wingnut65
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Posts posted by wingnut65
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Now that I have a few troops under my TK belt, I have seen what our costumes can do to other people and can make them smile and laugh. Those smiles are what makes me want to do this more than ever. And there are some things that a Stormtrooper can do for fun to make people have a better time and laugh more. Here are some that I came up with. Try them yourselves!
Things to Do While Trooping:
- Photobomb whenever possible! - If you see people lining up in front of you, look over their shoulders or around them and make sure you see their camera.
- Did I Smile? – After they take your picture, ask them, ‘Was I smiling?’, or, ‘Did I blink?’ Sometimes, they will actually go and view the photo and start to laugh when they realize the joke.
- Walk Funny! - When I’m called to join others in a group line for a photo, I may walk over like a penguin, waddling back and forth, or like Charlie Chaplin and the Keystone Cops. However, when I’m with a group, it is a formal military walk!
- Ask for Blue Milk at food establishment order lines. When they don’t have it, say something like ‘What kind of a planet and I deployed on?’
- Get Selfies with Mom/Dad! - After they take pictures of their kids with you, walk up to them and say “You need to be in a picture, too. Selfie time!” If they say 'No', ask when have you ever had a chance to get a selfie with a Stormtrooper? Works every time!
- Look for Droids! - Walk up with another Stormtrooper to middle-aged to teenaged people, look at their phone, hold it if they will let you, shake your heads and hand it back, saying “This is not the Droid we are looking for” and walk on. Works great, especially if it is an Apple iPhone.
- Join the Activities that are going on - playing Bingo, coloring pictures, reading books - anything that the kids are doing that can be done in costume, the kids are thrilled if you do it too.
- Quote the movies! – Most people from teens and older, know the movies well enough to recognize a line from them. Many times, they say lines first. Good ones I’ve used are: “I have a bad feeling about this!” “Move Along!” “Do I talk first or you talk first? I talk first?” “The Force is strong with this one!” “I find your lack of _____ disturbing!” (fill in the blank with something going on – cheer, decorations, refreshments, customers or use the original, faith) Although not spoken in any movie, a line that is understood and always gets a laugh is, “Don’t make me shoot in your general direction!" At a recent troop at a church, a lady thought we were members there and asked me “Who was I?” I couldn’t resist and replied “I’m no one”. She then asked, “What’s your name?” I just had to answer, in my male voice, “Rey!” She chuckled.
- Act Goofy behind the camera man - Try giving bunny ears to a photographer who’s taking a picture of other Troopers and family. Or play with their hair, or make any other funny gestures to make those getting the picture to smile, or laugh!
- Give Bunny Ears! - People are so excited to be standing next to such a celebrity from the movies that all they want is a picture. They start laughing when look at the picture of the two of you and they see bunny ears over their head. Works great in group shots, as well.
What do you do to make people smile?
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All I could think of was how many more new costumes we will have to choose from. I do see a number of changes to the TK, but the shot of her beating the TK is more proof that having the back of your shins unhooked, is still cannon!
For the time period of when Rogue One takes place, maybe this can help. Not mine, just lifted it from FB.
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No rush. Just taking advantage of down time between deployments. <br><br>
I'll just go back to my quarters and take apart my blaster to see why it can't shoot straight.
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Basic Information:
Name: Jeff Salt
Legion ID: 50297
Forum Name: wingnut65
Garrison: Florida Garrison / Tampa Bay Squad
501st Status TK-50297
EIB Status TK-50297 Requesting ANH Stunt EIB Status [ATA]
Mandatory Information:
Armor Maker: Affordable Trooper Armor (ATA)
Helmet Maker: ATA
Blaster Maker: DD resin kit with many upgrades. Built by justjoseph63
Optional, but still very important Information:
Height: 5’-10’’ (178 cm)
Weight: 170 lbs. (77 Kg)
Boots: Bass Amsterdam Boots in Nu-Life ‘White’ shoe spray
Canvas Belt: Trooperbay
Hand Plates: Karin SonnenscheinRivets: Echo
Neck Seal: Darman’s Props
Holster: Darman’s PropsHelmet Details: Hand Painted by wingnut65
Mic Tips: ATA’s Standard Issue
TD Clips: By wingnut65
S-Trim: ATA’s Standard Issue
Inner Drop Boxes: ATA’s Standard Issue
Finance Minister: Mrs. Wingnut65
Full Body
Front
Left
Back - Updated photo here with TD centered!
