Sly11

Welcome Mark and glad to hear you have begun your journey to becoming a Stormtrooper.

On behalf of the staff of FISD, I would like to wish you all a happy holiday season. What ever you may or may not celebrate this time of year, please be safe, have fun, and if you can spend some time with the ones closest to you. For many, times have been tough in 2023 so we hope 2024 is kinder to everyone, specially those who need it most. Love and happiness to all First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment staff

Hi William and welcome to our detachment. Armour can vary a little based on how it is trimmed, but these look ok. Shins aren't necessarily long on many kits, but if you want kit to do side by side comparisons with, have a look at some of the RS Prop build threads. Most of the parts are cast off an original suit they own. If you are a stitch counter and fussy with the finer details, then they are a good starting point. Generally, the chest piece also isn't as big as you may think. Some kits were cast off the inside of the parts, other cast from the outside, so in that case may be slightly larger unless a maker does oversized parts for a larger trooper. The actors in ANH were in general slim build and between 5'9"–6' tall. Armour can be modified to fit larger builds, but does come to a point where longer limb parts may be required to fit a taller trooper. Research research research is the key from here on out. Next is the colour of the ABS in your helmet vs buying a kit from a different maker. Sometimes they can be very different and in turn too noticeable. ABS colour can also change between batches, so it is easier to buy a set along with the helmet, so there isn't a discernible difference. There really isn't such a thing as the ideal set of armour, but more to the point there is an ideal set for an individual based on budget, country of origin, size and how much lineage you want your kit to have back to an original screen used suit. We can direct to towards makers based on a few pieces of information. Your height and build are always the best starting points to get feedback from those of similar stature. Most importantly, you will have heaps of fun on your new journey of discovery, and we are here to help along the way.

Congratulations Matt, welcome to EI rank!

I am waiting on confirmation, and you could be well right. Hope to have more info soon, but with the holiday period, it may be a while.

All done.

Agree with your observations on grime and gold in the cracks. I think that will indeed boil down to weathering and adding the grime. It would be best or even easier to add the gold leaf first, then the grime over the top. Seems to be quite a few combos of 2 grey parts as thighs, bells helmet sections Bicep etc. due to the number of combos and for the sake of flexibility and or difference, it would be easier to have a series of images in the reference library separating all the different images of TK's and their combos. If we go that route, knowing there were 17-20 full TK's modified for the screen, will that make it easier or more complex. Definitely need more discussion on the best way forward with that, and am interested to hear more opinions and ideas. We haven't had a costume with this level of complexity, and so many seen on screen, having clear differences. 20 possibilities feels like a lot to build into a CRL, and if it were a full army, would there be more combinations? Builder's discretion and a list of seen on-screen grey parts is also different from what we have done before, but could look like an easy option. These troopers are definitely about a builders' creativity on multiple levels for finish.

I can remove any attachments you require to give you back that space for something you might have in the future you deem more important. Just let me know and happy to assist.

Suggestions for the additional finishes of the Night trooper. First draft only, this is open to more in depth descriptions, adjustments, and language refinement. Basic Lvl Light to medium weathering as per reference. Cracks may be painted on the surface of the armour with metallic gold paint. EI lvl Light to medium weathering as per reference. Cracks must be Dremelled / engraved into armour Cracks may be painted in metallic gold paint. Centurion lvl Light to medium weathering as per reference. Cracks must be Dremelled / engraved into armour Cracks must be filled in gold leaf, gold metallic paint is not permissible. Wraps Basic Red wraps/bandages may be of a similar look to references EI lvl2 Red wraps/bandages must be Chiffon material, wrapped in layers and distressed with fraying edges as per references????? Centurion N/A Grey painted components. We need to decide on a close shade of grey, and defer to references on what parts can be painted, how many is too many grey painted parts on a single costume etc.

You've got to admire their workmanship.

Hi Dan, I can remove those for you. Do you want them all gone, or only certain attachments?

Hi Matt, It depends on what fashion you wish to assist with the CRL. The build, really depends on the member/s building. The descriptions we have a section dedicated to this character, it is an open forum for members to participate in working with us on any/all CRL's. Descriptive text on the various costume parts follows a basic pattern, which makes sense if you read through our CRL's. We try to make the type of language similar where possible. This costume is quite detailed, so the explanation in each part needs to be both that and as easy to follow as possible. The photography for all the pieces for the CRL, again depends on the member/s making again. Ultimately, we hope if the person building the costume sees your post here, they would reach out to you if they were interested in assistance.

UPDATE on rubber gasket availability. Thorsson & Associates will have FOTK rubber gaskets available again in 3 weeks from today. Shawn is in the process of finishing a new set of molds and will be back into production. This is great news for those chasing rubber gaskets for a more screen accurate look.

Sorry to hear, Michael. Look after yourself sir.

Welcome back Gari!

Hi Skylar, Check the link above it is our vendors list, you may find what you need there. Also go check out Trooperbay, they have a good range of products and might have some First Order gear as well.

This is where it starts to get exciting! Good luck with your build

Welcome to FISD Kira!

Congratulations trooper

I'm with Glen on this, now doing several crack repairs, the ABS backing and CA glue has been the most successful for me. I have also used the T-shirt material and CA glue, but the ABS piece leaves a nice clean look in comparison.

Wow, that looks awesome translucent, stick it on one of those light bases and bam instant hologram Star Wars style. Nice work Nairy.

We did look into it, but worldwide shipping costs and breakages placed it firmly out of question to do them as a merch item run, unfortunately.

Check in with your GML as they can see your affiliation with the detachment. If you are not checking into the forums at least once every census year, your status can be disconnected (affiliation lost) this is part of remaining a member of all detachments. We are also on the Legion web platform, so you need to make sure you are checking in. i suggest you may have lost your affiliation due to this reason.

I always have trouble finding someone with a coffee mug big enough for me to get some artwork printed on. That doesn't seem to be an issue in the States, as I have seen some tankard sized coffee mugs with on demand print service.