sharkbait

I've flipped them already- I think it's a matter of Google not updating the spreadsheet link- I've been checking into it. I think re-uploading and doing a new link should take care of that. Thanks for letting me know it's still not updating!

If it makes you feel any better, all our costumes (TK or otherwise), are generally a continuing work in progress for the entity of their lives. We're always tweaking or fixing something, or in need of doing so. Part of the adventure!

I have Rob's belt and I love it- I second the recommendation. And congratulations!

If you want a non-toy version (for EIB/Centurion or just because), I highly recommend Hyperfirm. They're drop-proof, and I'm klutzy. Resin are nice but are much more fragile. I had a resin kit originally but knew when I was just prepping it it was going to be too fragile for me to ever feel comfortable trooping with it. It really comes down to personal preference. If you're going with a plastic/toy version- Hasbro is the way to go. Re-painting a blaster is actually pretty easy. I like Rustoleum 2x because it sticks to plastic. Black primer layer, then use a sponge (such as a makeup sponge like these: https://www.amazon.com/Cala-Professional-Quality-Non-Latex-Resistant/dp/B00B9RMLAK/) to dab on silver paint for weathering in the appropriate places. If you screw up, spray it with black again and start over. You'll have to touch it up every now and again, but little touch ups can be done with a Sharpie, major with paint via the sponge technique.

I gave up on white elastic connections between the chest/back- it stretched out way too fast and would never sit right, much like what you're experiencing. I switched to white nylon- no problems since! (White elastic is listed as preferred per the CRL, but not required.) That could be an option for you. The shoulder bell to the nylon connection is black elastic, though, and so far so good.

A jar is a fantastic idea... why didn't I think of that before? Definitely will be doing that every time I need ABS paste from now on. I do know if you use a jar with a metal lid, the acetone will eventually eat away at the metal and destroy it, but that's over time- so I wouldn't store it like that, but otherwise I doubt it would be an issue.

Very sharp! Everyone else beat to me it, so just echoing above minor details. Definitely should be an easy Basic pass. With those little fixes, you should be well on your way to Centurion. Getting the sniper plate caught under the thigh is very common- I put a folded up dollar store wash cloth wrapped in duct tape inside my shin- punches it out just that little bit and it doesn't catch anymore.

Slow for me too, on home and work computers, and phone WiFi and data. I checked them all, lol.

Time for yet another round of "What have I gotten myself into this time?" courtesy of Sharkbait (ooh ha ha!). After numerous people telling me I should do a Phasma, what the character could (and should) have been (don't get me started on TLJ), how awesome Gwendoline Christie is, and that Make-A-Wish troop I don't stop talking about ever where our then-Squad Leader pulled every favor he ever had and then some to get the Make-A-Wish little girl her favorite character, Phasma (at the time there were about 10 Phasmas in the entire Legion), and I got to troop my TK along side, I finally decided I was going to do Phasma. Armor: KB Props, in hand Helmet: JImmi - in hand (Thorsson, in hand- being relegated to battle damage Phasma prop) Neck seal: Geeky Pink's, in hand Gaskets: Geeky Pink's, in hand Fingers: Jim (Starbuckcylon) (resin), in hand Belt: Jessica's, in hand Undersuit: TK undersuit/Easbay compression shirt and pants, in hand Cloth belt pouches: TrooperBay, in hand Boots: In hand, random black boots found on clearance for $12. Ended up using Calto lifted shoes. Inserts: 4.4''. I estimate with my barefoot height (5' 11''), the boot heel (1''), the inserts (4.4'') and the dome on the helmet (1''), I'll stand at about 6' 4''. Using lifted shoes for total lift, not inserts, but height still remains the same- about 6'4'' in costume. Cape: Jessica's, In hand Blaster: Heston3DSolutions F-11D in hand, chromed Chroming: Current plan is one of two professional chromers for the armor, I will do the prop helmet and blasters myself to save on costs. Extras: Heston 3DSolutions SE-44C, in hand and chromed and JJ Industries quicksilver baton. Are either from TFA? No. Do I care? Obviously not. Haha- hence "extras." Majority of my events are non-canon, the public doesn't know the difference, and that baton is amazing and I knew I wanted to play with it regardless. Toys and photo props and talking pieces. I won't use them at every troop, just once in a while for the fun of it, and obviously they will stay at home for the few canon troops we get. Also Heston had another 50% off sale and I had been toying with grabbing a SE-44C anyway, so just take my money already. Goal Timeline: Finish by the release of Episode IX - December 20, 2019, so I can troop that premiere (locally). Well, that didn't happen. New goal is Fresno State Men's Basketball Star Wars Night, January 4, 2020. Submitted for the third time 09/10/20. Third time's the charm, right?