Note: Thermal Detonator was knocked by the blast door on the way out to take photos.
Right - Updated photo here without Kidney/Ab overlap.
Right Side Detail (Note: male snap is sneaking out from under the chest. It is visible in another image, below)
Updated photo here without Kidney/Ab overlap.
Left Side Detail
Action Shot
And another shot from a day in the life of a Stormtrooper.
Armor Details
Ab/Kidney Attachment and Kidney Plate Notch
In case they are not clear in the pictures above, this close-up of Ab Button Orientation is from the build process
Hand Plates
Shoulder Bridge Back/Front and Back/Chest Connection
Knee Plate and Thigh Pack Attachment
Cod and Butt Plate Attachment
Interior Strapping
Butt to Kidney
Wrist side of Forearms (Note: All arm and legs have butt joints with cover strips) - Updated photo here with additional returns removed.
Helmet Details
Front
Sides
Back
Hovi Tip Detail
Hand Painted Traps, Tears and Tube Stripes
Lens Color
S - Trim
Blaster Details
D-Ring
Accessory Details
Neck Seal
Thermal Detonator
Holster Attachment
With Drop Box Back
Thanks for your time and service to the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment. Your dedication is outstanding and very much appreciated!
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
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Awesoooome!
Thank you Gentlemen for your time to review and scrutinize my application. 
My Centurion app is forthcoming!
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'Bout time you finally made it over here! Glad to hear your adventure in the World of White has begun!
The Force is getting stronger at UF! Especially them Clones keeping an eye on my daughter...
Feel free to ask any questions as you research. We can get together sometime to show you some different types.
Welcome aboard, JT!
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I didn't catch it, but Eagle Eye noticed my shoulder bell gap was unacceptable in my back shot. Here is a retake...
Please forgive the off-center TD... trying to rush before all daylight is gone!
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Welcome to the World of White, Christopher! Glad to hear you are setting your goals for Level 3!!
Before I had a chance to jump in, justjoseph already shared my snapping diagram. And, as he said, the double snapping is a personal choice and all those could be changed to single snaps, if one chooses. JJ63 also mentioned using a wood burning tool to melt the holes in the straps and elastic. Another option is a soldering iron, like the $3.99 one at Harbor Freight.
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I just noticed I missed posting the D-ring shot...
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Welcome to FISD, Caterina. We have a number of members who are building, or have finished, Captain Phasma costumes. They will be in The Force Awakens (TF) build threads.
A very thorough and detailed build thread is by LadyInWhite: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/32972-ladyinwhite-phasma-build/page-1
Jump in, review and ask as many questions as you have.
Good Luck!
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Thanks, Troopers for the support! Life has finally slowed down a little and the weather cleared up on Sunday to get take these pix.
Chance? Um, yes!!
One thing I noticed; It might be the way you are standing, but it looks like you have some kidney/ab plate overlap happening.
Looking Good!
Yep. I see it. I guess too much of hands up, hands down, turn around, hands up, hands down... Or maybe too much pull on the elastic straps.
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Oops. Forgot a bucket off shot...
Thrilled to be submitting. Think I have a chance??
