum and villainy must be kept on a tight rein. We've received news that the crime rate has drastically dropped since the Mos Eisley Police Department was established with several cantinas being shut down and illegal Sandcrawlers (along with its patrons) being decommissioned for good. Enter Anthony Forrest: the Captain responsible for the good work done on Mos Eisley. What was it like to manage the wretched hive? How's putting up with the weather like? How did the encounter with the legendary Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi (under guise of 'Ben' Kenobi) go? Was he really mind-tricked?? Read on to find out... IPM: Hi Anthony, we’re really pleased and thankful to have you here with us. To start off, when and how did you come to hear about Star Wars? Were your roles something you auditioned for or did the casting crew just selected a role you were suitable for? A: Hello Evan, glad to join you and the FISD 501st Legion for this interview. It really started, as I was already working as an actor in England at the time. I had been working on 'The Eagle Has Landed' which happened to be cast by the casting director Irene Lamb. It was through her introduction that I first met with George Lucas. I wouldn't say it was a standard audition process. At the first meeting George took the time to get to know me, we talked for awhile about my background and some of things I had been doing and projects I had worked on. Things got more serious later on as there were a number times I was called in to meet with him. I did do a cold reading from the script, and then awhile later my agent contacted me to let me know that Irene Lamb's office had been in contact and I was being offered the role of 'Fixer'. The 'Sandtrooper' role was something that George came up with while we were on location in Tunisia. He basically asked if I could do him a favor and play the Sandtrooper character, with Alex Guinness, as I would be dressed in costume and it wouldn't affect the 'Fixer' role. At the time I hadn't even seen the costume, I was looking at the script and reading 'Trooper'. I'd been pulled over a few times and brought home in the back a police patrol car as a teenager, so I just followed my instincts as an actor to call on personal experience. IPM: The space opera that is Star Wars was not the first of its kind but was still new and breaking through into the market. What were your thoughts and impressions on Star Wars back then? Did you think it would turn into a movie that would still be celebrated for years to come? A: That is what you might call the billion dollar question. For me at the time, I was an actor working on a really different kind of project, the script was great to read, full of description and interesting characters, also the underlying theme of 'The Force' was something that resonated with me. As a child and teenager I had been confronted a number of times with my own mortality and asked myself a lot of soul searching questions. As a movie, 'Star Wars' had all of the right elements that make a movie, book, record etc., have the potential to break through and capture its audience in the best possible way. It has that magic ingredient of being an original, able to deliver us to a place we have never been before, be technical executed to the highest we can achieve at the time and most importantly connect with us on a very human level. I think the fact that it is still celebrated today is a testament to the passion and commitment that went into making the film. IPM: You played the role of Fixer, friend of Luke Skywalker, and the that of a Sandtrooper Captain that took place in the desert planet of Tatooine (also known as Tunisia). While most of Star Wars was shot at the studios you actually got to travel with the cast and crew. Could you tell us more about your time there and what you did when you weren’t shooting? A: When I arrived in Tunisia, the first thing that went though my head was, 'Lawrence of Arabia'. I know it wasn't filmed there, but I'd never been to the Middle East. Also the fact that Alec Guinness had been in the movie. I like being on location, I feel it really adds to the creative process, gives an authenticity to the story. The sights, sounds and smells were new for me... fresh, interesting. When not shooting, I had a chance to visit a market, try a little desert horse back riding... not a great idea for insurance purposes and catch way too much sun, as I found out when I put the Sandtrooper costume on. IPM: Could you tell us about your character Fixer and the kind of dialog involved? A: Fixer as you probably know is one of Luke's friends, that happens to run Toshi Station. He's good with his hands, very capable at repairing things and runs the Station as a kind of cool hangout for other locals. Fixer, actually has a