cm325i

Our 501st and Rebel groups work closely together as we have many dual members. All events are posted to each other's forum. We don't have much of a Mando presence here...

Unfortunately I can't make it to Daniel's troop this weekend. Can you put a shoutout on FB for any troopers attending to get pics and a write up Tim?

I personally started with the thigh and shin fronts (only the front, not the back yet). I knew what the front cover strip width was and how much to trim for it. That way I could get experience cutting and gluing without worrying about messing up on the size. although, as I'm typing this... I actually started with the helmet.

Star Garrison member Zac Sotman (TD 6753) passed away Thursday night (10-29-15). Some of you may remember him when he trooped in Austin, TX at Panera Bread where he managed the store, or from other troops in the area. Some may remember him from when he lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and trooped since at least 2006. Remember when you troop with the 501st, you never march alone. RIP brother. (photo by James Dollins) *feel free to add or edit this as necessary.

Just something to keep in mind on AM helmets... The dimples marking the bolt drill spots will give you a very low brow.

I dig that t-shirt dude!

"So are you ACTUALLY a Star Wars fan?" ummm..... yes

I ordered AM 2.0 because of the wait time and cost. I like that it's pretty substantial in thickness and I've only gotten a small crack in an obscure spot that isn't noticeable at all. I did however use MTK for the helmet instead of the AM helmet. I also have a chest, back and shoulder bridges from another maker and to me they seem more fragile with less give than AM. It was easy (for me) to build but I didn't get the newest chest and back with my kit therefore won't be able to apply for Centurion status. If I had more money and patience, I probably would have ordered something else, but I am happy with my AM kit.

Had such a good time w this crew yesterday at University Hospital! We trooped the "mended little hearts" Halloween party. It's for the young cardiac patients and their families. Can't believe I missed that basket shot, but we did find Waldo!! Most kids were in good spirits, but a few were pretty terrified of us. I passed out my trading cards, one little boy was fascinated w the TK and stayed pretty close to me the entire time, and of course... the Imperial Gunner was called Darth Vader as usual!

This will be my first Halloween w a TK. I plan to bring it to work the Friday before to wear it around the office that afternoon and also hand out candy Halloween night with it.

I'll start brainstorming a special header for this Sith-FISD issue

Most of us use E6000. If you're like me, it's just stinky glue and you go about your build. I had no idea it was this toxic. Build safe and protect your health! From Facebook... "IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE SHARE WITH ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO USES E6000 GLUE. Ok let's talk about E6000 glue. Burlesque crew and fellow costumers, I'm looking at you! First off, this stuff is awesome for attaching rhinestones. I have yet to find it's equal. However, IT IS INCREDIBLY TOXIC!! Those warning labels on the packaging aren't even remotely kidding. And if you're anything like me, you probably didn't bother to read them or take them too seriously. And instead spend hours hunched over it inhaling it while you work because "the smell isn't that bad so it's fine". Don't be like me. This was incredibly silly. I CAN NOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW BAD THIS VAPOUR IS FOR YOU! PLEASE GET A VAPOUR RESPIRATOR TO PROTECT YOURSELF! I wasn't sure whether to post this as it's a bit personal, which is why it's taken me so long to mention something. But I now think awareness is more important than my privacy, so here goes. As some of you may know, I was incredibly sick not long after moving to Melbourne at the start of this year. And as it turns out, it was courtesy of E6000 poisoning. Before moving I spent the better part of 6 months consistently rhinestoning with E6000. I would occasionally notice the odd headache or dizzy spell but put it down to other things (mild dehydration, lack of sleep, etc). When I moved, my work gear was on a boat for 6 weeks so I spent my time eating well and exercising and such, which lead to a bit of weight loss. Because I was burning fat, the E6000 that had built up in my fat cells over the previous months was released and I was bed-ridden for the better part of 6 weeks with chronic toxic poisoning. My symptoms ranged from constant headaches, blurred vision, dizziness (falling over every time I stood up), confusion and inability to make decisions, breathing issues, chest pain, stabbing pain in my legs and arms, constant exhaustion, constant thirst/dehydration, menstrual cycle change, irritability, tingling/numbness in my extremities and chronic depression. I was at the doctors every few days. I was rushed to hospital twice with breathing issues/chest pain where I was chucked on morphine and suspected of having lung cancer/clots. I was eventually referred to an incredibly expensive specialist because no one could figure out what was going on. I was suspected of having (and tested for) diabetes, thyroid tumours, pituitary gland tumours, adrenal gland tumours, Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, lung cancer/clots and a host of auto-immune diseases that are incredibly hard to determine or test for. Of course, none of these came back with positive results and I continued to have absolutely no idea what was going on until I slowly got better. It wasn't until months later that I made the connection to E6000 exposure - simply because at the time I fell sick, I wasn't using it (but I was burning fat that was storing it). PLEASE NOTE: This glue predominantly contains Tetrachloroethylene which is absorbed easily via vapour (and skin) exposure into your brain, liver, kidney, lung and fat tissues where it then redistributes itself throughout your body. It is fat-soluble so hangs out predominantly in your fat cells which store it for a long time - regular exposure has a build-up effect. It also interrupts the Tuberoinfundibular pathway causing dopamine issues, menstrual cycle changes, visual problems, headaches and can lead to infertility or miscarriage if pregnant. It is a known cancer agent. I can not possibly stress enough to anyone who uses E6000 glue that you buy even a basic vapour respirator (Bunnings $35) and only use this glue in a well ventilated area. I have been using one ever since and it works a treat - no reoccurring symptoms for over 6 months now! smile emoticon You can read more about Tetrachloroethylene here: http://www.inchem.org/documents/ukpids/ukpids/ukpid28.htm" Linked here... http://www.inchem.org/documents/ukpids/ukpids/ukpid28.htm

ESB holster goes on the right -------------

Tim's article in this newsletter... http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/32329-july-2015-newsletter-brian-muir-edition/

http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/80-anh-build-threads/ Lots of AM build threads here....

Great photos! Man, that Chewie is legit! I want one!

I believe those are custom made for Disney. The "cast members" have to wear them longer than we do and dance around for shows. I could be wrong tho.

I think you're good. Just need to wait for them to activate you.

Building helmets takes practice and so much patience. I think I put together , took apart, adjusted, tinkered, and cursed at my MTK about 20 times before I was really happy with it. Can't wait to see the pics!

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I put a small bit of foam padding right under the inside neckline to push it forward. About 2" x 2" by 6" wide. That's seemed to help mine. It did the same thing and was practically choking me by the end of a troop.

We have a troop for a company's private (non-promotional) event coming up. It's a casual troop and a couple of TKs (including myself) have purchased orange pauldrons for it as the company's colors are orange and white. I was planning to sell it after, but may keep it if they have us back next year.

I think it would be cool to meet up and hang out w fellow troopers from other areas.