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Basic Information:
Name: Jeff Salt
Legion ID: 50297
Forum Name: wingnut65
Garrison: Florida Garrison / Tampa Bay Squad
501st Status TK 50297 - http://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=18619
Mandatory Information:
Armor Maker: Affordable Trooper Armor (ATA)
Helmet Maker: ATA
Blaster Maker: DD resin kit with many upgrades. Built by justjoseph63
Optional, but still very important Information:
Height: 5’-10’’ (178 cm)
Weight: 170 lbs. (77 Kg)
Boots: Bass Amsterdam Boots in Nu-Life ‘White’ shoe spray
Canvas Belt: Trooperbay
Hand Plates: Karin SonnenscheinRivets: Echo
Neck Seal: Darman’s Props
Holster: Darman’s PropsHelmet Details: Hand Painted by wingnut65
Mic Tips: ATA’s Standard Issue
TD Clips: By wingnut65
S-Trim: ATA’s Standard Issue
Inner Drop Boxes: ATA’s Standard Issue
Finance Minister: Mrs. Wingnut65
Full Body
Front
Left
Back
Right
Right Side Detail
Left Side Detail
Action Shot
I wasn’t exactly sure what action shot was needed, the hypothetical ‘what would I look like if I’m fighting on the Death Star’ type action shot, or the action from the everyday life of a Stormtrooper. So, I've included both!
Armor Details
Abdomen Details
Cod and Butt Plate Attachment
Interior Strapping
Helmet Details
Front
Sides
Back
Hovi Tip Detail
Lens Color
Blaster Details
Accessory Details
Neck Seal
Thermal Detonator
Holster Attachment
Thanks for your time you spend meticulously inspecting each submittal application. Your dedication is very much appreciated!
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
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Congrats, Charles! Beautiful work!
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Great idea Jeff though I was wondering if maybe we should suggest moving the connection at the chest to back plate connecting strap instead, or did I miss a step here.
That might be another way of solving the problem that I hadn't considered. I can't take credit for coming up with the way I did it. Not sure if it was my attache or another helpful FISD member that suggested it, but it worked well for me.
They always said there was more than one way to skin a cat, I mean, build a TK!
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Finally got a chance to catch up on your progress. Nice work on the upgrades. Very commendable to have ulterior motives as you complete this project so your son can troop with you. Well done!
For the thighs, honestly, I'd leave them as they are. The size of the strip created by the overlap looks appropriate and it would be approvable for basic and EIB. I'd be concerned that adding that additional cover strip and the smaller strip will make it look too bulky and thick. I'm glad someone shared my idea of using caulk to fill and conceal the seams.
Now, for the answer to the shoulder bell question you have been looking for... Move the strap location. If your shoulder keeps moving to the back, then move the fastener towards the back of the bell to force the shoulder to sit more forward. I had the same issue and the adjustment solved my problem. Hope this helps!
Also, you mentioned that you had a couple snaps that didn't like to stay snapped. I had the same issue at my chest-to-ab straps and my shoulder bell to my shoulder strap. They kept popping loose and I've need a handler to discreetly fix it for me. I ended up adding commercial Velcro over top of the snaps so I will never have a snap issue there again. They work perfectly, now.
Good luck and keep going!
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Well done, Trooper! Awesome work!
Thanks for sharing!
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I have a small car with limited space to get things into the trunk. There is no chance I would ever get one of the standard-issue Imperial 50-Gallon TK Bins from Stanley, Husky or other brand, to fit into my trunk. I don’t want to have to put my bin in my back seat and reduce the seating capacity of my car. I have the smaller Sterilite 23-Gallon Footlocker. (Sterilite Model 1842) Everything fits, but my bucket.
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It wouldn't hurt to get in touch with your GML to know exactly what they are looking for.<br>
I'm not familiar with SDS armor, nor have I seen any velcro closures on anything but the shins.
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Things to Do While Trooping:
- Photobomb whenever possible! - If you see people lining up in front of you, look over their shoulders or around them and make sure you see the camera.
- Did I Smile? – After they take your picture, ask them, ‘Was I smiling?’, or, ‘Did I blink?’ Sometimes, they will actually go and view the photo and start to laugh when they realize the joke.
- Walk Funny! - When I’m called to join others in a group line for a photo, I may walk over like a penguin, waddling back and forth, or like Charlie Chaplin and the Keystone Cops. However, when I’m with a group, it is a formal military walk!
- Ask for Blue Milk at food establishment order lines. When they don’t have it, say something like ‘What kind of a planet and I deployed on?’
- Get Selfies with Mom/Dad! - After they take pictures of their kids with you, walk up to them and say “You need to be in a picture, too. Selfie time!” Works every time!
