sharkbait

UPDATE! These are now in PDF formats! Also, TLJ Captain Phasma has been updated per the semi-recent update to the CRL. If anyone has any issues with viewing, or notices a mistake, please contact me and let me know! I'm happy to help and want to make sure this is as accurate as possible per the current CRLs.

Welcome to the ranks!

Can the ab/cod and kidney/butt be pulled up just a bit? You're so close to overlap, it seems- maybe an inch? Do you have any room to play or are the cod and butt already perfectly fitted?

Fantastic job! Easy basic pass. Gotta love that AM! It will treat you well for many trooping years.

I recommend heavy-duty or commercial grade, where available. I got mine from a combo of JoAnns and Amazon. The shoulder bell elastics are really the kicker- so just don't cheap out and buy an off-brand. Otherwise, you're likely good. Velcros with sticky back usually don't stay stuck, so you'll want to use glue (I recommend E6000) in addition to the sticky back. Especially if you live somewhere hot, because the heat will melt the velcro glue.

Hallelujah, there is movement at last!! Yoke gluing to the inner back plate connection. Once dry, it will be glued into the back plate and be a complete piece ready for final sanding. I did manage more trimming, majority of the rough trimming is done, some of the fine sanding and trimming is done- the hand guards and knee plates are finished in that regard. I've trimmed and molded (where necessary) the boot spats, and now I'm ready to trim to make them look like the shape they do in the CRL photos (they're kinda wonky- I'll take photos later). But I'm not gonna lie, she sat pretty much undisturbed for a good three months before last weekend. I went to a Mando build party and finally managed to get working again. This kit is just a huge snot to work with. I'm constantly frustrated as I keep running into walls where I can't figure out what to do next. So I start on another part, and run into a wall there, then another part, another wall, repeat until so frustrated it sits for three months. Christmas and the holidays were busy (and cold in the garage), so that did slow me down a little, but honestly I had no desire to work on it even when I had time. It's not just the kit itself, by KB, it's FO in general- they're stupid complicated. Though the boot spats have me a bit concerned (more later). I thankfully have a friend's assembled FOTK kit for reference at my disposal (it's basically a mannequin piece, so he's letting me borrow it while I build), and that has helped tremendously. I got a little of the desire back after working on her this weekend, so I'm hopeful I'll be able to continue the trend of at the very least chipping away at it. My goal is to be finished and troop her at the Episode 9 premiere (locally). I need a firm date in my head to get me moving. I'll only forgo that if it comes down to producing quality work that I'll be happy with in the long run or just finishing it to be finished, at diminished quality. Realistic expectations. I should be able to get it done by then, provided I just keep moving. My Geeky Pink gaskets and neck seal came in, and they're phantastic! I really love them, and I can actually move better than I expected. I should be able to start assembling some of the parts, now- forearms, biceps, thighs and shins. My gloves came in (just basic Nomex, like my TK- they'll be primarily covered anyway), and I can mod them and add in the finger tip magnets for finger armor connections. Ironically we've got a potential new member working on an TLJ Executioner right now, and though he started after me, he's pretty far along and I'm likely going to be hitting him up for help and tips. I've also officially decided I'm going to pay someone else to chrome her. I will do the black base coat depending on cost, but I simply don't have the skill level or ability (or honestly desire) to attempt to chrome her myself. I'm actually happier now that I don't have that hanging over my head, too. I have two uncles who work in the auto industry (truck decals) and they have industry contacts I'm going to try and talk with. I have options, but I'm just not quite ready to explore them fully yet because I need more done to show them what I have and what I'm after. It will be expensive to outsource, but like this costume was gonna be cheap anyway, plus, I finally got that raise! (I'm proud of my negotiating skills, had to pat myself on the back there). For me, it will be worth it to avoid all the frustration and confusion. I still think there's a fair amount of viable at-home options for other Phasmas out there, just not this one. So... tl;dr version: finally working on her again, hope to keep it up, more updates to follow! Wish me luck- I need it all!

Last I heard Praetorian had issues, but was working through them. I'd be leery, but not necessarily avoid at all costs just yet. We're running out of rubberized hyperfirm/whatever the generic name for that is options. And HFX did great work, I'm really bummed to hear they're out.