girlfriend 'Camie' probably one of the few girls within a hundred miles, so he's naturally a tad protective. He's a bit of a loner. He has his life set up pretty well, so what is going on with the Empire is not really that important to him as long as it's not in his back yard. He doesn't go looking for trouble but if it comes he'll deal with it in his own way. Fixer's dialog is fairly sparse so it doesn't really give a lot of insight to him, perhaps that's good in the way it isolates him from the others. IPM: And of the Sandtrooper Captain? A: I sometimes joke that the Sandtrooper Captain, really let Luke and Obi Wan get away as he didn't want to have to deal with the paper work. I like to call the Sandtroopers the true grit of the Empire, they are hardcore, on the ground guys dealing with the scum and villains of Tatooine. They've heard it all and seen it all before. Through all kinds of conditions and situations, they just keep going. The Jedi Mind Trick is that magic moment when that aspect of 'The Force' is first exposed to the audience and 'These aren't the droids we're looking for...' what can I say except... 'Move along...' IPM: Did it take long to shoot the “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for†scene? What was it like acting with Alec, Mark, Anthony and Kenny? A: From my perspective it seemed like a tight little scene to shoot and quite quick. I was lucky in that the setup was already established, lights, camera etc., when I arrived on set. Working with Alec, Mark, Anthony and Kenny was very smooth. Well Kenny was not really in the R2D2 unit prone on the back of the land-speeder. Mark and I had already met days before and spent some time together, and Alec was the master craftsman guiding us through the scene. When you get dropped in at the last moment into a situation to perform a scene like that, for me was like coming into pinch-hit at bat in a major baseball game (which I played a lot in my youth) I wanting to hit a home run, well at least get a base hit. You have to deliver, there's no going back with film... no mercy. IPM: You were made the honorary captain of the Britannia Patrol of the Mos Eisley Police Dept. When did they approach you and was it in the form of a surprise? A: I can't recollect the exact timing of when they approached me, I was in Birmingham at the MCM Comic Con event and at the evening diner get together. Yes it was a big surprise, and an honor. Britannia Patrol is a great group to be part of, always striving for costume accuracy and like the larger Mos Eisley Police Dept., leading the way in what is a complicated costume and prop configuration. MEPD rocks! IPM: RS Prop Masters initiated the Move Along Project with the goal to bring you back in armor for the first time in many years. How did you feel when you donned the armor? Did it bring back memories of the heat in Tunisia or the bite marks and scratches (of which we, as a Storm/Sandtrooper costuming group, can graciously empathize with)? Were you also reminded of the fun times you had with the cast outside shooting? A: I have to thank RS Propmasters for encouraging me to get back in armor, they are passionate about getting it right and do. It had been a long time since I was in armor, but when I did the memories flooded back... and the sweat. I have to say they did a great job on tailoring so the bite and scratches were a lot less than back in 1976. My hat goes off to all those who take on the challenge of Trooping in Stormtrooper or Sandtrooper costume. The hours of endurance, patience and dedication are truly impressive. And the great causes that they support Trooping for, are what makes 'Star Wars' a very special Universe to be part of. Yes, fun times, and I've had a lot fun times and laughs hanging out with 501st Members when I get invited to attend fan events and Comic Cons. IPM: You are taking part in the upcoming documentary Elstree 1976 which sheds light on the other actors that played many various roles. What do you make of it? Did you personally know the other casts prior to shooting Elstree 1976? A: I was approached by the Director Jon Spira and Producer Hank Starrs, they had made a great documentary 'Anyone Can Play Guitar' with members of Radiohead, Supergrass, etc., about the history of bands from Oxford. I think Elstree 1976 is going to be insightful and entertaining and a little raw on the emotions. I knew some of the other actors from meeting them at Comic Con events. I have known and been friends with Garrick Hagon for many years, having worked together on a number of film and television productions together. IPM: We all thought that Star Wars will always reside in 6 episodes and other books. With the announcement of a new trilogy are you excited for Star Wars VII? A: I have for quite awhile said that Episodes 7,8,9 would be