Sounds like you need the industrial strength 100% acetone, like others mentioned. Available at pretty much all hardware stores. Use a non-plastic bowl, such as coated ceramic, because a plastic one will melt along with the ABS. The smaller your ABS pieces, the easier it is. Pour way more acetone than you think you need, let it sit for a minute or so and then stir. Continually agitating will help the bigger chunks melt down. Add more acetone as needed. It will evaporate quickly, so if your paste is too runny, just let it sit and it will thicken up. You may also have to add more acetone as you work, depending on how long you take. I like using popsicle sticks because they're disposable and can spread paste well.

I personally like chatter, because it helps create an ambiance around you. This is more important when you have only a few people at a troop, or it's not an already "Star Warsy" location. We can sometimes look like overgrown action figures wandering around a local park with no other Star Wars or sci fi anything around. I've noticed kids pick up on the chatter- one pointed out that'd he'd heard that line already (I have it on a loop so it just cycles through several times during long troops). Adults that are really into us seem to like it, and think it's neat. Eventually our Squad is going to get together and record our own- put some Squad-related jokes, some area-specific ones, our TKIDs checking in, our voices, etc. That makes it fun for us. I think a large component of chatter is for us, as troopers. The most popular though is the iComm static bursts- so if you're not a fan of chatter for whatever reason, then I'd highly recommend static bursts (iComm or otherwise). People's jaws drop when you talk, and they really drop to the floor when there's static.

Don't we all?

Congratulations! Welcome aboard!

Looking sharp, trooper! Welcome to the ranks!

AM and RT-Mod are well suited to larger/taller troopers, just like TM, RS and Anovos are best suited for smaller (thinner/leaner) troopers (especially Anovos in my experience). AM shins can be tricky, but there's a very good tutorial on here as to how to get them right. Your armor maker choice is really based on two things: your body type and budget. I really don't know enough to comment about specifics of other armor makers, but others on here certainly do. I would agree that while they all have their quirks, they're basically all at the same level of difficulty in assembling. Though I will say two piece (dome/back and face, plus ears) helmets are easier than three piece (dome, back, face, plus ears). But again- that's my own experience and preference.

Here's how I did mine, it's held up for 3+ years: It's nylon webbing with Tandy Line 10 snaps, snap plates attached with E6000 and a 48 hour cure time. (Plus Centurion-level rivets for the left ab/kidney connectors). (Also, I just saw your Garrison- hey there, fellow Garrison-mate! How's life in Northern CA?) EDIT: I also I would add if you have issues with the shoulder bridge elastic stretching out, I switched mine to white nylon. Elastic is preferred per the CRL, but mine just stretched out after a few troops and wasn't effective.

I know nothing of hydro dipping, but I think the first pattern would have the most effect. A smoke colored lens would fit well with that color scheme, as well.

Jimmi or KB Props are the only two I know of. As someone else ready pointed out, check here for details and availabiltiy: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/43484-wtb-tfatlj-armor-who-is-current/

I have a Trooperbay.com one- I love it, it's held up nicely for 3+ years, including several washings. The extra bib around the bottom is among the smallest I've seen, and I personally prefer that.

Did I get it backwards, again? D'oh! Or maybe I changed it and my changes didn't sync... I'll check on that.

So you've decided you want to be a First Order Stormtrooper. Congratulations and welcome! But did you know that there are four types of First Order TKs? We have The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Last Jedi Executioner, and Captain Phasma. Can't tell the difference between all that white armor? Don't worry- here's a spreadsheet of all the similarities and differences between them! Now all you have to decide is which version you like best. Details for Basic Approval, Expert Infantryman, and Centurion are all included. First Order TKs - What's the Difference? If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please feel free to contact me. Whitearmor is also here to help, so ask early and often! Interested in Original Trilogy Stormtroopers? See this post for differences between Original Trilogy TKs

So you've decided you want to be an Original Trilogy Stormtrooper. Congratulations and welcome! But did you know that there are four main types of TKs from the Original Trilogy? We have New Hope - Hero, New Hope - Stunt, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Can't tell the difference between all that white armor? Don't worry- here's a spreadsheet of all the similarities and differences between them! Now all you have to decide is which version you like best. Details for Basic Approval, Expert Infantryman, and Centurion are all included. Original Trilogy TKs - What's the Difference? If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please feel free to contact me. Whitearmor is also here to help, so ask early and often! Interested in First Order Stormtroopers? See this post for differences between FOTKs, including Captain Phasma

Will do! Now to think of a snappy, informative title...

You are correct! Fixed it. Good catch!

Here's the updated link and FOTK differences (including Phasma)! It should be posted in Getting Started later. OT TK Differences: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-cu3I77_aCwZl8CJBoEwlvH5jLCOmPXk/view?usp=sharing FOTK Differences (Incl. Phasma): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GGRJdA6q7hxnPECsIY6wqJ0lGtX6rZ0p/view?usp=sharing Let me know if anyone has any issues viewing, because Google Drive can be buggy.