You have the patience of a saint! Yikes, I hope you get your kit! I don't recommend Anovos (I'm one of those aNOvos people) because of shipping junk like this- it's just uncalled for, unprofessional, and unnecessary. Their customer service has a terrible track record. And perhaps the biggest part is I've seen some serious quality control issues- some kits or parts are just fine, though on the thinner side in my opinion, but some are just see the light through them when held up to a light source thin, which is unacceptable. I also personally think they're overpriced (unless you snagged one of those $250 or $300 kits years ago). If they can't fulfill orders, they should stop taking them until they can again. I hate to say it, but I never believe anything I hear their customer service said- because I've heard it all before, and it's so rarely been true that I just don't trust them. Regardless, I sincerely hope anyone who ordered and wants to hang on gets their kit, because they deserve what they paid for.

I have a KB Phasma, which is basically a FOTK with added bits. I like it- I really like that it's ABS (Jimmy's is fiberglass and I've never worked with it before, plus weight, shipping from the Philippines- nothing on Jimmy or his armor, though). Just ask for it untrimmed- I think they might rush a little on their trim and while it's extra work, it's worth it to save potential issues down the line. It's still a little snot of a kit to put together (all FOTKs are).

There's anti-fog for scuba masks that works quite well (multiple brands, they're all the same formula), also baby shampoo works great too (and it won't sting if it does get in your eyes). I would recommend either of those. As a diver I full admit that nothing works better as an anti-fog than your own spit, though. If anyone tries to tell you diving is a glamorous sport, they have no idea what they're talking about! Basically, in the end- fans, though. For not just anti-fog but air circulation and comfort as well.

Basically the recourse is the 501st and the entity of FISD blacklisting them and getting the word out that they're recasters and should be avoided at all costs. It's something, at least. Still, I wish there were more that could be done for known and proven recasters. Or, you know, people could stop being jerkwads and ripping off other people's hard work.

I would LOVE to see a live-action Thrawn. (Last Command Series is still amazing after all these years). And I also like Deathtroopers quite a lot, and wouldn't say no to more of them on screen. I do really wish it weren't going to be on Disney's special snowflake streaming. I'm not going to be paying for it (just like I still haven't seen Discovery because CBS did the special snowflake streaming thing), but I'll just find someone who has it or just wait till it comes out more broadly, as I always do.

Right? Then there's me in the audience trying to keep myself from screeching "That motherf***** has TFA BOOTS!!!" in that scene with Chirrut when he says "let them pass in peace". There's a great cinematic shot of a close of up of a TK boot shifting in the dirt and I love it because I love cinematography and it's a very well done shot. But I had to train myself not to be irrationally angry that the boots were so wrong for pre-OT and so obviously TFA/new trilogy looking. At least my Squad mates watching with me understood. If anyone who's new around here is reading this, this is what you have to look forward to- noticing all the minute details whether you want to or not. It's great, I swear!

I've recommended and seconded AM countless times, and I'll do it again- I love my AM 2.0. I'm 5'11'' and the bigger aspect of it fits women's hips in addition to larger people in general. It will easily do taller people, as well. And if you're thinner/smaller, you can trim it (I trimmed a TON off my forearms). And that stuff is tough! I've knocked pieces off and they've been no worse for the wear. Very good thickness. Customer service was also good.

I have an Eastbay women's compression shirt and random women's compression pants I found on Amazon. Here's the Eastbay shirt: ----------------------- They go on sale a lot, so wait for a sale. They have as small as XS. They also have pants, but they have gray seams. In my experience, the seams don't seem to show, but they're not supposed to show so many of us prefer black seams on other brands or no seams. I found these women's compression pants on Amazon, they come in as small as XS: https://www.amazon.com/CompressionZ-Womens-Compression-Pants-Black/dp/B015QOIH5O/ Imperial Boots goes as small as a US 7/EU 39- https://www.imperialboots.com/product/421/

You mean feedback, or not connecting?