made, it was a natural progression to complete the journey as the stories already existed in George Lucas' original vision. I'm more interested from a film making perspective, than excited to see Star Wars VII. As with so many film projects execution is everything. And we all know how many times Hollywood doesn't quite deliver the magic. Expectations are running high... let's hope there aren't too many chefs in the kitchen and it's not a film made by committee. Never underestimate your audience. There's an abundance of knowledgeable 'Star Wars' fans and general film fans out there... the Internet can look like the Death Star when it comes to word-of-mouth. IPM: Finally, is there anybody you’d like to give a shout out to and do you have any message for us? A: I'd like to give a shout out to George Lucas. George if Disney gets it all wrong... you can always buy the company back at really good price. I'd just like to say thank you to the FISD, MEPD-Britannia Garrison, UK Garrison and wider 501st Legion for keeping 'Star Wars' alive all these years, the generous work you do for the numerous charities you support and joy you bring to so many. Thanks Anthony once again for you time! With Unquestioned Loyalty, Evan Loh TK-24127 "evan_loh" Deputy Public Relations Officer Moving along.... MEPD Patrols The MEPD encourages its members to locate TD's local to them and to form/join official MEPD 'Patrols'. By doing so, this helps when it comes to needing advice with any armour mods or guidance, this also naturally forms friendships with other Sandtroopers - which means patrolling with real buddies! We currently have 22 Sandtrooper patrols up and running which stretch from Garrisons all over the world! One such Patrol is the UK Garrison's 'Britannia patrol' who are proud to have Anthony "move along" Forrest as an honorary member. Here is a brief history of how this Patrol was born (with thanks to member Joe Versku for the write up) With Unquestioned Loyalty, Brad TD-7141 "Smally" Command Staff MEPD This month the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: Expert Infantry Badge Award: "Vadier" TK-77077 Andrew "fuumantroop" TK-24218 Steve "starsaber25" TK-10466 Craig TK-31709 Centurion Award: "Vadier" TK-77077 Congratulations to the following troopers who were deployed on MEPD October 2014 SWAT status: Joey "Vecspeed12" TD-9512 Police officer status: Gary "Baron" TD-369 The FISD is always looking for new applicants for our Advanced Tactics program so please do not hesitate to apply if you meet the standards! Our Deployment Officer and armorers are here to help and guide you through to success! Feel like your armor is up to standards and worth of recognition? Apply for the Expert Infantry Badge Program now! Want to go the extra mile, raise the standards of Stormtrooper armor, and be the envy of your peers? Apply for the Centurion Program now! Note: Applicants need to be EIB approved before applying for Centurion. Don't Forget We're on Facebook and Twitter! Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor FISD and https://www.facebook.com/TheMEPD MEPD If you're on FB, stop by and say hi, ask questions, and share stories! Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st & https://twitter.com/mepdnet or @mepdnet follow FISD and MEPD on Twitter! Instagram: www.instagram.com/501stfisd With Unquestioned Loyalty, Evan Loh TK-24127 "evan_loh" Deputy Public Relations Officer On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff. End Transmission.

Nicely done on getting the ears to have minimal gap. You might want to trim the ears further (starting from the circular part at the top) as they're a lot thinner on the original stormtroopers. The helmet's right ear looks fine. It's just the left ear (left from the stormtroopers POV)

XOXO from the XO Tip of the Month TK Jack-o-lantern Stencils Advanced Tactics Award Winners The FX Helmet After many years of discussions, the 501st Legion will no longer allow the FX helmet to be acceptable for new TK costume applications. In accordance with standard policy, all existing TKs that own FX helmets are not impacted by this change to the Costume Reference Library (CRL) and may continue to wear their helmets without concern. To confirm, this policy affects all new approvals, including situations where a member is coming back on active status or has sold his costume to another member. This is an excellent milestone in having the Legion leadership agree with what the three detachments covering TK-based costumes have been advocating for many years. While this is a a solid step forward, the wording was not as explicit as the staff and membership of FISD and other detachments had hoped. While we do not agree with the language adopted, we remain pleased that progress was made in this effort. New wording in the