Scarlisian

This has been an amazing discussion, and we should all be proud. Our hobby is similar to other hobbies out there. I know people that spend thousands on photography, off-roading, camping, sailing, sports, etc. Yet know considers them "weird". We are lucky to be involved with a group that is so supportive and caring. Not many people can say that about their hobbies. I actually love the challenge of doing something most people don't understand. That inspires me. Keeping telling me I shouldn't do something, and then watch me do it and prove you wrong. The bottom line is to be true to yourself. Quite honestly there is no logical way to justify the time and money this hobby requires. But I know I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try. I'm waiting on my armor kit now for my first build, and I can't wait for the day when I start trooping. I will the first time I see friend at an event that enjoys what we're doing, and then they discover it's me when I take off my bucket. May the force be with all of us!

Thank you for all the great feedback. I'm a bigger guy and this is very helpful.

Very cool!

Every hobby is based on passion, and every hobby is strange to somebody else. We just happen to be adults that love a science fiction movie, and are very creative. I'm almost 50 and a respected professional in my field, and I have no problem pursuing 501st membership. I've volunteered for years with groups like the Red Cross and have seen first hand how a volunteer can seriously make another person's life better. The 501st allows us to do the same thing, while at the same time expressing our creativity. Cosplay is an amazing hobby. I was introduced to it through my daughter, and now we go to cons together. So I say be true to yourself, and ignore people that question what you're doing and troop on. I'm looking forward to the challenge of creating a TK and hopefully joining the 501st some day. I can't wait to have over 6000 new friends around the world.

Hi Rick, Congratulations on your accomplishment. I too am very new to the 501 experience and am thinking about getting AM armor. Your thread was very informative, and helpful. It was great seeing you go from the very beginning to final approval. I'm looking forward to getting my armor and starting the process. Thanks again.

The original trilogy is iconic, a piece of history. I doubt we will ever see the TK's go away. Everyone remembers the original. I saw that when my daughter was introduced to Star Wars.