- Look for Droids! - Walk up with another Stormtrooper to middle-aged to teenaged people, look at their phone, hold it if they will let you, shake your heads and hand it back, saying “This is not the Droid we are looking for” and walk on. Especially if it is an Apple iPhone.
- Join the Activities that are going on, playing Bingo, coloring pictures, reading books, anything that the kids are doing that can be done in costume, the kids are thrilled if you do it too.
- Quote the movies! – Most people from teens and older, know the movies well enough to recognize a line from them. Many times, they say lines first. Good ones I’ve used are: “I have a bad feeling about this!” “Move Along!” “Do I talk first or you talk first? I talk first?” “The Force is strong with this one!” “I find your lack of _____ disturbing!” (fill in the blank with something going on – cheer, decorations, refreshments, customers or use the original, faith) Although not spoken in any movie, a line that is understood and always gets a laugh is, “Don’t make me shoot in your general direction!”
At last week’s troop at a church, a lady thought we were members there and asked me “Who are you?” I couldn’t resist and replied “I’m no one”. She then asked, “What’s your name?” I just had to answer, in my male voice, “Rey!” She chuckled.
- Act Goofy behind the camera man - Try giving bunny ears to a photographer who’s taking a picture of other Troopers and family. Or play with their hair, or make any other funny gestures to make those getting the picture to smile, or laugh!
- Give Bunny Ears! - People are so excited to be standing next to such a celebrity from the movies that all they want is a picture. They start laughing when there are two of you in the picture and they see bunny ears over their head. Works great in group shots, as well.
That should give you a few ideas of how to make Trooping even better! And, funner!
Now, Go forth and create Smiles!
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Ofishal Update:
Now that I have a few troops under my TK belt, I have learned a few things that I posted above. I also learned the hard way that there is a proper method of putting on TK armor and other ways that are more difficult. I’m sure there are many ways to do it. I know that some TK’s can do it all by themselves, but either I don’t know the secret process, or I am not flexible enough to do it myself. Until I learn something new, here is what I do…
Putting on TK Armor
The process noted in the next steps work for me to assure everything is all tucked in. Let’s Go…
I’ve found that it is easier and less uncomfortable for others in the room if I am already wearing my long black pants under my street clothes when I show up at a troop. Especially if this is a parking lot change…
Preparation before Suiting Up:
- First, I get everything up high enough so that I don’t have to bend over as that function is greatly reduced the more pieces you have on. If a table isn’t available to spread everything out, I’ve put my bin up on chairs or even lay out my armor on the hood of my car. (Don’t drop your hand guard on the floor, unless there is an Officer, TIE Pilot or Biker Scout nearby. Lesson learned!)
- Make sure my bucket lenses have some sort of anti-fog solution applied. This week, I used Rain-X Anti-Fog and had no issues.
- Snap the Chest and Back together with only one shoulder strap and set aside.
- Snap the Abdomen and Butt plates together completely along one side and at the crotch.
- Snap the forearm together with the bicep and shoulder bell. (I keep my shoulder bell and bicep snapped together in my bin.) Some troopers have foam inside their forearms to be able to slip them on and off, without using any snaps.
- Make sure the holster is snapped/fastened to the belt.
- Set the thermal detonator, gloves, hand plates and blaster somewhere within a standing reach.
- Go to the restroom now, while you still can!
Suiting Up Steps:
- Balaclava. Although not required, I’ve seen a TK trooping from just the right angle while he was bending over for some kids, where his chin or side of the face was visible under his bucket. Since then, I’ve started wearing a balaclava just to be safe and completely covered.
- Neck Seal goes over the balaclava and holds it down.
- Black Compression Shirt. Make sure the shirt goes over apron of the neck seal.
- Thigh support belt with elastic straps. Make sure to have the strap snaps facing out. I learned…
- Thighs. Put them up over your knees, but don’t snap them yet to your thigh support belt.
- Boots. This is done while the thighs are loose and I can still sit down to bend over and reach my feet.
- Calves. It’s a little tricky with the thighs flopping around, but much harder if they are snapped.
- Snap the thighs in place.
- Ab/Butt Plate Combo, slipping one foot into the leg slot and pulling into place and snap the open side snaps. I find it easier to snap the lower snaps first, then the upper.