helmet section of the FISD CRLs has been added to cover the FX helmet as follows: Note: The helmet is accurate in detail and proportion to official references. Many commercially available helmets or those considered disproportionate in size or shape are ineligible. We, the FISD staff, believe this wording to be vague and open to misinterpretation. Requirements by their definition should be verifiable. This new verbiage could be applied to any costume part in any CRL in the Legion. Accuracy and proportionality are a given for every costume. To alleviate any confusion the Legion Membership Officer (LMO) has agreed notify the Garrison Membership Liaisons (GML) directly regarding the change in the FX helmet’s status. I have asked that the eFX and MRCE helmets also be included under the new exclusionary wording due to their inaccuracies. Due to the low adoption in the Legion of these helmets the impact is minimal. The process to stop the FX from being approvable has been a long one. It started in March of 2010 when Paul Hoeffer (TK-8020 – Daetrin), the FISD founder, posted the question about grandfathering on our forum. In April of 2012 Dashrazor, the FISD Detachment Leader (DL) at the time, started a poll about it. In February of 2014 my last act as DL was to submit a letter to the LMO team asking that we stop approving the FX helmet. The letter was signed by 18 notable TKs and TDs, including former FISD and MEPD staff. My gratitude goes out to the LMO team, Mathias our current DL, and everyone else that has supported this initiative to raise the CRL bar for FISD. With Unquestioned Loyalty and Aloha, Eric Brager TK-9674 "Darth Aloha" Executive Officer A New Helmet HOWTO There was a time when putting together your own stormtrooper costume was somewhat of a dark art. The required knowledge was passed down verbally and to only those deemed worthy. Along came this website that opened the doors to a new transparent future of Troopers Helping Troopers. Even after FISD became popular there were certain skills that seemed out of reach, such as helmet assembly. Those mysteries were debunked with Pandtrooper's helmet HOWTO. To further help anyone with a helmet build Gazmosis (Steve Gaza TK-4034) has written a new, modern, and detailed guide to building helmets with his ATA Helmet Build procedure. If you have ever written anything on these forums at all you will know that it is a time consuming and often tedious task. I know that it took Steve more than a small amount of his personal time and energy writing the HOWTO, taking photos, uploading them, and adding the photos to the post. Please take the time to post a thank you to Steve in the thread. This space is obviously not designed to house the entire text of Gaz's HOWTO. If you have a passing interest in building a stormtrooper helmet, especially an ATA, you should peruse his posts. Even if you are the bucket master you will likely pick up a helpful tip or two. With Unquestioned Loyalty and Aloha, Eric Brager TK-9674 "Darth Aloha" Executive Officer HAPPY HALLOWEEN! It is that time of year again. No front porch or doorstep - or office party - would be complete without the TK-o-lantern. Download and use these templates for a unique pumpkin treat! TK pumpkin templates for download. Click here to download the PDFs. This month the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: (from the 1st of the month before and onwards) Expert Infantry Badge Award: Kyle "Stormy1992" Todd "Toddo" (7th EIB award!) Germain "The5thHorseman" Chance "2thin" Tim "Dark CMF" Andrew "Sly11" Joey "vecspeed12" (2nd EIB award!) Frederic "Stormtrooper77" Centurion Award: Jason "RainTrooper" First Cloud City Garrison Centurion Teet "Teet" Germain "The5thHorseman" Peter "Burn" Andrew "Sly11" Chance "2thin" Chris "PhoenixTrooper" The FISD is always looking for new applicants for our Advanced Tactics program so please do not hesitate to apply if you meet the standards! Our Deployment Officer and armorers are here to help and guide you through to success! Feel like your armor is up to standards and worth of recognition? Apply for the Expert Infantry Badge Program now! Want to go the extra mile, raise the standards of Stormtrooper armor, and be the envy of your peers? Apply for the Centurion Program now! Note: Applicants need to be EIB approved before applying for Centurion. Don't Forget We're on Facebook and Twitter! Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor If you're on FB, stop by and say hi, ask questions, and share stories! Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st follow FISD on Twitter! Instagram: www.instagram.com/501stfisd With Unquestioned Loyalty, Evan Loh TK-24127 "evan_loh" Deputy Public Relations Officer On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff. End Transmission.

wow! fantastic!