That's what I was just going to say! Prop 65 makes a warning label be put on just about everything, leaving you wondering what the hell is even in it to warrant it. Nothing, likely, just the over-protection aspect of covering all bases. Gotta love my home State. /Sarcasm That said, the stuff smells like death so it's kind of like the brightly colored tree frog saying "don't eat me, I'm poisonous". Use in ventilated areas and with masks and maybe eye protection, use your brain and common sense. I'm reminded of an old favorite Far Side comic of mine:

I'm willing to bet they'll be most like R1/Solo, but with just enough differences to warrant a new CRL. Because I am convinced LFL figured out a long time ago, and passed said knowledge onto Disney, that "These 501st idiots will do anything we put on screen!" and therefore make it a challenge for their costume creators. Or maybe that's just my conspiracy theory for the day. LFL/Disney really doesn't follow its own patterns on costuming- as seen with how the Imperial Officer ranks just about completely change from movie to movie, and from OT to new stuff. So I'd be surprised if they noticed, or cared, about it taking place after ROTJ. But to their credit, R1 and Solo troopers don't look too far off from OT, which they're close to in timeline, so they at least gave it some thought. I'm looking forward to the series- shockingly, every picture or casting update has actually increased my intrigue, rather than damped it (as with TFA and TLJ). The one on the right is missing his cod, isn't he? (Obviously they're not in full uniform and that won't be how it looks on screen, but I couldn't help but notice).

Welcome and congratulations on your first troop! You survived! My recommendation is to always keep a good relationship with your local Mandos and Rebel Legion members. We're all in the same boat, with many of the same interest and goals, and between us we can make huge turn outs at events, and the bigger the turn out the more the public gets to see Star Wars characters. And the more people and friends we get to meet and hang out with, so it's a win-win. Plus, a lot of us are dual or tri members of the clubs. We love our handful of local Mandos out here and the locals are actually closer to us than their own clans, so we often see them more than they see their clans.

Always run as fast as you possibly can away from armor on eBay, Etsy or Amazon. The short list: it's not approvable, it's terrible quality, it's recast, it's over priced, it's under priced (too good to be true? it is- this is not a cheap hobby), it's too thin, it's the wrong material, or it's simply bait-and-switch and not what is shown in the photos. Or a multitude of other problems. Just don't. For your size and build, I would second AM or RT-Mod. Both are very good for taller and/or larger troopers, and both have great armor. I have AM myself and it's been a fantastic kit for me- good quality, good thickness, held up well, Check out Various Types of Armor and Where to Find Them for further details on how to buy, where to buy, and what to absolutely avoid (eBay, Etsy, Amazon for armor). Non-501st specific stuff (like electronics, under suits, gloves, etc., parts that go with the costume but aren't specifically armor or Star Wars or 501st direct related) are acceptable on eBay, Etsy and Amazon, but never armor or hard parts.

The TK buckets are... a challenge... to say the least. After I finished mine I swore I'd never build another bucket myself again. As mentioned above, it's pretty normal to have ear gaps like that. The ears are the worst part of an already hard build. I added extra screws that would be underneath the ear caps to further close the pieces together. Worked well. The bottom of the ear bars/caps cover the bottom curve by the tube stripes, and should line up roughly or as tightly as possible with it. There's usually a little gap or seam present. (PS: I like your dog. )

Looking good! Welcome!

I didn't, at least for the parts that didn't have any mods from EIB (I can't remember if I had any for EIB or just Centurion, though). As long as the photos are clear, show specifically what is asked for, and the details are correct, and haven't since been fixed, if applicable, then I don't see why you couldn't re-use them. I took my EIB and Centurion photos at the same time, then just updated where needed. I mean my neck seal was my neck seal, it didn't change.

Looking good! I see you've already addressed the minor tweaks mentioned above. That's all I caught. Should be easy pass for Basic! If you have issues with the sniper plate wanting to go under the thigh (incredibly common), tape up a cheap wash cloth, and tape it into the inside of the shin. It will punch it out just enough to prevent it from tucking under the thigh. Your photos don't indicate it has that tendency, but it's so common I just recommend it to everyone anyway, just in case. More of a comfort and wear-ability thing (like potential trimming of cod and ab like you mentioned) than approval.

PM me- lol. I'm the Jawa Queen in my area- I've built and help build about 10+ including my own now. We've got it almost to a science, and we're on Jawa 5.0 at this point (my original was 1.0). Rough supply list: brown monks cloth (potting soil brown or just brown, I've found no difference in color), black speaker cloth, black canvas or other sturdy black fabric, any black gloves, vending machine capsules, Harbor Freight or like LED flashlights, yellow and orange paint, AAA battery boxes, bando(s) from eBay or Amazon, comfortable shoes/boots, E6000, plastic boning, hockey mask, velcro, and an afternoon or two.