- Chest/Back Plate Combo goes over the head and the remaining shoulder strap gets snapped.
- Chest-to-Ab Snaps/Velcro gets connected to hold the front together.
- Back-to-Butt Plate Snaps/Velcro gets connected. This is the first step where you will need some help to reach the middle of your back. I even had a Wookiee help me snap these this week!
- Belt goes around the waist with two snaps to the Ab plate and Velcro’s closed in the back
- Blaster goes in the holster, usually. If it is permitted to carry blasters, it is easier to put it in now, while I can still move my arms!
- Thermal Detonator gets slipped over the belt. I can do this by myself, but it’s easier with help.
- Arms (Shoulder Bell, Bicep and Forearm) slides up the arm and a helper secures to shoulder strap.
- This is your last chance to hydrate before trooping…
- Gloves and Hand Guards are easy to slip on.
- Finally, the Bucket. Be sure to turn the fan(s) on before screwing the bucket on your head!
- Go Troop! Have fun and make plenty of people smile!
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Agreed on the accuracy to the movies, just haven't made up my mind if I like having to velcro the tops closed to fit in my calves and then strap the calves down to the boots. But they do fit perfectly and have not had any issues since I came up with a solution for my issues.
Paint for the leather is Meltonian’s Nu-Life Color Spray from a shoe repair shop and the elastic was painted with Tulip’s Soft Matte White Fabric Paint from a craft shop. Maybe using the Angelus leather dye could have saved me some issues.
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I went the less expensive path and with Amazon Prime, saved about half to receive Amsterdam boots. Then I painted them.
The two issues I have are 1) they are lower in height and I have to use straps to keep my shins pulled down, and 2) I broke them in first before painting and now those creases are where the white paint comes off first. Depending on how much walking I do, I need to touch up every few troops.
Now that I have a good blaster and on the list for fans, my next purchase will be TK or Imperial Boots!
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It is looking good so far. Kudos for looking for the rivets and wanting to make the kit better. Being a newbie myself, I have no experience with an FX other than watching builds like yours. Keep on going and let me learn more.
I had not really thought that much about an amp system and hearing inside the bucket, but now you have me thinking. It seems to me that I've seen an amp system for us to hear better, using a microphone inside one of the Hovi mic aerator tips, in bucket amp and a ear piece. Gotta go see where that was...
Let me be the first to say that your E-11 looks amazing! And that display stand is so simple, but so functional. Nice work!
Keep going, Marc!
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TK-50297 Requesting ANH Stunt Centurion Status [ATA] [224]
in Request Centurion Status
Posted · Edited by wingnut65
Wow! Thanks Andrew and Tony for all your hard work in reviewing and scrutinizing these applications. The level of detail that you consider makes me realize that approved Centurion TK's are as close to screen accurate perfection as can be. I am thrilled to be included in this level!
My approval is another examples of Troopers Helping Troopers. From all the surfing through build threads, the EIB and Centurion applications and all the suggestions, instructions and advice provided by other Troopers, it is possible to aim high and reach those goals.
I want to say `Thanks' to those that have provided personal guidance along my path from a desert roaming Tusken to TK, EIB and now, Centurion - Thanks Ukswrath, Sly11, justjoseph63, PiettLives, Airborne Trooper, jr1203, Pencap510, Comfy Turtle, Khazid, 68Brick, mkjava, illusionz_09, jr1203, Bugman57. Ukswrath (Tony) and Sly11 (Andrew) were always ready to answer my PM questions. I've recently had a chance to work with mkjava on his path to TK and am willing to help anyone else I can!
I also want to thank Ken (PiettLives) my squad's Imperial Attaché for the time spent critiquing my mostly-complete-but-not-quite-finish TK. I highly recommend using your Attaché as a resource of one who has been there and already built a TK and knows how they should look and fit. Thanks, Ken! And Thanks Joseph (jj63) for taking on the reigns of overseeing all the FISD Attachés so that everyone has this resource available!
With this accomplishment, I can take a break and enjoy an Imperial beverage. After all, it is a "Star" bucks!