congrats

Looks like armour will fit you well Also it would help trimming the return edges of both the backplate and the chest plate. *Pictures from the original RS Suit*

Better late than not at all... XOXO from the XO Around the Detachment Alan Flyng Interview Troop of the Month Tip of the Month XOXO from the XO Aloha Troopers, The staff and I would like to apologize for the lateness of this newsletter. We typically like to have it out more toward the beginning of the month. It seems that the end of summer here in the northern hemisphere is a busy time for everyone. Troop Reports? As someone pointed out to me recently, and keeps pointing out, there seems to be a paucity of troop reports this summer. Web traffic to FISD is higher than ever. We are seeing a ton of great build threads popping up for every type of armor. It is trooping season troopers! I know you out there attending events. You should be sharing them for both those of us who are already approved (and enjoy seeing our forum buddies suited up) as the new TKs to get them stoked on trooping. Next month I intend to start tracking the number of troop reports with the hope that the numbers go up. Stuff I Dig As per my usual I use this space to highlight some of the things that pique my FISD interest. I have found the easiest way to figure that out is note which threads I'm subscribed to. Looking at my tapatalk notifications I see two that I am following. The first is starsaber25's, now TK-10466, MTK build thread. I started following Steve's thread because he is also from Strong Island NY and also I wanted to learn more about MTK's product. As time went on I realized I was staying up to date because he documented his build really well. I also enjoy seeing the rest of the detachment totally engaged in someone else's build. Please join me in peer pressuring Steve into going EIB. Then there is Toddo, Seattle's resident costume addict, and his Death Trooper.. Right now he holds 6 Expert Infantry awards for his Stunt, Hero, ESB, ROTJ, Incinerator, and Skytrooper TKs. As of the writing of this newsletter he has submitted his DeathTrooper EIB application. Now that he is approved that makes 7 EIBs. I assume without looking that he holds the record with the most EIB awards. However I did not start following him because of his EIB problems, but for the build itself. Is it possible that he will be an EIB with the most diverse armor seeing as he used parts from RT-MOD, FX, CAP, ATA, CAP-W, and TM/C? I do not mean to be all "FISD crush" on Todd, but the guy is a talented costumer. He put together and weathered his DT expertly and quickly. He makes it look easy. I am also following Shel'la Tracinya's (how the heck do you pronounce that, if at all?) DT build because not only is he doing a great job, he's in my Garrison. Attending a Big Con I wrote the Troop of the Month below highlighting the 20 TK (plus a handful of TDs) march through FanExpo in Toronto. This was my first major 501st event and the biggest con I have been to. I had a choice to go to FanExpo or Dragon Con this year. My initial goal was only to finally meet my former XO Ladyinwhite and troop with her somewhere fun. Then the Tantive IV Board Party fireteam started in with the peer pressure. Clamps and Pickles made a strong case for us to come up to Toronto and party with them. I admit to being American-centric and somewhat oblivious to the rest of the world. I had already purchased a flight and made arrangements by the time I decided to look at the FanExpo web site. Patrick Stewart? The poo? Elija Wood? Nathan Fillion? Stan Lee? I had no idea FanExpo attracted so many actual famous people. While I do not give a hoot about any of those people it dawned on me that I was going to a big con. There were an aspect of being at an out of town con with a huge 501st presence that I did not expect. Every con I have been to I knew every Legion member in attendance. Walking to and from the changing room or around Fan Expo I would wave to or salute other members as if I was just walking around the Death Star. I felt oddly immersed in a Star Wars world when every time I turned around I saw another character. Those of you who have trooped with me know it is difficult for me to stay "in character" but in my mind's eye I was transported to a different world with hoards of TKs on patrol . The sensation was only fostered by having an R2 unit or two roll by now and then. While the sets the Canadian Garrison built were perfectly professional I still knew I was in a con booth the whole time. It was not until I started roaming did I feel like I was patrolling planet Canadia in the Kanuk system for rebels. If you have the means to get to Toronto next year you should. The Canadian Garrison are amazing hosts with an active membership. They are ridiculously social and put on a well organized smooth running event. Every Garrison and Outpost has something to learn from the way they do business. The $14k they raised for Make a Wish speaks for itself. With Aloha and Unquestioned Loyalty, Eric Brager TK-9674 "Darth Aloha" Executive Officer Star Wars Helmets has recently reviewed the RS Prop Masters ESB