wingnut65

I've always liked airplanes. My dad brought home a Piper Tri-Pacer to rebuild in our garage when I was 4. Since then, I've been hanging around airports. Got my private pilot license after college, but haven't flown in too many years. . For some people, having boats and hanging at the marina is a norm. For me, it is airplanes. So, I've always used 'wingnut' in some form. Kinda a like plane-crazy. It fits me! The 65 is for my family's 1965 VW Bus (11-window Kombi) that I am restoring in my garage. OK, its really on the back burner until I can get a couple costumes completed! BTW, Thank's, Snaps for starting this. There are so many time's I've wondered about some of these names.

Thanks for the heads-up, Gaz! One thought on your new armor mods, it is a great start for a Death Trooper!

Gongrats on the start, Joseph!!!! For the glue, I've had good success removing unwanted glue off my DZ mask project. Try putting some on scrap plastic or inside area and let it dry a couple days to see how well it comes off for you. Have fun on your build!

Welcome to the neighborhood, Aleksi! As you put together your overall budget, be sure to set aside some for the extras that help make trooping enjoyable. Like, fans and voice amps for in the mask, and every Stormtrooper needs an E-11 Blaster! Good luck and have fun on this adventure!

Good point on the Easy Off, Kelly! As a plastic model builder, Easy Off is our go-to for getting paint off old styrene model bodies. Spray it on, let it soak and use a toothbrush to rube it off. Repeat as needed until it all comes off.

And Q-Tips!

I have a white car and have seen how subtle, but cool, the tube stripe stickers look on a white car.

You don't want to know what's in the crate!

This is the thread I have bookmarked for paint colors: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/8117-helmet-ab-paint-detail-reference-guide I believe the Testor's 1147 is the 1/4 oz. bottle and the 1747 is the 1/2 oz. bottle

And I'd assume the penguin on top is optional?? BTW, this side by side brings up a good question... What color should the Hovi Mic tips be? The CRL only calls for "Correct 'Hovi mic' aerator tips" under the Expert Infantry approval.

Amazing build, Bennett! C3PO is one of the coolest costumes ever and it is awesome to see your build come together. BTW, gazmosis, 3PO and R2 were actually in the custody of the Jawas when Luke bought them. Doesn't that count towards 501st??

Looks like it was a lot of fun! I just saw this video highlight posted on FB. 2015 Star Wars Half Marathon Great showing, Trooper!

I agree with you on the TIE. That's on my Bucket List. (pun intended) You're getting good advice here. Buying separately is an option, but will cost a little more in the long run. In an effort to keep the expenses lower and keep peace in my family, I'm on the ATA wait list and will get the complete kit at one time. This will allow me to start on the shins and other pieces, before tackling the helmet. But, until my kit arrives, I'm collecting the rest of the TK puzzle pieces as well as working on a DZ to get my number, Good luck, ohmoggi! And Welcome to FISD!

Congrats, Brian. Just in time for the Christmas Trooping! Let the Festivities Begin!

This fits! Buy it here, only $80

Check in the nail care aisle at the grocery store or Wal-Mart for a Nail Buffer Stick. It comes with at least three different very fine grits of sand paper that they make for polishing finger nails. I've been using them for years polishing out glue marks on model cars and scratches in their windshields. It does exactly what the others are saying, sanding down with ever finer grit with the last being a polishing pad. Most look like this, but I have one that is square and has 7 different polishing grits. -----------

Looks Awesome, Scott. Great work! For the rubbing of pieces, on one troop where I was handling, a trooper had felt on the back side of the thermal detonator clips to prevent them from rubbing on the back plate. I made a mental note as a great idea to prevent scratches. I haven't seen it noted specifically around here, but maybe some white felt on the inside of the pieces that rub, may also prevent scratches! Good luck on your approval!

That smile is Priceless! Awesome! Thanks for sharing

Love how they even got Indy in there.

Weirdness is relative! My dad rebuilt an airplane in our garage when I was in elementary school. I grew up hanging around airports. Still do. Other people have boats and hang around marinas. Still others like to take long walks looking for a little white ball. To each his own. But, making children of all ages smile at the sight of Star Wars costumes, is worth the time, money and effort. I read somewhere an old timer put it all in perspective... "We're middle aged nerds wearing Tupperware. Keep it fun." I keep a link to this video on my desktop so I can show anyone why I want to join the 501st so much! 501st Legion "Why We Do This" Good Luck, Brian. Glad to hear the Mrs. is helping the Empire while supporting the economy. I hope to have a chance to troop with ya sometime!

+2 on the Micro-Mesh polishing system. I also use their touch-up sticks that are found in the ladies nail repair aisle at stores. It is only three polishing steps, but for small stuff, it works fine and leaves a nice sheen. ---------- Sorry, but I'm not an Eric, Rick or Mark, and don't even have an 'R' in my name...

Accurate or not, that is some amazing metal work to hand form all the parts! Its also interesting to see one fan's interpretation of the individual pieces needed to fabricate a new style helmet. Now without having any ears, it looks like the nose piece will be the complicated piece to get just right. Can't wait to try!

Be careful with toothpaste! Many have grit in it that will scratch plastics. I used to have a bar of Everclear that I got at Oshkosh years ago. It worked great on mirrors and dive masks. But I can't find it on the internet