Daetrin

Adrian - I think you're missing the point of what the Elite standards are all about. Perhaps Carlos is right and we should just call it "deployed'. Yes, we should. That's what costuming in the 501st is all about. We pick from the films what we think the standard for a costume should be. Did all sandtroopers have a pack? No, but it's a 501st requirement. Did all stormtroopers have tube stripes or a thermal detonator? No, but they're also 501st requirements. We as a 501st Detachment can only build on top of the 501st standard - we cannot detract from it. If you have a strong opinion it's certainly possible to call for a vote to change the standard. But we also need to ensure that the standards don't blow in the wind either, else they lose their credibility, and more importantly no longer achieve what they're about. Deployment standards - Elite, Lancer, ME Police Officer - all are there to help raise the bar for 501st Legion costuming quality. They are not about trying to recreate exactly every nuance of what was seen on film. Actually I think we should adopt as part of our charter that standards only go up for review once a year. Geez guys - MEPD still allowed lines in traps/tears and drop boxes until just last year. Let's not get carried away and take a program that was meant for one thing become something else entirely, and thus lose the value of what it was meant to achieve. EDIT: Just so it's out there Adrian - I'm not trying to say "no" to your idea. "Doing the math" as we used to say though by looking through the film and gathering evidence as you're doing is an excellent first step though in moving the process forward. Let's stay on track and focus on the requirement. Perhaps instead to say that it's optional might make it less controversial? Also...if there is a discussion to be had about what "deployed" standards are supposed to represent & be about, I think that's a topic for a whole other thread.

Doh! I thought they'd be the same. I'll be off in the corner eating my foot now, thanks...

For AP & TE2, the buttons are part of the ab plate mold, so if you wanted to replace them you'd have to cut plastic.

Alas my gloves were sold to SuperTrooper. If you search Ebay for "black nomex flight gloves" you can find them on the cheap, but I'm not sure of the durability. Per request, I'm adding the below from a PM I sent an individual: I think the cheaper ones should be fine for trooping. I mean, it's not like we're doing MOUT practice like some of the customers are.

Yeah! Scott's not busy enough - let's see more applicants!!! We're at 10 Elite - we should be able to double that by the end of the year

That's a great question for the AP/TE thread (http://whitearmor.net/forum/index.php?showforum=36). The TE2 doesn't have this issue with the front/back - I'm surprised to hear this is the case for AP.

Excellent summation Scott

All set Chris

Large.

I tried the "accurate" rubber glove route once and ditched them immediately. I've been sticking with the nomex flight gloves ever since, and they're easily found for under $20. Actually, I have an extra pair I need to sell (shameless plug).

I don't think they were left out on purpose. Else it would be more than one trooper like this. Perhaps though, it could be just an "easter egg".

Super

Way to go Aaron! I think getting the frown right is a real PITA and the most distressing to rework. Would be interested to hear how you re-did it.

Access granted Alain! Welcome to the 501st - lots of new areas of this board to check out.

I prefer having everything self-contained in the helmet, but others prefer to have more room for ventilation. There is no one best answer. Though IMHO the effect is better when they come from the helmet than in the chest or a hip-mounted box.

Or, does anyone have an ESB hyperfirm they're looking to part with?

Sweet! Great work Aaron

'Cause in "real life" TK & TD are one and the same. Also, now you're talking EU. All bets are off...

I think that's the most plausible explanation I've heard yet. But as not every sandtrooper had a pauldron, I'd think it would have worked out: Orange = commissioned officer Black|White = senior non-commissioned officer (e.g. E6 or E7 +) (I'm guessing black) Black|White = junior non-commissioned officer (e.g. corporal, sergeant, maybe staff sgt) (I'm guessing white) no pauldron = enlisted (non NCO) I figure black is the senior to white simply as it makes the most sense in terms of color progression.

I just was reviewing someone today in my capacity as a GML with an FX that looked size-appropriate, so I think there is certainly a market for something FX sized but with ANH accuracy. That said I suspect the market will be comparatively small (10% based on my empirical observation) as most people look correct with a ANH sized bucket. FX has been asked by several folks to refactor his helmet to bring it more inline with today's accuracy expectations, but whether or not he's working on a v.Next - I'm not aware. In the past I'd say I prefer vac-formed, but after seeing your helmets first hand I have no bias against a 1 piece.

FWIW, ARCs use a different pattern than sandy's, so they are not interchangeable.

I think most garrisons operate under the premise of using common sense. If you're at a con, you can do whatever you want and even have a cow-hide pauldron. If you're at an event where it's a little more formal, sticking to standard colors is a safe bet, though you can still probably get away with wearing one with your TK. At a canon event however, well you have to be canon , so no pauldrons, etc.

Only three colors show up in ANH: black, white, and orange. The "grey" is actually a mistake by a toy company and is really very dirty white, and as such is not considered canon. There is also the option of "no pauldron" conveying rank, as several sandtroopers were pauldron-less. They are supposed to denote rank, but which is which was never determined at the time of filming. It's presumed that orange is an officer of some kind due to the "look sir, droids" line, and the fact that an orange is leading the groups in most scenes. At least two systems were created that you can find online, and you are free to follow one of them invent your own. The typically guidance is to pick the one that looks aesthetically pleasing to you.

Actually I missed it too in my excitement. Credit Mike H. for catching it

Yup. But the ones in the bucket in the photos look like the ones that come with an AP kit. Ask me how I know ;-)