Stormtrooper armour. RS Propmasters has been producing TK (both ANH and ESB) kits (and others) and assembled ones for a while now and is one of the FISD's vetted vendors. They have a Brian Muir edition for their amour authenticated by the sculptor and Vader and the Stormtrooper himself. Check out the Star Wars Helmets detailed review here. - 501st Honorary Member Brian Muir and a Stormtrooper Starwarshelmets.com is a great resource for both helmets and armours of Star Wars. They feature screen-used props and even review licensed kits and fan made ones. Star Wars Helmets is a must-go source for all TK fanatics out there and is a great base for both new and existing members to know and understand the history of TK armour. They don't only focus on the TK but give equal attention and detailed reviews to other characters like Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Tie Pilots, Scout, and much more. Want to know the differences between ANH, ESB, ESB Mk2, and ROTJ TKs? Want to know just how many Vader helmets were used the Original Trilogy? Go check out Starwarshelmets.com!! With Unquestioned Loyalty, Evan Loh TK-24127 "evan_loh" Deputy Public Relations Officer Alan Flyng Interview This September we have a veteran Stormtrooper with us for the Imperial Propaganda Machine Q&A. This trooper was part of Vader’s garrison stationed in Bespin and were put in charge of protecting the citizens of the mining gas colony and to apprehend the outlaws and smugglers known as Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, and two droids that our sandy brothers have failed to capture. We have reason to believe that he did very well in Cloud City (despite the Rebel scum getting away) and eventually got promoted to an Imperial Officer. Meet Alan Flyng. Much like us has donned the Stormtrooper armour and can sympathise with us on how much protection Imperial issued plastoid can provide. IPM: What kind of scenes did you do as a Stormtrooper? A: I was principally engaged in the Carbonite Chamber scenes and a few unscripted corridor shots which George came up with for second unit in between set-ups. Being quite heavily set, I was used to ‘bulk out’ shots. IPM: In the scene where Han Solo was frozen in carbonite, how difficult was it to manoeuvre around? We all have worn Stormtrooper helmets and wouldn’t find it hard to believe if you said that you could barely see a thing or move around without tripping. A: It is indeed no exaggeration to say that! The lenses of the helmets were polished off by a Wardrobe guy, trying to be helpful to the camera crew. The camera operator complained he could see reflections of himself and the crew in our lenses and so they were duly taken off set and returned opaque due to the use of metal polish! The set itself was on top of an 18 foot tall gantry built of scaffolding poles. With limited access to the set, we were obliged to often use an extension ladder to get up there and that when wearing armour. Also, needing to use our hands, it was buckets on for the climb too. Boy, that stuff caught and scarred us!!! To round off the indignities, the steam venting from the floor beneath our feet was real pressurised steam and we were cooking in the armour! Alan (on the right) dragging Han Solo into the carbon freezing chamber IPM: I can imagine that it could get quite difficult to move properly in the armour without slipping or falling. Were there many takes in the scenes you were in especially the Han Solo carbonite freezing scene? A: There were many set-ups due to the 360 degree nature of the set. So, for all the angles required, we were moved about to suit the camera, which is how one of us was edged a bit too far right and right off the gantry to the concrete floor below. Apart from his armour being shot to pieces on impact, he was generally unscathed and lived to shoot another day! There are quite a few mismatched shots, as we were all different sizes and reverses often found us in the wrong order, so to speak. But you have to be sharp-eyed to spot the mistakes! The days seemed very long in those outfits and I know Dave Prowse and Peter Mayhew suffered more than most! The stage doors were kept closed throughout to avoid the camera steaming up, as once it was up to the ambient high temperature, any cold air could seriously fog up the lenses and film cans! So, we had to like it or lump it, as we say in England! LOL Boba, Vader, and Alan! IPM: As of today we have plenty of Stormtrooper armour makers to cater for different sizes. As there was only one size back then did you find it difficult to put it on and take it off and to walk around, or did they make any modifications to your costume to fit you better? A: I had to fit the standard size or not work! I suffered cuts and pinches more than most and still bear some of the scars! They didn’t refer to me on Rebel Scum as ‘The Chunky One’ for nothing! But the stunt boys were just as big as me and we all learnt to live with it. As the armour constantly split and chipped, they used white camera tape to repair and hold it all together. It was only with the release of the HD editions that the public got to see in detail how