Dark CMF

Eh... Steve's alright. Not at all surprised by this. You're an awesome addition to the Legion, and you're going to do awesome and amazing things. I'm honored to be a fellow member of NTX Squad, and be able to share those awesome things with you. Thank you for your service as a Handler thus far. Now the real fun begins!! Congratulations!!!

Thank you for the suggestion Joe. I can assure you that we'll look into this idea when we start talking forum layout among the Staff.

Thank you Steve!!! That sounds like an awesome idea!

Free shipping!!!!!! Where's my PayPal login info???

Please keep in mind that I never once mentioned RS in my statement. Anywhere. On the contrary, I said that ANOVOS and NE - in my opinion - share the same lineage. How is that possible? Well, "In creating this new costume, ANOVOS used references from both private collectors and the Lucasfilm Archives, developing unique sculpts for each piece of armor." Nowhere have I been able to find any statement (and I doubt anyone else will either) as to how those references were used, whether that means looking at the movie stills (Lucasfilm Archives) or scanning armor pieces for clean up prior to 3D printing a "new sculpt." Also "private collectors," implies some really awesome access, but to me, is potentially fancy lingo for "501st Legion member" who would very likely have access to many different armors and parts of them. As for this... I fully understand the classic application of the term "recasting" but I don't know that it applies in the same vein that it used to. It is a different world now. For instance, I'm (at best) a novice when it comes to dealing with 3D file manipulation, but I'm far more likely to be successful at manipulating a scanned 3D file than I am at physically recasting a piece of armor that someone else has already made. Even if I understand the processes involved in recasting armor, there are more variables and fine skills and techniques at play - which I'm sure you know better than most - than simply altering a 3D file and turning that over to a machinist.

Jason, The bad-mouthing stems primarily from behind-the-scene politics that happened a few years ago, and the origin of ANOVOS (the company) itself. I won't delve any deeper into it than that here, but rest assured that when you complete your build/submission/approval, you will have access to the Legion forums and will be able to see plenty of the questions/concerns that are generally the cause for it. As for the two armors, I haven't held both of them in my hands, but I did have an (untrimmed) NE kit, and an (untrimmed) ANOVOS kit in my hands, and did take actual side-by-side photos of the parts, and I certainly hold the opinion that they share some lineage. Is it recast? I certainly don't believe it is. Is it a substantially sanitized/sharpened version of that shared lineage - I'd say yes. How does that happen? My opinion - and it is pure conjecture - is that it was a 3D scan and that file was then digitally sharpened or enhanced to facilitate the machined aluminum molds being made cleanly. Having said all that, no new cadet/recruit/prospect should have any real fear or concerns in looking at ANOVOS kits. I'm of the opinion that ANOVOS is simply another vendor of armor at this point in time, and their kits should be weighed against the others which are available using the same criteria: Accuracy/approvability (They can be approved at Centurion level); Availability (Their availability is still a question based on their business model and propensity to do things in runs); Timeliness (using their pre-order runs, there is typically a long wait for the kits); Customer Service (Also still up in the air as even though they answer many concerns quickly, just as many of them linger for some time before being addressed); Value... This is a personal decision that is made based on the other criteria. If you can grab another vendor's kit for a comparable price in three weeks, and it will fit you with little additional work, then grab that one. It goes the same way for any other armor vendor. They all basically offer you the same product. It is going to come down to a matter of which one speaks to you for whatever reason, as a potential customer.

Brad, Did you sign up to be notified when it came back in stock? If memory serves me correctly (and it has been awhile since I've ordered from/dealt with them) the email for the notification was a blank, system generated one. As others have mentioned, they're a little notorious for a lack of communication. They are however, just as historically reliable for delivering good quality products. My advice where they are concerned is to consistently check their website (every second or third day) to see if the item you want is in stock, as they will go in and out of stock quickly, and in many cases they will do so by the time that you receive/read their notification email about being back in stock.

It isn't a stupid question by any means. Especially given that you've got access to the things required to make your own. Those things are more likely to get lost in many cases, than most armor parts, and who knows what other crazy projects people here come up with from time to time. There may be another reason you need one. Good to see that you found your answer though.

Looking good! Troopers Helping Troopers! - TK-51878

Not sure what's different, but I have the straps between my biceps and forearms, and I can completely dress in my armor, by myself in less than fifteen minutes, including the belt, TD, bucket, etc. I may occasionally ask for a bit of assistance in ensuring that my left shoulder bridge is in the white elastic loop, but outside of that... No issues at all. If you'd like to figure out how to improve some things, I'd be happy to look at some pictures and offer some advice - as a lot of folks here would also be willing to do, of course.

Heh... I was literally just discussing the global phenomenon of expanding waistlines that has hit since September.

Like Tony, I do truly appreciate the beauty and nostalgia of the screen-used armor. I appreciate the sanitized modern kits in a different way and even more as a result of the fact that I get to wear one of those. I also believe in the simple truth behind the idea that if TKs were real, their armor likely would have been smoothly finished and sanitized a bit, relative to the original screen armors.

I'll second the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Works really well.

Brian, no change to the design at this time.

Should be good to go now, Topher. Well, in February.

Thanks, Paul (Daetrin)! Totally excited about this... We're going to have a new Star Wars movie every year for the foreseeable future. What could be better than that? I know that for awhile I was sad that Star Wars was over, then Disney bought LFL. Suddenly a little more Star Wars seemed likely again during my lifetime. Let's face it, if you saw the original one in the theater, you're very likely in/past mid-life. Now, we'll have new stories to see and new characters to learn about, and most awesomely, to share with our children. Speaking of children, well... Paul already covered it. Lets agree to disagree, people. Surprise, a group of people hate it. We probably all could have predicted that the moment we watched it the second time. If you can't stand it, and can't discuss it in a civilized manner, then as I said in my last newsletter rant, let it go. Just avoid the conversations, put your head in the sand, and pretend it is 1977. There are plenty of OT based threads to take part in. I love Stormtroopers, but we wouldn't have them without Star Wars, and we've got plenty of that to enjoy in the upcoming years. If you're able to rationally discuss the differences/changes without arguing over "better," "best," "worse" etc, then thank you, and let's keep having fun.

Since you asked last night, I was right. Tomorrow (today).

Aside from that, the changes that Terry listed are pretty much exactly what I saw. There just isn't a way that an older kit will be easily modified for this, given the nature of a lot of the changes. Not saying it cannot happen, but personally I wouldn't want to adapt one. LoL

Tony doesn't write CRLs. The community will essentially write it in the same fashion that the Legacy TK, FOTK, and Phasma were written. The standards will basically (in all likelihood at least) be developed by the FISD, and blessed off on by the DL before being posted and green-lit by the LMO.

I'd follow Terry's advice above, except that I'd personally start with trimming the tops of the thighs for a better fit, and look at the half moon cuts in the back afterwards, should you still need just a little bit more room for mobility.<br><br> There are multiple ways to gain mobility, ultimately it will come down to fit when wearing the armor, and personal preference.

I am indeed humbled, and honored to be included in your list, Aaron. As you said - and I couldn't have said it better myself - paying it forward is the lifeblood of Troopers Helping Troopers. Thank you for posting your piece here, and for becoming the community member that you are today. Keep on leading the way, Stormtrooper!

NICE!!!

Good share, Mark. Hopefully you folks there will not have to deal with any adverse effects or fallout.

Finn only has one pair of boots. This has been known since we discovered he was FN-2187 and the rifle was an F-11D in the TFA Visual Dictionary.

Not yet that I'm aware of. When it does hit the books, it will be over at the Jolly Roger Squadron.