botched the repairs truly were!!! IPM: During the Battle of Endor in Return of the Jedi where you said your line as an Imperial Officer what was filming on set like? Were there many takes or was it a quick scene to do? A: Before I stepped into the breach to do that line, there had been another actor trying to rattle it off staccato and failed! I was asked to fill in and when I was brought on set the atmosphere could be cut with a knife! It didn’t help that the other actor was ‘relaxing’ in his dressing room waiting for his costume to be pressed dry, as I was putting it on soaking wet! I got onto set - again in an outfit too small for my frame – and rattled it off in one take after having been marched all around the outside of the set screaming the line repeatedly to prove I would be able to do it!!! The previous incumbent of my uniform had wasted an entire shooting morning and not succeeded once in getting the line out cleanly - just making the uniform soaking wet with his sweat! Not the nicest thing to put on in those circumstances. Every seam was stretched to breaking point except the waistline, which was 6 inches too big! That’s why I never moved my arms – I didn’t dare, as I could hear the stitches popping!!! I was able to leave the studio by lunchtime with a healthy fat cheque in my hand. "Sir, we’ve lost our bridge deflector shields!" IPM: What other roles did you play in Star Wars besides the Stormtrooper and Officer? A: I ‘guested’, along with other Stormtroopers, relaxed from the Carbonite Chamber, in the ice tunnels as a Snowtrooper, Rebel Technician evacuating the base and also in the hangar set heaving a dirty great box full of rubbish along with Richard Bonehill from one side of the set to the other dressed as a rebel fighter. Q: While we make costumes as a hobby you made costumes for the film industry. Could you name a few of your favourite costumes you worked on? A: Sam Neill’s coronation robes and all of Robert Downey Jr’s costumes for ‘Restoration’. I, and the rest of the costume department on Zeffirelli’s ‘Hamlet’, made every one of the costumes that appear in the film as we went along! We were even making Glen Close’s last frock on the last day for the last shot! That was bliss for me! I have been incredibly lucky in my costume career with the films I have worked on - mostly costume dramas, though I did get an extraordinary call to re-tailor all of Billy Connolly’s costumes for Garfield The Movie through the night after he arrived in the UK to shoot the following day. With the help of one local seamstress from York, I remade every suit he wore (including stunt doubles), including all his morning suits and tweeds. The buyer, in LA, had bought a variety of sizes and sent the lot. Billy needed every item sent and that took an awful lot of work!!! That was tough going, but I never let it get me down. The cameras turned over on time the next day and I even had time to alter the leading actor’s suit too, which was two sizes too large. I hope they sacked that buyer!!! Alan fixing an SFX axe to the chest of Sir Christopher Lee on the first film he designed the costumes for: House Of The Long Shadows IPM: What kind of materials did you work most with for costume design. And have you worked with thermo plastics/vacuum formed plastics (like the Stormtrooper armour)? A: I love natural fibres and endeavour to use the right cloth for the right period, though I do take liberties with some man-made fibres when I need exceptional body or resistance to wet or break-down. I have worked with vac-formed armour on the dreaded ‘Covington Cross’ – an everyday tale of Bonanza in the 15th century for American TV. I also worked with some vac-forming when making for ‘Space Precinct’ and also ‘Space Vampires’. IPM: How did you get into guest appearances and signings? A: It came out of left field in 2009, when I was called out of the blue by someone who had noticed my picture on Wookieepedia, where I was called ‘The Unknown Imperial Officer’ on the Executor. He asked was it me and indeed it was! It all comes from that call! And, by the way, I am still the Unknown Imperial Officer, as I still have no character name or back story!!! Come on Disney – Fair Play!!!! *Q&A Ends* Thank you Alan for taking the time to answer our questions. We were glad to have a loyal subject of the Empire with us! For more detailed info on Alan and his experiences in Star Wars and the costuming industry visit his site: http://alanflyng.weebly.com/ With Unquestioned Loyalty, Evan Loh TK-24127 "evan_loh" Deputy Public Relations Officer Fan Expo Canada 10/28 - 10/31/14 This con is rumored to be the third largest in North America behind San Diego and Dragon Con. The folks in New York City may disagree about that factoid but there were at least 125,000 people in attendance. If you think your Garrison has a nice looking booth set up, you are wrong. The Canadian Garrison has shown us all how it is done. The Fan Expo organizers gave the 501st the very center of the con floor just as everyone walks in. As you came in the main entrance up the escalators and turned around, all you saw was the 501st. The booth was 20'x50' with a Death Star control room, a Tantive IV door for Blast-a-Trooper, a huge Tantive IV hallway, a Death Star hallway, and a professional photo booth for fans to buy an 8x10 with their favorite character. All of this was conceived by a committee lead by a project manager starting in May of 2014. They build the set in record time given the complexity. For those of us who struggle to get members to donate for such things, please note that the project was funded internally with donations from the membership. To see photos of the booth please refer to Clamps' troop report. Can you spot your 6'5" XO? Their set is not what makes this event the Troop of the Month. It was the abundance of TK action including a march of 20 shiny whites and a handful of dirty troopers. The word "march" is a bit of a misnomer because we stood on at least a dozen escalators going from one convention hall to the other. I vote to rename this con to Fan Escalator. We lined up at the booth in one direction, then the other, and marched down to the ground floor. From there we walked outside all the way around the convention center to the south building where we got into an elevator a few at a time. They packed me in with the sandies. It was gross. I think I got some dirt on me. Then we took the long journey to the other building where we posed in front of the Lucasfilm booth (which btw was not in the main building where the 501st was). The march continued up and down more endless escalators back to the booth. Some went back and de-kitted while some marched across the street to the restaurant where the 501st dinner was to be held. The owners let us run around for a few minutes harassing patrons. Here is a pro trooping tip: people get really mad when you walk away with their beer, even if you are a plastic spaceman. My thanks go out to the wranglers for this march. If you watch the video below you can see that there were a ton of non TK members there to ensure we go where we needed to go safely. I want to apologize to the one wrangler who I only slightly punched in the face when I jumped out of my row to photobomb someone. She was much shorter than I was and much closer than I expected. The con's security was notified before the march and they were very kind to stop traffic for us where needed. Lining up Ladyinwhite, a Clamplet, Pickles, Clamps, and Darth Aloha Besides me and Ingrid there were a few other famous folks hanging around. Albin Johnson was there for the weekend wrangling for us at times and generally being his gregarious self. Mary Franklin came to the big 501st dinner and hung out with us all night. Garrick Hagon, the actor who played Biggs Darklighter, was signing autographs in the 501st booth as well. Albin and Mary at the 501st dinner Pickles, Ladyinwhite, and Darth Aloha To reiterate, if you can get to Toronto for this even you will not be sorry. With Aloha and Unquestioned Loyalty, Eric Brager TK-9674 "Darth Aloha" Executive Officer Painting Boots White by Stormy1992 This may not the first time we mention painting chelsea boots white but a member recently came up with might be an excellent alternative to making dark leather shiny white. It seems worth mentioning given the lack of off the shelf white boots. Stormy1992 sprayed his boots white rather than brushing on leather dye. Here is a summary of the progression. Check Stormy1992's thread for details: Those boots look great. I look forward to hearing how well they hold up over time. If you want to use a more proven method of making your boots white you may use leather dye as described in these threads listed by author:Palpatine1977 Logon SorenM (my favorite) Good luck with your boots! With Aloha and Unquestioned Loyalty, Eric Brager TK-9674 "Darth Aloha" Executive Officer Don't Forget We're on Facebook and Twitter! Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor If you're on FB, stop by and say hi, ask questions, and share stories! Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st follow FISD on Twitter! Instagram: www.instagram.com/501stfisd With Unquestioned Loyalty, Evan Loh TK-24127 "evan_loh" Deputy Public Relations Officer On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff. End Transmission.

I went for the PVC too. Loads of folks I know have ABS amour and they withstand trooping as well so I wouldn't say PVC is just for trooping. However, if you choose to order a kit and assemble armour yourself and it is your first time, I suggest going for PVC as it is a lot mroe newbie friendly and forgiving to mistakes. It's also softter and mroe flexible.

Would love to see details so I can build one myself in the future too!

As posted by Locitus is a previous thread, "The word I got from RS is 22x24 mm on the right, and 22x22 mm on the left."

This looks so baaadd. As in a good kind of bad. I'm loving every post of this. This is turning out a lot more interesting than the Magma. As much as I'll miss the magma I'm glad you decided on DT

Welcome Shelley. Excited to see this done

I agree. Don't heat bend the shoulder bridges. Just get the elastics to hold them down. And buddy, your armour is droolworthy All the best in your application.